EP1257371B1 - Device for injecting a product on a predetermined site of a moving object - Google Patents

Device for injecting a product on a predetermined site of a moving object Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1257371B1
EP1257371B1 EP01907670A EP01907670A EP1257371B1 EP 1257371 B1 EP1257371 B1 EP 1257371B1 EP 01907670 A EP01907670 A EP 01907670A EP 01907670 A EP01907670 A EP 01907670A EP 1257371 B1 EP1257371 B1 EP 1257371B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support
cam
injectors
objects
movement
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
EP01907670A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1257371A1 (en
Inventor
Patrick Mie
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Sidel SA
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Sidel SA
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    • 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
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
    • B65B3/10—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles by application of pressure to material
    • B65B3/12—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles by application of pressure to material mechanically, e.g. by pistons or pumps
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/54—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/60—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation rotatable

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for injecting a product in the direction of a predetermined place of objects moving from continuously on a given trajectory by being spaced apart from each other by a determined step.
  • a device of this type is known; see for example US-A-3,129,713.
  • the invention will be described in the context of a installation for manufacturing and / or filling containers made of thermoplastic. More particularly, the device according to the invention will be described in the context of a machine for manufacturing bottles in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in which the bottles are obtained by blowing a preform previously made by injection molding.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • this product may for example be a sterilizing agent.
  • the product is injected by a fixed nozzle in each hollow body when the hollow body considered pass in front of the nozzle.
  • the length of time each hollow body is next to the nozzle is extremely reduced.
  • To inject the quantity product it is then necessary to increase the product flow, at the expense of a good mastery of the jet.
  • the invention therefore aims to propose a new design an injection device that is simple and reliable and that allows to inject a product in hollow bodies in motion, the conditions of injection product to be perfectly controlled.
  • the invention proposes a device for injecting a product towards a predetermined place of objects moving from continuously on a given trajectory by being spaced apart from each other others of a determined step, characterized in that the device comprises a series of injectors that are carried by a mobile support being spaced on the support a step corresponding to that of the objects, in that that the support is driven according to an reciprocating movement such that, during a go phase of the movement, the injectors move each next to the predetermined location of one of the objects, and that the period of the reciprocating motion of the support is equal to the interval of time between the passage of two consecutive objects in front of the same point fixed, multiplied by the number of injectors on the support.
  • the invention will be described below in the context of a device 10 for injecting a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) or peracetic acid (APA) into preforms 12 intended for the manufacture of PET bottles.
  • a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) or peracetic acid (APA)
  • preforms 12 intended for the manufacture of PET bottles.
  • the preforms are hollow bodies made by injection molding. They are generally substantially tubular and have a closed end and an open end.
  • the open end 14, which is intended to form the open neck of the final container, is generally made directly to its final shape in the injection mold and it comprises for example a thread 16 and an outer radial collar 18.
  • preforms are transported to the blow molding machine by a positive transfer system in which the preforms follow, continuously, a defined trajectory being spaced from each other by one step determined.
  • This positive transfer system comprises for example a wheel with notches 20 which is rotated in a continuous manner around its axis A1 substantially vertical.
  • the wheel 20 has, at its periphery, twenty notches 22 in a semicircle, the diameter of the notches 22 being substantially equivalent to that of the preforms.
  • the preforms 12 are introduced on the wheel 20 at a loading point of to be received each in a notch, and so as to be in support by their flange 18 on the wheel 20.
  • a guide 24 in a circular arc axis A1 extends around the wheel 20 to form another support zone for the preforms 12 and for prevent them from escaping from the notches 22.
  • the preforms 12 are on the wheel 20, they follow an arcuate trajectory of circle around the A1 axis, up to a point of unloading at the level from which they leave the wheel 20 to continue to be transferred by other ways.
  • such a wheel notches may for example be arranged between a feeding device in preforms and a thermal conditioning furnace in which the preforms are brought to a temperature allowing their molding by blowing.
  • the device 10 comprises several injectors 26 which are carried by a mobile support 28.
  • the injectors 26 are five in number and they are carried by a plate-shaped support 28 which is rotatable around the axis A1 and which is arranged above the level of the wheel 20.
  • the injectors 26 are arranged on an arc of a circle around the axis A1 whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the wheel notches, and they are spaced apart from each other along this arc of a distance corresponding to the distance separating two notches 22 consecutive of the wheel 22.
  • the five injectors 26 can inject the produced in five preforms carried by the wheel 20.
  • the support 28 is controlled according to a movement alternating in rotation around the axis A1, the movement control being such that, during at least one phase of this movement, the injectors 26 exactly follow the scrolling movement of the preforms that are carried by the wheel 20.
  • the reciprocating motion of the support 28 is controlled by a two cam system.
  • the device comprises a first cam 30 which presents the shape of a plate whose contour forms a cam path.
  • Drug 30 is intended to be rotated about a central axis A2 which, in the illustrated example, is parallel to the axis A1 but distinct from it.
  • the mobile support 28 has a first cam follower 32 which is for example made in the form of a roller and which is intended to roll on the song of the first cam.
  • the first cam 30 is intended to be rotated by the same shaft 34 as that which drives the notched wheel 20, by intermediate of a pair of gears 36, 38 which are dimensioned by such that the cam 30 rotates twice as fast about its axis A2 the wheel 20 about its axis A1, the directions of rotation being reversed.
  • the cam 30 is symmetrical around its A2 axis in that two points of the edge of the plate that are diametrically opposite to the axis A2 are located at equal distance from the A2 axis.
  • the cam follower 32 is intended to remain permanently in pressing against the cam path formed by the edge of the first cam 30. This could be ensured by an elastic return system, for example a spring interposed between the movable support 28 and a fixed frame member to force the roller 32 to rest on the cam.
  • a second cam 40 which is secured to the first cam 30, which has a profile complementary to the first cam 30, and which is intended to cooperate with a second cam follower 42 connected to the support 28.
  • the second cam 40 is therefore also rotated about the axis A2, the profile of this second cam is also symmetrical with respect to the axis A2.
  • the second cam follower 42 is not rigidly connected to the support 28.
  • the second cam follower 42 is carried at one end of a lever 44 which is rotatably mounted by its other end 46 on the movable support 28.
  • the axis rotation A3 of the lever 44 relative to the support 28 is parallel to the axes A1 and A2.
  • the lever 44 has a protrusion 50 on which is mounted a stop finger 48 which can slide along its axis A4 by compared to the outgrowth 50.
  • This possibility of sliding is limited and the finger is biased towards a rest position by a stack of elastic washers 51 type "Belleville".
  • This finger 48 is intended to bear against an abutment surface 52 of the support 28, this surface being positioned on the support so as to force the second cam follower 42 against the second cam 40.
  • the action of the second cam 40 forces the support 28 into opposite direction of what the first cam 30 does.
  • the two cams 30, 40 and the two cam followers 32, 42 are arranged in such a manner that they force each other in support on the cam paths, such so that the angular position of the movable support 28 is always perfectly defined regardless of the angular position of the two cams.
  • the sliding finger 48 and the spring washers 51 make it possible to catch up with the running games.
  • the dual cam system can also be replaced by a system having a single plate-shaped cam in one face of which would be dug a closed loop furrow.
  • the path would then consist of two parallel opposite edges for guiding a cam follower connected to the support in both directions of the reciprocating motion.
  • cams 30, 40 have an axis of rotation A2 parallel but distinct from the axis A1 of rotation of the support 28.
  • This arrangement makes it possible to use a cam drive system particularly simple.
  • FIGS. 5A to 5F the notch wheel 20 is illustrated and, on this wheel, two series 12a and 12b of preforms engaged in notches 22 of the wheel 20.
  • the wheel 20 is driven by rotation in a continuous manner about its axis A1, in this case in the counterclockwise if one refers to FIGS. 5A to 5F.
  • FIG. 5A corresponds to an angular position of the cams 30, 40 around their axis A2 for which the support is in a position extreme. With respect to the direction of rotation of the wheel 20, and therefore in the sense of the preforms 12 carried by the wheel 20, this position will be qualified as extreme upstream position.
  • This extreme upstream position corresponds to a reversal point of the reciprocating motion of the support 28, so that the speed of the support at this point is zero. In this position, we can see that the first set of preforms 12a is offset upstream with respect to the injectors 26 carried by the support.
  • FIG. 5B The position of the support shown in Figure 5B marks the beginning of a follow-up phase during which, for a certain period, the wheel 20 and the support 28 have substantially the same speed. In this way, while Along this phase of the movement, the injectors move in a to stay just above the preforms to inject a product.
  • This follow-up phase continues to the end of follow-up position which is illustrated in FIG. 5C, in which it can be seen that the injectors 26 are still in line with the preforms 12a, although these have continued their scrolling movement related to the rotation of the wheel 20.
  • FIG. 5D the extreme downstream position of the support 28 is illustrated. Between the positions of FIGS. 5C and 5D, the support has progressively idle for, at the position of Figure 5 D have zero velocity. We see indeed that the preforms 12a of the first series are now offset downstream from the series of injectors 26. This positon therefore corresponds to a second turning point of the movement alternative of support 28.
  • the wheel 20 has made a quarter turn, which is five times the angular spacing between two successive notches.
  • the length of time between passage of the support from its position of Figure 5A to that of Figure 5F, which corresponds to a period of the reciprocating movement of the support 28, is equal to the time required for the passage of five preforms in front of a fixed point of their trajectory on the wheel 20.
  • the cams 30, 40 have at the same time made a half-turn and, because of their profile which has a central symmetry with respect to the axis A2, the operation of the device can then continue analogous to what has been described above, the injectors 26 in front of then follow the preforms 12b of the second series.
  • the device according to the invention there is a time of sufficient projection, without stopping or slowing the preforms, while treating of course all the preforms.
  • the duration of the step of the movement which is the time possible for product projection on objects in motion, represents only about a quarter to a third of the duration total of a complete cycle of movement.
  • this ratio could easily be varied, but which, it allows to have reversal steps that do not impose on the support for sudden changes in speed.
  • This advantage presupposes that the durations of the going and reversing stages of the movement are of the same order of magnitude, ie the ratio between the duration of the step and the shortest duration is less than 10.
  • the amplitude of the reciprocating motion of the support 28 is relatively limited so that injectors 26 can be supplied with product by a fixed tank connected to the injectors by a or multiple flexible pipe. Such a provision is therefore very much easier than if you had to use a rotary distributor.
  • the invention has therefore been described in the particular context of spraying sterilizing product into a preform for manufacturing of containers.
  • a device incorporating the teachings of the invention can be used for the treatment of other objects, such as plugs. It can also be used to treat other places predetermined values of an object, for example, in the case of a preform or a bottle, the threaded outer part of the neck.

Abstract

A device for injecting a product towards a predetermined site of objects continuously moving along a given path while being spaced apart from one another by a specific step. The device (10) includes a series of injectors (26) borne by a mobile support (28) while being spaced apart on the support by a pitch corresponding to that of the objects, and the support (28) is driven in a reciprocating movement such that, during a forward phase of the movement, the injectors (26) move each opposite the predetermined site of one of the objects, and in the time interval of the reciprocating movement of the support is equal to the time interval between the passage of two consecutive objects in front of a common fixed point, multiplied by the number of injectors on the support.

Description

L'invention se rapporte à un dispositif pour injecter un produit en direction d'un endroit prédéterminé d'objects qui se déplacent de manière continue sur une trajectoire donnée en étant espacés les uns des autres d'un pas déterminé. Un dispositif de ce type est connu; voir par example US-A-3 129 713.The invention relates to a device for injecting a product in the direction of a predetermined place of objects moving from continuously on a given trajectory by being spaced apart from each other by a determined step. A device of this type is known; see for example US-A-3,129,713.

A titre d'exemple, l'invention sera décrite dans le cadre d'une installation de fabrication et/ou de remplissage de récipients en matière thermoplastique. Plus particulièrement, le dispositif selon l'invention sera décrit dans le cadre d'une machine de fabrication de bouteilles en polyéthylène téréphtalate (PET) dans lesquelles les bouteilles sont obtenues par soufflage d'une préforme précédemment réalisée par moulage par injection.By way of example, the invention will be described in the context of a installation for manufacturing and / or filling containers made of thermoplastic. More particularly, the device according to the invention will be described in the context of a machine for manufacturing bottles in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in which the bottles are obtained by blowing a preform previously made by injection molding.

Dans de telles installations, il est souvent nécessaire, à un moment ou à un autre dans le processus de fabrication, de traitement ou de remplissage, d'injecter un produit dans un corps creux. Dans une unité de fabrication ou de remplissage de bouteilles, ce produit peut par exemple être un agent stérilisant.In such installations, it is often necessary at a given moment or another in the process of manufacturing, processing or filling, to inject a product into a hollow body. In a unit of manufacture or filling bottles, this product may for example be a sterilizing agent.

Ces installations fonctionnent généralement en continu, les corps creux suivant tous le même parcours dans l'installation en se déplaçant en continu les uns à la suite des autres. Ce caractère continu du mouvement des corps creux pose un problème lorsqu'il s'agit d'injecter à l'intérieur de chaque corps creux un produit tel qu'un agent stérilisant. En effet, on dispose généralement de deux solutions.These facilities generally operate continuously, the bodies hollow following all the same course in the installation by moving in continuous one after the other. This continuous character of the movement hollow bodies poses a problem when it comes to injecting inside of each hollow body a product such as a sterilizing agent. Indeed, we usually has two solutions.

Selon une première solution, la plus simple, le produit est injecté par une buse fixe dans chaque corps creux lorsque le corps creux considéré passe devant la buse. Cependant, dans les installations à haute cadence, la durée pendant laquelle chaque corps creux se trouve en regard de la buse se trouve extrêmement réduite. Il en résulte qu'il devient difficile de projeter une quantité suffisante de produit dans de bonnes conditions de projection, notamment lorsqu'on souhaite garantir une bonne répartition du .produit injecté à l'intérieur du corps creux. Pour injecter la quantité souhaitée de produit, on est alors conduit à augmenter le débit de produit, au détriment d'une bonne maítrise du jet. On peut aussi anticiper le début de la projection et retarder la fin de la projection, au risque qu'une partie du produit ne soit pas injecté à l'intérieur du corps creux, ce qui entraíne un gaspillage de produit et ce qui salit de l'extérieur du corps creux et de la machineAccording to a first solution, the simplest, the product is injected by a fixed nozzle in each hollow body when the hollow body considered pass in front of the nozzle. However, in high speed installations, the length of time each hollow body is next to the nozzle is extremely reduced. As a result, it becomes difficult to project a sufficient quantity of product under good conditions of especially when it is desired to ensure a good distribution of the product injected inside the hollow body. To inject the quantity product, it is then necessary to increase the product flow, at the expense of a good mastery of the jet. We can also anticipate the beginning the projection and delay the end of the projection, at the risk of the product is not injected into the hollow body, which leads to a waste of product and what gets dirty from the outside of the hollow body and the machine

Une autre solution consisterait à utiliser une machine spécifique analogue à une remplisseuse rotative. Cependant, le coût d'une telle solution serait beaucoup trop élevée.Another solution would be to use a specific machine analogous to a rotary filler. However, the cost of such solution would be much too high.

L'invention a donc pour but de proposer une nouvelle conception d'un dispositif d'injection qui soit simple et fiable et qui permette d'injecter un produit dans des corps creux en mouvement, les conditions d'injection du produit devant pouvoir être parfaitement maítrisées.The invention therefore aims to propose a new design an injection device that is simple and reliable and that allows to inject a product in hollow bodies in motion, the conditions of injection product to be perfectly controlled.

Dans ce but, l'invention propose un dispositif pour injecter un produit en direction d'un endroit prédéterminé d'objets qui se déplacent de manière continue sur une trajectoire donnée en étant espacés les uns des autres d'un pas déterminé, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif comporte une série d'injecteurs qui sont portés par un support mobile en étant espacés sur le support d'un pas correspondant à celui des objets, en ce que le support est entraíné suivant un mouvement alternatif tel que, pendant une phase aller du mouvement, les injecteurs se déplacent chacun en regard de l'endroit prédéterminé d'un des objets, et en ce que la période du mouvement alternatif du support est égale à l'intervalle de temps entre le passage de deux objets consécutifs devant un même point fixe, multiplié par le nombre d'injecteurs sur le support.For this purpose, the invention proposes a device for injecting a product towards a predetermined place of objects moving from continuously on a given trajectory by being spaced apart from each other others of a determined step, characterized in that the device comprises a series of injectors that are carried by a mobile support being spaced on the support a step corresponding to that of the objects, in that that the support is driven according to an reciprocating movement such that, during a go phase of the movement, the injectors move each next to the predetermined location of one of the objects, and that the period of the reciprocating motion of the support is equal to the interval of time between the passage of two consecutive objects in front of the same point fixed, multiplied by the number of injectors on the support.

Des formes préférées de l'invention font l'objet des revendications dépendantes 2 à 19 :

  • au cours de la phase aller du mouvement, les injecteurs se déplacent parallèlement aux objets et à la même vitesse que ceux-ci ;
  • le mouvement alternatif du support comporte, en plus de la phase aller, une phase retour au cours de laquelle le mouvement s'effectue en sens inverse, et deux phases de retournement ;
  • les durées des quatre phases du mouvement sont du même ordre de grandeur ;
  • tout au long du mouvement alternatif, la trajectoire des injecteurs reste parallèle à la trajectoire des objets ;
  • la trajectoire des injecteurs est en arc de cercle ;
  • le dispositif comporte une roue de transfert qui est animée d'un mouvement de rotation continue autour de son axe et sur laquelle sont chargés les objets le long d'une partie de leur trajectoire, et les injecteurs suivent une trajectoire en arc de cercle autour du même axe ;
  • le mouvement alternatif du support mobile est commandé par un système comportant une came mobile et un suiveur de came lié au support ;
  • la came est une came rotative qui est animée d'un mouvement rotatif continu ;
  • la came est animée d'un mouvement rotatif continu autour du même axe que l'axe de rotation du support ;
  • la came est animée d'un mouvement rotatif continu autour d'un axe parallèle à l'axe de rotation du support ;
  • la came présente la forme d'une plaque dont le contour forme le chemin de came ;
  • le suiveur de came est plaqué contre la came par des moyens de rappel élastique ;
  • le dispositif comporte une seconde came avec laquelle coopère un second suiveur de came lié au support, et les profils des deux cames sont complémentaires de manière à assurer une commande positive du support dans les deux sens de son mouvement alternatif ;
  • l'un au moins des deux suiveurs de came comporte des moyens élastiques aptes à compenser les imperfections géométriques du dispositif ;
  • il comporte une plaque dans laquelle est formée une piste à deux bords parallèles dans laquelle circule un galet qui est lié au support et qui est susceptible de coopérer avec chacun des deux bords de la piste, ces deux bords formant chacun un chemin de came pour assurer une commande positive du support dans les deux sens de sa trajectoire ;
  • la came est entraínée en rotation par la roue de transfert avec interposition d'un mécanisme démultiplicateur ;
  • les objets sont des corps creux comportant une ouverture ; et
  • les injecteurs sont prévus pour injecter un produit à l'intérieur des corps creux.
Preferred forms of the invention are the subject of dependent claims 2 to 19:
  • during the first phase of the movement, the injectors move parallel to the objects and at the same speed as these;
  • the reciprocating movement of the support comprises, in addition to the forward phase, a return phase during which the movement is in the opposite direction, and two reversal phases;
  • the durations of the four phases of the movement are of the same order of magnitude;
  • throughout the reciprocating motion, the trajectory of the injectors remains parallel to the trajectory of the objects;
  • the trajectory of the injectors is in an arc;
  • the device comprises a transfer wheel which is driven by a continuous rotation movement about its axis and on which the objects are loaded along a part of their trajectory, and the injectors follow a trajectory in an arc around the same axis;
  • the reciprocating motion of the movable support is controlled by a system comprising a movable cam and a cam follower connected to the support;
  • the cam is a rotary cam which is driven by a continuous rotary motion;
  • the cam is driven in a continuous rotational movement about the same axis as the axis of rotation of the support;
  • the cam is driven by a continuous rotational movement about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the support;
  • the cam is in the form of a plate whose contour forms the cam path;
  • the cam follower is pressed against the cam by elastic return means;
  • the device comprises a second cam with which cooperates a second cam follower connected to the support, and the profiles of the two cams are complementary so as to ensure a positive control of the support in both directions of its reciprocating movement;
  • at least one of the two cam followers comprises elastic means able to compensate for the geometric imperfections of the device;
  • it comprises a plate in which is formed a track with two parallel edges in which circulates a roller which is connected to the support and which is capable of cooperating with each of the two edges of the track, these two edges each forming a cam path to ensure a positive control of the support in both directions of its trajectory;
  • the cam is rotated by the transfer wheel with the interposition of a gear reduction mechanism;
  • the objects are hollow bodies having an opening; and
  • the injectors are designed to inject a product inside the hollow body.

D'autres avantages de l'invention apparaítront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit ainsi que dans les dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective éclatée du dispositif selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique en perspective du dispositif de la figure 1 une fois assemblé ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique de dessus du dispositif ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue partielle en coupe axiale ; et
  • les figures 5A à 5F sont des diagrammes schématiques illustrant différentes positions successives du dispositif en cours de fonctionnement.
Other advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows as well as in the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective exploded view of the device according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the device of Figure 1 once assembled;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the device;
  • Figure 4 is a partial view in axial section; and
  • FIGS. 5A to 5F are diagrammatic diagrams illustrating different successive positions of the device during operation.

L'invention sera ci-après décrite dans le cadre d'un dispositif 10 pour injecter un agent stérilisant tel que du peroxyde d'hydrogène (H2O2) ou de l'acide peracétique (APA) à l'intérieur de préformes 12 destinées à la fabrication de bouteilles en PET. Les préformes sont des corps creux réalisés par moulage par injection. Elles sont généralement sensiblement tubulaires et présentent une extrémité fermée et une extrémité ouverte. L'extrémité ouverte 14, qui est destinée à former le col ouvert du récipient définitif, est en général réalisée directement à sa forme finale dans le moule d'injection et elle comporte par exemple un filetage 16 et une collerette radiale externe 18.The invention will be described below in the context of a device 10 for injecting a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) or peracetic acid (APA) into preforms 12 intended for the manufacture of PET bottles. The preforms are hollow bodies made by injection molding. They are generally substantially tubular and have a closed end and an open end. The open end 14, which is intended to form the open neck of the final container, is generally made directly to its final shape in the injection mold and it comprises for example a thread 16 and an outer radial collar 18.

Dans de nombreuses installations de fabrication de bouteilles, les préformes sont transportées vers la machine d'étirage soufflage par un système de transfert positif dans lequel les préformes suivent, en continu, une trajectoire définie en étant espacées l'une de l'autre d'un pas déterminé. Ce système de transfert positif comporte par exemple une roue à encoches 20 qui est entraínée en rotation de manière continue autour de son axe A1 sensiblement vertical.In many bottle manufacturing facilities, preforms are transported to the blow molding machine by a positive transfer system in which the preforms follow, continuously, a defined trajectory being spaced from each other by one step determined. This positive transfer system comprises for example a wheel with notches 20 which is rotated in a continuous manner around its axis A1 substantially vertical.

En l'occurrence, la roue 20 comporte, à sa périphérie, vingt encoches 22 en demi-cercle, le diamètre des encoches 22 étant sensiblement équivalent à celui des préformes. De manière connue, les préformes 12 sont introduites sur la roue 20 en un point de chargement de manière à être reçues chacune dans une encoche, et de manière à être en appui par leur collerette 18 sur la roue 20. En aval du point de chargement, un guide 24 en arc de cercle d'axe A1 s'étend autour de la roue 20 pour former une autre zone d'appui pour les préformes 12 et pour les empêcher de s'échapper des encoches 22. Ainsi, tant que les préformes 12 sont sur la roue 20, elles suivent une trajectoire en arc de cercle autour de l'axe A1, jusqu'à un point de déchargement au niveau duquel elles quittent la roue 20 pour continuer d'être transférées par d'autres moyens. In this case, the wheel 20 has, at its periphery, twenty notches 22 in a semicircle, the diameter of the notches 22 being substantially equivalent to that of the preforms. In known manner, the preforms 12 are introduced on the wheel 20 at a loading point of to be received each in a notch, and so as to be in support by their flange 18 on the wheel 20. Downstream of the point of loading, a guide 24 in a circular arc axis A1 extends around the wheel 20 to form another support zone for the preforms 12 and for prevent them from escaping from the notches 22. Thus, as long as the preforms 12 are on the wheel 20, they follow an arcuate trajectory of circle around the A1 axis, up to a point of unloading at the level from which they leave the wheel 20 to continue to be transferred by other ways.

Dans une installation de fabrication de bouteilles, une telle roue à encoches peut par exemple être agencée entre un dispositif d'alimentation en préformes et un four de conditionnement thermique dans lequel les préformes sont amenées à une température permettant leur moulage par soufflage.In a bottle-making installation, such a wheel notches may for example be arranged between a feeding device in preforms and a thermal conditioning furnace in which the preforms are brought to a temperature allowing their molding by blowing.

Conformément aux enseignements de l'invention, le dispositif 10 comporte plusieurs injecteurs 26 qui sont portés par un support mobile 28. Dans l'exemple illustré, les injecteurs 26 sont au nombre de cinq et ils sont portés par un support 28 en forme de plaque qui est mobile en rotation autour de l'axe A1 et qui est agencé au-dessus du niveau de la roue 20. Sur le support 28, les injecteurs 26 sont agencés sur un arc de cercle autour de l'axe A1 dont le diamètre correspond au diamètre de la roue à encoches, et ils sont espacés les uns des autres le long de cet arc d'une distance correspondant à la distance séparant deux encoches 22 consécutives de la roue 22.In accordance with the teachings of the invention, the device 10 comprises several injectors 26 which are carried by a mobile support 28. In the example illustrated, the injectors 26 are five in number and they are carried by a plate-shaped support 28 which is rotatable around the axis A1 and which is arranged above the level of the wheel 20. On the support 28, the injectors 26 are arranged on an arc of a circle around the axis A1 whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the wheel notches, and they are spaced apart from each other along this arc of a distance corresponding to the distance separating two notches 22 consecutive of the wheel 22.

Ainsi, en accordant les positions angulaires relatives de la roue 20 et du support 28 autour de l'axe A1 , les cinq injecteurs 26 peuvent injecter du produit dans cinq préformes portées par la roue 20.Thus, by matching the relative angular positions of the wheel 20 and of the support 28 around the axis A1, the five injectors 26 can inject the produced in five preforms carried by the wheel 20.

Selon l'invention, le support 28 est commandé selon un mouvement alternatif en rotation autour de l'axe A1, la commande du mouvement étant telle que, pendant au moins une phase de ce mouvement, les injecteurs 26 suivent exactement le mouvement de défilement des préformes qui sont portées par la roue 20.According to the invention, the support 28 is controlled according to a movement alternating in rotation around the axis A1, the movement control being such that, during at least one phase of this movement, the injectors 26 exactly follow the scrolling movement of the preforms that are carried by the wheel 20.

Dans l'exemple illustré, le mouvement alternatif du support 28 est commandé par un système à deux cames.In the illustrated example, the reciprocating motion of the support 28 is controlled by a two cam system.

Ainsi, le dispositif comporte une première came 30 qui présente la forme d'une plaque dont le contour forme une chemin de came. La came 30 est prévue pour être entraínée en rotation autour d'un axe central A2 qui, dans l'exemple illustré, est parallèle à l'axe A1 mais distinct de celui-ci. Le support mobile 28 comporte un premier suiveur de came 32 qui est par exemple réalisé sous la forme d'un galet et qui est prévu pour rouler sur le chant de la première came.Thus, the device comprises a first cam 30 which presents the shape of a plate whose contour forms a cam path. Drug 30 is intended to be rotated about a central axis A2 which, in the illustrated example, is parallel to the axis A1 but distinct from it. The mobile support 28 has a first cam follower 32 which is for example made in the form of a roller and which is intended to roll on the song of the first cam.

La première came 30 est prévue pour être entraínée en rotation par le même arbre 34 que celui qui entraíne la roue à encoches 20, par l'intermédaiire d'un paire d'engrenages 36, 38 qui sont dimensionnés de telle sorte que la came 30 tourne deux fois plus vite autour de son axe A2 que la roue 20 autour de son axe A1, les sens de rotation étant inverses. Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 3, la came 30 est symétrique autour de son axe A2 en ce sens que deux points du bord de la plaque qui sont diamétralement opposés par rapport à l'axe A2 sont situés à égale distance de l'axe A2.The first cam 30 is intended to be rotated by the same shaft 34 as that which drives the notched wheel 20, by intermediate of a pair of gears 36, 38 which are dimensioned by such that the cam 30 rotates twice as fast about its axis A2 the wheel 20 about its axis A1, the directions of rotation being reversed. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the cam 30 is symmetrical around its A2 axis in that two points of the edge of the plate that are diametrically opposite to the axis A2 are located at equal distance from the A2 axis.

Le suiveur de came 32 est prévu pour rester en permanence en appui contre le chemin de came formé par le bord de la première came 30. Ceci pourrait être assuré par un système de rappel élastique, par exemple un ressort interposé entre le support mobile 28 et un élément de bâti fixe pour forcer le galet 32 en appui sur la came.The cam follower 32 is intended to remain permanently in pressing against the cam path formed by the edge of the first cam 30. This could be ensured by an elastic return system, for example a spring interposed between the movable support 28 and a fixed frame member to force the roller 32 to rest on the cam.

Dans l'exemple illustré, on a préféré prévoir une seconde came 40, qui est solidaire de la première came 30, qui présente un profil complémentaire de la première came 30, et qui est prévu pour coopérer avec un second suiveur de came 42 lié au support 28. La seconde came 40 est donc elle aussi entraínée en rotation autour de l'axe A2, le profil de cette seconde came étant lui aussi symétrique par rapport à l'axe A2.In the example illustrated, it has been preferred to provide a second cam 40, which is secured to the first cam 30, which has a profile complementary to the first cam 30, and which is intended to cooperate with a second cam follower 42 connected to the support 28. The second cam 40 is therefore also rotated about the axis A2, the profile of this second cam is also symmetrical with respect to the axis A2.

De manière avantageuse, pour tenir compte des tolérances dimensionnelles liées à la fabrication et à l'assemblage du dispositif, le second suiveur de came 42 n'est pas lié rigidement au support 28. Ainsi, le second suiveur de came 42 est porté à une extrémité d'un levier 44 qui est monté à rotation par son autre extrémité 46 sur le support mobile 28. L'axe de rotation A3 du levier 44 par rapport au support 28 est parallèle aux axes A1 et A2. Le levier 44 comporte une excroissance 50 sur laquelle est monté un doigt de butée 48 qui peut coulisser selon son axe A4 par rapport à l'excroissance 50. Toutefois, cette possibilité de coulissement est limitée et le doigt est sollicité vers une position de repos par un empilement de rondelles élastiques 51 de type "Belleville". Ce doigt 48 est destiné à venir en appui contre une surface de butée 52 du support 28, cette surface étant positionnée sur le support de manière à forcer le second suiveur de came 42 contre la seconde came 40.Advantageously, to take account of the tolerances dimensions related to the manufacture and assembly of the device, the second cam follower 42 is not rigidly connected to the support 28. Thus, the second cam follower 42 is carried at one end of a lever 44 which is rotatably mounted by its other end 46 on the movable support 28. The axis rotation A3 of the lever 44 relative to the support 28 is parallel to the axes A1 and A2. The lever 44 has a protrusion 50 on which is mounted a stop finger 48 which can slide along its axis A4 by compared to the outgrowth 50. However, this possibility of sliding is limited and the finger is biased towards a rest position by a stack of elastic washers 51 type "Belleville". This finger 48 is intended to bear against an abutment surface 52 of the support 28, this surface being positioned on the support so as to force the second cam follower 42 against the second cam 40.

Ce faisant, l'action de la seconde came 40 force le support 28 en sens inverse de ce que fait la première came 30. Ainsi, les deux cames 30, 40 et les deux suiveurs de cames 32, 42 sont disposés de telle manière qu'ils se forcent l'un l'autre en appui sur les chemins de came, de telle sorte que la position angulaire du support mobile 28 est toujours parfaitement définie quelle que soit la position angulaire des deux cames. Le doigt coulissant 48 et les rondelles élastiques 51 permettent de rattraper les jeux de fonctionnement.In doing so, the action of the second cam 40 forces the support 28 into opposite direction of what the first cam 30 does. Thus, the two cams 30, 40 and the two cam followers 32, 42 are arranged in such a manner that they force each other in support on the cam paths, such so that the angular position of the movable support 28 is always perfectly defined regardless of the angular position of the two cams. The sliding finger 48 and the spring washers 51 make it possible to catch up with the running games.

Le système à deux cames peut aussi être remplacé par un système comportant une came unique en forme de plaque dans une face de laquelle serait creusé un sillon en boucle fermé. Le sillon comporterait alors deux bords opposés parallèles permettant de guider un suiveur de came lié au support dans les deux directions du mouvement alternatif.The dual cam system can also be replaced by a system having a single plate-shaped cam in one face of which would be dug a closed loop furrow. The path would then consist of two parallel opposite edges for guiding a cam follower connected to the support in both directions of the reciprocating motion.

De même, on a choisi que les cames 30, 40 présentent un axe de rotation A2 parallèle mais distinct de l'axe A1 de rotation du support 28. Cette disposition permet d'utiliser un système d'entraínement des cames particulièrement simple. Toutefois, en variante, on pourrait choisir d'utiliser une came rotative de même axe A1 que le support 28.Similarly, it has been chosen that the cams 30, 40 have an axis of rotation A2 parallel but distinct from the axis A1 of rotation of the support 28. This arrangement makes it possible to use a cam drive system particularly simple. However, alternatively, one could choose to use a rotary cam having the same axis A1 as the support 28.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif décrit ci-dessus va maintenant être expliqué en référence aux diagrammes des figures 5A à 5F. Sur ces diagrammes, on a illustré la roue à encoches 20 et, sur cette roue, deux séries 12a et 12b de préformes engagées dans des encoches 22 consécutives de la roue 20. Bien entendu, la roue 20 est entraínée en rotation de manière continue autour de son axe A1, en l'occurrence dans le sens anti-horaire si l'on se réfère aux figures 5A à 5F.The operation of the device described above will now be explained with reference to the diagrams of FIGS. 5A to 5F. On these diagrams, the notch wheel 20 is illustrated and, on this wheel, two series 12a and 12b of preforms engaged in notches 22 of the wheel 20. Of course, the wheel 20 is driven by rotation in a continuous manner about its axis A1, in this case in the counterclockwise if one refers to FIGS. 5A to 5F.

La figure 5A correspond à une position angulaire des cames 30, 40 autour de leur axe A2 pour laquelle le support est dans une position extrême. Par rapport au sens de rotation de la roue 20, et donc au sens de défilement des préformes 12 portées par la roue 20, cette position sera qualifiée de position extrême amont. Cette position extrême amont correspond à un point de retournement du mouvement alternatif du support 28, si bien que la vitesse du support en ce point est nulle. Dans cette position, on peut voir que la première série de préformes 12a se trouve décalée vers l'amont par rapport aux injecteurs 26 portés par le support.FIG. 5A corresponds to an angular position of the cams 30, 40 around their axis A2 for which the support is in a position extreme. With respect to the direction of rotation of the wheel 20, and therefore in the sense of the preforms 12 carried by the wheel 20, this position will be qualified as extreme upstream position. This extreme upstream position corresponds to a reversal point of the reciprocating motion of the support 28, so that the speed of the support at this point is zero. In this position, we can see that the first set of preforms 12a is offset upstream with respect to the injectors 26 carried by the support.

Dans la position de la figure 5B, on peut voir que la roue 20 a pivoté d'une vingtaine de degrés dans le sens anti-horaire par rapport à la position extrême amont. Par la disposition des engrenages 36, 38, les cames 30, 40 ont tourné autour de l'axe A2 d'un angle deux fois plus important, et en sens inverse. On remarque que les deux suiveurs de came 32, 42 sont tous les deux au contact de la came à laquelle ils sont respectivement associés. Dans cette position, on remarque que les cinq injecteurs 26 portés par le support 28 sont exactement à l'aplomb des cinq préformes 12a de la première série. Cela signifie que, entre les positions des figures 5A et 5B, les préformes ont "rattrapé" les injecteurs 26. En effet, cette phase du mouvement du support 28 correspond à une accélération progressive du support d'une vitesse nulle jusqu'à une vitesse angulaire sensiblement égale à la vitesse de la roue 20.In the position of Figure 5B, it can be seen that the wheel 20 has rotated twenty degrees in the counterclockwise direction compared to the extreme upstream position. By the arrangement of the gears 36, 38, the cams 30, 40 have rotated around the A2 axis at an angle twice as much important, and in reverse. Note that the two cam followers 32, 42 are both in contact with the cam to which they are respectively associated. In this position, we note that the five injectors 26 carried by the support 28 are exactly in line with the five preforms 12a of the first series. This means that between positions 5A and 5B, the preforms have "caught up" with the injectors 26. In Indeed, this phase of the movement of the support 28 corresponds to a progressive acceleration of support from zero speed to a speed angular substantially equal to the speed of the wheel 20.

La position du support illustrée à la figure 5B marque le début d'une phase de suivi au cours de laquelle, pendant un certaine durée, la roue 20 et le support 28 ont sensiblement la même vitesse. De la sorte, tout au long de cette phase du mouvement, les injecteurs se déplacent de manière à rester juste au-dessus des préformes pour pouvoir y injecter un produit. Cette phase de suivi se poursuit jusqu'à la position de fin de suivi qui est illustrée à la figure 5C, dans laquelle on peut voir que les injecteurs 26 sont encore à l'aplomb des préformes 12a, bien que celles-ci aient poursuivi leur mouvement de défilement lié à la rotation de la roue 20.The position of the support shown in Figure 5B marks the beginning of a follow-up phase during which, for a certain period, the wheel 20 and the support 28 have substantially the same speed. In this way, while Along this phase of the movement, the injectors move in a to stay just above the preforms to inject a product. This follow-up phase continues to the end of follow-up position which is illustrated in FIG. 5C, in which it can be seen that the injectors 26 are still in line with the preforms 12a, although these have continued their scrolling movement related to the rotation of the wheel 20.

La durée de cette phase de suivi peut bien entendu être ajustée en fonction des besoin par un dessin approprié des cames 30, 40.The duration of this monitoring phase can of course be adjusted in function of the needs by appropriate drawing of the cams 30, 40.

A la figure 5D, on a illustré la position extrême aval du support 28. Entre les positions des figures 5C et 5D, le support a progressivement ralenti pour, à la position de la figure 5 D avoir une vitesse nulle. On voit en effet que les préformes 12a de la première série sont maintenant décalée vers l'aval par rapport à la série d'injecteurs 26. Cette positon correspond donc à un deuxième point de retournement du mouvement alternatif du support 28.In FIG. 5D, the extreme downstream position of the support 28 is illustrated. Between the positions of FIGS. 5C and 5D, the support has progressively idle for, at the position of Figure 5 D have zero velocity. We see indeed that the preforms 12a of the first series are now offset downstream from the series of injectors 26. This positon therefore corresponds to a second turning point of the movement alternative of support 28.

Entre les figures 5A et les figures 5D, on comprend que le support 28 est entraíné en rotation essentiellement grâce à la première came 30 qui tend à pousser le premier suiveur de came 32 pour faire pivoter le support dans le sens anti-horaire.Between FIGS. 5A and 5D, it is understood that the support 28 is rotated essentially by the first cam 30 which tends to push the first cam follower 32 to rotate the support counter-clockwise.

A partir de la position de la figure 5D et jusqu'à la position de la figure 5F, c'est la seconde came 40 qui, par l'intermédiaire du second suiveur de came 42, provoque le retour du support 28 vers sa position extrême aval tel qu'illustré à la figure 5F. Au cours du retour, le support subi donc d'abord une accélération progressive puis une décélération progressive pour arriver à sa position extrême aval avec une vitesse nulle. A cet instant, on voit alors que la seconde série de préformes 12b occupe par rapport au support 28 la même position que les préformes 12a de la première série à la figure 5A. From the position of Figure 5D and up to the position of the FIG. 5F is the second cam 40 which, via the second cam follower 42, causes the support 28 to return to its position downstream as shown in Figure 5F. During the return, the support first undergone a gradual acceleration then a deceleration progressive to reach its extreme downstream position with zero speed. At this moment, we then see that the second series of preforms 12b occupies relative to the support 28 the same position as the preforms 12a of the first series in Figure 5A.

Entre ces deux positions, on voit donc que la roue 20 a effectué un quart de tour, ce qui correspond à cinq fois l'espacement angulaire entre deux encoches successives. En d'autres termes, la durée qui sépare le passage du support de sa position de la figure 5A à celle de la figure 5F, ce qui correspond à une période du mouvement alternatif du support 28, est donc égale au temps nécessaire au passage de cinq préformes devant un point fixe de leur trajectoire sur la roue 20.Between these two positions, we see that the wheel 20 has made a quarter turn, which is five times the angular spacing between two successive notches. In other words, the length of time between passage of the support from its position of Figure 5A to that of Figure 5F, which corresponds to a period of the reciprocating movement of the support 28, is equal to the time required for the passage of five preforms in front of a fixed point of their trajectory on the wheel 20.

Les cames 30, 40 ont dans le même temps effectué un demi-tour et, du fait de leur profil qui présente une symétrie centrale par rapport à l'axe A2, le fonctionnement du dispositif peut alors se poursuivre de manière analogue à ce qui a été décrit précédemment, les injecteurs 26 devant alors suivre les préformes 12b de la seconde série.The cams 30, 40 have at the same time made a half-turn and, because of their profile which has a central symmetry with respect to the axis A2, the operation of the device can then continue analogous to what has been described above, the injectors 26 in front of then follow the preforms 12b of the second series.

Grâce au dispositif selon l'invention, on dispose d'un temps de projection suffisant, sans arrêter ni ralentir les préformes, tout en traitant bien entendu toutes les préformes.Thanks to the device according to the invention, there is a time of sufficient projection, without stopping or slowing the preforms, while treating of course all the preforms.

Dans l'exemple illustré, la durée de l'étape aller du mouvement, qui correspond au temps possible pour la projection de produit sur les objets en mouvement, ne représente environ qu'un quart à un tiers de la durée totale d'un cycle complet du mouvement. Bien entendu, par un dessin approprié des cames, on pourrait aisément faire varier ce rapport, mais, tel quel, il permet d'avoir des étapes de retournement qui n'imposent pas au support des variations de vitesse trop brusques. Cet avantage suppose que les durées des étapes aller et des étapes de retournement du mouvement soient du même ordre de grandeur, c'est à dire que le rapport entre la durée de l'étape et la durée la plus courte soit inférieur à 10.In the example illustrated, the duration of the step of the movement, which is the time possible for product projection on objects in motion, represents only about a quarter to a third of the duration total of a complete cycle of movement. Of course, by drawing cams, this ratio could easily be varied, but which, it allows to have reversal steps that do not impose on the support for sudden changes in speed. This advantage presupposes that the durations of the going and reversing stages of the movement are of the same order of magnitude, ie the ratio between the duration of the step and the shortest duration is less than 10.

Comme on peut le voir, l'amplitude du mouvement alternatif du support 28 est relativement limitée si bien que les injecteurs 26 peuvent être alimentés en produit par un réservoir fixe relié aux injecteurs par une ou plusieurs canalisation souple. Une telle disposition est donc beaucoup plus simple que s'il fallait avoir recours à un distributeur rotatif.As can be seen, the amplitude of the reciprocating motion of the support 28 is relatively limited so that injectors 26 can be supplied with product by a fixed tank connected to the injectors by a or multiple flexible pipe. Such a provision is therefore very much easier than if you had to use a rotary distributor.

L'invention a donc été décrite dans le cadre particulier de la projection de produit stérilisant dans une préforme destinée à la fabrication de récipients.The invention has therefore been described in the particular context of spraying sterilizing product into a preform for manufacturing of containers.

Bien entendu, l'invention trouvera application dans d'autres applications. Ainsi, un dispositif incorporant les enseignements de l'invention peut être utilisé pour le traitements d'autres objets, tels que des bouchons. On pourra aussi l'utiliser pour traiter d'autres endroits prédéterminés d'un objet, comme par exemple, dans le cas d'une préforme ou d'une bouteille, la partie extérieure filetée du col.Of course, the invention will find application in other applications. Thus, a device incorporating the teachings of the invention can be used for the treatment of other objects, such as plugs. It can also be used to treat other places predetermined values of an object, for example, in the case of a preform or a bottle, the threaded outer part of the neck.

Claims (19)

  1. Device for injecting a product towards a predetermined location of objects that are moving continuously along a given path while being spaced apart by a defined distance, characterized in that the device (10) has a series of injectors (26) that are carried by a movable support (28) while being spaced on the support by a distance corresponding to that of the objects, in that the support (28) is driven with a reciprocating movement such that, during an outbound phase of the movement, the injectors (26) each move opposite the predetermined location of one of the objects, and in that the period of the reciprocating movement of the support is equal to the time interval between the passage of two consecutive objects before the same fixed point, multiplied by the number of injectors on the support.
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that, during the outbound phase of the movement, the injectors (26) move parallel to and at the same speed as the objects.
  3. Device according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the reciprocating movement of the support (28) has, in addition to the outbound phase, a return phase during which the movement is in the opposite direction, and two reversal phases.
  4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the durations of the four phases of the movement are of the same order of magnitude.
  5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, throughout the reciprocating movement, the path of the injectors (26) remains parallel to the path of the objects.
  6. Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the path of the injectors is in an arc of a circle.
  7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a transfer wheel (20) that is driven in a continuous rotational movement about its axis (A1) and on which are loaded the objects along a section of their path, and in that the injectors (26) follow a path in an arc of a circle about the same axis (A1).
  8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reciprocating movement of the movable support is controlled by a system having a movable cam (30) and a cam follower (32) connected to the support (28).
  9. Device according to Claims 7 and 8 taken in combination, characterized in that the cam (30) is a rotary cam that is driven in a continuous rotational movement.
  10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the cam is driven in a continuous rotational movement about the same axis as the axis of rotation of the support.
  11. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the cam (30) is driven in a continuous rotational movement about an axis (A2) parallel to the axis (A1) of rotation of the support (28).
  12. Device according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the cam (30) has the form of a plate whose contour forms the cam path.
  13. Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the cam follower is pressed against the cam by elastic return means.
  14. Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the device (10) has a second cam (40) with which a second cam follower (42) connected to the support (28) cooperates, and in that the profiles of the two cams (30, 40) are complementary so as to ensure positive control of the support (28) in both directions of its reciprocating movement.
  15. Device according to Claim 14, characterized in that at least one of the two cam followers (32, 42) has elastic means (48, 50, 51) capable of compensating for the geometric imperfections of the device (10).
  16. Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a plate in which a track with two parallel edges is formed, in which track there runs a roller that is connected to the support and can cooperate with each of the two edges of the track, these two edges each forming a cam path to ensure positive control of the support in both directions of its travel.
  17. Device according to any one of Claims 9 to 16, characterized in that the cam (30) is driven in rotation by the transfer wheel (20), with interposition of a reduction mechanism (36, 38).
  18. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the objects are hollow bodies having an opening.
  19. Device according to Claim 18, characterized in that the injectors are designed to inject a product inside the hollow bodies.
EP01907670A 2000-02-16 2001-01-23 Device for injecting a product on a predetermined site of a moving object Expired - Lifetime EP1257371B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0001872A FR2804938B1 (en) 2000-02-16 2000-02-16 DEVICE FOR INJECTING A PRODUCT ONTO A PREDETERMINED PLACE OF A MOVING OBJECT
FR0001872 2000-02-16
PCT/FR2001/000209 WO2001060536A1 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-01-23 Device for injecting a product on a predetermined site of a moving object

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1257371A1 EP1257371A1 (en) 2002-11-20
EP1257371B1 true EP1257371B1 (en) 2004-09-22

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ID=8847028

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01907670A Expired - Lifetime EP1257371B1 (en) 2000-02-16 2001-01-23 Device for injecting a product on a predetermined site of a moving object

Country Status (15)

Country Link
US (1) US6681816B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1257371B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3650753B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100506372B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1242855C (en)
AT (1) ATE276837T1 (en)
AU (1) AU776470B2 (en)
BR (1) BR0108345B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2396556C (en)
DE (1) DE60105765T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2228809T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2804938B1 (en)
MX (1) MXPA02007825A (en)
PT (1) PT1257371E (en)
WO (1) WO2001060536A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7055676B2 (en) * 2003-11-13 2006-06-06 Hartness International, Inc. Conveyor with movable gripper and related conveyor link
US7055677B2 (en) * 2003-11-13 2006-06-06 Hartness International, Inc. Conveyor with movable grippers, and related conveyor link
US7261199B2 (en) * 2004-06-29 2007-08-28 Hartness International, Inc. Neck gripping conveyor and link, and related rotary filler and system
US7299832B2 (en) * 2004-06-29 2007-11-27 Hartness International, Inc. Rotary filling machine and related components, and related method
US7185753B2 (en) * 2004-09-28 2007-03-06 Hartness International, Inc. Shuttle conveyor
US9020913B2 (en) 2007-10-25 2015-04-28 International Business Machines Corporation Real-time interactive authorization for enterprise search
FR2923802B1 (en) * 2007-11-19 2012-08-31 Sidel Participations DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING A HOLLOW BODY, INSTALLATION PROVIDED WITH SUCH DEVICES AND METHOD FOR CONVEYING A SOLIDARIZED HOLLOW BODY TO SUCH A DEVICE.
EP2143545A1 (en) * 2008-07-07 2010-01-13 Nestec S.A. Method and apparatus for packaging a liquid food product
NL2012834B1 (en) 2014-05-16 2016-03-02 Sluis Cigar Machinery Bv System for performing a processing step on cigarette parts of an electronic cigarette.
CN108045654B (en) * 2017-10-20 2020-06-12 惠州亿纬锂能股份有限公司 Liquid injection system for lithium battery liquid injection and lithium battery liquid injection equipment thereof
CN112009953B (en) * 2020-08-28 2022-04-01 哈尔滨工业大学（深圳） Disc type medicine taking device for penicillin bottle and automatic medicine dispensing robot
DE102021131574A1 (en) * 2021-12-01 2023-06-01 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Storage arrangement for storing a container treatment carousel against a base frame of a container treatment device in a beverage bottling plant

Family Cites Families (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3129713A (en) * 1963-04-04 1964-04-21 Dostal & Lowey Co Inc Bottle washing machine with improved rinsing means
US4004620A (en) * 1974-10-04 1977-01-25 Sidney Rosen Fluid filling machine
US4159608A (en) * 1978-04-28 1979-07-03 Package Engineering Corporation Bottling machine
US4678015A (en) * 1986-04-03 1987-07-07 Raque Food Systems, Inc. Product apportioning system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1257371A1 (en) 2002-11-20
CN1400928A (en) 2003-03-05
ATE276837T1 (en) 2004-10-15
BR0108345A (en) 2003-03-11
CA2396556C (en) 2006-07-11
US6681816B2 (en) 2004-01-27
FR2804938A1 (en) 2001-08-17
DE60105765T2 (en) 2006-03-09
CN1242855C (en) 2006-02-22
JP2003522691A (en) 2003-07-29
MXPA02007825A (en) 2003-02-10
US20030000969A1 (en) 2003-01-02
WO2001060536A1 (en) 2001-08-23
FR2804938B1 (en) 2002-04-26
DE60105765D1 (en) 2004-10-28
AU3558201A (en) 2001-08-27
BR0108345B1 (en) 2009-08-11
CA2396556A1 (en) 2001-08-23
PT1257371E (en) 2005-01-31
JP3650753B2 (en) 2005-05-25
ES2228809T3 (en) 2005-04-16
AU776470B2 (en) 2004-09-09
KR100506372B1 (en) 2005-08-10
KR20020092360A (en) 2002-12-11

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