EP1692072A1 - Container treatment device with a gas curtain - Google Patents

Container treatment device with a gas curtain

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Publication number
EP1692072A1
EP1692072A1 EP04803735A EP04803735A EP1692072A1 EP 1692072 A1 EP1692072 A1 EP 1692072A1 EP 04803735 A EP04803735 A EP 04803735A EP 04803735 A EP04803735 A EP 04803735A EP 1692072 A1 EP1692072 A1 EP 1692072A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
treatment
container
gap nozzles
nozzles
gap
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
EP04803735A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1692072B1 (en
Inventor
Jens H. PÖPPLAU
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1692072A1 publication Critical patent/EP1692072A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1692072B1 publication Critical patent/EP1692072B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/26—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
    • B67C2003/2688—Means for filling containers in defined atmospheric conditions
    • B67C2003/2691—Means for filling containers in defined atmospheric conditions by enclosing one container in a chamber
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/26—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
    • B67C2003/2688—Means for filling containers in defined atmospheric conditions
    • B67C2003/2697—Means for filling containers in defined atmospheric conditions by enclosing the container partly in a chamber

Definitions

  • Container treatment device with gas curtain
  • the invention relates to a device of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1.
  • Open beverage containers e.g. Cans or bottles must be treated under conditions that are as clean as possible to prevent contamination of the container with germs that affect the shelf life and taste of the beverage.
  • oxygen-sensitive beverages e.g. Beer
  • the access of oxygen can also be prevented. It is known to treat the containers in a clean gas space comprising the entire device, but this requires complex housing designs.
  • a generic device is known from DE 101 14 660 C2, in which only the area of the treatment area is protected against the entry of germs and oxygen with a clean gas curtain.
  • a gap nozzle is arranged on the treatment element, which is arranged in a ring around the treatment element and emits a tubular gas curtain downwards in the direction of the container axis.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a structurally simple device of the generic type which protects reliably against contamination.
  • gap nozzles are arranged on the side of the treatment station, to jet the clean gas onto one another.
  • a ram flow thus arises between the gap nozzles, in which the colliding gas jets are deflected on both sides in the direction of the axis of the treatment station, that is to say upwards and downwards.
  • one component lying in the ram flow above a plane of symmetry running through the two gap centers runs upwards and another component runs downwards. If the container is arranged with its mouth in one of the flow components, it is in the completely pure flow supplied by the splitting nozzles and is therefore free from contamination during the Treatment completely protected.
  • the result is a clean gas curtain that encloses the treatment site on both sides and that also encloses the treatment organ.
  • a clean room surrounding the device can be completely saved. Only with gas flows can a "clean room" surrounding the treatment area dynamically in terms of flow dynamics be created. All container treatment processes can be carried out well protected within the protective gas curtain.
  • the treatment element is designed as a filling element, it can be pressed against the mouth of the container to form a closed filling. The entry of impurities is then prevented before putting on and after the filling organ has been removed. In particular, it is also possible to fill openly, that is to say with the distance between the filling element and the container existing during the filling. If the treatment member is designed as a closing member, the entry of contaminants is prevented before the closing member.
  • the container mouth can be arranged in the flow component emerging downwards from the gap nozzles.
  • the features of claim 2 are preferably provided. If the plane of symmetry is arranged below the mouth of the container, a clean gas curtain which runs past the mouth and which protects the entire treatment station against contamination is obtained above the plane of symmetry. The other part of the ram flow runs down past the container and prevents the upward part of the ram jet from drawing in impure gas from below from the area between the nozzles and the container.
  • the clean gas flow directed past the mouth from the container to the treatment element is thus superbly protected against the ingress of contaminants and is directed away from the container mouth so that no gas is pressed into the container or towards the mouth, but rather through the upward-directed gas curtain a transport effect arises, which picks up any contamination present on the container and in particular also removes it from the container during the filling process entraining air. Since the escaping air and the gas curtain have the same direction, disturbing eddies that would lead to the transport of contaminants in unwanted directions are avoided.
  • the gap nozzles are arranged in a free atmosphere, which, as already mentioned, results in a particularly simple construction which makes a clean room housing superfluous.
  • the gap nozzles can be provided as a ring nozzle at a single treatment station.
  • a gap nozzle running parallel to the row is advantageously provided on both sides of the row at a row of treatment stations. This construction is suitable for both linear machines and rotary machines.
  • the containers are supplied to and removed from the treatment station in a clean gas space enclosed by a housing.
  • the treatment area is located outside the clean gas space and is accessible from this through an opening in the housing of the clean gas space, through which the containers are guided to the treatment space and withdrawn again into the latter.
  • the gap nozzles are arranged at the edge of the opening.
  • an annular nozzle can be provided at a single treatment station or, for example, in the case of a rotary machine at an elongated opening at each of the edges, a gap nozzle, one of which in turn can be arranged in a fixed manner and the other can move along.
  • the result is a treatment device in which the containers are kept continuously in a clean gas atmosphere, either in the clean gas room or in the treatment station, which is protected by the clean gas curtain of the gap nozzles.
  • a great advantage here is that the treatment organs can be arranged outside the clean gas space, which considerably simplifies the construction and also enables open access to the treatment station, for example in the event of faults.
  • the features of claim 7 are advantageously provided.
  • the proportions of the components of the ram flow flowing up and down can be changed relative to one another.
  • the flow around e.g. improve the container or the treatment organ.
  • the gap nozzles are arranged in the opening of a clean gas space, then the component flowing from the gap nozzles into the clean gas space can be used for purging them, and the flushing component can be relatively adjusted by tilting the gap nozzles with respect to the component that flows upwards and flushes around the treatment area become.
  • the ram flow generated at an opening of the clean gas space to the outside has less resistance than to the inside towards the clean gas space.
  • Screen walls adjoining the gap nozzles and surrounding the treatment area shield the treatment area from the side and prevent air currents from the atmosphere reaching the treatment area from causing turbulence in the area of the treatment area.
  • the screen walls ensure that the components that wash around the treatment area remain undisturbed from the gap nozzles.
  • the screen walls can also have a special shape for flow steering the flow component of the gap nozzles are used.
  • the screen walls can be used to produce an effect which brakes the flow component, in order to set the proportion of the component flowing upwards to a desired value in relation to the component of the component flowing downwards.
  • FIG. 2 shows a plan view in section along line 2-2 in FIG. 1 of an individual treatment station with an annular nozzle
  • FIG. 3 in view, corresponding to FIG. 2, the top view of an arrangement with a plurality of treatment stations arranged in a row with two parallel gap nozzles,
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of a clean gas space for a rotary machine, with an annular opening provided with gap nozzles,
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the area of the gap nozzles corresponding to FIG. 1, but in a somewhat different configuration
  • Fig. 9 is an illustration according to FIG. 1, but with screen walls and Fig. 10 is an illustration corresponding to FIG. 9, but with a lower clean gas space.
  • FIG. 1 shows a highly schematized treatment station 1 with a treatment organ 2, under which a bottle 3 is arranged in the treatment position.
  • a bottle 3 is arranged in the treatment position.
  • gap nozzles 4 are arranged on both sides of the treatment area. These extend with their splitting direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and are each supplied from a gas pipe 5 which is connected in a manner not shown to a dirty gas supply for clean gas.
  • the clean gas should primarily be germ-free. Sterile air is therefore usually used for such purposes. If oxygen-sensitive beverages such as beer are to be filled, then oxygen-free clean gas must be used, such as CO 2 or N 2 .
  • the gap nozzles are aligned towards one another, that is to say they radiate against one another to produce a flow flow indicated by flow arrows, which, with the bottle present and also with the bottle absent during the container change, produces upward and downward flow components.
  • Fig. 1 shows the dashed line S, which runs through the center of the two gap nozzles 4. This is the level of symmetry of the ram flow. Gas above the plane of symmetry S flows upwards, below the plane of symmetry downwards.
  • the upward flow component results in a clean gas curtain flowing past the mouth 6 of the bottle and past the treatment element 2, enclosing the treatment station 1 from both sides, which keeps air flowing in from the impure surrounding atmosphere.
  • the area of The mouth 6 of the bottle 3 and the lower end region of the treatment element 2 are thus kept germ-free and possibly oxygen-free.
  • the plane of symmetry S as shown in FIG. 1, can be below the mouth 6. It lies, for example, in the height region of the neck of a bottle or, if the container is, for example, a beverage can, in the upper end region of the can, in each case based on the height position of the container in which it is processed.
  • the gap nozzles 4 are designed with a relatively narrow gap.
  • the gap can also be significantly wider, e.g. have a width that corresponds approximately to the height dimension of the container.
  • the flow components of the ram flow which have already been discussed, also result here, which are directed upwards above the plane of symmetry S and downwards below this plane.
  • the air curtain generated by the ram flow 4 is directed upwards and creates a suction effect at the mouth 6 of the bottle, so that impurities located in or on it are entrained without entrainment.
  • the bottle 3 is shown in Fig. 1 in the treatment position. It is brought into the position shown by lifting from below or brought into the working position under the treatment element 2 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Transport and lifting equipment required for this purpose are omitted to simplify the drawing. They can correspond to the usual state of the art. A height movement of the treatment station with gap nozzles 4 and treatment element 2 relative to the bottle 3, which is fixed in height, is also possible.
  • the treatment element 2 can be a filling element, which is placed sealingly on the mouth 6 by relative movement between the treatment element 2 and the bottle 3. However, the filling element can also be designed to be open and filling in the illustrated height distance.
  • the treatment element 2 can also be used for other purposes, for example for closing, and can be designed, for example, as a crown cap closing head or screw head.
  • the ram flow generated by the gap nozzles 4 also generates a downward component. This ensures that no outside air flows into the space between the gap nozzles 4 from below and can be sucked in by the upward-pointing component.
  • the downward-facing component thus results in a lower seal of the treatment area enclosed by the upward-facing gas curtain and makes mechanical seals unnecessary at this point.
  • the gap nozzles can also be brought from a raised container change position into the treatment position shown, even when the bottle is kept at a fixed height.
  • bottles 3 shown instead of the bottles 3 shown, other containers e.g. Beverage cans are treated.
  • FIG. 2 shows a top view in section according to FIGS. 2-2 in FIG. 1, an embodiment variant for an individual treatment station 1 with an individual treatment organ 2 (not shown in FIG. 2).
  • the gap nozzles 4 are designed as a ring, as shown in FIG. 2. This results in an axis to the treatment plan zes 1 rotationally symmetrical hose curtain generated by the ram flow, which protects the treatment area.
  • Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the construction of Fig. 1 in section along line 2 - 2.
  • a number of treatment stations 1 are provided in a row, each with a bottle.
  • the gap nozzles 4 extend parallel to the row of treatment stations on both sides and are straight in the embodiment.
  • it can be a parallel filler in which several bottles are fed to a number of treatment stations at the same time.
  • the bottles can also be transported in the slot which is formed by the two gap nozzles 4 in the direction of the arrow, with the treatment elements (not shown) for moving the bottles being carried, for example.
  • the bottles shown or other containers to be treated here can, as explained in relation to Fig. 2, be lifted from below between the parallel gap nozzles 4 or can be transported at a constant height and inserted from one end of the linear construction between the gap nozzles, e.g. in the direction of the arrow shown.
  • the two gap nozzles 4 shown in FIG. 3 can be arranged in a fixed manner. However, one of the two gap nozzles can also be stationary and the other can be provided to be movable in the direction of the arrow.
  • FIG. 4 shows a clean gas space 8 enclosed by a housing 7 with an upper opening 9 and an exhaust air opening 10.
  • the bottles 3 are transported on a conveyor 11 in the direction of the arrow.
  • the bottle can be raised in the direction of the arrow through the opening 9.
  • the gap nozzles 4 shown in FIG. 1 are arranged at the edge of the opening 9 and generate the ram flow already mentioned for FIG. 1.
  • the treatment element 2 is located above the opening 9.
  • the treatment station 1 is thus provided outside the opening 9 of the clean gas space 8. If the bottle 3 shown in FIG. 4 is raised further to the position shown in FIG. 1, it can be treated in the same way as described in FIG. 1.
  • the ram flow shown in FIG. 4 in turn produces a gas curtain protecting the treatment station 1 upwards. Its downward component conveys clean gas into the clean gas space 8 and flushes it out for constant maintenance of cleanliness. The clean gas can escape from the exhaust air opening 10. Lock gates, not shown, can also serve as an exhaust air opening, through which bottles 3 are led into and out of the clean gas space 8.
  • the upward component of the ram flow flows outside, while the downward component into the clean gas space works against a resistance which is essentially determined by the size of the exhaust air opening 10. This can lead to too much air coming up from the ram flow and too little down into the clean gas space 8.
  • FIG. 5 shows in a variant of FIG. 4 that the gap nozzles 4 are directed obliquely downwards at the edge of the opening 9 of the clean gas space 8.
  • FIG. 5 shows in a variant of FIG. 4 that the gap nozzles 4 are directed obliquely downwards at the edge of the opening 9 of the clean gas space 8.
  • the gap nozzles 4 are directed obliquely downwards at the edge of the opening 9 of the clean gas space 8.
  • the gap nozzles 4 can be arranged in exactly the same direction as in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4.
  • the ratio of the upstream component of the ram flow to the downward component in the clean gas chamber 8 is determined in this embodiment by the cross-sectional ratio of the opening 13 to the exhaust air opening 10 and can be adjusted by their corresponding dimensioning.
  • the gas delivery ratio can also be influenced by inclining the gap nozzles 4.
  • An essential function of the screen walls 12 is to provide a shield against air currents hitting the side in the area of the treatment station. If there are strong air currents in the hall in which the construction shown in FIG. 6 is installed, these can disrupt the shielding glass component radiating upwards from the splitting nozzles 4 in the area of the treatment area 1 and thus contaminated air into the area of the treatment area Bring 1.
  • the screen walls 12 prevent this by lateral shielding. With such a lateral shielding, it is possible to work with the gap nozzles 4 at very low flow rates.
  • the screen walls 12 shown in FIG. 6 can also be provided with the same effect in the other illustrated embodiments, for example in the embodiment of FIG. 2 and also of FIG. 3.
  • the opening can be designed as a round hole under a single treatment element 2.
  • the gap nozzles 4 are then formed all around the edge of the hole as an annular nozzle according to the embodiment of FIG. 2.
  • a clean gas space can have several such openings.
  • the opening 9 of the constructions of FIGS. 4-6 can, however, also be designed as an elongated slot with parallel gap nozzles 4, as is shown in FIG. 3.
  • This opening slot does not have to be straight. It can also be curved in any curve.
  • the containers can be brought into the opening slot from the clean gas space by lifting, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the opening slot 9 can also run to the edge of the housing 7, so that the containers can be brought from there to the treatment position at a constant height.
  • Fig. 7 shows a top view of the upper wall of a housing 7 which encloses a clean gas space.
  • the feed and discharge conveyors 16 run through lock gates of the housing 7.
  • the opening 9 is arranged as an annular slot with gap nozzles 4a and 4b at its edges.
  • treatment organs are arranged which run around the carousel 14 and which are illustrated in FIG. are not shown.
  • the gap nozzle 4a which is located radially on the outside of the opening 9, is fixed in the upper wall of the housing 7.
  • the radially inner gap nozzle 4b rotates with the carousel 14, for example in the direction of the arrow shown.
  • the circumferential gap nozzle 4b can revolve with the part of the surface of the housing 7 which it surrounds, specifically with the circumferential part of the carousel machine 14 and with the treatment members arranged above the housing 7, that is to say outside.
  • Containers run over a transporter 16 and a star 15 onto the carousel 14 and circulate on the carousel 14 into the opening 9.
  • the containers to be treated can be on the transporters 16 and in the stars 15 in the lowered position, ie below the upper wall of the housing 7, are transported and must then be raised in the area of the slot opening 19.
  • the construction is preferably designed as shown in FIG. 7.
  • slot openings 9 ' extending from the slot opening 9 are provided, which are provided on both sides with fixed gap nozzles 4a and which extend to the edge of the Housing 7 run.
  • the containers can be guided through the entire machine at one level within this continuous slot guide.
  • FIGS. 4-6 all construction variants are possible, which are shown in FIGS. 4-6.
  • the column arrangement shown in FIG. 7 can also be provided free-standing without the housing 7, that is to say without a clean room below the gap nozzles.
  • the gap nozzles can then be arranged free-standing, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, but in the web guide shown in FIG. 7 with carousel 14 and stars 15. With such an arrangement, a particularly simple rotating sterile filling machine can be arranged to build.
  • FIG. 8 shows again, in a different configuration, the arrangement according to FIG. 1. The same reference numerals are used.
  • the slits of the gap nozzles 4 can be relatively wide. It is also shown that the container 3 with its mouth 6 can stand lower than shown in FIG. 1, specifically, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 8, for example at the intersection of the ram flow or also, as shown in broken lines , below the lower edge of the gap nozzles 4, that is within the downward flow component.
  • FIG. 9 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 1, but with screen walls 12, which are designed similarly to FIG. 6, but are adapted to flow in order to flow around the component 2 flowing upwards out of the gap nozzles 4 around the treatment element 2.
  • the arrangement according to FIG. 9 can advantageously correspond to the configuration of FIG. 3 and can be provided, for example, in a machine according to FIG. 7 without housing 7, as already mentioned.
  • FIG. 10 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 9, but integrated similarly to FIG. 6 into the housing 7 of a clean gas space 8, the screen walls 12 being in the opening tion of the housing 7 are set, which improves the design options.

Abstract

Equipment for treating open beverage containers ( 3 ), e.g. by filling or closing, comprising: a treatment site ( 1 ), to which a container ( 3 ) can be delivered for treatment, and at which a treatment element ( 2 ) is situated that acts upon the mouth ( 6 ) of the container ( 3 ) from above, and slit nozzles ( 4 ), which are situated to the side of the treatment site ( 1 ), and discharge clean gas, and which are designed for producing a gas curtain that protects the area of the mouth ( 6 ) of the container ( 3 ). The invention is characterized in that the slit nozzles ( 4 ) are placed in, in essence, oppositely oriented jet directions whereby between the slit nozzles ( 4 ), a pressure flow is produced having flow components exiting upward and downward from the area of the slit nozzles ( 4 ) perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (S).

Description

Behälterbehandlungsvorrichtung mit Gas Vorhang Container treatment device with gas curtain
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung der im Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 genannten Art.The invention relates to a device of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1.
Offene Getränkebehälter, wie z.B. Dosen oder Flaschen, müssen unter möglichst reinen Bedingungen behandelt werden, um Verunreinigungen des Behälters mit Keimen zu verhindern, die die Haltbarkeit und den Geschmack des Getränkes beeinträchtigen. Bei sauerstoffempfindlichen Getränken, wie z.B. Bier, muß während der Behandlung, z.B. während des Füllens, auch der Zutritt von Sauerstoff verhindert werden. Es ist dazu bekannt, die Behälter in einem die gesamte Vorrichtung umfassenden Reingasraum zu behandeln, was jedoch aufwendige Gehäusekonstruktionen erfordert.Open beverage containers, e.g. Cans or bottles must be treated under conditions that are as clean as possible to prevent contamination of the container with germs that affect the shelf life and taste of the beverage. For oxygen-sensitive beverages, e.g. Beer, during treatment, e.g. during filling, the access of oxygen can also be prevented. It is known to treat the containers in a clean gas space comprising the entire device, but this requires complex housing designs.
Eine gattungsgemäße Vorrichtung ist aus der DE 101 14 660 C2 bekannt, bei der lediglich der Bereich des Behandlungsplatzes mit einem Reingasvorhang gegen Zutritt von Keimen und Sauerstoff geschützt wird. Dazu ist bei dieser bekannten Konstruktion am Behandlungsorgan eine Spaltdüse angeordnet, die ringförmig um das Behandlungsorgan herum angeordnet ist und einen schlauchförmigen Gasvorhang in Richtung der Behälterachse nach unten abstrahlt. Bei dieser Konstruktion wird ein die Vorrichtung umgebender, konstruktiv aufwendiger Reingasraum vermieden. Nachteilig ist allerdings die Strömungsrichtung des Gasvorhanges vom Behandlungsorgan zum Behälter hin, die also auf die Behältermündung gerichtet ist. Den Gasvorhang durchdringende Verunreinigungen können dabei zur Mündung gedrückt werden und zu Verunreinigungen führen. Bei offener Füllung eines Behälters besteht ferner das Problem, dass aus dem Behälter austretende Luft, die zumeist mit Keimen oder Sauerstoff beladen ist, mit dem in Gegenrichtung strömenden Gasvorhang kollidiert und von diesem stark verwirbelt wird. Die störende Luft aus dem Behälter wird also nicht sauber abgeführt, sondern kann durch die Verwirbelung zum Füllgut hin, also wieder in den Behälter geführt werden, wo sie zu Verunreinigungen führt.A generic device is known from DE 101 14 660 C2, in which only the area of the treatment area is protected against the entry of germs and oxygen with a clean gas curtain. For this purpose, in this known construction, a gap nozzle is arranged on the treatment element, which is arranged in a ring around the treatment element and emits a tubular gas curtain downwards in the direction of the container axis. With this construction, a structurally complex clean gas space surrounding the device is avoided. However, the flow direction of the gas curtain from the treatment element to the container, which is therefore directed towards the container mouth, is disadvantageous. Contaminants penetrating the gas curtain can be pressed towards the mouth and lead to impurities. With an open filling of a container there is also the problem that air emerging from the container, which is usually loaded with germs or oxygen, collides with the gas curtain flowing in the opposite direction and is strongly swirled by the latter. The disruptive air from the container is therefore not discharged cleanly, but can be directed through the swirling towards the filling material, ie back into the container, where it leads to contamination.
Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, eine konstruktiv einfache, sicher gegen Verunreinigungen schützende Vorrichtung der gattungsgemäßen Art zu schaffen.The object of the present invention is to provide a structurally simple device of the generic type which protects reliably against contamination.
Diese Aufgabe wird mit den Merkmalen des Anspruches 1 gelöst.This object is achieved with the features of claim 1.
Erfindungsgemäß sind seitlich des Behandlungsplatzes Spaltdüsen angeordnet, die Reingas aufeinander zu abstrahlen. Zwischen den Spaltdüsen entsteht somit eine Stauströmung, in der die aufeinanderprallenden Gasstrahlen zu beiden Seiten in Richtung der Achse des Behandlungsplatzes, also nach oben und unten abgelenkt werden. Von den beiden gegeneinander abstrahlenden Spaltdüsen verläuft eine in der Stauströmung oberhalb einer durch die beiden Spaltmitten verlaufenden Symmetrieebene liegende Komponente nach oben und eine andere Komponente nach unten. Wenn der Behälter mit seiner Mündung in einer der Strömungskomponenten angeordnet ist, befindet er sich in der völlig reinen, von den Spaltdüsen zugeführten Strömung und ist somit vor Verunreinigung während der Behandlung völlig geschützt. Es ergibt sich ein beidseitig den Behandlungsplatz umschließender Reingasvorhang, der auch das Behandlungsorgan umschließt. Ein die Vorrichtung umgebender Reinraum kann völlig eingespart werden. Nur mit Gasströmungen kann in freier Atmosphäre ein strömungsdynamisch den Behandlungsplatz umgebender "Reinraum" erzeugt werden. Innerhalb des schützenden Gasvorhanges können alle Behälterbehandlungsvorgänge gut geschützt ausgeführt werden. Wenn das Behandlungsorgan als Füllorgan ausgebildet ist, so kann dieses zu geschlossener Füllung an die Mündung des Behälters gepresst werden. Es wird dann vor dem Aufsetzen und nach dem Abziehen des Füllorga- nes der Zutritt von Verunreinigungen verhindert. Insbesondere kann auch offen gefüllt werden, also mit während der Füllung bestehendem Abstand zwischen Füllorgan und Behälter. Ist das Behandlungsorgan als Verschließorgan ausgebildet, so wird vor dem Verschließen der Zutritt von Verunreinigungen verhindert.According to the invention, gap nozzles are arranged on the side of the treatment station, to jet the clean gas onto one another. A ram flow thus arises between the gap nozzles, in which the colliding gas jets are deflected on both sides in the direction of the axis of the treatment station, that is to say upwards and downwards. Of the two gap nozzles radiating against each other, one component lying in the ram flow above a plane of symmetry running through the two gap centers runs upwards and another component runs downwards. If the container is arranged with its mouth in one of the flow components, it is in the completely pure flow supplied by the splitting nozzles and is therefore free from contamination during the Treatment completely protected. The result is a clean gas curtain that encloses the treatment site on both sides and that also encloses the treatment organ. A clean room surrounding the device can be completely saved. Only with gas flows can a "clean room" surrounding the treatment area dynamically in terms of flow dynamics be created. All container treatment processes can be carried out well protected within the protective gas curtain. If the treatment element is designed as a filling element, it can be pressed against the mouth of the container to form a closed filling. The entry of impurities is then prevented before putting on and after the filling organ has been removed. In particular, it is also possible to fill openly, that is to say with the distance between the filling element and the container existing during the filling. If the treatment member is designed as a closing member, the entry of contaminants is prevented before the closing member.
Die Behältermündung kann in der nach unten aus den Spaltdüsen austretenden Strömungskomponente angeordnet werden. Vorzugsweise sind jedoch die Merkmale des Anspruches 2 vorgesehen. Bei Anordnung der Symmetrieebene unterhalb der Mündung des Behälters ergibt sich oberhalb der Symmetrieebene ein an der Mündung vorbeilaufender Reingasvorhang, der den gesamten Behandlungsplatz gegen Verunreinigungen schützt. Der andere Teil der Stauströmung verläuft nach unten am Behälter vorbei und verhindert, dass der nach oben gerichtete Teil des Staustrahles aus dem Bereich zwischen den Düsen und dem Behälter von unten unreines Gas ansaugt. Die an der Mündung vorbei vom Behälter zum Behandlungsorgan gerichtete Reingasströmung ist somit gegen Eindringen von Verunreinigungen hervorragend geschützt und ist an der Behältermündung von diesem weg gerichtet, so dass kein Gas in den Behälter oder zur Mündung hin gedrückt wird, sondern vielmehr durch den aufwärts gerichteten Gasvorhang eine Transportwirkung entsteht, die am Behälter vorhandene Verunreinigungen mitnimmt und insbesondere auch aus dem Behälter während des Füllvorganges aus- tretende Luft mitnimmt. Da die austretende Luft und der Gasvorhang dieselbe Richtung haben, werden störende Verwirbelungen, die zum Transport von Verunreinigungen in ungewollte Richtungen führen würden, vermieden.The container mouth can be arranged in the flow component emerging downwards from the gap nozzles. However, the features of claim 2 are preferably provided. If the plane of symmetry is arranged below the mouth of the container, a clean gas curtain which runs past the mouth and which protects the entire treatment station against contamination is obtained above the plane of symmetry. The other part of the ram flow runs down past the container and prevents the upward part of the ram jet from drawing in impure gas from below from the area between the nozzles and the container. The clean gas flow directed past the mouth from the container to the treatment element is thus superbly protected against the ingress of contaminants and is directed away from the container mouth so that no gas is pressed into the container or towards the mouth, but rather through the upward-directed gas curtain a transport effect arises, which picks up any contamination present on the container and in particular also removes it from the container during the filling process entraining air. Since the escaping air and the gas curtain have the same direction, disturbing eddies that would lead to the transport of contaminants in unwanted directions are avoided.
Vorzugsweise sind gemäß Anspruch 3 die Spaltdüsen in freier Atmosphäre angeordnet, woraus sich, wie bereits erwähnt, eine besonders einfache Konstruktion ergibt, die einen Reinraumgehäuse überflüssig macht.Preferably, the gap nozzles are arranged in a free atmosphere, which, as already mentioned, results in a particularly simple construction which makes a clean room housing superfluous.
Die Spaltdüsen können an einem einzelnen Behandlungsplatz als Ringdüse vorgesehen sein. Vorteilhaft ist jedoch gemäß Anspruch 4 an einer Reihe von Behandlungsplätzen zu beiden Seiten der Reihe je eine parallel zur Reihe verlaufende Spaltdüse vorgesehen. Diese Konstruktion ist sowohl für Linearmaschinen als auch für Rundläufer geeignet.The gap nozzles can be provided as a ring nozzle at a single treatment station. However, according to claim 4, a gap nozzle running parallel to the row is advantageously provided on both sides of the row at a row of treatment stations. This construction is suitable for both linear machines and rotary machines.
Vorteilhaft sind dabei die Merkmale des Anspruches 5 vorgesehen. Auf diese Weise kann z.B. bei einem Rundläufer die radial außenliegende Spaltdüse feststehend und die radial innenliegende Spaltdüse mit dem umlaufenden Maschinenkarussell mitlaufend ausgebildet sein.The features of claim 5 are advantageously provided. In this way e.g. in the case of a rotary machine, the radially outer gap nozzle is stationary and the radially inner gap nozzle is designed to move with the rotating machine carousel.
Vorteilhaft sind die Merkmale des Anspruches 6 vorgesehen. Hierbei werden die Behälter in einem von einem Gehäuse umschlossenen Reingasraum dem Behandlungsplatz zugeführt und von diesem abgeführt. Der Behandlungsplatz liegt außerhalb des Reingasraumes und ist von diesem her durch eine Öffnung des Gehäuses des Reingasraumes zugänglich, durch die die Behälter zum Behandlungsraum geführt und wieder in diesen zurückgezogen werden. Am Rand der Öffnung sind die Spaltdüsen angeordnet. Hier kann wiederum bei einem Einzelbehandlungsplatz eine Ringdüse vorgesehen sein oder z.B. bei einem Rundläufer an einer langgestreckten Öffnung an jedem der Ränder eine Spaltdüse, von denen wiederum die eine feststehend und die andere mitlaufend angeordnet sein kann. Es ergibt sich eine Behandlungsvorrichtung, bei der die Behälter durchgehend in Reingasatmosphäre gehalten werden, und zwar entweder in dem Reingasraum oder im Behandlungsplatz, der durch den Reingasvorhang der Spaltdüsen geschützt ist. Als großer Vorteil hierbei ergibt sich, dass die Behandlungsorgane außerhalb des Reingasraumes angeordnet werden können, was die Konstruktion wesentlich erleichtert und auch den offenen Zugang zum Behandlungsplatz, z.B. bei Störungen, ermöglicht.The features of claim 6 are advantageously provided. Here, the containers are supplied to and removed from the treatment station in a clean gas space enclosed by a housing. The treatment area is located outside the clean gas space and is accessible from this through an opening in the housing of the clean gas space, through which the containers are guided to the treatment space and withdrawn again into the latter. The gap nozzles are arranged at the edge of the opening. Here, in turn, an annular nozzle can be provided at a single treatment station or, for example, in the case of a rotary machine at an elongated opening at each of the edges, a gap nozzle, one of which in turn can be arranged in a fixed manner and the other can move along. The result is a treatment device in which the containers are kept continuously in a clean gas atmosphere, either in the clean gas room or in the treatment station, which is protected by the clean gas curtain of the gap nozzles. A great advantage here is that the treatment organs can be arranged outside the clean gas space, which considerably simplifies the construction and also enables open access to the treatment station, for example in the event of faults.
Vorteilhaft sind die Merkmale des Anspruches 7 vorgesehen. Durch Schrägstellung der Spaltdüsen nach oben oder unten können die Anteile der nach oben und unten strömenden Komponenten der Stauströmung relativ zueinander verändert werden. Je nach geometrischer Konfiguration des Behandlungsplatzes läßt sich somit die Umströmung z.B. des Behälters oder des Behandlungsorganes verbessern. Sind die Spaltdüsen gemäß Anspruch 6 in der Öffnung eines Reingasraumes angeordnet, so kann die aus den Spaltdüsen in den Reingasraum strömende Komponente zu dessen Durchspülung verwendet werden und es kann durch Schrägstellung der Spaltdüsen die Spülkomponente gegenüber der nach oben austretenden, den Behandlungsplatz umspülenden Komponente relativ verstellt werden. Dabei ist zu beachten, dass die an einer Öffnung des Reingasraumes erzeugte Stauströmung nach außen ins Freie hin einen geringeren Widerstand vorfindet als nach innen zum Reingasraum hin.The features of claim 7 are advantageously provided. By tilting the slit nozzles upwards or downwards, the proportions of the components of the ram flow flowing up and down can be changed relative to one another. Depending on the geometrical configuration of the treatment area, the flow around e.g. improve the container or the treatment organ. If the gap nozzles are arranged in the opening of a clean gas space, then the component flowing from the gap nozzles into the clean gas space can be used for purging them, and the flushing component can be relatively adjusted by tilting the gap nozzles with respect to the component that flows upwards and flushes around the treatment area become. It should be noted that the ram flow generated at an opening of the clean gas space to the outside has less resistance than to the inside towards the clean gas space.
Vorteilhaft sind die Merkmale des Anspruches 8 vorgesehen. An die Spaltdüsen anschließende, den Behandlungsplatz umgebende Schirmwände, schirmen den Behandlungsplatz seitlich ab und verhindern, dass seitlich an den Behandlungsplatz gelangende Luftströmungen der Atmosphäre zu Verwirbelungen im Bereich des Behandlungsplatzes führen. Die Schirmwände sorgen also dafür, dass die den Behandlungsplatz umspülende Komponente aus den Spaltdüsen ungestört bleiben. Die Schirmwände können auch in besonderer Formgebung zur Strömungs- lenkung der Strömungskomponente der Spaltdüsen verwendet werden. Ferner können die Schirmwände zur Erzeugung eines die Strömungskomponente bremsenden Effektes verwendet werden, um den Anteil der nach oben strömenden Komponente gegenüber dem Anteil der nach unten strömenden Komponente auf einen gewünschten Wert einzustellen.The features of claim 8 are advantageously provided. Screen walls adjoining the gap nozzles and surrounding the treatment area shield the treatment area from the side and prevent air currents from the atmosphere reaching the treatment area from causing turbulence in the area of the treatment area. The screen walls ensure that the components that wash around the treatment area remain undisturbed from the gap nozzles. The screen walls can also have a special shape for flow steering the flow component of the gap nozzles are used. Furthermore, the screen walls can be used to produce an effect which brakes the flow component, in order to set the proportion of the component flowing upwards to a desired value in relation to the component of the component flowing downwards.
In den Zeichnungen ist die Erfindung beispielsweise und schematisch dargestellt. Es zeigen:The invention is shown schematically and by way of example in the drawings. Show it:
Fig. 1 die Seitenansicht eines einfachen Behandlungsplatzes,1 is a side view of a simple treatment place,
Fig. 2 eine Draufsicht im Schnitt nach Linie 2 - 2 in Fig. 1 auf einen Einzelbehandlungsplatz mit Ringdüse,2 shows a plan view in section along line 2-2 in FIG. 1 of an individual treatment station with an annular nozzle,
Fig. 3 in Ansicht, entsprechend Fig. 2 die Draufsicht auf eine Anordnung mit mehreren in einer Reihe angeordneten Behandlungsplätzen mit zwei parallelen Spaltdüsen,3 in view, corresponding to FIG. 2, the top view of an arrangement with a plurality of treatment stations arranged in a row with two parallel gap nozzles,
Fig. 4 Spaltdüsen an der Öffnung eines Reingasraumes,4 gap nozzles at the opening of a clean gas space,
Fig. 5, 6 Ausführungsvarianten zu Fig. 4,5, 6 variants of Fig. 4,
Fig. 7 eine Draufsicht auf einen Reingasraum für eine Rundläufermaschine, mit einer mit Spaltdüsen versehenen Ringöffnung,7 is a plan view of a clean gas space for a rotary machine, with an annular opening provided with gap nozzles,
Fig. 8 eine schematische Darstellung des Bereiches der Spaltdüsen entsprechend Fig. 1, jedoch in etwas anderer Konfiguration,8 is a schematic representation of the area of the gap nozzles corresponding to FIG. 1, but in a somewhat different configuration,
Fig. 9 eine Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1, jedoch mit Schirmwänden und Fig. 10 eine Darstellung entsprechend Fig. 9, jedoch mit einem unteren Reingasraum.Fig. 9 is an illustration according to FIG. 1, but with screen walls and Fig. 10 is an illustration corresponding to FIG. 9, but with a lower clean gas space.
Fig. 1 zeigt stark schematisiert einen Behandlungsplatz 1 mit einem Behandlungsorgan 2, unter dem in Behandlungsstellung stehend, eine Flasche 3 angeordnet ist. In Höhe der Flasche 3, z.B., wie dargestellt, in Höhe des Halses, also des oberen Endbereiches der Flasche 3, sind zu beiden Seiten des Behandlungsplatzes Spaltdüsen 4 angeordnet. Diese erstrecken sich mit ihrer Spaltrichtung senkrecht zur Zeichnungsebene und werden jeweils aus einem Gasrohr 5 versorgt, das in nicht dargestellter Weise an eine Dmckgasversorgung für Reingas angeschlossen ist. Das Reingas soll in erster Linie keimfrei sein. Üblicher Weise wird daher für solche Zwecke Sterilluft verwendet. Sollen sauerstoffempfindliche Getränke, wie z.B. Bier, gefüllt werden, so muß sauerstofffreies Reingas verwendet werden, wie beispielsweise CO2 oder N2.1 shows a highly schematized treatment station 1 with a treatment organ 2, under which a bottle 3 is arranged in the treatment position. At the level of the bottle 3, for example, as shown, at the level of the neck, ie the upper end region of the bottle 3, gap nozzles 4 are arranged on both sides of the treatment area. These extend with their splitting direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and are each supplied from a gas pipe 5 which is connected in a manner not shown to a dirty gas supply for clean gas. The clean gas should primarily be germ-free. Sterile air is therefore usually used for such purposes. If oxygen-sensitive beverages such as beer are to be filled, then oxygen-free clean gas must be used, such as CO 2 or N 2 .
Wie Fig. 1 zeigt, sind die Spaltdüsen aufeinander zu ausgerichtet, strahlen also gegeneinander unter Erzeugung einer mit Strömungspfeilen angedeuteten Stauströmung, die mit anwesender Flasche und ebenso auch bei während des Behälterwechsels abwesender Flasche nach oben und nach unten gerichtete Strömungskomponenten erzeugt. Fig. 1 zeigt die gestrichelte Linie S, die durch die Mitte der beiden Spaltdüsen 4 verläuft. Es handelt sich hierbei um die Symmetrieebene der Stauströmung. Gas oberhalb der Symmetrieebene S strömt nach oben, unterhalb der Symmetrieebene nach unten.As shown in FIG. 1, the gap nozzles are aligned towards one another, that is to say they radiate against one another to produce a flow flow indicated by flow arrows, which, with the bottle present and also with the bottle absent during the container change, produces upward and downward flow components. Fig. 1 shows the dashed line S, which runs through the center of the two gap nozzles 4. This is the level of symmetry of the ram flow. Gas above the plane of symmetry S flows upwards, below the plane of symmetry downwards.
Die nach oben gerichtete Strömungskomponente ergibt einen an der Mündung 6 der Flasche vorbei und am Behandlungsorgan 2 vorbei strömenden, von beiden Seiten den Behandlungsplatz 1 umschließenden Reingasvorhang, der aus der unreinen umgebenden Atmosphäre zuströmende Luft fernhält. Der Bereich der Mündung 6 der Flasche 3 und der untere Endbereich des Behandlungsorganes 2 werden also keimfrei und ggf. sauerstofffrei gehalten. Um diese Strömungsrichtung des Gas Vorhanges im Bereich der Mündung 6 zu erreichen, kann die Symmetrieebene S, wie in Fig. 1 dargestellt, unterhalb der Mündung 6 liegen. Sie liegt beispielsweise im Höhenbereich des Halses einer Flasche bzw., falls es sich bei dem Behälter z.B. um eine Getränkedose handelt, im oberen Endbereich der Dose, jeweils bezogen auf die Höhenstellung des Behälters, in der er bearbeitet wird.The upward flow component results in a clean gas curtain flowing past the mouth 6 of the bottle and past the treatment element 2, enclosing the treatment station 1 from both sides, which keeps air flowing in from the impure surrounding atmosphere. The area of The mouth 6 of the bottle 3 and the lower end region of the treatment element 2 are thus kept germ-free and possibly oxygen-free. In order to achieve this flow direction of the gas curtain in the region of the mouth 6, the plane of symmetry S, as shown in FIG. 1, can be below the mouth 6. It lies, for example, in the height region of the neck of a bottle or, if the container is, for example, a beverage can, in the upper end region of the can, in each case based on the height position of the container in which it is processed.
Im dargestellten Ausführungsfall der Fig. 1 sind die Spaltdüsen 4 mit relativ schmalem Spalt ausgeführt. Der Spalt kann jedoch auch wesentlich breiter sein, z.B. eine Breite aufweisen, die etwa der Höhenabmessung des Behälters entspricht. Auch hier ergeben sich die bereits diskutierten Strömungsanteile der Stauströmung, die oberhalb der Symmetrieebene S nach oben und unterhalb dieser Ebene nach unten gerichtet sind.In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the gap nozzles 4 are designed with a relatively narrow gap. However, the gap can also be significantly wider, e.g. have a width that corresponds approximately to the height dimension of the container. The flow components of the ram flow, which have already been discussed, also result here, which are directed upwards above the plane of symmetry S and downwards below this plane.
Der aus der von den Spaltdüsen 4 erzeugten Stauströmung entstehende Luftvorhang ist nach oben gerichtet und erzeugt eine Saugwirkung an der Mündung 6 der Flasche, so dass in und an dieser befindliche oder entstehende Verunreinigungen wirbelfrei mitgenommen werden.The air curtain generated by the ram flow 4 is directed upwards and creates a suction effect at the mouth 6 of the bottle, so that impurities located in or on it are entrained without entrainment.
Die Flasche 3 ist in Fig. 1 in Behandlungsstellung dargestellt. Sie wird durch Anheben von unten in die dargestellte Stellung gebracht oder in Richtung senkrecht zur Zeichnungsebene in die Arbeitsstellung unter dem Behandlungsorgan 2 gebracht. Dazu benötigte Transport- und Hebeeinrichtungen sind zur zeichnerischen Vereinfachung weggelassen. Sie können dem üblichen Stand der Technik entsprechen. Auch eine Höhenbewegung des Behandlungsplatzes mit Spaltdüsen 4 und Behandlungsorgan 2 gegenüber der höhenfest stehende Flasche 3 ist möglich. Das Behandlungsorgan 2 kann ein Füllorgan sein, das durch Relativbewegung zwischen Behandlungsorgan 2 und Flasche 3 abdichtend auf die Mündung 6 gesetzt wird. Das Füllorgan kann jedoch auch im dargestellten Höhenabstand offen füllend ausgebildet sein. Ferner kann das Behandlungsorgan 2 auch zu anderen Zwecken, z.B. zum Verschließen dienen und beispielsweise als Kronkorkenver- schließkopf oder Schraubkopf ausgebildet sein.The bottle 3 is shown in Fig. 1 in the treatment position. It is brought into the position shown by lifting from below or brought into the working position under the treatment element 2 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Transport and lifting equipment required for this purpose are omitted to simplify the drawing. They can correspond to the usual state of the art. A height movement of the treatment station with gap nozzles 4 and treatment element 2 relative to the bottle 3, which is fixed in height, is also possible. The treatment element 2 can be a filling element, which is placed sealingly on the mouth 6 by relative movement between the treatment element 2 and the bottle 3. However, the filling element can also be designed to be open and filling in the illustrated height distance. Furthermore, the treatment element 2 can also be used for other purposes, for example for closing, and can be designed, for example, as a crown cap closing head or screw head.
Wie Fig. 1 zeigt, erzeugt die von den Spaltdüsen 4 erzeugte Stauströmung auch eine abwärts gerichtete Komponente. Diese sorgt dafür, dass keine Fremdluft von unten in den Raum zwischen den Spaltdüsen 4 einströmen und von der nach oben gerichteten Komponente angesaugt werden kann. Die nach unten gerichtete Komponente ergibt also eine untere Abdichtung des von dem nach oben gerichteten Gas Vorhangs umschlossenen Behandlungsplatzes und macht an dieser Stelle mechanische Abdichtungen entbehrlich.As shown in FIG. 1, the ram flow generated by the gap nozzles 4 also generates a downward component. This ensures that no outside air flows into the space between the gap nozzles 4 from below and can be sucked in by the upward-pointing component. The downward-facing component thus results in a lower seal of the treatment area enclosed by the upward-facing gas curtain and makes mechanical seals unnecessary at this point.
Anstelle, wie erwähnt, bei höhenfest stehenden Spaltdüsen 4 die Flasche 3 von unten in Behandlungsstellung zu bringen, können auch bei höhenfest gehaltener Flasche die Spaltdüsen aus einer angehobenen Behälterwechselstellung in die dargestellte Behandlungsstellung gebracht werden.Instead of, as mentioned, bringing the bottle 3 into the treatment position from below when the gap nozzles 4 are at a fixed height, the gap nozzles can also be brought from a raised container change position into the treatment position shown, even when the bottle is kept at a fixed height.
Anstelle der dargestellten Flaschen 3 können auch andere Behälter z.B. Getränkedosen behandelt werden.Instead of the bottles 3 shown, other containers e.g. Beverage cans are treated.
Fig. 2 zeigt in Draufsicht im Schnitt gemäß 2 - 2 in Fig. 1 eine Ausführungsvariante für einen Einzelbehandlungsplatz 1 mit einem einzelnen Behandlungsorgan 2 (in Fig. 2 nicht dargestellt). Die Spaltdüsen 4 sind in diesem Fall als Ring ausgebildet, wie dies Fig. 2 zeigt. Es ergibt sich ein zur Achse des Behandlungsplan zes 1 rotationssymmetrischer, von der Stauströmung erzeugter Schlauchvorhang, der den Behandlungsplatz schützend umschließt.FIG. 2 shows a top view in section according to FIGS. 2-2 in FIG. 1, an embodiment variant for an individual treatment station 1 with an individual treatment organ 2 (not shown in FIG. 2). In this case, the gap nozzles 4 are designed as a ring, as shown in FIG. 2. This results in an axis to the treatment plan zes 1 rotationally symmetrical hose curtain generated by the ram flow, which protects the treatment area.
Fig. 3 zeigt eine bevorzugte Ausführungsvariante der Konstruktion der Fig. 1 im Schnitt nach Linie 2 - 2. Hierbei sind in einer Reihe mehrere Behandlungsplätze 1 vorgesehen mit jeweils einer Flasche. Die Spaltdüsen 4 erstrecken sich parallel zur Reihe der Behandlungsplätze zu beiden Seiten und sind im Ausführungsbeispiel gerade ausgebildet. Es kann sich zum Beispiel um einen Parallelfüller handeln, bei dem mehrere Flaschen im Takt gleichzeitig einer Reihe von Behandlungsplätzen zugeführt werden. Die Flaschen können in dem Schlitz, der von den beiden Spaltdüsen 4 gebildet wird, auch in Pfeilrichtung transportiert werden, wobei beispielsweise die nicht dargestellten Behandlungsorgane zur Bewegung der Flaschen mitgeführt werden. Die dargestellten Flaschen oder sonstige hier zu behandelnden Behälter können, wie zu Fig. 2 erläutert, von unten zwischen die parallelen Spaltdüsen 4 angehoben werden oder können in konstanter Höhe transportiert werden und von einem Ende der linearen Konstruktion her zwischen die Spaltdüsen eingeführt werden, z.B. in der dargestellten Pfeilrichtung.Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the construction of Fig. 1 in section along line 2 - 2. Here, a number of treatment stations 1 are provided in a row, each with a bottle. The gap nozzles 4 extend parallel to the row of treatment stations on both sides and are straight in the embodiment. For example, it can be a parallel filler in which several bottles are fed to a number of treatment stations at the same time. The bottles can also be transported in the slot which is formed by the two gap nozzles 4 in the direction of the arrow, with the treatment elements (not shown) for moving the bottles being carried, for example. The bottles shown or other containers to be treated here can, as explained in relation to Fig. 2, be lifted from below between the parallel gap nozzles 4 or can be transported at a constant height and inserted from one end of the linear construction between the gap nozzles, e.g. in the direction of the arrow shown.
Die in Fig. 3 dargestellten beiden Spaltdüsen 4 können feststehend angeordnet sein. Es kann jedoch auch eine der beiden Spaltdüsen feststehend und die andere in Pfeilrichtung bewegbar vorgesehen sein.The two gap nozzles 4 shown in FIG. 3 can be arranged in a fixed manner. However, one of the two gap nozzles can also be stationary and the other can be provided to be movable in the direction of the arrow.
Fig. 4 zeigt einen von einem Gehäuse 7 umschlossenen Reingasraum 8 mit einer oberen Öffnung 9 und einer Abluftöffnung 10. Innerhalb des Reingasraumes 8 werden die Flaschen 3 auf einem Transporteur 11 in Pfeilrichtung transportiert. Bei Position einer Flasche 3 unterhalb der Öffnung 9 kann die Flasche in Pfeilrichtung bis durch die Öffnung 9 angehoben werden. Am Rand der Öffnung 9 sind die in Fig. 1 dargestellten Spaltdüsen 4 angeordnet und erzeugen die bereits zu Fig. 1 erwähnte Stauströmung. Oberhalb der Öffnung 9 steht das Behandlungsorgan 2. Es wird somit der Behandlungsplatz 1 außerhalb der Öffnung 9 des Reingasraumes 8 vorgesehen. Ist die in Fig. 4 angehoben dargestellte Flasche 3 weiter angehoben bis in die Fig. 1 dargestellte Stellung, so kann sie in gleicher Weise wie in Fig. 1 beschrieben, behandelt werden.4 shows a clean gas space 8 enclosed by a housing 7 with an upper opening 9 and an exhaust air opening 10. Inside the clean gas space 8, the bottles 3 are transported on a conveyor 11 in the direction of the arrow. When a bottle 3 is positioned below the opening 9, the bottle can be raised in the direction of the arrow through the opening 9. The gap nozzles 4 shown in FIG. 1 are arranged at the edge of the opening 9 and generate the ram flow already mentioned for FIG. 1. The treatment element 2 is located above the opening 9. The treatment station 1 is thus provided outside the opening 9 of the clean gas space 8. If the bottle 3 shown in FIG. 4 is raised further to the position shown in FIG. 1, it can be treated in the same way as described in FIG. 1.
Die in Fig. 4 dargestellte Stauströmung erzeugt wiederum nach oben hin einen den Behandlungsplatz 1 schützenden Gasvorhang. Ihre abwärts gerichtete Komponente fördert Reingas in den Reingasraum 8 und durchspült diesen zur ständigen Aufrechterhaltung der Sauberkeit. Aus der Abluftöffnung 10 kann das Reingas entweichen. Als Abluftöffnung können auch nicht dargestellte Schleusentore dienen, durch die Flaschen 3 in den Reingasraum 8 hinein und aus diesem herausgeführt werden.The ram flow shown in FIG. 4 in turn produces a gas curtain protecting the treatment station 1 upwards. Its downward component conveys clean gas into the clean gas space 8 and flushes it out for constant maintenance of cleanliness. The clean gas can escape from the exhaust air opening 10. Lock gates, not shown, can also serve as an exhaust air opening, through which bottles 3 are led into and out of the clean gas space 8.
Bei der Ausführungsform der Fig. 4 strömt die nach oben gerichtete Komponente der Stauströmung ins Freie, während die abwärts in den Reingasraum gerichtete Komponente gegen einen Widerstand arbeitet, der im wesentlichen durch die Größe der Abluftöffnung 10 bestimmt ist. Dies kann dazu führen, dass aus der Stauströmung zuviel Luft nach oben und zu wenig nach unten in den Reingasraum 8 gelangt.In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the upward component of the ram flow flows outside, while the downward component into the clean gas space works against a resistance which is essentially determined by the size of the exhaust air opening 10. This can lead to too much air coming up from the ram flow and too little down into the clean gas space 8.
Fig. 5 zeigt in einer Variante zu Fig. 4, dass am Rand der Öffnung 9 des Reingasraumes 8 die Spaltdüsen 4 schräg abwärts gerichtet sind. Hierdurch ergibt sich wie in Fig. 5 dargestellt, eine asymmetrische Stauströmung mit einer stärkeren abwärts gerichteten Komponente. Dadurch kann der der abwärts gerichteten Komponente entgegengesetzte Widerstand überwunden werden. Durch Einstellung des Schrägwinkels der Spaltdüsen 4 kann dafür Sorge getragen werden, dass die aufwärts gerichtete Komponente der Stauströmung im gewünschten Verhält- nis zur abwärts gerichteten Komponente steht. Auch bei der Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 , also ohne Reingasraum, kann die in Fig. 5 dargestellte Schrägstellung der Spaltdüsen 4 dazu verwendet werden, die nach oben bzw. nach unten aus dem Bereich der Spaltdüsen 4 austretenden Strömungskomponenten in ihrer relativen Stärke auf einen gewünschten Wert einzustellen. Es kann z.B. dafür gesorgt werden, dass mehr Gas nach oben um das Behandlungsorgan 2 strömt.FIG. 5 shows in a variant of FIG. 4 that the gap nozzles 4 are directed obliquely downwards at the edge of the opening 9 of the clean gas space 8. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, there is an asymmetrical ram flow with a stronger downward component. This can overcome the resistance opposed to the downward component. By adjusting the oblique angle of the gap nozzles 4, it can be ensured that the upward component of the ram flow in the desired ratio nis to the downward component. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 1, that is to say without a clean gas space, the inclined position of the gap nozzles 4 shown in FIG. 5 can be used to adjust the flow components emerging upwards or downwards from the region of the gap nozzles 4 to a desired strength Value. For example, it can be ensured that more gas flows upward around the treatment element 2.
Fig. 6 zeigt eine weitere Variante hierzu, bei der außerhalb der Öffnung 9 den Behandlungsplatz 1 umgebende Schirmwände 12 vorgesehen sind, die mit einer Öffnung 13 zur Atmosphäre offen sind. Die Spaltdüsen 4 können in diesem Fall, wie gemäß Figur 1 oder Fig. 4 genau gegeneinander gerichtet angeordnet sein. Das Verhältnis der nach oben strömenden Komponente der Stauströmung zur nach unten in den Reingasraum 8 strömenden Komponente wird bei dieser Ausführungsform durch das Querschnittsverhältnis der Öffnung 13 zur Abluftöffnung 10 bestimmt und kann durch deren entsprechende Dimensionierang eingestellt werden. Zusätzlich kann auch bei der Ausführungsform der Fig. 6 durch Schrägstellung der Spaltdüsen 4 das Gasförderverhältnis beeinflusst werden.6 shows a further variant of this, in which screen walls 12 are provided outside the opening 9 and surround the treatment station 1 and are open to the atmosphere with an opening 13. In this case, the gap nozzles 4 can be arranged in exactly the same direction as in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4. The ratio of the upstream component of the ram flow to the downward component in the clean gas chamber 8 is determined in this embodiment by the cross-sectional ratio of the opening 13 to the exhaust air opening 10 and can be adjusted by their corresponding dimensioning. In addition, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the gas delivery ratio can also be influenced by inclining the gap nozzles 4.
Eine wesentliche Funktion der Schirmwände 12 besteht darin, im Bereich des Behandlungsplatzes eine Abschirmung gegen seitlich auftreffende Luftströmungen zu ergeben. Wenn in der Halle, in der die in Fig. 6 dargestellte Konstruktion aufgestellt ist, starke Luftströmungen herrschen, so können diese im Bereich des Behandlungsplatzes 1 die von den Spaltdüsen 4 nach oben abstrahlende, abschirmende Glaskomponente stören und somit verunreinigte Luft in den Bereich des Behandlungsplatzes 1 bringen. Die Schirmwände 12 verhindern dies durch seitliche Abschirmung. Mit einer solchen seitlichen Abschirmung ist es möglich, bei den Spaltdüsen 4 mit sehr geringen Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten zu arbeiten. Die in Fig. 6 dargestellten Schirmwände 12 können auch mit derselben Wirkung bei den übrigen dargestellten Ausführungsformen, beispielsweise bei der Ausführungsform der Fig. 2 und auch der Fig. 3 vorgesehen sein.An essential function of the screen walls 12 is to provide a shield against air currents hitting the side in the area of the treatment station. If there are strong air currents in the hall in which the construction shown in FIG. 6 is installed, these can disrupt the shielding glass component radiating upwards from the splitting nozzles 4 in the area of the treatment area 1 and thus contaminated air into the area of the treatment area Bring 1. The screen walls 12 prevent this by lateral shielding. With such a lateral shielding, it is possible to work with the gap nozzles 4 at very low flow rates. The screen walls 12 shown in FIG. 6 can also be provided with the same effect in the other illustrated embodiments, for example in the embodiment of FIG. 2 and also of FIG. 3.
Bei den in den Figuren 4, 5 und 6 dargestellten Konstruktionen kann jeweils die Öffnung als rundes Loch unter einem einzigen Behandlungsorgan 2 ausgebildet sein. Die Spaltdüsen 4 sind dann am Rand des Loches umlaufend als Ringdüse entsprechend der Ausführungsform der Fig. 2 ausgebildet. Ein Reingasraum kann mehrere solcher Öffnungen aufweisen.In the constructions shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the opening can be designed as a round hole under a single treatment element 2. The gap nozzles 4 are then formed all around the edge of the hole as an annular nozzle according to the embodiment of FIG. 2. A clean gas space can have several such openings.
Die Öffnung 9 der Konstruktionen der Figuren 4 - 6 kann jedoch auch als langgestreckter Schlitz mit parallelstehenden Spaltdüsen 4 ausgebildet sein, so wie dies in Fig. 3 dargestellt ist. Dabei muß dieser Öffnungsschlitz nicht gerade ausgebildet sein. Er kann auch in beliebiger Kurvenführung gebogen ausgebildet sein. In den Öffnungsschlitz können die Behälter aus dem Reingasraum her durch Anheben gebracht werden, wie in Fig. 4 dargestellt. Der Öffnungsschlitz 9 kann jedoch auch bis zum Rand des Gehäuses 7 laufen, so dass die Behälter von dort her auf konstanter Höhe laufend bis in Behandlungsstellung gebracht werden können.The opening 9 of the constructions of FIGS. 4-6 can, however, also be designed as an elongated slot with parallel gap nozzles 4, as is shown in FIG. 3. This opening slot does not have to be straight. It can also be curved in any curve. The containers can be brought into the opening slot from the clean gas space by lifting, as shown in FIG. 4. However, the opening slot 9 can also run to the edge of the housing 7, so that the containers can be brought from there to the treatment position at a constant height.
Fig. 7 zeigt in Draufsicht die obere Wand eines Gehäuses 7, das einen Reingasraum umschließt. In diesem steht eine Karussellmaschine 14, z.B. ein Füller, der über Zu- und Ablaufsterne 15 und Transporteure 16 mit Behältern versorgt wird. Die zu- und abführenden Transporteure 16 verlaufen durch Schleusentore des Gehäuses 7.Fig. 7 shows a top view of the upper wall of a housing 7 which encloses a clean gas space. A carousel machine 14, e.g. a filler that is supplied with containers via inlet and outlet stars 15 and transporters 16. The feed and discharge conveyors 16 run through lock gates of the housing 7.
Oberhalb des Karussells 14 ist die Öffnung 9 als ringförmiger Schlitz angeordnet mit Spaltdüsen 4a und 4b an ihren Rändern. Oberhalb des Karussells 14, und zwar oberhalb der Oberwand des Gehäuses 7, sind mit dem Karussell 14 umlaufende Behandlungsorgane angeordnet, die in Fig. 7 zur zeichnerischen Vereinfa- chung nicht dargestellt sind. Die an der Öffnung 9 radial außen liegende Spaltdüse 4a ist feststehend in der Oberwand des Gehäuses 7 befestigt. Die radial innenliegende Spaltdüse 4b läuft mit dem Karussell 14 z.B. in der dargestellten Pfeilrichtung um. Die umlaufende Spaltdüse 4b kann mit dem von ihr umschlossenen Teil der Oberfläche des Gehäuses 7 umlaufen, und zwar mit dem umlaufenden Teil der Karussellmaschine 14 sowie mit den oberhalb des Gehäuses 7, also außerhalb, angeordneten Behandlungsorganen.Above the carousel 14, the opening 9 is arranged as an annular slot with gap nozzles 4a and 4b at its edges. Above the carousel 14, specifically above the upper wall of the housing 7, treatment organs are arranged which run around the carousel 14 and which are illustrated in FIG. are not shown. The gap nozzle 4a, which is located radially on the outside of the opening 9, is fixed in the upper wall of the housing 7. The radially inner gap nozzle 4b rotates with the carousel 14, for example in the direction of the arrow shown. The circumferential gap nozzle 4b can revolve with the part of the surface of the housing 7 which it surrounds, specifically with the circumferential part of the carousel machine 14 and with the treatment members arranged above the housing 7, that is to say outside.
Behälter laufen über einen Transporteur 16 und einen Stern 15 auf das Karussell 14 und gelangen im Umlauf auf diesem in die Öffnung 9. Die zu behandelnden Behälter können auf den Transporteuren 16 und in den Sternen 15 in abgesenkter Stellung, also unterhalb der oberen Wand des Gehäuses 7, transportiert werden und müssen dann im Bereich der Schlitzöffnung 19 angehoben werden. Vorzugsweise ist die Konstruktion jedoch wie in Fig. 7 dargestellt ausgebildet. Oberhalb des gesamtes Transportweges der Behälter, also oberhalb der Transporteure 16 und oberhalb des von Behältern umlaufenden Sektors der Sterne 15, sind von der Schlitzöffnung 9 abgehende Schlitzöffnungen 9' vorgesehen, die zu beiden Seiten mit feststehenden Spaltdüsen 4a versehen sind und die bis zum Rand des Gehäuses 7 laufen. Innerhalb dieser durchgehenden Schlitzführung können die Behälter auf einer Höhe durch die gesamte Maschine geführt werden. Es sind auch bei dieser Konstruktion alle Konstruktionsvarianten möglich, die in den Figuren 4 - 6 dargestellt sind.Containers run over a transporter 16 and a star 15 onto the carousel 14 and circulate on the carousel 14 into the opening 9. The containers to be treated can be on the transporters 16 and in the stars 15 in the lowered position, ie below the upper wall of the housing 7, are transported and must then be raised in the area of the slot opening 19. However, the construction is preferably designed as shown in FIG. 7. Above the entire transport path of the containers, i.e. above the conveyors 16 and above the sector of the stars 15 encircling containers, slot openings 9 'extending from the slot opening 9 are provided, which are provided on both sides with fixed gap nozzles 4a and which extend to the edge of the Housing 7 run. The containers can be guided through the entire machine at one level within this continuous slot guide. In this construction, too, all construction variants are possible, which are shown in FIGS. 4-6.
Die in Fig. 7 dargestellte Spaltenanordnung kann auch freistehend ohne das Gehäuse 7, also ohne einen Reinraum unterhalb der Spaltdüsen, vorgesehen sein. Dabei können die Spaltdüsen dann freistehend, wie in Fig. 1 und Fig. 3 dargestellt, angeordnet sein, jedoch in der in Fig. 7 dargestellten Bahnführung mit Ka- russel 14 und Sternen 15. Mit einer solchen Anordnung lässt sich eine besonders einfache umlaufende Sterilfüllmaschine bauen. Fig. 8 zeigt noch einmal, in anderer Konfiguration, die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 1. Es werden dieselben Bezugszeichen verwendet.The column arrangement shown in FIG. 7 can also be provided free-standing without the housing 7, that is to say without a clean room below the gap nozzles. The gap nozzles can then be arranged free-standing, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, but in the web guide shown in FIG. 7 with carousel 14 and stars 15. With such an arrangement, a particularly simple rotating sterile filling machine can be arranged to build. FIG. 8 shows again, in a different configuration, the arrangement according to FIG. 1. The same reference numerals are used.
Es ist in Fig. 8 dargestellt, dass die Schlitze der Spaltdüsen 4 relativ breit sein können. Es ist ferner dargestellt, dass der Behälter 3 mit seiner Mündung 6 tiefer als in Fig. 1 dargestellt, stehen kann, und zwar, wie in Fig. 8 in ausgezogenen Linien dargestellt, etwa am Kreuzungspunkt der Stauströmung oder auch, wie in gestrichelten Linien dargestellt, unterhalb des unteren Randes der Spaltdüsen 4, also innerhalb der abwärts gerichteten Strömungskomponente.It is shown in FIG. 8 that the slits of the gap nozzles 4 can be relatively wide. It is also shown that the container 3 with its mouth 6 can stand lower than shown in FIG. 1, specifically, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 8, for example at the intersection of the ram flow or also, as shown in broken lines , below the lower edge of the gap nozzles 4, that is within the downward flow component.
Steht die Mündung 6 des Behälters 3 jedoch höher als die Symmetrieebene S, wie dies in Fig. 1 dargestellt ist, so ergibt sich der Vorteil, dass die Mündung 6 im Bereich der aufwärts gerichteten Strömungskomponente der Spaltdüsen 4 liegt, dass somit aus dem Behälter 3 austretende unreine Luft besser nach oben mitgenommen wird.However, if the mouth 6 of the container 3 is higher than the plane of symmetry S, as shown in FIG. 1, there is the advantage that the mouth 6 lies in the area of the upward flow component of the gap nozzles 4, that is, from the container 3 leaking impure air is better taken up.
Fig. 9 zeigt die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 1, jedoch mit Schirmwänden 12, die ähnlich wie gemäß Fig. 6 ausgebildet sind, jedoch strömungsgünstig angepasst sind, um die aus den Spaltdüsen 4 nach oben strömende Komponente strömungsgünstig um das Behandlungsorgan 2 herumzulenken.FIG. 9 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 1, but with screen walls 12, which are designed similarly to FIG. 6, but are adapted to flow in order to flow around the component 2 flowing upwards out of the gap nozzles 4 around the treatment element 2.
Die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 9 kann vorteilhaft der Ausbildung der Figur 3 entsprechen und beispielsweise bei einer Maschine gemäß Fig. 7 ohne Gehäuse 7, wie bereits erwähnt, vorgesehen sein.The arrangement according to FIG. 9 can advantageously correspond to the configuration of FIG. 3 and can be provided, for example, in a machine according to FIG. 7 without housing 7, as already mentioned.
Fig. 10 zeigt die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 9, jedoch ähnlich wie Fig. 6 in das Gehäuse 7 eines Reingasraumes 8 integriert, wobei die Schirmwände 12 in die Öff- nung des Gehäuses 7 gesetzt sind, was die konstruktiven Anordnungsmöglichkeiten verbessert. FIG. 10 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 9, but integrated similarly to FIG. 6 into the housing 7 of a clean gas space 8, the screen walls 12 being in the opening tion of the housing 7 are set, which improves the design options.

Claims

Behälterbehandlungsvorrichtung mit GasvorhangPATENTANSPRÜCHE : Container treatment device with gas curtain
1. Vorrichtung zur Behandlung offener Getränkebehälter (3), z.B. durch Füllen oder Verschließen, mit einem Behandlungsplatz (1), dem ein Behälter (3) zur Behandlung zuführbar ist und an dem ein von oben auf die Mündung (6) des Behälters (3) einwirkendes Behandlungsorgan (2) angeordnet ist, und mit seitlich des Behandlungsplatzes (1) angeordneten, Reingas abblasenden Spaltdüsen (4), die zur Erzeugung eines den Bereich der Mündung (6) des Behälters (3) schützenden Gasvorhanges ausgerichtet sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Spaltdüsen (4) mit im wesentlichen gegeneinander gerichteter Strahlrichtung derart angeordnet sind, dass zwischen den Spaltdüsen (4) eine Stauströmung mit senkrecht zur Symmetrieebene (S) nach oben und nach unten aus dem Bereich der Spaltdüsen (4) austretenden Strömungskomponenten erzeugt wird, wobei die Mündung (6) des in Behandlungsstellung stehenden Behälters (3) in einer der Strömungskomponenten angeordnet ist, und wobei die Spaltdüsen (4) wenigstens nach oben oder nach unten zur freien Atmosphäre (7) angeordnet sind. 1. Device for the treatment of open beverage containers (3), for example by filling or closing, with a treatment station (1) to which a container (3) can be fed for treatment and at which one from above onto the mouth (6) of the container (3 ) acting treatment member (2) is arranged, and with side of the treatment place (1), clean gas blowing gap nozzles (4), which are designed to generate a gas curtain protecting the area of the mouth (6) of the container (3), characterized in that that the gap nozzles (4) are arranged with the jet direction essentially directed towards one another in such a way that between the gap nozzles (4) a ram flow is generated with flow components emerging vertically to the plane of symmetry (S) upwards and downwards from the area of the gap nozzles (4), wherein the mouth (6) of the container (3) in the treatment position is arranged in one of the flow components, and wherein the gap nozzles (4) w are arranged at least upwards or downwards to the free atmosphere (7).
2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die durch die Mitte der Düsen verlaufende Symmetrieebene (S) unterhalb der Mündung (6) des in Behandlungsstellung stehenden Behälters (3) angeordnet ist.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plane of symmetry (S) running through the center of the nozzles is arranged below the mouth (6) of the container (3) in the treatment position.
3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Spaltdüsen (4) allseitig in freier Atmosphäre angeordnet sind.3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gap nozzles (4) are arranged on all sides in a free atmosphere.
4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mehrere in einer Reihe angeordnete Behandlungsplätze (1) mit zwei parallel zur Reihe angeordneten Spaltdüsen (4) versehen sind.4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of treatment stations (1) arranged in a row are provided with two gap nozzles (4) arranged parallel to the row.
5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Spaltdüsen (4) in Richtung der Reihe gegeneinander verschiebbar angeordnet sind.5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the gap nozzles (4) are arranged displaceably against one another in the direction of the row.
6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Reingasraum (8) vorgesehen ist, in dem die Behälter (3) einem oder mehreren Behandlungsplätzen zu- und von diesen abführbar sind, wobei die Behandlungsplätze (1) mit den Behandlungsorganen (2) außerhalb des Reingasraumes (8) vor wenigstens einer an ihrem Rand die Spaltdüsen (4) aufweisenden Öffnung (9) des Reingasraumes (8) angeordnet sind.6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a clean gas space (8) is provided, in which the containers (3) can be fed to and removed from one or more treatment places, the treatment places (1) with the treatment organs (2). outside the clean gas chamber (8) are arranged in front of at least one opening (9) of the clean gas chamber (8) which has the gap nozzles (4) at its edge.
7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Spaltdüsen (4) schräg nach oben oder unten gerichtet sind. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass an jeder der Spaltdüsen (4) den Behandlungsplatz seitlich umgebende Schirmwände (12) vorgesehen sind. 7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gap nozzles (4) are directed obliquely upwards or downwards. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that screen walls (12) which laterally surround the treatment area are provided on each of the gap nozzles (4).
EP04803735A 2003-12-11 2004-12-10 Container treatment device with a gas curtain Not-in-force EP1692072B1 (en)

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WO2005056465A1 (en) 2005-06-23
US7357159B2 (en) 2008-04-15
US20070012377A1 (en) 2007-01-18

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