EP2058272A1 - Treatment device for containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a supply unit (5) with an intake conveying device (2) and a treating station (6) with a treating head (4). A discharge unit (7) is provided with a discharge conveying device (3). A positioning unit places the containers (1) e.g. reusable barrel, on respective conveying devices at a defined position, so that the containers are transferred into the treating station by overpushing devices (8, 9), and the treating head associated with the treating station is brought into a cover. The head is moved in the direction of the containers by a lifting device.

Description

The invention relates to a treatment device for containers, in particular for reusable drums, preferably for so-called KEG barrels, with at least one treatment head and at least one conveyor. - As a rule, there is an internal treatment of the container in question. This is understood in the context of the invention regularly an internal cleaning, but the treatment head is also at the same time for filling, optionally sterilizing and possibly also for tapping the container in question, in particular the KEG barrels, is set up, or may be.

Such a treatment device for containers, for example, in the utility model DE 85 36 434 U1 described. Here, the focus is on the fact that several treated with one pestle treatment heads are realized. All plungers are acted upon by a common actuating device via an actuating linkage.

The prior art has proven itself in principle, when it comes to provide a simplified plunger operation in the simultaneous internal treatment of multiple containers available. However, the previous approaches then come up against limits if containers of different diameters are to be treated, in particular internally treated. This is where the invention starts.

The invention is based on the technical problem of developing a device for containers so that containers of different diameter design can be processed easily.

To solve this technical problem, the invention proposes in a generic device for containers that in addition to the already a positioning unit is provided, which places the respective container on the conveyor at a defined location, so that the container can be transferred by means of a Überubvorrichtung in a treatment station and can be brought into coincidence with the local, associated treatment head or is.

According to the invention, therefore, at least one treatment station independent of this is added to a supply unit for the supply of the containers. The containers are first placed once on said conveyor at a defined location. In this way, they can then be transferred by means of the transfer device in the independent of the conveyor or the feed unit treatment station. In the treatment station, the respective treatment head associated with the container is provided. With the help of the Überubvorrichtung the container is now brought into coincidence with the treatment head. As a result, the desired internal treatment of the container can be made with the aid of the treatment head.

The containers are - as already stated - predominantly reusable containers, especially reusable drums and here preferably so-called KEG barrels. As you know, the term "KEG" comes from the English word for "small barrel". Such KEG barrels have largely prevailed in the catering industry and are increasingly used in the private sector. Common KEG sizes have 30 I or 50 I content.

To the reusable container or the reusable barrel with the filled liquid, mostly beer, can now connect a tap fitting to remove the liquid. For this purpose, a propellant (carbon dioxide, sometimes nitrogen) is supplied from an external container into the interior of the reusable drawer regularly, so that the liquid content taken from the dispenser can be. As already stated in the introduction, the removal of liquid may also take place via the treatment head.

However, the treatment head regularly serves, for example, to transfer a cleaning fluid at high speed and under pressure into the interior of the drum in order to subject it to internal cleaning or internal treatment. After this internal treatment, the cleaning liquid is withdrawn again and optionally sterilized the interior of the container in addition. This can be done with a hot steam.

In this context, it has been proven that the treatment head is equipped with a plunger for opening and closing the associated drum fitting or container fitting and additionally with a Füllkopfventil in a product feed respectively supply line. This thought has independent significance. It can be opened and closed with the help of the plunger - as is well known - the barrel fitting or a regularly mounted on the middle of the top of the reusable barrel valve, the so-called KEG head.

With the help of the treatment head or the plunger can now operate this valve and open the drum fitting to bring cleaning liquid, steam or the liquid to be stored subsequently in the reusable barrel. If the drum fitting is removed, the already mentioned valve or the so-called KEG head ensures that the reusable drum is hermetically sealed. Because when the product is filled with propellant gas, the overpressure generated by the propellant gas ensures that the valve assumes its closed state.

According to the invention now comes to the already mentioned plunger, which for opening and closing the associated barrel fitting respectively the valve or

KEG head is used in addition to a filling head valve in the product feeder. In this way, under all circumstances, an airtight closure of the treatment head and consequently the drum fitting and thus the interior of the reusable drum is achieved. That is, an uncontrolled oxygen uptake can be virtually eliminated. This is important to be able to rule out the emergence of any germs inside the container de facto. In addition, it has proven in this context to be advantageous if the mentioned Füllkopfventil is actuated by means of a lock cylinder, which is designed as a cleaning chamber, or constitutes a part of such a cleaning chamber. Because the cleaning chamber in question during the treatment - in addition to the interior of the reusable barrel - also be cleaned, so that again the formation of germs is further suppressed and the subsequent filling of the reusable barrel through the product feed through in a virtually germ-free environment.

Furthermore, it is favorable if the described treatment device is subdivided into a total of three subunits. This is first of all the feed unit with the conveyor, which is designed as an inlet conveyor. In addition, the already mentioned treatment station with the treatment head. Finally, a discharge unit is provided as a counterpart to the feed unit, which is equipped with its own conveyor, namely an outlet conveyor. It has proven itself overall, when the three subunits are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction. It is particularly advantageous in this case if the treatment station is framed by the feed unit and the discharge unit.

The override device now ensures overall that the container advantageously from the inlet conveyor or the feed unit to the treatment station and from there to the discharge unit, respectively their outlet conveyor is transported. For this purpose, the Überubvorrichtung is advantageously equipped with a pusher. The pusher is attached to a traverse spanning the entire three subunits or a similar device. In this way, the pusher can reciprocate the container to be treated transversely to the respective longitudinal extension of the three subunits described between them.

In most cases, however, the pusher or the push-over device merely ensures that the container is conveyed transversely to the longitudinal extent of the feed unit to the treatment station and then again reaches the discharge unit transversely to the longitudinal extent of the treatment station. From the discharge unit then the finished treated and usually filled with the liquid and possibly the propellant gas container is removed by means of the outlet conveyor for further processing. Following this, the overrun device returns to its normal position, that is to say in its starting position on the transverse edge side of the feed unit.

In general, the positioning unit for the defined placement of the respective container on the conveyor or the inlet conveyor via at least one sensor and / or a data set for determining the container topology. In addition, in the positioning unit usually an actuator is realized to place the container on the conveyor in the desired position. The data set for the positioning unit may be specified externally, for example by data transfer or transferred via a data carrier to a control unit which controls the actuator in response to the container topology, so that the container occupies the defined position on the inlet conveyor in the feeder unit ,

Only then, in its basic position, on the transverse edge side of the feed unit, can the loading device move the container as desired transversely to the longitudinal extent of the feed unit or its inlet conveyor to the treatment station. In addition, this procedure ensures that according to a preferred embodiment, a plurality of containers can be placed simultaneously on the conveyor at a predetermined distance from each other. These containers can now be transferred together by means of the transfer device to the treatment station and further into the discharge unit. That is, the treatment device allows a timed operation for treating a container, two containers, three containers, four containers, etc.

In the process, all the containers are first placed in a defined position on the feed conveyor in the feed unit. Subsequent thereto, the transfer device, with its respective ones associated with a sleeve, ensures that the containers are simultaneously transferred from the supply unit or the inlet conveyor into the treatment station. In the treatment station, the treatment heads are again moved to the containers at the same time. For this purpose, the respective container head may be equipped with a lifting device which can be displaced in the direction of the container or its KEG head or the container fitting. As soon as the container head is connected to the KEG head, the KEG head or the associated valve can be opened and closed with the aid of the plunger in the container head, and the inner treatment already described can be carried out.

In order to ensure easy positioning and proper transport of the container, it has finally proven useful when the inlet conveyor and the outlet conveyor are each designed as a hinge chain bands. The infeed conveyor engages usually on two spaced Schamierkettenbänder back, so that in the space between the two Schamierkettenbändem an actuator can retract to provide for the already described positioning of the barrel on the inlet conveyor.

In this way, it is achieved on the whole that containers of practically any diameter and freely selectable container topology can be treated. Because the questionable and mostly rotationally symmetrical container are always placed at a defined location on the conveyor or the infeed conveyor within the feed unit.

The defined location within the feed unit or on its inlet conveyor usually coincides with an axis of rotation of the treated (rotationally symmetric) container. As long as this is guaranteed, containers of practically any diameter can be processed. Because the pusher or the Überubvorrichtung regularly attacks on both sides symmetrically compared to this axis of rotation of the container, thus ensuring a Überub of the container from the feed unit to the treatment station and on to the discharge unit by the container with its axis of rotation transverse to the longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis the three subunits is moved. All this succeeds in addition in such a way that reliable oxygen uptake of the interior of the container is avoided in the treatment. Here are the main benefits.

Fig. 1

die erfindungsgemäße Behandlungsvorrichtung in einer Aufsicht,

Fig. 2

den Gegenstand nach Fig.1 in einer Seitenansicht und

Fig. 3

den Behandlungskopf im Detail.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

Fig. 1

the treatment device according to the invention in a supervision,

Fig. 2

the object after Fig.1 in a side view and

Fig. 3

the treatment head in detail.

In the figures, a treatment device for container 1 is shown. In the case of the containers 1, these are reusable drums, in particular KEG drums, which have been developed for industrial filling and germ-free storage of beverages (mostly beer). Treatment of the container 1 means within the scope of the invention preferably its internal treatment. This is understood in the context of the example, the multiple flushing of the interior and its subsequent sterilization with hot steam. Under treatment or internal treatment is also the subsequent cooling of the reusable barrel by this is placed after the steam treatment with carbon dioxide (or nitrogen) as a propellant under pressure and finally filled with the desired liquid (beer). In principle, however, the treatment may also be limited to just one of the steps described.

The illustrated treatment device has in its basic structure at least one conveyor 2, 3 and at least one treatment head 4. In fact, two conveyors 2, 3 realized, namely an inlet conveyor 2 and an outlet conveyor 3. In addition, there are several treatment heads 4, depending on how many of the containers 1 should be treated simultaneously.

It can be seen that the treatment device consists of a total of three subunits. These subunits are a feed unit 5, a treatment station 6, and finally a discharge unit 7. The feed unit 5 is equipped with the intake conveyor 2. The treatment station 6 has the plurality of treatment heads 4 and the discharge unit 7 is finally equipped with the discharge conveyor 3. All three subunits 5, 6, 7 are in longitudinal extension next to each other arranged, thus extending along a common longitudinal axis L. In addition to these subunits 5, 6, 7 is a Überubvorrichtung 8, 9 which extends in comparison to this in the transverse direction, ie transverse to the common longitudinal axis L of the subunits 5, 6, 7 extends ,

The Überubvorrichtung 8, 9 is composed essentially of a total of the three subunits 5, 6, 7 spanning cross member 8 or two trusses 8, on which each pusher 9 are arranged. Actually take the trusses 8 in the embodiment drives 10, which move the pushers 9 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, that is transverse to the longitudinal extent of the sub-units 5, 6, 7 move.

In the exemplary embodiment, a total of four pushers 9 are realized, which are moved synchronously in the transverse direction, with the aid of the drives 10 within the transverse members 8. For this purpose, the drives 10 are connected to a common control unit 11. The two conveyors 2, 3 and their drives are controlled and acted upon by the control unit 11. Likewise, an actuator 12 as part of a positioning unit per container 1. In fact, in the context of the embodiment (see. Fig. 2 ) a total of three or four positioning units or actuators 12 are provided, which are raisable and lowerable attacks. These actuators 12 or stops move into the space between two Schamierbandketten from which the inlet conveyor 2 is constructed. The outlet conveyor 3 is composed in the example of two juxtaposed Schamierbandketten together.

It can be seen that the treatment station 6 is arranged centrally in comparison to the feed unit 5 and to the discharge unit 7 or is framed by these two partial units 5, 7. After the container 1 via the inlet conveyor 2 a defined point on the conveyor or the Inlet conveyor 2 has reached, it is placed at this point. In any case, the respective container 1 is placed on the conveyor 2 or the inlet conveyor 2 so that its axis of rotation R a predetermined position in comparison to the stationary Überubvorrichtung 8, 9 and whose crosspiece 8 has. In fact, the containers 1 are designed to be rotationally symmetrical overall and therefore have the rotation axis R already mentioned. This rotation axis R now assumes a specific and predetermined spatial position, in comparison to the overthrusting device 8, 9 or in relation to the respective pusher 9. In fact, namely the pusher 9 is equipped with two stoppers arranged at an obtuse angle 9a, 9b, which in the position in question mirror-symmetrically compared to a defined by the axis of rotation R symmetry plane S of the container 1 run. This applies regardless of the diameter of the container. 1

In this way, the two stops 9a, 9b of the pusher 9 tangentially abut against the container 1 and the container 1 can be easily moved transversely to the longitudinal axis L by means of the overthrusting device 8, 9. Tilting of the container 1 are not observed here. It is understood that the two stops 9a, 9b are optionally formed pivotable in order to ensure proper contact with the outer contour of the container 1.

In any case, the positioning unit or the respective stop 12 ensures that the container 1 can be transferred into the treatment station 6 with the aid of the transfer device 8, 9 and can be brought into coincidence with the associated treatment head 4 present there. Even with different diameters or container topologies, the containers 1 are always positioned and positioned in comparison to the inlet conveyor 2, that their respective axes of rotation R are the positions corresponding to Fig. 1 take a fix. For this purpose, the positioning unit is supplied with corresponding values regarding the container topology.

This may be an electronic data set which reflects the dimensions of the container 1 and in particular the position of the axis of rotation R. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to scan the container 1 before its treatment by means of a sensor not explicitly shown. In any case, the sensor values or the data set is present in the control unit 11, which controls the inlet conveyor 2 and the positioning unit or the stops 12 in such a way that the respective axis of rotation R of the container 1 determines the predetermined position Fig. 1 shown position compared to the transfer device 8, 9 occupies. This ensures that the pusher 9 with its two stops 9a, 9b can transfer the container 1 without jamming and transversely into the treatment station 6 and later into the discharge unit 7. The invention works always intermittently.

That is, first, one, two, three or more of the containers 1 are positioned in series on the infeed conveyor 2 by having their respective axes of rotation R take the predetermined, defined position in comparison with the stationary transfer device 8, 9. Following this, the containers 1 are transferred into the treatment station 6 synchronously by means of the transfer device 8, 9. For this purpose, the actuated by the drives 10 pushers 9 each apply to the outside of the container 1 and provide the described movement transverse to the longitudinal axis L. After the container 1 in the treatment station 6 have been subjected to the described treatment or internal treatment, they are after Termination of the treatment by means of the transfer device 8, 9 transferred to the discharge unit 7. From here, the discharge conveyor 3 provides for the removal of the ready-made container 1 and the overthrusting device 8, 9 and their pushers 9 go back to the basic position on the transverse edge side of the inlet conveyor 2 back.

Within the treatment station 6, a lifting device 13 ensures that the individual treatment head 4 is displaced in the direction of the container 1. In the opposite direction, a pressing unit 24 moves so that the container 1 between the pressing unit 24 and the treatment head 4 is clamped as it were. This is again ensured by the control unit 11, to which both the pressing unit 24 and the treatment head 4 or the lifting device 13 are connected.

If the treatment head 4 assumes its position in contact with the container 1, then the treatment head 4 with its plunger 14 is able to actuate the valve on the top side of the container 1, in particular the so-called KEG head. That is, the plunger 14 can against spring action open the treatment head 4 with respect to a supply line 15 and close. About this supply line 15, a cleaning liquid is first introduced into the container 1, then withdrawn via the supply line 15 and then supplied, for example, steam for sterilization. Finally, the supply line 15 serves to introduce propellant gas (carbon dioxide) for cooling the container 1 and finally the desired liquid to be filled.

In addition to the supply line 15 there is still a degassing line 16 and a discharge line 17. Both are closed by associated valves 18, 19, namely a closing valve 18 for the degassing and a closing valve 19 for the emptying. In this case, the invention is based on the recognition that even excess residual cleaning liquid or residual superheated steam can be drawn off via the respective lines 16, 17 in conjunction with the valves 18, 19, even if the majority of these media has already left the interior of the container 1 via the supply line 15.

Of particular importance is the fact that the treatment head 4 is additionally equipped with a filling head valve 20 in addition to the plunger 14 for opening and closing the associated drum fitting or the KEG head, which is located in the product supply, or the supply line 15. The filling head valve 20 has a lock cylinder 21, which is arranged in a cleaning chamber 22, so that the shooting cylinder or the closing piston 21 can be cleaned during production.

With the help of a lifting cylinder 23, the lock cylinder or the closing piston 21 and thus the filling head valve 20 can be moved. As a result, not only the barrel fitting as a whole can close with the help of the plunger 14, but also has the supply line 15 for each einzullende into the interior of the container 1 product via its own valve, namely the Füllkopfventil 20. In this way, the interior of the container 1 completed reliably in the entire process described and prevents oxygen uptake and thus the formation of nuclei (see. Fig. 3 ).

Claims (11)

Treatment device for containers (1), in particular reusable drums, with at least one treatment head (4) and at least one conveyor (2, 3), characterized in that additionally a positioning unit is provided, which supports the respective container (1) on the conveyor (2, 3) placed at a defined location, so that the container (1) by means of a Überubvorrichtung (8, 9) transferred to a treatment station (6) and can be brought into coincidence with the local treatment head (4). Treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that a total of three subunits (5, 6, 7) are provided, namely a feed unit (5) with an inlet conveyor (2), the treatment station (6) with the treatment head (4) and a Discharge unit (7) with an outlet conveyor (3). Treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the three subunits (5, 6, 7) are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction. Treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the treatment station (6) by the feed unit (5) and the discharge unit (7) is framed. Treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transfer device (8, 9) conveys the container (1) from the supply unit (5) to the treatment station (6) and from there to the discharge unit (7). Treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the overthrusting device (8, 9) is equipped with a pusher (9) which is mounted on a traverse (8) spanning the entire three subunits (5, 6, 7) , Treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the positioning unit has at least one sensor and / or a data set for determining the container topology and an actuator (12) to the container (1) on the conveyor (2, 3) position. Treatment device for containers (1) according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the treatment head (4) equipped with a plunger (14) for opening and closing an associated container fitting and additionally with a filling head valve (20) in a supply line (15) is. Treatment device according to one of claim 8, characterized in that the container head (4) by means of a lifting device (13) in the direction of the container (1) is moved. Treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a plurality of containers (1) at the same time at a predetermined distance to each other on the conveyor (2, 3) and placed together by means of the overrunning device (8, 9) to the treatment station (6) and in the Abführhre (7) are transferred. Treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the inlet conveyor (2) and the outlet conveyor (3) are each formed as Schamierkettenbänder.

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