EP2212037A2

EP2212037A2 - Apparatus and method for removing objects from bottles

Info

Publication number: EP2212037A2
Application number: EP08838914A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Romualdus Joseph Maakgoed
Original assignee: Maakgoed Droogtechniek BV
Current assignee: Maakgoed Droogtechniek BV
Priority date: 2007-10-17
Filing date: 2008-10-17
Publication date: 2010-08-04
Also published as: WO2009051483A2; NL1034539C2; WO2009051483A3

Abstract

An apparatus for removing objects from bottles, comprising: - a conveying track (5) for conveying the bottles (2); - first blowing means (20), which are disposed along the conveying track, and which are designed for blowing air into bottles (2) conveyed under the influence of the conveying track, for the purpose of removing objects (P) from the bottles through propulsion of air. The invention further provides a method for removing objects from bottles, comprising: - conveying bottles (2) to first blowing means (20); and - utilizing the first blowing means (2) for blowing air into bottle mouths of the supplied bottles (2) such that objects present in the bottles are removable from the bottles (2) via the bottle mouths under the influence of the air.

Description

Title: Apparatus and method for removing objects from bottles.

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing objects from bottles.

Such an apparatus and method are known per se, see, for instance, US patent publication US 4,119,438. The known system is provided with rotating blades or a rotating brush for mechanically pulling straws (which are supplied in a row) from bottles, and with a fan for blowing away the removed straws. The known apparatus is relatively slow, at least, cannot process a desired large number of bottles per time unit. In addition, the known apparatus is insufficiently efficient for removing objects from bottles. Further, the operation of the blades and fan is inaccurate, so that removed straws can end up at various locations, and can hardly, if at all, be collected centrally. An alternative method comprises manual removal of undesired objects from bottles. This alternative method, however, is very costly as, to that end, as a rule, at least three workers need to be deployed. The present invention contemplates obviating the above-mentioned drawbacks at least partly. In particular, the invention contemplates an apparatus and method with which large numbers of bottles can be treated rapidly, in a relatively reliable and simple manner.

According to the invention, the apparatus is characterized to this end in that the apparatus comprises:

- a conveying track for conveying the bottles; and

- first blowing means, which are disposed along the conveying track, and which are designed for blowing air into bottles conveyed under the influence of the conveying track, for the purpose of removing objects from the bottles through propulsion of air.

It appears that in this manner, objects, for instance straws and/or other things, can be reliably removed from bottles. Furthermore, the bottles can be treated rapidly, in a relatively reliable and simple manner. Use of air as ejecting medium, as is the case in the present invention, is particularly favourable from a point of view of costs, while air appears particularly efficient for ejecting objects from the bottles. The apparatus can further consist of relatively few parts and therefore require relatively little maintenance, be of inexpensive design and offer a long lifespan.

The present apparatus can furthermore consume relatively little energy, in particular when the apparatus is provided with low -power blowing means. According to a further elaboration, the apparatus, and in particular the first blowing means, possibly in combination with removing means mentioned hereinbelow, is designed to consume, during use, at most 10 kW of energy, and in particular at most 5 kW.

The objects removable from the bottles by the invention can comprise various objects, for instance paper and/or plastic elements, label parts, straws, waste, cigarette butts and/or other objects. In particular these objects are lightweight, having a mass in a range of approximately 1 - 100 grams, in particular 1 - 10 grams, or having a different mass. An object to be removed can be located substantially individually in the bottle, and for instance completely in an inner space surrounded by the bottle, or extend partly from this space towards a surrounding. The objects are in particular removable from the bottles under the influence of propulsion of air, for instance by means of injection of an air jet.

The invention is based on the idea of injecting air into bottles for removing objects present in the bottles (for instance straws and the like) from the bottles. Preferably, to this end, each time, an air jet is injected into a bottle, via an open bottle mouth, which injected air can/will leave the bottle again via the same bottle mouth. There appears to be a relatively great chance that the air flow can carry along and remove from the bottle an object present in the bottle (in particular under the influence of a sweeping airflow on the object resulting from the respective air resistance). According to a particularly advantageous elaboration of the invention, the conveying track is designed for conveying bottle holders (for instance individual, separate bottle transporting means). In particular each bottle holder is designed for holding a number of bottles (in particular such that the bottles are detached in the holder and can be easily taken from the holder). The bottle holders can comprise, for instance, transporting crates known per se, for instance crates which are each provided with a 2- dimensional pattern of compartments for holding the bottles in a 2- dimensional arrangement. The apparatus is preferably also provided with removing means designed for discharging objects removed from the bottles under the influence of the air propulsion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first blowing means are disposed along a first part of the conveying track, and the removing means are provided along a second part located downstream of the first track part. The first blowing means and removing means can for instance be disposed above the first and second track part, respectively. The different track parts of the conveying track can each be provided with different means for conveying bottles, or bottle holders provided with bottles, for instance active or passive conveying means, one or more suitable conveyors, conveying belts, chains, guide means and/or the like.

According to a further elaboration, the removing means are provided with second blowing means, which second blowing means are preferably disposed below the conveying track, and are designed for blowing air in substantially upward direction. This is advantageous in particular if the bottles are fed by means of bottle holders with open bottoms M, such as bottle crates, along/through the apparatus. The conveying track can for instance be provided with an opening, and with guide means for guiding the bottle holders over the track opening. The second blowing means can be disposed at a suitable position for blowing air through the track opening for the purpose of further discharging objects already removed by the first blowing means present in and/or on the bottle holder.

Further, according to the invention, a method for removing objects from bottles is provided, for instance while utilizing an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the method preferably comprising:

- conveying bottles to first blowing means; and

- utilizing the first blowing means for blowing air into the bottle mouths of the supplied bottles, such that objects present in the bottles are removable from the bottles via the bottle mouths under the influence of the air. In this manner, the above-mentioned advantages can be obtained.

Good results are achieved if the air is blown into the bottles substantially parallel to bottle longitudinal axes. It is advantageous if at least one air jet is generated, which air jet is directed into the bottles for effecting an object removing flow in the bottles. Here, the air jet preferably has a considerably smaller diameter than the smallest inner diameter of the bottle mouth, for instance a diameter of 50% or smaller, in particular 25% or smaller than the inner diameter of the bottle mouth.

According to a further elaboration, at least some objects removed from the bottles under the influence of the air are caught on the bottles and/or bottle holders. These objects are then preferably removed by removing means. According to a further elaboration, a further separation between the objects and the bottles (and/or bottle holders) is carried out at least under the influence of an air flow provided to that end, in particular an airflow directed upward along the bottles. The invention furthermore provides a bottle processing system, for instance a bottle cleaning system, designed for receiving crates with used bottles and provided with cleaning means for cleaning the bottles for reuse, wherein the system is advantageously provided with at least one apparatus according to the invention and/or is designed for carrying out a method according to the invention. Further advantageous elaborations of the invention are described in the subclaims. Presently, a non-limitative exemplary embodiment of the invention will be discussed on the basis of the drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows a top plan view of a crate provided with a number of bottles;

Fig. 2 shows a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a partly exploded side view of the exemplary embodiment represented in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 shows a cross section of a first station of the exemplary embodiment represented in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 shows a cross section of a second station of the exemplary embodiment represented in Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 schematically shows an object removing step of an exemplary embodiment of the method;

Fig. 7 shows a result of the removing step shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 shows a top plan view of a removing step;

Fig. 9 shows a front view of the removing step shown in Fig. 8; and

Figs. 10-11 show a top plan view and front view of an alternative elaboration of a removing step.

In this application, identical or corresponding features are indicated with identical or corresponding reference numerals.

Fig. 1 schematically shows an elaboration of a bottle holder K known per se. The holder K is in particular a crate, and is provided in particular with a 2-dimensional pattern of compartments (viewed in top plan view) for holding the bottles in a 2-dimensional arrangement (see the Figure; in particular, each compartment is intended for holding one bottle). The represented crate is provided with 4x6 (twenty four) compartments, however, a bottle holder can also contain another number of compartments for holding bottles. A number of bottles 2, known per se, present in the crate K are represented in the drawing. Preferably, the holder K is manufactured from relatively little material (for instance plastic) and comprises thereto for instance a partly open bottom M, for instance such that each compartment has a partly open underside. Bottoms M of the bottles 2 can for instance be supported by suitable projections, edges and/or the like of the holder K reaching under the bottle compartments. Each bottle 2 is provided with a bottle mouth 3 which surrounds a bottle opening 4; the diameter of this opening 4 is considerably smaller than the diameter of an underlying bottle body (viewed in top plan view). The bottles 2 are used, i.e. the bottle mouths are not (no longer) closed off by caps of the like. Loose objects P can still be present in the bottles 2, however, the bottles are preferably substantially empty (in particular substantially not filled with liquid). The undesired objects to be removed comprise in particular elongated, lightweight plastic drinking straws. In addition, the objects can for instance comprise cigarette butts, paper balls and/or other waste.

The bottles 2 are in particular of rotation symmetrical design, and may have been manufactured from plastic or glass. According to a further elaboration, the bottles are beverage bottles, for instance beer bottles or lemonade bottles.

Figs. 2 - 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 1 for removing objects from the bottles 2, in particular when the bottles 2 are in the above-described holder K. Figs. 6 - 9 schematically show a few steps of the operation of such an apparatus, and Figs. 10-11 show an elaboration of an alternative.

The apparatus 1 can for instance form part of a bottle processing system, for instance a bottle cleaning system, designed for receiving crates with used bottles, and according to one elaboration provided with, for instance, cleaning means for cleaning the bottles for reuse. Preferably, the apparatus is provided with a conveying track 5 for conveying the bottles 2. More preferably, as is the case in this example, the conveying track 5 is designed for conveying bottle holders K provided with bottles 2 (it will be clear that, in the exemplary embodiment, these bottle holders K do not form part of the conveying track 5, but comprise separate holders K). The conveying track 5 can be designed in different manners (see above). The track can comprise, for instance, one or more motor-driven conveyors (for advancing bottles or bottle holders), and/or one or more passive track parts (along which bottles or bottle holders can be moved under the influence of, for instance, gravity and/or a particular mutual propelling force, or in another passive manner). In the exemplary embodiment, the track comprises an upstream first part 5a, a second part 5b and a downstream part 5c. Each of these parts 5a, 5b, 5c can be designed for feeding bottle holders K in a desired conveying direction T, and can thereto be arranged in different manners, and comprise, for instance, one or more of: bottle holder conveying means, one or more suitable bottle holder conveyors, bottle holder conveying belts, bottle holder conveying chains, bottle holder guide means, rails, bottle holder pushing means and/or the like.

The apparatus 1 is provided with first blowing means 20, which are disposed along (at least near, in particular opposite) a first part 5a of the conveying track 5. The first blowing means 20 can for instance during use be disposed at a fixed position, for instance immovably.

The blowing means 20 are designed for blowing air into bottles 2, supplied via the conveying track 5 to these blowing means 20, for the purpose of removing objects P from the bottles 2 through propulsion of air.

The first blowing means 20 can be designed in different manners, and comprise, for instance, one or more air pumps, fans, blow pipe nozzles, air hoses and/or the like.

According to a further elaboration, the first blowing means 20 are configured for directing different air jets Af simultaneously to different bottle locations (for instance crate compartments) defined by a bottle holder K located on the conveying track in a conveying position (see Figs. 3, 6).

In particular, the blowing means 20 are arranged and designed such and the conveying track 5 is designed such that the blowing means 20 simultaneously direct the different air jets Af to respective, different conveying track positions, along which conveying track positions the bottle locations (for instance crate compartments) defined by the bottle holder K, move under the influence ofiOver the conveying track 5. Thus, the blowing means 20 and conveying track can cooperate for the purpose of treating any bottles 2 that may be present in these bottle locations.

In the exemplary embodiment, the blowing means 20 are provided with multiple, spaced apart blow pipes (or blow lines) 21, which preferably extend in substantially vertical direction at least in a direction which is normal with respect to a conveying surface along which the bottle holders K are fed by the conveying means 5 (see Figs. 3-4). Along the blow pipes 21 (at least in lateral direction) an object receiving space S is available.

These blow pipes 21 are preferably designed to generate air jets. Here, each air jet preferably has a considerably smaller diameter than the smallest inner diameter of the bottle mouth of a bottle 2 to be treated, for instance a diameter of 50% or smaller, in particular 25% or smaller, than the inner diameter of the bottle mouth 3. According to a further elaboration, the diameter of the outflow opening is approximately 1 cm or smaller; this diameter can be in the range of approximately 8 — 10 mm, or comprise a different dimension. The exemplary embodiment comprises, for instance, a number (for instance at least two, and more particularly at least three, as is the case in Fig. 3, or more than three) blowing elements Rl, R2, R3 disposed transversely with respect to a conveying track longitudinal direction (the different rows Rl, R2, R3 are placed in particular one behind the other, viewed in a conveying track longitudinal direction T, such that the nozzles of the different rows Rl, R2, R3 are in line with each other). In each nozzle row the outflow openings of neighbouring nozzles are preferably substantially at a distance which is equal to the distance W between vertical central axes of neighbouring bottle positions in a bottle holder K to be treated (see Fig. 1). The number of blowing elements (rows) to be utilized can for instance depend on the type of object to be removed.

Each blow pipe 21 can be designed in different manners. In the exemplary embodiment, each blow pipe comprises a cylindrical, elongated, in particular straight hollow pipe. An upstream open end of the pipe 21 is connected to a respective manifold 28 for receiving air therefrom. A downstream end of the pipe 21 may be provided with a jet nozzle, constriction or the like, and can be designed for generating an air jet from air at a particular excess pressure (with respect to atmospheric ambient pressure) present in the pipe 21. Here, this excess pressure may have been generated by the air pump 25, and is preferably such that therewith suitable object ejecting air jets Af can be generated. This excess pressure can for instance be more than 0.01 bar, in particular more than 0.02 bar and more particularly approximately 0.03 bar or a different excess pressure. Preferably, the pipes 21 are relatively narrow, having an outer diameter (viewed in horizontal cross- section) that may be smaller than approximately 1 cm. The blow pipes 21 can be manufactured from, for instance, a suitable metal, an alloy, aluminum, steel, plastic or the like.

An air pump 25 may be provided for supplying air, via suitable air channels 26, 27, 28, to the blow pipes 21. The exemplary embodiment is provided with, for instance, a manifold 26, connected to a pump 25, to which three air discharge tubes 27A, 27B, 27C are connected. Each of these tubes 27A, 27B, 27C is connected, downstream, to a respective manifold 28A, 28B 28C which are each provided with a row Rl, R2, R3 of blow pipes 21. According to a further elaboration, the length L of each blow pipe 21 is equal to or greater than the depth D of bottle inner spaces of bottles 2 to be emptied (see Fig. 6), and in particular each blow pipe 21 can be longer than the height of the bottles 2 to be treated. In this manner, relatively long objects (for instance straws) can be blown from the bottles by the pipes 21 in a reliable manner. The blow pipe length L is in particular the length of the pipe part extending below the manifold 28 (see Fig. 6). Between the outer surfaces of these blow pipe parts, there is sufficient intermediate space S available for receiving objects P blown from the bottles 2. The height of the intermediate space S, measured in a direction parallel to a respective blowing direction B of the blow pipes, is furthermore preferably equal to or greater than the depth D of a bottle inner space of bottles 2 to be emptied, as is the case in the exemplary embodiment.

During use, the bottles 2 held in an upright position (at least in particular in crates K, at least with bottle bottoms directed towards the conveying track, i.e. downwards). The blow pipes 21 are designed for blowing air substantially straight down into the openings 4 of upward directed bottle mouths 3 of the bottles 2, when the bottle mouths 3 have been brought opposite those pipes 21 by the conveying track. The present apparatus 1 is in particular designed such that objects P ejected by the blowing means 20 from bottles 2 are first caught in and/or on the bottle holders K (see Fig. 7). In particular, the objects P can be cast from the bottles 2 under the influence of air propulsion developed by the pipes 21, in the direction of an opposite receiving surface Z (for instance a rigid outer surface of a frame, air distribution device or the like, from which surface Z the pipes 21 reach toward the conveying track 5). The receiving surface Z is designed to stop the ejected objects P and have them fall back, in particular back into the direction of the track 5, so that the objects P are caught in the bottle holder K between the bottles 2 (the chance of an object P ending up in a bottle 2 again is virtually zero). It is advantageous when the apparatus 1 is also provided with removing means 30, 31 which are designed for discharging objects P removed from the bottles 2 under the influence of the air propulsion. According to a further elaboration, the first blowing means 20 are disposed along a first part 5a of the conveying track, and the removing means 30, 31 are disposed along a second part 5b located downstream of the first track part.

According to a further elaboration, the removing means are provided with second blowing means 30. These second blowing means 30 can be designed in different manners. The second blowing means 30 are in particular configured for blowing air through the partly open bottoms M of the bottle holders, and along bottles 2 present in the holders K, for blowing undesired objects P present in the holders from the holders K.

In the exemplary embodiment, the second blowing means 30 are disposed below the conveying track 5b, and are designed for blowing air in substantially upward direction (see Figs. 3, 5, 8, 9).

With the exemplary embodiment, the second part 5 of the conveying track 5 is provided with an opening 6, and guide means 7 for guiding the bottle holders K by respective bottoms M over (along) the track opening 6. Preferably, the track opening 6 is approximately as wide as or wider than (measured in horizontal direction, and transversely with respect to a bottle holder conveying direction T) the width of bottle holders to be fed thereover (measured in the same direction).

The second blowing means 20 are disposed below the track opening 6, and can for instance comprise an air supply device, in particular a fan 30 (see Fig. 9). The fan 30 is designed for generating a relatively wide air flow. The width of an air flow generated by the fan 30 (measured in a transverse direction with respect to the conveying direction T) is preferably at least as great as a width of a bottle holder K (to be held above the fan) to be treated. According to one elaboration, the track opening 6 is for instance provided with, at least covered by an air transmissive fan protector 8, for instance a gauze, perforated plate or the like, the second blowing means being disposed for blowing air through the track opening 6. The guide means 7 for guiding bottle holders K along the track opening 6 can comprise, for instance, two parallel spaced apart support rail parts 7a for sliding the bottle holders K along two longitudinal edges along the opening, side supports or stop elements 7b for guiding and/or supporting the bottle holders K on sides, and/or be designed otherwise. The guide means 7 can for instance be passive, wherein a bottle holder K present on those rail parts 7a is pushed along the second track part 5b under the influence of successive holders K, supplied by the first track part 5a to the second track part 5b. In addition, for instance active conveying means can be provided for moving bottle holders along the second track part 5b, over the opening 6, for instance motor driven dragging means or the like (not represented).

The second blowing means can also be designed otherwise. The second blowing means 20 can for instance be integrated with a part of the conveying track, for instance if the second track part 5b is provided with a conveyor supporting the bottle holders 2, which conveyor is provided with a large number of air outflow openings connected to an air supply.

Furthermore, the removing means can be provided with one or more removing elements 31 movable towards a removing direction, for instance brush means. In the exemplary embodiment, these removing elements are dispoaed above the second track part 5b, opposite the track opening 6 (see Figs. 3, 5, 8, 9). The removing elements 31 can for instance comprise an endless brush mat 31a, movable under the influence of a drive 33, which mat 31a is provided with elongated brush strips 31b.

During use, the endless brush mat 31a can move at relatively high speed, in order that the brush strips move at a suitable speed in a suitable direction sideways with respect to the conveying track 5 for giving upward hurtled objects P a lateral impulse, for instance in the direction of a deflector 38 (for instance a turning plate, object catcher or the like) not present above the track 5. Below the deflector 38, a collector 39 (for instance a waste bucket, discharge conveyor or the like) may be disposed, for collecting the objects P removed by the brush means 31.

In the exemplary embodiment, the brush mat 31a is provided with brush strips having relatively long bristles, alternating with short-bristled brush strips (whose the bristle length H2 is preferably smaller than half the bristle length Hl of the long-bristled strips, see Fig. 9). Further, each brush strip 31 can for instance (viewed in strip longitudinal direction) a substantially continuous row of bristles. However, it is favourable to utilize interrupted bristle strips, with each strip 31b being provided with small interruptions between neighbouring bristle strip sections, between which upward blown objects P can be caught. In particular, between two long-bristled strips, each time, at least three short-bristled strips are provided, viewed in a direction of movement J of the brush mat. According to an advantageous elaboration, a horizontal longitudinal axis (central axis) of each of the brush strips 31 can include an angle β with a conveying direction of the conveying track greater than 1°, in particular an angle β in the range of approximately 10 - 45° (see Fig. 8). This is favourable in particular for the chance of the objects of being caught, in the case that each of the brush strips is not a continuous brush strip but comprises, for instance, a row of brush sections placed at short distances from each other. During use, the moving brush means (brush track or brush mat) 31 can strike the objects P blown towards it in sideways direction towards the collecting plate 38.

Preferably, the objects P can be caught between the bristles of the brush means 31, and, in this condition, be moved sideways. In that case, the brush mat 31a preferably functions as a sort of scoop belt, between which the objects P can be held over a particular path. It is preferred that then, at a turning point U of the mat, the objects P are automatically flung from the brush mat 31a under the influence of a centrifugal force. In addition, for instance combing means (not represented) can be provided which can cooperate with the brush means for freeing the brush means at a desired position from the caught objects P.

Preferably, the present apparatus 1, at least the combination of the first blowing means 20, the second blowing means 30 and the removing means 31, consumes at most 10 kW of energy, and in particular at most 5 kW. The present apparatus 1 can for instance be of modular design, with the first blowing means 20 (and the optional removing means 30, 31) forming part of a module which can be disposed along a part of an already existing bottle holder conveying track 5.

The operation of the first blowing means 20 and removing means 30, 31 can for instance be completely independent of a conveying track control, or bottle holder supply. From a viewpoint of energy consumption, it is however advantageous when the operation of the apparatus 1 can be adjusted to the supply of bottle holders (the blowing means 20, 30 and brush 31 can for instance automatically switch off when no new bottle holders to be treated are supplied via the track 5, or the like) To this end, the apparatus can for instance be provided with a bottle holder detector (not represented) for detecting supply of bottle holders, a suitable control C for controlling the blowing means 20 and removing means 30, 31 and the like, which will be clear to the skilled person. Figs. 6 - 9 schematically show a use of the apparatus 1. The use comprises in particular a method for removing objects P from bottles 2, wherein the bottles 2 are fed to the first blowing means 20 by a first conveying track part 5a, and wherein the first blowing means 20 blow air into bottle mouths of the bottles 2 in a manner such that objects present in the bottles are propelled via the bottle mouths from the bottles 2 under the influence of the air. In this example, the bottles are present in crates K.

The exemplary embodiment can first feed the bottles 2 along the first conveying track part 5a for removing undesired objects P from the bottles 2, under the influence of air propulsion, wherein the bottles 2 and objects P removed therefrom are then fed, together, to the second track part 5b, at least to the removing station 30, 31 for further separating the objects from the bottles 2.

In particular, the air is blown into the bottles 2 substantially parallel to bottle longitudinal axes (see Fig. 6), air jets Af are generated, which air jets are directed into the bottles 2 for effecting an object removing flow in the bottles 2. Air jets Af can for instance be generated continuously by the first blowing means, of intermittently, or otherwise.

According to a further elaboration, the bottles 2 are advanced continuously, for instance at a constant or otherwise predetermined speed, along the first blowing means 20 during generation of the air jets, for instance such that an air jet Af enters a respective bottle mouth opening successively at different positions (for instance along a straight line over the upward facing bottle opening, viewed in top plan view). Alternatively, the bottles 2 can for instance be moved step-wise, and air jets Af can be generated only at specific moments when bottles 2 are positioned opposite those blowing means 20, such that an air jet Af enters a bottle mouth opening only at a predetermined position (for instance centrally, or another predetermined position). Preferably, the bottles 2 are present in bottle holders K, for instance crates, when the air jets Af are being directed into the bottles. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, preferably each time, different air jets Af are directed at different bottles locations defined by the crate K (for instance crate compartments; with one jet Af on one bottle location), in particular centers of those bottle locations, for injecting the jets into bottles that may be present at those locations.

As shown in Fig. 6, a crate K is present for instance below a row of blow pipes 21, such that a row of bottle locations is present below a transversal row of blow pipes 21. Air jets Af (generated under the influence of the air pump 25) are directed, by the blow pipes 21, into the bottles present in the crate K, so that unde sired objects P are forced from the bottles, in the direction of the collecting surface Z. Here, the crate K can be moved continuously or stepwise in the conveying direction by the conveying track 5a, such that the same row of bottles 2 is brought successively under the different blow pipe rows R to undergo an air jet treatment more than once.

At least some and preferably substantially all objects P taken from the bottles 2 under the influence of the air are then caught on the bottles and/or bottle holders K, as is represented in Fig. 7. In other words: the undesired objects P removed under the influence of the air jets Af can automatically fall back in/on the crate (as a result or not as a result of being stopped at the collecting surface Z).

A next step comprises conveying the crate K to the removing station

30, 31, see Figs. 8 — 9. With this transport, the crate is brought for instance on/between the guide means 7, and is guided by these guide means 7 along the second track part 5b (see above).

In the removing station, a further separation is carried out between, on the one side, the objects P and, on the other side, the crate K and bottles 2, under the influence of an air flow provided to that end (in particular upwardly direct along the bottles) which is delivered by for instance the fan 30 disposed below the second track part 5b. This air flow is indicated with arrows F in

Fig. 9.

As shown in Fig. 9, owing to the upward air flow, the individual objects can be fed to the brush track 31, to then, under the influence of the brush track, be brought to a side area (at least an area not extending above the conveying track 5) to be transferred into a collector 39. A speed of the brush track is for instance at least 1 m/s, for instance more than approximately 10m/s, in particular more than approximately 20 m/s and preferably at least approximately 40 m/s, whereby a reliable removing action appears to be provided. Preferably, the upward blown objects P are caught between bristles of the brush track 31 and moved to a turning point U, to be hurled from the track 31 at the turning point U under the influence of the centrifugal force, this is, however, not necessary.

After the removing treatment, under the influence of the removing means, the treated crate K with the treated bottles 2 can be taken over by the third track part 5c from the second part 5b to be discharged to, for instance, a following processing device.

Figs. 10-11 show an alternative elaboration of the removing means, wherein the brush track is replaced with an air blower 31' which is designed for providing a sideways air stream (in the direction of an opposite deflector 38) above the crate K. In this case, the products blown upward by one fan 30 are then, under the influence of the sideways air stream, discharged further, to be caught in or on the collector 39.

The present invention offers a particularly simple, low -energy and reliable apparatus and method for rapidly and automatically remove undesired objects P from bottles. Use of expensive labour can thus be avoided. The apparatus is particularly durable and can be of relatively inexpensive design. In particular elongated objects, such as straws, and also various other objects can be properly ejected from the bottles by the air jets It will be clear to the skilled person that the invention is not limited to the described exemplary embodiment. Various modifications are possible within the framework of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for removing objects from bottles, comprising: - a conveying track (5) for conveying the bottles (2);

• first blowing means (20), which are disposed along the conveying track (5), and which are designed for blowing air into bottles (2) conveyed under the influence of the conveying track, for the purpose of removing objects (P) from the bottles (2) through propulsion of air.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conveying track (5) is designed for conveying bottle holders (K), wherein each bottle holder (K) is designed for holding a number of bottles (2).

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each bottle holder comprises a bottle crate (K), which crate is provided with a 2 -dimensional compartment pattern for holding the bottles in a 2 -dimensional arrangement.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first blowing means are configured for directing different air jets simultaneously to different bottle locations defined by a bottle holder (K) located on the conveying track in a conveying position.

5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottles (2) during use are held in an upright position, and wherein the first blowing means (20) are designed for blowing air substantially straight down into upwardly directed bottle mouths of the bottles (2).

6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first blowing means are provided with a number of blowing elements.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the blowing elements bound an intermediate space, wherein the height of the intermediate space, measured in a direction parallel to a respective blowing direction of the blowing elements, is equal to or greater than the depth (D) of a bottle inner space of the bottles (2) to be emptied.

8. An apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, provided with at least one row of blowing elements (Rl) disposed transversely with respect to a conveying track longitudinal direction, and preferably with different such rows (Rl, R2, R3).

9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, also provided with removing means (30, 31) which are designed for discharging objects (P) removed from the bottles (2) under the influence of the air propulsion.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first blowing means are disposed along a first part of the conveying track, and the removing means along a second part located downstream of the first track part.

11. An apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the removing means are provided with second blowing means, which second blowing means are preferably disposed below the conveying track and are designed for blowing air in substantially upward direction.

12. An apparatus according to at least claims 2 and 11, wherein the conveying track is provided with an opening and guide means for guiding the bottle holders over the track opening, wherein the second blowing means are disposed for blowing air through the track opening.

13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 - 12, wherein the removing means are provided with one or more removing elements, for instance brush means, movable towards a removing direction.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a longitudinal axis of each of the removing elements includes an angle (β) with a conveying direction of the conveying track greater than 1°, in particular an angle (β) in the range of approximately 10 - 45°.

15. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, designed for consuming, during use, at most 10 kW of energy, and in particular at most 5 kW.

16. A method for removing objects from bottles, for instance utilizing an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:

- conveying bottles (2) to first blowing means (20); and - utilizing the first blowing means (20) for blowing air into bottle mouths of the supplied bottles (2), such that objects located in the bottles are removable from the bottles (2) via the bottle mouths under the influence of the air.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the air is blown into the bottles (2) substantially parallel to the bottle longitudinal axes.

18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein at least one air jet is generated, which air jet is directed into the bottles for effecting an object removing flow in the bottles.

19. A method according to any one of claims 16 - 19, wherein the bottles are located in bottle holders (K), for instance crates, during blowing of air into the bottles.

20. A method according to claims 18 and 20, wherein different air jets are directed into different bottles present in a bottle holder (K).

21. A method according to any one of claims 19 - 20, wherein at least a few objects removed under the influence of air from the bottles (2) are caught on the bottles and/or bottle holders, and are then removed by removing means.

22. A method according to any one of claims 16 - 21, wherein the air is blown into the bottles by one or more blow pipes, wherein the length of each blow pipe is equal to or greater than the depth (D) of a bottle inner space of bottles (2) to be emptied.

23. A method according to any one of claims 16 - 22, wherein the bottles are fed along a first conveying track part for removing objects from the bottles, wherein the bottles and objects removed therefrom are subsequently fed together to a second track part, where the objects are further separated from the bottles.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the further separation between the objects and the bottles is at least carried out under the influence of an airflow provided to that end, in particular an airflow directed upward along the bottles.

25. A bottle processing system, for instance a bottle cleaning system, designed for receiving crates of used bottles and provided with cleaning means for cleaning the bottles for reuse, characterized in that the system is provided with at least one apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 15 and/or is designed for carrying out a method according to any one of claims 16 - 24.