EP2275349A1 - Method for handling and treating fluid containers and assembly of multiple devices for treating fluid containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement (10) has a stretch forming blow machine (14) and a filling area (16) for filling of a container with fluid. The container is combined to package (18) made of multiple container connected to each other. An independent claim is also included for a method for handling and treatment of fluid containers.

Description

The present invention relates to an arrangement of several devices for the treatment of liquid containers. The invention further relates to a method for handling and treating liquid containers, wherein the containers are produced by means of a stretch blow molding machine from preforms and then filled with liquid, in particular with a liquid beverage.

Known beverage containers are made of plastic by molding injection molded PET preforms into a desired shape and volume by a stretch blow molding process. The individual containers, after filling with liquid and after sealing, are grouped together according to the chosen transport, storage and / or distribution and marketing method, in which three, four, six or more beverage containers be mechanically fixed to each other by means of additional holding means, possibly with the addition of a carrying handle on an upper side of the container.

A very common and frequently used number of containers in such containers is six, so that in this case two rows of three juxtaposed beverage containers are summarized. The fixation of the container to each other is usually carried out by means of a film wrapping, which is beaten around the grouped container and then shrunk by means of a heating process for fixing the container. The optional carrying handle can be introduced before or after the application of the film and, if necessary, fixed during shrinking of the film.

For applying and especially for heating the film, a considerable amount of energy is needed. Also, the use of foil causes a handling effort and additional costs, which should be minimized if possible. If it is entirely necessary to dispense with a film wrapping and the subsequent heat shrinking, then different grouping and packaging possibilities are available Connection possibilities, so for example. The fixing of the container to each other by means of the lateral surfaces of surrounding straps or bands, which must be sufficiently stable to handle the container safely, without the containers fall apart. Such container arrangements are, for example, from the EP 0 392 996 A1 as well as from the US 33 69 658 A known.

From the DE 10 2004 047 830 A1 are plastic bottles known, which have on their lateral surfaces tap or stamp or push button-like elevations and depressions, which can serve to nesting and latching connecting several such bottles. In addition, the mutually facing fasteners may be provided with an adhesive layer, which can provide a permanent connection of the pressed bottles together.

The DE 103 24 119 A1 shows finally a beverage bottle and various container arrangements with several such bottles of beverage, which are connected to each other without additional aids on their side walls. For this purpose, the side walls each have form-fitting interlocking connecting elements for releasable connection with associated connecting elements of adjacent beverage bottles.

A primary object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for handling and treating beverage containers and a corresponding method with which it is possible to process a plurality of containers simultaneously and / or side by side.

Said object of the invention is achieved with the subjects of the independent claims. Features of advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims.

The invention relates to an arrangement of several devices for the treatment of liquid containers, which can serve in particular for receiving liquid drinks. The arrangement comprises at least one stretch blow molding machine and at least one downstream filling station for filling the containers with liquid. The arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that the container to Containers are summarized from a plurality of interconnected containers, the arrangement and their individual stations can handle the container of a container at the same time, fill and transport, without the containers must be separated for this purpose. The at least one stretch blow molding machine and the at least one filling station are expediently arranged in a linear arrangement in the arrangement according to the invention, so that the containers combined into containers can be treated simultaneously or sequentially, optionally labeled, filled and closed, so that after treatment of a container and after its further transport, a subsequent container is transferred to the treatment stations and there the individual containers can be filled and possibly labeled in the intended manner. From the existing requirements of each container to be treated at the same time a container and the preferred linear arrangement of several successive container treatment stations shows that a rotary machine or the like is not useful to use as with these known machines simultaneous processing of containers from several combined containers for reasons the handling and because of the existing machine configurations is usually not possible.

An advantageous embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention provides that the at least one stretch blow molding machine and the at least one filling station or the filling area are coupled without the interposition of a buffer, which makes the advantages of the linear series connection of the individual stations particularly clear. Due to the linear arrangement with the resulting sequential processing of the promoted by the machine container with multiple containers can be dispensed with the interposition of intermediate buffers, which can speed up processing and also save considerable space to set up the machines. If, in this context, a linear arrangement of the individual stations and areas is mentioned, this also includes arrangements with a deflection or optionally also a plurality of deflections, but not annular, circumferential arrangements of all kinds, as for example in rotary machines or other rotating Container handling machines are given.

Optionally, between the at least one stretch blow molding machine and the at least one filling station, a labeling station and / or a printing station for applying labels, for printing on them and / or for direct printing of the container jacket surfaces can be arranged. However, it is also possible for the at least one filling station to be followed by a labeling station and / or a printing station for the application of labels, for their printing and / or for the direct printing of the container jacket surfaces. The particular configuration depends on the needs of the user, who can choose whether to label the containers before or after filling the containers. If labeling is mentioned in this context, the direct printing of a label before, during or after its application to the container jacket surface as well as the direct printing of the container jacket surface by means of suitable direct printing devices is thus included.

According to a preferred embodiment variant of the arrangement according to the invention, the containers may be combined into containers in the stretch blow molding station in which the processed preforms made of injection-molded plastic such as PET are processed together, for example by connecting the containers via suitable material bridges which can be formed during the stretch blow molding. In general, the embodiment variant provides that the at least one stretch blow molding machine comprises a device for combining and coupling the containers into containers. The way in which this coupling takes place is not of decisive importance for the present invention since numerous different coupling possibilities can each ensure that the desired containers are available after the stretch blow molding process. The connection between the containers can, for example, be based on positive locking or be formed by splices or the like. In addition, numerous other connection options are conceivable.

Furthermore, the filling station and / or the downstream of this labeling and / or printing station may be arranged downstream of a packaging station for packaging the container to larger packaging units.

The invention further relates to a method for handling and treating liquid containers, in which the container previously produced by preforms using a stretch blow molding machine is filled with liquid, in particular with a liquid beverage, the containers being formed into a plurality of containers during their molding or immediately thereafter Containers are summarized and then filled in this container form. The production or deformation of the container by means of the stretch blow molding process and the subsequent filling of the container takes place in a linear sequence successively, which is ensured by a suitable coupling of successively arranged treatment stations for the container or container. In this context, it is preferred if the stretch blow molding and the downstream filling of the containers are coupled without the interposition of a buffer, which on the one hand requires a trouble-free pass, but on the other hand can contribute to an acceleration of the forming and filling process, since time-consuming buffer filling and emptying can be dispensed with during ongoing operation.

Optionally, between the stretch blow molding and the filling of the container their labeling and / or printing done. However, it is also possible to label the containers only after the stretch blow molding and the subsequent filling and / or to print. These printing and / or labeling stations are expediently inserted in a linear sequence in the treatment processes and do not require additional buffer.

In the method, it can be provided that the containers are combined and coupled to containers during or immediately after their stretch blow molding. The combination of the containers into containers can, for example, already take place in connection with the stretch blow molding process in which the processed preforms made of injection-molded plastic, such as PET, are processed together, for example by connecting the containers via suitable material bridges which are formed during the stretch blow molding process can be. In general, the invention provides that the containers during or after the Stretch bubbles are combined and coupled, so that the desired containers are further processed, filled and / or labeled. The manner in which this coupling occurs is not critical to the present invention. There are a number of different coupling options available, so that after the stretch blow molding the desired container configurations can be available. Furthermore, an additional embodiment variant can provide for the containers to be combined or packaged after filling and / or after their labeling and / or printing into larger packaging units.

• Fig. 1 zeigt in einem schematischen Blockdiagramm eine mögliche Anordnung von Behälterbehandlungsstationen, die als sog. T-Kombination in linearer Anordnung und ohne zwischengeschaltete Puffer gekoppelt sind.
• Fig. 2 zeigt in einem weiteren schematischen Blockdiagramm eine alternative Anordnung von Behälterbehandlungsstationen, die in einer sog. Z-Kombination linear nacheinander gruppiert sind.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the attached figures, wherein the detailed description is intended to serve only as a non-restrictive example. Same components in the FIGS. 1 and 2 have basically the same reference numerals and will not be explained several times.

• Fig. 1 shows in a schematic block diagram a possible arrangement of container treatment stations, which are coupled as a so-called T-combination in a linear arrangement and without intermediate buffers.
• Fig. 2 shows in a further schematic block diagram an alternative arrangement of container treatment stations, which are linearly sequentially grouped in a so-called Z combination.

The schematic block diagram of Fig. 1 Figure 10 shows one possible arrangement 10 of container handling stations coupled in a linear array and with no intervening buffers. The Z combination shown in the exemplary embodiment, in which the individual stations are coupled to each other with a plurality of deflections, provides an arrangement 10 of several devices for treating beverage containers 12, the at least one stretch blow molding machine 14 and at least one downstream filling region 16 for filling the containers 12 with liquid and for closing the container 12 comprises. The arrangement 10 according to the invention is characterized in that the beverage containers 12 to containers 18 are combined with a plurality of interconnected containers 12, wherein the assembly 10 and its individual stations can handle, fill and convey the containers 12 of a container 18 at the same time without the containers 18 having to be separated for this purpose.

The at least one stretch blow molding machine 14 and the at least one filling region 16 are arranged in a linear arrangement in the arrangement 10 according to the invention, so that the containers 12 combined into containers 18 are treated, labeled, filled and sealed in each case in the container 18 at the same time and the containers 18 , so that after treatment of a container 18 and after its further transport, a subsequent container 18 is transferred to the treatment stations and there the individual containers 12 can be filled and labeled in the intended manner.

In the Fig. 1 The unit referred to as stretch blow molding machine 14 may in particular comprise a heating section 20, a sterilization station 22 and the actual stretch blow molding station 24, in which the heated and sterilized preforms 26 are shaped into beverage containers 12 by means of suitable molds.

The combination of the containers 12 into containers 18 can already take place in the area of the stretch blow moulder 14, preferably before passing through the preforms 26 of the heating section 20, so that the processed preforms 26, which can be manufactured in particular from injection-molded plastic such as PET, are processed together, for example. By the preforms 26 and / or the container 12 formed therefrom are connected to each other via suitable material bridges, which can be formed, for example. During the stretch blow molding. In general, the embodiment variant provides that the at least one stretch blow molding machine 14 comprises a device for combining and coupling the preforms 26 and / or the containers 12 into containers 18. The manner in which this coupling takes place is not of decisive importance for the present invention, since numerous different coupling possibilities can each ensure that the desired containers 18 are available after the stretch blow molding process. The connection between the containers 12 may, for example, be based on positive locking or be formed by splices o. The like. In addition, numerous other connection options are conceivable.

Within the following filling area 16, the stretch blow molding station 24 is a filling station 28 and downstream of this a closing station 30 for sealing the beverage containers 12 tightly. At the so-called. Wet area consisting of the stretch blow molding machine 14 and the filling area 16, a drying area adjoins, which is formed from a translation region 32 and from a region for longitudinal transport of the container and its packaging. For this purpose, a first feeding station 34 for packaging cartons, an inserting module 36 for packing the containers 18 into the cartons and / or for packaging the containers 18 and a second feeding station 38 for further and / or larger packaging cartons are arranged in the drying area. The boxes fed in the second feed station 38 may, for example, be made larger than the boxes used in the first feed station 34, so that in the station 38 a summary of several packaged with cartons 18 can be made to larger packaging units. The boxes are each closed after insertion of the container 18 and discharged with the conveyor 40 for further handling, packaging and / or palletizing. Also in the packaging of the container 18, the connection between the beverage containers 12 remains and is not separated at any point.

According to the present invention, the stretch blow moulder 14, the filling area and the subsequent drying area are coupled to the feed stations 34 and 38 and the insertion area 36 without the interposition of a buffer, which makes the advantages of the linear connection of the individual stations particularly clear. Due to the linear arrangement with the resulting sequential processing of the promoted by the machine container 18 of containers 12 can be dispensed with the interposition of intermediate buffers, which speeds up the processing and also can save space for setting up the machines.

In the arrangement 10 according to Fig. 1 no labeling is recognizable. This can optionally be provided at a suitable location, for example after the stretch blow molding of the container 12 or after its filling and before its packaging.

The schematic block diagram of Fig. 2 shows an alternative arrangement 10 of container handling stations, which may also be referred to as a T-combination due to the grouping of the individual stations. The container handling stations are in turn coupled in a linear array and without intermediate buffers. The T combination shown in the exemplary embodiment, in which the individual stations are lined up and coupled to one another with only one T-like deflection, provides an arrangement 10 of several devices for treating beverage containers 12, in which a labeling station 42 is connected to a stretch blow molding station 24 can. In one of these downstream heating station 44, the containers 12 are prepared for filling. To this end, after heating station 44, they pass through a sterilization station 22 and a blow-out station 46 before passing through the filling station 28 to fill the containers 12 with liquid and to close the containers 12 in the subsequent closing station 30.

Also at the in Fig. 2 shown arrangement 10 in T-combination beverage containers 12 are combined into containers 18 of a plurality of interconnected containers 12, the assembly 10 and their individual stations, the containers 12 of a container 18 each handle, fill and convey at the same time, without the container 18th to be separated. The stretch blow molding station 24 and the downstream labeling and filling areas are arranged in a linear arrangement in the arrangement 10 according to the invention, so that the containers 12 combined into containers 18 are treated, labeled, filled and sealed in the container 18 at the same time and the containers 18, so that after treatment of a container 18 and after its further transport, a subsequent container 18 is transferred to the treatment stations and there the individual containers 12 can be filled, labeled and closed in the intended manner. The summary of the container 12 to 18 can, as mentioned above, for example. In the area of the stretch blow molding station 24, so that the processed preforms are processed together. Closing station 30 is adjoined by compilation area 32 and an optional buffer area 48, which, however, is not absolutely necessary.

As an alternative to the combination of the containers 12 via material and / or form-fitting connections or the like to containers 18, these containers 18 can also be formed by so-called shuttle, which in the transfer area 32 and / or in the subsequent optional buffer area 48 optionally with separation of the containers 12 can be resolved to summarize the container 12 in a different grouping to new containers, for example, to two or three bundles as smaller packaging units, which can be done, for example, in the Gruppierstation 50, to which the first feed station 34, the insertion module 36 and the second supply station 38 can connect. Here, the container 18 or smaller packaging units are packed by means of boxes, these are closed and transported away in the conveyor 40.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Rather, a variety of variants and modifications are conceivable that make use of the inventive concept and therefore also fall within the scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

arrangement

12

beverage containers

14

stretch

16

filling area

18

container

20

Heinz route

22

sterilization station

24

Streckblasstation

26

preform

28

filling station

30

closing station

32

About setting area

34

First feeding station

36

insertion module

38

Second feeder station

40

Conveyor

42

labeling

44

heating station

46

blow-out

48

buffer area

50

grouping

Claims (14)

Arrangement (10) of a plurality of devices for treating liquid containers (12), in particular for receiving liquid drinks, comprising at least one stretch blow molding machine (14) and at least one downstream filling area (16) for filling the containers (12) with liquid, characterized in that the containers (12) are combined into containers (18) made up of several interconnected containers (12). Arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one stretch blow molding machine (14) and the at least one filling region (16) are arranged in a linear arrangement one after the other. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one stretch blow molding machine (14) and the at least one filling region (16) are coupled without the interposition of a buffer. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein between the at least one stretch blow molding machine (14) and the at least one filling area (16) a labeling station (42) and / or a printing station for the application of labels, for their printing and / or direct Printing the container lateral surfaces is arranged. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one filling area (16) is followed by a labeling station (42) and / or a printing station for applying labels, for printing them and / or for direct printing of the container jacket surfaces. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one stretch blow molding machine (14) comprises a device for combining and coupling the container (12) to containers (18). Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the filling area (16) and / or the downstream labeling (42) and / or printing station have a packaging area (34, 36, 38) for packaging the containers (18) into larger packaging units is subordinate. Method for handling and treating liquid containers (12), in which the containers (12) are produced from preforms (26) by means of a stretch blow molding machine (14) and subsequently filled with liquid, in particular with a liquid beverage, characterized in that the containers ( 12) during their molding or immediately thereafter to containers (18) from a plurality of interconnected containers (12) are summarized and then filled in this container form. A method according to claim 8, wherein the production or forming of the container (12) by means of the stretch blow molding process and the subsequent filling of the container (12) in a linear sequence successively. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the stretch blow and the downstream filling of the container (12) are coupled without the interposition of a buffer. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein between the stretch blow molding and the filling of the container (12) their labeling and / or printing takes place. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein after the stretch blow molding and the subsequent filling of the container (12) their labeling and / or printing takes place. Method according to one of Claims 8 to 12, in which the containers (12) are combined and coupled to containers (18) during or immediately after their stretch-blow molding. Method according to one of claims 8 to 13, in which the containers (12) are packed or packaged after filling and / or after their labeling and / or printing into larger packaging units.

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