EP2399681A1 - Method and apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and integrated plant for blowing, rinsing and filling containers - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and integrated plant for blowing, rinsing and filling containers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2399681A1 EP2399681A1 EP10425214A EP10425214A EP2399681A1 EP 2399681 A1 EP2399681 A1 EP 2399681A1 EP 10425214 A EP10425214 A EP 10425214A EP 10425214 A EP10425214 A EP 10425214A EP 2399681 A1 EP2399681 A1 EP 2399681A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- containers
- filling
- linear conveyor
- rinsing
- configuration
- 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
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 title claims description 14
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 7
- 210000003739 neck Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011012 sanitization Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
- B67C7/0006—Conveying; Synchronising
- B67C7/0026—Conveying; Synchronising the containers travelling along a linear path
- B67C7/0033—Conveying; Synchronising the containers travelling along a linear path the operation being performed batch-wise
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
- B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
- B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
- B08B9/30—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking and having conveyors
Definitions
- the present invention has as its subject a procedure and an apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and an integrated plant for blowing, rinsing and filling containers.
- the procedure, the apparatus and the plant here proposed find application in the bottling sector for filling disposable containers of medium and medium - large format. It should be remembered that by containers of medium format we mean those having a capacity of between 5 litres and 12 litres, while by containers of large format we mean those having a capacity of between 12 litres and 30 litres.
- the filling of containers of medium - large format can be performed either with rotary technology or with linear technology.
- Rotary fillers While they have the advantage of high hourly output, rotary fillers present considerable problems in terms of bulk, maintenance, format changes and hygienic safety. In fact, the diameter of the filling carousel grows with each increase in the capacity, and therefore the diameter, of the containers to be filled. Rotary fillers also feature numerous and complex mechanisms, which cause considerable difficulties with maintenance operations, sanitizing and format changes (think of the large number of devices, such as stars, screws etc.).
- linear fillers present considerable advantages in terms of bulk, maintenance, format changes and hygienic safety.
- the linear filler is narrower and more compact.
- its greater structural simplicity and smaller number of mechanical devices facilitate maintenance operations, format changes and sanitizing.
- the smaller number of devices used in the linear filler compared with the rotary filler means a reduction in the sources of contamination present in the filling cabin.
- the main disadvantage of the solution just cited, and of current rotary filling apparatuses is linked to the fact that the filling apparatus must be connected to at least one external apparatus for treating the containers in such a way as to carry out hygienic treatment operations (rinsing, for example) on the containers before filling.
- the technical task at the base of the present invention is to propose an integrated blowing, rinsing and filling plant, a process and an apparatus for filling and rinsing containers, which will overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the known art mentioned above.
- an object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to make available an apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and an integrated blowing, rinsing and filling plant which are structurally simple and compact.
- the declared technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a procedure and apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and by an integrated blowing, rinsing and filling plant, comprising the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the attached claims.
- number 1 indicates a filling and rinsing apparatus for containers 2.
- these containers 2 are bottles in plastic (PET) of medium or large format.
- the apparatus 1 comprises an isolated cabin 3.
- this isolated cabin 3 forms a pressurized chamber inside which contamination is maintained below a predetermined level.
- the apparatus 1 comprises a main linear conveyor 4, suitable for linearly moving a plurality of empty containers 2 arranged in a first configuration in which they have their mouths facing upwards.
- the containers 2 are fed to the main linear conveyor 4 in a row, i.e. one after the other.
- the main linear conveyor 4 comprises at least one belt carrying a plurality of fingers 14 (also designated 'clamps') spaced a preset distance apart and operatively active on the containers 2 to advance them in a direction of processing (parallel to the axis of extension of the main linear conveyor 4 or coinciding with this axis).
- this preset spacing distance is determined on the basis of the diameter of the containers 2, in such a way as to allow holding calipers 8 to grip each container 2 by its neck.
- the two belts are parallel in such a way as to form a plurality of pairs of fingers 14 fixed onto the respective belts and transversely aligned, i.e. perpendicularly to the direction of processing. In this way, each container 2 is thrust by a pair of fingers 14 in such a way as to allow the corresponding holding calipers 8 to grip it by the neck.
- the apparatus 1 comprises movement means 8, 9, operatively active on the containers 2 to bring them from the first configuration to a second configuration in which their mouths are facing downwards and they are arranged along at least one treatment line 5 parallel to the main linear conveyor 4.
- these movement means 8, 9 comprise a rotating bar 9 having an extension substantially parallel to the main linear conveyor 4.
- this bar 9 consists of a tubular body or a shaft rotating around its own axis of longitudinal extension.
- the bar 9 can perform a rotation through about 180° around its longitudinal axis in such a way as to bring the containers 2 from the first to the second configuration.
- the bar 9 carries a plurality of holding calipers 8 (already mentioned above) suitable for gripping the containers 2 by the neck.
- the apparatus 1 comprises rinsing means 10, 11, operatively active on the containers 2 placed in the second configuration along the treatment line 5 to rinse them.
- rinsing means 10, 11 include a plurality of nozzles 10 and an equal number of collecting ducts 11 (see figure 17 ).
- the nozzles 10, of known type, (penetrating or external), are suitable for delivering a rinsing fluid.
- the collecting ducts 11 are positionable below the treatment line 5 in such a way as to receive the used rinsing fluid (see figures 2 and 6 ).
- each of these collecting ducts has two ends: a first end 11a, open for receiving drops of used fluid and a second end 11b communicating with a drain tank (not illustrated).
- Each collecting duct 11 is rotatably pivoted on a support surface 16 on the apparatus 1 adjacent to said second end 11b. In this way, each collecting duct 11 is movable by rotation through about 90° between a first position in which this first end 11a is centred lower than the mouth of container 2 which is to be rinsed, and a second position in which this first end 11a is brought towards the main linear conveyor 4 in such a way that the duct 11 does not interfere with the subsequent movement and with the filling of the relative container 2.
- the apparatus 1 is provided with second movement means 8, 12, operatively active on containers 2 to bring them back to the first configuration and arrange them along at least one filling line 6 parallel to the main linear conveyor 4.
- these second movement means 8, 12 are formed by the calipers 8 and by arms 12 supporting the calipers 8 themselves.
- the calipers 8 are supported rotatably by the arms 12, which are in their turn integral with the bar 9.
- the calipers 8 are free to rotate through about 180° around a transverse axis.
- the transverse axis around which the calipers 8 rotate is the axis of arms 12.
- Each caliper 8 is movable between a closed position in which it grips the relative container 2 by the neck, and an open position in which it avoids interfering with the container 2 itself.
- the bar 9 is translatable transversely to its longitudinal axis in such a way that the containers 2 are carried on at least one lateral linear conveyor 7 parallel to the main linear conveyor 4.
- This translation is made possible thanks to the presence of transverse guides 17 on which opposed ends of the bar 9 run.
- the movement of the bar 9, both in translation along the transverse guides 17 and in rotation around its longitudinal axis, is effected by electrical, mechanical or pneumatic movement systems of known type.
- each of the arms 12 is slidably coupled to a hollow cylindrical body, inside which a cylinder carrying one of the calipers 8 is rotably movable.
- each caliper 8 is slidably mounted on the corresponding cylinder.
- This cylinder can pass from a retracted configuration in which the container 2 supported by the caliper 8 is inverted or rinsed, to an extended configuration in which the container 2 is carried on the lateral linear conveyor 7 adjacent to filling means 13.
- the movement of the cylinders inside the hollow cylindrical bodies is effected by electrical, mechanical or pneumatic movement systems of known type.
- the containers 2, carried along the filling line 6 are filled with a fluid substance, typically a drink, through filling means 13 consisting of nozzles.
- the lateral linear conveyor 7 comprises a pair of belts 19a, 19b parallel to each other and to the main linear conveyor 4.
- a first belt 19a is arranged below the filling nozzles 13 to form the filling line 6, while a second belt 19b is located externally alongside the first belt 19a.
- a plurality of strips 18 which alternate with the filling nozzles 13.
- strips 18 are oriented in such a way as to form an angle of about 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first belt 19a (considered in the direction of movement of the containers 2). In this way the strips 18 form guide elements capable of deviating the trajectory of the containers 2, transferring them to the exit in order to move them from the first belt 19a to the second belt 19b.
- the height of the support surface 16 with respect to the ground can be varied by adjustment means (for example by motorized means controlled by PLC), in such a way as to make format changes possible. Since the main linear conveyor 4 and the lateral linear conveyor 7 are integral with the support surface 16, they too as a result are vertically movable away from or towards the filling means 13.
- the apparatus 1 conforming to the first embodiment has a use in low-speed applications (up to 2000 containers per hour).
- Figures 9 to 16 illustrate a second embodiment of the apparatus 1, which provides for the presence of two lateral linear conveyors 7a and 7b, both integral with the support surface 16, between which the main linear conveyor 4 is interposed.
- the first movement means 8, 9 comprise two rotating bars 9a, 9b having extension substantially parallel to the main linear conveyor 4.
- Each bar 9a, 9b carries a plurality of calipers 8 for holding the containers 2.
- a first bar 9a and its calipers 8 are operatively active on a first group of containers 2 to bring them from the first to the second configuration and arrange them along a first treatment line 5a.
- a second bar 9b and its calipers 8 are operatively active on a second group of containers 2 to bring them from the first to the second configuration and arrange them along a second treatment line 5b.
- the first treatment line 5a and the second treatment line 5b are parallel to each other.
- Each bar 9a, 9b can perform a rotation through about 180° around its longitudinal axis in such a way as to bring the relative group of containers 2 from the first to the second configuration.
- the two bars 9a, 9b are translatable transversely to their longitudinal axis, in such a way that the first group of containers 2, after having been rotated through about 180° around a transverse axis, is brought onto the first lateral linear conveyor 7a and the second group of containers 2 is brought onto the second lateral linear conveyor 7b.
- the rinsing means 10, 11 include two series of nozzles 10 and two series of collecting ducts 11.
- a first series of collecting ducts 11 is positionable below the first treatment line 5a, while a second series of collecting ducts 11 is positionable below the second treatment line 5b.
- both the lateral linear conveyors 7a, 7b comprise a pair of belts 19a, 19b parallel to each other and to the main linear conveyor 4.
- the apparatus 1 conforming to the second embodiment has a use in applications at speeds of between 2000 and 6000 containers per hour.
- Figures 18 and 19 illustrate an integrated blowing, rinsing and filling plant 100 comprising an apparatus 20 for forming by blowing and, downstream from this, the apparatus 1 for filling and rinsing containers 2.
- the apparatus 20 for forming by blowing (linear, for example) is operatively active on parisons in plastic to transform them into containers 2 according to an already-known procedure.
- the containers 2 that are formed are delivered directly, i.e. avoiding the use of screws, stars or other intermediate elements, by the forming apparatus 20 to the main linear conveyor 4 for the filling and rinsing apparatus 1.
- the containers 2 are then advanced in the direction of processing by the fingers 14 or clamps.
- the plant 100 uses a filling and rinsing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, i.e with a single linear conveyor 7 parallel to the main conveyor 4.
- the plant 100 uses a filling and rinsing apparatus 1 as in the second embodiment, i.e with two lateral linear conveyors 7a, 7b
- the empty containers 2, arranged in the first configuration, are fed to the main linear conveyor 4, which advances them in the direction of processing by means of the fingers 14.
- the main linear conveyor 4 stops in such a way that the containers 2 come to occupy corresponding picking up stations (see figures 1 and 5 ).
- the containers 2, located in the picking up stations, are gripped by the neck by the corresponding calipers 8.
- the containers 2 are then inverted in such a way as to assume the second configuration.
- the bar 9 rotates through about 180° around its longitudinal axis, so that the containers 2 also perform a rotation of about 180° and are arranged along the treatment line 5 (see figures 2 and 6 ).
- the containers 2 undergo a rinsing treatment.
- the nozzles 10 deliver rinsing fluid into the inside of the containers 2, and the collecting ducts 11, arranged in the first position, receive drops of used rinsing fluid.
- the containers 2 are then once more inverted in such a way as to be brought back to the first configuration (see figures 3 and 7 ) and arranged along the filling line 6 (see figures 4 and 8 ).
- the calipers 8 rotate through about 180° around the transverse axis of the arms 12 so that the containers 2 also perform a rotation through about 180°.
- the containers 2 are then sent to the first belt 19a of the lateral linear conveyor 7 in such a way as to be arranged along the filling line 6. This movement is made possible by the transverse translation of the bar 9 towards the first belt 19a. Alternatively, this movement is made possible by the sliding of the cylinders inside the hollow cylindrical bodies.
- the collecting ducts 11 are brought into the second position.
- the containers 2 are then filled with the fluid delivered by the filling nozzles 13.
- the calipers 8 remain in closed position around the necks of the containers 2 at least for a preset interval of time in such a way as to guarantee the stabilization of the containers 2 until the level of fluid introduced into the containers 2 themselves is sufficient to guarantee their stability by itself.
- the full containers 2 are released by the calipers 8 and sent to the exit of the isolated cabin 3 by means of the strips 18, which deviate the trajectory of the containers 2 in order to displace them from the first belt 19a to the second belt 19b.
- the stage of filling a plurality or row of containers 2 at least partially overlaps with the stage of advancing another plurality or row of empty containers 2 along the main linear conveyor 4.
- the apparatus 1 conforming to the first embodiment has a use in low-speed applications (up to 2000 containers per hour).
- the procedure is altogether similar to the one just described for the first embodiment, but halved for the management of the first and second groups of containers 2.
- the apparatus 1 conforming to the second embodiment has a use in high-speed applications (from 2000 to 6000 containers per hour).
- the proposed apparatus is able to perform both the filling and the rinsing function, avoiding the need to provide a further apparatus for rinsing independently of the filling line. In this way, the overall dimensions are reduced by comparison with the known solutions, and the proposed apparatus is structurally simple and compact.
- the transverse movement of the containers is effected by the translation of the bar or bars, which greatly simplifies maintenance and control operations by comparison with known art solutions.
- the proposed integrated plant is structurally simple and compact because it specifies the direct coupling of a blowing plant to the main linear conveyor of the filler/rinser, thus avoiding the provision of intermediate elements such as screws and stars.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
Abstract
rotating each container (2) through about 180° around a longitudinal axis in such a way that the mouth of the container (2) reverts to facing downwards;
rinsing the containers (2);
rotating each container (2) through about 180° around a transverse axis in such a way that the mouth of the container (2) faces upwards;
filling the containers (2) with a fluid.
Description
- The present invention has as its subject a procedure and an apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and an integrated plant for blowing, rinsing and filling containers. In particular, the procedure, the apparatus and the plant here proposed find application in the bottling sector for filling disposable containers of medium and medium - large format. It should be remembered that by containers of medium format we mean those having a capacity of between 5 litres and 12 litres, while by containers of large format we mean those having a capacity of between 12 litres and 30 litres.
- As is well-known, the filling of containers of medium - large format can be performed either with rotary technology or with linear technology.
- While they have the advantage of high hourly output, rotary fillers present considerable problems in terms of bulk, maintenance, format changes and hygienic safety. In fact, the diameter of the filling carousel grows with each increase in the capacity, and therefore the diameter, of the containers to be filled. Rotary fillers also feature numerous and complex mechanisms, which cause considerable difficulties with maintenance operations, sanitizing and format changes (think of the large number of devices, such as stars, screws etc.).
- The combination, too, of a forming machine (blower) with a rotary filling machine is already known, for example from the document
WO 2010/013201 . - On the other hand, notwithstanding their low hourly output, linear fillers present considerable advantages in terms of bulk, maintenance, format changes and hygienic safety. In fact, by its very nature, the linear filler is narrower and more compact. In addition, its greater structural simplicity and smaller number of mechanical devices facilitate maintenance operations, format changes and sanitizing. In fact, the smaller number of devices used in the linear filler compared with the rotary filler means a reduction in the sources of contamination present in the filling cabin.
- The applicant has already developed a linear filling apparatus (patent application
PCT/IT2007/000883 - However, the main disadvantage of the solution just cited, and of current rotary filling apparatuses is linked to the fact that the filling apparatus must be connected to at least one external apparatus for treating the containers in such a way as to carry out hygienic treatment operations (rinsing, for example) on the containers before filling.
- In this context, the technical task at the base of the present invention is to propose an integrated blowing, rinsing and filling plant, a process and an apparatus for filling and rinsing containers, which will overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the known art mentioned above.
- In particular, an object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to make available an apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and an integrated blowing, rinsing and filling plant which are structurally simple and compact. The declared technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a procedure and apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and by an integrated blowing, rinsing and filling plant, comprising the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the attached claims.
- Additional characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the indicative, and hence non limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a procedure and an apparatus for filling and rinsing containers, and of a bottling plant, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:
-
figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an apparatus for filling and rinsing containers, according to the present invention, in a first operating stage and in frontal view; -
figure 2 illustrates the apparatus offigure 1 , in a second operating stage and in frontal view; -
figure 3 illustrates the apparatus offigure 1 , in a third operating stage and in frontal view; -
figure 4 illustrates the apparatus offigure 1 , in a fourth operating stage and in frontal view; -
figures 5, 6 ,7 and 8 illustrate the apparatus offigure 1 respectively in the four operating stages offigures 1, 2 ,3 and 4 , on plan; -
figure 9 illustrates a second embodiment of the apparatus offigure 1 , in the first operating stage and in frontal view; -
figure 10 illustrates the apparatus offigure 9 , in the second operating stage and in frontal view; -
figure 11 illustrates the apparatus offigure 9 , in the third operating stage and in frontal view; -
figure 12 illustrates the apparatus offigure 9 , in the fourth operating stage and in frontal view; -
figures 13, 14 ,15 and 16 illustrate the apparatus offigure 9 respectively in the four operating stages offigures 9, 10 ,11 and 12 , on plan; -
figure 17 is a more detailed version (in which the nozzles are visible) of the apparatus offigure 10 ; -
figure 18 illustrates an integrated blowing, rinsing and filling plant according to the present invention, on plan; -
figure 19 illustrates the integrated plant offigure 18 , in a side view. - With reference to the illustrations,
number 1 indicates a filling and rinsing apparatus forcontainers 2. For example, thesecontainers 2 are bottles in plastic (PET) of medium or large format. Theapparatus 1 comprises anisolated cabin 3. Preferably, thisisolated cabin 3 forms a pressurized chamber inside which contamination is maintained below a predetermined level. - The
apparatus 1 comprises a mainlinear conveyor 4, suitable for linearly moving a plurality ofempty containers 2 arranged in a first configuration in which they have their mouths facing upwards. In particular, thecontainers 2 are fed to the mainlinear conveyor 4 in a row, i.e. one after the other. The mainlinear conveyor 4 comprises at least one belt carrying a plurality of fingers 14 (also designated 'clamps') spaced a preset distance apart and operatively active on thecontainers 2 to advance them in a direction of processing (parallel to the axis of extension of the mainlinear conveyor 4 or coinciding with this axis). In particular, this preset spacing distance is determined on the basis of the diameter of thecontainers 2, in such a way as to allow holdingcalipers 8 to grip eachcontainer 2 by its neck. Preferably, there are two belts connected to corresponding pulleys or wheels and amotor drive 15 operatively active on these belts to move them in such a way as to advance thecontainers 2 in the direction of processing. In particular, the two belts are parallel in such a way as to form a plurality of pairs offingers 14 fixed onto the respective belts and transversely aligned, i.e. perpendicularly to the direction of processing. In this way, eachcontainer 2 is thrust by a pair offingers 14 in such a way as to allow thecorresponding holding calipers 8 to grip it by the neck. - The
apparatus 1 comprises movement means 8, 9, operatively active on thecontainers 2 to bring them from the first configuration to a second configuration in which their mouths are facing downwards and they are arranged along at least onetreatment line 5 parallel to the mainlinear conveyor 4. In particular, these movement means 8, 9 comprise arotating bar 9 having an extension substantially parallel to the mainlinear conveyor 4. For example, thisbar 9 consists of a tubular body or a shaft rotating around its own axis of longitudinal extension. In particular, thebar 9 can perform a rotation through about 180° around its longitudinal axis in such a way as to bring thecontainers 2 from the first to the second configuration. Thebar 9 carries a plurality of holding calipers 8 (already mentioned above) suitable for gripping thecontainers 2 by the neck. - The
apparatus 1 comprises rinsing means 10, 11, operatively active on thecontainers 2 placed in the second configuration along thetreatment line 5 to rinse them. In this context, the term 'rinsing' must be taken to mean either an operation of washing or an operation of removing dust (also known by the English term "dedusting"). Preferably, rinsing means 10, 11 include a plurality ofnozzles 10 and an equal number of collecting ducts 11 (seefigure 17 ). Thenozzles 10, of known type, (penetrating or external), are suitable for delivering a rinsing fluid. The collectingducts 11 are positionable below thetreatment line 5 in such a way as to receive the used rinsing fluid (seefigures 2 and6 ). In particular, each of these collecting ducts has two ends: afirst end 11a, open for receiving drops of used fluid and asecond end 11b communicating with a drain tank (not illustrated). Each collectingduct 11 is rotatably pivoted on asupport surface 16 on theapparatus 1 adjacent to saidsecond end 11b. In this way, each collectingduct 11 is movable by rotation through about 90° between a first position in which thisfirst end 11a is centred lower than the mouth ofcontainer 2 which is to be rinsed, and a second position in which thisfirst end 11a is brought towards the mainlinear conveyor 4 in such a way that theduct 11 does not interfere with the subsequent movement and with the filling of therelative container 2. - The
apparatus 1 is provided with second movement means 8, 12, operatively active oncontainers 2 to bring them back to the first configuration and arrange them along at least one fillingline 6 parallel to the mainlinear conveyor 4. In the embodiments here described and illustrated, these second movement means 8, 12 are formed by thecalipers 8 and byarms 12 supporting thecalipers 8 themselves. In particular, thecalipers 8 are supported rotatably by thearms 12, which are in their turn integral with thebar 9. In this way, thecalipers 8 are free to rotate through about 180° around a transverse axis. Preferably, the transverse axis around which thecalipers 8 rotate is the axis ofarms 12. Eachcaliper 8 is movable between a closed position in which it grips therelative container 2 by the neck, and an open position in which it avoids interfering with thecontainer 2 itself. - In a first embodiment described and illustrated in
figures 1 to 8 , thebar 9 is translatable transversely to its longitudinal axis in such a way that thecontainers 2 are carried on at least one laterallinear conveyor 7 parallel to the mainlinear conveyor 4. This translation is made possible thanks to the presence of transverse guides 17 on which opposed ends of thebar 9 run. The movement of thebar 9, both in translation along thetransverse guides 17 and in rotation around its longitudinal axis, is effected by electrical, mechanical or pneumatic movement systems of known type. In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, each of thearms 12 is slidably coupled to a hollow cylindrical body, inside which a cylinder carrying one of thecalipers 8 is rotably movable. In particular, eachcaliper 8 is slidably mounted on the corresponding cylinder. This cylinder can pass from a retracted configuration in which thecontainer 2 supported by thecaliper 8 is inverted or rinsed, to an extended configuration in which thecontainer 2 is carried on the laterallinear conveyor 7 adjacent to fillingmeans 13. The movement of the cylinders inside the hollow cylindrical bodies is effected by electrical, mechanical or pneumatic movement systems of known type. - The
containers 2, carried along the filling line 6 (seefigure 8 ), are filled with a fluid substance, typically a drink, through filling means 13 consisting of nozzles. Preferably, the laterallinear conveyor 7 comprises a pair ofbelts linear conveyor 4. In particular, afirst belt 19a is arranged below the fillingnozzles 13 to form thefilling line 6, while asecond belt 19b is located externally alongside thefirst belt 19a. Preferably, above thefirst belt 19a there is a plurality ofstrips 18 which alternate with the fillingnozzles 13. Thesestrips 18 are oriented in such a way as to form an angle of about 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of thefirst belt 19a (considered in the direction of movement of the containers 2). In this way thestrips 18 form guide elements capable of deviating the trajectory of thecontainers 2, transferring them to the exit in order to move them from thefirst belt 19a to thesecond belt 19b. - Advantageously, the height of the
support surface 16 with respect to the ground can be varied by adjustment means (for example by motorized means controlled by PLC), in such a way as to make format changes possible. Since the mainlinear conveyor 4 and the laterallinear conveyor 7 are integral with thesupport surface 16, they too as a result are vertically movable away from or towards the filling means 13. - Preferably, the
apparatus 1 conforming to the first embodiment has a use in low-speed applications (up to 2000 containers per hour). -
Figures 9 to 16 illustrate a second embodiment of theapparatus 1, which provides for the presence of two laterallinear conveyors support surface 16, between which the mainlinear conveyor 4 is interposed. In this case, the first movement means 8, 9 comprise tworotating bars linear conveyor 4. Eachbar calipers 8 for holding thecontainers 2. In particular, afirst bar 9a and itscalipers 8 are operatively active on a first group ofcontainers 2 to bring them from the first to the second configuration and arrange them along afirst treatment line 5a. Asecond bar 9b and itscalipers 8 are operatively active on a second group ofcontainers 2 to bring them from the first to the second configuration and arrange them along asecond treatment line 5b. Thefirst treatment line 5a and thesecond treatment line 5b are parallel to each other. - Each
bar containers 2 from the first to the second configuration. - In addition, the two
bars containers 2, after having been rotated through about 180° around a transverse axis, is brought onto the first laterallinear conveyor 7a and the second group ofcontainers 2 is brought onto the second laterallinear conveyor 7b. - The rinsing means 10, 11 include two series of
nozzles 10 and two series of collectingducts 11. In particular, a first series of collectingducts 11 is positionable below thefirst treatment line 5a, while a second series of collectingducts 11 is positionable below thesecond treatment line 5b. - Preferably, both the lateral
linear conveyors belts linear conveyor 4. - Preferably, the
apparatus 1 conforming to the second embodiment has a use in applications at speeds of between 2000 and 6000 containers per hour. -
Figures 18 and19 illustrate an integrated blowing, rinsing and fillingplant 100 comprising anapparatus 20 for forming by blowing and, downstream from this, theapparatus 1 for filling and rinsingcontainers 2. Theapparatus 20 for forming by blowing (linear, for example) is operatively active on parisons in plastic to transform them intocontainers 2 according to an already-known procedure. Thecontainers 2 that are formed are delivered directly, i.e. avoiding the use of screws, stars or other intermediate elements, by the formingapparatus 20 to the mainlinear conveyor 4 for the filling and rinsingapparatus 1. Thecontainers 2 are then advanced in the direction of processing by thefingers 14 or clamps. - In
figures 18 and19 , theplant 100 uses a filling and rinsingapparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, i.e with a singlelinear conveyor 7 parallel to themain conveyor 4. Alternatively, theplant 100 uses a filling and rinsingapparatus 1 as in the second embodiment, i.e with two laterallinear conveyors - The procedure for filling and rinsing containers, according to the present invention, is described below with reference to the first embodiment.
- The
empty containers 2, arranged in the first configuration, are fed to the mainlinear conveyor 4, which advances them in the direction of processing by means of thefingers 14. The mainlinear conveyor 4 stops in such a way that thecontainers 2 come to occupy corresponding picking up stations (seefigures 1 and5 ). Thecontainers 2, located in the picking up stations, are gripped by the neck by the correspondingcalipers 8. Thecontainers 2 are then inverted in such a way as to assume the second configuration. In particular, thebar 9 rotates through about 180° around its longitudinal axis, so that thecontainers 2 also perform a rotation of about 180° and are arranged along the treatment line 5 (seefigures 2 and6 ). - At this point, the
containers 2 undergo a rinsing treatment. In fact, thenozzles 10 deliver rinsing fluid into the inside of thecontainers 2, and the collectingducts 11, arranged in the first position, receive drops of used rinsing fluid. - The
containers 2 are then once more inverted in such a way as to be brought back to the first configuration (seefigures 3 and7 ) and arranged along the filling line 6 (seefigures 4 and8 ). To this end, thecalipers 8 rotate through about 180° around the transverse axis of thearms 12 so that thecontainers 2 also perform a rotation through about 180°. Thecontainers 2 are then sent to thefirst belt 19a of the laterallinear conveyor 7 in such a way as to be arranged along the fillingline 6. This movement is made possible by the transverse translation of thebar 9 towards thefirst belt 19a. Alternatively, this movement is made possible by the sliding of the cylinders inside the hollow cylindrical bodies. - It should be noted that, to avoid interference with the further movements of the
containers 2, the collectingducts 11 are brought into the second position. - The
containers 2 are then filled with the fluid delivered by the fillingnozzles 13. - During the filling stage, the
calipers 8 remain in closed position around the necks of thecontainers 2 at least for a preset interval of time in such a way as to guarantee the stabilization of thecontainers 2 until the level of fluid introduced into thecontainers 2 themselves is sufficient to guarantee their stability by itself. - The
full containers 2 are released by thecalipers 8 and sent to the exit of theisolated cabin 3 by means of thestrips 18, which deviate the trajectory of thecontainers 2 in order to displace them from thefirst belt 19a to thesecond belt 19b. - The stage of filling a plurality or row of
containers 2 at least partially overlaps with the stage of advancing another plurality or row ofempty containers 2 along the mainlinear conveyor 4. - Preferably, the
apparatus 1 conforming to the first embodiment has a use in low-speed applications (up to 2000 containers per hour). - In the second embodiment, the procedure is altogether similar to the one just described for the first embodiment, but halved for the management of the first and second groups of
containers 2. - Preferably, the
apparatus 1 conforming to the second embodiment has a use in high-speed applications (from 2000 to 6000 containers per hour). - The characteristics of the procedure and apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and of the integrated blowing, rinsing and filling plant, according to the present invention, are clear from the description given above, as also are the advantages.
- In particular, thanks to the fact that the rinsing of the containers is carried out during their movement towards the filling line, the proposed apparatus is able to perform both the filling and the rinsing function, avoiding the need to provide a further apparatus for rinsing independently of the filling line. In this way, the overall dimensions are reduced by comparison with the known solutions, and the proposed apparatus is structurally simple and compact.
- Furthermore, in order to fully exploit the potential of linear technology, rinsing has been inserted as an intermediate stage during the double rotation of the containers, in such a way that the dead times of the operation of the apparatus are reduced.
- This characteristic, together with the fact that the filling of the containers is performed laterally with respect to the main linear conveyor, enables the apparatus to reach hourly outputs typical of rotary technology (up to 6,000 5-litre containers per hour) while using linear technology. In fact, some stages of the filling procedure can be overlapped: for example, as we have seen, while a new row of containers is advanced along the main linear conveyor, another row of containers is in process of being filled.
- Furthermore, thanks to the possibility of automatically (through management by PLC) varying the height of the support surface and the stopping point of the clamps, format-changing operations are fast and do not require any changing of components.
- In addition, in one of the embodiments the transverse movement of the containers is effected by the translation of the bar or bars, which greatly simplifies maintenance and control operations by comparison with known art solutions.
- Finally, the proposed integrated plant is structurally simple and compact because it specifies the direct coupling of a blowing plant to the main linear conveyor of the filler/rinser, thus avoiding the provision of intermediate elements such as screws and stars.
Claims (16)
- Procedure for filling and rinsing containers (2) in an isolated cabin (3), characterized by comprising the following stages:feeding to a main linear conveyor (4) a plurality of empty containers (2) arranged in a first configuration in which they have their mouths facing upwards;inverting the containers (2) in such a way that they assume a second configuration in which their mouths are facing downwards and they are arranged along at least a treatment line (5) parallel to the main linear conveyor (4);performing a treatment of rinsing the containers (2) placed in the second configuration along said at least one treatment line (5);inverting the containers (2) once more in such a way as to bring them back to the first configuration andarrange them along at least one filling line (6) parallel to said main linear conveyor (4);filling the containers (2) positioned along the filling line (6);transporting the full containers (2) leaving said isolated cabin (3) along at least one lateral linear conveyor (7) parallel to the main linear conveyor (4).
- Procedure according to claim 1, wherein the stage of inverting the containers (2) consists in rotating each container (2) through about 180° around a longitudinal axis.
- Procedure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stage of inverting the containers (2) once more consists in rotating each container (2) through about 180° around a transverse axis.
- Procedure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stage of transporting the full containers (2) leaving said isolated cabin (3) comprises a stage of deviating the trajectory of the containers (2) to displace them laterally away from a first belt (19a) forming the lateral linear conveyor (7), towards a second belt (19b), this too forming the lateral linear conveyor (7).
- Procedure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stage of inverting the containers (2) consists in bringing a first group of containers (2) into the second configuration along a first treatment line (5a) and bringing a second group of containers (2) into the second configuration along a second treatment line (5b), said first and said second treatment lines (5a, 5b) being parallel to each other.
- Procedure according to claim 5, wherein the stage of inverting the containers (2) once more consists in bringing them into the first configuration and arranging said first group of containers (2) along a first filling line (6a) and said second group of containers (2) along a second filling line (6b), said first and said second filling lines (6a, 6b) being parallel to each other.
- Procedure according to claim 6, wherein the stage of transporting the full containers (2) leaving the isolated cabin (3) consists in sending them to a first lateral linear conveyor (7a) and to a second lateral linear conveyor (7b), both being parallel to the main linear conveyor (4) which is interposed between said lateral linear conveyors (7a, 7b).
- Apparatus (1) for filling and rinsing containers (2), characterized by comprising, in combination:a main linear conveyor (4) suitable for linearly moving a plurality of empty containers (2) arranged in a first configuration in which they have their mouths facing upwards;first movement means (8, 9) for said containers (2) for bringing them from said first configuration to a second configuration in which their mouths are facing downwards and they are arranged along at least one treatment line (5) parallel to the main linear conveyor (4);rinsing means (10, 11) operatively active on the containers (2) placed in the second configuration along said at least one treatment line (5) to rinse them;second movement means (8, 12) for containers (2) to bring them back to the first configuration and arrange them along at least one filling line (6) parallel to the main linear conveyor (4);filling means (13) operatively active on the containers (2) positioned along the filling line (6) for filling them with a fluid substance.
- Apparatus (1) according to claim 8, wherein said first movement means (8, 9) for the containers (2) comprise a rotating bar (9) having extension substantially parallel to said main linear conveyor (4) and carrying a plurality of calipers (8) suitable for gripping the containers (2) by the neck, said bar (9) rotating through about 180° around its longitudinal axis in such a way as to bring the containers (2) from the first to the second configuration.
- Apparatus (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said rinsing means (10, 11) comprise a plurality of nozzles (10) suitable for delivering a rinsing fluid, and an equal number of collection ducts (11) positionable below the treatment line (6) in such a way as to receive the used rinsing fluid.
- Apparatus (1) according to claims 9 or 10, wherein said calipers (8) are supported rotatably by arms (12) integral with said bar (9) in such a way that said calipers (8) can rotate through about 180° around a transverse axis, said calipers (8) and said arms (12) forming the second movement means (8, 12) for the containers (2).
- Apparatus (1) according to claims 9 to 11, wherein said bar (9) is translatable transversely to its longitudinal axis in such a way that the containers (2) are carried on at least one lateral linear conveyor (7) parallel to the main linear conveyor (4).
- Apparatus (1) according to claim 11, wherein each of said arms (12) comprises a hollow cylindrical body inside which a cylinder carrying one of said calipers (8) is slidably movable, said cylinder passing from a retracted configuration in which the container (2) supported by the caliper (8) is inverted or rinsed, to an extended configuration in which the container (2) is carried on at least one lateral linear conveyor (7) parallel to the main linear conveyor (4).
- Apparatus (1) according to claims 8 to 13, comprising furthermore a support surface (16) and means of adjusting the height of the support surface with respect to the ground, said main linear conveyor (4) and said at least one lateral linear conveyor (7) being integral with the support surface (16) in such a way as to be vertically movable away from or towards filling means (13) depending on the height of the containers (2).
- Apparatus (1) according to claims 8 to 14, wherein said main linear conveyor (4) is provided with at least one belt carrying a plurality of fingers (14) spaced a preset distance apart and operatively active on said containers (2) to advance them in a direction of processing.
- Integrated blowing, rinsing and filling plant (100) for containers (2) comprising an apparatus (20) for forming by blowing, operatively active on parisons in plastic to transform them into said containers (2), characterized by comprising an apparatus (1) for filling and rinsing containers (2) according to claim 15, located downstream from said apparatus (20) for forming by blowing, in such a way that the containers (2) formed are delivered directly by it, i.e. avoiding the use of screws, stars or other intermediate elements, to said main linear conveyor (4) whose fingers (14) bring about the advancement of the containers (2) themselves in the direction of processing.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ES10425214T ES2401743T3 (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2010-06-25 | Method and apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and integrated plant for blowing, rinsing and filling containers |
EP10425214A EP2399681B1 (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2010-06-25 | Method and apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and integrated plant for blowing, rinsing and filling containers |
SI201030153T SI2399681T1 (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2010-06-25 | Method and apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and integrated plant for blowing, rinsing and filling containers |
PL10425214T PL2399681T3 (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2010-06-25 | Method and apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and integrated plant for blowing, rinsing and filling containers |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP10425214A EP2399681B1 (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2010-06-25 | Method and apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and integrated plant for blowing, rinsing and filling containers |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2399681A1 true EP2399681A1 (en) | 2011-12-28 |
EP2399681B1 EP2399681B1 (en) | 2012-12-26 |
Family
ID=43034649
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP10425214A Active EP2399681B1 (en) | 2010-06-25 | 2010-06-25 | Method and apparatus for filling and rinsing containers and integrated plant for blowing, rinsing and filling containers |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2399681B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2401743T3 (en) |
PL (1) | PL2399681T3 (en) |
SI (1) | SI2399681T1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104668242A (en) * | 2015-01-23 | 2015-06-03 | 张洪岐 | Automatic cleaning device for glass apparatuses for crude oil production |
DE102020116266A1 (en) | 2020-06-19 | 2021-12-23 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Device and method for filling containers |
Citations (7)
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DE1927223A1 (en) * | 1969-05-29 | 1970-12-17 | Weigel Handelsgmbh | Machine for internal cleaning and filling of beer kegs and a method for moving a keg from a first to a second station, in particular from a cleaning to a filling station |
FR2467173A1 (en) * | 1979-10-10 | 1981-04-17 | Binner Joseph | Wine bottle washing filling and corking machine - has sloping conveyor with washing station at feed end and filling station at delivery end |
EP0291674A1 (en) * | 1985-07-19 | 1988-11-23 | Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | An apparatus for handling containers |
DE19702770A1 (en) * | 1997-01-27 | 1998-07-30 | Alfill Engineering Gmbh & Co K | Plant for treatment of drinks bottles |
US6328928B1 (en) * | 1997-01-07 | 2001-12-11 | Gea Finnah Gmbh | Method and for preparing container for filling, and method of filling container |
WO2003068663A1 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2003-08-21 | Lamba Kft. | Procedure and equipment for filling containers with aseptic liquid |
WO2010013201A2 (en) | 2008-07-29 | 2010-02-04 | Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa | Plant for blow-moulding plastic containers, particularly bottles |
-
2010
- 2010-06-25 PL PL10425214T patent/PL2399681T3/en unknown
- 2010-06-25 EP EP10425214A patent/EP2399681B1/en active Active
- 2010-06-25 ES ES10425214T patent/ES2401743T3/en active Active
- 2010-06-25 SI SI201030153T patent/SI2399681T1/en unknown
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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DE1927223A1 (en) * | 1969-05-29 | 1970-12-17 | Weigel Handelsgmbh | Machine for internal cleaning and filling of beer kegs and a method for moving a keg from a first to a second station, in particular from a cleaning to a filling station |
FR2467173A1 (en) * | 1979-10-10 | 1981-04-17 | Binner Joseph | Wine bottle washing filling and corking machine - has sloping conveyor with washing station at feed end and filling station at delivery end |
EP0291674A1 (en) * | 1985-07-19 | 1988-11-23 | Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | An apparatus for handling containers |
US6328928B1 (en) * | 1997-01-07 | 2001-12-11 | Gea Finnah Gmbh | Method and for preparing container for filling, and method of filling container |
DE19702770A1 (en) * | 1997-01-27 | 1998-07-30 | Alfill Engineering Gmbh & Co K | Plant for treatment of drinks bottles |
WO2003068663A1 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2003-08-21 | Lamba Kft. | Procedure and equipment for filling containers with aseptic liquid |
WO2010013201A2 (en) | 2008-07-29 | 2010-02-04 | Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa | Plant for blow-moulding plastic containers, particularly bottles |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN104668242A (en) * | 2015-01-23 | 2015-06-03 | 张洪岐 | Automatic cleaning device for glass apparatuses for crude oil production |
CN104668242B (en) * | 2015-01-23 | 2016-09-28 | 张洪岐 | A kind of crude oil production glass apparatus automatic clearing apparatus |
DE102020116266A1 (en) | 2020-06-19 | 2021-12-23 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Device and method for filling containers |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
PL2399681T3 (en) | 2013-05-31 |
ES2401743T3 (en) | 2013-04-24 |
EP2399681B1 (en) | 2012-12-26 |
SI2399681T1 (en) | 2013-04-30 |
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