EP2409946B1 - Device for handling containers with flushing cap - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for treating containers. Various devices for treating containers are known from the prior art, such as filling devices for filling containers with a beverage, cleaning devices, forming devices for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, sterilization devices and the like. The invention will be described with reference to a filling device for filling containers, but it should be noted that the invention is also applicable to other devices for treating containers.

In such devices for treating containers, it is known in the art that they have a rinsing mode in addition to a working mode in which a cleaning medium is passed through the respective treatment devices such as filling elements in order to clean them. For this purpose, a cover or closing element covers the respective filling element, so that a cleaning agent can pass through the region of this closing element.

The DE 103 59 779 describes a filling element of a filling machine. In this case, a flushing plate for closing the recess to provide an outwardly closed Spülraumes available, for which purpose this flushing plate on a container carrier, which transports the containers during operation, and wherein in a flushing operation, this flushing plate is moved radially to Füllelementachse to in this way, the filling element cover. Therefore, in this embodiment, the closing or covering element is permanently arranged on a container carrier. This must therefore intercept the relatively high pressures in the flushing operation, which act on the cover.

From the EP 0 409 798 A1 For example, a valve for dispensing devices is known, which has a device for carrying a dummy bottle. This dummy bottle can be applied to the filling valve.

The WO 2009/004500 A1 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and in particular a filling valve for a filling machine, which also has a dummy bottle, which is arranged movable relative to the valve and which can be moved between a rest position and a working position. A corresponding movement means is coupled to a nozzle of the filling valve to receive a cleaning liquid emerging from the nozzle.

The EP 1 512 663 A1 describes a device for changing removable components, for example, bottleneck shots and star pockets of different bottles or bottle mouths.

Furthermore, devices are known in which a separate hub / rotary member is used for pivoting and pressing the cover. These devices work satisfactorily, but are technically relatively complex.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to design such treatment systems for containers easier in terms of their cleaning operation. This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for treating containers has a treatment element which treats the containers, and a covering device in order to cover the treatment element at least temporarily during a cleaning operation for the device. In this case, the cover is pivotable with respect to a predetermined axis and the cover is further displaceable in the direction of extension of this axis in order to move the cover relative to the treatment element. Furthermore, the cover is arranged on a pivotable rod to Further, an actuator is provided to rotate the rod between two positions, and there is further provided an actuator for rotating the rod, and driving means for moving the rod in the extending direction of the rod.

According to the invention, one of said positions is a working position in which the covering device covers the treatment element and on the rod is arranged a locking device which locks the rod in the two positions.

As mentioned above, a simplification is to be achieved by the invention and it should preferably be dispensed with a separate drive for pressing the cover. Therefore, the invention proposes that the covering (hereinafter also referred to as CIP cap) is arranged on a separate linkage to pivot from the rest position to the working position. Preferably, both the rest position and the working position is determined solely by said linkage, which is made possible by the locking device, which is arranged on the rod, and which is preferably connected directly to the rod. Advantageously, the locking device is a mechanically operating locking device, which particularly preferably manages without drive elements such as electric motors or the like. The working position of the covering device is understood to be a position of the covering device in which the device can operate in a flushing operation.

In an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting device has a lever arranged on the rod, which interacts with a guide track, which in particular is arranged in a stationary manner. In this embodiment, therefore, the pivoting mechanism, which pivots the rod in the working position and back again, a curve segment or a curve guide with an actuating lever. However, it would also be possible to perform the pivoting by a cylinder, or by a pneumatic, hydraulic and / or electric rotating mechanism.

Preferably, the pressing of the cover to the treatment element, which is in particular a filling element, accomplished with an already existing container suspension. However, this must be from this container suspension no additional positioning task is taken over. This positioning task is taken over by the locking device, which preferably locks the covering device at least in the working position, so that an exact spatial arrangement is possible, in particular in the pivoting position of the covering device.

The locking device locks the rod and thus also the cover device in both positions, i. both in the resting position, as well as in the working position.

Preferably, the locking device on a first locking element which is rotatably mounted on the rod, and a second locking element, which is arranged at least in the pivoting direction stationary relative to the device. It would also be possible that both locking elements are arranged to be movable in the direction of extent or longitudinal direction of the rod, but the first locking element is arranged non-rotatably on the rod. It would also be possible for both locking elements to be coupled in the longitudinal direction of the rod to the movement of the rod.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a pin-like body is arranged on the first locking element, which engages in one of the positions in a recess arranged in the second locking element. Advantageously, this pen body is spring loaded and is biased in this way in the direction of the second locking element. Advantageously, the second locking element rotates under this spring-biased pin in the form of a plate in which two centering holes, one per position are mounted. The pin body snaps into one of the holes and prevents twisting. Due to the adjustment curve, the complete linkage is rotated against the resistance of the centering pin so that the pin engages in the other position again. In this way it is ensured that the rod is held securely in each of the two positions. It is also possible that the locking pin is arranged on a rotating shaft and the plate on a stationary part of the valve.

In a preferred embodiment, the covering device is a self-draining cover element. This is to be understood that by a corresponding mechanism liquid within the cover (for example, after a cleaning operation) can be automatically emptied from this. Advantageously, the cover has a self-emptying pot, so that (fill) valve variants with return air tubes with this Covering device can be equipped. However, there are also closed variants without a corresponding self-emptying pot conceivable. It should be noted that the application of this self-draining cover device can also be provided independently of the above-mentioned design with the two locking positions.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a holding device for the containers is arranged on the drive device. This means that a holding device which is usually present in these systems and which holds the containers and presses against the filling element during the filling process is also used in order to guide the covering device to the respective filling element during rinsing operation.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the covering device has a covering element, which is arranged in a holding device, wherein the covering element is arranged to be movable in the direction of the pivoting axis (relative to the holding device). This means that the cover, which covers the filling element directly in the rinsing operation, in turn, is movably arranged with respect to a carrier and in particular movably in the direction of the pivot axis. By this mobility, the self-emptying of this cover can be achieved.

Advantageously, the cover has a bottom opening, so it is open in particular downwards. Furthermore, the holding device also advantageously has openings for emptying the covering device in its peripheral wall.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the covering element has a sealing device surrounding the bottom opening in order to seal the covering element with respect to the holding device. Thus, it is possible that in the actual rinsing operation, the holding device is pressed against the cover, so that the opening in the cover is completely sealed by means of the sealing device, which may for example be equipped in the manner of an O-ring. For self-draining the cover, the cover and the holding device can be spaced apart, so that now can drain through the bottom opening of the cover and the openings in the peripheral wall of the holding device, the detergent.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings:

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines an einer Stange angeordneten Abdeckelements;
• Fig. 2a, 2b die beiden Positionen der Abdeckeinrichtung gegenüber der Behältnisaufhängung;
• Fig. 3a-3d vier Betriebsstellungen einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• Fig. 4a-4c drei Darstellungen einer Arretiereinrichtung;
• Fig. 5a-5d vier Darstellungen einer Abdeckeinrichtung in teilweise verschiedenen Betriebspositionen.

Show:

• Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a arranged on a rod cover member;
• Fig. 2a, 2b the two positions of the cover over the container suspension;
• Fig. 3a-3d four operating positions of a device according to the invention;
• Fig. 4a-4c three representations of a locking device;
• Fig. 5a-5d four representations of a covering in partially different operating positions.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a portion of a device according to the invention 1. Here, a rod or actuating rod 16 is provided at the lower end via a cover arm 6 is arranged. In this case, this covering device 6 is pivotable by means of the rod 16 both with respect to a pivot axis X, as well as in the direction of the double arrow P1 can be raised or lowered. At the upper end of the actuating rod, a lever 14 is arranged, which is movable by means of a control cam 18 only schematically shown and fixed in the overall device, so that at the same time also the cover 6 can be pivoted. Stable in the overall device means that the control cam 18 is arranged at a certain angular range, for example, of a container treatment machine carousel (not shown). In this case, the control cam 18 can be moved by a suitable drive against the lever 14, so that the lever 14 are actuated by the control cam 18. Alternatively, it is possible to effect the pivoting movement of the rod 16 by other common or for each rod 16 individual drives. The reference numeral 20 indicates in its entirety the actuating mechanism which causes the pivoting of the cover 6. The reference numeral 8 refers in its entirety to a locking device, with which the rotational position of the rod 16 and thus also the pivot position of the cover 6 can be locked in two positions. This locking device has a first locking element 22 and a second locking element 24. In this case, one of these two locking elements, here the locking element 24 is arranged fixed and the first locking element 22 rotatably mounted on the rod 16.

The FIGS. 2a and 2b show two positions of the cover 6 and CIP cap. At the in FIG. 2a In the situation shown, the covering device is in a rest position, which may be, for example, a working operation of the device, ie a filling operation. At the in FIG. 2b As shown, the cover device is pivoted by means of an arm 42 by a rotation of the rod 16 and now above a holding element 52, which serves to hold the containers in normal operation. In this pivoted state, the holding element 52, which is a component of a drive device 12, which causes the lifting movement of the cover 6, here (see. Fig. 1 ) Move upwards and thus lift the cover 6.

The FIGS. 3a to 3d show a functional sequence of the device according to the invention. At the in FIG. 3a In the situation shown, the covering device is pivoted in, ie pivoted under the filling element or treatment element 2, so that it can close it for a flushing operation. The drive element 12 or in FIG. 2a shown holding member 52 presses from below to the cover and presses it from below to the treatment element 2 at.

FIG. 3b shows a further operating state in which the cover 6 is still swung under the treatment element or here a filling valve 54, however, the drive device 12 has lowered down, in which situation the cover is open, so that medium can escape from this.

Figure 3c indicates a rest position of the cover 6, in which it is pivoted away from the filling valve 54. The drive device 12 or the bottle suspension 52 is also moved down here.

3d figure illustrates a working operation of the system in which a container 10 is filled with a beverage. The filling valve or a component thereof protrudes into the mouth of the container in order to fill it. Also is again the holding device 52 recognizable, which engages the container here below his support ring. The cover 6 is pivoted away in this position and in such a way that it does not hinder the supply of the containers 10.

The FIGS. 4a to 4c illustrate the operation of the locking device 8. It can be seen that on the rod 16, a first locking element 22 is arranged rotationally fixed. This locking element 22 has here two holes 34, in each of which in dependence on a rotational position of the first locking element 22, a pin body 32 can engage. Thus, the two positions of the rod and thus the two positions of the cover are determined by this pin body 32 by cooperation with the two holes 34. The pin body 32 is arranged on a second locking element 24. This locking element is fixed, ie it does not rotate with the rod 16. The reference numeral 26 denotes a guide device, through which the actuating rod 16 is pushed, and which is arranged to be rotatable relative to the actuating rod 16. In this case, however, the first locking element 22 is also moved in a lifting and lowering movement of the actuating rod. Alternatively, it is possible that the first locking element 22 is fixedly arranged, while the second locking element 24, which carries the pin body 32, is fixed to the rod 16.

Figure 4c illustrates in particular the pin-like body 32. This is arranged displaceably in lifting and lowering in a sleeve 38 and is biased by a spring in the direction of the first locking element 22 and the bore 34.

Advantageously, that locking element, which is usually attached to the rod, also be arranged directly in the lever arm of the lever 14 or the lever arm is designed as a locking element.

The FIGS. 5a to 5d illustrate the operation of the cover 6. This cover or CIP cap is constructed so that it has a cover member 62 in the form of a sleeve, said sleeve having an opening 72 in its bottom. The sleeve 62 is arranged in a holding device 64 and movable in the longitudinal direction of the rod 16 and in the direction of the lifting and lowering movement. The holding device 64 has at its outer periphery openings 74 (see. FIG. 5b ), so as to allow emptying of the cover 6. Alternatively, it is possible that the sleeve has an opening in the side wall the sleeve, preferably around the lower end of the side wall. In this case, the holding device 64 may have openings in its bottom. Furthermore, the cover member 62 and the sleeve has a sealing device 66, which is arranged on the lower end side of the same. In this case, this sealing device is here pressed into a circumferential groove 65 of the cover, which is in particular a dovetail groove in this groove, so that the sealing device 60 is fixedly connected to the sleeve. However, it would also be possible to arrange this sealing device, which is preferably designed as an O-ring, in the holding device 64. At the in Fig. 5a As shown, the cover can still leak.

If now the cover element 62 or the entire covering device 6 is pressed by the drive device 12 or the bottle suspension to the valve 2, the holding device 64 and the sleeve 62 are lifted so far up until the upper seal 76 (see. Fig. 5b ) of the sleeve 62 abuts the outlet of the valve 2. Now only the holding device 64 moves until it rests against the inner sleeve 62. In this way, the lower seal 66 of the sleeve 62 comes to rest and seals on the holding device 64 from. At the in Fig. 5d As shown, the CIP cap is fully pressed and tight.

If the bottle suspension 12 then moves away from the valve again, the lower seal 66 pushes the sleeve 62 and the holding device 64 apart. In this situation, however, the leakage of residual liquid is not guaranteed. Therefore, a further seal 68 is installed as a spring and retaining element between the sleeve 62 and the holding device 64. This O-ring 68 is, as in particular in FIG. 5d shown, so constructed that it can further expand the sleeve 62 and the holding device 64 so that the lower sealing element 66 lifts from the sealing point and in this way the cover 6 can leak clean. For this purpose, it would also be possible for the outer wall of the cover element 62 to have tapers or bends which cause a slight movement of the cover element 62 relative to the holding device 64.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

Treatment element, valve

6

cover

8th

locking

10

container

12

driving means

14

lever

16

actuating rod

18

cam

20

actuating mechanism

22

first locking element

24

second locking element

26

guide means

32

pen body

34

drilling

36

feather

38

shell

42

poor

52

retaining element

54

filling valve

62

Cover element, sleeve

64

holder

65

groove

66

sealing device

68

another seal

72

opening

74

openings

76

upper seal

78

O-ring

P1

double arrow

X

swivel axis

Claims (9)

1. An apparatus (1) for the treatment of containers (10) with a treatment element (2) which treats the containers, and with a covering device (6) in order to cover the treatment element (2) at least for a time during a cleaning operation for the apparatus (1), wherein the covering device (6) is pivotable with respect to a pre-set axis (X) and wherein the covering device (6) is displaceable in the extension direction of this axis (X) in order to move the covering device (6) with respect to the treatment element (2), and wherein the covering device is arranged on a pivotable rod (16) in order to be pivoted between two positions with respect to the axis (X), with a control device (20) for rotating the rod (16) and with a drive device (12) for moving the rod (16) in the extension direction of the rod (16), wherein one of these positions is a working position in which the covering device covers the treatment element (2), characterized in that a locking device (8) which locks the rod (16) in the two positions is arranged on the rod (16).
2. An apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device has a lever (14) which is arranged on the rod (16) and which co-operates with a guide cam (18).
3. An apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (8) has a first locking element (22) which is arranged in a rotationally rigid manner on the rod (16), as well as a second locking element (24) which is arranged in a stationary manner.
4. An apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that a pin member (32), which in one of the positions projects into a recess situated in the second locking element (24), is arranged on the first locking element (22).
5. An apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering device is a self-emptying covering element (6).
6. An apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holding device (52) for the containers is arranged on the drive device (12).
7. An apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering device (6) has a covering element (62) which is arranged in a holding device (64), wherein the covering element is arranged so as to be movable in the direction of the pivot axis (X).
8. An apparatus (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the covering element (62) has an opening, in particular an opening in the base.
9. An apparatus (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that in the peripheral wall thereof and/or on the base thereof the holding device (64) has openings for emptying the covering device (6).

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