EP2532447A1 - Device and method for rinsing plastic containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus has conveying device (2) that conveys plastic material container (10) along preset conveying path. Several spraying devices (4) act upon inner space of container with gaseous medium and are movable within the container. The gaseous medium reservoir is connected to the spraying devices through a connecting line. An ionizing unit (20) is arranged between reservoir and spraying devices to ionize centrally gaseous medium arriving at spraying devices. An independent claim is included for method for rinsing plastic material container.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for rinsing plastic containers. Various processes are known in the beverage-producing industry which serve to clean and in particular to rinse plastic containers. In particular, plastic such as PET bottles, plastic films or plastic closures have the peculiarity that they charge electrostatically by friction. As a result of this charging, dust particles as well as, for example, styrofoam or cardboard residues are attracted to the bottles, plastic closures, etc. and stick to them. These particles can not be removed even by gently shaking and / or blowing off with untreated air.

From the prior art, therefore, methods are known in which these plastic containers are subjected to ionized air to compensate for this charge in order to be able to more easily remove particles from the plastic containers in this way. For example, it is possible for air generated by a compressor to be fed via a sterile air filter to a rinser via a valve node and subsequently to a media rotary distributor and a media channel of a corresponding flushing nozzle. Subsequently, the air can reach the ionization units via a clamp carrier. However, this approach does not allow the bottles to be rinsed with liquids and ionized air, as short circuits in the electronics may occur upon contact of the liquid with the ionization units. The flushing unit itself is in this way neither outside nor inside cleanable with liquids.

From the US 6,209,705 B1 a container transport system is known. In this case, the container transport system has a first station which introduces ionized gas into the containers and a second station which removes contaminants from the containers. The ionized air is only generated in the nozzles themselves.

The EP 0 895 816 A1 describes an apparatus for treating or cleaning tubular bodies. In this case, a central Luftionisierungseinheit is provided, which promotes ionized air via a line to a plurality of nozzles. More specifically, plastic preforms are treated by this device.

From the DE 102 58 208 A1 a device for cleaning bottles is known. Again, air is converted from an ionized state in air to a neutral state and injected by ionizing neutralized air into the bottles.

From the DE 101 40 906 A1 Also, a method and apparatus for blowing out plastic preforms are known. In this case, the raw preforms are blown with an open and a closed end by means of ionized air, wherein the ionized air is passed in the vicinity of the closed end in the interior of the preforms to achieve in this way a favorable flushing effect.

In such known from the prior art ionization units, the incoming air flows through the ionization and this has at its center a tapered metal needle and an outer ring, which is placed on the ground of the machine. The air is now due to the high voltage, which may for example be between 3 and 4 kV and is generated here by a transformer, ionized. In this way, the conductivity of the air is increased. PET bottles are used because of their manufacturing process, i. a blowing process of PET bottles and also the transport such as an air transporter charged electrostatically. This charge is due to the conductivity, which is generated by the ionization of the air from.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide an apparatus and a method available which simplify such cleaning or ionization of the containers. This is inventively by the subjects of the independent Claims reached. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for rinsing plastic containers has a transport device which transports the plastic containers along a predetermined transport path and a plurality of injection devices which act on an interior of the plastic containers with a gaseous medium and which are at least partially movable with the plastic containers. Furthermore, the device has a reservoir for the gaseous medium and at least one connecting line, via which the reservoir is in flow connection with the injection devices.

According to the invention, the device has an ionization unit, which is arranged between the reservoir and the injection devices, and which ionizes the gaseous medium reaching the injection devices centrally.

A reservoir means any device in which said air can be stored. Also, this reservoir may be a compressor that provides pressurized gaseous medium. In contrast to the prior art, it is therefore proposed that a central ionizing unit is provided, which supplies the individual movable nozzles. By moving the nozzles with the containers, a longer and efficient blowing of the interior of the containers can be achieved. For example, it would be possible for both the nozzles and the gripping elements, which guide the containers, to be arranged on a same carrier, for example on a carrier wheel. Preferably, therefore, the transport device is a transport wheel. Preferably, the movement of the Eindüseinrichtungen is at least partially, and particularly preferably coupled during the entire rinsing process to the movement of the containers. Advantageously, therefore, the Eindüseinrichtungen are also movably arranged along the transport path of the containers. Thus, the Eindüseinrichtungen on the transport device, which also transports the containers to be mounted or arranged. However, it would also be possible for the injection device to move at a different speed and / or in a different direction than the containers.

For example, an air generated by a compressor (which is preferably dry and oil-free) can be supplied to the rinser via an optional sterile air filter. This feed can advantageously be supplied via a valve node, which particularly preferably contains shut-off devices and sensors, to a media rotary distributor and to a media channel.

Between said supply, i. The valve node and the mentioned rotary distributor can preferably be the ionization unit, which preferably ionizes the air continuously (inline). Subsequently, the air (e.g., via the staple carrier) can reach the treatment nozzles.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the Eindüseinrichtungen relative to the containers in the longitudinal direction of the containers are movable and can thus be introduced into this. It would be possible that the Eindüseinrichtungen be moved in the longitudinal direction of the containers, but it would also be possible that the containers are moved in their longitudinal direction. This movement can be achieved, for example, via a stationarily arranged guide curve, but it would also be possible for the individual ionization units to be moved via servo drives or other electromotive, hydraulic or pneumatic drives.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the ionization unit is stationary. Thus, the ionization unit is preferably arranged stationary or standing and the Eindüseinrichtungen move towards her.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a distribution unit and in particular a rotary distributor in order to distribute the gaseous medium from the ionization unit to the injection devices. Preferably, the Eindüseinrichtungen are arranged on a rotatable support.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a first valve device is arranged in a connecting line between the reservoir and the ionizing unit. By means of this ionizing unit, an air supply from the reservoir to the ionizing unit can be interrupted. This is beneficial to allow cleaning of the lines even with liquids without damaging the Ionisiereinheit.

By the invention it is also possible that the containers are flushed both with liquids and with ionized air, since no contact between the liquid and the Ionisiereinheit occurs. Advantageously, however, there is no vacuum suction in the area of treatment with liquid. The rinsing unit or rinser can therefore be cleaned on the outside and inside with liquids (wet). This cleaning is advantageously realized by bypassing the Ionisiereinheit if the above-mentioned first valve device is provided.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a second valve device is arranged in a connecting line between the ionizing unit and the Eindüseinrichtungen. Thus, by closing these two valve devices, the ionizing unit, in particular during a wet cleaning, be separated.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a connection line which connects the reservoir to the injection devices while bypassing the ionization unit. This connecting line is used in particular for cleaning the individual components of the device, bypassing the Ionisiereinheit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the connecting line has a first branch and a second branch, which in each case can be brought into fluid communication with the ionizing unit, and the connecting line between these branches preferably has a further valve device. If this further valve device is blocked and the above-mentioned valve devices are opened, a medium, in particular air, passes exclusively from the reservoir to the individual injection devices via the ionization unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has at least one heating device which heats the gaseous medium. Advantageously, this heating device is connected in series with the ionizing unit, so that the air passes either first through the heating unit and then through the ionizing unit or first through the ionizing unit and then through the heating unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a further rinsing device, which serves for rinsing the plastic containers with a liquid medium. This additional flushing unit can be arranged parallel to the injection with liquid, but it would also be possible that this liquid flushing medium passes through the same Eindüseinrichtungen, through which also the gaseous medium can reach with the ionized air.

In this case, it is advantageous for a supply line for the liquid to be completely separate from the ionization unit so that it is possible in this way to prevent the ionization unit itself from being exposed to liquid. The said flushing nozzles can be arranged stationary or move with the containers with.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a suction device to suck a gaseous medium from the containers. It is possible that the suction device opens into the respective Eindüseinrichtungen. It is also possible that the suction device has a central vacuum source, which sucks the gaseous medium through the individual Eindüseinrichtungen or generally from the containers. The vacuum can also be removed via a rotary distributor. The above-mentioned liquid rinsing agent can also be supplied via said rotary distributor.

Thus, the invention can be realized for several applications. For example, for a Einkanalrinser with an electronic and / or mechanical valve control and preferably a submerged nozzle, if no extraction of the particles is desired. Furthermore, an application for a Zweitkanalrinser with electronic and / or mechanical valve control and preferably also a submerged nozzle is possible if in addition an extraction of the particles is desired with vacuum.

In addition, the execution of a two-channel rinser with an electronic and / or mechanical valve control and a submerged nozzle is possible in which the container is treated with ionized air and liquid medium and without Vakuumabsaugung. Finally, the embodiment in the form of a three-channel rinser is possible, which also advantageously has an electronic and / or mechanical valve control and a submerged nozzle, in addition to a treatment of the containers with ionized air and liquid medium is also a turn-off vacuum.

Among the plastic containers are understood in addition to plastic bottles or plastic preforms and plastic closures and plastic containers in general. If closures or containers are pre-cleaned prior to disinfecting solution treatment with ionized air, the cleaning effect of the disinfectant solution will increase. Due to the reduced adhesion of particles, the particles and thus possibly also below these particles hidden microorganisms can be removed. In this way, the contact ratio of the disinfecting medium to the carrier, which may be, for example, a container or closure, is improved.

Due to the reduced adhesion of particles and the associated microorganisms, the rinsing effect is improved, thereby enabling and improving the contact between the carrier and the disinfecting solution. It would also be possible to treat with the device according to the invention packaging films such as shrink wrap or the like.

The present invention is further directed to a method for rinsing plastic containers, wherein the plastic containers are transported by means of a transport device along a predetermined transport path and at least partially during this transport by means of a plurality of Eindüseinrichtungen be acted upon with a gaseous medium on its inner wall. The injection devices are at least temporarily - in particular along the transport path and preferably also in the direction of movement of the containers - moved and supplied by a common reservoir with the gaseous medium.

According to the invention, the gaseous medium reaching the injection devices is ionized by a centrally ionizing unit.

It is therefore also proposed in terms of the method that a central, in particular stationarily arranged ionizing unit is provided, which supplies the individual injection devices. In this case, the ionization unit is preferably at a distance from the individual injection devices arranged and particularly preferably between the ionizing unit and the individual Eindüseinrichtungen each have a feed device and a gas line is provided.

• Darin zeigen:

  Fig. 1

  eine blockdiagrammartige Darstellung einer Vorrichtung nach dem Stand der Technik;

  Fig. 2

  eine blockdiagrammartige Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

  Fig. 3

  eine blockdiagrammartige Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit Darstellung von Medienverläufen;

  Fig. 4

  eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

  Fig. 5

  eine blockdiagrammartige Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

  Fig. 6

  eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

  Fig. 7

  eine weitere schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

  Fig. 8

  eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer weiteren Ausführungsform; und

  Fig. 9

  eine weitere schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer weiteren Ausführungsform.

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

• Show:

  Fig. 1

  a block diagram representation of a device according to the prior art;

  Fig. 2

  a block diagram-like representation of a device according to the invention;

  Fig. 3

  a block diagram-like representation of a device according to the invention with representation of media progressions;

  Fig. 4

  a schematic representation of a device according to the invention;

  Fig. 5

  a block diagram-like representation of a device according to the invention in a further embodiment;

  Fig. 6

  a schematic representation of a device according to the invention;

  Fig. 7

  a further schematic representation of a device according to the invention in a further embodiment;

  Fig. 8

  a schematic representation of a device according to the invention in a further embodiment; and

  Fig. 9

  a further schematic representation of a device according to the invention in a further embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram-like representation of an apparatus for rinsing plastic containers 10 according to the prior art. In this case, this device has a reservoir 12, which may be, for example, a valve node. outgoing from this valve node, the gaseous medium passes through a media rotary distributor 22 on the transport device 2, which may be, for example, a carousel. Arranged on this carousel is a multiplicity of loading devices or purging units 204, which rinse the containers 10 from the inside. These injection devices 204 also each have ionization units, as described above, so that a large number of such ionization units are provided in this case.

FIG. 2 roughly schematically illustrates a device according to the invention for rinsing containers. Again, a reservoir 12, here in the form of a valve node, provided, from which the gaseous medium first passes to an ionizing unit 20 and from there via the rotary distributor 22 to the transport device 2. This transport unit 2 here has a plurality of Eindüseinrichtungen 4, which act on the containers 10 each with ionized air. However, these injection devices themselves do not have their own ionizing devices, but are already supplied with ionized air, as mentioned above. The ionization unit 20 is formed here stationary and only the media rotary distributor 22 ensures that the gaseous medium is passed to the rotating containers or purging devices.

FIG. 3 shows a circuit diagram of a device according to the invention. In this case, the reservoir 12 is again shown, from which sterile air is discharged via a line section 52. In one operating mode, a valve 16 is opened and a valve 36 is closed and the sterile air passes via the line section 54 and an optional heating device and a line section 56 to the ionizing unit 20. It would also be possible for the heating device to be arranged downstream with respect to the ionizing unit 20 in FIG. 3 illustrated.

Starting from the Ionisiereinheit 20 then passes the now ionized gaseous medium 58 via a valve 18 open here to the media rotary distributor 22 and from there via leads 68 in each case to the individual Eindüseinrichtungen. 4

In a rinsing operation, the two valves 16 and 18 are closed and the valve 36 is opened. In this case, a CIP or cleaning medium passes directly from the reservoir 12 via the line 52 and the line section 62 and 60 to the In this way, it is possible that the individual line sections 52, 62, 60 and 68 can be cleaned, without this also the Ionisiereinheit 20 with a (liquid) cleaning medium in Contact is coming. The air heaters or heating devices 40 do not come with the cleaning medium in contact. However, it would also be possible to arrange the heating devices 40 if necessary so that they can also be cleaned.

The reference numeral 64 refers to a further conduit means, via which a liquid treatment medium (esp. For rinsing the containers), starting from a reservoir in turn the media rotary distributor 22 and the (not shown) carrier device can be supplied.

The reference numeral 66 denotes a return line for the above-mentioned CIP medium, which is supplied via the lines 52, 62 and 60.

FIG. 4 shows a further illustration of a device according to the invention 1. It can be seen here that in addition a vacuum unit is provided, which serves for the extraction of air from the container (not shown). For this purpose, a vacuum source (not shown) may be connected to a connection 92 and in this way an already rotationally arranged annular channel 94 may be subjected to this vacuum. The reference numeral 63 refers to a connection for the vacuum source and the reference numeral 96 to a connection line to transfer the vacuum to the Eindüseinrichtungen 4. Ionized air is supplied to the pouring device 4 via the line section 68. The reference numeral 72 denotes a cam roller with which the entire Eindüseinrichtung 4 can be raised and lowered. In this way, it is possible for the injection device to be introduced into the same in a direction L, which is at the same time a longitudinal direction of the container (not shown). In this way, a better rinsing of the interior of the container is possible. The reference numeral 90 denotes a connection block, via which the Eindüseinrichtung 4 media can be supplied

The reference numeral 74 denotes a pivot axis or pivot shaft, with which the containers can be pivoted, for example in an overhead position. The reference numeral 12 here again denotes a reservoir for ionized air, such as an annular channel, in which the ionized air is present. Reference numeral 102 refers to control valves that can control the supply of ionized air from one port 65 to another port 67.

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention. In this embodiment, a CIP return 60 is provided as well as a bypass in the form of a conduit 62, which bypasses the Ionisiereinheit 20 for cleaning purposes.

FIG. 6 shows a corresponding representation of the device 1. It can be seen here again as in FIG. 3 The reference numeral 67 again indicates the air connection to supply the Eindüsseinrichtung along the course S, the ionized gas or the ionized air. Along the line S also takes place the flow for the ZIP medium and along the line T, the return for the medium. This means that for the supply of the ZIP medium the control for the ionized air is used and for the return of the vacuum duct. Thus, the ZIP flow is simultaneously the supply of air in the operating mode and the vacuum channel is used during cleaning as ZIP-return. In this way, a complete cleaning of the channels is possible. The valve 102 serves to switch the cleaning media, in particular in a cleaning operation.

FIG. 7 shows a further illustration of the device according to the invention. In this device, again, as in the previous figures, a vacuum supply 92, 94 is provided, as well as a supply of ionized air. Furthermore, a control for a liquid medium such as a flushing medium is still provided here. This flushing medium is also supplied via a port 77 of the Eindüseinrichtung and it can be achieved via appropriate controls 65 and 102, respectively, the supply of ionized air and also of flushing media in the (not shown) container.

FIG. 8 shows the device FIG. 7 , Especially a cleaning process, in which case again the flow paths S1 and S2 are shown for the cleaning process. The supply of a ZIP medium takes place here along the arrow S1 and the removal of the ZIP medium along of the arrow S2. The reference numeral 93 again denotes a media channel and the reference numeral 12 the above-mentioned reservoir for the ionized air

FIG. 9 again illustrates the device FIG. 8 , in which case again the media channels or reservoirs 12 and 93 for the ionized air and also for the liquid medium can be seen. Unlike the in FIG. 8 shown device is in the in FIG. 9 shown device no vacuum channel provided, ie an extraction of air from the container does not take place here.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

transport means

4

Eindüseinrichtungen

10

Plastic containers

12

reservoir

16

Valve

18

Valve

20

ionisation

22

Media distributor

36

Valve

40

heating devices

52

line section

54.56

line section

60

line section

62

line device

63

Connection for the vacuum source

64

line section

65

connection

66

Return line

67

connection

68

leads

72

follower

74

Pivot axis or pivot shaft

77

connection

90

terminal block

92

vacuum connection

93

media channel

94

annular channel

96

connecting line

102

control valves

114

CIP return

204

sinks

S, T

media courses

S1, S2

media courses

Claims (11)

Device (1) for rinsing plastic containers (10), with a transport device (2), which transports the plastic containers along a predetermined transport path, with a plurality of Eindüseinrichtungen (4) which act on an interior of the plastic containers (10) with a gaseous medium and which are at least partially movable with the plastic containers (10), with a reservoir (12) for the gaseous medium and at least one connecting line, via which the reservoir (12) is in flow communication with the injection devices (4),
characterized in that
the device comprises an ionization unit (20) which is arranged between the reservoir (12) and the injection devices (4) and which ionises the gaseous medium reaching the injection devices (4) centrally. Device (1) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the ionizing unit (20) is stationary. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the apparatus comprises a rotary distributor (22) for distributing the gaseous medium from the ionizing unit (20) to the injection means (4). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
a first valve device (16) is arranged in a connecting line between the reservoir (12) and the ionizing unit (20). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
a second valve device (18) is arranged in a connecting line between the ionizing unit (20) and the injection devices (4). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the device (1) has a connecting line (62) which connects the reservoir (12) to the injection devices (4), bypassing the ionizing unit. Device (1) according to claim 6,
characterized in that
the connecting line (62) has a first branch (32) and a second branch (34) which can be brought into fluid communication with the ionizing unit (20) and the connecting line between these branches (32, 34) preferably has a further valve device (36). having. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the device (1) has at least one heating device (40) which heats the gaseous medium. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the device comprises a further rinsing device for rinsing the plastic containers (10) with a liquid medium. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the device (1) has a suction device to suck a gaseous medium from the containers (10). A method for rinsing plastic containers (10), wherein the plastic containers (10) by means of a transport device (2) along a predetermined transport path transported and at least partially during this transport by means of a plurality of Eindüseinrichtungen (4) are acted upon by a gaseous medium on its inner wall, and wherein the Eindüseinrichtungen are at least temporarily moved and supplied from a common reservoir (12) with the gaseous medium,
characterized in that
the gaseous medium reaching the injection devices (4) is ionized by a central ionizing unit (20).

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