EP2616383B1 - Container handling device with multi-functional cleaning robot - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a container treatment device, in particular filler, according to the preamble of claim 1 for containers, such as bottles, cans, barrels, KEG, etc. comprising a container feed, a container discharge, at least one supply line for at least one product, and a cleaning device with a Wiping device at least for cleaning the outer surfaces by means of a cleaning fluid according to the preamble of claim 1. A container treatment device with cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known ( EP 2 218 521 A2 ). The cleaning device is designed for cleaning the outer surfaces of the container treatment device or its components by spraying and for this purpose comprises a robot movable on a closed running or movement path, on the robot arm of which a nozzle holder is provided, for example interchangeably.

Such machines for treating containers, such as bottles, cans or barrels, esp. KEG's are known. As a rule, a machine serves as a treatment step. In particular, when rinsing, filling and sealing containers, machine and container surfaces are contaminated by overflowing or splashing filling material from the outside. One source of pollution is also the surrounding space, so that dust, particles, etc. stick to the damp machine and container surfaces.

To remove these contaminants, nozzle systems are provided which rinse off these impurities. The US 7,143,793 B2 shows such a system in which in front of the rotary filling machine, a fixed nozzle is arranged, which has radially directed towards the filler axis nozzles and a nozzle arm which projects between the filling valve and container receptacle and the nozzles are aligned vertically upwards.

The EP 0 374 586 B1 shows a cleaning unit for a linear filler, in which a cleaning slide, which is equipped with a plurality of nozzles, on a rail horizontally movable in the interior of the filler back and forth is movable.

These in principle suitable devices have the disadvantage that a high volume of water and detergent is required to ensure a sufficiently large surge of fluid that reaches all surfaces to be cleaned.

In addition, it is known that components, inner conduits, valves, etc. of the container treatment device itself must be cleaned in order to meet the high sterility requirements. Otherwise, e.g. in filling elements, which may have contact with the containers, germs or the like may form, so that the filling material would be contaminated.

For this purpose, so-called rinsing caps or rinsing sleeves are used, which seal the respective filling element to the environment pressure-tight, so that a circulation flow of the cleaning medium for cleaning the filling element is used.

Such flushing caps are for example in the DE 10 2005 037 127 A1 disclosed. Also in the DE 103 56 393 A1 . DE 20 2004 020 362 U 1 . DE 20 2006 006 149 U1 . DE 295 14 021 U1 . DE 39 18 504 C2 . DE 44 02 972 A1 and for example in the DE 94 03 832 Flush caps are disclosed.

Basically, the use of Spülkappen makes sense to meet, as already said, the high sterility requirements. The disadvantage, however, is the high expense of installing and keeping ready the Spülkappen, which must be stored in a rest position so that the normal operation of the container treatment device is not disturbed. In order to be transferred from the rest position into an operating position, separate drives are arranged, for example, on each flushing cap ( DE 20 2004 020 362 U1 ) or, like the DE 44 02 972 A2 describes a linear conveyor provided, which promotes the Spülkappen in the work area and also out again, with a portion of the drives or the linear conveyor engages in the working area of the container treatment device.

In this respect, the container treatment devices are provided with separate cleaning devices, on the one hand for cleaning the outer surfaces of containers and / or outer surfaces of the machine components and on the other hand for cleaning the filling elements by means of the Spülkappen. this means a high cost, especially in the production of the container treatment device but also a high tax technical effort because the separated cleaning devices are controlled separately, in particular, the cost of inserting the Spülkappen is considerable.

In addition, the purging sleeves after their use, so after the cleaning of the filling elements is completed, be brought out with great effort from the container treatment device, or at least be brought to a place where the Spülkappen can be cleaned itself. So the Spülkappen can be used several times, but the effort for this is very high.

It is therefore the object of the invention to improve a container treatment device of the type mentioned at the outset by simple means so that, for example, the expense for cleaning the filling elements can also be reduced.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a container treatment device having the features of claim 1.

The aim is that with the cleaning device in addition to the fall-off device or instead of another tool is connectable, which can be removed by means of the cleaning device from a storage device and back through the cleaning device in a use position and after use in the storage device.

The core of the container treatment device consists in a completely or partially circumferential track, a drive and carrier rail on which a robot or robot arm is movable. In this case, the track should be provided at least around the treatment device such that all outer surfaces of a container treatment device but also the surfaces of the containers are optimally accessible or cleanable.

With this cleaning device, which consists essentially of the robot or robot arm and the drive and carrier rail and associated supply lines, can be approached very quickly any position on a container treatment machine or device and be walled absolutely accurate and with minimal consumption of water and detergent , The robot or robot arm has at least two, ideally six axes and is telescopically movable in height with at least one arm segment. This cleaning system is able, due to the high speeds, to use even short interruptions to clean parts or individual components of the container treatment plant or device. In particular, it is possible with the cleaning device to make after the replacement of spare parts small-scale cleaning, which in turn is energetically and economically advantageous.

The cleaning device, in particular the robot or robotic arm, is now developed such that it can not only decay the outer surfaces of the containers or of the machine, for which purpose the abatement device, e.g. is configured as a spray nozzle or spray gun, but according to the invention can also take Spülkappen and this is set to the filling elements, so that they can be cleaned in a known manner.

In this respect, the robot or robot arm can receive a spray gun for cleaning, for example, the outer surface of the containers or of the machine components, and make a tool change for receiving the flushing caps. It is also conceivable, however, to place an additional robot or robotic arm on the drive and carrier rail, which transfers the rinsing caps into their position of use. According to the present invention, however, an additional gripper and / or an additional holder is to be provided on the actual robot or robot arm, which can transfer the rinse cap back into its use position and after use into the storage device.

An advantage of the invention is that the storage device can be provided in a preferred embodiment as Spülkappenmagazin on a vertical outer wall in the region of a panel of the container treatment device, which advantageously by means of the "track guidance" of the robot or robot arm on the track, so on the drive and carrier rail, created Verfahrmöglichkeit is feasible. Conveniently, the Spülkappenmagazin or the storage device is arranged so that a transfer path of the Spülkappen from the magazine is dimensioned as low as possible in their use position.

Are the Spülkappen stored on the Spülkappenmagazin, or transferred after their use back to their rest position, which according to the invention also feasible with the at least one robot or robotic arm, so the possibility can be created that the robot or robot arm stored in the Spülkappenmagazin Spülkappen can clean directly. The Spülkappen must therefore not spent consuming after use to other places, but can advantageously be cleaned by means of the robot or robot arm directly to the container treatment device or in the work area this, including corresponding spray nozzles are provided, which can also be used for cleaning, for example, the container surfaces ,

It is expedient if the different tools (spray gun / flushing cap) can be connected to the robot or robotic arm with such a connection system that the spray gun or the spray nozzle can be reliably connected, the flushing cap only having to be kept so reliable that a reliable connection to the filling element can be produced, for which purpose suitable locking devices could be provided, which will be described below.

The Spülkappenmagazin can be designed in the simplest embodiment as a sheet steel or plastic plate with inserted insertion, in which the Spülkappen are mounted so that they are added in their mounting position can be used, and can be used in their rest position back into the Spülkappenmagazin. It is favorable if a corresponding locking device, for example a pneumatic lock for the respective flushing cap is provided on the filling element. The robot or robotic arm can thus only remove the flushing cap from the storage device and position and lift it only on the filling element or on the filling valve, wherein in the raised state the controlled or automatic locking can take place. In this respect, the said pneumatic locking is of course only to be understood as an example, with other suitable, controllable locking devices, or even simple mechanical locking or unlocking devices should be included.

The cleaning device with the rotating in the preferred embodiment robot or robot arm or circulating cleaning robot so has at least a double function. On the one hand, the cleaning of surfaces or machine components is caused by subsidence. On the other hand, the insertion and return of Spülkappen can be effected in a simple manner. As can be seen, the advantage of the invention in terms of a complex system, which can perform different functions without particularly costly measures must be provided. The cleaning device or the cleaning robot can also take over the cleaning of the flushing caps, so that the cleaning robot has a multi-functionality. The cleaning process of the Spülkappen can be done advantageously together with the cleaning of said outer or surfaces.

It is advantageous that the rinsing caps are storable so that the robot or the robot arm can adopt these quasi independently, so appropriately controlled and settle accordingly, which of course can also apply to the spray nozzles for the cleaning of said surfaces. It is advantageous for the multi-functionality of the cleaning device so no staffing necessary because all functions can be preferably automatically, without manual intervention can be effected.

In a preferred embodiment, the flushing cap is sucked by the robot arm. For this purpose, the pumps which serve to convey the cleaning agent designed such that a reversal of the conveying direction is possible. Alternatively, a separate vacuum system may be provided to securely hold and transport the rinse caps without a mechanical gripper.

Ideally, the flushing caps have a pin-like or bolt-like grip area, which can be accommodated in a suitable opening or line end on the side of the robot arm, whereby an optimally determined alignment of the flushing cap is achieved. After positioning the rinse cap on the valve outlet on the filler, it will ideally be released from the fixation on the robotic arm by flow reversal or pressure equalization.

In a development of the invention, it can be advantageously provided that the robot or robotic arm can also accommodate further or other tools or components than those mentioned so far by way of example. For example, it is conceivable that an inspection unit can be picked up, which then inspects the container treatment device. Thus, for example, a condition of the container treatment device, even during operation, can be carried out with regard to pending maintenance, without an employee having to penetrate into the working area of the container treatment device. Rather, this can be done directly from a central machine, especially if the inspection unit transmits its data wirelessly, but also wired to appropriate recipients. The inspection unit can be embodied, for example, as a camera, which the robot arm can grab and position as needed, whose images can be directly visible on a screen or, if necessary, stored for later use.

In this respect, the robot or robot arm can be equipped with a further function, which allows to perform an inspection in which an opening or access to the container treatment device can be avoided. Naturally Other suitable tools can also be used by the cleaning device according to the invention in order to meaningfully supplement their functionality.

It is also advantageous if the revolving track has at least one rest area in which the at least one robot or robot arm, but also additional robots or robot arms can be parked, so that in this area a tool change can be made, which of course also at the Running track can be done even in appropriate areas of the container treatment device. For example, the tool "inspection unit" could be usefully adopted in the rest area, whereby the storage device with the tools "flushing cap" mounted therein should be arranged sufficiently close to the filling elements, ie, virtually within the container treatment device, but sufficiently outside its working area.

Figur 1

eine Behälterbehandlungsvorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht.

Figur 2

eine Einzelheit der Behälterbehandlungsvorrichtung aus Figur 1, bezüglich eines Einsetzens von Spülkappen bzw. Spülhülsen, und

Figur 3

die Einzelheit aus Figur 2 in einer Rückansicht auf eine Lagervorrichtung.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims and the following description of the figures. Show it:

FIG. 1

a container treatment device in a perspective view.

FIG. 2

a detail of the container treatment device FIG. 1 , regarding an insertion of Spülkappen or purging sleeves, and

FIG. 3

the detail FIG. 2 in a rear view of a storage device.

In the different figures, the same parts are usually provided with the same reference numerals, which is why they are also described only once.

FIG. 1 shows a container treatment device 1, for example as a filler, for containers, such as bottles comprising a container feed, a container outlet, at least one supply line for at least one product, and a cleaning device 2 with a decay device 3 at least for cleaning the outer surfaces by means of a cleaning fluid 4, wherein the container feed, the container outlet, and the at least one supply line for at least one product are not each provided with a reference numeral.

The cleaning device 2 has a drive and carrier rail 5, on which a robot 6 or robot arm 6 is movable, so that virtually a completely circumferential track is formed. In this case, the track should be provided at least so around the treatment device 1 around that all outer surfaces of the container treatment device 1 but also the surfaces of the container are optimally accessible or cleanable.

In FIG. 1 only one robot 6 or robot arm 6 is shown, which is however shown in different positions 7 along the drive and carrier rail 5. Of course, a plurality of robots 6 or robot arms 6 may be provided.

Is recognizable in FIG. 1 also that at least one rest area 8 is provided, wherein in the embodiment according to FIG. 1 two rest areas 8 are provided, which can be connected in a suitable switch design with the actual track, so that the robot 6 or robot arm 6 in the respective rest area can extend and retract, and can be parked here, or to a different function than the cleaning to take over, which will be discussed later.

The surge device 3 is exemplified as a spray nozzle or spray gun, and arranged in a suitable manner on the robot 6 or robot arm 6, which will not be discussed further.

The aim is that the cleaning device 1, or the robot 6 or robot arm 6 shown in the embodiment can take over at least one additional function for cleaning.

For this purpose, the cleaning device 1, in particular its robot 6 or robot arm 6 with an actual cleaning tool, ie in addition to or instead of or the Abschwalleinrichtung 3 (spray nozzle / spray gun) additional tool 9 are connected. The additional tool 9 is embodied according to the present invention as a flushing cap 10 or flushing sleeve 10, which is used for cleaning filling elements 11 (FIG. FIG. 2 ) can be used in a known manner. The additional tool 9 or the flushing cap 10 is removably mounted in a bearing device 12 from this, and by the cleaning device 1 or by the robot 6 or robot arm 6 in a use position 13 and after use in the storage device 12 back.

Because the additional tool 9 is designed as a flushing cap 10, it makes sense within the meaning of the invention, the storage device 12 to position relatively close to the filling elements 11 so that a respective transfer path to and from the use position 13 is minimized, wherein in normal operation of Container treatment device 1 no operational impairments are to be expected.

Again FIG. 2 can be seen, the storage device 12 is disposed in close proximity to the filling elements 11.

In the storage device 12, a plurality of additional tools 9 or Spülkappen 10 are arranged, which are already partially arranged in the use position 13 to the filling elements 11 and are still partially in a in the storage device 12 in a rest position 14. One of the rinsing caps is held on the robot 6 or robot arm 6.

For transferring the additional tool 9 or the Spülkappen 10 in the use position 13 and back to the rest position 14 suitable gripping devices may be provided for example on an additional arm. It is also conceivable, however, for the additional tool 9 to be accommodated instead of the abatement device 3. In principle, the tool change or the inclusion of the additional tool 9 will be fully automatic feasible, ie without manual use.

In one possible embodiment, the flushing cap 10 is sucked in by the robot 6 or robot arm 6. For this purpose, pumps which serve to convey the cleaning agent can be designed such that a reversal of the conveying direction is possible. Alternatively, a separate vacuum system may be provided to securely hold and transport the rinse caps without a mechanical gripper.

In a preferred embodiment, the additional tool 9 has a pin-like or bolt-like grip region 15, which can be received in a suitable opening or line end on the side of the robot 6 or robot arm 6, whereby an optimally determined orientation of the flushing cap is achieved. After positioning the flushing cap on the valve outlet on the filler or on the filling element 11, this is ideally discharged by flow reversal or pressure equalization from the fixation on the robot 6 or robot arm 6.

The storage device 12 (FIG. FIG. 3 ) is plate-like running with insertion or receiving openings 16. It is conceivable to create the bearing device 12 from a metal sheet, preferably from a stainless steel sheet or from a plastic. The receiving openings 16 are expediently designed so that in these the additional tool 9 and the flushing cap 10 can be stored securely in the rest position 14.

It is evident in FIG. 3 in that the storage device 12 is located within a working area of the container treatment device 1, ie between an enclosure 17 or protective wall 17 or panel 17 and the container treatment device 1, preferably below the drive and carrier rail 5 is arranged. The panel 17 may, as shown, be made transparent. It can be seen from this the further advantage of the invention that the additional tool 9 or the flushing cap 10 can be cleaned by means of the swaging device 3, when the additional tool 9 is held either on the robot 6 or robot arm 6, to the inner region of the flushing cap 10 cleaning, which encloses the filling element 11 in the use position 13, or when the flushing cap 10 is mounted in the storage device 12 in the rest position 14. For this purpose, the rinsing cap could first be mounted with its grip region 15 in the bearing device 12 such that the inner region of the rinsing cap 10 or its "rinsing region" opposite the grip region 15 is oriented towards the inside of the container treatment device 1, so that the rinsing cap (s) is not here only from the inside but also from the outside are cleanable. Of course, the flushing caps 10 can then of course also be gripped by the robot 6 or robotic arm 6 and stored in the intended rest position 14, in which the grip region 15 is oriented towards the inside of the container treatment device 1, wherein additionally the grip region 15 could be flattened ,

In a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided to provide the cleaning device 2 or the robot 6 or robot arm 6 with a further function, for which purpose an additional (further) tool 9, for example, an inspection unit in its use position can be transferred. As an inspection unit, for example, a camera could be suitably connected to the robot 6 or robot arm so as to inspect the container treatment device 1 without access from the outside, for which purpose the robot 6 or robot arm 6 can be moved along the drive and carrier rail 5, to obtain as comprehensive information as possible, for example with regard to required maintenance activities.

The inspection unit may preferentially wirelessly transmit its captured data to a receiver, such as inspecting, for example, in a control room the container treatment apparatus 1 can be performed without the housing of the container treatment apparatus 1 having to be opened.

The inspection unit may be mounted at a suitable location in a correspondingly designed storage device. It is conceivable, for example, to provide one of the two rest areas 8 or both rest areas 8 for this purpose.

Of course, the inspection unit can be connected automatically without manual access with the cleaning device 2 or the robot 6 or robot arm 6 sufficiently secure and then solved.

In this respect, the invention provides a multifunctional cleaning device 2 or its robot 6 or robot arm 6, which can take on additional additional functions in addition to the actual cleaning function. With regard to the additional function of inserting the Spülkappen the advantage is apparent that the effort to clean the filling elements is significantly reduced, as this is possible via a fully automatic tool change with a common tool carrier (robot 6 or robot arm 6). In addition, the Spülkappen can be cleaned after use of the common tool carrier. In addition, the common tool carrier can still take over an inspection function. Of course, the mentioned additional functions should not be limiting. It is conceivable to provide suitable further, meaningful functions.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Container treatment device

2

cleaning device

3

Abschwalleinrichtung

4

cleaning fluid

5

Drive and carrier rail

6

Robotic / robotic arm

7

Positions of 6 along 5

8th

rest area

9

Additional tool

10

Flush cap as 9

11

Filling elements of 1

12

Storage device for 9 or 10

13

Use position of 9 or 10

14

Rest position of 9 or 10

15

Grip range of 9 or 10

16

Insertion or receiving opening in 12

17

Covering / enclosure of 1

Claims (10)

1. Container treatment device, especially filler, comprising a container feeding unit, a container removing unit, at least one feed line for at least one product, and a cleaning device (2) having a flushing device (3) at least for cleaning the exterior surfaces by means of a cleaning fluid (4), wherein an additional tool (9, 10) can be connected to the cleaning device (2) in addition to the flushing device (3) or instead of same, wherein the cleaning device (2) comprises a robot (6) or robot arm (6), which comprises the flushing device (3) and arranged on which is a gripper and/or holder, which transfers the additional tool (9, 10) into the position of use (13), characterised in that the additional tool (9) is formed as a flushing cap (10), and that the cleaning device (2) is arranged in such a way that the flushing cap (10) can be removed by means of the robot (6) of the cleaning device (2) from a storage device (12) and can be transferred by the cleaning device (2) into a position of use (13) and can be returned by the robot (6) after use to the storage device (12).
2. Container treatment device according to claim 1, characterised in that a drive and carrier rail (5) of the cleaning device (2) comprises, in addition to the robot (6) or robot arm (6), an additional robot (6) or robot arm (6), which transfers the additional tool (9) in the embodiment as flushing cap (10) into the position of use (13).
3. Container treatment device according to claim 1 and 2, characterised in that the storage device (12) is arranged at a perpendicular outer wall in the region of a cladding (17) of the container treatment device (1).
4. Container treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the storage device (12) in its embodiment as a flushing cap magazine is formed from a steel sheet, preferably from a special steel sheet, or from a plastic sheet, into which insertion openings (16) are formed, such that the additional tool (9), in its embodiment as a flushing cap (10) can be inserted into these and removed from them.
5. Container treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a tool change or, respectively, taking up and putting down the additional tool (9,10) takes place automatically.
6. Container treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning device (2) cleans the additional tool (9, 10) by means of the flushing device (3).
7. Container treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the additional tool (9, 10) comprises a gripping region (15) for accommodating the cleaning device (2).
8. Container treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the additional tool (9, 10) can be connected by non-positive fit to the cleaning device (2), preferably by suction therefrom.
9. Container treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a further additional tool (9) can be connected to the cleaning device (2) in the embodiment as an inspection unit.
10. Container treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning device (2) comprises a circumferential running track, which comprises at least one rest region (8) in which at least the further additional tool (9) can be stored at a storage device.

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