EP4095049B1 - Sterilisationsmaschine zum sterilisieren von kappen und verfahren zur konfigurierung einer sterilisationsmaschine - Google Patents

Sterilisationsmaschine zum sterilisieren von kappen und verfahren zur konfigurierung einer sterilisationsmaschine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP4095049B1
EP4095049B1 EP21176425.3A EP21176425A EP4095049B1 EP 4095049 B1 EP4095049 B1 EP 4095049B1 EP 21176425 A EP21176425 A EP 21176425A EP 4095049 B1 EP4095049 B1 EP 4095049B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coupled
adjustment
machine
size
bar
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.)
Active
Application number
EP21176425.3A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4095049C0 (de
EP4095049A1 (de
Inventor
Stefano BERNINI
Nicolas Chomel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sidel Participations SAS
Original Assignee
Sidel Participations SAS
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sidel Participations SAS filed Critical Sidel Participations SAS
Priority to EP21176425.3A priority Critical patent/EP4095049B1/de
Publication of EP4095049A1 publication Critical patent/EP4095049A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4095049C0 publication Critical patent/EP4095049C0/de
Publication of EP4095049B1 publication Critical patent/EP4095049B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B59/00—Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages, to handle different types of packaging material, or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
    • B65B59/003—Arrangements to enable adjustments related to the packaging material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B59/00—Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages, to handle different types of packaging material, or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
    • B65B59/005—Adjustable conveying means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B3/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps
    • B67B3/003—Pretreatment of caps, e.g. cleaning, steaming, heating or sterilizing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sterilization machine for caps, in particular caps for receptacles being filled with a pourable product.
  • the sterilization of packaging material in particular within the food packaging sector, is of fundamental interest for guaranteeing the needed shelf life of the packaged products and, accordingly, the safety of the consumers. This is even more important when food products are packaged under aseptic conditions.
  • any type of pourable product in particular any type of pourable food product such as carbonated liquids (e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer), non-carbonated liquids (including still water, flavored water, juices, teas, sport drinks, wine, milk, etc) and beverages containing pulps, into receptacles, such as containers, vessels, jars and bottles made of base components, like glass, plastics, aluminum, steel, and composites.
  • carbonated liquids e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer
  • non-carbonated liquids including still water, flavored water, juices, teas, sport drinks, wine, milk, etc
  • beverages containing pulps containing pulps
  • the receptacles prior to being filled with the pourable product are sterilized within a receptacle sterilization machine and are subsequently filled with the desired pourable product within a filling apparatus.
  • the caps Prior to the application of the caps, the caps must be sterilized within a respective sterilization machine. After sterilization the sterile caps are fed to a capping apparatus, which also receives the filled receptacles.
  • a typical sterilization machine for caps comprises a conveying device having a guide track housed within an isolation chamber, see for example CN209651330U .
  • the guide track defines an advancement path of the caps and the caps are arranged in succession to one another within and/or on the guide track and along the full advancement path.
  • the advancement path extends from an inlet station to an outlet station and analogously the succession of caps extends from the inlet station to the outlet station.
  • a typical conveying device comprises a pushing element, which is configured to insert one cap at a time into the guide track, thereby bringing into contact the newly fed cap with the succession of caps already present within and/or on the guide track. This leads to the exertion of a pushing force onto the succession of caps, which leads to the advancement of the succession of caps.
  • sterilization machine which comprises a plurality of guide tracks arranged within the isolation chamber, each of which is suitable for a number of respective types and/or formats of caps.
  • the sterilization machine is adapted to handle a larger number of different types and/or formats of caps without the need of modifications of the guide tracks.
  • reference number 1 indicates as a whole a sterilization machine for sterilizing caps 2.
  • caps 2 are designed to be applied onto receptacles, such as bottles, jars, vessels, containers or the like, in particular being made of base components, like glass, paper or cardboard, plastics, aluminum, steel, and composites.
  • the receptacles may be designed to contain a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, such as carbonated liquids (e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer), non-carbonated liquids (including still water, flavored water, juices, teas, sport drinks, wine, milk, etc.), emulsions and beverages containing pulps.
  • a pourable product in particular a pourable food product, such as carbonated liquids (e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer), non-carbonated liquids (including still water, flavored water, juices, teas, sport drinks, wine, milk, etc.), emulsions and beverages containing pulps.
  • caps 2 may be of the type known as crown corks, screw caps, sports caps, stoppers or similar, and they may be produced from a variety of materials such as plastics and metal. It is further known that the caps 2 may vary in format (i.e. in size and/or dimensions).
  • a first type of caps 2 can be threaded caps (see Figure 4A ), in particular plastic screw caps, to be screwed onto the receptacles.
  • a second type of caps 2 can be sport caps (see Figure 4B ).
  • caps 2 such as crown corks, sports caps, stoppers and others.
  • Each type of caps 2 can be made also from materials different than plastic, such as metal or cork.
  • the different types of caps may differ in shape, size, format, composition, etc.
  • Machine 1 comprises an isolation chamber 3.
  • the chamber 3 defines an inner space 4.
  • Chamber 3 and inner space 4 are indicated at least in Figures 1 and 2 .
  • the chamber 3 is showed without some components to show better some zones and other components which are placed in the inner space 4.
  • Machine 1 can comprise a conditioning device configured for controlling the physical and/or chemical conditions of the inner space 4.
  • the machine 1 is configured so that the inner space 4 is an aseptic space and/or a sterile space.
  • the conditioning device can be configured for controlling the temperature and/or the pressure and/or the humidity and/or the sterility and/or the chemical composition in the inner space 4, and/or for controlling the flow of gas or gases which are present in the inner space 4.
  • Machine 1 comprises at least one guide 6.
  • the guide 6 is arranged within the inner space 4.
  • the guide 6 defines an advancement path P for the caps 2.
  • the advancement path P extends through the inner space 4.
  • the machine 1 is configured so that the caps 2 are sterilized during advancement along said advancement path P.
  • the advancement path P is indicated in Figure 2 .
  • the guide 6 is indicated in Figures 2 and 3.
  • Figures 4A, 4B , 5A and 5B are lying on a plane which is locally orthogonal to the advancement path.
  • Figures 4A, 4B , 5A and 5B shows a cross section of the guide 6.
  • Figure 2 is lying on plane which is parallel to the advancement path P.
  • the machine is configured so that the inner space 4 comprises an injection zone 19 and/or a contact or activation zone 20, and/or a venting zone 21.
  • the conditioning device comprises sterilization means configured for injecting a sterilization agent in the injection zone 16 of the inner space 4.
  • sterilization means configured for injecting a sterilization agent in the injection zone 16 of the inner space 4.
  • the caps are exposed to the sterilization agent.
  • the machine 1 is configured so that, during the advancement of the caps 2 along the contact or activation zone 20, the injected sterilization agent acts on the caps.
  • the machine 1 is configured so that, during the advancement of the caps 2 along the venting zone 21, the injected sterilization agent, after having acted on the caps, evaporates from the caps 2.
  • the guide 6 comprises a plurality of bars. With “bar” it is intended an elongated structural element. Therefore, also a beam or a rod can be considered to fall within the concept "bar”.
  • the bars define a channel 26 for guiding the advancement of said caps 2 along the advancement path P.
  • the channel 26 has, transversally to said path P, a first size h and a second size w.
  • the first size h and second size w are transversal to each other.
  • the first size h is along a first axis A.
  • the first axis A can be for example operatively parallel top gravity.
  • the second size w is along a second axis B.
  • the second axis A is orthogonal with respect to the first axis A.
  • the second axis B can be for example operatively orthogonal to the gravity.
  • the first axis A and the second axis B are indicated in Figures 4A, 4B , 5A and 5B .
  • the first size h and the second size w are indicated in Figures 5A and 5B .
  • the channel 26 is indicated in Figure 3, 4A, 4B , 5A and 5B .
  • the cap 2 showed in Figure 4A is a cap of a first type.
  • the cap 2 showed in Figure 4B is a cap of a second type, which is different from the first type.
  • the machine 1 comprises an adjustment system 30.
  • the adjustment system is configured for acting on at least two bars of the plurality, to adjust said first size h and second size W independently from each other.
  • the adjustment system 30 is configured for acting on said at least two bars so that the adjustment of the first size h can occur independently from the adjustment of the second size w and vice versa.
  • the guide 6 can be adapted to the specific features or format of the specific caps type which is to be sterilized.
  • the guide 6 can be modified in dependence on the said features or format of the type of caps to be sterilized.
  • the machine 1 can also adapt to a wider group of types of caps, as the adjustment of the first size is independent from the adjustment of the second size.
  • the adjustment system 30 is indicated in Figures 1 , 2 , 4A, 4B , 6, and 7 .
  • Figure 5A is a detail of Figure 4A , without the cap 2.
  • Figure 5B is a detail of Figure 4B , without the cap 2.
  • Figures 4A-5A are referred to a first operative condition of the channel 26, corresponding to a first combination of values of first size h and second size w.
  • Figures 4B-5B are referred to a second operative condition of the channel 26, corresponding to a second combination of values of first size h and second size w. Therefore, between situation of Figures 4A-5A and situation of Figures 4B-5B , a variation of first size h and a variation of second size w have occurred.
  • the plurality of bars comprises at least one lower bar, for supporting the advancing caps 2 and delimiting the channel 26 on a first side.
  • the at least one lower bar can comprise for example a first lower bar 25a, a second lower bar 25a', and possibly also a third lower bar 25a''' .
  • the cross sections of said lower bars are showed in Figures 4A, 4B , 5A and 5A .
  • the lower bars are visible in perspective in Figure 3 .
  • Each lower bar delimits the channel 26 on said first side. Each lower bar supports the caps 2 during the advancement of the caps 2 along the advancement path P.
  • the plurality of bars comprises at least one upper bar delimiting said channel 26 at the opposite side with respect to said at least one lower bar.
  • the first size h is defined by the distance between said at least one lower bar and said at least one upper bar. This distance defining the first size h is along a first axis A lying on a plane which is locally orthogonal to the advancement path P.
  • the first size h can be a height of the channel 26.
  • the at least one upper bar can comprise for example a first upper bar 25b and a second upper bar 25b'.
  • Each upper bar delimits the channel 26 on the opposite side with respect to the at least one lower bar.
  • the plurality of bars comprises at least one lateral bar, delimiting laterally the channel 26 and contributing to define said second size w.
  • the at least one lateral bar can comprise for example a first lateral bar 25c and a second lateral bar 25c'.
  • Figures 4A, 4B , 5A and 5A shows the cross sections of the lateral bars. The lateral bars are visible in perspective in Figure 3 .
  • the second size w is defined by the distance between the first lateral bar 25c and the second lateral bar 25c'. This distance defining the second size w is along a second axis B lying on a plane which is locally orthogonal to the advancement path P.
  • the second axis B is orthogonal or transversal with respect to the first axis A.
  • the second size w can be a width of the channel 26.
  • the machine 1 can be configured so that one of the first axis A and the second axis B is operatively parallel to the gravity.
  • Each lateral bar delimits laterally the channel 26 and contributes to define the second size w.
  • the second lateral bar 25c' is fixed to the frame 34.
  • the adjustment system 30 comprises a first adjustment device 42.
  • the first adjustment device 42 is coupled at least with one upper bar and one lateral bar, or at least with one lower bar and one lateral bar. In the example of the Figures, the first adjustment device 42 is coupled at least with one upper bar and one lateral bar.
  • the machine comprises a fixed frame 34.
  • the machine 1 is configured so that the fixed frame 34 is operatively in a fixed position with respect to a floor supporting the machine 1.
  • the fixed frame 34 can be placed in the inner space 4.
  • horizontal movement it is intended a movement with respect to the fixed frame 34 and comprising at least one non-zero value of the component along the second size w.
  • This component along the second size W can be considered a component along second axis B.
  • This horizontal movement can be a movement oriented predominantly along the second size w and/or along the second axis B.
  • the at least one lower bar would be fixed to the frame 34.
  • the first lower bar 25a, the second lower bar 25a', and the third lower bar 25a" are fixed to the frame 34.
  • the first adjustment device 42 was coupled at least with one lower bar and one lateral bar, the at least one upper bar would be fixed to the frame 34.
  • the at least one upper bar would be fixed to the frame 34.
  • the first upper bar 25b, the second upper bar 25b', and the third upper bar 25b" would be fixed to the frame.
  • the adjustment system 30 comprises a second adjustment device 43.
  • the second adjustment device 43 is coupled at least with one lateral bar.
  • the first adjustment device 42 can be coupled at least with the first upper bar 25b and the first lateral bar 25c.
  • the second adjustment device 43 can be coupled at least with the first lateral bar 25c.
  • the first adjustment device 42 is configured for moving vertically all the bars that are coupled to the first adjustment device 42, so that a vertical movement of all the bars that are coupled to the first device 42 corresponds to the adjustment of the first size h. Therefore, the first adjustment device 42 causes the vertical movement of all the bars that coupled to the first device 42, and the vertical movement of all the bars that are coupled to the first device 42 causes the adjustment of the first size h.
  • all the bars that are coupled to the first device 42 means at least first upper bar 25b, and first lateral bar 25c.
  • the second adjustment device 43 is configured for moving horizontally all the bars that are coupled to the second device 43, so that an horizontal movement of all the bars that are coupled to the second device 43 corresponds to the adjustment of the second size w. Therefore, the second adjustment device 43 causes the horizontal movement of all the bars that are coupled to the second device 43, and the horizontal movement of all the bars that are coupled to the second device 43 causes the adjustment of the second size w.
  • all the bars that are coupled to the second device 43 means at least the first lateral bar 25c.
  • the machine comprises a plurality of pushers 59.
  • the pushers 59 are engaged in a sliding manner in the channel 26.
  • the machine 1 is configured so that each pusher 59 pushes at least one respective cap 2 along the channel 26, to cause the advancement of said at least one respective cap 2 along the advancement path P.
  • One pusher is indicated in Figure 3, 4A, 4B , 5A, 5B and 7 .
  • each of the first device 42 and the second device 43 is coupled at least also with the second upper bar 25b'.
  • all the bars that are coupled to the first device 42 means at least first upper bar 25b, second upper bar 25b', and first lateral bar 25c. Therefore, “all the bars that are coupled to the second device 43” means at least second upper bar 25b', and first lateral bar 25c.
  • the first adjustment device 42 comprises a respective structure 45.
  • the structure 45 of the first adjustment device 45 is coupled with all the bars that are coupled to the first device 42.
  • a vertical movement of the structure 45 of the first adjustment device 42 corresponds to the vertical movement of all the bars that are coupled to the first device 42. Therefore, the vertical movement of the structure 45 of the first device 42 causes the vertical movement of a first group of bars.
  • This first group of bars comprises at least first lateral bar 25c, first upper bar 25b and possibly also second upper bar 25b'. In this way the vertical movement of the structure 45 of the first device 42 causes the adjustment of the first size h.
  • the first device 42 comprises a respective actuator 48.
  • the actuator 48 of the first device 42 is coupled to the structure 45 of the first device 42 so that a movement of the actuator 48 corresponds to the vertical movement of the structure 45 of the first device 42.
  • Movement of the actuator 48 means a movement of the actuator 48 with respect to the frame 34.
  • the second adjustment device 43 comprises a respective structure 46.
  • the structure 46 of the second adjustment device 46 is coupled to all the bars that are coupled to the second device 43.
  • a horizontal movement of the structure 46 of the second device 43 corresponds to the horizontal movement of all the bars that are coupled to the second device 43. Therefore, the horizontal movement of the structure 46 of the second adjustment device 43 causes the horizontal movement of a second group of bars.
  • the second group of bars comprises at least first lateral bar 25c and possibly also second upper bar 25b'. In this way the horizontal movement of the structure 46 of the second device 43 causes the adjustment of the second size w.
  • the second device 43 comprises a respective actuator 49.
  • the actuator 49 of the second device 43 is coupled to the structure 46 of the second device 43 so that a movement of the actuator 49 of the second device 43 corresponds to the horizontal movement of the structure 46 of the second device 43.
  • Movement of the actuator 49 means a movement of the actuator 49 with respect to the frame 34.
  • the structure 46 of the second device 43 is coupled with the structure 45 of the first device 42, so that the structure 46 of the second device 43 is integral with the vertical movement of the structure 45 of the first device 42.
  • the structure 45 of the first device 42 in addition to being directly coupled with the first upper bar 25b, can be coupled, indirectly through the structure 46 of the second device 43, at least also with the first lateral bar 25c, and possibly also with the second upper bar 25b'. Therefore, the first adjustment device 42 can act also on the first lateral bar 25c and possibly also on the second upper bar 25b' .
  • the first adjustment device 42 does not need to be positioned around the pusher 59 to move also the first lateral bar 25c, and possibly also the second upper bar 25b'. In this way the mechanical complexity of the adjustment devices 42 and 43 is simplified, the compactness of the first device 42 and second device 43 is improved, and therefore the costs of the machine 1 or for maintenance are furtherly reduced.
  • the machine 1 is configured so that the structure 45 of the first device 42 supports against the gravity the structure 46 of the second device 43. In this way, the gravity is also used for stabilizing the coupling between the structures of the adjustment devices and/or the assembly operations are simplified.
  • At least one of first device 42 and second device 43 comprises a linear motor 47. It can be that each of first device 42 and second device 43 comprises a respective linear motor 47. It can be that each of first device 42 and second device 43 comprises a respective linear motor 47.
  • the linear motor 47 is coupled with the respective actuator 48 or 49 to cause the movement of the respective actuator 48 or 49, and therefore the adjustment of the first size h or second size w.
  • a linear motor 47 for causing the adjustment of the first size h or the second size w allows a very fine tuning of the first size h and/or the second size w. In this way the precision of the machine 1 with respect to regulation of the guide 6 in dependence of the type of caps to be sterilized is improved.
  • the respective actuator 48 or 49 is coupled with the respective structure 45 or 46 by means of a respective cam coupling. It can be that, for each of the first device 42 and the second device 43, the respective actuator 48 or 49 is coupled with the respective structure 45 or 46 by means of a respective cam coupling.
  • the cam coupling comprises a cam 50 which is integral with or fixed to one of the respective actuator 48 or 49 and structure 45 or 46.
  • the cam coupling comprises a cam follower 51 integral with or fixed to the other of said respective actuator 48 or 49 and structure 46 or 45.
  • a cam 50 which is integral with the actuator 48 of the first device
  • a cam follower 51 which is fixed to the structure 45 of the first device
  • a cam follower 51 which is fixed to the structure of the second device.
  • Fig. 8 shows a portion of the cam 50 and of the cam follower 51 of the first device 42.
  • Figs. 4A and 4B are indicated the cam follower 51 integral with the actuator 48 of the first device 42 and the cam follower 51 integral with the actuator 49 of the second device 43.
  • the cam follower 53 is eccentric so that a user can preliminary regulate, before the adjustment of channel 26, a preliminary position of the structure 45 or 46 of the respective adjustment device 42 or 43. This allows to adapt quickly and precisely the preliminary starting condition of first device 42 or second device 43 to the specific machining tolerances.
  • Cam coupling also comprises a locking element to lock the cam follower 51 with respect to the component with which the cam follower 51 is integral or to which it is fixed.
  • the cam coupling is configured so that a user, to regulate the preliminary position of the structure 45 or 46 before the adjustment, can unlock the cam follower 51 by rotating the locking element 52.
  • the cam coupling is configured so that a user, after having regulated the preliminary position of the structure 45 or 46 before the adjustment, can lock the cam follower 51 by rotating the locking element 52.
  • Fig. 7 also shows the axes C of locking element of two cam followers.
  • the guide 6 can comprise at least one straight sector 17 and/or at least one curved sector 18.
  • the curved sector 18 is indicated in Figures 1 , 2 and 10 . In Figures 2 and 10 two straight sectors 17 are for example indicated.
  • a curved sector 18 corresponds to a curved sector of the channel 26 and therefore of the advancement path P.
  • a straight sector corresponds to a straight sector of the channel 26 and therefore of the advancement path P.
  • the machine 1 can comprise more than one adjustment system.
  • the machine 1 can comprise for example a first adjustment system 30a and a second adjustment system 30b, which are showed in Figures 10 .
  • Each of first adjustment system 30a and second adjustment system 30b can have one or more of features of the adjustment system 30, or all the features of the adjustment system 30.
  • the machine 1 can be configured so that each adjustment system 30a or 30b is connected to a respective sector of the guide 6, to adjust independently from each other the first size and the second size of the respective sector of the channel 26, by acting on the respective sector of the guide 6.
  • the machine 1 can comprise a lever mechanism 35.
  • the lever mechanism 35 is mechanically interposed between the actuator 48 of the first adjustment device of the first adjustment system 30a, and the actuator 49 of the second adjustment device 49 of the second adjustment system 30b.
  • the lever mechanism 35 is mechanically connected to the curved sector 18 of the guide 6, to adjust independently from each other the first size and the second size of the respective curved sector of the channel 26, by acting on the respective curved sector of the guide 6. This situation can be seen in Figure 10 .
  • the first device adjustment device of the first system 30a is used for adjusting the first size of the curved sector 18 of the channel 26, and the second adjustment device of the second system 30b can be used to adjust the second size of the curved sector 18 of the channel 26.
  • Chamber 3 separates inner space 4 from an outer space 5.
  • Outer space 5 is in no aseptic and no sterile conditions.
  • Machine 1 comprises an advancement unit 7.
  • the advancement unit comprises the plurality of pushers 59 and a moveable endless belt 58.
  • the pushers 59 are connected and carried by the belt 58.
  • the pushers 59 are engaged in a sliding manner in the channel 26.
  • the machine 1 is configured so that a movement of the belt 58 causes each pusher 59 to move along at least one active sector Q1 of the conveying path Q. In this way each pusher 59 can push at least one respective cap 2 along the channel 26, to cause the advancement of said at least one respective cap 2 along the advancement path P.
  • the active sector Q1 is indicated in Figure 2 .
  • Machine 1 sterilizes caps 2, in particular prior to being applied onto filled receptacles.
  • advancement unit 7, for causing the movement of endless belt 58 may comprise a first pulley 60.
  • the advancement unit 7, for causing the movement of the endless belt 58 may comprise a second pulley 61.
  • One of the first pulley 60 and second pulley 61 can be a drive pulley, and the other a driving pulley.
  • the endless belt 58 is coupled to drive pulley 60 and driven pulley 61.
  • pushers 59 can be equally spaced along endless belt 58 with a constant pitch.
  • Chamber 3 defines a chamber inlet 8 allowing to feed caps 2 to be sterilized into inner space 4 and to guide 6.
  • Chamber 3 defines a chamber outlet 9 allowing to discharge sterilized caps 2 from inner space 4 and from guide 6.
  • Guide 6 can be considered a sterilization guide 6, because the caps 2 are sterilized during advancement along channel 26 which is defined by guide 6.
  • Machine 1 can comprise an infeed guide 10 arranged at chamber inlet 8 and a discharge guide 12 arranged at outlet 9.
  • the infeed guide 10 is for guiding the entry of the caps to be sterilized in the chamber inlet 8.
  • Discharge guide 11 is for guiding the exit of the sterilized caps from the chamber outlet 9.
  • advancement path P extends from an inlet station 12 at which caps 2 are fed to sterilization guide 6.
  • Inlet station 12 is placed at chamber inlet 8.
  • Advancement path P extends from the inlet station 12 up to an outlet station 13 at which caps 2 are discharged from sterilization guide 6.
  • Outlet station 13 is placed at chamber outlet 9.
  • the linear motor 47 of the first device 42 or the linear motor 47 of the second device 43 can comprise a passive portion 53 integrally connected to the respective actuator 48 or 49, and an active portion 54.
  • the active portion can be fixed to an outer surface of isolation chamber 3, which is the outer surface facing away from inner space 4.
  • the active portion may be configured to generate an electromagnetic field for moving passive portion 53, so as to move the respective actuator 48.
  • Machine 1 can be easily and quickly modified so as to sterilize a different types and/or format of caps 2.
  • a further advantage resides in having a robust set-up.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)

Claims (11)

  1. Sterilisationsmaschine (1) zum Sterilisieren von Kappen (2), umfassend wenigstens:
    - eine Isolierkammer (3), die einen Innenraum (4) definiert; und
    - eine Führung (6), die in dem Innenraum (4) angeordnet ist und einen Vorschubweg (P) für die Kappen (2) definiert, wobei die Maschine (1) so gestaltet ist, dass die Kappen (2) während des Fortschreitens entlang des Vorschubwegs (P) sterilisiert werden;
    wobei die Führung (6) eine Vielzahl von Stäben (25a, 25b, 25c) umfasst, die einen Kanal (26) zum Führen des Fortschreitens der Kappen (2) entlang des Vorschubwegs (P) definieren, wobei der Kanal (26) quer zu dem Weg (P) eine erste Größe (h) und eine zweite Größe (w) aufweist, wobei die erste Größe (h) und die zweite Größe (w) quer zueinander liegen;
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Sterilisationsmaschine (1) ferner ein Einstellsystem (30) umfasst, das dafür gestaltet ist, auf wenigstens zwei der Stäbe (25a, 25b, 25c) einzuwirken, um die erste Größe (h) und die zweite Größe (w) unabhängig voneinander einzustellen.
  2. Maschine (1) gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die Vielzahl von Stäben (25a, 25b, 25c) umfasst:
    - wenigstens einen unteren Stab (25a; 25a'; 25a") zum Tragen der fortschreitenden Kappen (2) und Begrenzen des Kanals (26) an einer ersten Seite;
    - wenigstens einen oberen Stab (25b; 25b'), der den Kanal (26) an der gegenüberliegenden Seite bezogen auf den wenigstens einen unteren Stab (25a; 25a'; 25a") begrenzt, wobei die erste Größe (h) von dem Abstand zwischen dem wenigstens einen unteren Stab (25a; 25a'; 25a") und dem wenigstens einen oberen Stab (25b; 25b') definiert wird;
    - wenigstens einen seitlichen Stab (25c; 25c'), der den Raum (26) seitlich begrenzt und dazu beiträgt, die zweite Größe (w) zu definieren;
    wobei:
    das Einstellsystem (30) eine erste Einstellvorrichtung (42) umfasst, die wenigstens mit einem oberen Stab und einem seitlichen Stab gekoppelt ist oder die wenigstens mit einem unteren Stab und einem seitlichen Stab gekoppelt ist;
    das Einstellsystem (30) eine zweite Einstellvorrichtung (43) umfasst, die wenigstens mit einem seitlichen Stab gekoppelt ist;
    wobei die erste Einstellvorrichtung (42) dafür gestaltet ist, alle Stäbe, die an die erste Einstellvorrichtung (42; 43) gekoppelt sind, vertikal zu bewegen, so dass eine vertikale Bewegung aller Stäbe (25b; 25c), die an die erste Einstellvorrichtung (42; 43) gekoppelt sind, dem Einstellen der ersten Größe (h) entspricht;
    wobei die zweite Einstellvorrichtung (43) dafür gestaltet ist, alle Stäbe (25b'; 25c), die an die zweite Einstellvorrichtung (43) gekoppelt sind, horizontal zu bewegen, so dass eine horizontale Bewegung aller Stäbe (25b'; 25c), die an die zweite Vorrichtung (43) gekoppelt sind, dem Einstellen der zweiten Größe (w) entspricht.
  3. Maschine (1) gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei:
    - der wenigstens eine obere Stab einen ersten oberen Stab (25b) und einen zweiten oberen Stab (25b') umfasst, die erste Einstellvorrichtung (42) wenigstens mit dem ersten oberen Stab (25b), dem zweiten oberen Stab (25b') und dem einen seitlichen Stab (25c) gekoppelt ist und die zweite Einstellvorrichtung (43) wenigstens mit dem zweiten oberen Stab (25b') und dem einen seitlichen Stab (25c) gekoppelt ist; oder
    - der wenigstens eine untere Stab einen ersten unteren Stab und einen zweiten unteren Stab umfasst, die erste Einstellvorrichtung (42) wenigstens mit dem ersten unteren Stab, dem zweiten unteren Stab und dem einen seitlichen Stab gekoppelt ist und die zweite Einstellvorrichtung (43) wenigstens mit dem zweiten unteren Stab und dem einen seitlichen Stab gekoppelt ist.
  4. Maschine (1) gemäß Anspruch 2 oder 3, wobei:
    - für jede Einstellvorrichtung (42; 43) die Einstellvorrichtung (42; 43) eine entsprechende Struktur (45; 46) umfasst, wobei die Struktur (45; 46) mit allen Stäben gekoppelt ist, die an die Einstellvorrichtung (42; 43) gekoppelt sind, so dass eine vertikale Bewegung der Struktur (45) der ersten Vorrichtung (42) der vertikalen Bewegung aller Stäbe (25b; 25c) entspricht, die an die erste Vorrichtung (42) gekoppelt sind, und eine horizontale Bewegung der Struktur (46) der zweiten Vorrichtung (43) der horizontalen Bewegung aller Stäbe (25b; 25c) entspricht, die an die zweite Vorrichtung (43) gekoppelt sind;
    - jede Einstellvorrichtung (42; 43) einen entsprechenden Aktor (48; 49) umfasst, wobei der Aktor (48; 49) mit der entsprechenden Struktur (45; 46) gekoppelt ist, so dass eine Bewegung des Aktors (48) der ersten Vorrichtung (42) der vertikalen Bewegung der Struktur (45) der ersten Vorrichtung (42) entspricht und eine Bewegung des Aktors (49) der zweiten Vorrichtung (43) der horizontalen Bewegung der Struktur (46) der zweiten Vorrichtung (43) entspricht.
  5. Maschine (1) gemäß Anspruch 4, wobei die Struktur (46) der zweiten Vorrichtung (43) mit der Struktur (45) der ersten Vorrichtung (43) gekoppelt ist, so dass die Struktur (46) der zweiten Vorrichtung (43) integral mit der vertikalen Bewegung der Struktur (45) der ersten Vorrichtung (42) ist.
  6. Maschine (1) gemäß Anspruch 4 oder 5, wobei wenigstens eine Einstellvorrichtung (42; 43) einen Linearmotor (47) umfasst, wobei der Linearmotor (47) mit dem entsprechenden Aktor (48; 49) gekoppelt ist, um die Bewegung des entsprechenden Aktors (48; 49) zu bewirken.
  7. Maschine gemäß einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 6, wobei für wenigstens eine (42: 43) der eine Einstellvorrichtungen (42; 43) der entsprechende Aktor (48; 49) mithilfe einer Nockenkopplung (50, 51) mit der entsprechenden Struktur (45; 46) gekoppelt ist.
  8. Maschine (1) gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die Nockenkopplung (50, 51) umfasst:
    - eine Nocke (50), integral mit oder befestigt an einem von dem entsprechenden Aktor (48; 49) und der Struktur (45; 46), und einen Nockenfolger (51), integral mit oder befestigt an dem anderen von dem entsprechenden Aktor (48; 49) und der Struktur (45; 46);
    wobei der Nockenfolger (51) exzentrisch ist, so dass ein Benutzer eine vorläufige Stellung der Struktur (45; 46) der entsprechenden Einstellvorrichtung (42; 43) vor dem Einstellen vorläufig regulieren kann.
  9. Maschine (1) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 8, wobei:
    die Maschine (1) ein erstes Einstellsystem (30a) und ein zweites Einstellsystem (30b) umfasst;
    jedes Einstellsystem (30a; 30b) mit einem entsprechenden Sektor der Führung (6) verbunden ist, um unabhängig voneinander und durch Wirkung auf den entsprechenden Sektor der Führung (6) die erste Größe (h) und die zweite Größe (w) des entsprechenden Sektors des Kanals (26) einzustellen;
    die Maschine (1) einen Hebelmechanismus (35) umfasst;
    der Hebelmechanismus (35) mechanisch zwischen den Aktor (48) der ersten Einstellvorrichtung des ersten Einstellsystems (30a) und den Aktor (49) der zweiten Einstellvorrichtung des zweiten Einstellsystems (30b) eingeschoben ist;
    der Hebelmechanismus (35) mechanisch mit einem gekrümmten Sektor der Führung (6) verbunden ist, um durch Wirkung auf den entsprechenden gekrümmten Sektor der Führung (6) und unabhängig voneinander die erste Größe (h) und die zweite Größe (w) des entsprechenden gekrümmten Sektors des Kanals (26) einzustellen.
  10. Maschine gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend ein Endlosband (58) und eine Vielzahl von Schiebern (59), die mit dem Endlosband (58) verbunden sind und davon getragen werden, wobei die Maschine (1) so gestaltet ist, dass eine Bewegung des Endlosbands (58) eine Bewegung der Schieber (59) entlang eines endlosen Vorschubwegs (Q) bewirkt;
    wobei die Schieber (59) auf verschiebbare Weise in den Kanal (26) eingreifen, so dass die Bewegung des Bands (58) bewirkt, dass jeder Schieber (59) wenigstens eine entsprechende Kappe (2) entlang des Kanals (26) schiebt, um Fortschreiten der wenigstens einen entsprechenden Kappe (2) entlang des Vorschubwegs (P) zu bewirken.
  11. Maschine (1) gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, so gestaltet, dass der Innenraum (4) ein aseptischer Raum und/oder ein steriler Raum ist.
EP21176425.3A 2021-05-28 2021-05-28 Sterilisationsmaschine zum sterilisieren von kappen und verfahren zur konfigurierung einer sterilisationsmaschine Active EP4095049B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21176425.3A EP4095049B1 (de) 2021-05-28 2021-05-28 Sterilisationsmaschine zum sterilisieren von kappen und verfahren zur konfigurierung einer sterilisationsmaschine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21176425.3A EP4095049B1 (de) 2021-05-28 2021-05-28 Sterilisationsmaschine zum sterilisieren von kappen und verfahren zur konfigurierung einer sterilisationsmaschine

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4095049A1 EP4095049A1 (de) 2022-11-30
EP4095049C0 EP4095049C0 (de) 2023-08-02
EP4095049B1 true EP4095049B1 (de) 2023-08-02

Family

ID=76180891

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21176425.3A Active EP4095049B1 (de) 2021-05-28 2021-05-28 Sterilisationsmaschine zum sterilisieren von kappen und verfahren zur konfigurierung einer sterilisationsmaschine

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4095049B1 (de)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008048351A1 (de) * 2008-09-22 2010-04-15 Khs Ag Vorrichtung zum Sterilisieren von Verschlüssen
EP3391911B1 (de) * 2016-01-15 2020-01-15 Sidel Participations Vorrichtung und verfahren zum sterilisieren von behälterverschlüssen
CN209651330U (zh) * 2017-12-18 2019-11-19 西得乐股份公司 用于容器封闭件的传送结构

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP4095049C0 (de) 2023-08-02
EP4095049A1 (de) 2022-11-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3670404B1 (de) Sterilisationsvorrichtung mit einer fördervorrichtung
US6298638B1 (en) System for blow-molding, filling and capping containers
US10518918B2 (en) Apparatus and method for sterilizing receptacle closures
EP4095049B1 (de) Sterilisationsmaschine zum sterilisieren von kappen und verfahren zur konfigurierung einer sterilisationsmaschine
EP3991757B1 (de) Sterilisationsvorrichtung für behälterverschlüssen
EP3153413B1 (de) Verfahren und aufbringungsvorrichtung mit einem aufbringungskopf zum aufbringen eines deckels auf einen behälter
EP3162721A1 (de) Vorrichtung zur handhabung von behältern
CN112566865B (zh) 用于以含co2的液体产品填充容器的方法
EP4091636B1 (de) Sterilisationsmaschine zur sterilisation von kappen
EP3954648A1 (de) Fördereinrichtung für behälterverschlüsse und sterilisationssystem für behälterverschlüsse
EP3960694A1 (de) Sterilisationsvorrichtung für behälterverschlüsse
EP3693328A1 (de) Behälterverschlusszuführvorrichtung und schliessvorrichtung mit einer behälterverschlusszuführvorrichtung
EP4275708A1 (de) Kompakte sterilisationsmaschine zur sterilisation von kappen
EP3689815B1 (de) Abfüllanlage
EP3995818A1 (de) Inspektionssystem für eine artikelbehandlungsmaschine und artikelbehandlungsmaschine mit einem inspektionssystem
EP3730156A1 (de) Behandlungsmaschine zur behandlung von behältern und verfahren zum betrieb solch eines behandlungsmaschine

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20230317

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B67B 3/00 20060101ALN20230424BHEP

Ipc: B65B 59/00 20060101ALI20230424BHEP

Ipc: B65B 55/00 20060101AFI20230424BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20230519

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602021003903

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

U01 Request for unitary effect filed

Effective date: 20230802

U07 Unitary effect registered

Designated state(s): AT BE BG DE DK EE FI FR IT LT LU LV MT NL PT SE SI

Effective date: 20230807

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231103

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231202

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231102

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231202

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231103

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230802

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602021003903

Country of ref document: DE

U20 Renewal fee paid [unitary effect]

Year of fee payment: 4

Effective date: 20240418

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT