EP4172100A1

EP4172100A1 - Container-handling apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4172100A1
Application number: EP21735860.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Oliver MATLE
Original assignee: KHS GmbH
Current assignee: KHS GmbH
Priority date: 2020-06-25
Filing date: 2021-06-15
Publication date: 2023-05-03
Also published as: US20230183051A1; DE102020116779A1; WO2021259693A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a container-handling apparatus, in particular a filling machine for filling cans or similar containers (2) with liquid contents along a container-handling path (BS) running in a handling direction (A). The container-handling apparatus comprises: a first transporter (5) designed as a container infeed; a rotor (3) which is arranged downstream in the handing direction, rotates around a machine axis (A) and has a plurality of handling positions (BP) for handling the containers; and also a second transporter (6) which is in turn arranged downstream of the rotor in the handling direction and is designed as a container outfeed. The second transporter is designed here as a chain conveyor, which has at least one guide finger (50) at a conveying means (6.1) driven such that it revolves endlessly, which guide finger is entrained by the conveying means and has a first and a second guide portion (51, 52), which receives the as yet unsealed containers handled at the plurality of treatment positions of the rotor, and is designed to guide the containers by way of the first guide portion (51) in the handling direction (A) initially along a first, at least partially curved transport path portion (TSA1) of the second transporter (6), continuously in contact with a guide rail, before the guide finger (50) by means of its second guide portion (52) then conveys the container in question in the handling direction on a straight, second transport path portion (TSA2) along the container treatment path.

Description

Container treatment device

The invention relates to a container treatment device, in particular a filling machine for filling cans or similar containers with a liquid filling material. Container treatment devices, in particular filling machines for filling cans, in particular also for pressure filling cans with a liquid filling material, are known to the person skilled in the art in a wide variety of forms. The cans are fed to the filling machine via a first transporter designed as a container inlet, then transferred to a rotor located downstream in the treatment direction and revolving around a machine axis, and discharged by a second transporter, which is again located downstream of the rotor in the treatment direction and designed as a container outlet.

Along a container treatment line designed in this way, as it is implemented in a filling machine, several transport elements, each driven in rotation about a vertical machine axis, can be provided, which connect to one another for transport and form the container treatment line, so that a container, in particular a can, by being passed on from one can circulate driven transport element is conveyed to a transport element adjoining it in the transport direction along a multiple deflected container treatment line.

It can also be provided that the adjacent transport elements are a rotatively revolving transport element as well as an adjacent transport element which linearly transports the containers. Such transport elements are also formed in the filling machine. In particular, the container outlet can be implemented in the form of a transfer star or linear conveyor, by means of which the filled but still open cans are conveyed on to a closer, for example a can closer.

In the case of the transport elements designed as linear conveyors, the containers are in the

Essentially straight or alternatively also curved and essentially without

Change in their altitude. Such designed as a linear conveyor

Transport elements can also be arranged between two transport elements designed as rotary transport elements. When the cans are passed on within the filling machine from a transport element to a transport element following in the treatment direction, for example designed as a container outlet, there is often a change in curvature in the path of movement of the cans and thus a change in the centripetal acceleration acting on the cans. With a high container throughput (number of cans conveyed per unit of time), the respective can experiences a lateral jolt, caused by strong acceleration forces, which can lead to the contents sloshing out of the can mouth.

The filling machines of the state of the art, which are designed as can fillers, and the can closer located downstream in the treatment direction often also have a different pitch. This means that the cans have to be accelerated to a higher speed when they are transferred to the transporter between the can filler and the downstream can closer. This acceleration is also largely responsible for the sloshing behavior of the cans that are still unsealed at this point in time. Overall, this is undesirable and disadvantageous, in particular from a hygienic point of view, but also because of the loss of product.

In practice, the overall performance of the affected filling machines - in particular of can filling machines - and / or also of closing machines is therefore often reduced until the open cans no longer spill over along the container treatment line. Ultimately, this approach leads to considerable losses in performance (filled cans per hour), which is extremely undesirable due to the associated monetary effects.

In the prior art, the still open, unsealed cans are diverted linearly, in particular exclusively linearly, from the rotor of the filling machine at a tangential point at a container outlet and conveyed further by means of a conveyor downstream of the filling machine.

For this purpose, the still unsealed containers are grasped by a so-called guide finger or chain driver of the conveyor downstream of the filling machine while leaving the filling machine and then moved by this chain driver in the direction of the closer. The chain driver actively pushes the containers onto a transport level of the conveyor, whereby the containers are always in contact with the chain driver and at the same time are positioned correctly for division.

During their movement in the direction of the closer, the containers usually stand on a chain conveyor of the transporter that is driven in the transport direction, with so-called railing guides being arranged on both sides of the chain conveyor, which on the one hand prevent the containers from falling off the side of the chain conveyor. On the other hand, the railing guides are shaped in such a way that they force the containers onto a particularly advantageous movement path that reduces sloshing.

In order to avoid jamming of the container and to avoid excessive friction, it is imperative that the width of the railing guide is greater than the diameter of the container - the railing guide and the container thus have enough play to one another.

However, this play is increasingly becoming a problem, as the containers, due to this play, do not always follow the optimal path of movement exactly, but lie against the inner and sometimes against the outer railing guide during their movement, and thus perform a non-optimal movement which leads to spillage, which is extremely undesirable.

A conveying device for containers from a filling machine to a folding machine in a filling and folding system has become known from the document DE 198 82 452 C2. This conveying device comprises: a rotary filling machine to which empty containers are fed by a linear conveyor and a conveyor star; a rotating folding or closing machine which receives the filled containers through a second conveyor so that they are closed and directed towards an exit area; a profiled guide; at least one fixed support surface; a second conveyor of the closed chain type provided with support elements or carriers designed in such a way that, by interacting with the profiled guide, they remove the individual containers from the filling machine and bring them to the entry point of the rotating folding or closing machine. This conveying device is characterized in particular by the fact that the device has two stationary ones Contains support surfaces and each support element or driver is provided with a support base surface, arranged on the same plane as the support surfaces and positioned between the lateral lugs of the support element or driver to guide the container from one fixed support surface to another.

Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a container treatment device, in particular a filling machine for filling cans or similar containers with a liquid product, by means of which the container can be transported along the container treatment line with as little cross-pressure as possible and a higher output (container per unit of time) of the container treatment device is made possible .

This object is achieved by a container treatment device, in particular a filling machine for filling containers, in particular cans or similar containers, with a liquid filling material according to the features of independent claim 1. The subclaims relate to particularly advantageous developments of the invention.

According to an essential aspect, the invention relates to a container treatment device, in particular a filling machine for filling cans or similar containers with a liquid filling material along a container treatment section running in one treatment direction.

The container treatment device comprises a first conveyor configured as a container inlet, a rotor located downstream in the treatment direction and revolving around a machine axis with several treatment positions for treating the containers, as well as a second conveyor downstream of the rotor in the treatment direction and configured as a container outlet.

The second conveyor is designed as a chain conveyor, which has at least one guide finger, which is moved with the conveyor, with a first and a second guide section, which takes over the still unclosed containers treated at the several treatment positions of the rotor and is designed to do so on an endlessly rotating conveyor , the container with the first guide section initially along a first, at least partially curved To guide the transport route section of the second conveyor continuously contact-locking on a guide railing in the treatment direction, before the guide finger conveys the respective container by means of its second guide section on a straight second transport route section along the container treatment route in a defined position in the treatment direction.

In other words, the guide finger according to the invention of the second transporter is designed in such a way that, on the one hand, it always presses the containers against one of the guide railings along the curved first transport section, and, on the other hand, the containers are nonetheless correctly divided and in a defined position, i.e. in the correct position on the one downstream from the second transporter Closer passes.

In particular, the second guide section of the guide finger is designed as a concave transport pocket that positions the containers precisely, i.e. in a defined position, on the turntable in the sealing machine even at high transport speeds of the second transporter, i.e. at high output. In the case of can transfer tables with a discharge curve, the cans must be able to run along a surface. Nevertheless, the cans should be positioned precisely on the can plates of the closer, especially at high outputs. This is exactly what is made possible in a simple manner with the concave transport bag. Overall, the container handling device according to the invention advantageously solves both the guide problem on the guide railing and the positioning problem in a position-defined target position of the containers before they are transferred to a closer downstream of the second conveyor.

According to an advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the second transporter has an upper and lower lateral guide railing at least in the first transport route section, which define the curved path of at least the first transport route section, and wherein the respective guide finger continuously contacts the corresponding container with the first guide section upper guide railing leads over the entire length of the first transport route section. According to a further advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the first transport route section has several transition curve sections, the direction of curvature of which is different from one another in the treatment direction, in particular curved to the left in the first transition curve section, curved to the right in the second transition curve section and again curved to the left in the third transition curve section.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the first transport route section has an adjustable cam path in the area of its multiple transition curve sections, which is designed to be adjustable in a motorized and / or regulated manner in particular by means of at least one adjusting device.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that at least one transition curve section of the first transport route section is designed as a clothoid section and / or a pure curve section.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the transition curve sections of the first transport route section are set in such a way that the respective container is positively guided completely in a transport pocket of the respective guide finger assigned to the second guide section before reaching the second transport route section.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the first guide section forms a first contact surface and the second guide section forms a second contact surface, each of which is provided for contact-locking contact with the outer jacket surface of a respective container.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the respective guide finger is designed in one piece, in particular in one piece.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the respective guide finger is hardened at least in the area of its first and / or second contact surface. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective guide finger is designed in the shape of a prism with a triangular base.

Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second guide section with the first and second contact surfaces is assigned to the side surface which is leading as seen in the treatment direction.

Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first contact surface is planar, i.e. flat, and is oriented with respect to the upper guide railing in such a way that the first contact surface at each point in time of the conveyance of the respective guide finger along the first transport section is at an acute angle the upper guide rail.

Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that immediately adjacent to the first contact surface, the second contact surface of the second guide section connects with a smooth transition, which is preferably configured as a concave transport pocket.

Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective circular transport pocket of a corresponding guide finger engages around the corresponding outer circumference of a container at least partially on a partial circumference of the outer jacket surface of the container.

Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying means is designed as a motor-controlled and / or regulated and endlessly rotating conveyor chain.

Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of guide fingers, which are designed to be identical to one another, are fixedly but detachably arranged on the conveying means. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container treatment device comprises a filling machine and / or a closer, the second transport path section being provided directly adjacent to the closer.

According to a further advantageous embodiment variant, the container treatment device can have a filling machine and / or a closer.

“Clothoid” in the context of the invention is understood to mean a curve whose curvature increases steadily in a linear manner. The product of the curve radius and the arc length of the curve forms a constant. In other words, the curvature at any point on the curve is proportional to the length of its arc up to that point.

“Container” in the context of the invention is understood to mean any container, in particular bottles, cans, cups, etc., each made of metal, glass and / or plastic, preferably made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

The expression “essentially” or “approximately” means deviations from the exact value in each case by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

Developments, advantages and possible applications of the invention also emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all of the features described and / or shown in the figures, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally the subject matter of the invention, regardless of how they are summarized in the claims or their reference. The content of the claims is also made part of the description.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures using exemplary embodiments. Show it: 1 shows, by way of example and in a schematic plan view, a partially illustrated filling machine for filling cans or similar containers with liquid filling material;

FIG. 2 shows, by way of example and in a simplified representation, a possible embodiment variant for a filling position of the filling machine according to FIG. 1 with a can arranged in a sealing position on the filling element;

3 shows, by way of example and in a roughly schematic plan view, a partial illustration of the second conveyor on its own with the containers being transported thereon; and

4 shows, by way of example and in a schematic plan view, a possible variant embodiment of an exposed guide finger.

Identical reference symbols are used in the figures for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure.

The container treatment device, generally designated 1 in FIG. 1, is designed as a filling machine and is used in particular for pressure filling containers 2 in the form of cans with a liquid product, for example with beer or soft drinks, along a container treatment path BS running in a treatment direction A.

The filling machine 1 is designed as such a revolving design with a rotor 3, shown only in part, which is driven in a direction of rotation B around a vertical machine axis MA during the filling operation and has a plurality of treatment positions BP on its circumference, which are identical or approximately the same Angular distances are provided distributed over the entire circumference around the machine axis MA in the area of the outer circumference of the rotor 3 (only a few treatment positions BP being shown by way of example in the figures). The treatment, in particular the filling of the container 2 with liquid filling material, can take place at the treatment positions BP. Here, the container treatment device according to the invention comprises at least one first conveyor 5, the rotor 3 downstream of the first conveyor 5 in treatment direction A with the multiple treatment positions BP for treating the containers 2, and a second conveyor 6, in turn, downstream of the rotor 3 in treatment direction A.

In more detail, the containers 2 to be filled are transferred to the rotor 3 rotating about a machine axis MA via the first conveyor 5, which is designed as a container inlet, at a preferably tangential inlet point EP. In particular, the first conveyor 5 can be designed as an inlet star that rotates in the direction of rotation C for this purpose. The direction of rotation C of the first conveyor 5 is thus formed in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation B of the rotor 3. Furthermore, the second conveyor 6 is designed as a linear conveyor, in particular as a chain conveyor, by means of which the containers 2 treated at the multiple treatment positions BP of the rotor 3 and still unlocked are taken over by means of guide fingers 50 of the second conveyor 6 and can be further conveyed in the manner described in more detail .

Between the inlet point EP and an outlet point AP of the rotating rotor 3 there is a partially circular treatment area with a treatment arc length, along which the several treatment positions BP are formed, at which the containers 2 are treated, in particular filled with liquid filling material.

In particular, the second conveyor 6, designed as a container outlet, can be provided to further convey the already filled but still unsealed cans 2 after leaving the rotor 3 along the container treatment section BS in treatment direction A.

Subsequently, the containers 2, which are designed in particular as cans, can be transferred to a sealer 60, shown only roughly schematically, in particular to a can sealer, and sealed there in the manner known to the person skilled in the art. In the context of a blocking of the container treatment device, the closer 60 can be designed as part or component of the filling system and thus of the filling machine 1. In the angular range of the rotary movement of the rotor 3 between the inlet point EP and the outlet point AP, the cans 2 are filled in particular, which for this purpose are arranged with their container axis parallel to the machine axis MA and coaxially or essentially coaxially with an axis FA of the container treatment position BP designed as the filling position FP are.

This process is described below by way of example for rotary filling machines on an exemplary filling element 7, but can also be used analogously with linear fillers, for example it can also be used to fill large PET containers, so-called KEGs for beer.

In this case, FIG. 2 shows, by way of example, the structure of the filling element 7 of a treatment position BP embodied as a filling position FP. In particular, however, the present invention is expressly not to be understood as being limited to the structure shown of a filling element 7 and / or filling machine 1 shown in FIG. Rather, the container treatment device 1 can also be designed as a closer 60. Such closers are known to the person skilled in the art, for example from DE 102009 017 109 A1. The holding plate 16 described in DE 102009017 109 A1 is technically comparable with the rotor 3 of the present invention, on which several container treatment positions BP designed as closing positions are provided.

Each container treatment position BP essentially comprises a filling element 7 which, together with the filling elements 7 of the other container treatment positions BP, is arranged on the circumference of the rotor 3 and thus forms the filling system of the filling machine 1. On the rotor 3 there is also a filling material tank 8, which is common for all container treatment positions BP and is designed as a ring tank in the embodiment variant shown, which is partially filled with the liquid filling material during the filling operation, with the formation of a lower liquid space 8.1 for the filling material and a gas space 8.2. which is ingested by an inert gas, for example CO 2 gas or nitrogen, which is under a filling pressure of, for example, 3 bar to 5 bar. Each filling element 7 is connected to the liquid space 8.1 via its own product line 10 having a flow meter 9. In the embodiment shown, there are also three ring channels that surround the machine axis MA and are common to all container treatment positions BP or filling elements 7, namely a first ring channel 11, a second ring channel 12 and a third ring channel 40. The first annular channel 11 serves as a return gas channel for discharging gas from the respective filling element 7, in particular also when flushing and / or relieving the container 2.

The second ring channel 12 can be used as a return gas collection channel, in which the flushing and / or relief gas used during the flushing and / or relief phase is at least partially diverted in order to be at least partially reused for pre-flushing the container interior 2.1.

The third ring channel 40 carries the pressurized inert gas, for example CO 2 gas or nitrogen, during the filling operation in the manner described in more detail below. The pressure in the first ring channel 11 is, for example, atmospheric pressure or a negative pressure, while the pressure in the second ring channel 12 is slightly overpressure, which can essentially correspond to the flushing and / or relief pressure of, for example, 0.2 to 0.5 bar. The pressure in the third ring channel 40 is equal to or essentially equal to the filling pressure in the gas space 8.2 or slightly less than this filling pressure.

The filling element 7 comprises a filling element housing 13 with a liquid channel 14, which is connected with its upper area to the product line 10 and on the underside of the filling element 7 forms an annular discharge opening 15 concentrically surrounding the axis FA, via which the liquid filling material is transferred to the respective container 2 can be fed during filling. A liquid valve 16, which is essentially formed by a valve body 18 arranged on a valve tappet 17, is provided in the liquid channel 14 in the flow direction of the filling material in front of the dispensing opening 15.

In FIG. 2, the liquid valve 16 is shown in the closed state, in which the valve body 18 rests against a valve surface, which is designed as a sealing surface, in the liquid channel 14. To open the liquid valve 16, the valve body 18 with the valve tappet 17, which is arranged on the same axis as the axis FA, is raised by a preferably pneumatically controlled actuating element 19. The valve tappet 17 is designed as a gas pipe, with a gas channel 20, which is arranged coaxially with the axis FA on the underside in the area of the discharge opening 15 and is annular from this is enclosed open and opens at the upper end of the valve tappet 17 into a gas space 21 formed in the filling element housing 13.

In order to control the various phases of the filling process when pressure filling a container interior 2.1 of the respective container 2, several controllable gas paths are formed in the filling element housing 13.

Two return gas openings 27.1 and 28.1 can be connected to the first annular channel 11 via a first controlled gas path 26 which is formed in the filling element housing 13. The return gas openings 27.1 and 28.1 are each provided on the underside of the filling element 7, offset radially outward in relation to the discharge opening 15 in relation to the axis FA and also axially above the discharge opening 15 in the direction of the axis FA. The return gas openings 27.1 and 28.1 are at The illustrated embodiment is arranged offset by 180 ° around the axis FA and form the lower openings or sections of gas channels 27 and 28, which extend upward in the filling element housing 13 from the respective return gas opening 27.1 or 28.1 parallel or essentially parallel to the axis FA . The gas channels 27 and 28 are part of the first controlled gas path 26 and each contain a control valve 29 and 30. In the embodiment shown, the control valves 29 and 30 are again pneumatically operated valves. The inputs of the control valves 29 and 30 are each connected to a return gas channel 27 and 28, respectively. The outputs of both control valves 29 and 30 are connected to the first ring channel 11.

The return gas opening 27.1 can be connected to the second annular channel 12 via a second controllable gas path 42, which is also provided in the filling element housing 13. The second gas path 42 away from the return gas opening 27.1 uses the gas channel 27 of the first gas path 26, which branches off into the gas channel 27a in front of the control valve 29, but is in fluid connection with the gas channel 27. Furthermore, the second controllable gas path 42 provides a control valve 24 which can be actuated pneumatically. The inlet of the control valve 24 is in fluid connection with the gas channel 27a and the outlet with the second ring channel 12.

The gas space 21 can be connected to the third annular channel 40 in a controlled manner via a third controllable gas path 22. This third gas path 22 also contains a control valve 23 which is arranged in the connection between the third annular channel 40 and the gas chamber 21 and is connected to the gas space 21 via a gas duct 25. The control valve 23 can also be designed as a pneumatically operated valve.

The filling element 7 further comprises a centering tulip 31, which at least during rinsing, pretensioning and filling with an annular seal 31 and the container 2 sealed space is formed into which the discharge opening 15, the lower end of the gas channel 20 and also the return gas openings 27.1 and 28.1 open. Furthermore, the container 2 is clamped, that is to say held, by means of the lowered centering tulip 31. By means of a pneumatic actuating element 33 in the form of a bellows to which the filling pressure is applied, for example, the centering tulip 31 is pretensioned via a linkage 34 into its lower position, which is tight against a container 2. Through the interaction of a cam roller 35 provided on the linkage 34 with an outer flow curve that does not rotate with the rotor 3, the centering tulip 31 is raised for inserting a container 2 into the filling position FP or for removing the filled container 2 from the filling position FP.

In particular, when the container 2 is passed on from the rotor 3 of the filling machine 1 to the second transporter 6 following in the transport direction A, after leaving the starting point SP of the pushing-out movement from the transport pocket 44 of the transport element 43 of the filling machine 1, there is a change in the curvature of the path of movement the as yet unsealed container 2 and thus to a change in the centripetal acceleration acting on the container 2. The starting point SP of the pushing-out movement is understood to mean that moment at which the container 2 begins to move out of the respective transport pocket 44 of the filling machine 1.

The as yet unsealed containers 2 are grasped by guide fingers 50 or chain drivers of the second conveyor 6 downstream of the filling machine 1 while they are leaving the filling machine 1 and then moved, in particular pushed, by these guide fingers 50 on the second conveyor 6 in the direction of the closer 60. In more detail, the containers 2 can be actively pushed with their container bottom upright on a transport plane TE of the second conveyor 6 by a corresponding guide finger 50 in such a way that the containers 2 always rest with their outer circumferential surface on a guide finger 50 and are at the same time positioned with the correct pitch.

According to the invention, the second conveyor 6 is designed for this as an endlessly rotating conveyor 6.1, preferably as a chain conveyor. The conveying means 6.1 has at least one guide finger 50 which moves along with the conveying means 6.1; the (guide finger) has a first and a second guide section 51, 52. The conveying means 6.1 can be designed as a motor-controlled and / or regulated as well as endlessly rotating conveyor chain on which a plurality of guide fingers 50, each with a first and second guide section 51, 52 are arranged.

The plurality of guide fingers 50 arranged on the conveying means 6.1 can be designed to be identical to one another. In particular, it can be provided that the guide fingers 50 are fixedly but detachably arranged on the conveying means 6.1.

It can be provided that the conveyor 6.1 is designed to rotate laterally along the entire longitudinal extension of the second conveyor 6, that is to say encompasses the entire length of the treatment section BS conveyed by the second conveyor 6. The conveyor 6.1 can drive a motor (not shown in detail), for example an electric motor, in particular a torque motor.

A respective guide finger 50 takes over the containers 2 treated at the multiple treatment positions BP of the rotor 3 and still unlocked with the first guide section 51 and guides the container 2 initially along a first, at least partially curved transport section TSA1 of the second conveyor 6 with continuous contact on a guide railing 4, 4 'in the treatment direction A. The guide railings 4, 4 are provided at least along the first transport route section TSA1 of the second conveyor 6 on both sides of the treatment route BS. Between the two guide railings 4, 4 ', a lane 12 is formed which is delimited on both sides by the guide railings 4, 4' and which defines the curved path of the first transport route section TSA1. In more detail, the guide railing consists of an upper guide railing 4 and a lower guide railing 4 ', between which the alley 12 is formed. The width of the alley 12 is set in such a way that it is slightly wider, for example 1% to 10%, than the diameter of the container 2. The two guide railings, that is to say the upper and lower guide railings 4, 4 ', define the path of movement which a container 2 has to traverse, which is predetermined by the curved first transport route section TSA1.

Preferably, the respective guide finger 50 guides the corresponding container 2 with the first guide section 51 with continuous contact on the upper guide railing 4 over the entire length of the first curved transport section TSA1.

The first transport route section TSA1 is formed in particular by several transition curve sections ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3. In contrast, the second transport route section TSA2 can be straight, that is to say linear, which is laterally delimited by two guide railings 4, 4 ′ running parallel to one another in this route section. The alley 12 is also formed in the second transport route section TSA2 between the upper and lower guide railings 4, 4 '.

In particular, it can be provided that the direction of curvature of the transition curve sections ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3 is designed differently from one another.

When considering the first transport section TSA1 in the treatment direction A of the container 2, the first transition curve section ÜKA1 is curved to the left in the exemplary embodiment shown, the second transition curve section ÜKA2 is curved to the right and the third transition curve section ÜKA2 is again curved to the left. The first transport route section TSA1 in the area of the multiple transition curve sections ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3 can be designed as an adjustable cam track, which is designed to be adjustable and / or regulated by a motor, for example by means of at least one adjusting device not shown in detail.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 1, the containers 2 are guided during their transport at least along the first transport route section TSA1 in a lane 12 delimited on both sides by means of the upper and lower guide railings 4, 4 ', more in detail contact-locking on the upper guide railing 4' , which specifies the curved path of the at least one transition curve section ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3.

The lanes 12 of the first transport route section TSA1 are preferably aligned with the guide rails 4, 4 'of the second transporter 6 in the transition area to the second transport route section TSA2.

The curved path of the at least one transition curve section ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3, predetermined by the guide railings 4, 4 ', can be designed to be motor-adjustable by means of the at least one adjusting device.

At least one transition curve section ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3 of the first transport route section TSA1 is also advantageously designed as a clothoid section KA1, KA2, KA3 and / or a pure arc section, the course of which is chosen to be clothoid-shaped or merely arcuate.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first transport route section TSA1 has three clothoid sections KA1, KA2, KA3. The first transition curve section ÜKA1 is designed as a clothoid section KA1, the second transition curve section ÜKA2 as a clothoid section KA2 and the third transition curve section ÜKA3 as a clothoid section KA3.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second clothoid section KA2 directly adjoins the first clothoid section KA1, which in turn is directly adjoined by the third clothoid section KA3. The individual clothoid sections KA1, KA2, KA3 are each connected via a turning point WP at which a change in curvature takes place along the first transport route section TSA1, ie the curvature of the first transport route section TSA1 changes, for example, at the turning point WP from a right curve to a left curve.

The clothoid sections KA1, KA2, KA3 each have their origin at the turning point WP, i.e. have a radius of curvature R = oo there (hereinafter referred to as the clothoid radius), i.e. the clothoid sections KA1, KA2, KA3 merge into one another without any curvature at the turning point WP. In other words, the change of curvature, i.e. the direction of the curvature, takes place at the turning point WP. The radius of curvature then increases with increasing arc length directed away from the respective origin or turning point WP.

As an alternative to the course shown in FIG. 1, the first transport route section TSA1 can have a straight transport route area between the transition curve sections ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3 designed as clothoid sections KA1, KA2, KA3. The shape of the first transport route section TSA1 can thus be selected as a function of the respective circumstances, for example the diameter of the transporters 5 or of the rotor 3.

In the previous explanations, a type of transition curve in the form of a clothoid or clothoid curve was described. Alternatively and in an analogous application, another suitable transition bend with a kink-free, steadily increasing or decreasing change in curvature can be provided there, in particular a transition bend in the form of a bare bend or bend section. Combinations of a pure bow / pure bow section and a clothoid or a clothoid section are also fundamentally conceivable. Polynomials and trigonometric functions can also be used.

It can be provided here that at least one transition curve section ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3 of the first transport route section TSA1 is designed as a curve that was generated using polynomials. As an alternative or in addition, it can be provided that at least one transition curve section ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3 of the first transport route section TSA1 is designed as a curve that was generated using trigonometric functions. It can therefore be provided that at least one transition curve section ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3 of the first transport route section TSA1 is designed as a clothoid section and / or a pure curve section BA1, BA2, BA3.

As already stated, the second transport path section TSA2 is straight, that is to say linear, and advantageously extends as far as the closer 60.

On the second transport route section TSA2, the respective container 2 is conveyed further in a position-defined manner by means of the second guide section 52 of a corresponding guide finger 50, specifically preferably up to a closer 60.

Here, the first guide section 51 forms a first contact surface AF1 for contact-locking contact of the outer surface of the respective container 2 and the second guide section 52 forms a second contact surface AF2, also for contact-locking contact of the outer surface of the corresponding container 2.

In particular, the guide finger 50 can be formed in one piece, preferably in one piece, and in particular made of a metallic material, for example stainless steel.

It can also be provided that the guide finger 50 is hardened at least in the area of its first and / or second contact surface AF1, AF2.

In this case, the respective guide finger 50 can be designed essentially in the shape of a prism with a triangular base area. The respective guide finger 50 is attached with one of its side surfaces to the endlessly rotating conveyor 6.1. The first and second guide sections 51, 52 with the first and second contact surfaces AF1, AF2 are assigned to the side surface which is leading as seen in the treatment direction A.

In particular, the first contact surface AF1 extends from the tip of the leading side surface over approximately the first third of the total length of this leading side surface. The contact surface AF1 is preferably planar, that is to say flat. The contact surface AF1 of the first guide section 51 is oriented with respect to the upper guide railing 4 in such a way that the first contact surface AF1 encloses an acute angle α with the upper guide railing 4 at any point in time during the conveyance of the respective guide finger 50 along the first transport section TSA1. This ensures that at every point in time during the conveyance of the container 2 along the first curved transport section TSA1, the respective container 2 is pressed against or in the direction of the upper guide railing 4 via the first guide section 51 of the guide finger 50 and thus exactly on one through the several transition curve sections ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3 predetermined trajectory is promoted.

Immediately adjacent to the first, flat contact surface AF1, the second contact surface AF2 of the second guide section 52, which is preferably provided as a concave transport pocket 53, adjoins the smooth transition.

The transition curve sections ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3 of the first transport route section TSA1 are set in such a way that the respective container 2 is completely forced into the transport pocket 53 of the respective guide finger 50 immediately before reaching the second transport route section TSA2.

The respective transport pocket 53 of a corresponding guide finger 50 encompasses the corresponding outer circumference of a container 2 at least partially around the circumference and with a contact fit on a partial circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the container 2 53 received container 2 is passed in the correct position and in the correct position to the closer 60 downstream of the second conveyor 6.

The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It goes without saying that a large number of changes or modifications are possible without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the patent claims. The content of the claims is made the subject of the description. List of reference symbols

1 filling machine

2 containers

2.1 Interior of the container

3 rotor

4, 4 ‘guide railings

5 tank inlet

6 Container outlet

7 filler element

8 product kettles

8.1 Liquid space

8.2 Gas compartment

9 flow meters

10 product line 11 first ring channel 12 second ring channel

13 Filling element housings

14 fluid channel

15 Dispensing opening

16 liquid valve

17 valve tappets

18 valve bodies

19 actuator

20 gas channel 21 gas space 22 third controlled gas path

23 control valve

24 control valve

25 gas duct

26 first controlled gas path

27, 28 gas duct 27.1, 28.1 return gas opening 29, 30 control valve 31 centering tulip 32 container supports

33 Actuator

34 linkage

35 Cam roller 37 Flow of inert gas during purging

40 third ring channel

41 Pressure control device

42 second controlled gas path

43 guide element

44 T ransport bag

50 guide fingers

51 first guide section

52 second guide section

53 T ransport bag 60 Closer a Winkel

A direction of treatment

AP exit point

AF1, AF2 contact surface

BS container treatment line

BA1 first pure arch section

BA2 second bare arch section

B Direction of rotation of the rotor 3

EP entry point

FA infill element axis

BP container handling position

MA machine axis

SP Starting point of extension movement

KA1, KA2 first / second clothoid section

TSA1 first transport route section

TSA2 second transport route section

ÜKA1 first transfer curve section

ÜKA2 second transfer curve section ÜKA3 third transfer curve section

TE transport level

U scope

WP turning point

Claims

1. Container treatment device, in particular filling machine for filling

Cans or similar containers (2) with a liquid filling material along a container treatment path (BS) running in a treatment direction (A), comprising a first conveyor (5) designed as a container inlet, a downstream conveyor (5) in treatment direction (A) and around a machine axis (MA) revolving rotor (3) with several treatment positions (BP) for treating the containers (2), as well as a second conveyor (6), which is in turn downstream of the rotor (3) in treatment direction (A) and designed as a container outlet, the second conveyor (6) is designed as a chain conveyor which has at least one guide finger (50) with a first and a second guide section (51, 52) on an endlessly rotating conveyor (6.1), which is moved along with the conveyor (6.1), which guides the at the multiple treatment positions (BP ) of the rotor (3) treated and still unsealed container (2) takes over and is designed to the container (2) m with the first guide section (51) initially along a first, at least partially curved transport route section (TSA1) of the second conveyor (6) with continuous contact on a guide railing (4, 4 ') in the treatment direction (A) before the guide finger (50) the respective container (2) by means of its second guide section (52) on a straight second

Conveying section (TSA2) along the container treatment section (BS) in the treatment direction (A) in a defined position, the first guide section (51) forming a first contact surface (AF1) and the second guide section (52) forming a second contact surface (AF2), each for the contact-locking abutment of the outer jacket surface of a respective container (2) are provided, characterized in that immediately adjacent to the first abutment surface (AF1) with a smooth transition, the second abutment surface (AF2) of the second guide section (52) adjoins, which acts as a concave transport pocket (53) is formed.

2. Container handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second conveyor (6) at least in the first transport route section (TSA1) has an upper and lower lateral guide railing (4, 4 ') which specify the curved path of at least the first transport route section (TSA1), and wherein the respective guide finger (50) guides the corresponding container (2) with the first guide section (51) with continuous contact on the upper guide railing (4) over the entire length of the first transport section (TSA1).

3. Container treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first transport route section (TSA1) has several transition curve sections (ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3) whose curvature direction in the treatment direction (A) is different from one another, in particular in the first transition curve section (ÜKA1) curved to the left, is curved to the right in the second transition curve section (ÜKA2) and is again curved to the left in the third transition curve section (ÜKA3).

4. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first transport route section (TSA1) in the area of its several transition curve sections (ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3) has an adjustable curved path, which is designed to be adjustable in a motorized and / or regulated manner, in particular by means of at least one adjusting device is.

5. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one transition curve section (ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3) of the first transport route section (TSA1) is designed as a clothoid section (KA1, KA2, KA3) and / or a pure curve section (BA1, BA2, BA3) is.

6. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transition curve sections (ÜKA1, ÜKA2, ÜKA3) of the first transport route section (TSA1) are set such that the respective container 2 before reaching the second transport route section (TSA2) completely in one of the second Guide section (52) associated transport pocket (53) of the respective guide finger (50) is positively guided.

7. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective guide finger (50) is formed in one piece, in particular in one piece.

8. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective guide finger (50) is hardened at least in the region of its first and / or second contact surface (AF1, AF2).

9. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective guide finger (50) is prism-shaped with a triangular base.

10. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, 10 characterized in that the side surface, seen in the treatment direction (A), is assigned the first and second guide section (51, 52) with the first and second contact surfaces (AF1, AF2).

11. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first contact surface (AF1) is planar, i.e. flat, and is oriented with respect to the upper guide railing (4) in such a way that the first contact surface (AF1) at any point in time of the transport of the respective guide finger (50) along the first transport section (TSA1) forms an acute angle (a) with the upper guide rail (4).

12. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective circular transport pocket (53) of a corresponding guide finger (50) engages around the corresponding outer circumference of a container (2) at least partially on a partial circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the container (2).

13. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying means (6.1) is designed as a motor-controlled and / or regulated and endlessly rotating conveyor chain.

14. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of guide fingers (50), which are designed to be identical to one another, are fixedly but detachably arranged on the conveying means (6.1). Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container treatment device comprises a filling machine and / or a closer (60), the second transport path section (TSA2) being provided immediately adjacent to the closer (60).

15. Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container treatment device comprises a filling machine and / or a closer (60), the second transport section (TSA2) being provided immediately adjacent to the closer (60).