JP2015509846A - Container cleaning system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The container cleaning system has a nozzle adapted to be positioned proximate to the container opening and adapted to direct the supply of air in any direction to the container. A vacuum member is disposed around the air nozzle and is adapted to draw foreign particles from the container. The system includes an air source and a manifold having a manifold inlet, an ionization unit, and a plurality of manifold outlets aligned with a plurality of air nozzles. Each nozzle has a nozzle inlet, a nozzle outlet, and a nozzle passage extending between the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet. An ionization unit is disposed in the manifold, and a plurality of nozzles are provided at the plurality of manifold outlets so that, during operation, air is ionized before entering the nozzles. Ionized air is used to clean the container.

Description

Related applications

  This international application claims priority and benefit to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/981571, filed Oct. 22, 2007, entitled “Container Cleaning System and Method”. This is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 255,153, filed Oct. 21, 2008, entitled “Container Cleaning System and Method”, which is US Pat. US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 417,944, filed Mar. 12, 2012, entitled “Container Cleaning System and Method”. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/981571, U.S. Patent Application Nos. 12/255153 and 13/417944 are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  The present disclosure relates generally to container cleaning systems and methods, and more particularly to air cleaning of containers such as beverage bottles that do not use water or other elements in direct contact with the container.

  Empty containers such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles are typically used to store liquid beverages before the liquid is consumed. Such containers may become contaminated with foreign objects such as paper, wood dust, or plastic debris during transport, even when stored in boxes and other shipping containers. Bottles can become contaminated when they are processed before filling. Further, during processing, contact between the container and the surface of an article such as a conveyor or carrier used to transport the container causes the container to capture a small amount of net electrostatic charge, thereby allowing the container to Fine particles are attracted to the inner and outer walls of the container. In addition, the electrostatic charge on the bottles may cause the bottles to stick together and therefore move the bottles diagonally. This causes the bottle to fall from the transport system, especially when using a belt or rope transport system. Therefore, to ensure that the beverage content in the container is acceptable to the final consumer, the container needs to be washed or otherwise cleaned before filling.

  The typical dust particles that contaminate these containers are very small and often have a diameter of less than 10 micrometers. Any electrostatic charge on the container will attract the opposite charge on the particle and hold it to the wall of the container. These opposite charges must be neutralized to remove particles attached to the walls. However, it is difficult to neutralize the charge because the charge that holds each dust particle on the wall of the container is shielded by the dust particle itself. Furthermore, once the electrostatic force is momentarily weakened, the released dust particles must be removed immediately before reattaching to the container.

  Several methods have been implemented to clean the interior of a container or bottle. These methods include spraying cold or hot water on the container, using ozone or ozone treated water as a sterilizer, using ionized gas to clean the container, and air and water for cleaning. May be used in combination.

  Examples of using an ionized gas flow system to clean a container are disclosed in U.S. Pat. These systems can have many uses in removing unwanted particles from containers. For example, these systems can be used for hot fill, cold fill, cold fill, or aseptic fill applications.

US Pat. No. 7,621,301 US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0101178

  In one embodiment, a container cleaning system is provided, such as for a beverage container, that discharges unwanted extraneous particulates from the container before the liquid beverage is filled.

  In another exemplary embodiment, the container cleaning system has a nozzle adapted to be positioned proximate to the container opening and adapted to direct a supply of air to the container. The air can be ionized before the air enters the nozzle. A vacuum member is adapted to communicate with the vacuum source. The vacuum member is disposed around the air nozzle and is adapted to draw foreign particles from the container.

  According to another embodiment, the air nozzle has a nozzle center axis and the vacuum member has a vacuum center axis concentric with the nozzle center axis.

  According to another embodiment, the air nozzle is arranged to direct the supply of air in any direction (eg downward or upward) depending on the orientation of the container.

  According to another embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of air nozzles and a plurality of vacuum members. Each vacuum member has an air nozzle disposed therein. In another exemplary embodiment, the first air nozzle is an ionized air nozzle and the remaining air nozzles are high speed air nozzles. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of nozzles includes a first ionized air nozzle and the remaining nozzles comprise between 5 and 7 high velocity air nozzles. Alternatively, however, the air can be ionized before entering the manifold outlet so that all of the nozzles are ionization nozzles.

  According to another embodiment, the container cleaning system further comprises a guide disposed adjacent to the air nozzle. The guide is adapted to engage the neck of the container to align the container vertically with respect to the air nozzle.

  According to another embodiment, the container cleaning system comprises a conveyor adapted to move the containers past the air nozzle and the vacuum member. The conveyor has a first mobile gripping member and a second mobile gripping member, which are configured to grip the containers together. In an exemplary embodiment, the first mobile gripping member moves at a different speed than the second mobile gripping member, wherein the conveyor moves the containers through the cleaning system while moving the containers. Adapted to rotate.

  According to another exemplary embodiment, the conveyor may be in the form of an air conveyor. The air conveyor has a track assembly and an air source. The container is movably supported by a track assembly and an air source moves the container along the track and past the air nozzle and vacuum member.

  In another exemplary embodiment, a method of assembling a container air cleaning system is disclosed. The method includes providing an air source for use in cleaning the container and connecting a manifold to the air source. The manifold includes a manifold inlet, an ionization unit, and a manifold outlet. The method further includes the step of placing an ionization unit within the manifold so that, during operation, air is ionized before exiting the manifold outlet.

  In another exemplary embodiment, a method for air cleaning a bottle is disclosed. The method includes providing an air source, a manifold connected to the air source, the manifold including a manifold inlet, an ionization unit, and a plurality of manifold outlets, receiving air from the air source, air Ionizing the air in the manifold outlet with an ionization unit, discharging the ionized air from the manifold through multiple manifold outlets, and passing the bottle over or under the multiple manifold outlets before the manifold exits the manifold outlets And ionized air from a plurality of manifold outlets assists in removing particles from the bottle.

  In view of the benefits of the following description of certain exemplary embodiments of the container cleaning system disclosed herein, at least certain embodiments disclosed herein are suitable improvements to provide enhanced benefits. Those skilled in the art will recognize that they have a configured or alternative configuration. These and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure or of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be further understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the following drawings. I will.

  In view of the benefits of the following description of certain exemplary embodiments of the container cleaning system disclosed herein, at least certain embodiments of the present invention have been improved to provide improved benefits. Alternatively, those skilled in the art will recognize that they have alternative configurations. These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention or of specific embodiments of the present invention will be further understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the following drawings. I will.

For an understanding of the invention, the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Front view of the container cleaning system of the present invention, partially showing the container handling system Front view of the container cleaning system shown in FIG. Plan view of the container cleaning system shown in FIG. Rear view of the container cleaning system shown in FIG. Bottom view of the container cleaning system shown in FIG. 1 is an end view of the inlet of the container cleaning system shown in FIG. 1 is an end view of the outlet of the container cleaning system shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an end view of the container cleaning system shown in FIG. 6 showing additional components of the system. 6 is an end view of the container cleaning system shown in FIG. 6 showing the container adjacent to the air nozzle and vacuum member. Front view of an alternative embodiment of the container cleaning system of the present invention, partially showing the container handling system FIG. 10 is an end view of the inlet of the container cleaning system shown in FIG. Front view of another alternative embodiment of the container cleaning system of the present invention, partially showing the container handling system 12 is an end view of the inlet of the container cleaning system shown in FIG. Bottom view of the container cleaning system shown in FIG. Perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a container cleaning system FIG. 15 is a partial front view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. FIG. 15 is a partial side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG.

  While the invention is susceptible to many different types of embodiments, the disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the principles of the invention and limits the broad aspects of the invention to the illustrated embodiments. With the understanding that this is not intended, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein.

  FIG. 1 shows a container cleaning system indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The container cleaning system 10 generally includes a nozzle assembly 12 and a vacuum assembly 14. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the container cleaning system 10 is typically operatively associated with a conveyor 16. However, it has been found that the conveyor 16 is not essential for the container cleaning system 10.

  The container cleaning system 10 has been found to be used with a larger container processing assembly line 1 (not shown fully) or a container handling system 1. The container processing assembly line 1 prepares various known conveyor assemblies, and containers such as beverage bottles, additionally cleans the containers as needed, fills the containers with beverages or liquids, and subsequently for consumption. Other handling devices are provided for capping the container for shipping. An assembly line 1 that includes a container cleaning system 10 typically carries containers at high speeds in the range of 600-800 bottles per minute.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the container cleaning system 10 is disposed along a portion of the container processing assembly line 1. The container cleaning system 10 has a first end 20 or inlet end 20 and a second end 22 or outlet end 22. As described in more detail below, the vacuum assembly 14 may include a housing that defines an inlet end 20 and an outlet end 22. The assembly line 1 delivers a plurality of containers C to the inlet end 20. The conveyor 16 of the container cleaning system 10 then carries containers C through the cleaning system 10 and past the outlet end 22. The container C is then transported to other parts of the assembly line 1 for further processing. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the container C is a bottle having a bottle finish CF and a container opening CO to be filled with a liquid beverage. The bottle finishing portion CF may also have a neck ring extending to the outer periphery of the container C.

  As will be described in more detail below, the nozzle assembly 12 has a plurality of nozzles and the vacuum assembly 14 has a plurality of vacuum members. In one simple form, each nozzle is operatively associated with a respective vacuum member to form a cleaning module 24. Specifically, the nozzle 12 is disposed within the vacuum member 14, where the vacuum member 14 generally surrounds the nozzle 12. The cleaning system 10 uses a plurality of cleaning modules 24 arranged in series in one exemplary embodiment of the invention.

  2 and 7 further illustrate the nozzle assembly 12. The nozzle assembly 12 generally includes a nozzle manifold 26 and a plurality of individual nozzles 28 in fluid communication with the manifold 26. One of the individual nozzles 28 is an ionization nozzle 30 with appropriate electrical connections. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the nozzle manifold 26 has a central inlet opening 32 that receives the air supply hose 35 via a quick-change fitting 37 (FIG. 8). In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of nozzles is eight nozzles 24 including one ionization nozzle 30 and seven high velocity air jet nozzles 28. Alternatively, the air can be ionized within the nozzle manifold such that each of the plurality of nozzles emits ionized air. The nozzle 28 is spaced along the nozzle manifold 26 from the inlet 20 of the system 10 and the outlet 22 of the system 10. The nozzles 28 are spaced approximately equidistant along the cleaning system 10. The nozzles 28, 30 are arranged such that the distal end 29 of the nozzle 28 is directed downward. However, the nozzles 28, 30 can be oriented in any direction. As described in more detail below, the nozzle assembly 12 is operatively associated with a vacuum assembly 14. Thus, the nozzle manifold 26 is housed within the vacuum assembly 14 and the central inlet opening 32 is disposed within a corresponding opening in the rear portion of the vacuum assembly 14. As will be described in more detail below, the nozzle 28 generally has a nozzle central axis N.

  1-9 further illustrate the vacuum assembly 14. The vacuum assembly 14 generally includes a housing 34 having a plurality of inner walls 36 that define a plurality of vacuum members 70.

  The housing 34 has a front wall 40, a rear wall 42, a first end wall 44, a second end wall 46, a top wall 48 and a bottom wall 50. Each wall 40-50 is connected to each other to form an internal cavity 52. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the rear wall 42 has an outlet opening 54. The outlet opening 54 is in communication with the internal cavity 52. The outlet opening 54 is positioned proximate to the top of the rear wall 42 and the housing 34 generally tapers toward the outlet opening 54. The housing 34 may have an extension member 53 that defines an outlet opening 54. The outlet opening 54 is connected to the vacuum hose 56 (FIG. 8) via a quick release clamp 58, described in more detail below. The rear wall 42 further has an opening for accommodating the nozzle manifold 26. The front wall 40 has a front access door 60 that is hinged to the housing 34 and provides selective access to the vacuum assembly 14 via a door latch 62.

  As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the bottom wall 50 has a plurality of bottom openings 64. In one exemplary embodiment, the bottom opening 64 is circular, but other shapes such as squares or rectangles are possible. The bottom wall 50 is spaced upward from the distal ends of the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42. The distal ends of the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42 form a depending leg 43 that defines a passage 66 extending from the inlet 20 to the outlet 22 of the cleaning system. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner wall 36 is disposed in the inner cavity 52 of the housing 34. These inner walls 36 define a plurality of vacuum members 70. The vacuum member 70 may have various cross-sectional shapes including circular, square or rectangular. Each bottom opening 64 defines a vacuum member inlet 72. Each vacuum member 70 is a duct defining a passage 74 extending from the bottom opening 64 or the vacuum member inlet 72 to the outlet opening 54. The vacuum members 70 are separated from each other. In addition, the vacuum member 70 has a first segment 70a having a generally vertical orientation and a second segment 70b having an inclined orientation that extends to and converges to the outlet opening 54. As further shown in FIG. 2, the vacuum members 70 extend through respective second segments 70 b to the outlet openings, where the vacuum members 70 share a common outlet in the form of an outlet opening 54. It has been found that the vacuum member 70 can have separate outlet openings as well as segments having only a vertical orientation. As discussed in more detail below, the vacuum member 70 generally has a vacuum member central axis V.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 8 and 9, a support structure 76 is associated with the housing 34. This support structure has a first arm 78 connected to one end of the housing 34 and a second arm 80 connected to the opposite end of the housing 34. The arms 78, 80 are connected to the housing 34 through adjustment bolts 82 that cooperate with slots 84 disposed in the arms 78, 80. This connection structure makes it possible to adjust the height of the cleaning system, as will be explained in more detail below. The support arms 78, 80 also have a hinged removal knob 86 for further manipulation of the housing 34 of the cleaning system 10.

  As previously mentioned, the nozzle assembly 12 is operatively associated with the vacuum assembly 14. As further shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-7, the nozzle manifold 26 is disposed within an internal cavity 52 of the housing. The inlet 32 of the nozzle manifold 26 is disposed at the opening of the rear wall 42. Each nozzle 28 communicates with and extends from the nozzle manifold 26. Each nozzle 28 extends in a substantially vertical orientation within the respective vacuum member 70, where the nozzle 28 is directed downward. Therefore, the vacuum member 70 is disposed around the nozzle 28. Further, the vacuum member 70 defines an outer periphery, where the nozzle is disposed within the outer periphery of the vacuum member 70. The nozzle 28 extends into the first segment 70 a of the vacuum member 70. The distal end 29 of each nozzle 28 is positioned proximate to the bottom opening 64 at the respective inlet 72 of each vacuum member 70. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 28 is positioned approximately in the center of the inlet 72 of the vacuum member. Therefore, the central axis N of the nozzle is substantially concentric or concentric with the central axis V of the vacuum member. In this configuration, the nozzle 28 is considered to be substantially concentric or concentric with the vacuum member 70. The nozzle 28 and the vacuum member 70 are considered to have a common central axis in the illustrated embodiment. Other configurations are possible in which the central axis may be offset while the vacuum member 70 is still disposed around or around the nozzle 28. In embodiments where the bottom opening 64 may have other shapes, such as a square or a rectangle, the nozzle 28 is positioned approximately centered within such bottom opening. This may also be considered a concentric configuration. These structures may be considered to share a common center.

  It has been found that the inner wall 36 has suitable access openings for receiving the nozzle manifold 26 and nozzle 28 that are sealed to maintain separation between the vacuum members 70. As further shown in FIG. 2, the ionization nozzle 30 is disposed on a first vacuum member 70 proximate the inlet 20 of the cleaning system 10. Each nozzle 28 is disposed in the respective vacuum member 70 as described above in a concentric fashion. The distal end 29 of the nozzle 28 is located proximate to the vacuum member inlet 72 and does not extend beyond the bottom wall 50, so the distal end 29 of the nozzle 28 is not in contact with the vacuum member inlet 72. Is positioned at substantially the same height. The distal end 29 may extend or protrude slightly beyond the bottom wall 50 in other embodiments, or may be positioned above it. The nozzle manifold 26 can be adjusted relative to the housing 34 to achieve such a configuration. The nozzle 28 may be provided with a structure for individual adjustment.

  Each nozzle 28 and vacuum member 70 is considered to define a cleaning module 24. In one exemplary embodiment, the cleaning system 10 has eight cleaning modules 24, where eight nozzles 28 are positioned within eight vacuum members 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzles 28 and vacuum members 70 communicate with a common communication conduit (nozzle manifold 26, vacuum outlet 54), but each nozzle 28 and vacuum member 70 are separated from each other and are separate. It has been found that it can be connected to an air source and a vacuum source.

  As further shown in FIG. 8, a vacuum hose 56 is connected to an outlet opening 54 in the housing 34, which is in fluid communication with all of the vacuum members 70. The vacuum hose 56 is connected to a suitable vacuum source. The nozzle inlet 32 is connected to an air supply hose 35 by a quick exchange coupling 37, which is connected to a suitable pressurized compressed air source. Such compressed air has been found to be properly filtered.

  As described above, the conveyor 16 is operatively associated with the cleaning system 10 as well as other components of the overall container handling system 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, the conveyor 16 (FIG. 1) has a track assembly 90 and a compressed air duct 92. The track assembly 90 includes a first track member 94 spaced from a second track member 96 (FIG. 3). The track members 94, 96 receive and support the container finish CF, where the neck ring of the container C travels on the track members 94, 96. The spacing between the track members 94, 96 can be adjusted to accommodate different sized containers C. A compressed air source is provided that directs compressed air to the container C through the duct 92. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the container C is moved along the track members 94, 96 in the direction of the arrow by the compressed air directed to the container C.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the container cleaning system 10 is operatively connected to other components of the overall container handling system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the container cleaning system 10 is disposed along the handling system 1. The height of the housing 34 is set accordingly so that the container C passes through the cleaning system 10 at a desired predetermined interval S (FIG. 9). In one exemplary embodiment, the spacing S may be 1/8 inch (about 3.2 mm). This interval S may vary. It is desirable to have the smallest possible spacing S so that the cleaning module 24 is as close as possible to the container opening CO while allowing clearance for the container C to pass through the cleaning system 10. A conveyor 16 is operatively associated with other conveyor members to receive containers C from the handling system 1 and deliver the washed containers C discharged from the cleaning system 10 by the container handling system 1 for further processing. ing. It has been found that the compressed air source for the conveyor 16 is activated. A vacuum hose 56 is connected to the outlet 54 of the vacuum assembly and the vacuum source is activated. In addition, an air supply hose 35 is connected to the nozzle manifold 26 and the compressed air source for the nozzle assembly 12 is activated. It has also been found that the housing 34 and conveyor 16 with minimal slope can be mounted to assist in the movement of the container C along the tracks 94,96.

  In any of the above-described embodiments, the unit may be provided with an automatic stop switch. The switch can be provided with a sensor for detecting whether air is being supplied to the system from the nozzle or whether the vacuum member is providing suction.

  Here, the operation of the container cleaning system will be described. By operating the handling system 1 and the conveyor 16, the neck ring of the container finishing portion CF is placed on the track members 94 and 96, so that the container C is conveyed to the inlet 20 of the cleaning system 10. The track members 94, 96 serve as guides that engage the neck of the container C to align the container C vertically with respect to the nozzle 28 and the vacuum member 70. The container C is conveyed in an upright state with the container opening CO facing upward. It has been found that the conveyor 16 conveys a plurality of adjacent containers C one after another. The container C passes through a passage 66 (FIG. 9) defined by the housing 34. When the container C reaches the first cleaning module 24, compressed ionized air from the first ionization nozzle 30 is injected into the container C through the container opening CO. The nozzle 30 directs compressed air downward. This compressed air removes foreign particles and contaminants from the surface of the container C. The ionized air also neutralizes the inner and outer surfaces of the container C and prevents particles from excessively attaching themselves to their inner and outer surfaces. At the same time, the vacuum member 70 provides the container C with a suction force that causes any such particles or contaminants to leave the container C. The vacuum member 70 gives a suction force upward or in an arbitrary direction according to the direction thereof. The containers C continue to be transported through the cleaning system 10 along the conveyor 16, where the containers C pass through each of the consecutive cleaning modules 24 arranged in series. Therefore, the container C is subjected to the compressed air from each nozzle 28 and the suction force from the vacuum member 70 from the remaining seven nozzles / vacuum members of the cleaning module 24 of the cleaning system 10. The structure of the cleaning module 24 provides an operating area around each nozzle 28 to quickly pick up foreign particles and contaminants and direct such particles to the vacuum member 70 and vacuum hose 56. Accordingly, extraneous particulates or contaminants are removed from the surface of the container C by the nozzle 28, and at the same time, before the vacuum member 70 reattaches any extraneous particulates to the container C, the foreign particulates or By removing contaminants from the container C, the container C is properly cleaned. The containers C are transported along the conveyor 16 to other parts of the container handling system 1, filled, capped, and ready for shipment.

  Container C has been found to move at a significant rate through system 10. The system 10 can clean containers at a rate of 600-800 containers per minute, where a container C is in each cleaning module 24 for a few seconds of commas. The compressed filtered air can be provided at various pressures, and in one exemplary embodiment, the compressed air is provided at 40-70 psi (about 280-480 kPa). As described above, the predetermined spacing S can be varied as desired, and in one embodiment can be 1/8 inch (about 3.2 mm). By loosening the adjustment bolt 82, the housing 34 can be adjusted vertically via the slot 84 to change the spacing S. A knob 86 can also be used to tilt the housing 34 when cleaning or repairing the system 10. The access door 60 also provides easy access to the housing 34 to adjust the nozzle assembly 12, perform maintenance, or clean the nozzle assembly 12 or vacuum assembly 14. The vacuum hose 56 and the air supply hose 35 can also be easily removed. In general, the cleaning system 10 can be easily and quickly adjusted as desired. In other variations, the cleaning module 24 can be configured to move with the container C for cleaning.

  FIGS. 10-11 disclose an alternative embodiment of the container cleaning system of the present invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 200. Many components are similar to the cleaning system shown in FIGS. 1-9, and are indicated with similar reference numbers in the 200s of the reference numbers.

  In this embodiment, the container cleaning system 200 is generally the same as the container cleaning system shown in FIGS. The system 200 uses eight cleaning modules 24 as described above. In this embodiment, a belt driven conveyor 216 is provided for transporting containers C through the cleaning system 200.

  The conveyor 216 generally includes a first gripping member 291, a second gripping member 293, and a motor 295. These components are generally supported by a frame 297 that may rest on a floor or other support surface. Each gripping member 291, 293 has a rotary belt and other known support structures. The first grip member 291 is spaced from the second grip member 293 by a predetermined distance in order to accommodate the container C. As shown in FIG. 11, this spacing can be adjusted to accommodate containers having various diameters. As shown in FIG. 10, the motor 295 is operatively connected to the first gripping member 291 and the second gripping member 293. It has been found that the cleaning system 200 is supported by suitable support members on the conveyor 216 as desired for the containers C to pass through the cleaning system 200 at the desired spacing.

  In operation, the first and second gripping members 291 and 293 are rotated by a motor. The container C is received from the container handling system 201, and the gripping members 291 and 293 grip the container C and transport the container C through the cleaning system 200. The cleaning system 200 cleans the container C as described above. The gripping members 291 and 293 transport the container C to other parts of the container handling system 201 for further processing. The operable connection between the motor 295 and the first gripping member 291 and the second gripping member 293 is such that one gripping member rotates at a faster speed relative to the other gripping member. I know that there is no problem. In this manner, container C is rotated about its center point as container C moves linearly through cleaning system 200. This can assist the cleaning process.

  FIGS. 12-14 disclose another alternative embodiment of the container cleaning system of the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 300. Certain components are similar to the cleaning systems shown in FIGS. 1-9 and FIGS. 10-11, and are indicated by similar reference numbers in the 300s.

  In this embodiment, the conveyor 316 is generally the same as in the embodiment of FIGS. The cleaning system 300 is similar to the cleaning system of FIGS. 1-9, but uses six cleaning modules 324. Therefore, the housing 334 has an inner wall 336 that divides the inner cavity 352 into six vacuum members 370. The nozzle manifold 326 supplies compressed air to the six air nozzles 328. The first air nozzle 330 is an ionized air nozzle and the remaining five nozzles are high speed air jet nozzles. Each nozzle 330 is arranged in a concentric form in the vacuum member 370 in conformity with the above description.

  In operation, containers C are conveyed through the cleaning system 300 by a conveyor 316 that operates in a manner similar to that of FIGS. The cleaning system 300 also operates in a similar manner, where the nozzle assembly 312 supplies air downward, while the vacuum assembly 314 supplies suction force upward depending on the bottle orientation. Container C passes through each cleaning module 324 and is then directed to an additional part of the container handling system 1 for further processing.

  FIG. 15 shows another arrangement of an exemplary container cleaning system 1010. The container cleaning system 1010 generally includes an air source (not shown), such as any mechanical device that supplies compressed air, a cleaning system 1020 for cleaning bottles, and electrical controls for performing cleaning operations. A panel (not shown) and a vacuum system 1100 for removing unwanted particles and circulating air are provided.

  A cleaning system 1020 is provided to clean the interior of the bottles 1040 as they are being carried through the system 1010. The container cleaning system 1010 maintains the bottles 1040 in a conveyor facility, allowing the bottles 1040 to pass through each station at a very high rate of about 800 bottles per minute, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. A guard 1024 can also be provided.

  Conveyor equipment 1012 and large pulley wheels 1014 are provided to transport bottles 1040 through the cleaning system 1020. The bottle flow path follows the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. As the bottle 1040 passes through the cleaning system 1010, the bottle 1040 is generally inverted to an upside down position, with the bottle opening facing downward, as shown in FIG. However, the bottle 1040 and the cleaning system 1010 can be oriented in any desired manner. The bottle 1040 can be held in the conveyor facility 1012 by a finger gripper 1309. Such a finger gripper 1309 is commercially available from, for example, Ambec, Inc., Lynchburg, Virginia. Other ways of transporting the container are also conceivable. For example, neck grippers, conveyors, ropes can be used alone or in combination with guide rails or guards. An air duct 1019 is provided and leads through a series of ducts to a blower (not shown) for drawing air from the air cleaning system 1020.

  The air cleaning system 1020 is substantially surrounded by the housing 1022 and provides an enclosure within the system 1020 that maintains the air flow substantially in balance. Two openings, one of which is shown in FIG. 16A, are located at the longitudinal ends of the enclosure 1022 and are necessary to allow the bottle 1040 to pass through. As shown in FIG. 16B, the enclosure 1022 may be provided with two plexiglass doors 1340A and 1340B. These plexiglass doors 1340A and 1340B may be provided with handle-type handles 1342A and 1342B that are provided for easy access to the interior area of the enclosure 1022 for service of the system.

  The cleaning system 1010 can be provided with an air source for supplying air to the container 1040. HEPA filters can be placed at the inlet and outlet of the air source to filter out unwanted particles from the air. To eliminate microorganisms from the supply air, a 0.3μ (99.9% efficiency) HEPA filter or prefiltration assembly can be added to the inlet of the air source, preventing unpredictable debris from the air source As an example, a 0.5 μm (99% efficiency) HEPA filter may be added to the outlet of the air source. The embodiment disclosed herein may be provided with any air source known in the art.

  The nozzle 1031 can be provided with an internal ionization unit within the nozzle manifold 1303, which can be configured to ionize the air before it exits the nozzle. The nozzle array 1300 may be mounted on the nozzle manifold 1303. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the height of the nozzle array can be adjusted up and down by a height adjustment screw 1326. The air nozzle array is attached to an adjustable bracket 1328 that has a slot 1330 and guide pins 1332 for adjusting the height of the nozzle array 1300 relative to the bottle 1040 and gripper 1309. .

  Air from the air source is exposed to an air ionization unit, which ionizes the air to assist in the removal of particles from the passing container. After the air is ionized, it is directed to the nozzle. As can be observed from this arrangement, the air is ionized before it reaches and exits the nozzle. This improves the cleaning action, creates a reliable and durable ionized air source, and creates a system that is easy to maintain.

  Referring again to FIGS. 15, 16A and 16B, the cleaning system 1010 may also be provided with a vacuum system 1100 for drawing unwanted particles from the bottles 1040 as they move on the conveyor 1012. The vacuum system 1100 includes a vacuum pan 1101 that extends to the bottom of the bottle passage and to the bottom of the air manifold 1300. The vacuum pan 1101 is substantially in the form of a ridge that narrows in the direction of travel of the bottle passage, as shown in FIG. 16B. The scissors are folded along a centrally located longitudinal portion and connected to the vacuum duct 1104 by, for example, a screw 1102 at a point directly below the ionization nozzle 1301, which is in one embodiment. In FIG. 16A, it is in a cylindrical form. The vacuum system 1100 can be provided with two elbow manifolds or vacuum manifolds 1108, each of which has a suction inlet 1106. A vacuum manifold 1108 is located on both sides of the manifold 1303 to draw unwanted particles from the system. As shown in FIG. 16B, the vacuum manifold 1108 may be provided with a branch portion 1110 for enlarging the suction area inside the housing 1022.

  The vacuum duct 1104 is connected to a duct 1019 (shown in FIG. 15), which provides a suction or vacuum force to the environment within the housing 1022 in which the nozzle array 1300 is housed. In fluid communication with a vacuum source or air source (not shown). A vacuum system 1100 operated by a vacuum source continuously evacuates the air in the housing 1022 with floating ionized dust or other particles removed from the surface of the bottle 1040 through the suction inlet 1106. In addition to assisting in removing floating ionized dust or other particles that have been removed from the surface of the bottle 1040, the vacuum system 1100 also assists in removing dirty air from the cleaning system 1010.

  In one embodiment, the air removed by the vacuum is filtered through a HEPA filter and recirculated back to the air source, and then used in a cleaning process for the nozzle array 1300 for use in washing the bottle 1040. The vacuum system 1100 can form part of a closed loop system. In another exemplary embodiment, a separate vacuum source such as a Dayton model 2C940 blower may be used. In either case, the inlet of the vacuum source is attached to the vacuum duct 1019.

  The electrical control panel interacts with the plant PLC, which can operate the air source at an optimum fan speed, depending on the specific bottle size and conveyor speed. In addition, an electrical control panel (not shown) is electrically connected to the nozzles arranged in the nozzle array 1300 in the bottle cleaning station 1020 to provide operator control.

  The cleaning system 1010 is provided with sensors at key locations to ensure cleaning performance. Upon detecting an error in the system, such as low air pressure, improper filtration, or a non-functioning ionizer, the system can be configured to alert the operator and stop operating. In any of the embodiments described above, if either the vacuum member or the sensor connected to the nozzle detects a lack of suction or a lack of air pressure, respectively, the system automatically activates through an automatic stop switch. To stop.

  In operation, the cleaning system 1020 cleans the interior of the bottles 1040 as they are carried through the cleaning system 1010. Bottles 1040 are carried through the cleaning system 1010 such that each bottle 1040 traverses various stations, such as a bottle gripping station (not shown) and a bottle cleaning station 1020. The conveyor facility 1012 moves the bottle 1040 so that the bottle path follows the direction of the arrow, and the bottle path passes around the large pulley rotating wheel 1014 so that the bottle 1040 is generally inverted to an upside down position. And the opening is facing down as shown in bottle 1040 of FIG. Bottles 1040 are preferably held in the conveyor facility by finger grippers 1309 (shown in FIG. 16A). As the bottle 1040 passes through the cleaning system 1020, air is directed into the bottle 1040 by the nozzles 1301 of the nozzle array 1300. This has the effect of discharging any particles located inside the bottle 1040. The pressure of the air exiting the nozzle can be adjusted with an air source and can be manipulated by any suitable method known in the art. It may be desirable to customize the air pressure based on the type and / or size of the bottle being cleaned.

  A vacuum system 1100 that continuously evacuates the air in the housing 1022 discharges any floating ionized dust or other particles removed from the bottle 1040. As a result, small particles removed from the bottle surface that remain entrained by the air in the housing 1022 can no longer re-attach to the surface when discharged from the bottle environment and deionized. . In addition, a vacuum can be applied so that a negative pressure is maintained throughout the system. This prevents dirty air from being blown into the environment surrounding the system and prevents dirty air from contaminating the surrounding environment and equipment.

  The container cleaning system of the present disclosure provides several advantages. This container cleaning system uses much less electrical energy (less than half of conventional electrical energy) to air clean empty bottles. The system is robust, requires less downtime for bottling operations, and requires less maintenance than previously existing systems.

  Moreover, because this system is an air-only system as opposed to a water based system or air / water combination system, it uses less natural resources such as water and electricity. In this cleaning system, the installation space for the facility space is reduced, thus saving. Previous designs required a larger footprint and a large number of structures and components. By design, the nozzle can be placed near the bottle finish enhancing cleaning facility. The components of the system, including the housing and conveyor, can be easily adjusted so that a rapid conversion of the system is achieved for different sized bottles. By using an ionized air nozzle, the electrostatic charge on both the inner and outer surfaces of the container is neutralized. Overall, because of the simplified structure and operation, the cleaning system is less expensive to manufacture, operate, and maintain.

  In any of the embodiments described above, if either the vacuum member or the sensor connected to the nozzle detects a lack of suction or a lack of air pressure, respectively, the system is automatically activated by an automatic stop switch. Stop.

  In view of the benefit of the previous disclosure and description of the exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many alternative and different embodiments are possible in accordance with the general principles of the invention disclosed herein. . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all such various modifications and alternative embodiments are within the true scope and spirit of the invention. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments. The use of the singular in the present disclosure and in the following claims refers to “at least one” unless the term is specifically intended to mean one and only one in a special case. It should be understood that the traditional approach is followed in the patent that means. Similarly, the term “comprising” is unlimited and does not exclude additional items, features, components, or the like.

1,201 Container processing assembly line, container handling system 10,200,1010 Container cleaning system 12,312 Nozzle assembly 14,314 Vacuum assembly 16,216,316 Conveyor 24,224,324 Cleaning module 26,1303 Nozzle manifold 28,328 Nozzle 30, 330 Ionization nozzle 34, 334, 1022 Case 70, 370 Vacuum member 291, 293 Grasping member 295 Motor C container CF Container finishing part CO container opening

Claims (22)

In assembling a container air cleaning system,
Providing an air source for use in cleaning the container;
Connecting a manifold with a manifold inlet, an ionization unit, and a manifold outlet to the air source to direct air from the air source to the container and assist in removing debris from the container; and Placing the ionization unit in the manifold such that when air is supplied to the manifold during operation, the air is ionized in the manifold before being discharged from the manifold outlet;
A method comprising:   The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a vacuum system to remove particles.   The method of claim 2, further comprising providing the vacuum system to maintain a negative pressure in the container cleaning system.   The method of claim 2, wherein the container cleaning system is configured to recirculate air from the vacuum system to the air source. In the method of cleaning the container,
Providing an air source for supplying air to the container;
Receiving the air from the air source at a manifold connected to the air source, comprising a manifold inlet, an ionization unit, and a plurality of manifold outlets;
Ionizing air received from the air source in the manifold by the ionization unit before the air is exhausted from the manifold outlet;
Discharging ionized air from the manifold through the plurality of manifold outlets; and passing a container through the plurality of manifold outlets;
And the ionized air assists in removing unwanted particles from the container.   The method of claim 5, further comprising sucking the unwanted particles with a vacuum system.   The method of claim 6, wherein the vacuum system maintains a negative pressure near the manifold.   The method of claim 6, further comprising recirculating air from the vacuum system to the air source. In the container cleaning system,
An air source, and a manifold connected to the air source, comprising a manifold inlet, an ionization unit, and a plurality of outlets;
A container cleaning system, wherein the ionization unit is disposed within the manifold, and wherein the plurality of outlets are disposed in the manifold such that during operation, air is ionized before being exhausted from the manifold. .   The container cleaning system of claim 9, further comprising a vacuum system for removing particles.   The container cleaning system of claim 10, wherein the vacuum system is configured to maintain a negative pressure in the container cleaning system.   The container cleaning system of claim 11, configured to recirculate air from the vacuum system to the air source. In the container cleaning system,
An air nozzle defining a central axis, adapted to be placed in close proximity to the opening of the container and adapted to direct a supply of ionized air before entering the nozzle to the container A vacuum member that defines a nozzle and a passage and forms a duct having a vacuum central axis and a vacuum inlet, connected to a vacuum source, disposed around the air nozzle, Vacuum members adapted to inhale away from,
The central axis of the vacuum is substantially concentric with the central axis of the nozzle, and the distal end of the nozzle is positioned substantially at the same height as the vacuum inlet A container cleaning system disposed proximate to the vacuum inlet.   14. A container cleaning system according to claim 13, wherein the air nozzle is arranged to direct the supply of air downward to a container with the front side up.   The container cleaning system of claim 13, further comprising a second air nozzle disposed substantially adjacent to the air nozzle.   The container cleaning system of claim 15, further comprising a second vacuum member disposed around the second air nozzle.   The container cleaning system of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of air nozzles, each exhausting ionized air.   The container cleaning system of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of vacuum members, each disposed about a respective air nozzle.   The container cleaning system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of vacuum members are adapted to converge with each other and collectively communicate with the vacuum source. In a method of cleaning a container passing through a container cleaning system,
Providing a vacuum member defining a passage and forming a duct having an outer periphery, a vacuum inlet and a vacuum central axis, and further comprising a plurality of air nozzles each defining a nozzle central axis, each of which is a respective one Providing an air nozzle disposed within a vacuum member, the distal end of the nozzle being positioned so that the distal end of the nozzle is substantially flush with the vacuum inlet. A step disposed adjacent to a vacuum inlet, wherein the vacuum member is connected to a vacuum source;
Arranging the nozzle central axis concentrically with the vacuum central axis;
Passing a plurality of containers through the vacuum member and the air nozzle;
Ionizing the air before providing the air to the nozzle;
Supplying air along the central axis of the nozzle toward the container; and sucking undesirable extraneous particles away from the container;
A method comprising:   21. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing a plurality of nozzles and ionizing the air before being exhausted from the plurality of nozzles.   Providing a plurality of vacuum members, each of the vacuum members defining a vacuum center axis, each of the plurality of nozzles having a nozzle center axis, and each of the nozzle center axes having the vacuum center 24. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of placing concentric with each of the shafts.

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