MXPA01000664A - Device for introducing and/or eliminating containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (V) for introducing plastic bottles into a treatment chamber and/or for eliminating them therefrom. A lock rotor (4) is provided with lock chambers (3) and can be driven by a rotary drive. The device is further provided with pairs of inner and outer star wheels (17, 20;18, 19) and with gripping and holding means (6, 24) for the containers that cooperate in the lock chambers and on the star wheels to transfer the bottles. The aim of the invention is to provide a means for preventing any damage to the device if containers accidentally remain in the lock chamber. To this end, a container ejection zone (C) is provided between the star wheels (17, 20;18, 19) of each pair at the circumference of the lock rotor (4), said wheels being spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the lock rotor (4). At least one ejection element (D) is used that can be adjusted from a rest position to a position in which the containers are ejected into the lock chamber (3).

Description

DEVICE FOR INTRODUCING AND / OR EXTRACTING CONTAINERS DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY The invention relates to a device according to the general concept of claim 1. Such devices are used according to WO 98/40531, for example to introduce plastic bottles, such as PET bottles, to a treatment compartment , where they are coated to improve their barrier properties. So as not to leave each container abandoned during its introduction, during its passage in the lock rotor and during its extraction, but always remain properly positioned (also to protect the container surface), and for safety reasons in the procedure, it is used clamps that work together. Safety in the procedure is an extremely important factor, because an irregularity due to a badly positioned bottle or that advances freely requires stopping the device, the reduction of the vacuum and the disconnection of the mechanisms in the treatment compartment cause more downtime prolonged and with it means high costs. If this is the case, all the containers in the treatment compartment must also be removed before the device can be started again in the treatment station. Although in reality with clamps the safety in the procedure is already relatively high, it can not be avoided that; precisely in a lock rotor for example with more than twenty lock clamps, in unfavorable circumstances the transfer of a container from a star wheel to the lock rotor or the lock rotor to a star wheel does not work well and remains a container in a lock chamber that must be empty to introduce a new container. An irregularity in the development of the operation inevitably arises. From US-A-1 766 018, it is also known to provide a puncher diametrically disposed in a pair of lock rotors. In each case, there are only six lock chambers in the container to be vacuum sealed in each lock rotor. Each dumper engages with its ends in two lock chambers that are diametrically opposite and is driven (by the vacuum, a vessel that enters or an impulse), in such a way that it pushes out a container to be delivered from the lock chamber. If, under unfavorable circumstances, a container is left to be expelled in a lock chamber, an irregularity with extraordinary hard-to-resolve faults arises, since there is no possibility of removing a container that remains unforeseen. The invention is based on the object of creating a device of the kind mentioned at the beginning, in which operating irregularities are reliably avoided due to containers that are unexpectedly left behind.

As the essence of the invention, despite the "secure" forced transfer and the continuous positioning of the containers by means of the pick-up and retention mechanisms, an additional mechanism is incorporated into the device, which in the case is truly unlikely in theory. , however it is not excludable in practice, from a container that unexpectedly remains in a lock chamber, it withdraws from the lock chamber and precisely in joint action in the area of expulsion consciously planned, so that it can remove not only the remaining vessel from the lock rotor, but it can also be removed in such a way that it can no longer cause any irregularity in the operation. The multiple protection with fuses in the transport of containers considerably increases the safety in the procedure in the joint operation in the areas of internal and external expulsion, being able to achieve this with structurally justifiable expense. Fundamentally, two variants are convenient. The ejection element is positioned either outside the lock rotor and in the ejection area and is hooked from outside to the lock chamber, or the ejection element is placed inside the lock rotor and moves from the inside to the lock site. of expulsion in the lock chamber. In the first case, at least one expulsion element is needed in each ejection area. In the second case, at least one ejection element is needed for each lock chamber.

Conveniently, the ejection element is separated with a mechanism of displacement of the star wheels of the pair and the lock rotor in the ejection area disposed in such a way that it can not collide with those components of the device. Alternatively, an ejection element positioned displaceably in the lock rotor is provided in the lock rotor for each lock chamber. To drive the ejection elements, two structural variants are convenient. If each displacement element is coordinated with its own displacement mechanism that works in conjunction with the lock rotor, the structural expense is actually higher, but the technical control cost is occasionally lower. In the other case, there is provided in coordination with each ejection area only one movement mechanism coordinated then in common with all the ejection elements. Thus, the structural expenditure is small. A structurally simple method, safe in terms of positioning and space-saving, uses punches coordinated with the lock chambers, which are maintained by spring effect in the resting position and then move to the ejection position, if they have reached the expulsion area. Conveniently, each dumper is driven in a control in the lock rotor in a linearly-releasable manner, the control having to be designed for leakage tests under pressure with reference to the highest or lowest pressure as atmospheric pressure in the treatment compartment.

In a simple embodiment, each displacement mechanism consists of a stationary curve route, which is oriented to the respective ejection area and to which the punches arrive one after the other and move to their expulsion position. The return movement of the punches receives the spring effect. For the reduction of the wear, the punches may be equipped with rollers, spheres and sliding pillows. A particularly convenient embodiment has a displacement mechanism that is in operational communication with a sensor, which in case of a container that remains in an unforeseen way activates the movement mechanism that by means of the dumper transport the container to the ejection area. For this, an actuator is used, suitably a pneumatic cylinder, which is controlled with a magnetic valve and places the puncher either directly or preferably on a mobile curve in the ejection position. Since the lock rotor rotates with considerable speed, it is convenient to place the sensor outside the lock rotor and in advance or at the beginning of the ejection area. In order not to have to permanently modify the concept of the lock rotor, it is convenient to fix the displacement mechanism on a stationary base plate. In a simple alternative, the ejection element is a movable lever, rotatably positioned, which is moved by means of the stationary curved tracks or cam surfaces to the ejection position.

In order for a container that unexpectedly remains and thrown into the fault guard to be unable to cause subsequent breakdowns, it is convenient to provide a receptacle or separator for containers from a respective melting area. Conveniently, each ejection element is disposed below the intake and dimensioning mechanism and precisely to an attitude to which a rapid and reliable ejection is guaranteed. To also have enough time in a lock rotor that rotates rapidly to eject a container that remains in an unforeseen manner, it is convenient to further distance the star wheels of the respective bar in the circumferential direction of the lock rotor, as is normally the case. usual. Based on the drawings, the modalities of the object of the invention are explained. They show: Figure 1, a partially sectioned plan view of a device for continuously introducing and extracting containers to / from a treatment compartment, Figure 2, a sectional view of a modified modality in the plane of section AB of figure 1, figure 3, a horizontal section of a lock rotor in a more modified embodiment, and figure 4, a schematic vertical section of the lock rotor in the embodiment of figure 3.

A device V in FIGS. 1 and 2 serves to insert and remove the containers 1, for example plastic bottles such as PET multi-path bottles, for example to / from an evacuated treatment compartment 2, in which the containers are coated 1 for example to raise its barrier properties. In the treatment compartment 2 insulated by the walls 31, there is contained a conveyor 23 with pins 32 which can be inserted into the openings of the container 1, against which the container moves to the coating mechanisms not shown. The device V has (figure 2) an opaque horizontal base 33, on which are provided a lock rotor 4 and two pairs of star wheels 17, 20; 18, 9 operating in conjunction with the lock rotor 4 (pairs of internal and external star wheels with respect to the treatment compartment 2). The outer star wheel 17 receives the containers 1 from a supplying device 21, in whose end area the input worms 51a, 54b are provided. In this extreme area, clamping and holding mechanisms 24 similar to clamps are clamped onto the container. Subsequently, the container rotor 1 is introduced to the lock rotor 4 and inside it is transmitted to a controlled pick-up and stop mechanism 6, similar to a self-loading spoon. The lock rotor 4 is provided with lock chambers 3 arranged on its outer periphery, open outwards, of which each contains a take-up and stop mechanism 6. The containers 1 have for example (Figure 2) a neck 7 and on it a thread. The catch and hold mechanisms 24 similar to clamps take the container 1 above the neck 7, while the catch mechanisms 6 similar to self-grasping spoons in the lock chambers 3 take them below the neck 7. It is guaranteed in this way a smooth transfer of the containers. The wheels are star 17, 18, 19, 20 are equipped essentially structurally and in each case with similar clamping and holding devices 24. The catch and stop mechanisms 24 similar to clamps of the star wheel 18 disposed in the treatment compartment 2 (of the internal star wheel) receive the containers of the pick-up and stop mechanisms 6 similar to self-grasping spoons in the lock chambers 3 and transfer the containers to the pins 23 of the conveyor 32. The other star wheel 19 disposed in the processing compartment 2 (likewise an internal star wheel) receives the treated containers 1 from the pins 23 and transfers them to the This mechanism is similar to a self-loading spoiler in the lock chambers 3, with which the containers 1 are transported to the star wheel 20 externally and transferred to their capture and holding mechanism 24. By means of drive disposed below the base plate 33, not shown, the star wheels 17 to 20 are driven synchronously to each other, as well as synchronously to the transporter 23 in the direction of the arrow. The lock chambers 3 sealed to the gas are mentioned in such a way that they are only insignificantly larger than the container 1 to be transported larger. The lock walls 34 become the walls 31 of the treatment vessel 2. In the upper part, a cover plate 51 is provided. The lock chambers 3 can be communicated in the area of the lock walls 34 with conduits for the gas inlet and / or gas outlet. With the catch and stop mechanisms 6 similar to self-loading spoons in each lock chamber 3, a container 1 is centered and fixed during transport in the lock rotor 4 and precisely hanging conveniently without support on the ground and without contact with the 3a modalities of the lock chambers. Each pick and stop mechanism 6 is placed on a support plate 12, which is fixed releasably and gas-tightly in a recess 37 of the lock chamber 3. In the stop position, the take-up and stop mechanism 6 wraps the container neck over more than 180 ° and with closure not positive, so that the container 1 is held positively and not positively. The control of the opening and closing movements of the pick-up and stop mechanisms 6 takes place at the desired locations of the circulation path of the lock rotor 4 with a control mechanism, which actuates for example on the control cams 10 provided in the pick-up and stop mechanisms 6. Each radial cam 10 is fixed on a camshaft 40, which is rotatably installed in a position parallel to the axis of the lock rotor and exits upwards. At the protruding end a control lever 41 is fixed, which functions in each case with one of four stationary, bolt-like stops 13, 14, 15, 16, which are fixed on the cover plate 51 and the trajectory protrudes of circulation of the control lever 41. Since the star wheels 17 to 20 are essentially similar in structure, only the star wheel 17 is explained. On a vertical drive shaft 42, a horizontal plate 43 is fixed, on which angular levers are rotatably mounted, which act together on cam rollers on a slotted cam 47 stationary disposed below the plate 43, which controls an oscillating movement of the clamping and holding mechanisms 24 similar to clamps during the rotational movement of the plate 43. Sliding valves arranged in the angled levers work together on cam rollers with a second slotted cam 50, which is stationary disposed above the plate 43 and controls a radial movement of the pick-up and stop mechanisms 24. The pick-up and stop mechanisms 24 wrap the container 1 over more than 180 °, so that no support is necessary on the bottom during the transport of the containers 1. While the pick-up and stop mechanisms 6 similarly to self-grasping spoons are controlled by their control mechanism 5, each pick-up and stop mechanism is opened 24 similar to clamp by means of the same container 1, in which the container separates the take and hold mechanism 24 from one another until the pressure is closed, penetrates and then maintained by non-positive closure. Shortly after taking the container 4 with the pick-up and stopping mechanism 6 similar to the self-pressing spoon in the lock chamber 3, the container 1 is again delivered with perceptible resistance. By transferring a container 1 with the pick-up and stop mechanism to the pick-up and stop mechanism 24 of the star wheel, the pick-up and stop mechanism 6 is opened in a controlled manner, as soon as the container 1 is engaged as it is due to the pick and stop mechanism 24. The pick and stop mechanism 24 of the star wheel 19 removes the container 1 from the pin 32, as soon as the container is properly hooked and transfers this container later to the pick-up and stop mechanism 6, as soon as it is closed in a controlled manner. In order to transfer the container to a pick-up and stop mechanism 24 of the star wheel 20, the respective pick-up and stop mechanism 6 is opened in a controlled manner as soon as the container is hooked, as is the case with the pick-up and pick-up mechanism. stop 24. The conveyor 22 finally removes the container 1 from the pick-up and stop mechanism 24 of the star wheel 20. According to figure 1, it is provided between each external pair of star wheels 17, 20 and each internal pair of star wheels 18, 19 a container ejection area C, the two star wheels of each pair being conveniently spaced in the peripheral direction of the lock rotor 4 more than normal one from the other. , to be able to eject and transport outwardly a container 1 that has unexpectedly remained in a lock chamber 3 to protect against breakdowns. To eject one of such containers, ejection D is provided which is in operational communication with a displacement mechanism E, which is movable from a rest position, in which it does not engage in lock chambers 3 to an ejection position in the lock chamber 3. In figure 1, the ejection element D is indicated only schematically with a double arrow, as well as the displacement mechanism E. There are several possibilities, of incorporating the ejection elements D activated only to the ejection area C with its displacement mechanisms E effectively to the device V. In the first case (without representation), the ejection element D meets its displacement mechanism E outside the lock rotor 4 in the ejection area C, or next to it, being able to operate it with the displacement mechanism E, in such a way that it can be introduced from the resting position outside the camera. of the lock to an ejection position in the lock chamber and transport a container 1 that remains is to the ejection zone C. In the other case (figures 2 to 4), each lock chamber 3 is coordinated by the less with a separate ejection element D, which either moves to the ejection position each time, when it enters the corresponding lock chamber 3 into the ejection area C, or only when a container 1 unexpectedly remains in the lock chamber 3, which should be properly removed from the catch and hold mechanism 24 of lock chamber 3. In a not shown embodiment, each ejection element D of a lock chamber 3 could work in conjunction with its own displacement mechanism, which circulates as the ejection element D with the lock rotor 4. The advantage is, however, to give a modality (figures 2 to 4), in the that for each ejection area C only a displacement mechanism E common to all the ejection elements D is provided, and precisely stationary within the lock rotor 4 on the base plate 33 (or to rise to the place thereon in the cover plate 51). Each displacement mechanism E is arranged approximately on the angular position of the corresponding ejection area C. In figure 2, the ejection element D is a rotary lever 8, which is installed in a rotating bearing S on a wall 3a of the lock chamber and engages with an ejection plate 9 to the lock chamber. The other free actuation end of the lever 8 works in conjunction with a driving path or cam surface 11 fixed stationary on the base plate 33. The driving path or cam surface 11 has a section 11a, which moves the lever 8 carried by a spring not shown to the rest position shown with lines separated to the ejection position indicated with a dashed line and precisely when the coordinated lock chamber 3 begins to enter the ejection area C. In addition, in the ejection area C a container collector or container separator F may be provided. The circulation movement of the lock rotor 4, consequently moves each lever 8 twice as a precaution from the rest position to the ejection position with a dashed line, independently whether a container 1 that has remained unexpectedly is contained in the lock chamber 2 or not. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the ejection elements D corresponding to the lock chamber 3 are formed as strikers 23 driven in a linearly movable manner, each of which is guided in a control 25 conveniently gas-tight in the chamber of lock 3a. A spring 26 is responsible for the rest position removed from the punches 23, which is provided with a driving end 27 on a curved path 36, 36 'installed on the base plate 33, whose position corresponds to the ejection area C. Analogously to the permanently practiced embodiment of figure 2, the curved track 36 'can be supported, for example, at 28 and 38, determined that each pusher 23 moves as a precaution to pass the curved track 36' to the ejection position shown and then a container 1 that has been unexpectedly left (shown with a dashed line) is conveyed to the ejection line C.

In the second variant shown in FIG. 3, the shuttle 23, which is coordinated with a lock chamber 3 only then moves from the rest position against the force of the spring 26 to the ejection position, if a container 1 is actually found which has unexpectedly left in the lock chamber 3. To this end, the displacement mechanism E is equipped with an actuator 29, which moves the curved track 36 around the support 28 designed as an oscillating axis in the position drawn with solid lines. Support 38 is not present then. The actuator 29 is for example a pneumatic cylinder, which is provided with compressed air by means of a magnetic valve and is retracted by a spring effect, as soon as the adhesion of compressed air has been interrupted. Outside the lock rotor 4, a sensor 39 which is waiting for the lock chambers that pass one after the other in the presence of a container 1 which is located in the direction of circulation advancing or at the beginning of the ejection area C is has been unexpectedly. If the sensor 39 detects in its position the container 1 drawn with a continuous line in the lock chamber 3, the actuator 29 is then activated by a connection between the sensors 39 and the magnetic valve 35, the actuator bringing the curved path 36 to the position shown with a solid line, so that this container 1 (indicated with a delay line) is transported. ) to the ejection region C. Figure 4 shows in axial section of the lock rotor 4 and the disposition of the ejection elements D, for example the pusher 23 of figure 3 and its displacement mechanisms E which are fixed in the consoles on the base plate 33. The ejection elements D are located below the pick-up and stop mechanism 6 of the lock chambers 3 and at an altitude at which the containers 1 rapidly transport essentially parallel to itself from the chambers from lock 3 to the respective ejection area C. The pick-up and stopping elements 6 similar to self-locking spoons of the lock rotor 4 are normally opened by means of the stopper. 16 or 14 so as to prevent the ejection of the containers in the ejection area C. The sensor 30 may also be arranged on the star wheel 18 or 20 activating the actuator upon perceiving a similar clamping or stopping element 24 empty when ejecting bottle 1 not fastened, which causes the gap.

Claims (15)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - Device (V) for introducing and / or continuously removing containers (1), in particular plastic bottles, to / from a treatment compartment (2), at least with a lock rotor (4) that can be rotationally ejecting, having lock chambers (3) open outwards at the outer periphery, with at least one pair of star wheels (17, 20; 18, 19) in line, placed on the outer periphery of the lock rotor whose star wheels are spaced in the circumferential direction of the lock rotor, and with catch and stop mechanisms (6, 24), for the containers, arranged in the star wheels (17, 18, 19, 20), which work in conjunction with one another for the transfer of containers, characterized in that on the outer periphery of the lock rotor (4) between the star wheels (17, 20; 18, 19) at least one pair is provided; area of expulsion (C) of containers and, for each area of expulsion, at least an ejection element (D) movable from a rest position to a position for expelling containers to the lock chamber (3).

2. Device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the respective ejection element (D) is movable either from inside the lock rotor (4) or from the outside of the lock rotor (4) to the position of expulsion of containers that takes a container (1) that is in the lock chamber (3).

3. Device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the ejection element (D) is arranged with a displacement mechanism (E) of the star wheels (17, 18, 19, 20) and with the rotor of lock (4) separated in the area of ejection (C).

4. Device according to claim 1, further characterized in that an ejection element (B) is coordinated in line with each lock chamber (3) and installed displaceably in the lock rotor (4) and because in the rotor of sluice (4) is provided either for each ejection element (B) a movement mechanism (E) in line or for all the ejection elements (D) in each case a mechanism of stationary displacement and aligned on an area of expulsion (C)

5. - Device according to claim 4, further characterized in that the ejection element (D) coordinated with the respective lock chamber (3) is a dumper (23) admitted to the resting position by spring effect, approximately radial to the axis of lock rotor.

6. Device according to claim 5, further characterized in that the pusher (23) is guided in a linearly sliding manner on a guide rail (25) in the lock rotor (4), preferably in a delimiting wall (3a) ) of the lock chamber.

7. - Device according to claim 4, further characterized in that the displacement mechanism (E) has a curved path (36 ') installed stationary, which is hooked to the peripheral path of the free ends of all the punches (23) that are they find in their resting positions.

8. - Device according to claim 3, further characterized in that the displacement mechanism (E) has a curved path (36) displaceable from a passive position to a hooking position on the free end of the pusher (23) and an actuator (29). ), preferably a pneumatic cylinder controllable by means of a magnetic valve (35) and in that the actuator (29) is in operational communication with a sensor (39).

9. Device according to claim 8, further characterized in that the sensor (39) is arranged outside the lock rotor (4), preferably in the rotary direction of the rotor advancing to the angular position of the curved track (36). ), in the area of ejection (C) or adjacent to it, and each lock chamber (3) is explorable with it as regards the presence of a container (1).

10. - Device according to claim 8, further characterized in that the sensor (39) is arranged outside the lock rotor (4) in a star wheel (18, 20) that receives the containers (1) thereof and each mechanism of take and stop (24) of the wheel in star (18, 20) is explorable with him regarding the failure of a container (1).

11. - Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that each displacement mechanism (E) is installed on a stationary base plate (33) of the lock rotor (4).

12. - Device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the ejection element (D) is a lever (8) in line in the lock rotor (4), oscillatory installed, preferably a lever cranked with an ejection plate ( 9) arranged in the lock chamber (3), which is aligned with a drive end on curved tracks (11, 11a) or stationary installed cam surfaces, which are aligned in turn inside the lock rotor (4) on the areas of expulsion (C).

13. Device according to claim 1, further characterized in that a container collector or container separator (F) is provided in each ejection area (C).

14. - Device according to claim 1, further characterized in that each ejection element (D) is arranged in the lock rotor (4) near and below the pick-up and stop mechanism (6, 24).

15. - Device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the extension provided in the peripheral direction of the lock rotor (4) of each ejection area (C) is a multiple of the width of the lock chamber. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a vacuum in the treatment compartment (2) and an ejection area (C) of containers is disposed therein, the containers (1) remaining expelled at least transiently in the vacuum treatment compartment (2).