DE102008026244A1 - Method for filling plastic bottle i.e. polyethylene terephthalate bottle, with hot fluid, involves deforming plastic bottles in bottle filler before or during filling, and pressing bottle bottoms outwardly by mechanical force effect - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves deforming plastic bottles (11) in a bottle filler before or during filling. Bottle bottoms (19) are pressed outwardly by mechanical force effect, and an active transverse panel (21) formed in the bottle bottoms is deformed. The bottles are hung during pressing out of the bottle bottoms on a bottle neck (15) by a holder (9). The bottle bottoms are pressed inwardly into a labeling machine after filling, and the holder is moved from a transfer position (23) into a pressing position by a lift device (5). A bottle opening is arranged below a pusher i.e. filling tube (3). An independent claim is also included for a bottle filler for plastic bottles comprising a pusher.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for filling Plastic bottles in a bottle filler, and on one Bottle filler for plastic bottles.

microbiological sensitive products are in plastic bottles, such. As PET bottles, preferred hot filled at temperatures of about 85 ° C. To an unwanted deformation of the filled and closed Bottles by contraction of the cooling filling counteracting is known to be a compensating surface in the bottle wall, z. B. on the bottom of the bottle, provided according to cooling the filling permanently inside is pressed. In this way, the volume of the bottle controlled to the shrunken volume of the filled Product adapted.

For reasons of better handleability, the bottles are usually produced or transported with an inwardly pressed compensating surface, so that the compensating surface must be pressed outwards before being filled. From the WO 2007/132767 A1 is z. B. a device known in the plastic bottles are first used in annular transport aids and each held with a clamp on the bottleneck. Subsequently, a plunger is lowered through the bottle mouth to the bottom of the bottle and this pressed outwards. The bottles are then forwarded standing in the transport aids to a filler.

Like in the WO 2005/012091 A2 shown, for the transport aids own conveyor systems are required. In addition, bottles and transport aids must be brought together in another device and separated again after filling. This is undesirable for reasons of economy and space savings. Alternatively, in the WO 2005/012091 A2 proposed to make the bottles already so that can be dispensed with a squeezing out of the bottle bottom, and the bottles during filling and closing at her neck hanging, in the so-called neck handling to transport. However, special transport aids and conveyor systems are required for the transport of bottles between production and filling, which is relatively expensive.

In contrast, The invention is based on the object, a method and a Device to provide, in which avoided these disadvantages become.

This technical problem is inventively solved a method in which the bottles in the bottle filler be deformed before or during filling. In this way, an additional device for pushing out the compensation surface can be saved in the bottle wall.

at a particularly favorable embodiment, the bottles deformed by the bottom of the bottle by mechanical force after is pressed outside. this makes possible a simple and reliable procedure.

advantageously, becomes an Active Transverse Panel formed in the bottom of the bottle deformed. This will result in a defined volume change ensured when pushing out the bottle bottom.

conveniently, the mechanical force is transmitted through the filling tube of the bottle filler. It then no additional plunger is needed.

at a favorable embodiment hang the bottles while pushing out the bottle bottom at the bottleneck. This allows a safe bottle transport while providing a suitable abutment.

conveniently, is the bottom of the bottle after filling z. B. in one downstream labeling machine pressed back inside. This allows one by cooling the bottle filling caused deformation avoided or eliminated.

at a bottle filler, the technical problem according to the invention thereby solved that it includes a pestle, before or during filling in the bottle can be introduced to deform the bottle. On This way, an additional device for pushing out a compensating surface can be saved in the bottle wall.

at a favorable embodiment is the filling tube intended as a ram. There will be no additional Tappet needed.

at Another favorable embodiment is on the filling tube provided at least one side outlet opening. In this case, the bottle can also be attached to the bottle wall to be filled adjacent plunger.

A particularly advantageous embodiment comprises a holding device, which keeps the bottle hanging on the neck during deformation. This allows a safe bottle transport and provides at the same time a suitable counter bearing ready.

advantageously, The bottle filler further comprises a lifting device for Moving the holding device from a transfer position, at the bottom of the bottle below the pestle is arranged, in a pressing position, wherein the plunger the Bottle bottom pushes outwards. this makes possible easy transport to and from the bottles.

It is also advantageous that the bottle filler a filling position in which the bottle is between the transfer position and the pressing position is arranged. This can be done ensure an effective and gentle filling process.

conveniently, the lifting device is controlled by a lift curve. This allows a cost effective and reliable Control.

The Invention will be described below with reference to a preferred and in figures illustrated embodiment described in more detail. Show it:

1 a schematic partial view of a bottle filler according to the invention in a transfer position;

2 a schematic partial view of a bottle filler according to the invention after pushing out the bottle bottom

3 a schematic partial view of a bottle filler according to the invention during the filling of the bottle;

4 a schematic view of an arrangement for pressing the bottle bottom.

The 1 - 3 each show a portion of a bottle filler according to the invention with a filling valve 1 , a filling tube 3 and a lifting device 5 , on a rotatable about the axis A rotor 7 are mounted. At the lifting device 5 is vertically displaceable a holding device 9 for a bottle to be filled 11 attached, the vertical position of the holding device 9 and the bottle 11 through the fixed lift curve 13 is controlled.

The holding device 9 Hold the bottle 11 at her neck 15 hanging. The distance between the lower end 17 of the filling tube 3 and the bottom of the bottle 19 follows the course of the lift curve 13 as soon as the rotor 7 rotates.

The length of the filling tube 3 and the stroke of the lifting device 5 are at the height of the bottle 11 adjusted so that the stuffing tube 3 additionally serves as a ram, with the one in the bottom of the bottle 19 provided compensation surface 21 can be pushed outwards.

1 shows a state immediately after transfer of the empty bottle 11 to the holding device 9 , wherein the lifting device 5 to a lower transfer position (by the dashed line 23 indicated) is lowered, so that the bottle mouth 25 under the end 17 of the filling tube 3 is positioned.

2 shows the bottle 11 after having a rising portion (not shown) of the lift curve 13 following up to an upper contact position (by the dashed line 27 indicated) of the lifting device 5 was raised. This is the filling tube 3 first in the bottle 11 introduced and finally the originally inwardly curved compensation surface 21 (indicated by dashed lines) pushed outwards, so that a dimensionally stable bulge 21a forms, which is also preserved when the filling tube 3 is withdrawn again. With 1 Matching reference numerals were in 2 as well as in 3 , omitted for clarity.

3 shows the bottle 11 in one between the positions 23 and 27 arranged filling position (by the dashed line 29 indicated) during filling with a heated liquid 31 , By lowering the bottle 11 from the contact position 27 will ensure that the liquid 31 from the filling tube 3 down unhindered can escape.

The bottle filler according to the invention is preferably designed as a rotary, in which a plurality of filling valves 1 with the respective lifting and holding devices 5 . 9 on the rotor 7 are provided, so that a continuous stream of bottles 11 can be bottled. However, it would also be possible with bottles 11 equipped filling valves 1 along an arbitrary waveform or a straight line, or along a correspondingly shaped lift curve 13 ,

The valve 1 is preferably a long-tube filling valve, such. B. a cone valve with pneumatic control cylinder. However, other designs are possible.

The filling tube 3 consists of a stable and heat-resistant material, such. As stainless steel, and is at the end 17 designed so that damage to the bottom of the bottle 19 or the compensation surface 21 is prevented, for. B. using specially shaped end surfaces. The length of the filling tube 3 is as well as the hub of the lifting device 5 to the height of the bottle 11 and the shape of the bottom of the bottle 19 or the compensation surface 21 adjusted so that the compensation area 21 can be pressed sufficiently far out to a dimensionally stable bulge 21a to achieve. It can run out be the compensation area 21 only to push outward beyond a state of maximum compressive stress, so that the complete bulge 21a then as a result of in the compensation area 21 caused material stress without further feed of the filling tube 3 established. As an alternative to the filling tube 3 could be the compensation area 21 also by an additional, to the holding device 9 coupled plunger (not shown) or by increasing the gas pressure in the bottle 11 ,

At the filling tube 3 may additionally or alternatively lateral outlet openings 4 (in 2 indicated by dashed lines), so that the bottle 11 also in the 2 shown pressing position 27 can be filled effectively and gently.

The lifting device 5 Can be realized with suitable lifting cylinders. As an alternative to the lift curve 13 Other mechanical, pneumatic and / or electric Hubsteuerelemente are conceivable.

The holding device 9 preferably includes a controlled clip that extends around the neck of the bottle 15 closes. This can make the bottle 11 be transported before and during filling in the so-called neck handling. This allows in addition to a flexible adaptation to different bottle sizes a secure fixation of the bottle, so that the holding device 9 a stable counter bearing for pushing out the bottle bottom 19 or the compensation surface 21 forms. The holding device 9 may include sealing elements (not shown) that surround the interior of the bottle 11 seal against the environment, such. B. a shaft seal between the holder 9 and the filling tube 3 ,

The following is an inventive method for filling a bottle 11 described. This includes the bottom of the bottle 19 as a compensation area 21 a so-called Active Transverse Panel (ATP), under which a substantially transversely arranged to the bottle axis surface for targeted reduction of the volume of the filled and cooled bottle 11 to understand. In the example shown, the ATP or the compensation surface 21 a steadily inwardly arched shape. However, other forms are conceivable, for. B. segmentally divided by edges surfaces and / or with rib-shaped stiffeners. It is crucial that a deformable wall area is provided, which can be slipped outwards / inwards before / after filling and in this way enables a defined volume change of the bottle.

The empty bottle 11 is hanging on her neck, in the so-called neck handling, to the holding device 9 after passing these into the in 1 shown lower end position 23 has been lowered. The holding device 9 Hold the bottle 11 at her neck 15 and seals them when necessary against the environment.

Subsequently, the holding device 9 the control curve 13 following raised and the stuffing tube 3 while in the bottle 11 introduced until this against the bottom of the bottle 19 suppressed. The filling tube acting as a ram 3 it exerts an outward force on the compensation surface 21 out, so that it is turned outward and the bulge 21a trains as in 2 indicated.

The bottle prepared in this way for filling 11 is subsequently with the holding device 9 lowered so far that the liquid 31 unhindered from the filling tube 3 can escape, as in 3 exemplified. By opening the valve 1 Finally, the hot liquid gets into the bottle 11 passed to the desired level and the valve 1 closed again.

Subsequently, the holding device is again in the position 1 lowered and the filled bottle 11 Neck-handling leads to the next step. After closing and cooling the bottle 11 becomes the compensation area 21 pressed back inside and the bottom of the bottle 19 thereby restored to its original form. For this purpose, the bottle 11 , as in 4 indicated, in neck handling with the help of a holding device 33 on an annular plate 35 posed and a controlled indentor 37 (Direction of movement indicated by double arrow), such. B. a plunger, against the bulge 21a (in 4 indicated by dashed lines). Alternatively, the indenting device could 37 also consist of a fixed pin and the plate 35 be lowered. The impressions of the bottle bottom 19 is preferably not in a separate machine, but in a suitably modified labeling.

With the method described and the bottle filler described can be an additional machine for deforming the bottle bottom 19 , to the bottles 11 adapted transport aids, conveyors for the transport aids and equipment for merging and separating the bottles 11 and the transport aids are saved.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2007/132767 A1 [0003]
• WO 2005/012091 A2 [0004, 0004]

Claims (14)

Method for filling plastic bottles ( 11 ) in a bottle filler, characterized in that the bottles are deformed in the bottle filler before or during filling. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottles ( 11 ) are deformed by the bottle bottom ( 19 ) is pressed by mechanical force to the outside. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that a in the bottle bottom ( 19 ) formed Active-Transverse-Panel ( 21 ) is deformed. A method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the force via a filling tube ( 3 ) is transmitted. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the bottles ( 11 ) while pushing out the bottle bottom ( 19 ) at the bottleneck ( 15 ) hang. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottle bottom ( 19 ) is pushed back inwards after filling. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the bottle bottom ( 19 ) is pressed inwards in a labeling machine. Bottle filler for plastic bottles ( 11 ), characterized by a plunger ( 3 ), which can be introduced into the bottle before or during filling so that it deforms the bottle. Bottle filler according to claim 8, characterized in that a filling tube as a plunger ( 3 ) is provided. Bottle filler according to claim 9, characterized in that on the filling tube ( 3 ) at least one lateral outlet opening ( 4 ) is provided. Bottle filler according to one of claims 8 to 10, further characterized by a holding device ( 9 ), the bottle ( 11 ) during deformation on her neck ( 15 ) keeps hanging. Bottle filler according to claim 11, characterized by a lifting device ( 5 ) for moving the holding device ( 9 ) from a transfer position ( 23 ), where the bottle mouth ( 15 ) below the plunger ( 3 ) is arranged in a pressing position ( 27 ), in which the plunger the bottle bottom ( 19 ) pushes outwards. Bottle filler according to claim 12, characterized in that the bottle filler further comprises a filling position ( 29 ), in which the bottle ( 11 ) between the transfer position ( 23 ) and the pressing position ( 27 ) is arranged. Bottle filler according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the lifting device ( 5 ) by a lift curve ( 13 ) is controlled.