EP2117986B1 - Method for closing receptacles, and closing machine - Google Patents

Method for closing receptacles, and closing machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2117986B1
EP2117986B1 EP07819700.1A EP07819700A EP2117986B1 EP 2117986 B1 EP2117986 B1 EP 2117986B1 EP 07819700 A EP07819700 A EP 07819700A EP 2117986 B1 EP2117986 B1 EP 2117986B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
closing
inert
gas
receptacles
chamber
Prior art date
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EP07819700.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2117986A1 (en
Inventor
Ludwig Clüsserath
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KHS GmbH
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KHS GmbH
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Publication date
Priority claimed from DE200620019465 external-priority patent/DE202006019465U1/en
Priority claimed from DE102006061498A external-priority patent/DE102006061498A1/en
Application filed by KHS GmbH filed Critical KHS GmbH
Priority to SI200732035T priority Critical patent/SI2117986T1/en
Publication of EP2117986A1 publication Critical patent/EP2117986A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
    • B67C7/0073—Sterilising, aseptic filling and closing
    • B67C7/0086—Sterilisation being restricted to the area of application of the closure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B3/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/222—Head-space air removing devices, e.g. by inducing foam
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
    • B67C7/0073—Sterilising, aseptic filling and closing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for closing bottles or the like container according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a closing machine according to the preamble of claim 16.
  • beer is already used to effect controlled foaming of the product introduced into the respective container (e.g., bottle or can), each by injecting a foaming agent, e.g. by injecting sterile water or a small amount of the filled product so as to displace the air or oxygen present with the foam formed above the product or product level in the respective container, before then closing the respective container.
  • a foaming agent e.g. by injecting sterile water or a small amount of the filled product so as to displace the air or oxygen present with the foam formed above the product or product level in the respective container, before then closing the respective container.
  • the disadvantage here is, inter alia, that not inconsiderable product losses can occur due to the foaming and it is also necessary to control the foaming process in such a way that foaming or leakage of the product and thus contamination of the container on its outer surface are avoided.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a method and a closing machine, with the avoidance of foaming of the respective product or filling material, a durability and / or quality especially of oxygen-sensitive products impairing oxygen occlusion in filled and sealed containers avoided becomes.
  • the WO 94/25347 A1 discloses a capper in which a gas and closure bell is lowered and sealed onto the shoulder of a container, during which gas is introduced into this interior space to displace the oxygen in the air.
  • a comparable device shows the US 3,246,447 , in which container-like a bell in the closing process encloses the mouth space of a container and in which the necessary closure cap is added, wherein further inert gas can be introduced to displace oxygen from this interior of the bell.
  • An improved solution suggests the EP 0 272 736 A1 in which, in a first step, a vacuum is generated in the closure bell sealed to the container shoulder. Subsequently, an inert gas is then introduced into the evacuated interior of the bell and the container is closed.
  • a disadvantage of these devices is that the individual coverage of containers in terms of machine performance is very limiting.
  • the GB 2 174 682 A describes a Kronkorkenversch multiplier in which a container mouth is received in a circumferential closure space, wherein the container mouth is supported by a circumferential portion and a fixed, radially outer guide member.
  • the closure chamber has lateral supply channels for an inert gas in order to displace oxygen from the gas space in the filled bottles, for which purpose the container mouth is overflowed with inert gas horizontally.
  • the disadvantage here is that in the gas space very high turbulence caused by both rotating and fixed space parts on the other hand, so that for the safe displacement of oxygen from the mouth region of a container very large volumes of inert gas must be expended.
  • the inert gas atmosphere is enclosed in an inert gas space or a partial space of an inert gas space formed (inert gas space or subspace) by or on the capping machine, for example, an enclosure on the capping machine.
  • This design ensures that the space to be supplied with the inert gas and containing the inert gas atmosphere has the smallest possible volume.
  • the containers are each total, i. taken with their entire container height when closing in the inert gas space or subspace, the height of the inert gas space or subspace then corresponds for example substantially only the height of the container.
  • the containers are each at closing only with a mouth region having its container mouth, i. taken with a respective container mouth having part height in the inert gas space or subspace, so that there is a particularly small volume for the space to be supplied with the inert gas.
  • the generally designated 1 in the figures plant is used to fill in the illustrated embodiment as bottles 2 containers with a liquid product or filling, for example me a drink, and for closing the bottles 2 after filling.
  • a liquid product or filling for example me a drink
  • the plant 1 comprises a filling machine 3, which has, for example, the usual configuration known to those skilled in the art with a rotor 4 (arrow A) driven circumferentially about a vertical machine axis and with a multiplicity of filling positions formed on the circumference of the rotor 4, as well as a closing machine 5 circulating design, ie with a about a vertical machine axis VA circumferentially (arrow B) driven rotor 6, at the periphery of a plurality of Verscheasepositionen 7 (eg FIG. 2 ) are formed.
  • a filling machine 3 which has, for example, the usual configuration known to those skilled in the art with a rotor 4 (arrow A) driven circumferentially about a vertical machine axis and with a multiplicity of filling positions formed on the circumference of the rotor 4, as well as a closing machine 5 circulating design, ie with a about a vertical machine axis VA circumferentially (arrow B) driven rotor 6, at the periphery
  • the bottles 2 become upright, i. with its bottle axis oriented in the vertical direction via a conveyor 8 the u.a. supplied by a transport or inlet star 9.1 container or bottle inlet 9 of the filling machine 3.
  • the filled bottles 2 pass via a transport path 10 formed by a plurality of transport stars 10.1 - 10.3 individually to one of the closing positions 7 of the closing machine 5 and are sealed after closing via a container outlet 11 forming transport or outlet star 11.1 on the conveyor 12 for transporting the filled and closed bottles 2 passed on.
  • the closing positions 7 are provided on the circumference of the rotor 6 at uniform angular intervals around the vertical machine axis VA of the closing machine 5.
  • each closing position 7 consists for this purpose of a closing tool 14 and a container or bottle carrier 15 which is provided below the associated Verschierwerkmaschines 14 and formed in the illustrated embodiment as a bottle plate on which the respective bottle 2 stands up during closing with its bottom 2.1.
  • the closing positions 7 or their closing tools 14 are, in a manner known per se to the person skilled in the art, designed such that, when the rotor 6 is rotated about the axis VA at a closure feed position 16 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) each record a closure 13, this closure 13 then on a subsequent to the position 16 angular range of rotation of the rotor 6 on the Place container or bottle mouth 2.2 of the respective bottle 2 and fix at this mouth by pressing with a punch 14.1 and by deforming with a closing cone 14.3, as shown in the FIG. 2 is shown on the right at the position 17.
  • the peculiarity of the capping machine 5 is that the closure of the bottles 2 with the closures 13 takes place in an inert gas atmosphere, i. the closing tools 14, i. their functional with the closures 13 and 2 bottles functional elements, namely in the illustrated embodiment, the stamp 14 'and closing cones 14 "are arranged in an inert gas 18, which is constantly traversed by an inert gas and the atmosphere has an at least greatly reduced oxygen content Inert gas space 18 or into a subspace 18.1 of this inert gas chamber 18 also reaches the bottles 2 with their mouth region having the bottle mouth 2.2 in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the inert gas space 18 is designed as an annular space surrounding the axis VA, for example limited by a plurality of wall elements, namely by an outer, the axis AV concentrically enclosing circular cylindrical wall element 19, by an interior, the axis VA also concentrically enclosing circular cylindrical wall element 20, by a in a plane arranged perpendicular to the axis VA and this axis concentrically enclosing lower annular wall member 21 and by an axis VA enclosing upper annular wall element 22nd
  • the wall elements 20-22 are provided on the rotor 6 in such a way that the wall element 21 extends outwardly as far as the lower edge of the wall element 19 and the inert gas space 18 there except for one between the wall elements 19 and 21 remaining gap 24 closes.
  • the diameter of the wall elements 19 and 20 is selected so that the wall element 19 is further away from the axis VA than the closing tools 5 and is sufficiently radially spaced therefrom.
  • the diameter of the wall element 19 concentrically enclosed by the wall element 20 is selected such that it is closer to the axis VA than the closing tools 5 and is sufficiently radially spaced therefrom.
  • an opening 25 is provided at each closing position 7, through which the respective bottle 2, when closing from below, extends into the lower partial space 18.1 of the inert gas chamber 18 with its mouth region having the bottle mouth 2.2.
  • the container carrier 15 for example, by lifting devices, not shown, in each case an axial direction controlled parallel to the axis VA can be raised and lowered. After the transfer of a respective bottle 2 to a closing position 7, the first lowered container carrier 15 is raised for the closing operation and the respective bottle 2 thereby moves with its mouth region through the opening 25 into the subspace 18.1. After closing the relevant bottle 2 is lowered again with the respective container carrier 15, so that it is completely outside of the inert gas 18.
  • the wall member 21 is formed, for example, as a flat disc with receiving pockets located at its edge for the container neck.
  • the containers are inserted without changing their height in the place by suitable Studentsubstoff in these receiving pockets.
  • the open outer edges of the pockets are closed, for example by a non-rotating element, whereby the sterile air consumption can be kept low.
  • the outer wall element 19 is provided with an opening 26.
  • the inert gas terminals 27 are provided which are distributed in the upper region of the wall element 19 about the axis VA.
  • the connections 27 each open into an upper subspace 18.2 of the inner space 18.
  • a perforated intermediate wall 28 is provided between the two subspaces 18.1 and 18.2 .
  • This is also annular in the illustrated embodiment and arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis VA.
  • Through the perforated intermediate wall 28 (perforated plate or laminator) is achieved in the subspace 18.1 a uniformly distributed laminar or substantially uniformly distributed laminar flow of the inert gas in a vertical direction from top to bottom, ie with a direction of the bottle mouths 2.2 direction of flow, as shown in the Figures 2-4 indicated by the arrows C.
  • the inert gas supplied via the connections 27 and via the nozzle 29 exits from the inert gas space 18 or from the subspace 18.1 at openings which, in the lower area of the subspace 18.1, are not only separated by the gap 23 but also, in particular, by the respective annular gap between the latter Edge of the openings 25 and the mouth areas of the bottles 2 and the opening 26 are formed so that the bottles 2 are flowed around at its mouth region, the VerschJacqueswerkmaschinee 14 and the closures 3 to the Verschetzwerkmaschinemaschinen 14 and the supply of inert gas and thus at a low inert gas consumption, the product or the contents harmful oxygen entry in the bottles 2 is effectively prevented.
  • the nozzles 29 it is possible to avoid a quality and / or durability impairing oxygen entry into the contents, although the filling of the bottles 2 and also the transport of the filled bottles 2 via the transport path 10 to the capping machine 5, for example take place under normal atmosphere and only the closure of the bottles 2 is made in the inert gas atmosphere, so as to ensure in particular the lowest possible consumption of inert gas.
  • the inert gas 18 thus has a reduced compared to the height of the bottle height and thus can be performed with relatively small volume.
  • Suitable inert gas for the inert gas atmosphere and / or for the Inertgasbegasung are, for example, CO 2 or CO 2 gas and / or nitrogen.
  • closures 13 in the form of crown corks, but also includes the use of other closures or the application in other closures adapted sealing machines.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Sealing Of Jars (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Verschließen von Flaschen oder dergleichen Behälter gemäß Oberbegriff Patentanspruch 1 sowie auf eine Verschließmaschine gemäß Oberbegriff Patentanspruch 16.The invention relates to a method for closing bottles or the like container according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a closing machine according to the preamble of claim 16.

Bei einer Vielzahl von Produkten, insbesondere bei vielen Getränken besteht das Problem, dass die Haltbarkeit und/oder Qualität, insbesondere auch der Geschmack solcher in Flaschen oder dergleichen Behälter aufgefüllter Produkte durch Luft- bzw. Sauerstoffeinschluss stark beeinträchtigt werden können. Dabei erfolgt der Sauerstoffeintrag oder Sauerstoffeinschluss insbesondere während oder auch nach dem Füllen und vor und/oder während des Verschließens beispielsweise über die offene Behältermündung.In the case of a large number of products, in particular many drinks, there is the problem that the durability and / or quality, in particular the taste of such products filled in bottles or similar containers can be severely impaired by air or oxygen inclusion. In this case, the oxygen entry or oxygen inclusion takes place in particular during or after the filling and before and / or during the closing, for example via the open container mouth.

Um hier Abhilfe zu schaffen, ist es bei kohlensäurehaltigen Produkten, z. B. Bier bereits üblich, ein gesteuertes Aufschäumen des in den jeweiligen Behälter (z .B. Flasche oder Dose) eingebrachten Produktes zu bewirken, und zwar jeweils durch Einspritzen eines Aufschäummediums, z.B. durch Einspritzen von sterilem Wasser oder einer geringen Menge des abgefüllten Produktes, um so mit dem hierbei gebildeten Schaum über dem Produkt- oder Füllgutspiegel im jeweiligen Behälter die vorhandene Luft oder den vorhandenen Sauerstoff zu verdrängen, bevor dann das Verschließen des jeweiligen Behälters erfolgt. Nachteilig ist dabei u.a., dass durch das Aufschäumen nicht unerhebliche Produktverluste eintreten können und es außerdem erforderlich ist, den Aufschäumprozess so zu steuern, dass ein Überschäumen oder Austreten des Produktes und damit eine Verschmutzung des Behälters an seiner Außenfläche vermieden sind.To remedy this situation, it is with carbonated products, eg. For example, beer is already used to effect controlled foaming of the product introduced into the respective container (e.g., bottle or can), each by injecting a foaming agent, e.g. by injecting sterile water or a small amount of the filled product so as to displace the air or oxygen present with the foam formed above the product or product level in the respective container, before then closing the respective container. The disadvantage here is, inter alia, that not inconsiderable product losses can occur due to the foaming and it is also necessary to control the foaming process in such a way that foaming or leakage of the product and thus contamination of the container on its outer surface are avoided.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Verfahren sowie eine Verschließmaschine aufzuzeigen, mit dem bzw. mit der unter Vermeidung eines Aufschäumens des jeweiligen Produktes oder Füllgutes ein die Haltbarkeit und/oder Qualität insbesondere auch von sauerstoff-empfindlichen Produkten beeinträchtigender Sauerstoffeinschluss in gefüllten und verschlossenen Behältern vermieden wird.The object of the invention is to provide a method and a closing machine, with the avoidance of foaming of the respective product or filling material, a durability and / or quality especially of oxygen-sensitive products impairing oxygen occlusion in filled and sealed containers avoided becomes.

Die WO 94/25347 A1 offenbart einen Verschließer, bei welchem eine Gas- und Verschlussglocke auf der Schulter eines Behälters abgesenkt und abgedichtet wird, wobei während des Verschließens die Einleitung eines Gases in diesen inneren Raum erfolgt, um den Luftsauerstoff zu verdrängen.The WO 94/25347 A1 discloses a capper in which a gas and closure bell is lowered and sealed onto the shoulder of a container, during which gas is introduced into this interior space to displace the oxygen in the air.

Eine vergleichbare Vorrichtung zeigt die US 3 246 447 , bei der ebenfalls behälterweise eine Glocke im Verschlussvorgang den Mündungsraum eines Behälters umschließt und in den der nötige Verschlussdeckel aufgenommen wird, wobei weiterhin Inertgas einführbar ist, um Sauerstoff aus diesem Innenraum der Glocke zu verdrängen. Eine hierzu verbesserte Lösung schlägt die EP 0 272 736 A1 vor, bei der in einem ersten Schritt ein Vakuum in der an der Behälterschulter abgedichteten Verschlussglocke erzeugt wird. Nachfolgend wird dann in den evakuierten Innenraum der Glocke ein Inertgas eingeleitet und der Behälter verschlossen. Nachteilig an diesen Vorrichtungen ist, dass der Einzelüberdeckung von Behältern bezüglich der Maschinenleistungen sehr limitierend ist.A comparable device shows the US 3,246,447 , in which container-like a bell in the closing process encloses the mouth space of a container and in which the necessary closure cap is added, wherein further inert gas can be introduced to displace oxygen from this interior of the bell. An improved solution suggests the EP 0 272 736 A1 in which, in a first step, a vacuum is generated in the closure bell sealed to the container shoulder. Subsequently, an inert gas is then introduced into the evacuated interior of the bell and the container is closed. A disadvantage of these devices is that the individual coverage of containers in terms of machine performance is very limiting.

Die GB 2 174 682 A beschreibt einen Kronkorkenverschließer, bei dem eine Behältermündung in einem umlaufenden Verschlussraum aufgenommen wird, wobei die Behältermündung von einem umlaufenden Abschnitt und einem feststehenden, radial äußeren Führungsteil getragen wird. Der Verschlussraum weist seitliche Zuleitungskanäle für ein Inertgas auf, um Sauerstoff aus dem Gasraum in den gefüllten Flaschen zu verdrängen, wozu die Behältermündung mit Inertgas horizontal überströmt wird. Nachteilig ist hierbei, dass in dem Gasraum sehr hohe Turbulenzen durch einerseits drehende und andererseits feststehende Raumteile entstehen, so dass zur sicheren Verdrängung von Sauerstoff aus dem Mündungsbereich eines Behälters sehr große Volumina an Inertgas aufgewendet werden müssen.The GB 2 174 682 A describes a Kronkorkenverschließer in which a container mouth is received in a circumferential closure space, wherein the container mouth is supported by a circumferential portion and a fixed, radially outer guide member. The closure chamber has lateral supply channels for an inert gas in order to displace oxygen from the gas space in the filled bottles, for which purpose the container mouth is overflowed with inert gas horizontally. The disadvantage here is that in the gas space very high turbulence caused by both rotating and fixed space parts on the other hand, so that for the safe displacement of oxygen from the mouth region of a container very large volumes of inert gas must be expended.

Mit der Erfindung ist zumindest eine deutlichere Reduzierung des Sauerstoffeinschlusses in mit einem Füllgut gefüllten und verschlossene Behälter derart erreicht, dass selbst bei sauerstoff-empfindlichen Produkten eine lange Haltbarkeit ohne Minderung der Qualität erzielt wird. Überschäumverluste, wie sie bisher durch das Verdrängen von Luft bzw. Sauerstoff durch Aufschäumen in Kauf genommen werden mussten, sind ebenfalls vermieden.With the invention, at least a clearer reduction of the oxygen occlusion in containers filled and sealed with a filling material is achieved in such a way that, even with oxygen-sensitive products, a long shelf life without reduction in quality is achieved. Foaming losses, as previously had to be taken into account by the displacement of air or oxygen by foaming, are also avoided.

Ebenfalls wird es durch die Anwendung der Erfindung ermöglicht, auf die, dem Fachmann bekannten, äußerst kostenintensiven und wartungsanfälligen Hochdruckeinspritzanlagen zur Aufschäumung des Füllgutes zu verzichten.It is also made possible by the application of the invention to dispense with the known in the art, extremely expensive and maintenance-prone high-pressure injection systems for foaming the contents.

Bei der Erfindung ist die Inertgas-Atmosphäre in einem Inertgasraum oder einem Teilraum eines Inertgasraumes eingeschlossen, der (Inertgasraum oder Teilraum) von oder an der Verschließmaschine gebildet ist, beispielsweise von einer Einhausung an der Verschließmaschine. Durch diese Ausbildung ist gewährleistet, dass der mit dem Inertgas zu versorgende und die Inertgas-Atmosphäre enthaltende Raum ein möglichst geringes Volumen aufweist.In the invention, the inert gas atmosphere is enclosed in an inert gas space or a partial space of an inert gas space formed (inert gas space or subspace) by or on the capping machine, for example, an enclosure on the capping machine. This design ensures that the space to be supplied with the inert gas and containing the inert gas atmosphere has the smallest possible volume.

Bei einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind die Behälter jeweils insgesamt, d.h. mit ihrer gesamten Behälterhöhe beim Verschließen in dem Inertgasraum oder Teilraum aufgenommen, wobei die Höhe des Inertgasraumes bzw. Teilraumes dann beispielsweise im Wesentlichen nur der Höhe der Behälter entspricht.In one embodiment of the invention, the containers are each total, i. taken with their entire container height when closing in the inert gas space or subspace, the height of the inert gas space or subspace then corresponds for example substantially only the height of the container.

Bei einer weiteren, bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind die Behälter jeweils beim Verschließen nur mit einem ihre Behältermündung aufweisenden Mündungsbereich, d.h. mit einer die jeweilige Behältermündung aufweisenden Teilhöhe in dem Inertgasraum oder Teilraum aufgenommen, so dass sich ein besonders kleines Volumen für den mit dem Inertgas zu versorgenden Raum ergibt.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the containers are each at closing only with a mouth region having its container mouth, i. taken with a respective container mouth having part height in the inert gas space or subspace, so that there is a particularly small volume for the space to be supplied with the inert gas.

Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche. Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand der Figuren an einem Ausführungsbeispiel näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
in schematischer Darstellung eine Anlage zum Füllen von Flaschen oder dergleichen Behälter mit einem flüssigen Füllgut sowie zum Verschließen der Behälter in einer Inertgas-Atmosphäre;
Fig. 2
in vereinfachter Darstellung eine Verschließmaschine der Anlage der Figur 1;
Fig. 3
und 4 jeweils in vergrößerter Einzeldarstellung verschiedene Positionen der Verschließmaschine der Figur 2.
Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of an embodiment. Show it:
Fig. 1
a schematic representation of a system for filling bottles or the like container with a liquid product and for closing the container in an inert gas atmosphere;
Fig. 2
in a simplified representation of a closing machine of the system FIG. 1 ;
Fig. 3
and 4 each in an enlarged detail view of different positions of the closing of the FIG. 2 ,

Die in den Figuren allgemein mit 1 bezeichnete Anlage dient zum Füllen von bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform als Flaschen 2 ausgebildeten Behältern mit einem flüssigen Produkt oder Füllgut, beispielsweise mir einem Getränk, sowie zum Verschließen der Flaschen 2 nach dem Füllen.The generally designated 1 in the figures plant is used to fill in the illustrated embodiment as bottles 2 containers with a liquid product or filling, for example me a drink, and for closing the bottles 2 after filling.

Die Anlage 1 umfasst hierfür eine Füllmaschine 3, die beispielsweise die übliche dem Fachmann bekannte Ausbildung mit einem um eine vertikale Maschinenachse umlaufend angetriebenen Rotor 4 (Pfeil A) und mit einer Vielzahl von am Umfang des Rotors 4 ausgebildeten Füllpositionen aufweist, sowie eine Verschließmaschine 5 ebenfalls umlaufender Bauart, d.h. mit einem um eine vertikale Maschinenachse VA umlaufend (Pfeil B) angetriebenen Rotor 6, an dessen Umfang eine Vielzahl von Verschließpositionen 7 (z.B. Figur 2) gebildet sind.For this purpose, the plant 1 comprises a filling machine 3, which has, for example, the usual configuration known to those skilled in the art with a rotor 4 (arrow A) driven circumferentially about a vertical machine axis and with a multiplicity of filling positions formed on the circumference of the rotor 4, as well as a closing machine 5 circulating design, ie with a about a vertical machine axis VA circumferentially (arrow B) driven rotor 6, at the periphery of a plurality of Verschließpositionen 7 (eg FIG. 2 ) are formed.

Die Flaschen 2 werden aufrecht stehend, d.h. mit ihrer Flaschenachse in vertikaler Richtung orientiert über einen Transporteur 8 dem u.a. von einem Transport- oder Einlaufstern 9.1 gebildeten Behälter- oder Flascheneinlauf 9 der Füllmaschine 3 zugeführt. Die gefüllten Flaschen 2 gelangen über eine von mehreren Transportsternen 10.1 - 10.3 gebildete Transportstrecke 10 jeweils einzeln an eine der Verschließpositionen 7 der Verschließmaschine 5 und werden nach dem Verschließen über einen den Behälterauslauf 11 bildenden Transport- oder Auslaufstern 11.1 an dem Transporteur 12 zum Abtransportieren der gefüllten und verschlossenen Flaschen 2 weiter geleitet. Die Verschließpositionen 7 sind am Umfang des Rotors 6 in gleichmäßigen Winkelabständen um die vertikale Maschinenachse VA der Verschließmaschine 5 verteilt vorgesehen.The bottles 2 become upright, i. with its bottle axis oriented in the vertical direction via a conveyor 8 the u.a. supplied by a transport or inlet star 9.1 container or bottle inlet 9 of the filling machine 3. The filled bottles 2 pass via a transport path 10 formed by a plurality of transport stars 10.1 - 10.3 individually to one of the closing positions 7 of the closing machine 5 and are sealed after closing via a container outlet 11 forming transport or outlet star 11.1 on the conveyor 12 for transporting the filled and closed bottles 2 passed on. The closing positions 7 are provided on the circumference of the rotor 6 at uniform angular intervals around the vertical machine axis VA of the closing machine 5.

In der Anlage 1, bei der die Füllmaschine 3 und der Verschließer 5 auch zu einem Block zusammengefasst sein können, erfolgt das Verschließen der Flaschen 2 mit Verschlüssen 13, die als Kronenkorken dargestellt sind, aber auch anders ausgeführt sein können. Jede Verschließposition 7 besteht hierfür aus einem Verschließwerkzeug 14 sowie aus einem Behälter- oder Flaschenträger 15, der unterhalb des zugehörigen Verschließwerkzeugs 14 vorgesehen und bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform als Flaschenteller ausgebildet ist, auf dem die jeweilige Flasche 2 während des Verschließens mit ihrem Boden 2.1 aufsteht.In the Appendix 1, in which the filling machine 3 and the capper 5 can also be combined to form a block, the bottles 2 are closed with closures 13, which are shown as crown corks, but can also be designed differently. Each closing position 7 consists for this purpose of a closing tool 14 and a container or bottle carrier 15 which is provided below the associated Verschließwerkzeugs 14 and formed in the illustrated embodiment as a bottle plate on which the respective bottle 2 stands up during closing with its bottom 2.1.

Die Verschließpositionen 7 bzw. deren Verschließwerkzeuge 14 sind in der dem Fachmann an sich bekannten Weise so ausgebildet, dass sie beim Umlaufen des Rotors 6 um die Achse VA an einer Verschlusszuführungsposition 16 (Fig. 2) jeweils einen Verschluss 13 aufnehmen, diesen Verschluss 13 dann auf einem an die Position 16 anschließenden Winkelbereich der Drehbewegung des Rotors 6 auf die Behälter- oder Flaschenmündung 2.2 der jeweiligen Flasche 2 aufsetzen und an dieser Mündung unter Anpressen mit einem Stempel 14.1 sowie durch Verformen mit einem Verschließkonus 14.3 fixieren, wie dies in der Figur 2 rechts an der Position 17 dargestellt ist.The closing positions 7 or their closing tools 14 are, in a manner known per se to the person skilled in the art, designed such that, when the rotor 6 is rotated about the axis VA at a closure feed position 16 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) each record a closure 13, this closure 13 then on a subsequent to the position 16 angular range of rotation of the rotor 6 on the Place container or bottle mouth 2.2 of the respective bottle 2 and fix at this mouth by pressing with a punch 14.1 and by deforming with a closing cone 14.3, as shown in the FIG. 2 is shown on the right at the position 17.

Die Besonderheit der Verschließmaschine 5 besteht darin, dass das Verschließen der Flaschen 2 mit den Verschlüssen 13 in einer Inertgas-Atmosphäre erfolgt, d.h. die Verschließwerkzeuge 14, d.h. deren mit den Verschlüssen 13 und Flaschen 2 zusammenwirkende Funktionselemente, nämlich bei der dargestellten Ausführung deren Stempel 14' und Verschließkonen 14" in einem Inertgasraum 18 angeordnet sind, der ständig von einem Inertgas durchströmt wird und dessen Atmosphäre einen zumindest stark reduzierten Sauerstoffanteil aufweist. In diesen Inertgasraum 18 bzw. in einen Teilraum 18.1 dieses Inertgasraums 18 reichen während des Verschließprozesses auch die Flaschen 2 mit ihrem die Flaschenmündung 2.2 aufweisenden Mündungsbereich hinein. Bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform ist der Inertgasraum 18 als ein die Achse VA konzentrisch umschließender Ringraum ausgebildet, und zwar beispielsweise begrenzt durch mehrere Wandelemente, nämlich durch ein äußeres, die Achse AV konzentrisch umschließendes kreiszylinderförmiges Wandelement 19, durch ein Inneres, die Achse VA ebenfalls konzentrisch umschließendes kreiszylinderförmiges Wandelement 20, durch ein in einer Ebener senkrecht zur Achse VA angeordnetes und diese Achse konzentrisch umschließendes unteres kreisringförmiges Wandelement 21 sowie durch ein die Achse VA umschließendes oberes kreisringförmiges Wandelement 22.The peculiarity of the capping machine 5 is that the closure of the bottles 2 with the closures 13 takes place in an inert gas atmosphere, i. the closing tools 14, i. their functional with the closures 13 and 2 bottles functional elements, namely in the illustrated embodiment, the stamp 14 'and closing cones 14 "are arranged in an inert gas 18, which is constantly traversed by an inert gas and the atmosphere has an at least greatly reduced oxygen content Inert gas space 18 or into a subspace 18.1 of this inert gas chamber 18 also reaches the bottles 2 with their mouth region having the bottle mouth 2.2 in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the inert gas space 18 is designed as an annular space surrounding the axis VA, for example limited by a plurality of wall elements, namely by an outer, the axis AV concentrically enclosing circular cylindrical wall element 19, by an interior, the axis VA also concentrically enclosing circular cylindrical wall element 20, by a in a plane arranged perpendicular to the axis VA and this axis concentrically enclosing lower annular wall member 21 and by an axis VA enclosing upper annular wall element 22nd

Mit Ausnahme des Wandelementes 19 sind die Wandelemente 20 - 22 an dem Rotor 6 vorgesehen, und zwar derart, dass das Wandelement 21 außen liegend bis an den unteren Rand des Wandelementes 19 reicht und den Inertgasraum 18 dort bis auf einen zwischen den Wandelementen 19 und 21 verbleibenden Spalt 24 verschließt. Der Durchmesser der Wandelemente 19 und 20 ist so gewählt, dass das Wandelement 19 von der Achse VA weiter entfernt ist als die Verschließwerkzeuge 5 und von diesen ausreichend radial beabstandet ist. Der Durchmesser des vom Wandelement 19 konzentrisch umschlossenen Wandelementes 20 so gewählt, dass dieses der Achse VA näher liegt als die Verschließwerkzeuge 5 und von diesen ausreichend radial beabstandet ist.With the exception of the wall element 19, the wall elements 20-22 are provided on the rotor 6 in such a way that the wall element 21 extends outwardly as far as the lower edge of the wall element 19 and the inert gas space 18 there except for one between the wall elements 19 and 21 remaining gap 24 closes. The diameter of the wall elements 19 and 20 is selected so that the wall element 19 is further away from the axis VA than the closing tools 5 and is sufficiently radially spaced therefrom. The diameter of the wall element 19 concentrically enclosed by the wall element 20 is selected such that it is closer to the axis VA than the closing tools 5 and is sufficiently radially spaced therefrom.

In dem unteren Wandelement 21 ist an jeder Verschließposition 7 eine Öffnung 25 vorgesehen, durch welche die jeweilige Flasche 2 beim Verschließen von unten her mit ihren die Flaschenmündung 2.2 aufweisenden Mündungsbereich in den unteren Teilraum 18.1 des Inertgasraums 18 hineinreicht. Um dies zu ermöglichen sind die Behälterträger 15 beispielsweise durch nicht dargestellte Hubeinrichtungen in jeweils einer Achsrichtung parallel zur Achse VA gesteuert anhebbar und absenkbar. Nach der Übergabe jeweils einer Flasche 2 an eine Verschließposition 7 wird der zunächst abgesenkte Behälterträger 15 für den Verschließvorgang angehoben und die betreffende Flasche 2 dabei mit ihrem Mündungsbereich durch die Öffnung 25 in den Teilraum 18.1 hinein bewegt. Nach dem Verschließen wird die betreffende Flasche 2 mit dem jeweiligen Behälterträger 15 wieder abgesenkt, so dass sich diese vollständig außerhalb des Inertgasraums 18 befindet.In the lower wall element 21, an opening 25 is provided at each closing position 7, through which the respective bottle 2, when closing from below, extends into the lower partial space 18.1 of the inert gas chamber 18 with its mouth region having the bottle mouth 2.2. To make this possible, the container carrier 15, for example, by lifting devices, not shown, in each case an axial direction controlled parallel to the axis VA can be raised and lowered. After the transfer of a respective bottle 2 to a closing position 7, the first lowered container carrier 15 is raised for the closing operation and the respective bottle 2 thereby moves with its mouth region through the opening 25 into the subspace 18.1. After closing the relevant bottle 2 is lowered again with the respective container carrier 15, so that it is completely outside of the inert gas 18.

Ebenfalls denkbar, und in den Schutzbereich der vorliegenden Erfindung fallend, sind Ausgestaltungen, bei welchen auf Hubeinrichtungen verzichtet wird. Bei einer solchen Vorrichtung ist das Wandelement 21 beispielsweise als ebene Scheibe mit an ihrem Rand befindlichen Aufnahmetaschen für den Behälterhals ausgebildet. Die Behälter werden ohne Veränderung ihrer Ortshöhe durch geeignete Überschubmittel in diese Aufnahmetaschen eingeschoben. Die offenen Außenkanten der Taschen werden beispielsweise durch ein nicht umlaufendes Element verschlossen, wodurch der Sterilluftverbrauch gering gehalten werden kann.Also conceivable, and falling within the scope of the present invention, are embodiments in which lifting devices are eliminated. In such a device, the wall member 21 is formed, for example, as a flat disc with receiving pockets located at its edge for the container neck. The containers are inserted without changing their height in the place by suitable Überubmittel in these receiving pockets. The open outer edges of the pockets are closed, for example by a non-rotating element, whereby the sterile air consumption can be kept low.

Dort, wo die Verschlüsse 13 an der Verschlussaufnahmeposition an die sich an dieser Position vorbei bewegenden Verschließwerkzeuge 14 übergeben werden, ist das äußere Wandelement 19 mit einer Öffnung 26 versehen.Where the closures 13 are transferred at the closure receiving position to the closing tools 14 moving past this position, the outer wall element 19 is provided with an opening 26.

Zum Zuführen des Inertgases dienen Anschlüsse 27, die im oberen Bereich des Wandelementes 19 um die Achse VA verteilt vorgesehen sind. Die Anschlüsse 27 münden jeweils in einem oberen Teilraum 18.2 des Innenraumes 18. Zwischen den beiden Teilräumen 18.1 und 18.2 ist eine perforierte Zwischenwand 28 vorgesehen. Diese ist bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform ebenfalls kreisringförmig ausgebildet und in einer Ebene senkrecht zur Achse VA angeordnet. Durch die perforierte Zwischenwand 28 (Lochblech oder Laminator) wird im Teilraum 18.1 eine gleichmäßig verteilte laminare oder im wesentlichen gleichmäßig verteilte laminare Strömung des Inertgases in vertikaler Richtung von oben nach unten erreicht, d.h. mit einer auf die Flaschenmündungen 2.2 gerichteten Strömungsrichtung, wie dies in den Figuren 2 - 4 mit den Pfeilen C angedeutet ist.For supplying the inert gas terminals 27 are provided which are distributed in the upper region of the wall element 19 about the axis VA. The connections 27 each open into an upper subspace 18.2 of the inner space 18. Between the two subspaces 18.1 and 18.2 a perforated intermediate wall 28 is provided. This is also annular in the illustrated embodiment and arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis VA. Through the perforated intermediate wall 28 (perforated plate or laminator) is achieved in the subspace 18.1 a uniformly distributed laminar or substantially uniformly distributed laminar flow of the inert gas in a vertical direction from top to bottom, ie with a direction of the bottle mouths 2.2 direction of flow, as shown in the Figures 2-4 indicated by the arrows C.

Bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform ist an dem Wandelement 19 in Drehrichtung B des Rotors 6 auf die Position 16 folgend, an der die Übergabe der Verschlüsse 13 an die Verschließwerkzeuge 14 erfolgt, wenigstens eine Düse 29 vorgesehen, an der die Flaschen 2 mit ihrer Flaschenmündung 2.2 vorbei bewegt werden. Mit der Düse 29 wird jede Flasche 2 innen, d.h. in dem oberhalb des Füllgutspiegels vorhandenen bzw. vom Füllgut nicht eingenommenen Flascheninnenraum mit einem Strahl 30 aus Inertgas beaufschlagt (Inertgasbegasung), um so in der jeweiligen Flasche 2 vorhandene Luftreste und Sauerstoffreste zu entfernen.In the illustrated embodiment, at the wall 16 in the direction of rotation B of the rotor 6 following the position 16 at which the transfer of the closures 13 to the closing tools 14 takes place, at least one nozzle 29 is provided, past which the bottles 2 with their bottle mouth 2.2 pass to be moved. With the nozzle 29, each bottle 2 inside, ie in the above the Füllgutspiegels existing or not taken from the contents of the bottle interior with a beam 30 from Inert gas applied (inert gas), so as to remove in the respective bottle 2 existing air and oxygen residues.

Das über die Anschlüsse 27 sowie über die Düse 29 zugeführte Inertgas tritt aus dem Inertgasraum 18 bzw. aus dem Teilraum 18.1 an Öffnungen aus, die im unteren Bereich des Teilraumes 18.1 nicht nur von dem Spalt 23, sondern insbesondere auch von dem jeweiligen Ringspalt zwischen dem Rand der Öffnungen 25 und den Mündungsbereichen der Flaschen 2 sowie von der Öffnung 26 gebildet sind, so dass die Flaschen 2 an ihren Mündungsbereich, die Verschließwerkzeuge 14 sowie auch die Verschlüsse 3 an den Verschließwerkzeugen 14 und beim Zuführen vom Inertgas intensiv umströmt werden und dadurch bei einem geringen Inertgas-Verbrauch ein das Produkt bzw. das Füllgut schädigender Sauerstoffeintrag in den Flaschen 2 wirksam verhindert ist.The inert gas supplied via the connections 27 and via the nozzle 29 exits from the inert gas space 18 or from the subspace 18.1 at openings which, in the lower area of the subspace 18.1, are not only separated by the gap 23 but also, in particular, by the respective annular gap between the latter Edge of the openings 25 and the mouth areas of the bottles 2 and the opening 26 are formed so that the bottles 2 are flowed around at its mouth region, the Verschließwerkzeuge 14 and the closures 3 to the Verschließwerkzeugen 14 and the supply of inert gas and thus at a low inert gas consumption, the product or the contents harmful oxygen entry in the bottles 2 is effectively prevented.

Speziell durch die Verwendung der Düsen 29 ist es möglich, einen die Qualität und/oder die Haltbarkeit beeinträchtigenden Sauerstoffeintrag in das Füllgut zu vermeiden, obwohl das Füllen der Flaschen 2 und auch der Transport der gefüllten Flaschen 2 über die Transportstrecke 10 an die Verschließmaschine 5 beispielsweise unter Normal-Atmosphäre erfolgen und lediglich das Verschließen der Flaschen 2 in der Inertgas-Atmosphäre vorgenommen wird, um so insbesondere auch einen möglichst geringen Verbrauch an Inertgas sicher zu stellen. Zur Reduzierung des Verbrauchs an Inertgas trägt weiterhin auch bei, dass die Flaschen 2 beim Verschließen lediglich mit ihrem Mündungsbereich in den Inertgasraum 18 bzw. in den dortigen Teilraum 18.1 hineinreichen, der Inertgasraum 18 also eine im Vergleich zur Höhe der Flaschen reduzierte Höhe aufweist und somit mit relativ kleinem Volumen ausgeführt werden kann.Specifically, by the use of the nozzles 29, it is possible to avoid a quality and / or durability impairing oxygen entry into the contents, although the filling of the bottles 2 and also the transport of the filled bottles 2 via the transport path 10 to the capping machine 5, for example take place under normal atmosphere and only the closure of the bottles 2 is made in the inert gas atmosphere, so as to ensure in particular the lowest possible consumption of inert gas. To reduce the consumption of inert gas further contributes to the fact that the bottles 2 when closing extend only with their mouth region in the inert gas 18 and in the subspace 18.1 there, the inert gas 18 thus has a reduced compared to the height of the bottle height and thus can be performed with relatively small volume.

Als Inertgas für die Inertgas-Atmosphäre und/oder für die Inertgasbegasung eignen sich beispielsweise CO2 oder CO2-Gas und/oder Stickstoff.Suitable inert gas for the inert gas atmosphere and / or for the Inertgasbegasung are, for example, CO 2 or CO 2 gas and / or nitrogen.

Die Erfindung wurde voranstehend an einem Ausführungsbeispiel beschrieben. Es versteht sich, dass zahlreiche Änderungen sowie Abwandlungen möglich sind, ohne dass dadurch der der Erfindung zugrunde liegende Erfindungsgedanke verlassen wird.The invention has been described above by means of an embodiment. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without thereby departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

So ist die Erfindung selbstverständlich nicht auf die Verwendung von Verschlüssen 13 in Form von Kronenkorken beschränkt, sondern schließt auch die Verwendung anderer Verschlüsse bzw. die Anwendung bei auf andere Verschlüsse angepassten Verschließmaschinen ein.Thus, the invention is of course not limited to the use of closures 13 in the form of crown corks, but also includes the use of other closures or the application in other closures adapted sealing machines.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Anlageinvestment
22
Flaschebottle
2.12.1
Flaschenbodenbottle bottom
2.22.2
Flaschenmündungbottle mouth
33
Füllmaschinefilling Machine
44
Rotor der Füllmaschine 3Rotor of the filling machine 3
55
Verschließmaschinesealing
66
Rotor der Verschließmaschine 5Rotor of the closing machine 5
77
Verschließpositionclosing position
88th
Transporteur zum Zuführen der leeren Flaschen 2Feed dog for feeding the empty bottles 2
99
Flaschen- oder BehältereinlaufBottle or container inlet
9.19.1
Einlauf- oder TransportsternInfeed or transport star
1010
Transportstrecketransport distance
10.1, 10.2, 10.310.1, 10.2, 10.3
Transportsterntransport star
1111
Flaschen- oder BehälterauslaufBottle or container outlet
11.111.1
Auslauf- oder TransportsternRun-out or transport star
1212
Transporteurcarrier
1313
Verschlussshutter
1414
Verschlusswerkzeuglock tool
14.114.1
Stempelstamp
14.214.2
VerschließkonusClosing cone
1515
Behälter- oder FlaschenträgerContainer or bottle carrier
1616
Übergabeposition für Verschlüsse 13Transfer position for closures 13
1717
Positionposition
1818
Inertgasrauminert gas space
18.1, 18.218.1, 18.2
Teilraumsubspace
19 - 2219-22
Wandelementwall element
23, 2423, 24
Spaltgap
25, 2625, 26
Öffnungopening
2727
Anschluss für die Einleitung des InertgasesConnection for the introduction of the inert gas
2828
perforierte Zwischenwandperforated partition
2929
Düsejet
3030
Düsenstrahljet
AA
Drehrichtung des Rotors 4Direction of rotation of the rotor 4
BB
Drehrichtung des Rotors 6Direction of rotation of the rotor 6
CC
laminare Strömung des Inertgaseslaminar flow of the inert gas
DD
Austritt des Inertgases an den Öffnungen 25Outlet of the inert gas at the openings 25th
Ee
Austritt des Inertgases an den Öffnungen 26Outlet of the inert gas at the openings 26th

Claims (31)

  1. Method for closing bottles, cans, or similar receptacles (2), in particular of receptacles (2) filled with an oxygen-sensitive product, carried out with a closing machine (5) under an inert-gas atmosphere, with which closing machine (5) a rotor (6) is formed, which can be driven about a vertical machine axis (VA), with a plurality of closing stations (7) are formed at the circumference of the rotor (6), each comprising at least one closing tool (14), wherein the inert-gas chamber (18) or part chamber (18.1) is configured as a ring chamber surrounding the machine axis (MA), and with which the closing of the receptacles (2) takes place in the inert-gas chamber (18) or part chamber (18.1) formed by the closing machine (5) and containing the inertgas atmosphere, in which the receptacles (2) are taken up during the closing at least in the region of their receptacle mouth (2.2).
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the closing of the receptacles (2) takes place in an enclosing housing (19-22) of the closing machine (5), forming the inert-gas chamber (18) or part chamber (18.1).
  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the receptacles (2), during the closing, are taken up only by the mouth region comprising the respective receptacle mouth (2.2) or by a receptacle part height comprising the respective receptacle mouth (2.2) in the inert-gas chamber (18) or part chamber (18.1).
  4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the receptacles (2), during the closing, are in each case taken up as a whole, i.e. with their entire receptacle height, in the inert-gas chamber (18) or part chamber (18.1).
  5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inert gas of the inert-gas atmosphere is CO2 or CO2 gas and/or nitrogen.
  6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inert-gas atmosphere exhibits an oxygen content of perceptibly less than 20%.
  7. Method according to claim 6, characterised in that the inert-gas atmosphere exhibits an oxygen content of < 5 %.
  8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, before the closing of the receptacles (2), in each case at least one single gassing of each receptacle with an inert gas takes place by way of its receptacle mouth (2.2).
  9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that the gassing of the receptacles (2) takes place in the inert-gas chamber (18) or part chamber (18.1) containing the inert-gas atmosphere.
  10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the gassing of the receptacles takes place by means of at least one inert-gas jet emerging from a nozzle (29).
  11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in the inert-gas chamber (18) or part chamber (18.1) an inert-gas flow is produced, such as, for example, a laminar or essentially laminar inert-gas flow.
  12. Method according to claim 11, characterised in that the receptacles (2) are flowed around by the inert gas during the closing, at least in the region of their receptacle mouth (2.2).
  13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that an inert-gas flow is produced in the inert-gas chamber (18) or in the part chamber (18.1), which is directed onto the receptacle mouths (2.2), for example with a flow direction from top to bottom, or essentially from top to bottom.
  14. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that closure elements (13) used for the closing of the receptacles (2) are flowed around by the inert gas during and/or before being applied onto the receptacles (2).
  15. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the filling of the receptacles (2) takes place in an ambient atmosphere.
  16. Closing machine for closing bottles, cans, or similar receptacles (2) filled with a product or filling material, in particular an oxygen-sensitive filling material, at their receptacle mouths (2.2), making use of closure elements (13) under inert-gas atmosphere, with at least one closing station (7) with a closing tool (14), wherein at least one inert-gas chamber (18) or part chamber (18.1) is provided, formed at the closing machine (5) and subjected to the inert gas, in which the respective receptacle (2) to be closed is in each case taken up during the closing at least in the region comprising the receptacle mouth (2.2), wherein the closing machine (5) comprises a rotor (6) capable of being driven about a vertical machine axis (VA), with a plurality of closing stations (7) formed at the circumference of the rotor (6) and comprising in each case a closing tool (14), and wherein the inert-gas chamber (18) or part chamber (18.1) is configured as a ring-shaped chamber enclosing the machine axis (VA).
  17. Closing machine according to claim 16, characterised in that, during the closing, the receptacles (2) are taken up only by a mouth region comprising the respective receptacle mouth (2.2) or by the receptacle part height comprising the respective receptacle mouth (2.2), in the inert-gas chamber (18) or part chamber (18.1).
  18. Closing machine according to claim 16, characterised in that, during the closing, the receptacles (2) are in each case taken up as a whole, i.e. with their entire receptacle height, in the inert-gas chamber (18) or part chamber (18.1).
  19. Closing machine according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 18, characterised in that the at least one closing station (7) comprises a closing tool (14), which, at least during the closing, is taken up in the inert-gas chamber (18) at least by its function elements (14.1, 14.2) interacting with the respective closure element (13) and or receptacle (2).
  20. Closing machine according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 19, characterised in that the inert-gas chamber (18) is separated by an inside housing (19-22) from the ambient atmosphere.
  21. Closing machine according to claim 16, characterised in that the inside housing (19-22), delimiting the inert-gas chamber (18) or part chamber (18.1), is configured as partly rotating with the rotor (6) as well as partly fixed-position, i.e. not circulating with the rotor (6).
  22. Closing machine according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 21, characterised in that the at least one closing station (7) comprises at least one receptacle carrier (15), and that the receptacle carrier (15) is provided outside the inert-gas chamber (18).
  23. Closing machine according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 22, characterised by connections (27) for delivering the inert gas into the inert-gas chamber (18), as well as by outlets (23, 25, 26) for conveying the inert gas out of the inert-gas chamber (18).
  24. Closing machine according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 23, characterised by means (28) for creating an inert-gas flow, preferably of a laminar or essentially laminar inert-gas flow inside the inert-gas chamber (18) or the part chamber (18.1).
  25. Closing machine according to claim 24, characterised by means (28) for creating an inert-gas flow, with which the receptacles (2) are flowed around at least in the region of their receptacle mouths (2.2) during the closing.
  26. Closing machine according to claim 24 or 25, characterised by means (28) for producing an inert-gas flow directed onto the receptacle mouths (2.2), for example with a flow direction from top to bottom or essentially from top to bottom.
  27. Closing machine according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 26, characterised by means (29) for applying gas to the receptacles (2) with the inert gas in its interior which is not taken up by filling material.
  28. Closing machine according to claim 27, characterised in that the means for applying gas to the receptacles (2) are provided in the inert-gas chamber (18).
  29. Closing machine according to claim 27 or 28, characterised in that the means for applying gas to the receptacles (2) are formed by at least one nozzle for the application of at least one inter-gas jet.
  30. Closing machine according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 29, characterised in that the inert gas is CO2 and/or nitrogen.
  31. Closing machine according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 30, characterised in that it is arranged in a system (1) for filling and closing the receptacles (2) downstream of a filling machine (3), in which the filling of the receptacles (2) takes place preferably under normal atmosphere.
EP07819700.1A 2006-12-23 2007-11-08 Method for closing receptacles, and closing machine Active EP2117986B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SI200732035T SI2117986T1 (en) 2006-12-23 2007-11-08 Method for closing receptacles, and closing machine

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE200620019465 DE202006019465U1 (en) 2006-12-23 2006-12-23 Closure machine for bottles, cans and containers has inert gas chamber in which during closure the container opening and function elements of closing tool are received to exclude oxygen
DE102006061498A DE102006061498A1 (en) 2006-12-23 2006-12-23 Container e.g. bottle, closing method, involves accommodating container in inert gas area or partial area, during closing of container in area of container mouth, where inert gas of inert gas atmosphere is carbon dioxide or nitrogen
PCT/EP2007/009693 WO2008077446A1 (en) 2006-12-23 2007-11-08 Method for closing receptacles, and closing machine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2117986A1 EP2117986A1 (en) 2009-11-18
EP2117986B1 true EP2117986B1 (en) 2018-05-23

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EP07819700.1A Active EP2117986B1 (en) 2006-12-23 2007-11-08 Method for closing receptacles, and closing machine

Country Status (8)

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US (1) US9957144B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2117986B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2010514631A (en)
BR (1) BRPI0719464A2 (en)
MX (1) MX2009003776A (en)
RU (1) RU2418737C2 (en)
SI (1) SI2117986T1 (en)
WO (1) WO2008077446A1 (en)

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NZ521694A (en) 2002-09-30 2005-05-27 Co2 Pac Ltd Container structure for removal of vacuum pressure
US10703617B2 (en) * 2008-05-19 2020-07-07 David Murray Melrose Method for controlled container headspace adjustment
FR2953209B1 (en) * 2009-12-01 2012-05-18 Wine In Tube Wit France FILLING AND CRIMPING MACHINE FOR TUBULAR BOTTLES
US20130239522A1 (en) * 2010-11-19 2013-09-19 David Murray Melrose Controlled container headspace adjustment and apparatus therefor
FR2976562B1 (en) * 2011-06-15 2013-07-05 Serac Group INSTALLATION OF ASEPTIC PACKAGING WITH ASEPTIC BUFFER ZONES
DE102011106760A1 (en) * 2011-07-05 2013-01-10 Khs Gmbh Method and linear system for filling containers with a product
DE102012016124A1 (en) * 2012-08-15 2014-05-15 Khs Gmbh Transport star for container, container transport route and plant for treating containers
CN104386629B (en) * 2014-09-22 2016-06-29 深圳市奥特库贝科技有限公司 A kind of novel agent bottle automatically opening and closing mechanism
ES2817777T3 (en) * 2015-08-07 2021-04-08 Pouch Partners Gmbh Procedure for aseptic filling of a container, sterile filling device for this, aseptic machine
US11897747B1 (en) 2019-03-27 2024-02-13 Abc Fillers, Inc. Multi-container filling machine technologies

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
RU2009128368A (en) 2011-01-27
RU2418737C2 (en) 2011-05-20
US9957144B2 (en) 2018-05-01
MX2009003776A (en) 2009-04-24
US20100212260A1 (en) 2010-08-26
JP2010514631A (en) 2010-05-06
BRPI0719464A2 (en) 2014-02-11
SI2117986T1 (en) 2018-07-31
WO2008077446A1 (en) 2008-07-03
EP2117986A1 (en) 2009-11-18

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