Method of positioning containers in a container processing installation, a corresponding positioning device, and an installation including such devices

Abstract

A method of positioning containers in an installation for processing containers having mouth segments (103) of different cross-sections, the method comprising the step of moving the containers along a container movement line (1) in an installation while maintaining a reference point on each of the mouth segments on said movement line, the movement line being common to all mouth segment cross-sections, and the reference points on the mouth segments being the same regardless of the cross-sections of the mouth segments of the containers, wherein the reference point is situated on an outside side surface of the mouth segment in a manner such that the mouth segments are tangential to the movement line.A corresponding positioning device and an installation including such devices.

Description

[0001]The present invention relates to a method of positioning containers in a container processing installation such as an installation for packaging a substance in containers, or an installation for conveying, filling, or capping containers. The invention also relates to a positioning device, and to an installation including such devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Consideration is given more particularly herein to containers of the type having a neck provided with a projecting collar below a mouth segment.[0003]An installation for packaging liquids defines a container movement line along which various installations are disposed in succession, such as a filling installation, a capping installation, and optionally an installation for washing or rinsing the containers, a sterilization installation, etc.[0004]For example, a container filling installation comprises a rotary platform having a periphery equipped with filler nozzles and with positioning devices for positioning the c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]Thus, the reference point used for positioning each of the containers is a portion of the outside side surface of the container that is tangential to the movement line. The reference point is thus a tangible element (unlike the axis of the mouth segment that is intangible) so that it is possible to come into direct contact with the reference point so as to guarantee positioning that is extremely accurate. The differences in cross-section are also passed on mainly in a single direction relative to the reference point, and it is thus easier to compensate for them.

[0017]This embodiment also offers the advantage of making it possible, in the event of jamming, to disengage the mouth segment(s) of the container(s) in question by retracting the jaw in opposition to the force exerted by the resilient return element.

[0019]This procures very good holding of the mouth segments in the device, in particular when the abutment is situated opposite from the V-shaped cutouts and at an intermediate height between the plates. The risk of the base of the container tilting under the effect of the centrifugal force is also limited.

[0020]In a first particular embodiment, the abutment is secured to a finger that is mounted to pivot between an active reference position and a retracted position for making it possible to put the mouth segment in place in the device and to extract the mouth segment from the device.

[0021]Thus, the abutment is secured to the body of the device, thereby limiting the friction of the mouth segment on the abutment. This makes it possible to avoid using a stationary rail serving as an abutment, such a rail being difficult to position accurately, giving rise to friction on the mouth segments, disturbing the laminar air flows in installations that are aseptic, and complicating cleaning.

[0023]Notwithstanding the above-mentioned drawbacks, the use of a guide rail offers the advantage of being relatively inexpensive while also being reliable. This embodiment is particularly suitable for small installations having relatively low throughput rates that therefore do not cause much friction of the mouth segments on the rail.

Problems solved by technology

The operations for adapting the installations to fit each mouth segment cross-section are lengthy and require the installations to be stopped, thereby giving rise to a drop in productivity, and the higher the number of positioning devices, the larger that drop in productivity.

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