Thermal container treatment machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal container treatment machine (1), such as a pasteurizer, comprising a first transport device (2), a second transport device (3) and a transfer region, wherein: the first transport device (2) is designed to transport containers (5) in a first transport direction (R1) and to transfer the containers, in the transfer region, to the second transport device (3), which is designed to transport the containers (5) in a second transport direction (R2); the second transport device (3) is designed to transport the containers through the container treatment machine; and the transfer region comprises a static transfer surface (4) so that the containers (5) can be passed from the first transport device (2) to the second transport device (3) via the static transfer surface (4). The first transport device (2) has a wedge-shaped extension (7) on a side adjoined by the transfer region.

Description

[0001] Thermal container treatment machine

[0002] The invention relates to a thermal container treatment machine, such as a pasteurizer, and a method for thermally treating containers with the thermal container treatment machine.

[0003] Especially in the production of shelf-stable foods, the products and containers are pasteurized in a single treatment step, meaning they are exposed to high temperatures. The products are usually transported through a pasteurizer on a conveyor system, where they are heated with hot water or a similar process. The conveyor system, such as a conveyor chain, must be resistant to these conditions. For this reason, the products and containers are typically transported to the pasteurizer via a second conveyor system, which does not necessarily need to be designed for this specific stress and can therefore be simpler in design. Finally, the products and containers must be transferred from this first conveyor system to the second conveyor system, which carries the containers through the pasteurizer, without coming to a stop or tipping over in the transfer area.The problems described would be a significant disadvantage, especially when running a plant empty, for example during an automated product changeover.

[0004] From EP 3 154 879 B1, a transport system is known with a first conveyor and a second conveyor, in which a sliding element is provided in the transition area between them. The first conveyor has a transport element in the form of a transport chain, the chain links of which are comb-like. The first sliding element section is also comb-like and has a plurality of cells that engage in the gaps formed on the chain links. However, such a transition area is not suitable for all types of transport devices for technical reasons.

[0005] The design of the transfer area in the form of a sliding plate or a sliding strip is known from DE 196 32 376 A1 and DE 10 2014 103 711 A1.

[0006] In known systems, the problem is that existing designs for transferring containers between two transport devices are either not suitable for all types and designs or, depending on the container size, exhibit a dead zone in which the containers can come to a standstill. Particularly in the case of a pasteurizer, it is common for at least one of the transport devices to have a large turning radius. This results in a relatively large distance between the transport devices and thus a wide transfer area over which the containers must be transported without stopping. The objective of the invention is therefore to enable an improved transfer of containers between two transport devices. This objective is achieved by the thermal container treatment machine according to claim 1 and the associated method according to claim 11.

[0007] A thermal container treatment machine, such as a pasteurizer, comprises a first conveying device designed to transport containers in a primary direction, for example, into or towards the machine. A second conveying device is designed to transport the containers in a secondary direction, which may differ from the first. For example, the secondary direction may be perpendicular to the primary direction. Furthermore, the second conveying device is designed to transport the containers through the thermal container treatment machine. During this process, the containers are typically treated with hot water to pasteurize the contents and extend their shelf life. The thermal container treatment machine also includes a transfer area where the containers are transferred from the first conveying device to the second conveying device.

[0008] In this text, the term "container" includes all forms suitable for treatment in the thermal container treatment machine. In particular, this can include bottles, cans, canisters, or similar containers.

[0009] In this context, a transport device is defined as a general device designed to transport objects, such as containers, in a given direction. This includes, in particular, designs such as conveyor belts or hinged chain belts. The transport device may include components made of plastic and / or metal; however, possible embodiments are not limited to these materials.

[0010] A transfer area is understood as a general area of ​​the thermal container handling machine in which the containers are transferred between the first and second transport devices. The transfer area includes a static transfer surface, allowing the containers to be transferred from the first transport device to the second transport device via this surface. The transfer area may be equipped with an additional sliding mechanism. This is a rod or other suitable element that moves across the transfer area, enabling the containers to be moved within the transfer area and / or between the first and second transport devices.

[0011] A static transfer surface is an element within the transfer area located between the first and second transport devices, over which the containers are transferred between the two devices. The transfer surface is static with respect to the transport devices and containers. This means, in particular, that the static transfer surface does not move along either the first or the second direction of movement.

[0012] During operation, the transfer surface can move, for example, through vibration or contact with another element of the thermal container handling machine. However, this movement does not change its position within the plane formed by the first and second transport devices. The transfer surface can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal, and the embodiment is not limited to these materials. The transfer surface can have a width in the direction of the second transport direction that is so small that the containers cannot remain stationary on the transfer surface but are always in contact with at least one of the two transport devices.

[0013] The first transport device has a wedge-shaped extension on one side where the transfer area connects with a static sliding plate. In this text, this refers to a shape in which the vertical extent of the first transport device decreases along the second transport direction. The level of the top surface of the first transport device, on which the containers are transported, can remain constant. The cross-section of the wedge-shaped extension can be, for example, triangular or trapezoidal; however, other cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable, and possible embodiments of these are explained in this description. The cross-sectional shape can be adapted, in particular, to the properties of the thermal container machine. For example, the shape can be chosen such that contact with the second transport device is either intentionally established or avoided.

[0014] The static transfer surface can be designed to be in direct contact with the second transport device. This contact can be permanent or only occur at one or more specific times during operation. For example, the second transport device can be a chain consisting of several links, so that parts of the links come into contact with the transfer surface, causing it to move up and down periodically. If the contact is permanent during operation, for example, if the second transport device is a conveyor belt, the movement of the conveyor belt can induce vibration in the static transfer plate. The up-and-down movement or vibration induced by the contact of the static transfer surface with the second transport device can prevent the containers from coming to a stop in the transfer area.

[0015] The static overlap surface can be formed, in particular, by a spring steel element. For this purpose, steel grade 1.4310 can be used, for example. Furthermore, the thickness of the spring steel element can be adapted to the specific application or any design constraints. The thickness of the spring steel element can be selected, for example, from a range between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm, and in particular from 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm. However, these examples should not be considered limiting, and other steel grades and material thicknesses can also be used.

[0016] The thickness of the spring steel element specified above allows for a compact design. Furthermore, spring steel sheet is easily formable, flexible, and wear-resistant, making it a versatile and durable component. For example, spring steel sheet is insensitive to thermal expansion, which further contributes to a compact design, as will become clear in the following description.

[0017] The second transport device can be, in particular, a conveyor chain, such as a hinged chain conveyor. This conveyor chain comprises numerous individual chain links that interlock to form a flat transport surface for the containers. The conveyor chain can also be mounted on a substructure that serves to guide and stabilize it.

[0018] Such a transport chain is suitable for the requirements of a transport device used in a thermal tank treatment machine. When treated with hot water, the transport device must not only be corrosion- and temperature-resistant, but the water must also be able to drain away in a controlled and unobstructed manner to prevent waterlogging. Furthermore, a transport chain allows for a small turning radius at the end of the transport path. This enables a smaller distance between the first and second transport devices, or a narrower transfer area. This also reduces the formation of dead zones—areas where the tanks could stall—within the thermal tank treatment machine.

[0019] While known transport devices usually have a vertical termination on both of their side surfaces, the first transport device of the present invention has a wedge-shaped extension on one side where the transfer area adjoins. The weight of the containers being transported exerts a torque on this extension, so it should be supported by a support structure. Otherwise, the torque could cause the transport device to tip over, especially if the containers are not evenly distributed, resulting in damage to the device itself or the containers. The support structure can have various forms, some possible embodiments of which are described in this document.

[0020] The described support structure therefore prevents the first transport device from tipping over, which could otherwise lead to damage to the first transport device or the containers.

[0021] The static sliding plate can be arranged on the aforementioned support structure, which supports the wedge-shaped extension of the first transport device.

[0022] Because both the extension of the first transport device and the static transfer plate are attached to the same support structure, the relative height of the two elements can be precisely adjusted and, in particular, fixed. This eliminates or minimizes height differences that the containers must overcome during transport. This further reduces the likelihood of the containers tipping or falling over. Moreover, this mounting simplifies the overall design and can be more space-efficient than two separate support structures for the wedge-shaped extension of the first transport device and the static transfer surface.

[0023] In particular, the support structure can be designed such that it is formed by a spring steel element, such as an angled spring sheet. In this case, the spring steel element comprises the support structure and the static overlapping plate. The angled spring sheet can have the same properties as the spring steel element of the static overlapping surface. For example, in this case, too, a thickness of between 0.5 and 2.0 mm, particularly between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm, can be used for the spring sheet, and the steel grade 1.4310 can be selected as the material. The exact design of the angled spring sheet, i.e., its shape and material, is not limited to these examples.

[0024] As previously explained, a spring steel element possesses high compliance, or flexibility, and low sensitivity to thermal expansion. Because the supporting structure and the spring steel element are formed by at least the same spring steel sheet, the relative position of these components cannot shift during operation or over a longer period.

[0025] The first transport device can be arranged on a substructure, which, for example, supports the first transport device. However, the substructure is not limited exclusively to a load-bearing or supporting function. Depending on the embodiment of the first transport device, the substructure can be designed in such a way that it can fulfill its respective function. For example, the substructure can be designed and mounted so that the chain links of the second transport device are deflected beneath the substructure without coming into contact with it, while simultaneously supporting the first transport device over the widest possible area. The spring steel element described above, which can serve as a static overlapping surface or simultaneously as a support structure for the wedge-shaped extension of the first transport device and also as a static overlapping surface, can also be arranged on this substructure.

[0026] Because both the first transport device and the spring steel element are mounted on the same base, their relative heights are fixed. This allows their heights to be adjusted, thus avoiding any height differences that the containers being transported would otherwise have to overcome. This ensures smooth transport, minimizing the risk of the containers tipping over and reducing potential noise that can occur when containers collide due to uneven transport. In addition to the advantages already described, this design also allows for a simple and compact construction.

[0027] The base of the first transport device can also have an adjustment mechanism designed to adjust its height. If the spring steel element is also located on the base, its height can be adjusted in the same way. Specifically, the height of the first transport device and the spring steel element forming the static overlapping surface are adjusted simultaneously. This allows the height of these two elements to be adjusted relative to the second transport device. In particular, the heights of the first transport device, the second transport device, and the static overlapping surface can be aligned, i.e., set to the same height.

[0028] This additional adjustment mechanism prevents a height difference between the two transport devices and the static transfer surface, which the containers would otherwise have to overcome and which could pose a tipping hazard. Furthermore, the load on the first and / or second transport device can influence its height. In a thermal container treatment machine, the second transport device may be so large that a uniform height cannot be guaranteed. This can create areas of minimal height, which may be affected by the load on the second transport device. The adjustment mechanism allows for quick and easy height adjustment of the first transport device to the second, thus accommodating the respective external conditions.

[0029] The dimensions of the static overrun area are designed to prevent the formation of dead zones where containers could come to a standstill. The width along the second transport direction is the crucial factor here. Accordingly, this width should be kept as small as possible. Depending on the implementation possibilities, this width can be less than 100 mm, 80 mm, 60 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm, or 20 mm.

[0030] Since the width of the static transfer surface along the second transport device can be kept as small as possible, the thermal container machine can be used for a wide variety of container types without the dead zones forming on the static transfer surface as described. This makes the thermal container treatment machine flexible and also eliminates the need for any necessary modifications when changing the types of containers to be treated.

[0031] This description also describes a method for the thermal treatment of containers using the thermal container treatment machine described above.

[0032] In this process, the static overlapping surface can be designed such that its width along the second transport direction is less than half the diameter of the containers.

[0033] By ensuring that the transfer plate is narrower than half the diameter of the containers, it can be guaranteed that the containers do not come to a standstill in the transfer area, because they can be picked up by the second transport device in any position or are in contact with at least one of the two transport devices in any position.

[0034] Further features and advantages are explained below using the example figures.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a schematic, not to scale oblique view of a thermal container treatment machine, comprising a first transport device, a second transport device and a transfer area.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a schematic, not-to-scale cross-section of the first transport device and the transfer area according to a first embodiment. Figure 3 shows a schematic, not-to-scale cross-section of the first transport device and the transfer area according to a second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 shows a schematic, not to scale, cross-section of a first transport device, a second transport device and a transfer area.

[0038] Figure 5 shows a schematic, not to scale, cross-section of a thermal container treatment machine according to a further embodiment.

[0039] Figure 1 shows an exemplary oblique view of a thermal container treatment machine 1 comprising a first transport device 2, a second transport device 3, and a transfer area. Containers 5, such as bottles, are transported by the first transport device 2 in a first transport direction R1. Likewise, the containers 5 are transported by the second transport device 3 in a second transport direction R2. Specifically, the second transport device 3 transports the containers 5 through the thermal treatment machine 1, while the first transport device 2 transports the containers 5 to the thermal container treatment machine 1. The containers are transferred from the first transport device 2 to the second transport device 3 via a transfer area that includes a static transfer surface 4.

[0040] Furthermore, optional guide elements 6 are shown that can deflect the containers 5 on the first transport device 2 in such a way that the containers 5 are directed towards the transfer area and the second transport device 3. A first guide element 6 can be mounted above the first transport device 2, so that containers 5 being transported by the first transport device 2 in a first transport direction R1 are deflected by this guide element 6 towards the transfer area. Another guide element 6 can be mounted on one side of the first transport device 2, where the wedge-shaped extension 7 and the transfer area are located, and extend across the transfer area along one side of the second transport device 3. Although the guide element 6 is arc-shaped in this case, other shapes, such as an angled design, are also possible.Furthermore, additional guiding elements can be attached. The guiding elements 6 can fulfill the function of guiding the containers 5, thereby defining the transport path and preventing the containers 5 from falling laterally off the two transport devices or the transfer area.

[0041] The first transport device 2 has a wedge-shaped extension 7 on one side where the transfer area adjoins it. In this example, the cross-section of the wedge-shaped extension 7 is tapered, so that its vertical extent decreases along the second transport direction R2. The first transport device 2 can, in particular, be arranged on a substructure 11 (shown here only schematically). This substructure 11 can fulfill various functions, for example, as a support or as a guide element for the first transport device 2.

[0042] The second transport device 3 can have a width of several meters (in the direction of view along R2), such as 4 to 7 m.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the first transport device 2, arranged on a base 1, in an area where the transfer area adjoins a side on which the first transport device 2 has a wedge-shaped extension 7. In this example, the transfer area is realized by a spring steel element 9, in particular by an angled spring sheet. In this case, the angled spring sheet also fulfills the function of a support structure 12, which is designed to support the wedge-shaped extension 7 of the first transport device 2. This has the advantage that otherwise, a torque would be exerted on the first transport device by the containers 5, which could lead to the containers 5 tipping over or falling over, as well as to damage to the first transport device 2 or the containers 5.

[0044] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the wedge-shaped extension 7 has a bottom surface parallel to the top surface and a concavely curved side facing the support structure 12. This latter side can be either straight or convexly curved. A convexly curved shape can allow direct contact between the wedge-shaped extension 7 of the first transport device 2 and the second transport device 3. A concave shape, on the other hand, can prevent such contact.

[0045] As shown in the example, the angled spring plate can also be arranged on the substructure 1 1 on which the first transport device 2 is arranged.

[0046] A cross-section of another embodiment of the thermal container treatment machine is shown in Figure 3. In this figure, the first transport device 2 comprises, in addition to the wedge-shaped extension 7 and the base 11, an adjusting device 10 with which the height of the first transport device 2 can be adjusted. The transfer area is also realized in this example by a spring steel element 9, which is formed by an angled spring sheet. Here, the spring sheet simultaneously serves as a support structure 12 for the wedge-shaped extension 7 of the first transport device 2 and is also arranged on the base 11 of the first transport device 2. This allows the adjusting device 10 to change the heights of the first transport device 2 and the spring steel element 9 in the same way. The second transport device 3, for example a conveyor belt, is also shown.Along direction R1, a plurality of adjusting means 10 can be provided to adjust the height of the surface of the first transport device 2 differently along direction R1. This allows, for example, a slight sagging of the second transport device 3 along direction R1 to be compensated for, and the height difference between the first transport device 2 and the second transport device 3 to be compensated for even if the height of the second transport device 3 changes along direction R1. Such sagging can occur particularly with widths of several meters for the second transport device 3, such as widths between 2 and 7 m. In this case, for example, a deflection roller for the second transport device 3 can deflect slightly due to the weight of the roller and the second transport device 3 itself.

[0047] It is evident that the arrangement and shape of the spring steel element 9, the support structure 12, and the substructure 11 can be selected such that the second transport device 3 can be brought as close as possible to the transfer area and the first transport device 2. In general, the deflection radius of the second transport device 3 and the dimensions of the spring steel element 9, or rather the static overlapping surface formed in this case by a spring steel element 9, the support structure 12, and the substructure 11, define a lower limit for the distance between the two transport devices.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the thermal container treatment machine in cross-section. Here, the second transport device 3 is a transport chain comprising a plurality of transport chain links 8 arranged on a substructure. Also shown are the first transport device 2 with the wedge-shaped extension 7, and the static overlapping surface, which is formed here by a spring steel element 9. The spring steel element is part of an angled spring sheet, which also forms the support structure 12 for the wedge-shaped extension 7 of the first transport device 2.

[0049] The chain links 8 of the second transport device can be in direct contact with the spring steel element 9. In this embodiment, the contact is not permanent during operation, but only exists when the protruding curve of a chain link 8 presses against the spring steel element 9 from below. This causes a periodic up-and-down movement of the spring steel element. This also prevents containers 5 from coming to rest on the spring steel element 9 in the transfer area.

[0050] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the thermal container treatment machine according to a further embodiment, comprising a first transport device 2, a second transport device 3, and a transfer area. The second transport device 3 is formed by a transport chain comprising a plurality of chain links 8. The first transport device 2 has a wedge-shaped extension 7 on one side where the transfer area adjoins it. The transfer area comprises a static sliding plate formed by a spring steel element 9. The spring steel element 9 consists of an angled spring sheet, which simultaneously forms a support structure 12 for the wedge-shaped extension 7 and is arranged on a substructure 11, on which the first transport device 2 is also mounted.In addition, an adjusting device 10 is provided for the substructure 11, which allows the height of the first transport device 2 and the static sliding plate to be adjusted relative to the height of the second transport device 3.

[0051] Other elements shown in the figure could be, for example, additional fastening and guiding elements.

[0052] It is understood that the features mentioned in the previously described embodiments are not limited to this specific combination and are also possible in any other combination.

Claims

Claims 1. Thermal container treatment machine (1), such as a pasteurizer, comprising a first transport device (2), a second transport device (3), and a transfer area, wherein the first transport device (2) is designed to transport containers (5) in a first transport direction (R1) and to transfer them in the transfer area to the second transport device (3), which is designed to transport the containers in a second transport direction (R2), wherein the second transport device (3) is configured to transport the containers (5) through the container treatment machine (1), and wherein the transfer area comprises a static transfer surface (4) so ​​that the containers can be transferred from the first transport device (2) to the second transport device (3) via the static transfer surface (4);characterized in that the first transport device (2) has a wedge-shaped extension (7) on a side where the transfer area is connected.

2. Thermal container treatment machine (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the static push-over surface (4) is in direct contact with the second transport device (3).

3. Thermal container treatment machine (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the static overlapping surface (4) is formed by a spring steel element (9).

4. Thermal container treatment machine (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second transport device (3) is a transport chain.

5. Thermal container treatment machine (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wedge-shaped extension (7) is supported by a support structure (12).

6. Thermal container treatment machine (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the static push-over surface (4) is arranged on the support structure (12).

7. Thermal container treatment machine (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the spring steel element (9), for example an angled spring sheet, comprises the support structure (12) and the static slip plate (4).

8. Thermal container treatment machine (1 ) according to claim 3 or 7, wherein the spring steel element (9) is arranged on a substructure (1 1 ) on which the first transport device (2) is arranged.

9. Thermal container treatment machine (1) according to claim 8 further comprising an adjusting means (10) for the substructure (11) of the first transport device (2), wherein the adjusting means (10) is designed to adjust the height of the first transport device (2) and the static transfer surface (4) relative to the height of the second transport device (3).

10. Thermal container treatment machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the static push-over surface (4) along the second transport direction (R2) is smaller than 100 mm, 80 mm, 60 mm, 50 mm, 40 mm, 30 mm or 20 mm.

11. Method for the thermal treatment of containers (5) with the thermal container treatment machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Method according to claim 1 1 , wherein the static overlapping surface (4) along the second transport direction (R2) is smaller than half the diameter of the containers (5).

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