阅读说明：本技术 确定气体比例的容器膨胀方法和设备 (Method and apparatus for expanding containers for determining gas ratios ) 是由 安德烈亚斯·沃尔姆 于 2018-12-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了填充和膨胀容器的方法,包括以下步骤：提供可膨胀的容器,尤其是可膨胀的塑料预成型件；用液体填充材料填充容器,在填充过程中至少有时使容器膨胀,并通过放置在要填充和膨胀的容器的开口(10a)上的填充装置(2)进行填充。根据本发明至少有时测量作为填充装置(2)中的气体比例的特征的测量值。(The invention discloses a method for filling and expanding a container, comprising the following steps: providing an expandable container, in particular an expandable plastic preform; the container is filled with a liquid filling material, expanded at least at times during the filling process, and filled by means of a filling device (2) placed over an opening (10a) of the container to be filled and expanded. According to the invention, at least some times, a measured value is measured which is characteristic of the proportion of gas in the filling device (2).)

1. A method of filling and expanding a container comprising the steps of:

-providing an expandable container, in particular an expandable plastic preform;

-filling a container with a liquid filling material, at least at times during filling expanding the container, and filling by means of a filling device (2) placed over an opening (10a) of the container to be filled and expanded,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

at least sometimes measuring a measured value which is characteristic of the proportion of gas in the filling device (2).

2. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

using the measured values to control the filling device (2), in particular a pressure generating device (4) of the filling device (2).

3. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the measured values are determined in a substantially closed volume region (26, 30) of the filling device (2).

4. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the measurement is a pressure value or a measurement that is characteristic of a pressure value.

5. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the measured value is a value for a characteristic of a compressibility of the medium and/or a value for a characteristic of a compressibility of the medium determined from the measured value.

6. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the container is transported along a predetermined transport path and at least at times inflated and filled during said transport.

7. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the liquid medium is fed into the container by means of a pressure generating device (4).

8. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

at least sometimes a pressure difference is measured and/or determined.

9. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the volume of liquid to be filled is determined within a predetermined chamber portion (26).

10. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a reference measurement is made.

11. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the filling device is at least sometimes vented.

12. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a plurality of measurements are recorded.

13. Apparatus (1) for filling and expanding plastic preforms, the apparatus (1) having a filling device (2), the filling device (2) filling the plastic preforms with a filling material and during the filling expanding the plastic preforms at least at times into plastic containers (10), the filling device having a measuring device (32) which is adapted and used to determine at least one measured value which is characteristic of a proportion of gas located in the filling device (2).

14. The device (1) according to the preceding claim,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the device (1) has a processor means (34) which is adapted and used to determine the proportion of gas in the filling means from at least one pressure measurement.

15. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims 13 and 14

It is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the device (1) has a control device (36) which controls the filling device (2), in particular the pressurization device (4), as a function of the measured values.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing containers, in particular for producing beverage containers.

Background

Such devices and methods have long been known from the prior art. Hitherto, it has been known to first expand plastic preforms into plastic bottles, for example by means of a blow molding machine, and then to fill them. Among the processes already known in the recent prior art, a process for forming and filling plastic bottles in the same working step is now proposed. This means that the plastic preforms are shaped in particular by the product to be filled.

In general, it cannot be excluded that air may enter the forming and filling device during the forming and filling process. On the one hand, during and after the shaping of the plastic preform, air located in the plastic preform and in the region between the plastic preform and the filling unit can rise and possibly also enter the shaping and filling device. On the other hand, when filling the product in the forming and filling unit, air may enter the forming and filling unit via the supply line. Such (parasitic) air quantities can interact with the product and have a negative effect on the product quality. In addition, the available volume of the form and fill unit is reduced. The proportion of air in the system also increases the energy consumption, since this parasitic air must be compressed when generating pressure and most of the energy required for this is irreversibly converted into heat.

It would therefore be advantageous to be able to react appropriately to the respective air quantity during the shaping and filling process proposed here.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a method for moulding and filling plastic preforms which offers in particular the possibility of reducing the disturbing factors caused by the air in the system. According to the invention, these objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

For the method according to the invention for filling and expanding containers, in particular plastic containers, an expandable container and in particular a plastic preform is first provided. The plastic preform is filled with a liquid filling material, the plastic preform is expanded at least at times during this filling, and the filling takes place by means of a filling device placed over the opening of the container or plastic preform to be filled and expanded.

According to the invention, at least sometimes a measured value is measured which is characteristic of the proportion of gas in the filling device.

The components of the filling device, in particular the so-called filling nozzle, are preferably placed on the mouth edge of the plastic preform in order to fill it. In this case, the component is particularly preferably applied sealingly to the mouth edge.

In particular, the proportion of gas present in one of those conduit paths is determined, which, starting from the container for the liquid, reaches the plastic preform. It is therefore particularly proposed that during the forming and filling process the amount of gas, in particular air, contained in the system or filling device can be determined. This is preferably the proportion of gas, particularly preferably the proportion of air, in the product to be filled.

The filling device is to be understood in particular as meaning the entire filling device, that is to say the filling and forming device which carries out the filling and forming. The filling device preferably further comprises a pressurizing device which provides a pressurized liquid medium. It is also possible to consider determining the gas ratio at or in the pressure device. Furthermore, the gas proportion can also be determined in the connecting line for conveying the liquid medium from the pressurizing device to the filling unit.

In a preferred method, the filling device, in particular the pressure generating device of the filling device, is controlled and/or regulated by using the measured values. On the basis of this measured value, it is possible, for example, to move, control and preferably regulate a pressure generating device, preferably a piston device.

For example, based on this information, the exhaust process may be initiated or process parameters may be adjusted as appropriate. In a preferred embodiment, the filling material to be filled is provided, in particular by a pressurizing device, and is fed, in particular, to the filling head. The air quantities or air ratios described here can be present, for example, in the filling head and the previously described pressure device.

The invention therefore relates more precisely to the idea of determining the amount of air contained in the forming and filling unit, which, as described in more detail below, can be done, for example, by the compressibility of the system volume.

The measured values are advantageously determined in at least a partially and preferably substantially closed volume region of the filling device. This may be, for example, filling a volume portion above the device contact area. In particular, the volume portion is defined by substantially rigid walls, so that the filling material located in the volume can be compressed in a defined manner.

In general, the compressibility of a media is a measure of the compressibility of the media and describes how volume changes affect the pressure in the media. Most liquids, especially products to be filled, have very low compressibility, while air and other gases or gas mixtures generally have a greater compressibility. This can be used to determine the proportion of air in the system, as described in more detail below.

The volume portion can be closed, for example, by closing a valve, in particular can be compressed on one side. In this way, the volume change caused by the compression can be detected.

In a preferred embodiment, the measured value is a pressure value or a measured value indicative of a pressure value. For example, the pressure or the pressure change of the medium to be compressed can be determined. This can be done, for example, directly by a pressure measuring device which measures, and in particular also continuously measures, the pressure of the volume to be examined. However, it can also be a measured value, from which a pressure value, for example an applied drive torque, can be inferred, for example in order to move the respective piston which generates the pressure.

In a preferred method, the measured value is a value characterizing the compressibility of the medium and/or a value characterizing the compressibility of the medium is determined from the measured value.

In the system of the forming and filling unit described here, the closed volume can be clearly determined at least in certain regions of the process flow, for example because the piston position of the pressurizing means is known. If the piston means is now moved, a volume change dV results. A pressure change dp is also generated, which can be measured, for example, by a pressure sensor.

From this data, the air volume or air ratio of the medium can be determined.

In general, the air volume V1 may be determined based on the following relationship:

V_ges＝V₁+V₂

dv_ges＝dv₁+dv₂

dp_ges＝dp₁＝dp₂

as mentioned above, in addition to pressure measurements using pressure sensors, the prevailing pressure in the volume can also be determined from the torque of the servo drive. As part of the drive control, the motor controller preferably measures the motor current, from which the present torque can be calculated in turn. From this value, the piston force can be determined, which in turn is proportional to the pressure in the pressure cylinder.

In addition, the compression module K can also be used for measuring and calculating the air volume, which is defined as the inverse K of the compression ratio being 1/κ. Alternatively, the product volume can be determined in reverse, and then the gas or air volume calculated from the difference from the total volume.

In another preferred method, the container is transported along a predetermined transport path and at least sometimes expanded and filled during this transport. This means in particular that the containers are transported and particularly preferably transported continuously throughout the filling and expansion process. The containers are advantageously transported along a circular transport path.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the liquid medium is supplied to the container by means of a pressure generating device. The pressure generating means may have a piston which is movable relative to the liquid chamber, in particular relative to the space filled with product. As mentioned above, the pressure generating means is also part of the filling means.

The filling head described above also advantageously has a filling chamber which is supplied by the pressure generating means. It is possible to measure both the pressure or the pressure difference in the region of the filling head and the pressure or the pressure difference in the region of the pressure generating device.

In another preferred method, the above-mentioned measurement values are used for controlling the pressure generating means. In this case, the pressure generating device can preferably be controlled using the gas ratio determined in this way in the filling medium.

In general, information about the amount of air contained in the system can be used in different ways. The amount of air may be used as an indicator to indicate whether a ventilation cycle should be initiated or whether the system should be controlled to ventilate.

Furthermore, this amount of air can also be used to optimize the forming and filling process. If there is more air in the system, the trajectory of the piston can be adjusted, for example, to obtain an optimal pressure profile for the forming and filling process.

The filling amount of the filling cylinder can also be corrected. When loading the cylinder, a certain amount of air must be maintained in order to get the right amount of product into the container.

The measurement described here for determining the gas ratio is preferably carried out in the process sequence and preferably also during the operation of the device.

In making the measurements, it should be noted that different media compressibility is required. The larger the difference, the easier the measurement. For example, the compressibility of water and air differs by a factor of about 20,000. As mentioned above, it is preferred to shut down the system and/or fill a certain volume proportion of the device as strictly as possible during the measurement. If, for example, the membranes bound the enclosed medium, it is advantageous to ensure that no failure of these membranes occurs at least during the measurement or to take these membranes into account in the measurement.

The measured values are particularly preferably used by pressure sensors or pressure measurements in the filling cylinder and/or the filling head. The travel path of the piston device, for example, is also preferably taken into account or determined during the measurement. This is indirectly used to determine the volume that changes due to the change.

The pressure difference is preferably determined at least at times. For example, different pressures at different volumes may be determined. Preferably at least two pressure values and preferably also at least two volume values are determined. From which the compression rate can be calculated.

In a further preferred method, the volume of the liquid to be filled is determined in a predetermined spatial region. As mentioned above, the space portion is preferably defined by walls and the like which are as rigid as possible.

In a further preferred method, the reference measurement is carried out in particular in a defined volume section and/or using a defined and/or known medium. For example, it is conceivable to perform initial measurement in a fully ventilated state to improve measurement accuracy. The results thus produced can also be taken into account, for example, for subsequent measurements.

In a further preferred method, the filling device is at least occasionally vented. The exhaust may be performed because the measured gas ratio is too high.

In another preferred method, a plurality of measurements are recorded. In particular, a characteristic curve, in particular a pressure/stroke characteristic curve, is preferably recorded, the stroke being in particular related to the piston device.

The characteristic curve is preferably compared with a reference curve and/or a reference characteristic curve. In this way, it is possible to determine whether and, if necessary, how much air (or compressed air) is in the system. If the air ratio or compressible ratio is too high, a flushing process can be initiated. In addition, it is also possible that if the gas proportion is found to be too high, the originally predetermined travel path of the piston will be extended to compensate for the travel path of the air compression "consumption". Furthermore, the measured values can also be compared with reference values. Depending on the measured pressure, flushing may be performed, for example, or a travel path may also be provided. Furthermore, a central pressure or an accumulator pressure can also be generated.

As already mentioned, in a preferred method, the measured values are used to control and/or regulate the actual expansion process, in particular the piston movement for applying the pressure.

The invention also relates to a device for filling and expanding plastic preforms, having a filling device which fills the plastic preforms with a filling material and expands the plastic preforms at least at times during filling into plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles. The filling device has a measuring device which is suitable and used at least at times to determine a measured value which is characteristic of the proportion of gas in the filling device.

It is therefore also proposed to provide a measuring device on the equipment side, which allows the determination of the gas ratio at least indirectly. The measuring device may preferably be a pressure measuring device, which is adapted and determined for determining the pressure.

Furthermore, the device preferably has a processor device which is adapted and used to determine a measured value from at least one pressure measured value which is characteristic for the proportion of gas, in particular air, located in the filling device (including the pressurizing device).

Advantageously, the device has a transport device, in particular in the form of a rotatable blower wheel, on which a plurality of shaping stations are preferably arranged. These forming stations advantageously each have a stretching rod which can be inserted into the container to be expanded and filled in order to stretch them in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, these forming stations preferably each have a forming mold in which the plastic preform is expanded to form the plastic container. In a further preferred embodiment, at least one forming station and preferably each forming station has at least one pressure sensor or pressure measuring device. The pressure sensor can be arranged, for example, directly on the filling device, for example in the region of the placement of the filling device on the opening of the plastic preform.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has at least one pressure-controlled triggered control device. The apparatus preferably has at least one and preferably a plurality of pressurising means which provide the liquid medium required to expand the container.

In a further preferred embodiment, the pressurizing device has a piston device which can be moved relative to the liquid volume and in particular relative to the volume of the filling material. Control means may also be provided to control the movement of the piston. In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a position detection device which determines the position of the piston device relative to the liquid volume. In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a drive device for generating a movement of the piston device.

This relates to a motorized, in particular electric drive. In this case, the drive device can preferably also be provided with a drive and/or control device for the motor current.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a venting means to allow the proportion of gas to escape from the filling path for the filling material. In this case, a plurality of ventilation openings can also be provided in order to ventilate different regions of the filling path.

Drawings

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention, more precisely a forming station for expanding plastic preforms into plastic containers 10, in particular plastic bottles 10. For this purpose, these filling and forming stations (also referred to above as filling devices) 2 have a pressure device 4. The pressurizing means 4 has a movable piston 48 which can be moved more precisely relative to the receiving space 42, the filling material to be filled being located in the receiving space 42. Reference numeral 54 denotes a drive device to move the piston device 48. The drive for moving the piston device in the X direction is in particular an electric drive.

Reference numeral 56 denotes a distance measuring device which determines, at least indirectly, the position of the piston 48 in the receiving chamber 42.

The filler material is introduced into the receiving chamber 42 through a feed line 44. In this case, a valve 46 is provided, which valve 46 can be opened and closed to allow liquid (in particular when the piston device 48 is moved backwards) and in particular filling material to flow into the receiving chamber 42.

The filling material is transported from the receiving chamber to the actual filling unit via a connecting line 12. In the filling device, a receiving chamber 26 is provided, which is formed here between the closing piston 23 and the circumferential wall 25. Starting from this receiving chamber 26, the filling material flows through the opening 10a into the plastic preform and thus also expands the plastic container 10. Reference numeral 28 designates a contact device which can be placed on the opening 10a of the plastic preform, thus enabling liquid to flow therein. The contact device can be embodied as a filling nozzle which in particular also bears sealingly against the mouth edge of the plastic preform.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a stretching rod for stretching the plastic preform in the longitudinal direction L. For this purpose, a drive device 24 is also provided, which effects this movement of the stretch rod 22.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the physical principle. Here again the containment chamber with liquid 42b and air 42a is shown. There is an empty volume V1 and a product volume V2 within volume 30. The compression ratio of air is about κ 1 and the compression ratio of the product is about κ 2.

A volume difference dV is generated on the movement path dX. The above formula can be used to draw conclusions about the volume V1, which is defined by the compressibility values κ 1 and κ 2 (known), the total compressibility value κ_ges(determined by the volume change and the pressure difference) and the total volume. Reference numeral 32 relates to a pressure measuring device which here measures a total pressure Pges which is equal to the individual pressures p1 and p 2. More specifically, the pressure measurement device 32 measures the pressure in different positions of the piston 48, and as described above, a pressure measurement curve can be derived therefrom.

Reference numeral 34 denotes a processor device which determines the air proportion of the medium to be filled and/or the air proportion of the liquid on the basis of the measured values. Reference numeral 36 denotes a control device that controls the apparatus, and in particular the drive device 54 (see fig. 1), based on the air ratio.

Furthermore, the apparatus may also have valve means (not shown) which can vent the apparatus.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a schematic representation of an apparatus 1 for expanding and shaping plastic preforms according to the invention. The apparatus has a rotatable carrier 6 on which a plurality of filling and forming devices 2 are arranged. The plastic preforms may be supplied, for example, by an infeed star (not shown), and the formed and filled containers may be removed from the system by an outfeed star (also not shown).

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention as long as they are new to the prior art, whether used alone or in combination. It is further noted that features which may be advantageous per se are also described in the various figures. Those skilled in the art will recognize that some of the features depicted in the drawings may be advantageous even if other features in the drawings are not employed. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that advantages may also result from a combination of several features shown in separate or different drawings.

List of reference numerals

2 filling device

4 pressurizing device

6 vectors

10 container

10a opening

12 connecting pipeline

22 stretch rod

23 closed piston

25 peripheral wall

26 accommodating chamber

28 contact device

30 volume

32 pressure measuring device

34 processor device

42 receiving chamber

44 feed line

46 valve

48 piston device

54 distance measuring device

56 driving device

Direction of movement of the X-piston device

L longitudinal direction of the container 10

Volume of air V1

Volume of V2 product

Compression ratio of kappa 1 air

Compressibility of kappa 2 products

dV volume difference

p1 pressure

p2 pressure