FR3070970A1 - CONTAINER PROCESSING FACILITY - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an installation (I) for treating a succession of containers (R) comprising at least a first processing machine (2) and a second processing machine (3), each intended to receive at least a portion of the succession of containers (R) to perform a treatment; and a switching device comprising a wheel (4) movable in rotation arranged to rotate said plurality of containers (R), and a first means and a second sampling means arranged to take on the wheel (4) switching respectively a first part of the succession of containers for the first machine (2) of treatment and a second part of the succession of containers for the second machine (3) treatment.

Description

CONTAINER PROCESSING PLANT

1. Field of the invention

The invention relates the domain of treatment of containers It relates to more particularly a Washroom on treatment of containers. 2. Prior art he is known to facilities of treatment of

containers, comprising for example a forming machine combined with a filling machine. The forming machine forms the containers from plastic preforms, such as polyethylene terephthalate, the containers being, for example, bottles or flasks. The filling machine fills the containers thus formed with a product. The installation also includes transfer means designed to take containers out of the forming machine and to transmit them to the inlet of the filling machine.

A drawback of such an installation lies in the downtime of the installation in the event of a change of product and / or of containers as well as in the event of cleaning or breakdown in particular of the filling machine. Indeed, these downtimes penalize the performance of the installation.

3. Objectives of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide a container processing installation having improved efficiency and flexibility compared to existing machines, while limiting the size and the production cost associated with the installation.

4. Summary of the invention

The invention relates to an installation for treating a succession of containers comprising at least a first treatment machine and a second treatment machine, each intended to receive at least part of the succession of containers for carrying out a treatment, and a referral device located upstream of the first and second processing machines comprising a mobile wheel in rotation arranged to rotate said succession of containers, a first means and a second sampling means arranged to withdraw from the switching wheel respectively a first part of the succession of containers intended for the first processing machine and a second part of the succession of containers intended for the second processing machine.

Such an installation has the advantage of allowing the use of either the first treatment machine alone, or the second treatment machine alone or the first and second treatment machines simultaneously. Such an installation therefore offers significant flexibility making it possible to adapt to different situations without interrupting production, including a breakdown or maintenance on one of the two processing machines, a change of product or an increase in the production rate. . A second advantage, in the case of two filling machines, is linked to the possibility of filling a container with two products requiring different filling techniques, for example products having a disparity in density or viscosity.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the installation further comprises a transfer device from the first machine to the second processing machine comprising a transfer wheel which is mobile in rotation, equipped on its periphery with a plurality of elements of gripping arranged to grip containers from the first processing machine, the transfer wheel thus making it possible to rotate the containers to a point upstream of the second processing machine. By container from the processing machine is meant a container that has undergone processing by the machine. The container from the machine is not necessarily taken directly from the machine. The term “upstream of an element” is understood to mean “located before the element” on a course of containers within the installation. Likewise, the term “downstream of an element” is understood to mean “located after the element” on a course of containers within the installation. Such an installation makes it possible to subject two consecutive treatments carried out by two different machines to a succession of containers within the same installation.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second treatment machine has the same entry point and / or the same entry wheel for containers coming from the referral device without passing through the first treatment machine and for containers from the first processing machine.

According to a particular embodiment, the transfer wheel is only movable in rotation, the transfer wheel rotating about a fixed axis relative to the installation and remaining at a fixed height relative to the installation. In other words, according to the invention, the installation has only one configuration as to the positioning of the transfer wheel. Such a transfer wheel makes it possible to limit the risks of poor gripping of the containers by the gripping elements due to a play which would be introduced by additional mobilities.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first treatment machine and the second treatment machine each comprise a treatment wheel arranged to rotate the containers during treatment. Such an installation makes it possible to carry out a treatment of the containers during the rotation of the containers around the wheel so as not to interrupt the production flow. The circular shape of the course of the containers during treatment rather than straight promotes the compactness of the treatment machine.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the processing wheel of the first processing machine and the processing wheel of the second processing machine have a rotation in opposite directions. Such an installation makes it possible to obtain a symmetrical arrangement of the first and second processing machines.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the installation comprises, at the output of each of the first and second processing machines, at least one wheel arranged so as to take the first part of the succession of containers respectively from the first processing machine and the second part of the succession of containers in the second machine and in conveying them respectively to a first point and a second exit point from the installation, the first and second exit points being juxtaposed. Such an installation makes it possible to obtain directly at the outlet of the installation lots consisting for example of a container treated by the first treatment machine and another container treated by the second treatment machine.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the installation further comprises a first intermediate wheel movable in rotation in opposite direction relative to the switching wheel, equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements, arranged for grasp downstream of a switch point the containers driven in rotation in the switch wheel. The presence of a first intermediate wheel makes it possible to impose a rotation in the opposite direction with respect to the switching wheel.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the installation further comprises an intermediate transfer wheel movable in rotation in opposite direction relative to the transfer wheel, equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the transfer wheel. The presence of an intermediate transfer wheel makes it possible to impose a rotation in the opposite direction with respect to the transfer wheel.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first sampling means comprises a first input wheel movable in rotation, equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements arranged to grasp at a point of contact the driven containers in rotation in the switching wheel forming the first part of the succession of containers, the first input wheel thus making it possible to rotate said containers to an entry point of the processing wheel of the first machine treatment. Such a sampling means makes it possible to manage the flow of containers in a safe and precise manner insofar as the containers are held in place in the gripping elements and driven in rotation at a controllable angular speed.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second withdrawal means comprises a second input wheel movable in rotation, equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements and arranged to rotate the containers up to a entry point of the processing wheel of the second processing machine. Such a sampling means makes it possible to manage the flow of containers in a safe and precise manner insofar as the containers are held in place in the gripping elements and driven in rotation at a controllable angular speed.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second input wheel is arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the first intermediate wheel. This makes it possible to convey the containers to the second treatment machine according to a first route which does not pass through the first treatment machine in a configuration where the first treatment machine and the second treatment machine rotate in opposite directions.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second input wheel is arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the intermediate transfer wheel. This allows the containers to be conveyed to the second treatment machine along a second route passing through the first treatment machine in a configuration where the first treatment machine and the second treatment machine rotate in opposite directions.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second input wheel is arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the switching wheel. This makes it possible to convey the containers to the second treatment machine according to a first route which does not pass through the first treatment machine in a configuration where the first treatment machine and the second treatment machine rotate in the same direction.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second input wheel is arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the transfer wheel. This allows the containers to be conveyed to the second treatment machine along a second route passing through the first treatment machine in a configuration where the first treatment machine and the second treatment machine rotate in the same direction.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the installation further comprises an initial treatment machine intended to carry out an initial treatment of the succession of containers upstream of the switching wheel. Such an installation has the advantage of combining several different successive treatments in the same installation, thus making it possible to reduce the space required for carrying out these different treatments. Another advantage comes from the use of the initial treatment machine at the maximum of its capacities and in particular, at the maximum of its rate. Indeed, in a conventional installation, the initial treatment machine is often not used to the maximum of its capacities insofar as the performance of the initial treatment is adapted to the rate of the treatment machine although the initial treatment machine can operate at higher rates.

According to a particular embodiment, the initial treatment machine is a machine for forming a succession of preforms into a succession of containers or a machine for rinsing already formed containers, or else a machine for straightening containers or a sanitation machine.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the installation further comprises a first final treatment machine and / or a second final treatment machine intended to carry out a final treatment of the containers originating respectively from the first treatment machine and / or from the second processing machine. Such an installation has the advantage of combining several different successive treatments in the same installation, thus making it possible to reduce the space required for carrying out these different treatments.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first final treatment machine and / or the second final treatment machine is a machine / are sealing or heat sealing machines for a succession of containers.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the processing machines further comprises an output wheel equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements arranged to grip the containers from the processing wheel. the machine, the output wheel thus making it possible to drive the containers in rotation in the opposite direction to that of the processing wheel. The presence of an output wheel having a rotation in opposite direction relative to the treatment wheel makes it possible to adapt the angle of arrival of the containers in the element placed after the output wheel.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the gripping elements is removable.

The removable nature of the gripping elements makes it possible to change the configuration of the installation by modifying

The referral in the case of an element of containers from one wheel to the next. In a downstream wheel adjoining an upstream wheel, in the absence of grip on the downstream wheel, the containers of the upstream wheel will not pass from the upstream wheel to the downstream wheel. On the contrary, in the presence of gripping elements, the receptacles of the upstream wheel will be taken up by the gripping elements of the downstream wheel and will therefore transit from the upstream wheel to the downstream wheel.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first treatment machine and the second treatment machine are machines for filling a succession of containers with a product.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the installation comprises means forming separation limits for each machine arranged so as to prevent access to said machine when the machine is in operation. Such separation limits reduce the risk of accident caused by a running machine.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the separation limits comprise at least one partition.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the separation limits comprise light curtains, that is to say at least one beam of electromagnetic radiation materializing a separation limit and making it possible to detect a crossing of said separation limit and in if detected, stop the corresponding machine.

5. List of figures

Other characteristics and innovative advantages will emerge from the description below, provided for information and in no way limitative, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 represents a schematic view of an installation according to a first embodiment of the invention and in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 represents a schematic view of an installation according to a first embodiment of the invention and in a second configuration;

FIG. 3 represents a schematic view of an installation according to a first embodiment of the invention and in a third configuration;

FIG. 4 represents a schematic view of an installation according to a first embodiment of the invention and in a fourth configuration;

FIG. 5 represents a schematic view of an installation according to a second embodiment of the invention and in a first configuration;

FIG. 6 represents a schematic view of an installation according to a second embodiment of the invention and in a second configuration;

FIG. 7 represents a schematic view of an installation according to a second embodiment of the invention and in a third configuration;

FIG. 8 represents a schematic view of an installation according to a second embodiment of the invention and in a fourth configuration;

FIG. 9 schematically represents two wheels within the framework of the invention intended to be equipped with removable gripping elements in a first configuration;

FIG. 10 schematically represents two wheels in the context of the invention intended to be equipped with removable gripping elements in a second configuration; and FIG. 11 schematically represents two wheels in the context of the invention intended to be equipped with removable gripping elements in a third configuration.

6. Detailed description

Figures 1 to 11 are oriented relative to a vertical axis Z pointing upwards.

Figures 1 to 4 show an installation I for processing a succession of containers according to a first embodiment of the invention. The installation I comprises an initial treatment machine 1, a first treatment machine 2 and a second treatment machine 3, a first final treatment machine 20 and a second final treatment machine 30.

The treatments carried out by the initial treatment, treatment or final treatment machines are for example operations of forming, labeling, marking, filling, rinsing or capping the containers or treatments of the wall of the containers, cooling or deformation of part of the container.

In the example shown, the initial processing machine is a machine for forming a succession of preforms Rp into a succession of containers

A. Each preform Rp comprises, in a manner known per se, an elongated body in a main direction and a ring.

The body of the preform is hollow so as to define an internal volume, for example cylindrical. The body has two ends, a first closed end forming the bottom and a second open end forming the neck.

The neck comprises for example a thread allowing the fixing of a stopper on the container. The ring is, for example, made of one piece with the body and forms an external ring in excess thickness of the body under the thread of the neck.

The ring thus constitutes a reinforced zone of the container through which the container can be gripped and transported. The preform

Rp is described in the foregoing by way of example. Thus, the containers R of the invention could be obtained from other types of preforms, for example preforms without a ring or having a neck without threading.

The preforms are made of plastic, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or any other material having a malleable and deformable state under the effect of a fluid under pressure. Upstream of the forming step, the preforms Rp are heated by heating means, not shown. The heating means are designed to bring the preforms to a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the crystallization temperature of the material of the preform in order to make it malleable and deformable.

Once heated by the heating means, the preforms Rp are transferred to an entry point 11 of the forming machine. In the example shown, the initial processing machine 1 comprises a processing wheel 1a which is mobile in rotation about an axis parallel to the vertical axis Z. The processing wheel 1a has forming stations on its periphery. During the movement of the wheel la, the stations have a circular movement passing through the entry point 11. Each forming station comprises a mold and a device for injecting a forming fluid. As a variant, each forming station further comprises a stretching rod arranged to exert support on the bottom of the preform in order to extend it in its main direction. The mold defines a volume having the shape of the container to be produced. At the entry point 11, the mold is open to receive a preform Rp arranged so that the main direction of the preform is parallel to the vertical axis Z, then the mold is closed. The preform is thus entrained in the circular movement of the station. The injection device is placed in fluid communication with the internal volume of the preform via the neck. Then, a pressurized fluid is injected by the injection device into the preform during the movement of the station in the direction of an exit point 12 of the forming machine. The injection device is therefore kept facing the neck throughout the movement of the station. Under the effect of the pressurized fluid, the preform acquires the shape of the container to be produced imposed by the mold. The pressurized fluid is for example a gas like pressurized air. At point 12 of exit, the container R is therefore obtained from the preform; the mold is opened and the container R obtained is extracted from the forming station.

According to variant embodiments, the forming stations are arranged to form different types of containers, for example, different types of containers requiring:

N different types of molds, N being between 1 and the number of stations on the processing wheel of the initial processing machine. One of the N types of mold is assigned to each forming station according to the sequence of containers to be produced; and / or different types of preforms, for example made from different materials; and / or different forming conditions such as different forming pressure curves.

In the example shown, the installation further comprises an output wheel lb of the initial treatment machine 1 movable in rotation about an axis parallel to the vertical axis Z. The output wheel lb is equipped on its periphery a plurality of gripping elements arranged to grip containers R at the outlet point 12 of the initial processing machine, the outlet wheel lb thus making it possible to drive the containers formed in rotation.

In the example shown, the first treatment machine 2 and the second treatment machine 3 are machines for filling a succession of containers with a filling product. Each filling machine comprises a wheel 2a or 3a respectively of mobile processing in rotation about an axis parallel to the vertical axis

Z. In installation I, the wheels 2a and 3a for processing respectively the first processing machine 2 and the second processing machine 3 have a rotation in the same direction. The processing wheel has filling stations on its periphery. During the movement of the wheel, the stations have a circular movement passing for the first processing machine 2 through an entry point 21 and through an exit point and for the second processing machine 3 through a point 31 entry and by an exit point 32. Each filling station includes a container support and a filling device. At the entry point of the processing wheel, a station receives a container in its container holder. The filling device is arranged to introduce the filling product into the container via the neck. Then, the product is introduced by the filling device into the container during the movement of the station towards the exit point of the filling machine. The filling device is therefore kept facing the neck during the movement of the station. The filling product is for example a food, cosmetic or detergent product. For the same filling machine, the usable filling products can have very disparate viscosities, densities and temperatures.

In the example shown, the installation also includes a first input wheel 5 of the first processing machine and a second input wheel 7 of the second processing machine.

In the example shown, the installation further comprises a wheel 2b for output from the first processing machine 2 and a wheel 3b for output from the second processing machine, the wheels 2b and 3b for output being rotatable around d an axis parallel to the vertical axis Z. The outlet wheels 2b and 3b are equipped on their periphery with a plurality of gripping elements arranged to grip containers respectively at the outlet point 22 of the processing wheel 2a of the first processing machine 2 and at the outlet point 32 of the processing wheel 3a of the second processing machine 3, the outlet wheels thus making it possible to drive the filled containers in rotation.

In the example shown, the first final treatment machine 20 and the second final treatment machine 30 are capping machines. Each capping machine comprises a wheel 20a or 30a respectively movable in rotation about an axis parallel to the vertical axis Z. The processing wheel has capping stations on its periphery. During the movement of the wheel, the stations present a circular movement passing for the first final treatment machine 20 by an entry point 201 and by an exit point 202 and for the second final treatment machine 30 by a point 301 of entry and by a point 302 of exit. Each capping station includes a container support and a capping device. At the point of entry, a station receives a container in its container holder. The closure device is arranged to fix a stopper on the neck of the container, for example to screw a stopper on the thread of the neck of the container, during the movement of the station towards the exit point of the filling machine. The closure device is therefore kept facing the neck during the movement of the station.

In the example shown, the installation further comprises a wheel 20b for output from the first final processing machine 20 and a wheel 30b for output from the second machine 30 for final processing, the output wheels 20b and 30b being movable in rotation about an axis parallel to the vertical axis Z. The output wheels 20b and 30b are equipped on their periphery with a plurality of gripping elements arranged to grip containers at the exit point respectively 202 of the first machine 20 of final treatment and 302 of the second machine 30 of final treatment, the outlet wheels thus making it possible to drive the plugged containers in rotation.

The installation also includes routing elements for routing the containers from one machine to another, including a switching device and a transfer device.

The switching device comprises a switching wheel 4 movable in rotation about an axis parallel to the vertical axis Z. The switching wheel 4 is equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements arranged to grab containers in the output wheel lb at a transfer point 14 at the interface between the output wheel lb and the switching wheel 4, the switching wheel 4 thus making it possible to rotate the containers originating from the initial processing machine 1.

By containers from the initial processing machine 1 is meant containers having undergone initial processing in the initial processing machine.

The referral device further comprises a first means and a second sampling means arranged to take from the switching wheel respectively a first part of the succession of containers intended for the first processing machine and a second part of the succession of containers for the second processing machine.

In the example shown, the first sampling means comprises the first input wheel 5 of the first processing machine 2, the first input wheel 5 being movable in rotation, equipped on its periphery with a plurality of elements gripper arranged to grip containers driven in rotation in the switching wheel 4 forming the first part of the succession of containers at a switching point 45 located at the interface between the switching wheel 4 and the first wheel 5 input, the first input wheel 5 thus driving said containers in rotation to the point 21 of entry of the first processing machine.

The transfer device from the first machine to the second processing machine comprises a transfer wheel 6 movable in rotation about an axis parallel to the vertical axis Z. The transfer wheel 6 is only movable in rotation. Indeed, the transfer wheel rotates around a fixed axis relative to the installation and remains at a fixed height relative to the installation, the height corresponding to a coordinate on the vertical axis Z. The wheel 6 of transfer is equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements arranged to grip containers driven in rotation in the wheel 2b of the output of the first processing machine 2 at a transfer point 26 located at the interface between the wheel 2b output from the first processing machine and the transfer wheel 6. The transfer wheel 6 thus makes it possible to rotate the containers from the first processing machine 2.

The second input wheel 7 of the second processing machine 3 is movable in rotation about an axis parallel to the vertical axis Z, the second input wheel 7 being movable in rotation in opposite direction relative to the wheel 6 transfer. The second input wheel 7 is equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the transfer wheel 6 at a transfer point 67 located at the interface between the wheel 6 transfer and the second input wheel 7. The second input wheel 7 is arranged to rotate the containers to the point 31 of entry of the second processing machine 3.

The second input wheel 7 is also part of the second sampling means. Indeed, the gripping elements of the second input wheel 7 are also arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the switching wheel 4 at a transfer point 47 located at the interface between the switching wheel 4 and the second input wheel 7.

The change in configuration between a sample taken exclusively by the first sample means, a sample exclusively by the second sample means or a sample for part of the containers by the first sample means and for the other party by the second sample means is explained through Figures 9 to 11 described below.

The same principle of configuration change applies for the transfer wheel 6 and the output wheel 2b of the first processing machine 2.

The installation further comprises means forming separation limits L for each machine shown in dotted lines in FIGS. 1 to 8. The separation limits L make it possible to prevent access to the machine when the machine is running. In the example, the separation limits are metal partitions. The partitions can also be made of plastic or any other material capable of withstanding the impact of a pedestrian. The partitions can be removable or actuable to allow access to the corresponding stopped machine. As a variant, the separation limits L are light barriers, for example beams of electromagnetic radiation materializing a separation limit and making it possible to detect a crossing of said separation limit. If detected, the corresponding machine is automatically stopped.

In addition, the machines have independent motors for each zone delimited by the separation limits L. This makes it possible, for example, to stop the operation of the machines in one zone while leaving the machines of the other zones in operation. The motorizations include slave motors allowing synchronization between the different motorizations.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 1, the installation I is in a configuration in which the second treatment machine 3 is not used. This is for example the case during cleaning of the second treatment machine 3 or during maintenance or a change of product. The second processing machine 3 is then stopped and the first processing machine 2 has a rate equal to the rate of the initial processing machine 1.

In this configuration, empty containers R are formed from preforms Rp in the machine 1 for initial processing. Then, all the empty containers R pass via the output wheel 1b of the initial processing machine 1, then via the switching wheel 4, then via the first input wheel 5 before arriving at the first machine 2 of treatment. In the first processing machine 2, the containers are filled with a first product. Then, the containers R filled with a first product pass via the output wheel 2b of the first treatment machine 2 before arriving at the first final treatment machine 20. In the first final treatment machine 20, the containers R filled with the first product are then closed with a stopper. Finally, the clogged containers pass via the output wheel 20b of the first final processing machine before leaving the installation at the exit point SI, for example on an endless belt conveyor.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 2, the installation I is in a configuration in which the first treatment machine 2 is not used. This is for example the case when cleaning the first processing machine or during maintenance or a change of product. The first processing machine 2 is then stopped and the second processing machine 3 has a rate equal to the rate of the initial processing machine 1. In this configuration, empty containers R are formed from preforms Rp in the machine 1 for initial processing. Then, all the empty containers R pass via the output wheel lb of the initial processing machine, then via the switching wheel 4, then via the second input wheel 7 before arriving at the second processing machine 3 . In the second processing machine 3, the containers are filled with a second product. Then, the containers R filled with a second product pass through the outlet wheel 3b of the second processing machine 3 before arriving at the second final processing machine 30. In the second final processing machine 30, the containers R filled with the second product are then closed with a stopper. Finally, the clogged containers pass via the outlet wheel 30b of the second final treatment machine before leaving the installation I at the outlet point S2, for example on an endless belt conveyor.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 3, the installation I is in a configuration in which the first treatment machine 2 and the second treatment machine 3 are used simultaneously, the containers treated by a treatment machine not being treated in a second time by the other processing machine. This is for example the case when the installation is intended to fill the same type of container with two different products or to fill two types of container with two different products. This configuration is also used to increase the rate of installation, the two treatment machines filling, for example, identical containers with the same product. The first processing machine 2 and the second processing machine 3 then have an identical rate, two times lower than the rate of the initial processing machine 1. In this configuration, empty containers R are formed from preforms Rp in the machine 1 for initial processing. Then, all the empty containers R pass via the output wheel lb of the initial processing machine, then via the switching wheel 4. Then a first part of the succession of containers intended for the first treatment machine is taken by the first input wheel 5 before arriving at the first treatment machine 2 and a second part of the succession of containers intended for the second processing machine continues its race on the switching wheel 4. The second part of the succession of containers is then taken by the second input wheel 7 on the switching wheel 4 before arriving at the second processing machine 3. In the first processing machine 2, the containers are filled with a first product. Then, the containers R filled with a first product pass via the output wheel 2b of the first treatment machine 2 before arriving at the first final treatment machine 20. In the first final treatment machine 20, the containers R filled with the first product are then closed with a stopper. Finally, the clogged containers pass through the outlet wheel 20b of the first final treatment machine before leaving the installation I at the outlet point SI, for example on an endless belt conveyor. In the second processing machine 3, the containers are filled with a second product. Then, the containers R filled with a second product pass through the outlet wheel 3b of the second processing machine 3 before arriving at the second final processing machine 30. In the second final processing machine 30, the containers R filled with the second product are then closed with a stopper. Finally, the clogged containers pass via the outlet wheel 30b of the second final treatment machine before leaving the installation I at the outlet point S2, for example on an endless belt conveyor.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 4, the installation I is in a configuration in which the first treatment machine 2 and the second treatment machine 3 are used successively for the same container. This is for example the case when the installation is intended to fill each container successively with two different immiscible products. The first treatment machine and the second treatment machine 3 then have an identical rate, equal to the rate of the initial treatment machine 1. This configuration is also used to increase the rate of installation, the two treatment machines for example successively filling a first half and then a second half of the same container with the same product. In this configuration, empty containers R are formed from preforms Rp in the machine 1 for initial processing. Then, all the empty containers R pass via the output wheel 1b of the initial processing machine, then via the switching wheel 4, then via the first input wheel 5 before arriving at the first processing machine 2 . In the first processing machine 2, the containers are filled with a first product. Then, the containers R filled with a first product pass through the wheel 2b output from the first processing machine 2, then via the transfer wheel 6, then via the second input wheel 7 before arriving at the second machine 3 treatment. In the second processing machine 3, the containers are filled with a second product. Then, the containers filled with the first product and the second product pass through the outlet wheel 3b of the second processing machine before arriving at the second final processing machine 30. In the second final processing machine 30, the containers filled with the first product and the second product are then closed with a stopper. Finally, the clogged containers pass via the outlet wheel 30b of the second final treatment machine before leaving the installation I at the outlet point S2, for example on an endless belt conveyor.

Figures 5 to 8 show an installation I 'according to a second embodiment of the invention. In installation I ′, the wheels 2a ′ and 3a ′ for processing respectively of the first machine 2 ′ of treatment and of the second machine 3 ′ of treatment have a rotation in opposite directions. Each processing wheel has filling stations on its periphery. During the movement of the wheel, the stations have a circular movement passing for the first 2 ′ treatment machine through an entry point 21 ′ and through an exit point 22 ′ and for the second 3 ′ treatment machine through a entry point 31 'and exit point 32'.

Likewise, in installation I ′, the wheels 20a ′ and 30a ′ for processing the first machine 20 ′ for final processing and the second machine 30 ′ for final processing respectively have a rotation in opposite directions.

In installation I ′, a first part of the succession of containers having undergone a treatment in the first treatment machine 2 ′ then a final treatment in the first final treatment machine 20 ′ leaves at a first exit point SI ′ installation; and a second part of the succession of containers having undergone a treatment in the second 3 ′ treatment machine then a final treatment in the second 30 ′ final treatment machine leaves at a second point S2 ′ of exit from the installation, the first point SI 'of exit and the second point S2' of exit being juxtaposed. This last characteristic comes in particular from the operation in opposite direction of the first and of the second processing machines.

In the switching device of the installation I ′, the second sampling means comprises a first intermediate wheel 8 ′. The first intermediate wheel 8 'is movable in rotation about an axis parallel to the vertical axis Z. The first intermediate wheel 8' is equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements arranged to grip at a point 48 'of transfer located downstream of the point of referral 45' of the containers driven in rotation in the wheel 4 'of referral.

The installation I 'also includes a second intermediate wheel 9' or intermediate transfer wheel. This second intermediate wheel 9 'is movable in rotation about an axis parallel to the vertical axis Z, the second intermediate wheel 9' being movable in rotation in the opposite direction relative to the transfer wheel 6 '. The second intermediate wheel 9 ′ is equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the transfer wheel 6 ′ at a transfer point 69 ′ located at the interface between the wheel 6 'transfer and the second 9' intermediate wheel.

According to a variant not shown, the installation I 'has only one intermediate wheel picking up containers on the switching wheel 4' and on the transfer wheel 6 '

and transmitting input. the containers to the second wheel 7 ' The second 7 'entry wheel East equipped sure her periphery of a plurality of elements of prehension arranged

to grasp the containers driven in rotation in the first intermediate wheel 8 'at a first transfer point 78' located at the interface between the first intermediate wheel 8 'and the second input wheel 7'. The gripping elements of the second input wheel 7 ′ are also arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the second intermediate wheel 9 ′ at a second transfer point 79 ′ situated at the interface between the second intermediate wheel 9 ′ and the second input wheel 7 '. In addition, the second inlet wheel 7 ′ is arranged to rotate the containers up to the point 31 ′ of entry of the second processing machine 3 ′.

In the example shown, the installation I ′ comprises three wheels lb ′, the ′ and ld ′ of the output of the initial treatment machine 1 ′ movable in rotation about an axis parallel to the vertical axis Z and placed one after the other in the course of the containers. The output wheels lb ', the' and ld 'are equipped on their respective peripheries with a plurality of gripping elements arranged to grip containers for the wheel lb' on the processing wheel la 'of the machine 1' of initial treatment at the exit point 12 'of the machine 1' of initial treatment, for the wheel le 'on the wheel lb' and for the wheel ld 'on the wheel le'. Then, the gripping elements of the switching wheel 4 'grip the containers formed on the output wheel 1d to drive them in rotation.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 5, the installation I ′ is in a configuration in which the second processing machine 3 ′ is not used. This is for example the case during cleaning of the second treatment machine 3 ′ or during maintenance or a change of product. The second treatment machine 3 ′ is then stopped and the first treatment machine 2 ′ has a rate equal to the rate of the initial treatment machine 1 ′. In this configuration, empty containers R are formed from preforms Rp in the machine 1 ′ for initial processing. Then, all the empty containers R pass via the wheels lb ', the' and ld 'of the output of the initial processing machine, then via the wheel 4' of the switch, then via the first input wheel 5 'before d 'arrive at the first processing machine 2'. In the first processing machine 2 ′, the containers are filled with a first product. Then, the containers R filled with a first product pass via the wheel 2b 'of the output of the first processing machine 2' before arriving at the first machine 20 'of final processing. In the first final treatment machine 20 ′, the containers R filled with the first product are then closed with a stopper. Finally, the clogged containers pass via the wheel 20b 'at the outlet of the first final processing machine before leaving the installation I' at the outlet point SI ', for example on an endless belt conveyor.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 6, the installation I ′ is in a configuration in which the first processing machine 2 ′ is not used. This is for example the case during cleaning of the first treatment machine 2 ′ or during maintenance or a change of product. The first processing machine 2 'is then stopped and the second processing machine 3' has a rate equal to the rate of the initial processing machine 1 '. In this configuration, empty containers R are formed from preforms Rp in the machine 1 ′ for initial processing. Then, all the empty containers R pass via the wheels lb ′, the ′ and ld ′ of the output from the initial processing machine, then via the wheel 4 ′ for referral, then via the first intermediate wheel 8 ′, then via the second input wheel 7 'before arriving at the second processing machine 3'. In the second processing machine 3 ', the containers are filled with a second product. Then, the containers R filled with the second product pass via the wheel 3b ′ of the output of the second processing machine 3 ′ before arriving at the second machine 30 ′ of final processing. In the second final treatment machine 30 ′, the containers R filled with the second product are then closed with a stopper. Finally, the clogged containers pass via the wheel 30b 'at the outlet of the second final treatment machine before leaving the installation I' at the outlet point S2 'for example on an endless belt conveyor.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 7, the installation I 'is in a configuration in which the first processing machine 2' and the second processing machine 3 'are used simultaneously. This is for example the case when the installation is intended to fill the same type of container with two different products or to fill two types of container with two different products. This configuration is also used to increase the rate of installation, the two treatment machines filling, for example, identical containers with the same product. The first treatment machine 2 ′ and the second treatment machine 3 ′ then have an identical rate, two times lower than the rate of the machine 1 ′ for initial treatment. In this configuration, empty containers R are formed from preforms Rp in the machine 1 ′ for initial processing. Then, all the empty containers R pass via the wheels lb ', the', ld 'of output from the initial processing machine, then via the wheel 4' of the switch. Then a first part of the succession of containers intended for the first treatment machine is removed by the first input wheel 5 ′ before arriving at the first treatment machine 2 ′ and a second part of the succession of containers intended for the second processing machine continues its race on the switch wheel 4 '. The second part of the succession of containers is then taken by the first intermediate wheel 8 'on the switching wheel 4', then transits via the second input wheel 7 'before arriving at the second processing machine 3' . In the first processing machine 2 ′, the containers are filled with a first product. Then, the containers R filled with the first product pass via the wheel 2b 'of the output of the first processing machine 2' before arriving at the first machine 20 'of final processing. In the first final treatment machine 20 ′, the containers R filled with the first product are then closed with a stopper. Finally, the clogged containers pass via the wheel 20b 'at the outlet of the first final processing machine before leaving the installation I' at the outlet point SI 'for example on an endless belt conveyor. In the second processing machine 3 ', the containers are filled with a second product. Then, the containers R filled with the second product pass via the wheel 3b ′ of the output of the second processing machine 3 ′ before arriving at the second machine 30 ′ of final processing. In the second final treatment machine 30 ′, the containers R filled with the second product are then closed with a stopper. Finally, the clogged containers pass via the wheel 30b 'at the outlet of the first final treatment machine before leaving the installation I' at point S2 'for example on an endless belt conveyor.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 8, the installation I ′ is in a configuration in which the first processing machine 2 ′ and the second processing machine 3 ′ are used successively. This is for example the case when the installation is intended to fill each container successively with two different immiscible products. This configuration is also used to increase the rate of installation, the two treatment machines for example successively filling a first half and then a second half of the same container with the same product. The first processing machine 2 ′ and the second processing machine 3 ′ then have an identical rate, equal to the rate of the machine 1 ′ for initial treatment. In this configuration, empty containers R are formed from preforms Rp in the machine 1 ′ for initial processing. Then, all the empty containers R pass via the wheels lb ', the' and ld 'of the output of the initial processing machine, then via the wheel 4' of the switch, then via the first input wheel 5 'before d 'arrive at the first processing machine 2'. In the first processing machine 2 ′, the containers are filled with a first product. Then, the containers R filled with the first product pass via the wheel 2b 'output from the first processing machine 2', then via the transfer wheel 6 ', then via the second intermediate wheel 9', then via the second wheel 7 'input before arriving at the second 3' processing machine. In the second processing machine 3 ', the containers are filled with a second product. Then, the containers filled with the first product and the second product pass via the wheel 3b ′ of the output of the second processing machine 3 ′ before arriving at the second machine 30 ′ of final processing. In the second final treatment machine 30 ′, the containers filled with the first product and the second product are then closed with a stopper. Finally, the clogged containers pass via the wheel 30b 'at the outlet of the second final treatment machine before leaving the installation I at the outlet point S2' for example on an endless belt conveyor.

As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the gripping elements P are removable. In fact, the wheels intended to include gripping elements have locations E in which the gripping elements P are removably fixed. Figures 9 to 11 show a pair of wheels including an upstream wheel A, a downstream wheel B. Also shown is a transfer point T located at the interface between the upstream wheel A and the downstream wheel B at which the downstream wheel B is intended to grip a container R in the upstream wheel A. The rotations RA of the wheel A and RB of the wheel B are synchronized so that when a location E of the upstream wheel A arrives opposite the transfer point T, a location E of the wheel B arrives simultaneously opposite the point T transfer. In the example of FIGS. 9 to 11, the directions of rotation RA of the upstream wheel A and RB of the downstream wheel B are opposite. The pair of wheels A upstream and B downstream is for example:

the switching wheel 4 and the first input wheel 5, or the transfer wheel 6 and the second input wheel 7, or any other pair of successive wheels whose downstream wheel B is equipped with gripping elements P removable.

Figures 9 to 11 do not show the routing of the containers to the upstream wheel or the evacuation of the containers out of the pair of wheels A upstream and B downstream.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 9, the upstream wheel A and the downstream wheel B are equipped with gripping elements P fixed in all their respective locations E and suitable for gripping the containers R. In this case, each time that the upstream wheel A conveys a container R at the transfer point T, an element P for gripping the downstream wheel B grasps the container at the transfer point T and drives it in rotation in the downstream wheel B. Thus all the containers transported by the upstream wheel A transit towards the downstream wheel B.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 10, the upstream wheel A is equipped with gripping elements P fixed in all of its locations E and the downstream wheel B is not equipped with any gripping element P. In this case, the containers conveyed by the upstream wheel A at the transfer point T are not grasped and continue to be rotated in the upstream wheel. Thus, among the containers transported by the upstream wheel A, none passes to the downstream wheel B.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 11, the upstream wheel A is equipped with gripping elements fixed in all of its locations E and the downstream wheel B is only equipped with gripping elements P in one location out of two. In this case, the containers conveyed by the upstream wheel A at the transfer point T are only gripped when they are opposite a gripping element of the downstream wheel B, that is to say that once every two . Thus, among the containers transported by the upstream wheel A, only one container out of two transits towards the downstream wheel B.

According to different variants:

the gripping elements P of the same wheel are integral with each other, at least for a part of them and are in the form of a crown or, on the contrary, are independent, the same wheel comprises several formats of suitable gripping elements P respectively to several formats of containers R, to change the gripping elements, the whole wheel is changed, only the axis of rotation is kept, the gripping elements P are put in place and removed manually or by a robot.

The invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that the person skilled in the art is able to carry out different variant embodiments of the invention, for example by combining the different characteristics above taken alone or in combination, without however departing from the scope of the invention .

Claims (21)

R 1. Installation (I, 1 ') for processing a succession of containers (R) comprising: at least a first treatment machine (2; 2 ') and a second treatment machine (3; 3'), each intended to receive at least part of the succession of containers (R) for carrying out a treatment, 10 the installation (I; I ') being characterized in that it further comprises a switching device located upstream of the first and second treatment machines comprising: 15 a wheel (4; 4 ') for moving in rotation arranged arranged to rotate said succession of containers (R), 20 a first means and a second withdrawal means arranged to take from the wheel (4; 4 ') respectively a first part of the succession of containers intended for the first machine (2; 2') for treatment and a second part of the succession of containers intended for the second processing machine (3; 3 '). 25 2. Installation (I; I ') according to claim 1 characterized in that it further comprises a transfer device from the first machine to the second processing machine comprising a wheel (6; 30 6 ') of mobile rotation transfer, equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements (P) arranged to grip containers (R) from the first machine ( 2; 2 ') processing, the wheel (6; 6 ') of transfer thus making it possible to rotate the containers (R) to a point upstream of the second processing machine (3; 3'). 3. Installation (I; I ') according to the preceding claim characterized in that the transfer wheel (6; 6') is only movable in rotation, the transfer wheel (6; 6 ') rotating about a fixed axis relative to the installation (I; I ') and remaining at a fixed height relative to the installation (I; I'). 4. Installation (I; I ') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first treatment machine (2; 2') and the second treatment machine (3; 3 ') each comprise a wheel (2a , 3a; 2a ', 3a') of treatment arranged to rotate the containers during treatment. 5. Installation (I; I ') according to claim 4, characterized in that the first removal means comprises a first wheel (5; 5') movable in rotation, equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements (P) arranged to grasp at a point (45; 45 ') of containers of containers driven in rotation in the wheel (4; 4') of referral forming the first part of the succession of containers, the first input wheel thus making it possible to rotate said containers to a point (21; 21 ') of entry of the treatment wheel (2a; 2a') of the first treatment machine (2; 2 ') . 6. Installation (I; I ') according to claim 4 or according to claim 5, characterized in that the second withdrawal means comprises a second wheel (7; 7') movable in rotation, equipped on its periphery d '' a plurality of gripping elements (P) and arranged to rotate the containers to an entry point (31; 31 ') of the wheel (3a; 3a') for processing the second machine (3 ; 3 ') of processing. 7. Installation (! ') According to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the wheel (2a') for processing the first processing machine (2 ') and the wheel (3a') for processing the second processing machine (3 ') have a rotation in opposite directions. 8. Installation (I ') according to the preceding claim characterized in that it comprises at the output of each of the first and second processing machines at least one wheel arranged so as to collect respectively the first part of the succession of containers in the first processing machine and the second part of the succession of containers in the second machine and in conveying them respectively to a first point (SI ') and a second point (S2') of exit from the installation, the first and second exit points being juxtaposed. 9. Installation (I ') according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a first intermediate wheel (8') movable in rotation in opposite direction relative to the wheel (4 ') of switch, equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements (P), arranged to grip downstream of a switch point the containers driven in rotation in the switch wheel (4 '). 10. Installation (I ') according to the preceding claim when taken in combination with claim 6, characterized in that the second input wheel (7') is arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the first wheel (8 ' ) intermediate. 11. Installation (I ') according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises a wheel (9') intermediate transfer movable in rotation in opposite direction relative to the wheel (6 ' ) transfer, equipped on its periphery with a plurality of gripping elements (P) arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the transfer wheel (6 '). 12. Installation (I ') according to the preceding claim when taken in combination with claim 6, characterized in that the second inlet wheel (7') is arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the wheel (9 ') transfer intermediary. 13. Installation (I) according to claim 6, characterized in that the second input wheel (7) is arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the wheel (4) switching. 14. Installation (I) according to claim 6 or according to claim 13, characterized in that the second input wheel (7) is arranged to grip the containers driven in rotation in the transfer wheel (6). 15. Installation (I; I ') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a machine (1; 1') for initial treatment intended to carry out an initial treatment of the succession of containers upstream of the switch wheel (4; 4 '). 16. Installation (I; I ') according to the preceding claim characterized in that the machine (1; 1') of initial treatment is a machine for forming a succession of preforms (Rp) into a succession of containers (R) or a machine for rinsing already formed containers, or a container straightening machine or a sanitation machine. 17. Installation (I; I ') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a first machine (20; 20') for final treatment and / or a second machine (30; 30 ') of final treatment intended to carry out a final treatment of the containers originating respectively from the first treatment machine (2; 2 ') and / or from the second (3; 3') treatment machine. 18. Installation (I; I ') according to claim 17 characterized in that the first machine (20; 20') of final treatment and / or the second machine (30; 30 ') of final treatment is a machine / are machines for sealing or heat sealing a succession of containers. 19. Installation (I; I ') according to any one of claims 2 to 18, characterized in that at least one of the gripping elements (P) is removable. 20. Installation (I; I ') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first treatment machine (2; 2') and the second treatment machine (3; 3 ') are filling machines of a succession of containers (R) with a product. 21. Installation (I; I ') according to any one of 5 previous claims characterized in that it comprises means forming limits (L) of separation for each machine arranged so as to prevent access to said machine when the machine is in operation.