DE102013102844A1 - Device and method for closing a ventilation device of a molded part applied to a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for closing a ventilation device of a molded part (12) applied to a container (10), preferably for closing a ventilation membrane of a container closure (12) applied to a container (10) in a hot-filling beverage filling plant, comprising a transport device (2) for transporting a container (10) provided with a molded part (12), wherein at least one laser device (3) is used to apply a Laser beam (30) is provided.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a device and a method for closing a ventilation device of a molded part applied to a container, preferably for closing a ventilation membrane of a container closure applied to a container in a hot fill beverage filling plant.

State of the art

When filling liquids in containers in a beverage filling plant, it is known to fill liquids in the hot state in the respective container. Such a method is known as a hot fill method or as a hot filling method. Due to the hot filling of the liquids, a sterilization of the inside of the container is achieved during filling. Even in the bottled liquid, especially a bottled beverage, germs are killed by the high temperatures. Accordingly, in hot-filling, a prolonged service life or an extended shelf life (ESL) of the respective filled products is achieved because the high temperatures used during filling kill germs both in the liquid itself and in the container receiving the liquid. In order to achieve a complete sterilization of the container interior, a container closure is applied after the hot filling of the container and pivoted the container or vice versa, to apply also the headspace in the interior surfaces of the container and the inside of the container closure for sterilization with the hot liquid ,

After the filling of the hot liquids and the closing of the containers, during the subsequent cooling, there is a decrease in volume of the gas present in the head space of the respective container, for example the volume of air contained therein. When using a container made of plastic, for example a PET plastic bottle, a deformation of the container can take place due to the negative pressure arising in the interior. This is undesirable for reasons of the subsequent processability of the filled and sealed container, for example, for packaging in containers, as well as from marketing and end user perspective.

In order to counteract or to control the shrinkage or deformation of the container associated with the cooling after hot filling, special plastic containers are used for hot filling of beverages, for example, which have thicker wall thicknesses to counteract deformation. Such a reinforced plastic container may for example have a reinforced mouth, a reinforced threaded area and a reinforced bottom. In a preferred embodiment, vacuum compensation surfaces, such as a rib structure, are provided which allow a defined shrinkage. Accordingly, the container can compensate for the pressure drop within the container during the cooling of the charge received in the container so that a defined deformation takes place, which is then considered to be unproblematic. However, such so-called hotfill containers are more complicated to produce, heavier and more expensive than conventional plastic containers.

In an alternative to the use of hotfill containers, a portion of liquid nitrogen is introduced into the head space of the container filled with the hot filling material in the so-called nitrogen injection method before the respective container closure is screwed on and then the container closure is applied immediately. The liquid nitrogen expands during its evaporation, so that a slight overpressure arises in the hot container, which can compensate for the negative pressure caused by the cooling. In this way, a deformation or shrinkage of the container can be counteracted. This procedure is quite expensive. But it allows savings in the use of materials for each container to be filled, such as PET bottles, and increases the freedom of design for the respective bottles, which may be essential from a marketing point of view.

Furthermore, it is known to provide container closures, which are provided for pressure equalization, for example, with a membrane which allows during the cooling process, ventilation of the headspace of the container and in particular allows the influx of air from the outside.

For example, from the US Pat. No. 7,621,412 B2 Such a container closure is known, which has a through hole, which is covered on the inside of the closure with a hydrophobic and air-permeable membrane, such that an air supply into the container during cooling is achieved. After complete cooling, the passage opening is sealed together with the membrane by sealing, for example with a paint.

From the US 5,759,668 For example, a closure with a through-opening is known, which passes through the Pressing a hot tip fused and thus can be closed.

Presentation of the invention

Starting from the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for closing a ventilation device of a molded part applied to a container, by means of which a hygienic and rapid closing is possible.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments emerge from the subclaims.

Accordingly, a device is proposed for closing a ventilation device of a molded part applied to a container, preferably for closing a ventilation membrane of a container closure applied to a container in a hot filling beverage filling installation, comprising a transport device for transporting a container provided with a molded part. According to the invention, at least one laser device is provided for pressurizing the ventilation device of the molded part of the container transported by the transport device with a laser beam.

By virtue of the fact that at least one laser device is provided for applying a laser beam to the ventilation device of the molded part of the container transported by the transport device, each ventilation device which passes through the transport device can be provided with appropriate laser energy by the application of the laser beam. By applying the ventilation opening with laser energy, a permanent closing of the ventilation opening can be achieved with appropriate design of the ventilation opening. This can for example be achieved in that the ventilation opening is provided with a fusible membrane which is heated upon exposure to the laser beam according to absorption of the laser light and then provides a permanent closure by fusing.

By acting on the ventilation device with laser light can be dispensed with a contact of the ventilation opening with any machine part and, for example, with a hot machine part for fusing or welding of the ventilation device. Through the transmission of the ventilation opening occlusive energy over the laser beam, a hygienic transmission of the necessary energy for closing can be achieved in this way. Furthermore, by the use of laser light rapid heating or rapid closure of the respective ventilation device can be achieved if the laser energy is selected accordingly. Here, according to a faster closing of the ventilation device can be achieved, as with conventional hot machine parts. Moreover, by the use of laser light, it is possible to achieve selective heating of the venting device so that only the venting device itself is heated, for example a suitably formed membrane, but the surrounding areas of the closure are not heated by the laser light, as they are out consist of a different material and show a different absorption behavior accordingly.

Accordingly, the proposed device can achieve an efficient and hygienically perfect closing of a ventilation device in a hot fill method.

For this purpose, the device and in particular the laser device is preferably arranged in an area of a beverage filling plant, in particular a hotfill or hot filling beverage bottling plant, which lies after the cooling of the respective filling products. For example, the laser device is preferably arranged after a cooling tunnel of a hotfill beverage filling plant.

By using a corresponding, a ventilation device having molding, for example, a ventilation membrane having a container closure, it is possible in a hotfill process during cooling down the build-up in each container negative pressure on the ventilation membrane by the fact that gas from the outside into the container can flow in. After the cooling process has progressed to a certain point, a permanent and secure closure of the container can be achieved by welding the ventilation membrane so that it is hygienically perfect and securely closed for subsequent transport or distribution to the end user.

Preferably, at least one tracking means for tracking the laser beam to compensate for a relative movement between the laser device and a molded part is provided. For this purpose, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a laser scanner, a deflection device, for example in the form of a mirror or a position and direction adjustable laser head is provided so that the laser beam can track the respective ventilation device of a molded part, until a predetermined energy is entered into the molded part and in particular the ventilation device. Preferably, the laser beam can track the molded part until the ventilation device is completely closed by the entry of the laser energy. A laser scanner can be operated here, for example via a corresponding control, so that the respective molded part, which comes into the effective range of the laser device with the tracking means, is detected by the laser beam and the laser beam is tracked as long as the molding and in particular the ventilation device in the molded part until the required energy has been applied.

In a further preferred embodiment, both the laser device and the tracking means are formed so that each molding, which is transported by the transport device, can be acted upon accordingly with laser energy. For this purpose, depending on the transport speed, a particularly strong laser device is required, which applies correspondingly in a short time a lot of energy to the respective molding, or it is a plurality of laser devices and associated tracking means necessary, so that applying laser energy to the respective moldings is alternately enabled. Furthermore, it is advantageous if a fast tracking device is provided, which can let the laser beam jump accordingly fast from one molding to the next, when the predetermined irradiation time of the first molded part is reached.

In a further development, at least two laser devices are provided, which are arranged successively along the transport path of the transport device, and which serve to act on the molded part with the laser beam, preferably wherein at least two laser devices alternate successively with the exposure of the molded part to the laser beam. The laser devices, for example, the tracking means, are preferably designed so that the laser beams of the laser devices acting on the respective mold parts substantially seamlessly or even overlapping on the mold parts, such that the once registered laser energy does not dissipate unnecessarily again.

The tracking means is preferably designed so that a tracking of the laser light is made possible over such a long path that a predetermined laser energy is correspondingly entered into the respective molded part. This is also the case with a combination of at least two laser devices with correspondingly two tracking agents.

The transport device can be designed for the linear transport of the containers, such that the respective containers are transported along a substantially linearly extending transport path and the laser energy is applied correspondingly by means of the laser device.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport device is designed as a rotary, so that the containers are transferred in a conventional manner at a point to the rotary and are issued after passing through a corresponding treatment angle again from the rotary.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the laser device is designed so that the laser beam is individually trackable each molding. Regardless of the transport speed or a change in the transport speed of the laser beam can thus follow the moldings. As a result, for example, when starting or when driving off the system, or when changing the production speed is achieved that the ventilation devices are applied in the mold parts reliably with the predetermined amount of laser energy. Furthermore, can be dispensed in this way on a division of the mold part distances or the container distances, so that a substantially random inlet can be made in the respective device and the moldings are still reliably applied to the predetermined laser energy. This can be achieved, for example, by means of imaging methods or a target tracking of the tracking means, which can perform a corresponding tracking, for example, from a reflection of the laser light on the molding with simultaneous oscillation over the molding.

In a procedurally simpler development, the laser beam can also be moved synchronously with the transport device, so that correspondingly no relative movement takes place between the respective container or the molded part applied to the container and the laser beam. This can also be achieved, for example, by a laser device moved synchronously with the transport device.

For linear delivery of the molded parts, for example, the respective laser devices can be guided along the linear path and then recirculated. In a rotary apparatus having fixedly assigned holding devices for the respective containers or the respective mold parts, the laser devices may be provided stationary with respect to the holding devices. This results in a control technology simple way apply laser energy to the aerators in the moldings. It is merely a separate laser device or a separate laser head required for each container holder.

With a corresponding dimensioning of the respective laser devices, however, a corresponding rotary drive can be equipped with relatively few brackets, since a reliable application of laser energy can then be achieved within a short cycle time, so that a correspondingly running rotary runner only has to be equipped with a small diameter to provide the necessary treatment time in the treatment angle.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport device has at least one guide bell for receiving a molded part, wherein the guide bell has a hollow bore through which the laser device can emit the laser light onto the molded part. In the hollow bore, the laser light can be performed in accordance either as a free jet, or it can be performed for example via a light guide directly to just before the ventilation device.

In a further preferred development, the device is combined with a device for applying labels to the containers. Accordingly, in a hotfill beverage bottling plant, after filling the containers and closing the containers with the respective container closures, the containers may be allowed to cool and at the same time the aeration devices may be closed in the labeling device. For this purpose, a further development is particularly preferred, in which the guide bells, which engage with the container closures for guiding the respective container provided in a hollow drilled development, such that laser light can be applied through the through hole on the ventilation devices.

Solid state lasers, gas lasers or semiconductor lasers are preferably used as laser devices in the above-mentioned embodiments, diode lasers being particularly easy to install, since they have a small form factor and can be correspondingly easily inserted over the respective holding devices or guide devices. On the other hand, gas lasers or solid-state lasers are particularly well-suited for construction together with a tracking agent, since they usually allow higher output powers and have a better beam quality. For example, CO ₂ lasers or Nd: Yag lasers can be used. Here, with a corresponding power supply by the respective laser device, by means of a beam splitter, the respective laser beam can also be divided and distributed to at least two tracking means so that a single laser source results in multiple tracking laser beams.

In an advantageous development, for example, a laser with a wavelength of 980 nm with an exposure time of 0.3 seconds with a beam cross section of 3 mm and a laser energy of 20 watts is used to securely close a PE membrane in a ventilation device. The applicable irradiation wavelength, both the beam shape and the required beam quality but depend very much on the absorption behavior of the respective plastic or the respective film or incorporated into the respective membrane particles or coating, so that the use of a special laser always in dependence or in Combination with the respective molding or the ventilation device must be selected.

The above object is further achieved by a method having the features of claim 15.

Accordingly, a method is proposed for closing a ventilation device of a molded part applied to a container, preferably for closing a ventilation membrane of a container closure applied to a container in a hot filling beverage filling installation, comprising transporting the container in a transport device. According to the invention, the molding transported with the transport device is exposed to laser light from a laser device.

Brief description of the figures

Preferred further embodiments and aspects of the present invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. Showing:

1 1 is a schematic side view of a device for closing a ventilation device in a first embodiment, in which a laser beam of the ventilation device is tracked,

2 schematically a plan view of the in 1 schematically shown device;

3 schematically a partially sectioned side view of a rotary device for closing a ventilation opening;

4 schematically a side view of a rotary device in a further embodiment;

5 schematically a side view of an apparatus for closing a ventilation device in a further embodiment in which the containers are transported linearly and a laser beam tracing the ventilation devices in the moldings;

6 a schematic plan view of the in 5 shown device;

7 a schematic side view and a plan view of a rotary apparatus in which the laser light is tracked, wherein the rotary main table is predetermined by a labeling device;

8th a schematic representation of a labeling device with an upstream device for closing a ventilation device;

9 a schematic representation of a labeling device with an additional rotary device for closing a ventilation device;

10 a schematic representation of a labeling device with a downstream linear device for closing a ventilation device;

11 a schematic representation of the arrangement of a labeling device for a cooling tunnel in a hot fill beverage filling plant;

12 a schematic partially sectioned side view of a hollow-bored centering bell with a free jet of laser light; and

13 shows a schematic partially sectioned side view of a centering bell, in which the laser light is guided by means of a light guide.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In the following, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the figures. In this case, identical, similar or equivalent elements in the different figures are denoted by identical reference numerals and a repeated description of these elements will be omitted in the following description in part in order to avoid redundancies.

1 shows schematically in a side view a device 1 for closing a venting device on a container 10 applied molding 12 , In the embodiment shown, the container 10 in the form of a beverage container, for example a PET bottle, provided and the molding 12 is shown in the form of a container closure, for example a plastic screw cap screwed onto the PET bottle. In the molding 12 a ventilation device not shown in detail is provided. The ventilation device is preferably in the end face of the molding 12 arranged and provided for example in the form of a through hole or a through hole through the material of the Kunststoffschraubverschlusses. The through-hole or the passage opening is closed, for example, by means of an air-permeable but preferably hydrophobic membrane, for example by a PE membrane. By formed in this form ventilation device, a pressure balance between the container interior and the environment can be achieved. When the container cools, gas, for example ambient air, can flow into the container through the ventilation device and thus equalize the pressure. Since the membrane is also hydrophobic in the described embodiment, wetting of the inside of the plastic screw cap, for example by reversing the container, can be achieved in the hotfill process without leaking fill product from the aeration device.

In order to close the ventilation device, in the aforementioned embodiment, the corresponding through hole or the passage opening, the PE membrane is subjected to a laser beam, so that the laser energy is absorbed by the PE membrane, the PE membrane is heated by it and so is fused or welded accordingly. In this way, a permanent closure of the ventilation device is achieved.

Thus, in a hotfill beverage bottling plant, which is also referred to as a hot-filling beverage bottling plant, through the aeration device, the inflow of ambient air into the container 10 be supported, allowing a deformation of the container 10 is avoided during cooling of the filled filling product. This is the cooling of the headspace volume of the container 10 The resulting negative pressure reduced or reduced located gas. In this way, in a hotfill process according to container 10 be used with a lower material thickness and the design freedom for the design of the container 10 will be extended significantly.

A transport device 2 in the form of a schematically indicated conveyor belt 20 , which via pulleys 22 is guided, serves the containers 10 and thus the moldings 12 to promote along the direction indicated by the arrow conveying direction.

To close in the moldings 12 provided aeration devices is a plurality of laser devices 3 provided which laser light in the form of a laser beam 30 emit and which the ventilation device of each molding 12 can act accordingly with laser energy.

In the in 1 In the embodiment shown, each laser device has a tracking means 4 in the form of an adjustment mirror, so that the laser beam 30 the respective moldings 12 while being through the transport device 2 applied movement along the transport direction can follow. At the tracking agent 4 this is an adjustable or pivotable mirror, but it can be used any laser scanner or the entire laser head, which is responsible for the beam generation, can be moved in total via a corresponding control so that a tracking of the laser beam 30 is possible.

In 2 is a schematic plan view of the in 1 shown as a side view device shown. A one-piece screw 24 is provided to the individual containers 10 , or the moldings 12 to bring to a given division, such that they are between the two conveyor belts 20 be guided in a substantially uniform distance, or be guided in a substantially defined distance from each other.

The containers 10 stand on a conveyor belt 26 , which is also moved in the conveying direction to the container 10 through the device 1 to transport.

As it turned out 1 results are the laser devices 3 arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction. In the in 1 shown exemplary example here five different laser devices a) to e) are provided.

To a corresponding admission of the respective molding 12 or the ventilation device in the respective molded part 12 With laser energy, the laser beam becomes 30 every laser device 3 about the tracking agent 4 tracked so that he meets the respective ventilation device. This is in the in the 1 and 2 exploited embodiment shown that the individual containers 10 and thus the moldings 12 in a defined position and a defined distance from each other in the transport device 2 enter. Accordingly, it is hereby possible that the tracking agents 4 the respective laser beam 30 on a corresponding molding 12 can judge.

In one development, the tracking agents 4 formed with a target device, such as a target device, which is a reflection of the laser light at each molding 12 to exploit the laser beam 30 regardless of the movement of the container 10 nachzuführen and centered on the respective molding 12 to keep. It is also possible in a development to control the tracking of the moldings 12 through the laser beam 30 to use an imaging method, by means of which always the exact position of the molding 12 of each container 10 can be determined and so the laser beam 30 according to the tracking agent 4 can be tracked. Such an arrangement with an automatic tracking has the advantage that on the Einteilschnecke 24 can be dispensed with and the containers corresponding to each other in any distance in the transport device 2 can run in and at the same time can be ensured that each ventilation device is charged with sufficient laser energy.

In the in 1 embodiment shown are the individual laser devices 3 trained or controlled so that they each half of the required laser energy to the respective ventilation device in the molding 12 can muster. Accordingly, the first laser device a) applies a first amount of energy, and the respective molded part 12 then taken over by the third laser device c), from which the second half of the required laser energy is applied. The second laser device b) takes over the second container correspondingly alternately to the first laser device a) 10 and is replaced by the laser device d). The laser device e) serves to possibly not sufficient entry of laser energy in a ventilation device of a molded part 12 to compensate by the application of additional laser energy.

Accordingly, by at least two successively connected laser devices 3 , Which are arranged along the transport direction, the corresponding required laser energy in the respective molding 12 brought in. The laser devices 3 dissolve during the irradiation of the molding 12 with laser energy. In the in 1 In the embodiment shown, the two successive laser devices a) and c) or b) and d) are designed in such a way that each pair of every second container 10 processed.

In a further development, however, may be by a single laser device 3 so much laser energy over the area in which the laser beam 30 about the tracking agent 4 the molding 12 can follow, be applied that the ventilation device can be closed. Any sub-combinations, even with more than just two alternating laser devices 3 , are conceivable.

3 shows a development of the device 1 in a schematic side view, in which a transport device 2 is provided in the form of a rotary. The rotary rotates about a rotation axis R and has a plurality of holding devices 28 for holding the containers 10 with the moldings 12 on. The holding device 28 is in the in 3 shown embodiment in the form of a holding plate 280 carried out on which the container 10 stands, and the container 10 is about a holding bell 282 which from the top of the molding 12 is lowered, held. The holding bell 282 has a hollow bore 284 on, which is continuous, and which on the front side of the molding 12 opens. A laser device 3 is provided, which firmly above the holding bell 282 is arranged so that of the laser device 3 emitted laser beam 30 through the hollow bore 284 through the venting device of the molding 12 meets.

The laser device 3 and in particular the laser head must therefore together with the respective transport device in the form of the rotor 2 circulate and it is correspondingly above each fixture 28 a separate laser device 3 arranged. Accordingly, for each holding device 28 a separate laser device 3 needed. When using a central, very powerful laser, however, can also be a corresponding distribution of the emitted laser light feeding to multiple brackets 28 be provided. By providing a dedicated laser device 3 above each transport device 28 However, the control of the device is significantly simplified because of the to 1 and 2 described tracking of the laser beam 30 can be waived.

In 4 is another device 1 shown for closing a ventilation device, in which case again a transport device 2 is provided in the form of a rotary, which also has a holding device 28 for the container 10 with the molding 12 having. It is again a holding plate 280 provided on which the container 10 stands. The container 10 but is in a retaining clip 286 held and the laser device 3 which are so opposite the molding 12 is arranged that the laser beam 30 on the end face of the molding 20 can impinge is spaced from the molding 12 arranged. Accordingly, the container 10 and thus the molding 12 under the laser device 3 be held and the laser beam 30 meets as free jet on the ventilation device in the molding unhindered 12 on.

In the 5 and 6 is a device 1 shown in a schematic side view and a schematic plan view, which similar to that in the 1 and 2 shown device. The laser devices 3 again have a tracking agent 4 on, by means of which the laser beam 30 the moldings 12 and in particular the ventilation devices in the moldings 12 can be tracked when moving in the transport direction. A Einteilschnecke, as in the 1 and 2 shown here is not provided, so that a defined shrinkage of the container 10 in the transport device 2 does not take place, but the containers 10 either pressed under the back pressure of the previous treatment stage together in the transport device 2 be introduced, or at least at an undefined distance. Accordingly, a sensor 5 provided, which at the inlet, the presence of a container or a molded part 12 in the transport device 2 detected and accordingly reports back to a central control. The laser devices 3 of which there are four in the illustrated embodiment, are configured such that the first laser device a) can fully apply laser energy to a first container, a second laser device b) can fully apply laser energy to a second container, and so on. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown, each laser device must 3 only every fourth molding 12 to energize. The path X, across the laser beam 30 on the molding 12 impinges and over which the laser light 30 every molding 12 can track, is so long that enough laser energy can be applied.

In the 1 and 2 such as 5 and 6 was the tracking of the laser beam 30 the laser device 3 by means of the tracking agent 4 each for a linear transport of the container 10 with the moldings 12 shown. In 7 is now a schematic side view and a schematic plan view of a transport device 2 shown in the form of a rotary, in which five laser devices 3 are provided, which each have a laser beam 30 output, which via a schematically shown tracking agent 4 is tracked so that an irradiation of the respective ventilation device of a molded part 12 is made possible during transport. The laser devices 3 are stationary, whereas the transport device 2 under the stationary laser devices 3 rotates. In this way, a simple installation and a simple power supply to the laser devices 3 be enabled.

At the transport device 2 it may either be a simple rotary device used to transport the containers 10 is provided, or it may be a rotary labeler, by means of which a labeling of the filled in the hotfill process container 10 is possible. Accordingly, then in the in 7 shown embodiment, in addition to the permanent closing or sealing of the ventilation device at the same time a labeling of the containers are made so that the two process steps in the same treatment angle of the rotary runner can be performed. In this way, a compact system design can be realized.

In 8th is schematically a transport device 2 shown in the form of a rotary, which for closing the ventilation devices of the moldings, not shown in the figure 12 should serve. An inlet star 200 guides the containers of the transport device 2 to, in which the ventilation openings of the moldings 12 be sealed and then finished sealed container of a labeling 210 be fed and then via an outlet star 220 be spent again. Accordingly, the transport device 2 with the device 1 for closing the ventilation devices of the moldings of containers of the labeling device 210 directly upstream.

In 9 is in turn a run-in star 200 , a labeling device 210 , a transport star 230 a device 1 , which in a trained as a rotary transport device 2 is provided, and which serves to seal the ventilation device of a molded part, upstream. From the rotary device 2 the device 1 to close the ventilation device is an outlet star 220 spent again.

In 10 is an inlet star 200 , a labeling device 210 as well as an outlet star 220 a linear device 1 upstream of closing a venting device, wherein the linear device may be constructed as in the example 1 and 2 respectively 5 and 6 is shown.

11 shows very schematically components of a hotfill beverage bottling plant, wherein a filler and capper unit 60 is provided, in which the containers are filled with the hot filling product and subsequently sealed with the corresponding container closures. After closing, the then still hot containers through a cooling tunnel 62 passed, in which they are cooled down to a predetermined temperature. Below is a labeling device 210 provided, which, for example, as shown in the previous figures, may be formed. The labeling device 210 can either with a device 1 be provided for closing the ventilation devices, or it may be upstream or downstream of such a device.

The corresponding system construction makes it possible that during the cooling process, in particular during the passage through the cooling tunnel 62 , can still take place a gas exchange with the environment, so that the contracting gas in the headspace volume of the container by externally nachfließendes gas, such as ambient air, is maintained at ambient pressure before the ventilation device then on the device 1 is permanently closed to close the ventilation device.

In 12 is schematically a device 1 shown for closing a ventilation device, in which case the transport device 2 is shown in the form of a rotary transport device which rotates about a rotation axis R and a hollow bored holding bell 282 is shown, through which pass the hollow bore 284 extends. Through the hollow bore 284 the laser device can pass through it 3 the laser beam 30 Apply to the front of the molding. The laser beam 30 goes through the guide cone 282 doing it in the free jet.

In 13 is a device in a development 1 for closing a ventilation device, which in turn is shown as a rotary device which rotates about a rotation axis R around. Again, the holding bell 282 shown which has a through hole 284 having. The laser device 3 couples the laser beam 30 over a light guide 32 one, which through the hollow bore 284 passed through.

Where applicable, all individual features illustrated in the individual embodiments may be combined and / or interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Device for closing a ventilation device of a molded part

10

container

12

molding

2

transport device

20

conveyor belt

22

idler pulley

24

infeed worm

26

conveyor belt

28

holder

200

feed star

210

labeling

220

outlet star

230

transport star

280

retaining plate

282

holding bell

284

hollow bore

286

retaining clip

3

laser device

30

laser beam

4

tracking means

5

sensor

60

Filler and sealing unit

62

cooling tunnel

a) -e)

 laser devices

R

axis of rotation

X

Nachführweg

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 7621412 B2 [0007]
• US 5759668 [0008]

Claims (15)

Contraption ( 1 ) for closing a ventilation device on a container ( 10 ) applied molding ( 12 ), preferably for closing a ventilation membrane of a container ( 10 ) applied container closure ( 12 ) in a hot filling beverage filling plant, comprising a transport device ( 2 ) for transporting one with a molded part ( 12 ) container ( 10 ), characterized in that at least one laser device ( 3 ) for charging the ventilation device of the molded part ( 12 ) of the transport device ( 2 ) transported container ( 10 ) with a laser beam ( 30 ) is provided. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one tracking agent ( 3 ) for tracking the laser beam ( 30 ) to compensate for a relative movement between the laser device ( 3 ) and the molded part ( 12 ) is provided. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the tracking agent ( 3 ) in the form of an adjustment mirror, a laser scanner and / or a pivotable laser head is formed. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the tracking agent ( 3 ) is designed so that each by means of the transport device ( 2 ) transported molding ( 12 ) with the laser beam ( 30 ) can be acted upon. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the tracking agent ( 3 ) is designed so that it is a tracking of the laser beam ( 30 ) such that each ventilation device of a molded part ( 12 ) can be acted upon by a predetermined laser energy. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two laser devices ( 3 ) are provided, which along the transport path of the transport device ( 2 ) are arranged one after another, and which for applying the molding ( 12 ) with the laser beam ( 30 ), preferably wherein at least two laser devices ( 3 ) successively with the application of the molding ( 12 ) with the laser beam ( 30 ) alternate. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device ( 2 ) for the linear transport of the containers ( 10 ) is trained. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device ( 2 ) is designed as a rotary. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laser device ( 3 ) is designed so that the laser beam ( 30 ) each container ( 10 ) in the transport device ( 2 ) is individually trackable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that of the laser device ( 3 ) output laser beam ( 30 ) in synchronism with the transport device ( 2 ) is movable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laser device ( 3 ) is guided with the transport device. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laser device ( 3 ) is guided on the transport device, that the laser beam ( 3 ) each a molded part ( 12 ) applied with laser energy. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device ( 2 ) at least one guide bell ( 282 ) for receiving a molded part ( 12 ), wherein the guide bell ( 282 ) a hollow bore ( 284 ), through which the laser device ( 3 ) the laser light on the molded part ( 12 ) can emit. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laser light from the laser device ( 3 ) is guided over a light guide. Method for closing a ventilation device on a container ( 10 ) applied molding ( 12 ), preferably for closing a ventilation membrane of a container ( 10 ) applied container closure ( 12 ) in a hot filling beverage filling plant, comprising transporting the container ( 10 ) in a transport device ( 2 ), characterized in that with the transport device ( 2 ) transported molding ( 12 ) with laser light from a laser device ( 3 ) is applied.

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