METHOD OF DEGASIFICATION OF A CARBONATED BEVERAGE-FILLED CONTAINER

Abstract

A method of degasification of a carbonated beverage-filled container in an apparatus for blowing and filling containers, the apparatus including a mold enclosing a blown and carbonated beverage-filled container. The container includes a dispensing opening, an injection head that is movable along a longitudinal axis, passing by the dispensing opening of the container, between a sealing position in which the injection head is in a sealing engagement with the dispensing opening and a non-sealing position in which the injection head spaced from the dispensing opening. The method includes the steps of moving the injection head away from the sealing position to a first non-sealing position, moving the injection head from the first non-sealing position back to the sealing position, and after moving the injection head back, moving the injection head away from the sealing position to a second non-sealing position that is different from the first non-sealing position.

Claims

1. A method of degasification of a carbonated beverage-filled container in an apparatus for blowing and filling containers, the apparatus comprising: a mold enclosing a blown and carbonated beverage-filled container, the container including a dispensing opening, an injection head that is movable along a longitudinal axis passing by the dispensing opening of the container between a sealing position in which the injection head is in a sealing engagement with the dispensing opening and a plurality of non-sealing positions in which the injection head is at a distance from the dispensing opening, the method comprises the steps of: starting from a sealing position of the injection head with one of the mold and the container; moving the injection head away from the sealing position to a first non-sealing position degasifying the carbonated liquid in the container; after moving the injection head to the first non-sealing position, returning the injection head back to the sealing position; and after returning the injection head back to the sealing position, moving the injection head away from the sealing position to a second non-sealing position relative to the container; and removing the container from the mold.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of, after moving the injection head to the second sealing position, moving the injection head further away from the sealing position to a third non-sealing position and at a higher velocity than the step of moving the injection head to the first non-sealing position.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first non-sealing position is at a first distance from the sealing position that is shorter than a second distance from the sealing position to the second non-sealing position.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein each step of moving the injection head comprising controlling at least one actuator the actuation of which causes the injection head to move accordingly.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one actuator is a fluid-operated actuator which actuates the injection head and controlling the actuator comprises a sub-step of controlling the supply of fluid to the actuator.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the sub-step of controlling the supply of fluid to the fluid-operated actuator comprises controlling a main valve and a secondary valve.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein moving of the injection head is performed by controlling the supply of fluid to the fluid-operated actuator through the main valve.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of moving injection head to the third non-sealing position is performed by controlling a supply of fluid to a fluid-operated actuator through s secondary valve.

9. An apparatus for blowing and filling containers, comprising: a mold enclosing a blown and carbonated beverage-filled container that comprises a dispensing opening; an injection head that is movable along a longitudinal axis passing by the dispensing opening of the container between a sealing position in which the injection head is in a sealing engagement with the dispensing opening and a non-sealing position in which the injection head is at a distance from the dispensing opening; a member coupled to the injection head; a controller configured to control the member to move the injection head, wherein the controller is configured to cause the member to perform the following steps: i) move the injection head away from the sealing position to a non-sealing position; ii) move back the injection head to the sealing position; and iii) move the injection head away from the sealing position to a non-sealing position.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller is further configured to perform a step iv) of moving the injection head further away from the sealing position to a further non-sealing position and at a higher velocity than in step iii).

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the member for moving the injection head comprise at least one actuator.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the controller comprises a member for controlling the supply of fluid to the fluid-operated actuator.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the controller comprises a main valve and a secondary valve.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the controller comprises a flow regulator for reducing the flow rate of fluid supplied to the fluid-operated actuator, thereby causing the injection head to move slowly away from the sealing position into a non-sealing position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0079] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0080] FIG. 1 is a schematic and a partial view of an apparatus for blowing and filling a container;

[0081] FIG. 2A is a schematic view of fluid circuit system for controlling the movement away and return movement of the injection head;

[0082] FIGS. 2B-E are successive schematic views analogous to that of FIG. 2A and illustrating the flow of fluid in the fluid circuit system in order to obtain different positions of the injection head in the course of execution of the method according to the invention;

[0083] FIGS. 3A-D are successive schematic views analogous to that of FIG. 1 and illustrating the different positions of the injection head in the course of execution of the method according to the invention.

[0084] FIGS. 4A-C are time diagrams illustrating respectively the different status (open or closed) of the main and secondary valves in FIGS. 2A-E system and the corresponding positions of the injection head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] FIG. 1 is a schematic and a partial view illustrating the main components of an apparatus 10 for blowing and filling a container.

[0086] The apparatus 10 comprises a mold 12 enclosing a container 14 such as a bottle.

[0087] A bottle which has been manufactured through blow molding or stretch-blow molding comprises a dispensing opening 16 having a neck 18 with an outside thread and a flange or neck ring 20 that is provided at the basis of the neck.

[0088] The container has been shaped so that the dispensing opening 16 protrudes from the mold 12 above it.

[0089] In particular, neck ring 20 rests against a shoulder 22 provided at the upper part of the mold around the container 14.

[0090] Apparatus 10 also comprises an injection head 24 which comes into contact with the upper surface of mold 12 or container 14, on the neck ring 20, in the course of performance of the blowing and filling method.

[0091] Injection head 24 comprises an injection valve 26 provided in an inner housing 28.

[0092] Injection head 24 is substantially cylindrical in shape as partially illustrated in FIG. 1 and inner housing 28 is also cylindrical in shape and both are coaxial.

[0093] Once container 14 has been blown and filled with a liquid, injection valve 26 is in a lower position as illustrated in FIG. 1, in a sealing contact with the inner surface 28a of housing 28 so as to prevent any further flow of liquid into container 14 and ensure liquid tight-sealing.

[0094] As represented in FIG. 1, a longitudinal axis A which here coincides with the vertical axis, passes by the center of dispensing opening 16.

[0095] Injection head 24 air and mold 12 are substantially aligned along longitudinal axis A.

[0096] It is to be noted that axis A is a symmetry axis to container 14.

[0097] In the present invention, container 14 has been filled with a liquid containing dissolved gas, such as sparkling water or more generally, any kind of carbonated beverage.

[0098] In this embodiment container 14 is a plastic container which has been manufactured according to a known method such as disclosed in Applicant's patent EP 1 529 620 B 1.

[0099] According to this method, a plastic preform is first manufactured through a molding process and then heated before being positioned within mold 12.

[0100] Mold 12 may be spitted into two or more parts depending on the manufacturing process.

[0101] The preform usually assumes the shape of a cylindrical tube closed at its bottom end and open at its opposite end.

[0102] One the preform has been positioned within the mold only the open end of preform is visible from above the mold.

[0103] The open end is shaped during the process, thereby leading to dispensing opening 16.

[0104] The blowing and filling process makes use of a stretch rod (not represented in the drawing) which is downwardly engaged into the open end of the preform so as to come into contact with the closed bottom end thereof. The stretch rod is then further actuated to push the closed end downwardly and stretch the preform accordingly in a controlled manner.

[0105] After the stretching phase has been initiated the liquid mentioned above is injected into the preform through its open end around the stretch rod, while the latter is still being actuated.

[0106] This liquid injection causes expansion of the preform together with the movement of the stretch rod until coming into contact with the inner walls of the mold.

[0107] The final shape of the container is thus achieved.

[0108] When container 14 has been filed with a carbonated beverage dissolved gas is present in the container.

[0109] As injection head 24 is in a sealing engagement with dispensing opening 16 and, more particularly, with the upper part of the neck ring 20, moving the injection head away from its sealing position (position represented in FIG. 1) will rise up the level of liquid in the container and cause foaming and over-spilling all around the dispensing opening.

[0110] The description of the appended drawings will now explain how this problem can be easily addressed.

[0111] FIG. 2A illustrates a fluid circuit system 30 the aim of which is to control means for moving the injection head represented in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2A, injection head 24 has been represented in a very schematic manner for the sake of clarity.

[0112] As schematically represented in FIG. 2A, means for moving injection head 24 comprise an actuator 32 which is here, by way of example, a fluid-operated actuator.

[0113] The injection head is operatively connected to actuator 32 so as to be moved accordingly along longitudinal axis A.

[0114] Fluid-operated actuator 32 more particularly comprises a piston 34 that is sliding longitudinally within a cylindrical housing 36 along longitudinal axis A.

[0115] Piston 34 has a basis 34a and a rod 34b attached thereto on one end and attached to injection head 24 on the opposite end.

[0116] The fluid used for operating actuator 32 is air, for example.

[0117] Other fluids such as oil or water may be used alternatively.

[0118] Fluid circuit system 30 comprises controlling means 38 for controlling the supply of fluid to actuator 32.

[0119] The control of the fluid supply enables appropriate movement of injection head 24.

[0120] It is to be noted that in the present embodiment axis A coincides with vertical axis and, therefore, the movements of the injection head will be generally referred to as upward and downward movements.

[0121] It however does not reduce the scope of the invention, bearing in mind that axis A may be alternatively inclined with respect to vertical axis at an angle that is greater than 0° and less than 90°.

[0122] As schematically represented in FIG. 2A, control means 38 comprise a main valve 40, also denoted OP12, that is connected to actuator 32, respectively at two portions thereof.

[0123] These two portions 32d and 32e are in communication with separate compartments.

[0124] The two separate compartments referred to as 32a and 32b in FIG. 2A are separated one from another by the basis 34b of piston 34.

[0125] Control means 38 also comprise an additional secondary valve 42, also denoted OP30, and that is operatively connected to actuator 32.

[0126] Each main valve 40 and secondary valve 42 is connected to a common source of fluid S.

[0127] It is to be noted that each valve may occupy two main positions or states, an open position and a closed position.

[0128] More particularly, each valve is, for example, an electrical valve of the 5/2 type, i.e. having 5 orifices and 2 positions. When there is no electrical signal (set to 0) sent to the valve the return spring 41 enables communication between orifices 1 and 2 (feeding) as well as orifices 4 and 5 (discharge). When the electrical signal is set to 1, orifices 1 and 4 (feeding) as well as orifices 2 and 3 (discharge) are in communication.

[0129] As more particularly represented in FIG. 2A, control means 38 comprise a first fluid line or duct connecting fluid source S to main valve 40 and a second supply line 38b connecting fluid source S to secondary valve 42.

[0130] Control means 38 also comprise another fluid line 38c connecting main valve 40 to the first portion 32d of actuator 32.

[0131] Still another line 38d connects main valve 40 to the second portion 32e of actuator 32.

[0132] This fluid line also comprises a flow regulator 44 (fluid flow rate reducing means) that is arranged in parallel with an anti-return valve 46.

[0133] Control means 38 further comprise a fluid line 38e connecting secondary valve 42 to second portion 32e.

[0134] Fluid line 38e also comprises an anti-return valve 48. Fluid lines 38d and 38e have a common portion 38f that is connected to second portion 32e.

[0135] As will be more specifically described later on, main valve 40 and secondary valve 42 are arranged in parallel so that the fluid flow rate supplied by secondary valve 42 will add to that supplied by mean valve 40 during the last step of the method according to the invention.

[0136] The method according to the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2B-E, 3A-D and 4A-C.

[0137] FIG. 3A illustrates the sealing position between injection head 24 and dispensing opening 16 of container 14.

[0138] Sealing engagement (fluid tightness) is achieved through known means which will not be described here.

[0139] FIG. 3A is identical to FIG. 1.

[0140] Starting from the sealing position illustrated in FIG. 3A the method according to the invention makes it possible to degasify the carbonated beverage-field container 14 through several steps or phases which will now be described.

[0141] Starting from FIG. 3A sealing position, the method provides for the first step or phase during which injection head 24 is caused to be moved away from the sealing position to a first non-sealing position indicated by 1 in FIG. 4C.

[0142] This first non-sealing position is illustrated in FIG. 3B and shows that a small gap “g” is left between injection head 24 and neck ring 20.

[0143] This movement away from the sealing position is achieved through controlling the flow of fluid as illustrated in FIG. 2B.

[0144] As represented in FIG. 2B, fluid is supplied from fluid source S to main valve 40 through fluid line 38a, then goes through the latter, flows successively through line 38d, flow regulator 44 and common line 38f to reach second portion 32e of actuator 32.

[0145] During this first step or phase main valve 40 is forced to close (changing from state 1 to state 0 in FIG. 4A) and secondary valve 42 is maintained in a closed position (state position at 0 in FIG. 4B).

[0146] Fluid is therefore supplied to second compartment 32b of actuator 32, thereby rising up injection head 24 and moving it away from the sealing position.

[0147] Thanks to fluid flow rate reducing means 44 the upward movement of injection head 24 is relatively slow and efficiently controlled as represented in FIG. 4C.

[0148] This first step triggers venting to atmospheric pressure of dispensing opening 16.

[0149] The aim of this method is to degasify the carbonated liquid contained in container 14 without foaming.

[0150] The return movement from position illustrated in FIG. 3B to sealing position illustrated in FIG. 3C is achieved as illustrated in FIG. 2C and FIGS. 4A to 4C.

[0151] More particularly, injection head 24 is forced to move back in a downward movement by operating main valve 40 (changing its status from 0 to 1 to open it), while maintaining secondary valve 42 in its closed position (state position to 0).

[0152] Opening main valve 40 makes it possible for the fluid to go therethrough and flow through fluid line 38c to first portion of actuator 32d.

[0153] This supply of fluid to actuator 32 pushes against basis 34a which therefore causes piston 34b to slide downward together with injection nozzle 24.

[0154] Fluid that is present in compartment 32b is therefore expelled through second portion 32e and flows out through successive lines 38f and 38d.

[0155] It is to be noted that in this sense of flowing flow regulator 44 is by-passed thanks to anti-return line 46.

[0156] This arrangement makes it possible to accelerate the return movement of the injection head compared to the movement away during the first step or phase.

[0157] It is to be noted that after reaching the sealing position illustrated in FIG. 3C, a further step of moving the injection head away from the sealing position does not start immediately thereafter.

[0158] As represented in FIGS. 3C and 4C, main valve 40 is left open during a given period of time before being closed and the sealing position is held during this period of time.

[0159] The sealing position is maintained for process stabilization purpose.

[0160] The duration of the stabilization step or phase depends on the other steps of moving the injection head so as to enable venting to atmospheric pressure, the velocity of the movements away of the injection head (velocity of cylinder 32) and the liquid or carbonated beverage.

[0161] The method according to the invention provides for subsequent steps or phases to move the injection head away from its sealing position.

[0162] This movement is illustrated starting from FIG. 3C position to reach FIG. 3D position.

[0163] FIG. 2D together with FIG. 4C illustrate a third step or phase of the method.

[0164] The third step or phase illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C is achieved by closing main valve 40 while maintaining secondary valve 42 in a closed position.

[0165] During this step, the main valve 40 is maintained in closed position for a longer period of time than the period of time in first step.

[0166] The flow of fluid circulates as has been already described with reference to FIG. 2B.

[0167] This causes injection head 24 to move away from the sealing position illustrated in FIG. 3C at the same velocity as during the first step and during a longer period of time.

[0168] This makes it possible to reach a second non-sealing position indicated by 2 in FIG. 4C and that is also illustrated in FIG. 3D.

[0169] During this second step of degasifying the liquid (the first step is illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 4C) a slow upward movement of the injection head is still necessary so as to avoid foaming and over-spilling. The reached second non-sealing position 2 is not necessarily farther from the sealing position than the first non-sealing position 1 (see FIG. 4C). Second non-sealing position 2 depends on several process parameters including the type of liquid.

[0170] This position as well as the first non-sealing position depend on the velocity of the injection head movements and the duration of the steps.

[0171] These parameters have to be adjusted on the apparatus in order to achieve the best possible degasification, notably depending on the liquid (e.g. carbonation rate, etc.).

[0172] It is to be noted that the velocity of the injection head during the third step or phase may be higher or lower that during the first step or phase, or even equal to, depending on the liquid in the container. Also, the duration of the steps may be adjusted accordingly.

[0173] The method according to the invention provides for a further fourth step or phase which enables acceleration of the movement away of the injection head as illustrated in FIGS. 2E and 4C.

[0174] During this step or phase injection head 24 is forced to move further away from the FIG. 3C sealing position to a further non-sealing position (indicated by 3 in FIG. 4C). This upward movement is performed at a higher velocity than the previous upward movement (third step or phase) illustrated in FIG. 2D together with FIG. 4C. This accelerated movement is achieved thanks to the use of secondary valve 42. Until now secondary valve 42 remained at state 0 (closed position).

[0175] During this fourth step secondary valve 42 is forced to occupy an open position in which fluid that is supplied by fluid source S is sent to secondary valve 42 through line 38b and goes therethrough. It then flows through lines 38e and 38f successively before reaching second portion of actuator 32e.

[0176] This flow of fluid is being circulated while at the same time a parallel flow of fluid is being sent through main valve 40, regulator 44 and common line 38f.

[0177] This increased amount of fluid is therefore injected into compartment 32b of actuator 32, thereby giving rise to a rapid upward movement of piston 34b) and the attached injection head.

[0178] This accelerated movement makes it possible to reduce the overall cycle time.

[0179] At the end of this fourth step or phase a third non-sealing position indicated by 3 in FIG. 4C is attained.

[0180] When the execution of the steps of the method has come to an end the dispensing opening of the container has been vented to atmospheric pressure. This has been achieved thanks to controlled steps or phases through a progressive venting process. The movements of the injection head are controlled and adjusted so as to cause smooth and efficient degasification of the carbonated beverage.

[0181] It is to be noted that if the degasification process were to be executed through a single step of moving the injection head away from its sealing position, then the velocity of the injection head would be less than that of the present invention in order to avoid foaming and over-spilling. Therefore, the cycle time would be longer than that of the present invention.