Method and Device for Measuring Openings in Aerosol Containers

Abstract

A method includes the following steps: aligning a measuring head with an aerosol container, without relative speed between the two, lowering and centring the head; lowering a measuring device and taking the corresponding measurement at different points of the perimeter of the opening; rotating the measuring device in relation to the container; removing the head, transmitting the data, and removing the unsuitable containers, and a device for performing the method includes a head support having an axial movement device; a centring element; a support for the measuring device, an assembly of measuring arms provided with probes, an arrangement for returning to a rest position, at least one measurement reader, and a rotating device for rotating the measuring device or head.

Claims

1. A method for inspecting and measuring mouthpieces of aerosol containers, by inspecting and measuring a join between a hole in a dome of an aerosol container and a corresponding valve holder cup as to dimensions of a continuous or discontinuous seam produced by plastic deformation of said join, said method being carried out continuously along a packaging line for aerosol containers, and comprising the following steps: stopping a relative speed between the aerosol container whose join between the hole in the dome and its corresponding valve holder cup has to be inspected in respect of a measuring head so that when the container reaches a measuring zone, one of: the head moves at the same speed as the container, and the container and the head are immobile when a measurement is taken; arranging the measuring head axially opposite the dome of the aerosol container in its transit along an inspection line; lowering the head until the head comes into contact with an upper edge of the join between the hole in the dome and the valve holder cup; axially centring the head over the aerosol container; after setting a relative position between the head and the aerosol container, approaching a measuring device, from a rest position, up to a predetermined height, coinciding with a plastic deformation zone which forms the joining seam; taking the measurement by sensors at different points of a perimeter at the predetermined height where the joining seam is located; retraction of the measuring device back to the rest position with withdrawal of the head until a new container is received; and transmission of data, for good or bad parts, to a control unit, for removing any containers considered not up to standard from the production line.

2. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 1, including the step of halting the relative speed between the aerosol container and the measuring head by one of the following steps: moving the head, synchronised with linear travel; simultaneously moving the head and container by inserting the container into an inspection drum in which the head is located; and stopping the movement of the container at a fixed position in which the head is located.

3. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 1, including the step of forking at least one packaging line of aerosol containers into more than one inspection line if the packaging speed is greater than the inspection speed.

4. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 1, including the step of centring the head by a mechanical arrangement, by providing a conical centring shape of a centring element which forms part of the head.

5. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 1, including the step of determining the height to which the measuring device descends by one of the following: a mechanical stop; a point which is one of predetermined and programmed in the control body; and reading the position of the zones where there are seams by sensor devices.

6. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 1, including the step of taking the measurement simultaneously at different points along a circumference.

7. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 1, including the step of performing the measuring by at least one of the following: a mechanical arrangement including a set of probe arms located radially on the measuring device; a sonic device; an optical laser device; a magnetic device; and an electric or electronic device.

8. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 7, wherein the probe arms have a pivot spindle integral with a measuring body of the head with a lower portion, for measuring, and an opposite upper portion, in which reading of the measurement is taken.

9. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 7, wherein the probe arms move linearly.

10. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 7, including the step of retracting the probe arms in the stages of rising and lowering to the measuring position, and expanding the probe arms in the measuring stage.

11. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 7, including the step of driving the probe arms in their expansion for measurement by at least one of the following: an electric arrangement; a magnetic arrangement, a pneumatic arrangement; and an hydraulic arrangement.

12. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 11, including the step of driving the probe arms in their return to the rest position by fixed elastic spring elements, including one of servos, a pneumatic arrangement, a magnetic arrangement, an hydraulic arrangement and a mechanical arrangement.

13. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 7, including the step of reading the measurement at an opposite end of the probe arms to the one where the measurement is taken.

14. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 1, including the step of providing relative angular rotation of at least one of the measuring head and of the measuring device, in respect of the container.

15. A method for inspecting and measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 1, further including the step of providing regular calibration of the measuring head and items forming the measuring head.

16. A device for measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers which enables carrying out the method of claim 1, comprising a measuring head having axial relative displacement capability with respect to an aerosol container which has to be measured, said measuring head comprising: a centring element which is located in a lower part of the measuring head, and said centring element having a central interior cavity; and a measuring gauge support located above the centring element; a device for measuring the mouthpieces, provided with an arrangement for axial travel in respect of the aerosol container axis; wherein the centring element is connected with the measuring gauge support by an elastic arrangement; wherein the measuring gauge support and the centring element having relative axial displacement capability with respect to each other in such a way that when said centring element rests on the aerosol dome in its axial displacement, the centring element stops its displacement and the measuring head continues its lowering movement, against the action of the elastic arrangement of said centring element, up to a predetermined position at which the measurement has to be taken; a device for controlling the measuring gauge support axial travel from the position where the centring element rests on the aerosol dome to the position in which the measurement has to be taken.

17. (canceled)

18. A device for measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to any of claim 16, wherein the centring element comprises at least one of the following: at least one support with an interior conical shape over the dome of the aerosol container and an exterior conical shape over the edge of the join of the valve holder cup.

19. A device for measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 16, wherein the measuring gauge support comprises a housing for a device for reading the measurement.

20. A device for measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 16, wherein the measuring gauge support is provided with a support for a set of measuring arms, wherein said support is in turn provided with a set of axle-bearing elements arranged radially, which house spindles of each of the measuring arms.

21. A device for measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 20, wherein each of the measuring arms is made up of a lower portion having an end fitted with a probe, and an upper portion having an upper end including a device for reading the measurement.

22. A device for measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 21, wherein the support element is provided with a set of slots through which the upper portion of the measuring arms extend.

23. A device for measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 16, wherein the measuring gauge support is provided with a support for a set of measuring arms, wherein said support is in turn provided with a linear housing for longitudinal movement of the measuring arms.

24. A device for measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 20, wherein, in a rest position there is a cavity between the measuring arms and further comprising one of a valve and a trigger in the cavity in a phase for coupling the head to the measuring position.

25. A device for measuring the mouthpieces of aerosol containers, according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the head and the support for the measuring arms are provided with a rotation arrangement.

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

Description

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] In order to illustrate the following explanation we are providing four sheets of drawings along with this report, in which nine figures represent the essence of this invention, merely as an example without any limitation being implied thereby, and in which:

[0067] FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an aerosol container in the stage when the seam formed by the join between the hole and the valve holder cup is measured;

[0068] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view in perspective of the item seen in FIG. 1;

[0069] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the perspective seen in FIG. 2;

[0070] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the measuring device in a closed position, at rest;

[0071] FIG. 5 shows a lateral view of the device seen in FIG. 4;

[0072] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the measuring device in an open position, in the measuring process;

[0073] FIG. 7 shows a lateral view of the device seen in FIG. 6;

[0074] FIG. 8 shows an upper view of the device seen in FIGS. 4 to 7; and

[0075] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the device seen in FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0076] The following reference numbers are used in said figures: [0077] 1 aerosol container [0078] 2 measuring head [0079] 11 bottom of the aerosol container [0080] 12 dome of the aerosol container [0081] 13 central hole or cavity in the dome of the aerosol container [0082] 14 valve holder cup [0083] 16 valve [0084] 17 trigger diffuser [0085] 21 support of the measuring device [0086] 22 housing of the means for reading the measurement [0087] 23 support of the measuring arms [0088] 24 centring device [0089] 25 conical centring shape in the centring device [0090] 26 spindles of the mechanical measuring devices [0091] 27 measuring arms [0092] 28 upper part of the measuring arms [0093] 29 lower part of the measuring arms [0094] 30 probes [0095] 31 cavity for allowing the valve through [0096] 32 upper end of the measuring arms [0097] 33 slots for allowing through the top part of the measuring arms [0098] 34 interior cavity of the centring device [0099] 35 axle-supporting elements

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERENTIAL FORMS OF EMBODIMENT

[0100] The preferential forms of embodiment of the measuring device for openings of aerosol containers are now described, according to the enclosed figures, and since the method has already been described this will be taken as reproduced herein.

[0101] An aerosol container (1) is thus formed of a canister or body, normally made of metal plate, which is provided with a bottom (11) and a dome (12). The dome (12) has a central cavity or hole (13) in which a valve holder cup (14) is inserted and fixed to the hole (13) by means of plastic deformation, which will normally be made up of a plurality of seams or deformation segments located along the perimeter of the join, or a continuous seam. The valve holder cup (14) comprises a valve (16) on which a trigger diffuser (17) is located.

[0102] A device is proposed for measuring the depth and regularity of said seam or seams for securing the join between the cavity of the dome (12) and the valve holder cup (14).

[0103] According to the preferential embodiment described, the measuring device consists of a measuring head with axial travel in respect of the container (1). According to a particular embodiment this comprises a measuring gauge support (21) and a centring element (24). In accordance with one form of embodiment, the centring element (24) consists of an essentially annular piece with an interior cavity (34) for allowing through the valve or the tube or trigger emerging from this. Between the centring element (24) and the measuring gauge support (21) there are means for relative axial travel between a free position of the centring device in which the centring device does not perform any function and a centring position, in which it rests on the aerosol container (1). This means that, after the centring device has rested on the container (1) the axial travel of the head continues, in this case in respect of both the container and of the centring element (24) which holds this, when this movement (that of the head) makes said centring element (24) rest on the dome (12) of the aerosol container or on the join of the dome (12) with the corresponding valve holder cup (14), and this can be provided with elastic means opposing the travel of said centring element (24) in respect of said head. Said elastic means, such as a spring, will make this return to the free position in respect of the measuring gauge support (21) after the centring and measuring operation has been completed.

[0104] According to alternative embodiments within the scope of the invention but less desirable, the centring device may be formed of a set of centring arms, acting in an equivalent manner. The embodiment in the form of different arms does not however seem to provide any significant advantages, since although it could reduce the amount of material used, the wear, possible deformations, tensions, adjustment or assembly difficulties, etc. would be greater. Non-mechanical means, for example optical means, could also be used for correcting the relative axial position.

[0105] At its free end the centring element (24) has a support in a conical shape (25), a truncated cone shape to be more precise. This truncated cone section can be formed in the interior, when the centring has to be done over the dome (12), and/or on the exterior, if the centring is performed on the upper edge for joining between the cavity (13) of the dome (12) and the valve holder cup (14).

[0106] When the head descends it rests the centring element (24) over the container, as was already seen and adjusts the centring position. The measuring elements then travel axially up to the height required to take the measurement. The head is provided with means for controlling the axial travel up to the predetermined position in which the measurement has to be taken. These control means may be connected to a main control unit for the line, or be limited by stops or sensors. To determine the height, the system comprises a control unit in which the parameter is predetermined (or programmed for each series), or a reading device at the height of the fixing where the seam is located. The measuring elements comprise means of axial travel, integral with or linked to the head.

[0107] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the measurement is mechanical, including the following elements: [0108] A measuring gauge support (21), integral with the measuring head; this support (21) comprises means for axial travel after centring in respect of the aerosol container (1) and in which the measurement is taken from the cavity around the valve holder cup (14); the axial travel will normally be of the whole head, but can also be of the measuring means in respect of said head, until the measuring position is reached; [0109] A support (23) for the measuring elements, particularly measuring arms (27); this support is integrally joined to the support (21), preferably being able to form a single piece with this; it forms an extended body which holds measuring arms; [0110] A set of axle-bearing elements (35) placed radially in the support (23); [0111] A set of measuring arms (27) placed radially in the support (23); and pivoting in the axle-bearing elements (35) by means of two spindles (26); the measuring arms can nevertheless be straight and have linear travel; [0112] At least one probe (30) at the bottom end of each measuring arm (27), whose travel determines the measurement that has to be obtained; [0113] A means for driving each measuring arm (27); [0114] A means for reading the maximum movement of each arm (27) in each reading position, which constitutes the measurement obtained.

[0115] In the option for pivoting measuring arms, said arms are preferably made up of an upper portion (28), and a lower portion (29) in respect of the spindle (26), in which the probe (30) is placed at the lower end of the lower portion (29), or in an alternative embodiment the measuring arms will be placed linearly also with linear travel in the corresponding housing.

[0116] The support (21) comprises a housing (22), normally placed in an upper position, for the means for reading the measurement.

[0117] In accordance with one of the embodiments described by means of measuring arms, the support (21) comprises a set of slots (33) through which the top ends (28) of the measuring arms go, in particular the upper ends (32) in which the means for reading the measurement are located.

[0118] The lower portion (28) of the set of arms (27) in a retracted position, i.e., in a position close to the centre for insertion into the reading cavity with no obstacles, defines a cavity (31) in which the valve holder cup and the small tube of the valve (16) and/or trigger (17) are located with no restrictions, corresponding to the measuring position in the stage when the head is coupled.

[0119] When the head has dropped to the reading position the arms are driven by electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, magnetic or other means until these are expanded, taking the dimensions of said expansion, and then being read by the reading means located in the housing (22) of the support (21), normally associated with the upper end (32) of the arms (27), at the top part of the slots (33).

[0120] Since the reading is discrete in this case, the head or the elements carried by this are fitted with rotation media, so that the reading is repeated at different points, or performed continuously along the rotation travel. Depending on the parameters programmed, it will be determined whether the join between the valve holder cup (14) and the hole (13) of the dome (12) is safe and thus whether the container has to go through the filling process or be withdrawn from the line.

[0121] Any indication of a higher or lower position etc. must be understood to mean with the container standing upright, with the valve at the top and the head placed above the container. Any inversion of positions or the horizontal positioning of the elements does not alter the essence of the invention, the vertical positions having to be understood as relative horizontal positions in that case.