Patent Application
20160122169
The invention relates to an adapter system for an automatic beverage filling machine for quickly attaching and detaching differently sized centering bells and clean in place devices.
Beverage cans are sometimes filled by automated container filling systems. In such a system, an empty can is engaged with a filling valve creating a seal and the beverage dispensed from a pressurized tank through the valve and into the can. In the filling process, a plurality of cans move in a line through a rotary filler having multiple valves. Empty cans are presented to each filling valve as the rotary filler turns. The empty cans must be correctly centered beneath the filling valve to avoid damage to the can, foaming, or spillage of product. Centering devices for cans, such as centering bells, specifically fit the opening/body of the can to be filled and allow a minute amount of clearance in order to fill the can quickly.
Beverage cans vary in design but share certain dimensions for lid diameter, body diameter, and overall height. Current known common lid diameters are 200, 202, 204, 206, and 209 millimeters. Current known body diameters are 202, 204, 207.5, 211, 300, and 307 millimeters. Current known can height dimensions range from 307 to 710 millimeters. Different centering bells correspond to each can size.
Presently, when a change in can size is scheduled for a line, all of the centering bells are disconnected from each of the valves, and centering bells sized for the lid diameter and body diameter of that new can are connected. A problem exists in that changing the bells requires stopping the line for a considerable amount of time to disconnect or unscrew all of the bells and reconnect the appropriate bells for the new can size. For a filler having multiple valves (for example, 72), the time required to change each centering bell consumes valuable time that reduces production time. A need exist for an adapter that allows a filling valve to quickly and easily accept a variety of centering bells used for differently sized cans.
Existing centering bells must be screwed onto the valve housing using a torqueing tool. Over torqueing can ruin the screw threads of the bell. If a bell is dropped, a slight bend in the threads can disable the bell. A need exists for means to attach bells to a filler valve without the need for complicated tools to quickly connect and disconnect the bells.
In addition, filling lines are typically cleaned to maintain flavor integrity and cleanliness of the filling apparatus. Currently, a clean-in-place (CIP) system that has a cup that replaces the centering bell is screwed on after the bell is removed. Removing each bell and connecting the cup to each valve is time consuming—taking many hours to remove each bell, attach each cup, remove the cup and reattach the bell to run a product. A need exists for a method and system to reduce the amount of time required to connect and disconnect a CIP assembly to reduce line down time and afford the maximum amount of time to run product.
The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of existing devices by providing a quick-change adapter system for centering bells and CIP assemblies for can filling valves. The present invention comprises an adapter for multiple sized bells that center a container to be filled with a fluid. The present invention is a fast connect/disconnect system that allows bells and CIP assemblies to be changed quickly and easily when a change in the line to a different size can occurs or when a filler is scheduled to be cleaned.
The present invention comprises new centering bells that attach to the adapter. The new bells eliminate difficult and timely disconnection and reconnection when a different sized can is run on a beverage filling line. The present invention reduces downtime and allows an operator to change a bell in seconds. Typically, changing 72 centering bells using existing systems takes 1-2 hours. With the present invention, the time required can be reduced to less than 10 minutes.
The present invention further comprises a quick change CIP assembly for use with the adapter. The CIP assembly reduces time to connect/disconnect the CIP from 2-4 hours to about 20 minutes.
As used herein, the term beverages includes carbonated beverages (beer, sodas or carbonated waters), non-carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and the like, whether cold or hot filled.
The term cans includes those made from aluminum, steel, plastic and any combination thereof.
The invention comprises components adapt a beverage can filling valve to enable quick connection/disconnection of multiple centering bells used to fill differently sized cans and a CIP assembly.
In an embodiment, the invention comprises a plurality of improved centering bells that are quickly connected to/released from a filling valve for a beverage can. Each bell has a generally cylindrical shape having a first end and a second end. The first end is sized to center a specific can. The second end comprises three equi-angularly disposed lugs about a first y-axis of an internal wall. The lugs are substantially in line with each other. The second end comprises three equi-angularly disposed brackets about a second y-axis of the internal wall. Each bracket comprises an indentation. The brackets are substantially in line with each other.
The system comprises an filling valve adapter to quickly connect to/release from a plurality of centering bells and/or a clean-in-place (CIP) assembly. The adapter is generally cylindrical and comprises a first section and a second section. The second section has a smaller circumference than the first section. The first section having an opening threadably coupled to the filling valve in a water-tight fashion. The interface between the sections forms a rim on an internal wall of the adapter and a lip on the exterior. The rim has three equiangularly spaced holes that extend from a top of the rim to an outside surface on an underside of the first section at the intersection of the second section. Each hole houses a ball/spring loaded plunger. Each plunger has a length such that each ball extends from the outside surface of the adapter at the interface of the second section. The second section comprises an external surface comprising three equi-angularly mounting channels.
The system comprises a CIP assembly. The CIP assembly is quickly connected to/released from a filling valve for a beverage can. The CIP assembly comprises a generally cylindrical cup. The cup comprises an attachment end and a lower section. The attachment end comprises three equi-angularly disposed CIP lugs about a first y-axis of an internal wall. The CIP lugs are substantially in line with each other. The cup comprises three equi-angularly disposed CIP brackets about a second y-axis of the internal wall. Each CIP bracket comprises a CIP indentation. The CIP brackets are substantially in line with each other. The lower section is formed to accept a retaining ring, at least one CIP o-ring, and a CIP manifold. The CIP manifold has a connector for connecting the cup to a CIP system.
The system comprises a tool to connect/release the adapter to/from a filling valve for a beverage can. The tool had a cylindrical shape and corresponds in diameter to the smaller diameter of the adapter. The tool comprises an open end. The open end has a wall that terminates in three spaced tabs. Each tab corresponding to a slot at an entrance of one of the channels of the adapter. The tool has an opposite end that comprises a protrusion. The protrusion is shaped to accept a turning implement.
In an embodiment, the system is used to quickly attach and release centering bells and clean-in-place (CIP) assemblies for a filling valve for a beverage can. the system comprises
a) a plurality of centering bells, each sized to center a specific sized can;
b) a CIP assembly;
c) an adapter connected to the filling valve at a first end and having a second end that releasably receives the centering bells and CIP assembly; and
d) a tool to attach and remove the adapter from the valve.
In an embodiment, each bell has a second end diameter that allows the lugs to be engaged by one of the channels of the adapter. Each CIP cup has an upper section with an inner diameter that allows the smaller diameter outer wall of the adapter to be axially inserted within the upper section. Each bell and CIP cup and the adapter have respective center axes which are substantially in line with each other. The adapter, bells, CIP cup and tool are rotatable about a rotation axis.
In an embodiment, an exterior wall of the adapter comprises an indicator that aligns to a complementary indicator on an exterior wall of a bell or CIP cup to show that the bell/CIP cup is attached correctly.
In an embodiment, an exterior wall of the bell provides a surface to make it easier to applying a manual twisting force to attach/disconnect the bell to the adapter. In an embodiment, the surface may be textured or etched or contain protrusions.
In an embodiment, the adapter comprises an o-ring that fits to a groove on the underside of an outside first diameter of the adapter and engages a top of the bell/CIP cup.
The method of quickly attaching a centering bell/CIP assembly to a filler valve used to fill a beverage can with a beverage comprises the steps of a) threading the adapter of onto the valve using the tool; b) aligning the lugs of a bell or CIP cup with an opening of the channels of the adapter; and c) rotating the bell/CIP cup in the direction of an end of each channel, which engages the ball of each plunger with one of the indentations, thereby locking the rotation of the bell/CIP cup with respect to the adapter.
The system is constructed of stainless steel and provides long use.
As used herein, “approximately” means within plus or minus 25% of the term it qualifies. The term “about” means between ½ and 2 times the term it qualifies.
The compositions and methods of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful in compositions and methods of the general type as described herein.
Numerical ranges as used herein are intended to include every number and subset of numbers contained within that range, whether specifically disclosed or not. Further, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range or to be limited to the exact conversion to a different measuring system, such, but not limited to, as between inches and millimeters.
All references to singular characteristics or limitations of the present invention shall include the corresponding plural characteristic or limitation, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the reference is made.
All combinations of method or process steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made.
Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “above”, “under”, “side” “front”, “below” “upper”, “back” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting.
The disclosure is directed to a quick connect/disconnect system that allows beverage can filling valve centering bells and CIP assemblies to be connected/disconnected quickly and easily when running a different size can or cleaning an automated filling line.
Referring now to the drawings,
The adapter comprises an annular collar 30 at the end of the threads defining the mouth of the adapter. The collar comprises an inwardly directed rim 40 formed therein extending completely around the interior wall of the adapter.
The adapter comprises at least one cylindrical hole formed in the rim. In a preferred embodiment, the adapter comprises three equally spaced holes 50a,b,c (see
The rim of the adapter comprises at least one duct 55a,b that acts as a drain in the adapter during cleaning.
At the opposite end of the adapter from the top opening is a bottom opening 25. The bottom opening is at second, smaller diameter wall of the adapter that extends from a terminus of a first diameter of the inner wall 35 of the adapter having the top opening. The difference in diameters forms the rim 40 of the adapter, so that the ball of each spring plunger extends though the rim into space at the exterior of the smaller diameter wall. On the internal wall of the adapter, the bottom opening is the terminus of the mouth. On the external wall of the smaller diameter wall, the adapter comprises at least one channel 100. In a preferred embodiment, the adapter comprises three, equi-angularly evenly spaced channels 100a,b,c for engaging each lug 205a,b,c of the centering bell (see
The adapter comprises an indicator 120 on an exterior wall at the terminus of the first diameter exterior wall. The indicator is an embossment, etched line, arrow and the like that aligns to a complementary indicator on an exterior wall of the bell or CIP cup to show the operator that the bell/CIP cup is attached correctly.
The adapter comprises an o-ring 130 that fits to a groove on the underside of the outside first diameter of the adapter. The o-ring provides a water-tight seal between the adapter and the bell/CIP cup.
As shown in
As shown in
The adapter to attached and detached from the valve housing using the tool 400 depicted in
The adapter, bells CIP cup and tool are rotatable about a rotation axis.
To attach the adapter to the housing of a filler valve, the centering bell is removed (if present) and the adapter is screwed into the threads of the valve using the tool by ratcheting to adapter with the tool until completely threaded onto the housing. An o-ring used for the centering bell may be retained to seal the adapter to the housing.
To attach a bell to the adapter, the opening of the upper section of the bell and the lugs are aligned with the slots of adapter. The bell is rotated (about 15 degrees) in the direction of the end of the channels. When each lug meets the end of each channel, the ball of the spring plunger engages the indentation and automatically locks the rotation of the bell with respect to the adapter. When the indicator of the bell and the adapter align, the bell is correctly positioned.
To detach a centering bell from the adapter, the bell is turned in an opposite direction that disengages each ball, slides each lug out of each channel and out the slot.
The exterior wall of the bell provides suitable surfaces for manually applying a twisting force to attach/disconnect the bell to the adapter.
The CIP assembly is attached and detached in a similar fashion.
The system replaces existing centering bells.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. Additional features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the description. Modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/073,333 filed on Oct. 31, 2014, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62073333 | Oct 2014 | US |
