CN112678753B

CN112678753B - Cleaning verification in a device for filling containers

Info

Publication number: CN112678753B
Application number: CN202011110842.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 约瑟夫·克诺特; 霍尔格·米勒; 弗洛里安·哈伯泽策尔
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2019-10-18
Filing date: 2020-10-16
Publication date: 2022-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-16
Also published as: EP3808696C0; DE102019128153A1; EP3808696A1; CN112678753A; EP3808696B1

Abstract

An apparatus for filling containers with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant, and a method for treating, preferably cleaning and/or sterilizing such an apparatus, the apparatus having: at least one filling station having a filling mechanism for introducing the filling product into a container to be filled; a treatment device for treating, preferably cleaning and/or disinfecting, by means of a treatment medium, parts of the device that come into contact with the filling product, including parts of the filling mechanism; at least one pressure determining device for detecting the pressure of the treatment medium at one or more locations of the apparatus; and evaluation means arranged to receive the pressure detected by the pressure determination means during processing of the device and to thereby determine whether the device has been adequately processed.

Description

Cleaning verification in a device for filling containers

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for filling containers with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling apparatus, and a method for cleaning and/or sterilizing the apparatus.

Background

With different methods and devices for filling containers with filling products in beverage filling plants, a technique for abruptly filling containers is known, as described, for example, in DE 102014104872 a1 and DE 102014104873 a 1. In this case, the filling product is provided at an overpressure, the container to be filled is evacuated and the filling product at the overpressure is introduced into the container at the underpressure. Due to the pressure difference thus established, a sudden introduction of the filling product takes place.

In order to shorten the settling time of the filling product in the container after filling and to prevent foaming and foaming overflow of the filling product, the container can be closed under excess pressure according to the modification described in DE 102014104873 a1 without prior pressure equalization of the container interior with the outside environment taking place. For this purpose, a container access is introduced into the chamber for filling and closing, and the chamber is placed under the overpressure. Only after closing the container, the chamber is depressurized to atmospheric pressure, so that the container can be removed.

The pressure level in the chamber surrounding the container opening is detected and recorded by means of a pressure sensor. Because filling can be regulated by the vacuum pressure level in the evacuated container and the filling pressure, the system and method for sudden filling is adequate even without flow meters at the various filling stations.

However, the mechanical simplification resulting from the elimination of the flow meter brings about technical difficulties in the cleaning verification of the filling device.

Different methods for cleaning and sterilizing filling devices are therefore known. For example, so-called CIP ("Cleaning-In-Place") and SIP ("Sterilization-In-Place") methods have been established, In which components and surfaces that are contacted by filling or intermediate products and auxiliary materials can be essentially dispensed with. The filling device does not have to be removed for cleaning or sterilization, for example, but is flushed or sprayed with a cleaning or sterilization medium in the installed state.

For the sake of linguistic simplicity, the SIP method is incorporated into the CIP method, i.e. the CIP method comprises cleaning and/or disinfection.

The surfaces of the filling system that come into contact with the filling product can be thermally sterilized by means of hot steam. In this case, the filling valve is charged with hot steam and in this way reaches the sterilization temperature. The resulting temperature of the filling valve is maintained for a specific time and monitored in order to achieve a predetermined disinfection effect, as is known, for example, from DE 102010031873 a1 or DE 102013113621 a 1.

One possibility for temperature monitoring according to the prior art consists in monitoring each individual filling valve by means of a thermocouple, which is usually integrated in the filling valve or arranged on the separating wall. However, this requires a thermocouple per filling valve or per partition and a correspondingly complex wiring which is installed in the rotating part in the rotary machine. Alternative temperature monitoring of the filling valve during sterilization by means of a contactless temperature sensor is known from WO 2018/104551 a 1.

Furthermore, it is known from conventional filling systems to verify CIP cleaning by means of a flow meter for filling the container. If the set flow threshold is exceeded at the filling valve to be verified during cleaning, the cleaning is deemed successful.

However, the filling/closing system described at the outset requires relatively few sensors for monitoring the filling process; in particular, it is possible to dispense with a flow meter, since the filling can be regulated by the vacuum pressure level in the evacuated container and the filling pressure.

In this case, therefore, verification of the cleaning or disinfection is difficult to achieve via the detection and recording of the volumetric flow of the cleaning or disinfection medium by means of the flow meter.

Disclosure of Invention

Based on the known prior art, the object of the present invention is to further improve, in particular to simplify, structurally and/or in terms of method technology, the verification of the cleaning and/or sterilization process of a device for filling containers with filling products, preferably in a beverage filling installation.

The object is achieved by the device and the method according to the invention. Advantageous refinements emerge from the following description of the invention and the description of the preferred embodiments.

The device according to the invention, also referred to herein as a "filling device", is used for filling a container with a filling product. The device is particularly preferably used in a beverage filling installation for filling beverages, such as water, carbonated or non-carbonated beverages, soft drinks, beer or mixed beverages.

If terms such as "container", "closure", "filling mechanism", "filling valve" etc. are used in the singular herein, this is primarily for the sake of simplifying the language. The plural is also included unless explicitly or technically excluded.

The filling device has at least one filling station with a filling mechanism for introducing a filling product into the containers to be filled, and a treatment device for treating the components of the device that come into contact with the filling product by means of a treatment medium. In particular, in this case, the components of the filling means, such as filling valves, product lines, gas valves, etc., are handled. The treatment device is primarily intended for cleaning and/or disinfecting product-carrying/product-guiding parts of the device.

Accordingly, a distinction is made herein between a "normal operation" of the plant in which the containers are filled and a "treatment operation" in which the treatment (cleaning and/or disinfection) is carried out.

According to the invention, the device has at least one pressure determination device for detecting the pressure of the treatment medium at one or more points of the device. The pressure of the treatment medium is thus determined at one or more points of the fluid-conducting parts of the device, i.e. in the lines, chambers, valves, etc.

The expression "detecting the pressure" includes directly measuring the pressure in the usual physical unit and determining or deriving an alternative parameter which can be taken into account as an alternative measure of the pressure. Furthermore, the terms "a pressure", "pressures", etc. include not only absolute pressure values, but also pressure variations and particularly equivalent physical variables, which although not necessarily measured in typical units of pressure, are measures of pressure. In other words, the pressure determination means can comprise a pressure sensor, a pressure receiver, etc., but it is also possible to implement means for indirectly determining the pressure, for example by evaluating other physical variables. An example of such an indirect pressure determination is explained in detail in the description of the preferred embodiment.

According to the invention, the device also has an evaluation device which is provided to receive the pressure detected by the pressure determination device during the processing of the device (this can be done wirelessly or by wire) and to determine therefrom whether the device has been adequately processed. In other words, the evaluation device performs monitoring and/or verification of the process as a function of the determined pressure of the process medium.

By evaluating the pressure of the process medium in the filling device during a process run, in particular during a cleaning and/or sterilization run, it is also possible to verify whether the process was successful without using a flow meter. No additional measuring mechanism is required. The pressure determination can be effected directly via a pressure sensor or a pressure receiver or indirectly, for example, by technical means in conjunction with the use of a filling device. The verification or monitoring is therefore carried out in a structurally and technologically particularly simple, self-sufficient and reliable manner.

By determining and, if necessary, recording the pressure in the filling device, it is possible to find the pressure drop and thus the flow loss in the line system of the device, which flow loss, as long as it exceeds a certain limit or threshold value, can indicate an insufficient treatment result. The "specific limits", threshold values and/or characteristic curves can be obtained from earlier measurements in the routine run and/or the process run.

Preferably, at least two pressure determination means are provided for detecting the pressure of the treatment medium at least two different locations of the apparatus, wherein in this case the evaluation means are provided for receiving the pressures detected by the pressure determination means during the treatment of the apparatus and for determining from a comparison thereof whether the apparatus has been sufficiently treated. The comparison can be made by forming a difference. In this way, the pressure drop between two points of the device can be taken into account for deducing irregularities, such as insufficient flow-through of sections of the device.

Preferably, the device has a product tank which is fluidically connected to the filling means, wherein at least one pressure determination device is provided for detecting the pressure of the treatment medium in the product tank and/or the filling means or a treatment chamber surrounding the filling means. The pressure receiver or equivalent is in most cases installed for normal operation of the filling device in the product tank and/or in the filling means or in a treatment chamber surrounding the filling means, which can then be used together for the treatment operation, thereby further simplifying the device in terms of mechanical structure and further increasing the reliability of the device. The construction and nature of the preferably provided process chamber is described in detail below.

Preferably, one of the pressure determination means is provided for detecting the pressure in the product tank and the other of the pressure determination means is provided for detecting the pressure of the process medium in the filling means or in a process chamber surrounding the filling means. If the pressure in the product tank and in the filling means or possibly the treatment chamber of the filling station is taken into account for this purpose, the treatment can be monitored or verified in a particularly mechanically efficient manner. In the case of an excessively high pressure drop between the product tank and the filling device or the treatment chamber, if the filling valve is open, it can therefore be concluded, for example, that the flow rate is too low or not, and thus that an inadequate treatment effect is present. This observation can in turn be used to identify possible subsequent faults early on.

Preferably, the filling station has a treatment chamber for receiving the containers to be filled completely or in sections in a sealed manner. Furthermore, a component which seals the process chamber and which can be moved relative to the process chamber by means of the drive and which projects into the process chamber is preferably provided, wherein in this case at least one pressure determination device or one of the pressure determination devices is provided for detecting the pressure of the process medium in the process chamber.

The process verification described herein is particularly suitable for filling plants which are provided for abruptly filling containers or for "over-pressure filling". For this purpose, the container or at least the container access for filling and possible closing is introduced into the mentioned process chamber, wherein the pressure in the process chamber can be adjusted.

Preferably, the apparatus is provided for filling and closing containers, in this case also referred to herein as "filler/closures", wherein in this case each filling station preferably has: a treatment chamber which is provided for at least partially accommodating a container, preferably an access section of a container, and which is sealable with respect to an external environment; a filling device, which is arranged in the treatment chamber for evacuating the container and introducing a filling product into the evacuated container, wherein the filling product is preferably under overpressure; and a closure mechanism having a closure head configured to receive the closure and to close the container in the processing chamber without prior depressurization of the pressure to ambient pressure through the closure. The closure head is preferably movable between a retracted position, also referred to as a "sealing position", and an advanced, closed position in which the closure head projects into the process chamber.

The terms "evacuation", "vacuum", etc. do not necessarily mean that the negative pressure in the container is as close as possible to the ideal vacuum in this context. Rather, evacuation can be used to build a specific underpressure.

The terms "underpressure" and "overpressure" are to be understood in the first place with respect to one another. However, the negative pressure P after evacuation _low Preferably below atmospheric pressure (atmospheric pressure). The overpressure of the filling product during filling can correspond to atmospheric pressure, but is preferably higher.

In other words, the negative pressure can also be a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The evacuation of the container to this pressure can therefore also correspond to an increase in pressure relative to the surroundings, wherein it is then preferred to provide an atmosphere in the container which subsequently corresponds to a defined amount of carbon dioxide. Preferably, the gas providing the negative pressure in the container is mainly carbon dioxide.

Therefore, before introducing the filling product, the container is preferably evacuated to a negative pressure P of 0.5bar to 0.05bar absolute, preferably 0.3bar to 0.1bar, particularly preferably about 0.1bar _low . Preferably, the overpressure is above atmospheric pressure, for example in the range of 1.1bar to 6bar absolute. Preferably, the container is evacuated so that, during filling with the filling product, substantially no gas is squeezed out by the filling product and accordingly no gas has to flow out of the interior of the container. Rather, the entire opening cross section of the container can be used for introducing the filling product. In other words, during filling, only a flow of filling product directed into the container occurs, without an opposite flow of fluid.

However, the negative pressure in the container, which is preferably built up substantially from gaseous carbon dioxide, can also be above atmospheric pressure, for example in the range from 1.1bar to 2bar absolute. The overpressure is then higher than the respective underpressure and is particularly preferably 1bar to 5bar higher than the respective underpressure, that is to say, for example, in an absolute pressure of 2.2bar to 7 bar. When the filling product at the overpressure is suddenly filled into the container at the underpressure, extensive spontaneous incorporation of carbon dioxide in the filling product is caused, so that no gas flow oriented away from the container occurs, but rather the gas is absorbed in the filling product.

In this way, a sudden filling of the container and a temporally and spatially integrated and thus very hygienic closing of the container are carried out.

Preferably, the filling device has an opening section, wherein the filling is carried out in such a way that the opening section for filling the container is in fluid-tight communication with the container in a treatment chamber, which is sealed to the outside environment and is exposed to an overpressure, and after the filling process has ended, the opening section is disconnected from the container, whereby the overpressure of the treatment chamber acts on the filling product in the container. In this way, a sudden filling of the container is carried out, while at the same time foaming overflow after filling, in particular after removal of the filling means from the container access, is prevented.

The verification of the cleaning and/or sterilization of the filling means described herein is particularly suitable for fillers/closures, in particular for abrupt filling, since the complicated construction of the filling station comprising the filling means and the closure makes routine monitoring by means of a flow meter difficult. Based on the pressure-based verification of the process, it is not necessary to resort to flow measurement of the process medium.

Preferably, the pressure determination device is provided for determining the pressure of the process medium present in the process chamber by determining a manipulated variable of a drive of the movable component, wherein the drive preferably comprises a linear motor and the manipulated variable corresponds to the current intensity and/or the voltage supplied to the drive. Alternatively, the drive can comprise, for example, a pressure cylinder, preferably a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, wherein the manipulated variable evaluated for determining the pressure in the process chamber corresponds to the effective pressure supplied to the pressure cylinder.

In this way, the pressure prevailing in the process chamber can be determined without having to provide a pressure sensor in the process chamber for this purpose, which would otherwise mean an additional built-in component that has to be supplied with power, read and placed. Furthermore, the pressure sensor must be designed hygienically, so that contamination of the filling product by the pressure sensor is precluded. The drives are used here in conjunction for pressure determination in the process chamber. Here, too, the following can be used: the manipulated variable is preferably proportional to the holding force of the drive for holding the component in the predetermined position. This is the case in particular when the component and its drive are in principle freely movable by the pressure in the process chamber and accordingly the drive has to exert a holding force to hold the position of the component. The holding force is accordingly indicated by the manipulated variable to be applied.

The movable component preferably comprises a filling device, which is particularly preferably provided for the sealed application to a container sealed by the treatment chamber and for introducing a filling product into the container. Alternatively or additionally, the movable component comprises a closing mechanism for applying the container closure to the filled container within the treatment chamber. In this way, the technical means of the filling device can be used synergistically for the pressure determination in the process chamber. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for this purpose to use: a possible, movable centering bell, which includes a container receiving opening of the treatment chamber for sealingly receiving the container; and/or a lifting device for lifting and/or pressing the container towards the container receiving opening of the processing chamber.

The above object is also achieved by a method for treating, preferably cleaning and/or sterilizing, an apparatus for filling containers with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant. The method comprises the following steps: treating the parts of the apparatus that come into contact with the filling product, including the treatment of the filling means of at least one filling station for introducing the filling product into the containers to be filled, by loading the filling means with a treatment medium; detecting a pressure of a treatment medium at one or more locations of the apparatus during treatment; and determining from the detected pressure whether there is sufficient processing of the device.

The features, technical effects, advantages and embodiments described in relation to the apparatus apply analogously to the method.

Thus, for the reasons mentioned above, it is preferred to detect pressures at least two different locations of the apparatus during the treatment, wherein in this case it is determined from a comparison of these pressures whether the apparatus has been adequately treated.

Preferably, for the reasons mentioned above, a volume flow of the treatment medium is provided for the treatment via the product tank, the filling means and a product line fluidly connecting the product tank and the filling means, wherein in this case the pressure of the treatment medium in the product tank and the pressure of the treatment medium in the filling means and/or in a treatment chamber surrounding the filling means are detected during the treatment and it is determined from the comparison of the pressures whether the apparatus has been sufficiently treated.

Preferably, an inadequate treatment effect is inferred when the filling valve is open in the event of a pressure drop between the product tank and the treatment chamber exceeding a threshold value. The magnitude of the pressure drop can be taken into account for the comparison.

For the reasons mentioned above, the filling station preferably has a treatment chamber for sealingly accommodating the containers to be filled and a component sealing the treatment chamber and movable relative to the treatment chamber by means of a drive, wherein in this case the pressure of the treatment medium in the treatment chamber is detected during the treatment and it is determined whether the apparatus has been adequately treated taking account thereof.

For the reasons mentioned above, it is preferred that the pressure present in the process chamber is determined by determining a manipulated variable of a drive, wherein the drive preferably comprises a linear motor, and the manipulated variable corresponds to the current intensity and/or the voltage supplied to said drive.

Preferably, the movable component comprises: a filling device, particularly preferably for the sealed application to a container sealed by the treatment chamber and for introducing a filling product into the container; and/or a closure mechanism for applying a container closure to a filled container within the processing chamber. In this case, the closure mechanism is movable between a sealing position, i.e. a retracted position, and a feed position. In the feed position, the closing element projects into the process chamber. The feed position corresponds to a position in which the closure mechanism applies the closure to the container during normal operation.

Preferably, during the treatment, different states of the filling station are passed which influence the pressure of the treatment medium, wherein pressure variations are taken into account for determining whether the device has been adequately treated.

In this case, the passing conditions of the filling station can include one or more of the following: a basic state in which a filling valve of the filling means is open, the closing means is in the sealing position and a return line for conveying the treatment medium away from the treatment chamber is open; a lid feed state in which a filling valve of the filling mechanism is open, the closing mechanism is in a sealing position, and the return line is completely or partially closed by the CIP lid; a closure feed state in which the filling valve is closed and the filling mechanism is withdrawn and the closure mechanism is in the feed position; and a filler feed state in which the filling valve is closed and the filling means has been moved into the process chamber, and the closure means is in the sealing position.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a carousel with a plurality of filling stations, wherein the pressure is determined at different angular positions of the carousel. In this way, the state of the filling station occurring during regular operation can be used for the process operation and for verification via pressure changes.

Preferably, the treatment medium comprises water and/or a lye, for example a sodium hydroxide solution, and/or an acid, for example nitric acid and/or peracetic acid, and/or a disinfectant. Alcohols such as ethanol can also be used as the treatment medium, either alone or in combination.

Preferably, the determination of whether the device is adequately treated is made without regard to volumetric flow. In particular, it is not necessary to install flow measurement instrumentation to monitor and/or verify the process.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments. The features described therein can be implemented individually or in combination with one or more of the features described above, as long as these features are not mutually inconsistent. Herein, the following description of the preferred embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in detail by the following description of the figures. Shown here are:

fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view from the side, showing a part of an apparatus for filling and closing a container according to an embodiment;

fig. 2A shows a schematic view of a filling apparatus according to another embodiment in a basic state before/after a CIP process;

fig. 2B shows a schematic view of the filling apparatus of fig. 2A in a cap feeding state during a CIP process;

fig. 2C shows a schematic view of the filling apparatus of fig. 2A in a sealer feed state during a CIP process; and

fig. 2D shows a schematic view of the filling apparatus of fig. 2A in a filler feed state during a CIP process.

Detailed Description

Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, in different drawings, the same, similar or identically functioning elements are provided with the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions of these elements are partially omitted in order to avoid overlapping.

In fig. 1, an apparatus for filling and closing a container according to one embodiment is partially shown, also referred to herein as a "filler/closure". Said device also belongs to the terms "filling device" or "device for filling containers with a filling product". The container to be filled and closed is not shown in the figures.

The filler/closure has a filling means 20 which projects into the process chamber 10 in the process stage shown in fig. 1. The filling mechanism 20 has, housed in a filling mechanism case 21: a fill product line 22; a filling valve 23 provided at the lower, i.e. downstream, end of the filling product line 22; a gas line 24; and a gas valve 25 provided at the lower end of the gas line 24.

Via the gas line 24 and the gas valve 25, the container can be flushed and/or pre-tensioned with a gas, for example an inert gas, nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide. In addition, the container interior can be set, in particular evacuated, to a desired pressure. It should be noted that the gas line 24 can be a multi-channel structure, e.g., a tube-in-tube configuration can include multiple gas lines to physically separate the delivery of one or more gases into the vessel and/or the egress of gases from the vessel, as long as such is desired.

The gas valve 25 comprises, for example, a gas valve cone and a gas valve seat, which are provided for regulating the gas flow. For this purpose, the gas valve cone can be switched via an actuator, not shown.

The filling product line 22 is preferably designed as a ring line which extends at least in sections substantially concentrically to the gas line 24. The filling valve 23 comprises, for example, a filling valve cone and a filling valve seat, which are provided for regulating, for example opening or closing, the flow of the filling product. The filling valve 23 is provided for achieving a complete shut-off of the filling product flow. In the simplest case, the filling valve 23 has two positions, namely an open position and a fully closed position. For this purpose, the filling valve 23 can be switched via an actuator, not shown.

The operation of the gas valve 25 and the filling valve 23 takes place via actuators which are not shown in detail. It should be noted that the gas valve 25 and the filling valve 23 can be effectively connected to each other, so that, for example, an actuator for common use can be provided in order to simplify the construction of the filling mechanism 20 and to improve reliability.

At the outlet end of the medium, the filling means 20 has an opening section 26, which is provided in such a way that the container opening can be sealingly abutted against the opening section 26. For this purpose, the opening section 26 preferably has a centering bell with a suitably shaped pressing surface of pressed rubber or metal. The centering of the container and thus of the container access can alternatively take place by means of a seal which accommodates the container access in the treatment chamber 10 in which the filling means 20 is also located. The container is centered by the seal resting against the outer surface of the container, preferably against the shoulder region.

Alternatively, the filling device 20 can have one or

more metering valves

27, 28, which open into the metering chamber 22a, as a result of which a rapid type change can be achieved substantially without changeover times.

The

dosage valves

27, 28 are preferred manifestations or embodiments of the dosage input line. In other words: in certain embodiments, in which the introduction and possibly the determination of the dose component(s) into the metering chamber 22a is effected by means located externally with respect to the filling means 20, it is possible to dispense with the

metering valves

27, 28 if appropriate, so that, for example, only the respective metering line or channel opens into the metering chamber 22 a.

The metering chamber 22a can be a section or suitably shaped portion of the filling product conduit 22. Via the

dosage valves

27, 28, to which respective dosage lines are connected, it is possible to add a main ingredient, such as water or beer, one or more dosage ingredients, such as fruit juice, syrup, essence, etc., which are introduced into the metering chamber 22a via the filling product line 22.

If the

dosage valves

27, 28 are present, then in the process operation described below, the dosage valves and their supply lines are preferably likewise flushed with the process medium.

The filling means 20 is provided to be at least partially movable, so that the arm-shaped section of the filling means 20 shown in fig. 1 can be moved into the treatment chamber 10 and either retracted into it or removed from it partially or even completely. It is thereby possible to press the container opening for the filling process against the opening section 26 of the filling means 20 and to retract the filling means 20 immediately after the filling process, so that the container in the treatment chamber 10 can be closed.

In order to ensure the movability of the filling means 20 without subjecting the atmosphere of the treatment chamber 10 to uncontrolled external influences, sealing means, for example inflatable seals, are accordingly provided for sealing. Alternatively or additionally, the chamber pressure after the end of the filling process can be greater than the pressure of the external environment, so that the entry of contaminants into the process chamber 10 can be approximately excluded. Alternatively or additionally, the process chamber 10 can be located in or constitute a clean room.

The filler/closure also has a closure mechanism 30 for closing the container. Since, in addition to the filling device 20, there can also be other components in this context, for example the treatment chamber 10 and the closing device 30, which are arranged in a spatially integrated manner as a structural unit on a carousel (not shown in the figures), the filling station is realized in this case by means of such a structural unit.

The closing mechanism 30 has a closing head 31, which closing head 31 projects into the process chamber 10 and can be moved substantially vertically in the present exemplary embodiment. Like the filling mechanism 20, the closing mechanism 30 is sealed against the walls of the process chamber 10 in order to avoid contamination or uncontrolled damage to the atmosphere in the interior of the process chamber 10 due to external influences.

The closure mechanism 30 is designed and arranged to receive and hold the closure V on the closure head 31. For this purpose, the closure head 31 can have a magnet, as a result of which the closure V, in particular when it is a metal bottle cap, can be accommodated in a structurally simple manner in a centered manner and placed onto the container access to close the container. Alternatively, the closure V can be gripped, held and applied to the container access by a suitable gripping or clamping mechanism, so that the design concepts described herein can also be used in particular for plastic closures, rotary closures and the like.

The closure head 31 is arranged so as to be movable in the up/down direction, wherein said closure head is arranged essentially coaxially with the container access so that the closure V can be reliably applied to the container.

The transfer of the closures V to the closure head 31 can be carried out, for example, in different ways. For each filling/closing cycle, the closure V can be introduced into the process chamber 10, for example, from the sorting mechanism and the feed chute, for example, in one step at the beginning of the cycle. For this purpose, the treatment chamber 10 can be part of a closure mechanism 30 and execute a relative movement with respect to a closure transport device, such as a feed chute or a transfer arm, wherein the closure head 31 picks up and holds the closures V from the closure transport device.

It should be noted that the container can also be closed at another location. However, in particular in the case of carbon dioxide-containing filling products, the sealing is preferably carried out immediately after the filling and at an overpressure in the treatment chamber 10, as will be explained below.

For filling the container, it is raised, for example, relative to the treatment chamber 10, for example, by means of a lifting device not shown in fig. 1, which has a plate-like support that moves from below toward the container and raises the container. Alternatively, the treatment chamber 10 can be lowered and moved onto the container access. In this case, the lifting device can be used to stabilize the container during filling and closing. Obviously, a combination of these two method approaches is also possible, namely lowering the treatment chamber 10 and raising the container by means of the lifting device.

In this way, the container access is now introduced into the process chamber 10 and the process chamber 10 is sealed from the outside environment. The container opening is pressed sealingly against the opening section 26 of the filling means 20 removed in the filling position. The opening section 26 of the filling device 20 thus marks the final position of the container elevation and/or the lowering of the treatment chamber 10.

The sealer head 31 accommodates the sealer V and moves into the processing chamber 10. The sealing of the treatment chamber 10 with respect to the surroundings and with respect to the container or its access section can be achieved by suitable means, for example inflatable seals. This state is also referred to herein as the "sealed position" of the closure mechanism 30 if the closure head 31 is in the retracted position and the process chamber 10 is sealed at the closure mechanism 30.

During the filling process, gas delivery into the process chamber 10 is preferably performed. By such parallel execution, the entire process can be optimized. During the filling process, the process chamber 10 is sealed towards all sides, whereby a suitable internal pressure can be built up in the process chamber 10. In the case of a carbon dioxide-containing filling product, this internal pressure preferably corresponds to the filling pressure or saturation pressure of carbon dioxide or higher, thereby effectively preventing the filling product from foaming or foaming overflow after the end of the filling process.

The gas supply for the process chamber 10 can be carried out by means of a process chamber valve which is not shown in fig. 1. Alternatively or additionally, the gas supply can be at least partially integrated in the filling means 20. Therefore, for this purpose, the filling mechanism 20 according to the embodiment in fig. 1 has a process chamber gas line 29. The process chamber gas line 29, in particular its outlet into the process chamber 10, can be arranged such that the exiting gas jet impinges on the underside of the closure V when the filling means 20 is in the filling position. In this way, the closure V is cleaned simultaneously during the filling process. Carbon dioxide is preferably used as the gas, but another medium, such as sterile air, may also be used.

If the container is now filled and the interior of the treatment chamber 10 is already at the desired pressure, the filling mechanism 20 is retracted and the closure head 31 continues its downward movement until it is closed when the container access is reached.

A preferred process for abruptly filling a container with a filling product and closing said container with a seal V comprises:

i) evacuating the container to a negative pressure P _low ；

ii) filling the container with the filling product, preferably under overpressure;

iii) an overpressure P is generated in the treatment chamber 10 and, if appropriate, in the head space of the container _high In order to avoid foaming and foaming overflow of the filling product when the filling means 20 is disengaged from the container mouth;

iv) applying a closure V onto the container access and closing the container without prior reduction of the pressure to ambient pressure;

v) venting the process chamber 10 and removing the containers for further processing (e.g., labeling, packaging, etc.).

The terms "negative pressure" and "overpressure" are used firstShould be understood with respect to each other. However, the negative pressure P after evacuation in step i) _low Preferably below atmospheric pressure (atmospheric pressure). The overpressure P generated in step iii) _high Can correspond to atmospheric pressure, but is preferably higher.

In other words, the negative pressure can also be a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The evacuation of the container to this pressure can therefore also correspond to an increase in pressure relative to the surroundings, wherein it is then preferred to provide an atmosphere in the container which then corresponds to a defined amount of carbon dioxide. Preferably, the gas providing the negative pressure in the container is mainly carbon dioxide.

Therefore, before introducing the filling product, the container is preferably evacuated to a negative pressure P of 0.5bar to 0.05bar absolute, preferably 0.3bar to 0.1bar, particularly preferably about 0.1bar _low . Overpressure P _high Preferably above atmospheric pressure, for example in the range of from 1.1bar to 6bar absolute. In this way, the container is evacuated so that, during filling with the filling product, substantially no gas is forced out by the filling product and accordingly no gas has to flow out of the interior of the container. Rather, the entire opening cross section of the container can be used for introducing the filling product. In other words, during filling, only a flow of filling product oriented into the container occurs, but not the opposite flow, so that the filling can be accelerated further.

However, the negative pressure in the container, which is preferably built up substantially by gaseous carbon dioxide, can also be above atmospheric pressure, for example in the range from 1.1bar to 2bar absolute. The overpressure is then higher than the respective underpressure and is particularly preferably 1bar to 5bar higher than the respective underpressure, that is to say, for example, in an absolute pressure of 2.2bar to 7 bar. When the filling product is suddenly filled into the container under negative pressure at an overpressure, extensive spontaneous incorporation of carbon dioxide in the filling product is caused, so that no gas flow oriented away from the container occurs, but rather the gas is absorbed in the filling product.

CIP process operation, and in particular verification of such CIP process operation, is described in detail below with reference to fig. 2A to 2D, which show schematic views of the filling device 1 in different states of the CIP process.

The filling device 1 is used for filling containers with a filling product in a filling product filling plant, preferably a beverage filling plant. The filling device 1 is preferably of rotary design and has a rotatable rotary conveyor, which is usually equipped with a plurality of filling stations, which, for example, each have a filler/closure according to the embodiment of fig. 1.

The filling means 20 are each connected via a filling product line 22 to a product tank 40 which in normal operation serves as a filling product reservoir and in cleaning and/or disinfecting operation, also referred to herein collectively as "process operation", serves as a reservoir for a process medium, for example in the form of a cleaning and/or disinfecting medium. As the treatment medium, for example, water, alkali solution, acid (e.g., sodium hydroxide solution, nitric acid, peracetic acid, etc.), disinfectant, alcohol, etc. are considered.

Mounted on the product tank 40 is a tank pressure determination device 41 which is provided for determining the pressure in the product tank 40. In the simplest case, the tank pressure determination device 41 comprises a pressure sensor, but it can also be another device which is capable of directly or indirectly determining the pressure in the pressure tank 40, for example by evaluating other physical variables, as explained in relation to the process chamber pressure described below.

A chamber pressure determining device 11 provided for determining the pressure in the process chamber 10 is mounted on the process chamber 10. In the simplest case, the chamber pressure determination device 41 comprises a pressure sensor, but it can also be another device which is capable of directly or indirectly determining the pressure in the process chamber 10.

The chamber pressure determining device 11 can therefore be provided and designed to determine the pressure prevailing in the process chamber 10 by determining the manipulated variable of the drive 32 of the closing means 30, since the closing means 30 seals the process chamber 10 from above in addition to the possible CIP cover 42, which is provided on the container side for closing the process chamber 10 or the return line 43, and can be moved back and forth between the sealing and closing position during the process, as described above in connection with the closing process of the container. This functionality, which originally involved normal operation, can now be used in concert to determine the pressure in the process chamber 10.

The closing member 30 is here approximately to be considered as a piston, on which the pressure prevailing in the process chamber 10 acts. The manipulated variable is therefore proportional to the holding force of the drive 32 for holding the closure mechanism 30 in the preset position. For this purpose, the drive 32 of the closure mechanism 30 is actuated such that the closure mechanism 30 is held in a predetermined position. The pressure changes in the process chamber 10 act directly on the end face of the closing element 30. As a result, due to the pressure change in the interior of the process chamber 10, a resulting force acting on the closing mechanism 30 is generated. To prevent a change in the position of the closure mechanism 30, a corresponding retaining force must be provided by the actuator 32.

If the drive 32 is realized as a linear motor, the manipulated variable thus corresponds to the current intensity and/or the voltage supplied to the drive 32. The change in current intensity required to follow the preset position is proportional to the pressure change in the sealed process chamber 10.

To determine the pressure in the process chamber 10, the determined manipulated variables can be compared, for example, with values in a look-up table. Alternatively and/or additionally, the pressure can be determined from the result of a preset function related to the determined manipulated variable. Alternatively and/or additionally, another algorithm or artificial intelligence can also be applied to determine the pressure in the process chamber 10.

In this way, the chamber pressure determining device 11 is able to determine the pressure in the process chamber 10 even without a pressure sensor. In other words, the movable filling means 30, its drive 32 and possibly the electronic control unit assume the function of a pressure sensor.

However, it should be noted that the pressure in the treatment chamber 10 can alternatively or additionally also be measured by a pressure sensor in the treatment chamber 10, in the region of the opening of the filling means 20 or at another suitable point.

The chamber pressure determination device 11 and the tank pressure determination device 41, as well as possibly further sensors or electronics, such as the drive 32 or a current meter connected thereto, are communicatively connected to an evaluation device 44, which is an electronic device for monitoring and/or controlling the process. The data transmission can be done wirelessly or by wire.

In a treatment operation, i.e. in a cleaning and/or disinfection operation, the treatment medium passes from the product tank 40 via the filling product line 22 to the filling means 20. In the case of the filler/closure according to the embodiment of fig. 1, the gas line 24 and, if appropriate, the process chamber 10 are likewise flushed or loaded with a process medium. The process medium is conveyed away via a return line 43, to which, for example, a negative pressure is applied. The transported away process media can be disposed of or prepared for full or partial reuse.

In order to monitor or verify the process, the pressure at different locations in the filling device 1 is determined and evaluated. It is particularly preferred in this case to take into account the pressures in the product tank 40 and in the treatment chamber 10, which can be measured or otherwise determined as explained before.

To verify the process, the pressure in the product tank 40 can be compared to the pressure in the process chamber 10. Depending on the opening state of the inflow path and the outflow path at the filling device 20 and/or the treatment chamber 10, different pressure states can therefore be recorded and evaluated. In the case of rotary machines, these pressure states can be recorded and evaluated in an angle-dependent manner by rotating the rotary conveyor belt during the treatment and repeatedly switching all or some of the inlet and outlet valves.

According to a preferred embodiment, the section of the installation to be treated of the filling device 1 is filled and flushed with the treatment medium, so that the treatment medium runs or flows in the treatment circuit. In particular, a volumetric flow of the treatment medium is provided via the product line 22, the product tank 40, the filling means 20, possibly the gas line 23 and the gas valve 24, and the return line 43. The means for providing and circulating the treatment medium in the filling device 1, such as a reservoir, a line, a pump, a valve, etc. for the treatment medium, together form a treatment device.

On this basis, the processing sequence can be performed for each filling station by means of one or more of the following:

1. the filling valve 23 of the filling mechanism 20 is opened; the closure mechanism 30 is brought into the sealing position; the return path for the process medium via the process chamber 10 is open (large cross section), i.e. the CIP cover 42 does not close the process chamber 10 or the return line 43. This state shown in fig. 2A is referred to as a "basic state". In this case, there is typically only a small pressure drop between the pressure in the product tank 40 and the pressure in the process chamber 10. The evaluation means 44 determines the pressure drop from the pressures determined by the tank pressure determination means 41 and the chamber pressure determination means 11.

2. The filling valve 23 of the filling mechanism 20 is opened; the closure mechanism 30 is brought into the sealing position; the return path for the process medium via the process chamber 10 is closed or only partially open (i.e. small cross section), i.e. the CIP cover 42 completely or partially closes the process chamber 10 or the return line 43 (for example by the CIP cover 42 having a small opening). This state shown in fig. 2B is referred to as a "cap feeding state". In this case, the pressure drop between the pressure in the product tank 40 and the pressure in the process chamber 10 is greater than in the basic state.

3. The filling valve 23 of the filling mechanism 20 is closed and the filling mechanism 20 is retracted; the closing mechanism 30 is moved into the processing chamber 10, whereby the pressure in the processing chamber 10 is increased. This state shown in fig. 2C is referred to as a "sealer feeding state". When the return line 43 is completely open (large cross section), i.e. the CIP cover 42 does not close the process chamber 10 or the return line 43, the pressure in the process chamber 10 decreases rapidly. When the return line 43 is completely or partially closed (small cross section), i.e. the CIP cover 42 completely or partially closes the process chamber 10 or the return line 43, the pressure in the process chamber 10 slowly decreases. The terms "fast" and "slow" are understood herein with respect to each other.

4. The filling valve 23 is closed and the filling means 20 is moved into the process chamber 10, whereby the pressure in the process chamber 10 is increased; the closure mechanism 30 is brought into a sealing position. This state shown in fig. 2D is referred to as a "filler feeding state". When the return line 43 is completely open (large cross section), i.e. the CIP cover 42 does not close off the process chamber 10 or the return line 43, the pressure in the process chamber 10 drops rapidly. When the return line 43 is completely or partially closed (small cross section), i.e. the CIP cover 42 completely or partially closes the process chamber 10 or the return line 43, the pressure in the process chamber 10 slowly decreases. The terms "rapid" and "slow" are understood herein with respect to each other.

Some or all of the conditions explained above under points 1 to 4 can be carried out, whereby the evaluation means 44 can detect and evaluate a specific pressure characteristic (or equivalently: an evaluation of the change in current consumption (Stromaufnahme) with respect to the closing mechanism 30) in the comparison between the product tank pressure and the process chamber pressure.

In the case of a rotary machine, the pressure determination and the evaluation can each be carried out at different angles of the carousel at the point in time of the pressure change.

The pressure change can be considered as a measure of the outcome of the verification process. The following error scenarios result in particular:

i) in the case of an excessively high pressure drop between the product tank 40 and the treatment chamber 10 when the filling valve 23 is open, it can be concluded that there is too little or no flow and thus insufficient treatment effect. This observation can in turn be used to discover possible subsequent faults earlier.

ii) in the event of an excessively high pressure build-up in the treatment chamber 10 when the inflow is closed via the filling valve 23 and when the closing mechanism 30 is moved into the treatment chamber 10 (likewise when another component is moved into the treatment chamber 10), it is possible to conclude that an insufficient flow is caused by the blockage of the return line 43 and thus that the treatment effect is not sufficient.

In order to determine reference values, threshold values, characteristic curves, etc. for comparison with the pressure states determined during the treatment, the evaluation device 44 can take into account previously recorded pressure/current values (for example in relation to the opening cross section and different for the vacuum and CO2 paths) when the system is functioning normally.

By evaluating the pressure conditions in the filling device 1 during the cleaning and/or sterilization operation, the process outcome can be verified even without the use of a flow meter. This can be achieved in a particularly mechanically effective manner when the pressure in the product tank 40 and the pressure in the treatment chamber 10 of the filling station are taken into account for this purpose. No additional measuring mechanism is required. The pressure can be determined directly via a pressure sensor or a pressure receiver or indirectly via technical means which make use of the filling device 1 in conjunction, for example by evaluating the current consumption of the drive 32 of the closure mechanism 30.

All individual features shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined and/or interchanged with one another as applicable without departing from the scope of the invention.

List of reference numerals

Apparatus for filling containers with a filling product

10 processing chamber

11-chamber pressure determining device

20 filling mechanism

21 filling mechanism shell

22 filling product line

22a metering chamber

23 filling valve

24 gas pipeline

25 gas valve

26 lead-in section

27 dosage valve

28 dosage valve

29 gas line of processing chamber

30 closure mechanism

31 closure head

32 driver

40 product pot

41-tank pressure determination device

42 CIP lid

43 return line

44 evaluation device

V-seal

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for filling containers with a filling product, wherein the apparatus (1) has:

at least one filling station having a filling mechanism (20) for introducing the filling product into the containers to be filled;

a treatment device for treating a part of the device (1) in contact with the filling product by means of a treatment medium, said part comprising a part of the filling means (20);

at least one pressure determination device (11, 41) for detecting the pressure of the treatment medium at one or more locations of the apparatus (1); and

evaluation means (44) arranged to receive the pressure detected by the pressure determination means (11, 41) during the treatment of the device (1) and to thereby determine whether the device (1) has been sufficiently treated,

wherein at least two pressure determination means (11, 41) for detecting the pressure of the treatment medium are provided at least two different locations of the apparatus (1), and the evaluation means (44) are provided for receiving the pressures detected by the pressure determination means (11, 41) during the treatment of the apparatus (1) and for determining from a comparison thereof whether the apparatus (1) is sufficiently treated.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device has a product tank (40) which is in fluid connection with the filling means (20), wherein the at least one pressure determination means (11, 41) is provided for detecting the pressure of the treatment medium in the product tank (40) and/or in the filling means (20).

3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that one of the pressure determining means (41) is arranged for detecting the pressure of the process medium in the product tank (40), while the other of the pressure determining means (11) is arranged for detecting the pressure of the process medium in the filling means (20).

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filling station has a process chamber (10) for sealingly accommodating a container to be filled, and the at least one pressure determination device (11) is provided for detecting the pressure of the process medium in the process chamber (10).

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the filling station has a component which seals the process chamber (10) and is movable relative to the process chamber (10) by means of a drive (32), wherein the pressure determination means (11) are provided for determining the pressure present in the process chamber (10) by determining a manipulated variable of the drive (32), wherein the drive (32) comprises a linear motor and the manipulated variable corresponds to the current strength and/or the voltage delivered to the drive (32).

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said movable means comprise said filling means (20) for sealingly applying onto containers sealed by said treatment chamber (10) and for introducing said filling product into said containers, and/or said movable means comprise closing means (30) for applying a container closure (V) onto filled containers inside said treatment chamber (10).

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided in a beverage filling plant.

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the treatment apparatus is adapted to clean and/or disinfect parts of the apparatus (1) that come into contact with the filling product by means of a treatment medium.

9. A method for handling an apparatus (1) for filling containers with a filling product, wherein the method comprises:

-treating the parts of the apparatus (1) in contact with the filling product by loading them with a treatment medium, said parts comprising parts of a filling mechanism (20) of at least one filling station for introducing the filling product into the containers to be filled;

detecting the pressure of the treatment medium at one or more locations of the apparatus (1) during treatment; and

determining from the detected pressure whether the device (1) has been adequately treated,

wherein pressures are detected at least two different locations of the device (1) during treatment and it is determined from a comparison of the pressures whether the device (1) is adequately treated.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that a volume flow of the treatment medium is provided for the treatment via a product tank (40), the filling means (20) and a product line (22) fluidly connecting the product tank and the filling means, wherein during the treatment the pressure of the treatment medium in the product tank (40) and the pressure of the treatment medium in the filling means (20) are detected and from the comparison of the pressures it is determined whether the device (1) is sufficiently treated.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that an insufficient treatment effect is concluded when the pressure drop between the product tank (40) and the filling means (20) exceeds a threshold value.

12. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the filling station has a treatment chamber (10) for sealingly accommodating a container to be filled, and that the pressure of the treatment medium in the treatment chamber (10) is detected during the treatment and it is determined whether the device (1) has been adequately treated taking into account the pressure.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the filling station has components which seal the process chamber (10) and are movable relative to the process chamber (10) by means of a drive (32), wherein the pressure prevailing in the process chamber (10) is determined by determining a manipulated variable of the drive (32), wherein the drive (32) comprises a linear motor and the manipulated variable corresponds to the current intensity and/or the voltage delivered to the drive (32).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the movable component comprises a filling mechanism (20) for sealingly applying onto containers sealed by the treatment chamber (10) and for introducing the filling product into the containers, and/or the movable component comprises a closing mechanism (30) for applying a container closure (V) onto filled containers within the treatment chamber (10), wherein the closing mechanism (30) is movable between a sealing position and a feeding position.

15. Method according to any of claims 9-11, characterized in that different states of the filling station are passed during the treatment, which affect the pressure of the treatment medium, and that pressure changes are taken into account for determining whether the apparatus (1) is adequately treated.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the elapsed state of the filling station comprises one or more of:

a basic state in which a filling valve (23) of the filling means (20) is open, the closing means (30) is in a sealing position, and a return line (43) for conveying the process medium away from the process chamber (10) is open;

a cap feed state in which a filling valve (23) of the filling mechanism (20) is open, the closure mechanism (30) is in a sealing position, and the return line (43) is completely or partially closed by a CIP cap (42);

a closure feed state in which the filling valve (23) is closed and the filling mechanism (20) is retracted and the closure mechanism (30) is in a feed position; and

a filler feed state in which the filling valve (23) is closed and the filling means (20) has been moved into the process chamber, and the closing means (30) is in a sealing position.

17. Method according to any of claims 9-11, characterized in that the apparatus (1) comprises a rotary conveyor with a plurality of filling stations and that the determination of the pressure is performed at different angular positions of the rotary conveyor.

18. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the treatment medium comprises water and/or lye, and/or acid, and/or disinfectant.

19. Method according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that for determining whether the device (1) is adequately handled, the volumetric flow is not determined and not taken into account, wherein the device (1) has no flow measuring instrument.

20. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the method is used for cleaning and/or sterilizing an apparatus (1) for filling containers with a filling product in a beverage filling plant.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the lye is a sodium hydroxide solution.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the acid is nitric acid and/or peracetic acid.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein the disinfectant is alcohol.