DE102019135472A1 - Filling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A filling machine for filling containers with a liquid product is presented. The present invention is particularly characterized in that the relative movement for moving the locking element support ring from the non-engaged state to the engaged state and back again as an independent lifting movement of the locking element support ring and a separate rotary movement of the rotor relative to the locking element support ring each with one or more separate Rotary and lifting movement components is formed, wherein at least one lifting device is provided for the lifting movement / parts and the drive of the rotor is provided for the rotary movement / parts.

Description

The invention relates to a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning and / or disinfecting such a filling machine.

The invention relates to a filling machine such as can be used in the beverage industry with outputs of more than 10,000 containers per hour, in particular with an output of more than 50,000 containers per hour. Such filling machines are known to a person skilled in the art in a wide variety of designs.

Filling machines of the type mentioned have a large number of treatment stations or positions, which can also be understood as filling positions or filling stations. At each filling station of the filling machine, a filling element or filling element with a filling valve or liquid valve is provided, via the discharge opening of which the liquid filling material is discharged into the container. For example, the filling material is dispensed into the container by means of what is known as “free jet filling”.

In the context of the present invention, “free jet filling” or “free jet filling” is understood to mean a filling process in which the liquid filling material flows into the container to be filled from the liquid valve in a free filling jet or filling material jet, whereby the flow of the filling material does not pass through guide elements such as deflection screens, Swirl bodies, short or long filling tubes are influenced or changed. Free jet filling can take place both without pressure and under pressure. In the case of pressureless free-jet filling, the container is at ambient pressure, the container generally not resting against the filling element with its container mouth or opening, but being spaced from the filling element or from a dispensing opening provided. If, with the pressureless free-jet filling, the container is in contact with the filling element with its container mouth, a gas path establishes a connection between the interior of the container and the environment, which enables pressureless filling. The gas contained in the container and displaced by the beverage flowing into the container preferably also escapes into the surroundings via this gas path.

If the free jet filling takes place under a pressure that differs from the ambient pressure, the opening of the container is pressed against the filling element and sealed; the pressure in the interior of the container is adjusted to this pressure, which differs from the ambient pressure, by applying a tension gas or applying a negative pressure , which can be both above and below ambient pressure.

In such filling machines, it is necessary, for example, to clean and / or disinfect the filling elements with their filling valves or liquid valves and the associated dispensing openings at regular intervals.

This is from the publication EP 1 512 663 A1 a filling machine has become known which, among other things, consists of a rotor which can be driven to rotate around a vertical machine axis and has a large number of filling elements on the circumference of the rotor. A large number of interchangeable components are provided on a support ring arranged on the same axis as the machine axis, which are designed as bottle neck receptacles, but also as closing elements for closing the filling elements during cleaning and / or disinfection of the filling machine. By rotating the support ring relative to the rotor by means of a separate drive, the interchangeable components can be controlled between a non-engagement position in which they are arranged between and to the side of the filling elements and an engagement position in which the interchangeable component in question is located below a filling element. The relative movement of the support ring in relation to the rotor is carried out by an additional controllable drive which is also designed for rotating the support ring in two different directions of rotation.

Furthermore, from the publication WO 2014/086459 A1 a filling machine has become known in which the relative movement between the locking element support ring and the rotor is generated by the drive of the rotor itself, at least one blocking device being provided with which the locking element support ring can rotate with the rotor for transferring the locking elements from their non-engaging state is blocked in a controlled manner in the engaged state and back into the non-engaged state in order to generate a relative movement between the rotor around the locking element support ring. In other words, the document WO 2014/086459 A1 the locking element support ring to bring it into the engaged state is blocked by means of the locking device against rotating with the rotor and then guided to the locking elements by a grinding lift in the form of a combined - that is simultaneously running - lifting rotary movement over a ramp in a sealing position. The disadvantage, however, is that the sealing elements present on the closure elements are damaged and / or quickly worn out by shear and bending forces due to the grinding stroke and rotary movement of the blocking device relative to the closing element support ring for creating the sealing layer.

The present invention is based on the object of showing a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and in which, in particular, the sealing elements when moving the closure element support ring from the non-engaged state to the engaged state and back into no shear or bending forces act in the non-engaged state.

This object is achieved by a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material according to the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, there is a method for cleaning and / or disinfecting such a filling machine with the features of the patent claim 17th specified. Advantageous further developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. In this case, all of the features described, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally the subject matter of the invention, regardless of how they are summarized in the claims or their reference. Furthermore, the claims are made part of the description.

According to an essential aspect, the invention relates to a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid product, with a rotor that can be driven around a vertical machine axis, with several filling elements on the rotor on a pitch circle concentrically enclosing the machine axis and with equal pitch spacings.

Furthermore, the filling machine has a closing element support ring, arranged on the same axis as the machine axis, with a plurality of closing elements for closing the filling elements on their underside having at least one filling material discharge opening during cleaning and / or disinfection of the filling machine.

The locking elements can be moved between a non-engagement state, in which the locking elements are arranged on the pitch circle between the filling elements, and an engagement state, in which the locking elements are each located on the underside of a filling element, by the relative movement of the locking element support ring and the rotor.

The present invention is particularly characterized in that the relative movement for moving the locking element support ring from the non-engaged state to the engaged state and back again as an independent lifting movement of the locking element support ring and a separate rotary movement of the rotor relative to the locking element support ring each with one or more separate Rotary and lifting movement components is formed, wherein at least one lifting device is provided for the lifting movement / parts and the drive of the rotor is provided for the rotary movement / parts. In contrast to the prior art, according to the invention there is no longer a combined and simultaneous stroke-rotary movement that leads to shear and bending forces on the sealing elements of the closure elements of the closure element support ring, but instead a stroke movement and a separate rotary movement, which in this case several in particular, can have movement components that do not overlap in time, but rather consecutive ones. In other words, an exclusively vertical lifting movement can be achieved, which is designed independently of the rotational movement and thus does not lead to any shear or bending forces on the sealing elements of the closing elements of the closing element support ring.

Another advantage of the filling machine according to the invention is, inter alia, that an additional drive for moving the closing elements between their non-engagement position and their engagement position is not required. The portion of the rotational movement required for this is rather generated by the rotor or its drive, the rotor preferably being moved exclusively in one and the same direction of rotation, i.e. in its normal direction of rotation.

The closing element support ring is preferably designed with at least one fluid channel which is connected to openings in the closing elements and can be docked to at least one external fluid channel provided on a machine frame. This enables cleaning and / or sterilization media (e.g. CIP / SIP media) to be discharged or, if necessary, supplied without the need for a rotary feedthrough for these media.

According to an advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the closing element support ring can be raised to a first height position relative to the rotor by means of the at least one lifting device by means of a first lifting movement component, before the drive of the rotor by a relative rotational movement component between the at least one lifting device in The closing element support ring raised in the first height position and the rotor the filling dispensing openings of a filling element can each be rotated under a closing element, and then by means of the at least one lifting device by a second stroke movement component, the closing elements located below the filling dispensing opening in the first height position can each be raised into the engaged state as the second height position .

According to a further advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the locking element support ring is mechanically releasably locked in a parking position in the non-engaging state while rotating with the rotor.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the first stroke movement component is designed as a stroke step with a relative stroke of preferably 10mm to 20mm, particularly advantageously of approximately 15mm, in the direction of the underside of the filling elements by means of the at least one lifting device.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the rotor in the first height position of the closure element support ring is designed to be rotatable relative to the closure element support ring by the drive of the rotor.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the drive of the rotor around the machine axis can be actuated in a controlled manner by a rotational step for the rotational movement component, which corresponds to half the pitch or an integer, odd multiple of half the pitch of the filling elements.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the at least one lifting device comprises at least one lifting element with a lifting rod that can be lifted and that has a coupling connection at its free end facing the closing element support ring.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the closing element support ring has at least one fluid coupling which can be coupled in a fluidically tight manner to the coupling connection of the at least one lifting device.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the closing element support ring is designed to be liftable by means of the at least one lifting rod of the lifting element of the lifting device coupled to the at least one fluid coupling via the coupling connection.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that at least one fluid channel is formed within the lifting rod.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, a plurality of lifting devices distributed around the machine axis and a number of fluid couplings corresponding to the number of lifting devices are to be provided on the closure element support ring.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the plurality of lifting devices can be designed so that they can be driven synchronously.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the relative second height position in the engaged state of the associated coupling connection of a corresponding lifting rod is designed to be individually adjustable for each lifting device.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the multiple lifting devices and the fluid couplings of the locking element support ring are provided distributed around the machine axis at constant or approximately constant spacing, the spacing of the lifting devices being adapted to the spacing of the fluid couplings in such a way that they are on the same axis A corresponding fluid coupling can be arranged above each lifting device.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the closing element support ring can be connected to the rotor in a driving manner by frictional engagement and / or by resilient latching and / or by at least one controllable coupling device.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the closure element support ring is arranged within the pitch circle and / or the closure elements are arranged on a level between the underside of the filling elements of a container support level.

“Container” in the context of the invention is understood to mean any container, in particular bottles, cans, cups, etc., each made of metal, glass and / or plastic, preferably made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

The expression “essentially” or “approximately” means deviations from the exact value in each case by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

Developments, advantages and possible applications of the invention also emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all of the features described and / or shown in the figures, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally the subject matter of the invention, regardless of how they are summarized in the claims or their reference. The content of the claims is also made part of the description.

• 1 in schematischer Darstellung und in Draufsicht eine Füllmaschine zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem flüssigen Füllgut;
• 2 in schematischer Teildarstellung einen Rotor der Füllmaschine der 1 in Perspektivansicht, zusammen mit einem mit dem Rotor umlaufenden Verschließelementetragring mit einer Vielzahl von Verschließelementen oder Spülkappen der Füllmaschine;
• 3 in schematischer Teildarstellung einen Rotor der Füllmaschine der 1 in Perspektivansicht, zusammen mit den mit dem Rotor nicht umlaufenden Hubeinrichtungen;
• 4 in vergrößerter Teildarstellung, auch geschnitten, den Rotor sowie das Maschinengestell zusammen mit einer beispielhaften Hubvorrichtung in einem Nicht-Eingriffszustand
• 5 in perspektivischer Teildarstellung, auch geschnitten, den Rotor sowie das Maschinengestell und teilweise geschnittenem Verschließelementetragring;
• 6a bis d in schematischer Darstellung und in den Positionen a bis d vier unterschiedliche Betriebszustände des Verschließelementetragrings bzw. der dortigen Verschließelemente.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures using exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• 1 in a schematic representation and in plan view, a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material;
• 2 a schematic partial representation of a rotor of the filling machine of 1 in perspective view, together with a closing element support ring rotating with the rotor with a plurality of closing elements or flushing caps of the filling machine;
• 3 a schematic partial representation of a rotor of the filling machine of 1 in perspective view, together with the lifting devices that do not rotate with the rotor;
• 4th in an enlarged partial representation, also in section, the rotor and the machine frame together with an exemplary lifting device in a non-engaging state
• 5 in a perspective partial representation, also in section, the rotor as well as the machine frame and partially sectioned locking element support ring;
• 6a to d In a schematic representation and in positions a to d, four different operating states of the locking element support ring or the locking elements there.

Identical reference symbols are used in the figures for elements of the invention that are the same or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure.

The revolving type filling machine, generally designated 1 in the figures, is used to fill containers 2 , for example in the form of bottles, with a liquid filling material. The filling machine 1 has one around a vertical machine axis for this purpose MA in the direction of the arrow A. revolving drivable rotor 3 on, which has a large number of filling positions on its circumference 4th forms. These filling positions 4th each have a filling valve in the form of a filling element 5 and a container carrier 5.1 for hanging a container 2 on.

The filling positions 4th with their filling elements formed thereon 5 are parallel to the machine axis MA oriented infill element axes FA in a constant or approximately constant pitch on a pitch circle TK around the machine axis MA arranged. The filling elements 5 are each provided with at least one product dispensing opening on their underside.

The containers to be filled 2 are the filling positions 4th via a container inlet 6.1 supplied and then filled with liquid container 2 the filling positions 4th at a container outlet 6.2 removed again.

On the one for storing the rotor 3 serving and with the rotor 3 non-rotating machine frame 7th is one with its axis coaxial with the machine axis MA arranged circular locking element support ring 8th around the machine axis MA intended. In the embodiment shown, the locking element is a support ring 8th a tubular piece which is formed into the circular ring and is closed in itself and which has an annular fluid channel 9 forms. The locking element support ring is also located 8th in the embodiment shown, based on the machine axis MA radially within the pitch circle TK the filling elements 5 arranged and is on its the machine axis MA facing inside with several bearing elements 10 provided, at equal angular intervals around the machine axis MA each distributed on a counter bearing 11 rest. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, this is the machine axis MA Concentrically encompassing and running around and, for example, from a running around, concentric with the machine axis MA arranged ring formed. The locking element support ring 8th is based in a parking position PP with its bearing elements 10 on the counter bearings 11 but is in its parking position in the manner described in more detail below PP not around the machine axis MA relative to the rotor 3 rotatable, but by means of the bearing elements 10 as well as the counter bearing 11 in his in 5 shown parking position PP rotating with the rotor 3 locked, but in particular locked in a mechanically releasable manner.

In relation to the machine axis MA are located radially on the outside of the locking element support ring 8th Locking elements 12th provided, which are designed as closure plates or flushing caps and also on the pitch circle TK are arranged (for example with their central axis) and in the same pitch as the filling elements 5 exhibit from each other.

The number of locking elements 12th is preferably equal to the number of filling elements 5 the filling machine 1 . By relative movement between the locking element support ring 8th and the rotor 3 are the locking elements 12th between a non-engagement position in which the locking elements 12th each on the pitch circle TK between two filling elements 5 are located ( 6th , Position a), and an engagement position which forms the flushing position, in which each closing element is 12th in a sealing position with the underside of a filling element 5 is located ( 6th , Position d) and this for CIP cleaning and / or CIP disinfection of the filling machine 1 on its underside or on the product dispensing opening there as well as at any other openings.

In particular, there is the locking element support ring 8th during the normal, i.e. regular, filling operation of the filling machine in the container 2 be filled with liquid filling material, in its non-engagement position, preferably in the relative height of the parking position explained in more detail above PP , in which the locking element support ring 8th with the rotor 3 rotates with the locking element support ring 8th mechanically releasably locked on the rotor 3 attached ( 6a)

The locking elements 12th with their top in the parking position PP at the level below the underside of the filling elements 5 , in particular at a level below the filling discharge opening of the filling elements 5 , and with their underside above the level of the container support 5.1 (Container support level) are arranged, are in the illustrated embodiment each at the free end of a relative to the machine axis MA radially from the locking element support ring 8th outwardly protruding support arm 13th provided on the locking element support ring 8th is attached and in each one on the top of the locking element 12th more open and in the for all locking elements 12th common fluid channel 9 opening canal 14th is trained.

During normal filling operation of the filling machine 1 , in which the locking elements 12th between radially adjacent filling elements 5 are located and thus neither the transfer of the container 2 to the filling elements 5 , nor the removal of the container 2 of the filling elements 5 , nor the function of the filling elements 5 hinder, the locking element support ring 8th in its parking position PP with the rotating rotor 3 moved synchronously. In the simplest case, this is done by frictional engagement between the bearing elements 10 and the counter bearing 11 , or by the fact that the bearing elements 10 with catches on the counter-catches of the counter bearing 11 lock, or by a controllable between the rotor 3 and the locking element support ring 8th Acting braking or locking device.

A special feature of the filling machine 1 is now that the relative movement between the rotor 3 and the locking element support ring 8th that is required to the locking elements 12th from their non-engaged state (for the filling operation) to the engaged state (for CIP cleaning and / or CIP disinfection) and from the engaged state back to the disengaged state, as an independent lifting movement of the closure element support ring 8th and a separate rotational movement of the rotor 3 relative to the closure element support ring 8th is each formed with one or more separate rotary and lifting movement components, with at least one lifting device 15th for the stroke movement / parts and the drive of the rotor 3 is intended for the rotary movement / components.

The rotational movement components can be controlled solely by the drive of the rotor 3 take place, ie by the same drive that the rotor 3 rotates during the filling operation.

The locking element support ring is explained in more detail for this purpose 8th by means of the at least one lifting device 15th in a first altitude H1 relative to the rotor 3 by a first stroke movement component from its parking position PP raised, ie in the direction of the filling elements 5 emotional ( 6b) before by means of the drive of the rotor 3 by a relative rotational movement component between the means of the at least one lifting device 15th Closing element support ring raised in the first height position H1 8th and the rotor 3 the filling discharge openings of a filling element 5 each under a closure element 12th to be twisted ( 6c ).

The first stroke movement component is advantageous as a stroke step with a relative stroke of preferably 10 mm to 20 mm, particularly advantageously by approximately 15 mm in the direction of the underside of the filling elements 5 educated.

The drive of the rotor is used for the rotational movement component 3 - starting from the stationary rotor 3 - controlled operated so that the rotor 3 around the machine axis MA executes a rotation step which is half the pitch or an integer odd multiple of half the pitch of the filling elements 5 corresponds to. The rotor 3 rotates in the same direction of rotation A. in which it also circulates during the filling operation.

The closure element support ring 8th is located on the at least one lifting device during this portion of the rotary movement, that is to say the rotary step 15th raised in the first altitude H1 in a non-rotating position. Ultimately can the rotor 3 after the first part of the stroke movement, free without the locking element support ring 8th Rotate half the pitch so that there is a relative rotational movement between the closure element support ring 8th and the rotor 3 takes place as the closure element support ring 8th by means of the at least one stationary on the machine frame 7th provided lifting device 15th is raised and thus not designed to rotate with it.

Subsequently, by means of the at least one lifting device 15th each of the closing elements located below the filling dispensing opening in the first height position H1 is lifted into the engagement state as the second height position H2 by a second stroke movement component, i.e. a second stroke step, in which the closing elements 12th each in a sealing position on the underside of a corresponding filling element 5 are located ( 6d ).

This in the 4th shown in more detail and on the machine frame 7th provided at least one lifting device 15th includes, inter alia, a lifting rod that can be lifted 16 formed by a pipe section open at both ends and with its stroke axis parallel to the machine axis MA is oriented. In bearing bushes 18 one on the machine frame 7th provided lifting element 18th is the lifting rod 16 axially between one of the locking element support ring 8th non-lifting position and one the locking element support ring 8th raised position, preferably in the first and second height positions H1, H2, axially movable. The lifting device 15th is thus for the stroke movement components of the relative movement of the closure element support ring 8th relative to the rotor 3 educated.

The gap between the lifting element 18th and the lifting rod 16 can through a bellows 17th be sealed. The bellows 17th can be subjected to a pressure, in particular an overpressure, in order to avoid any leaks in the bellows 17th to detect. The internal pressure of the bellows can then be used for this purpose 17th be detected by means of a pressure sensor, not shown.

In the closing element support ring 8th lifting position is the upper end of the lift rod 16 with at least one on the locking element support ring 8th trained fluid coupling 20th tight, in particular gas and liquid tight, coupled. The lifting rod 16 in the area of the free, the locking element support ring 8th the end to be assigned a coupling connection 16.1 have which the fluid coupling 20th is fluidically tightly coupled. The respective fluid coupling can be used for the fluidically tight coupling 20th a sealing element 20.1 , for example a ring seal. The corresponding sealing element 20.1 lies close to the coupling connection in the coupled state 16.1 and thus seals the transition between the coupling connection 16.1 and fluid seal 20th from.

Inside the lifting rod 16 is at least one fluid channel 22nd formed axially along the lifting rod 16 extends between the two open ends, so the entire lifting rod 16 penetrates. Ultimately, this is the coupling connection 16.1 the lifting rod 16 in relation to the axis of the bar 16 axially movable between an upper position in which there is a tight fluid connection between the fluid coupling 20th and the coupling connection 16.1 and thus with the fluid channel 22nd exists, and a lower position in which the coupling connection 16.1 from the fluid coupling 20th is spaced. Alternatively, within the lifting rod 16 also several fluid channels 22nd be trained.

The channels form during CIP cleaning and / or CIP disinfection 14th as well as, the common fluid channel 9 Closing element support rings 8th and the other, via the coupling connection 16.1 connected outer fluid channel 22nd a flow path for discharging or supplying the cleaning and / or disinfecting media used (CIP / SIP media).

After the end of the application of steam, CIP cleaning and / or CIP disinfection, the relative movement of moving the closing element support ring takes place 8th back to the disengaged state in chronologically reverse order to that described above. First of all, the coupling connection is decoupled 16.1 with the fluid coupling 20th , then by means of the at least one lifting device 15th by means of a third stroke movement portion opposite to the second stroke movement portion, the closing elements located below the filling dispensing opening in the second height position H2 in each case in the engaged state 12th lowered to the first altitude H1. Subsequently, by means of the drive of the rotor 3 by a relative rotational movement component between the means of the at least one lifting device 15th Closing element support ring raised in the first height position H1 8th and the rotor 3 the filling discharge openings of a filling element 5 each between the closure elements 12th twist. Finally, the locking element support ring 8th by means of the at least one lifting device 15th from the first altitude H1 relative to the rotor 3 by a first stroke movement component, the opposite fourth stroke movement component into its parking position PP lowered. Now the locking element support ring can 8th again on the rotor 3 mechanically locked so that the locking element support ring 8th then again with the rotor during the following filling operation 3 is carried and circulates with it.

Due to the method of operation described there is no fixed assignment of the closing elements 12th to one filling element each 5 , rather any closing element 12th depending on the random rotation of the rotor 3 compared to the locking element support ring 8th with each filling element 5 cooperate.

It goes without saying that for the transfer of the closing element support ring 8th from the disengaged state to the engaged state of this with the rotor 3 is first rotated into a rotational position in which the at least one fluid coupling 20th the locking element support rings 8th above the at least one lifting device 15th is located.

It can also advantageously be provided that around the machine axis MA distributed several lifting devices 15th and one of the number of lifting devices 15th corresponding number of fluid couplings 20th on the closure element support ring 8th are to be provided.

It can advantageously be provided that the multiple lifting devices 15th are designed to be driven synchronously. For example, the multiple lifting devices 15th for this with one as a common belt drive 19th trained drive device be designed to be driven synchronously. Alternatively, it is also possible that each lifting device 15th has its own drive, the multiple drives then being designed so that they can be controlled and / or regulated synchronously with one another.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that in the respective lifting device 15th the corresponding relative second altitude H2 in the engaged state of the coupling connection 16.1 the associated lifting rod 16 is designed to be adjustable. This corresponding relative second height position H2 in the engaged state of the associated coupling connection can be particularly advantageous 16.1 a corresponding lifting rod 16 for each lifting device 15th be designed to be individually adjustable. For example, the respective lifting rods 16 be readjusted or set for this by means of a screw head or a spindle. This makes it possible to prevent the coupling connection in the engaged state 16.1 applied system pressure on the fluid couplings 20th or the system pressure on the underside of the filling elements 5 closure elements resting against their filling dispensing opening 12th retighten or adjust. Manufacturing tolerances can thus be compensated.

The multiple lifting devices can do more in detail 15th as well as the fluid couplings 20th with a constant or approximately constant pitch around the machine axis MA be provided distributed, the spacing of the lifting devices 15th such to the pitch of the fluid couplings 20th adapted are provided that coaxially above each lifting device 15th a corresponding fluid coupling 20th can be arranged.

A particular advantage of the invention is that the for transferring the locking element support ring 8th between the disengaged state and the engaged state necessary relative rotational movement exclusively by the drive of the rotor 3 is generated, the rotor 3 preferably only in its normal direction of rotation A. is rotated. So it is not a separate drive for moving the locking element support ring 8th or the closing elements 12th required. In particular, it is also not necessary to drive the rotor 3 to be designed so that it is suitable for transferring the locking elements 12th between the non-engagement position and the engagement position or vice versa would have to be driven in opposite directions of rotation.

Another particular advantage of the invention is that the for transferring the locking element support ring 8th Relative stroke movement required between the non-engaged state and the engaged state exclusively axially to the machine axis MA through the at least one lifting device 15th is generated, so that ultimately a separate lifting and rotary movement takes place, which has several movement components, in particular not temporally overlapping, but rather consecutive movement components. In other words, an exclusively vertically acting lifting movement can be achieved, which does not result in any shear or bending forces on the sealing elements of the closing elements of the closing element support ring 8th leads.

It is also advantageous that the at least one lifting device 15th also a fluid connection between the individual closing elements 12th and the fluid channel 22nd when the locking elements are in the engaged state 12th is produced, specifically for a discharge or supply of the media used in CIP cleaning and / or CIP disinfection, for example steam and / or hot water.

As the discharge or supply of the media for CIP cleaning and / or CIP sterilization via the fluid channel 22nd takes place, and this fluid channel only when the closing element support ring is raised 8th to the fluid channel 9 is connected, so only when the fluid channels 9 and 22nd are also required, rotary unions are not required for the media used for CIP cleaning and / or CIP disinfection.

The locking element support ring 8th with its locking elements 12th as well as the Guide means for this support ring and the lifting devices 15th have a simple structure that ensures a reduced susceptibility to failure and high operational reliability. The simplified construction also avoids areas that have niches, undercuts, etc., in which dirt and / or germs could settle. Also the gap between the lifting rod 16 and the housing of the lifting element 18th is through a bellows 17th sealed. The filling machine 1 therefore also meets the requirements for sterile filling of contents.

The normal filling operation is carried out by the closure element support ring 8th and the closing elements 12th not affected. The locking element support ring 8th can expand freely when heated without the filling elements 5 or to influence the container carrier provided there.

After returning to the non-intervention state, the channels are 14th on the top of the locking elements 12th and the fluid channel 9 at least at the fluid coupling 20th open so that residues of a liquid cleaning and / or sterilization medium can flow off and the aforementioned channels are completely dry during normal filling operation to avoid contamination.

The invention was described above using exemplary embodiments. It goes without saying that a large number of changes or modifications are possible without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the patent claims. The content of the claims is made the subject of the description.

List of reference symbols

1

Filling machine

2

container

3

rotor

4th

Filling position

5

Filling elements

5.1

Container carrier

6.1

Container inlet

6.2

Container outlet

7th

Machine frame

8th

Closing element support ring

9

Fluid channel

10

Bearing element

11

Counter bearing

12th

Locking element

13th

Beam

14th

channel

15th

Lifting device

16

Lifting rod

16.1

Coupling connection

17th

Bellows

18th

Lifting element

19th

Lifting device drive 15

20th

Fluid coupling

20.1

Sealing element

22nd

Fluid channel

A.

Direction of rotation of the rotor 3

FA

Infill axis

TK

Pitch circle

MA

Machine axis

PP

Parking position

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Patent literature cited

• EP 1512663 A1 [0007]
• WO 2014/086459 A1 [0008]

Claims (18)

Filling machine for filling containers (2) with a product, with a rotor (3) that can be driven around a vertical machine axis (MA), with several on the rotor (3) on a pitch circle (TK) concentrically enclosing the machine axis (MA) and in filling elements (5) provided at the same pitch, with a closing element support ring (8) arranged coaxially with the machine axis (MA) with a plurality of closing elements (12) for closing the filling elements (5) on their underside having at least one filling material discharge opening during cleaning and / or Disinfection of the filling machine (1), whereby by relative movement of the closing element support ring (8) and the rotor (3) the closing elements (12) between a non-engagement state in which the closing elements (12) are each arranged on the pitch circle between the filling elements (5) are, and can be brought into an engagement state in which the locking elements (12) each engage on the underside es filling element (5) are located, characterized in that the relative movement for moving the closure element support ring (8) from the non-engagement state to the engagement state and back again as an independent lifting movement of the closure element support ring (8) and a separate rotary movement of the rotor (3) is designed relative to the locking element support ring (8) each with one or more separate rotary and lifting movement parts, at least one lifting device (15) being provided for the lifting movement / parts and the drive of the rotor (3) for the rotary movement / parts. Filling machine after Claim 1 , characterized in that the closing element support ring (8) can be raised to a first height position (H1) relative to the rotor (3) by means of the at least one lifting device (15) by means of a first lifting movement component, before the rotor (3) is driven by a relative rotational movement proportion between the closing element support ring (8) raised in the first height position (H1) by means of the at least one lifting device (15) and the rotor (3), the filling discharge openings of a filling element (5) can each be rotated under a closing element (12), and then by means of of the at least one lifting device (15), the closing elements (12) located below the filling dispensing opening in the first height position (H1) can each be lifted into the engaged state as the second height position (H2) by a second portion of the stroke movement. Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing element support ring (8) is mechanically and releasably locked in a parking position (PP) while rotating with the rotor (3) in the non-engaging state. Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first stroke movement component is designed as a stroke step with a relative stroke of preferably 10mm to 20mm, particularly advantageously of approximately 15mm, in the direction of the underside of the filling elements (5) by means of the at least one lifting device (15) is. Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotor (3) in the first height position (H1) of the closure element support ring (8) is designed to be rotatable relative to the closure element support ring (8) by the drive of the rotor (3). Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive of the rotor (3) about the machine axis (MA) can be actuated in a controlled manner by a rotary step for the rotational movement component which is half the pitch or an integer, odd multiple of half the pitch of the filling elements (5 ) corresponds. Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one lifting device (15) comprises at least one lifting element (18) with a lifting rod (16) which can be lifted and which has a coupling connection (16.1) at its free end facing the closing element support ring (8). having. Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing element support ring (8) has at least one fluid coupling (20) which can be coupled in a fluidically tight manner to the coupling connection (16.1) of the at least one lifting device (15). Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing element support ring (8) by means of the at least one lifting rod (16) of the lifting element (18) of the lifting device (15) coupled to the at least one fluid coupling (20) via the coupling connection (16.1) is designed to be liftable. Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one fluid channel (22) is formed inside the lifting rod (16). Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several lifting devices (15) distributed around the machine axis (MA) and a number of fluid couplings (20) corresponding to the number of lifting devices (15) are to be provided on the closure element support ring (8). Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of lifting devices (15) can be driven synchronously. Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the relative second height position (H2) in the engaged state of the associated coupling connection (16.1) of a corresponding lifting rod (16) is designed to be individually adjustable for each lifting device (15). Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of lifting devices (15) and the fluid couplings (20) of the closure element support ring (8) are provided distributed around the machine axis (MA) at a constant or approximately constant pitch, the pitch of the lifting devices ( 15) are provided adapted to the spacing of the fluid couplings (20) in such a way that a corresponding fluid coupling (20) can be arranged coaxially above each lifting device (15). Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing element support ring (8) can be connected to the rotor (3) by means of a drive by frictional engagement and / or by resilient latching and / or by at least one controllable coupling device. Filling machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure element support ring (8) within the pitch circle (TK) and / or the closure elements (12) are arranged on a level between the underside of the filling elements (5) and a container support level. A method for cleaning and / or disinfecting a filling machine for filling containers (2) with a product, in which a rotor (3) revolves around a vertical machine axis (MA) with several on the rotor (3) concentrically on one of the machine axis (MA) encircling pitch circle (TK) and filling elements (5) provided at the same pitch, in which with a closing element support ring (8) with a plurality of closing elements (12) arranged on the same axis with the machine axis (MA), the filling elements (5) at least one The bottom side having the filling material discharge opening is closed during cleaning and / or disinfection of the filling machine (1), in which the closing elements (12) between a non-engagement state in which the closing elements (12 ) are each arranged on the pitch circle between the filling elements (5), and are brought into an engagement state, in which the closing elements (12) are each located on the underside of a filling element (5), characterized in that, during the process, the closing element support ring (8) is caused by a relative movement of the closing element support ring (8) designed as an independent lifting movement and a separate rotary movement of the rotor (3) relative to the locking element support ring (8) is brought from the non-engaged state to the engaged state and back again with one or more separate rotary and lifting motion components, at least one lifting device (15) for the lifting motion / components and the drive of the rotor (3) is provided for the rotary movement / proportions. Procedure according to Claim 17 , characterized in that by means of the at least one lifting device (15) the closure element support ring (8) is raised to a first height position (H1) relative to the rotor (3) by a first stroke movement component, before the drive of the rotor (3) by a relative rotational movement share between the closing element support ring (8) raised in the first height position (H1) by means of the at least one lifting device (15) and the rotor (3), the filling discharge openings of the filling elements (5) are each rotated under a closing element (12), and then by means of of the at least one lifting device (15), the closing elements (12) located below the filling dispensing opening in the first height position (H1) are lifted into the engaged state as the second height position (H2) by a second portion of the stroke movement.

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