EP2265542B1 - Device for filling containers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for filling containers according to the preamble of claim 1, and as shown in GB 707,572 known. Such devices are known in the art. In this case, usually a plurality of filling members is provided, which move with a transport device and thereby fill it during the continuous movement of the containers. Also known from the prior art aseptic filling plants, in which the filling of the containers takes place in a sterile room.

From the DE 198 35 369 C1 a container treatment machine is known. In this treatment machine, a carrying device, which carries an aggregate and a plurality of treatment stations, is arranged above the treatment stations of the aggregate.

The DE 199 22 873 A1 discloses a device for introducing and / or deploying containers in or out of a treatment room. In this case, outer and inner Sternrradpaare are provided and gripping and holding devices for the containers.

The DE 198 16 239 A1 describes a device for inserting or removing containers into or out of a treatment room. In this case, open lock chambers are provided to the outside, wherein a lock wheel is provided with grippers operable directly by the containers and / or indirectly by a control device, which temporarily fixes the containers in the lock chambers.

From the DE 198 17 735 C1 For example, a beverage dispenser is known. This has a stationary filling member in a container engaging the part of the filling member and the standing in filling container surrounding acted upon by the inert gas treatment chamber, in which space the container can be fed through an opening. Furthermore, a Einschleusraum is provided, through which the opening to the outside and the treatment room can be shut off via lock gates.

In the so-called cold aseptic filling, the sterilization of the containers and closures to be filled takes place first and then the previously sterilized product of a closed sterile environment, the so-called clean room, is filled. The containers are sealed under aseptic conditions.

It is, as stated, customary in the prior art that the corresponding filling organs move with the containers to be filled. However, this results in further process engineering problems, since, for example, the movable filling organs must be supplied with the medium to be filled, which brings further sealing effort with it. The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for filling containers with liquids available, which is inexpensive to manufacture and allows easy operation.

This is inventively achieved by devices and methods according to the independent claims, or 9. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device for filling containers has a transport device which transports a plurality of containers through a filling space, wherein the filling space is a sterile room. Furthermore, a plurality of treatment bodies arranged in the filling space are provided, which treat the containers, wherein at least one of these treatment organs is a filling member, which fills the containers with the liquid.

The transport device is designed such that it cyclically transports the containers through the filling space. By filling space is meant that space through which the containers are guided and within which they are filled with liquid. For example, the liquid may be a beverage, but it would also be possible to bottle medicines or other pharmaceutical products. A sterile room is understood to mean that the filling space is insulated in particular from the outside environment.

On the one hand, it should be prevented that air from the outside penetrates into the filling space, but conversely, the escape of gases from the filling space to the outside should also be prevented. Preferably, a housing is provided around the filling space, which seals it. It is proposed, not, as in the prior art, that to move the containers in a continuous motion, but in a timed motion.

Preferably, the treatment members are at least partially stationary. In this case, other treatment organs are preferably provided in addition to the filling organs, such as organs, which close the containers with a closure, organs, which make a sterilization of the containers and the like. Due to the stationary arrangement of the filling organs and preferably also other treatment organs, the device is simplified in its entirety, since, for example, no additional rotary seals must be provided and in this way the sealing effort can be reduced. Also can be dispensed in this way on rotary distributor.

The device has a further transport unit which transfers both containers at least indirectly to the transport unit as well as containers at least indirectly takes over from the transport device. This can be a transfer wheel, which preferably introduces the containers via a lock device into the sterile room or into the filling space. Thus, here only a transport unit is provided, which transfers both empty containers to the device or the transport device, as well as filled and sealed containers of this transport device takes over. In this way it is possible to provide only one access to the transport device, via which both containers are introduced and executed.

In the transport direction of the containers, a lock device is provided between the first transport device and the further transport unit, which takes over both empty containers from the further transport unit and transfers them to the first transport device, as well as filled and closed containers from the first transport device and to the further transport unit passes.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first transport device has a transport wheel which conveys the containers at least in sections on a circular path. Such a transport device is also referred to as a rotary machine in the following. The containers are transported with this device so clocked on a circular path.

The transport unit has a lock device which prevents the entry of air into the filling space. The containers are introduced into the lock chamber and then transferred to the transport device. As mentioned above, a combined in / out star is used to convey the containers to and from the transport. Preferably, the lock device is located within the filling space and thus in a clean room.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the lock device is a rotatable lock device. This means that the containers are preferably introduced into the lock device and subsequently rotated about an axis of rotation of the lock device. there preferably follows the rotation of the containers in the lock device clocked. In this way, a transfer or acceptance of the containers to or from the transport device is facilitated.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the lock device has at least one gripping element for gripping the containers, wherein this gripping element is arranged both displaceable and pivotable along a straight direction. Thus, first the containers are gripped, then pulled into the lock device and finally pivoted to be handed back to the transport device can. This will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the further transport unit has an even number of gripper elements for gripping the containers. Preferably, two or four such gripping elements are provided. In this case, a gripping element or each first gripping element is used to pass an empty and unlocked container to the transport device and the second or a second gripping element is used to take over the filled and sealed containers from the transport device.

Preferably, the gripping elements are active gripping elements. This means that the gripping elements can close themselves to grab a container, in particular at its bottleneck.

It is for example possible that the lock device takes over an empty container from an inlet star by a linear slide of the lock device extends. To a pneumatically driven transfer (or the gripping element closes), drives the aforementioned linear slide with the empty bottle back into the lock. After swiveling the lock by 180 °, the linear slide extends again and the empty container is transferred to the corresponding gripping device of the transport device already driven into position.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a central support, on which essentially all treatment organs of the device or their working elements are arranged. Under work elements are understood, for example, the elements of a capper, the filling organs, elements for rinsing the containers, elements for the internal disinfection of the containers and the like. The arrangement of these elements on a central support overall facilitates the accessibility of the device and the maintenance. Preferably, the central support is a lid closing the filling space. Thus, in this embodiment, the working elements of the device are arranged hanging on this cover. In this way, an internal sterilization of the device is facilitated.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a multiplicity of liquid distribution devices arranged in the interior of the filling space. More specifically, a CIP (clean in process) system is installed for cleaning and disinfecting the filling space. In this case, a plurality of individually controllable nozzles are distributed in the interior of the filling space. These make it possible to clean the entire filling space. In this case, the piping of this cleaning system is preferably such designed so that when a venting of the system, all pipes run independently empty. Preferably, for effective cleaning of the interior Rotationsssprühköpfe be used ie spray heads which deliver the cleaning liquid in the circumferential direction preferably under rotation. The piping for this internal cleaning is preferably arranged on the above-mentioned cover or carrier.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a closing device is arranged in the interior of the filling space in order to close the containers with closures. To close the container, a sterilized cap must be carried on the closure cone of the vessel.

Preferably, a drive of the closing device is arranged outside the filling space. From the prior art devices are known in which the entire capper including motor and drive is arranged in the clean room. However, relatively large surfaces to be cleaned occur. Therefore, it is proposed for this embodiment that the mechanism and the drive are arranged freely accessible outside of the filling space and only the exchangeable sealing cone, which then turns the closures on the containers, is arranged in the interior of the filling space. Thus, a separation of this Veschlusskopfes is performed here. Another advantage is that the maintenance of the mechanism can be performed during operation and a re-cleaning of the filling space is not necessary.

Preferably, the closing device has a pivoting arm, which pivots the closure. As stated above, an object is to convey the screw caps from a closure rail in the cone of the closure unit. The closure should not be touched or held by its internal thread, otherwise there is again the risk of contamination. After disinfecting the closures, they slide into a rail. Subsequently, the pivot arm performs a pivoting movement to the end of this rail, where a closure is already arranged. The swivel arm receives this closure and then pivots back over the cone of the closure member.

Preferably, the swivel arm is lowerable and liftable in its entirety. This means that the swivel arm in addition to its pivoting movement also performs a vertical movement up and down. By lifting the swivel arm, the shutter is clamped in the above-mentioned cone, then the swivel arm lowers again and a new cycle begins.

Preferably, the pivot arm is arranged on a shaft and this shaft is surrounded in its circumferential direction by a bellows. As stated above, the swivel arm performs both a pivoting movement and a lifting or lowering movement. In order to achieve in this way the seal against the filling space of the mentioned bellows is provided, which simultaneously assumes this isolation.

The present invention is further directed to a method for filling containers with liquids, wherein the containers are transported by means of a transport device through a sterile filling space and be treated within this sterile filling space with a plurality of arranged in the filling space treatment organs, wherein at least one of these treatment organs is a filling member which fills the containers with the liquid. The containers are cyclically transported through the filling space.

This is also proposed in the method, not to promote the containers with a continuous movement, but clocked. In this way, the respective treatment organs within the filling space can be arranged stationary here as well. The treatment room is preferably a sterile room _.

In a preferred method, the transport device is at the same time supplied to an empty container at the same time and a full container is removed from the transport device. By this simultaneous supply and discharge can be achieved with the help of only one transfer device both the feeding of the containers and the removal of the containers. In this way, the number of accesses and openings of the filling space can be reduced.

Preferably, both filled and unfilled containers are simultaneously transported on a transport unit for the containers, also referred to as feed and discharge unit. Preferably, this is a feed or discharge star, at the same time both filled and thus sealed containers as well as unfilled, ie to be filled containers are arranged.

The containers are transferred via a lock device from the transport unit to the first transport device. By means of this lock device prevents air from entering the filling space and vice versa can also be prevented from leaking from the interior of the filling space existing aggressive gases such as hydrogen peroxide. The lock device is suitable both for receiving the filled containers and for receiving the unfilled containers.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the accompanying drawings:

Fig.1

eine Gesamtdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Fig.2

ein Detail der Vorrichtung aus Fig.1;

Fig.3

eine Schleuseneinrichtung für die Vorrichtung aus Fig.1;

Fig.4

die Schleuseneinrichtung aus Fig.3 bei der Übernahme von Behältnissen von der weiteren Transporteinrichtung;

Fig.5

eine Draufsicht auf einen Teil der Vorrichtung aus Fig.1 zur Veranschaulichung unterschiedlicher Arbeitsstationen;

Fig.6

eine Ansicht zur Veranschaulichung einer Verrohrung für die Vorrichtung;

Fig.7

eine Darstellung zur Veranschaulichung des Transports der Behältnisse; und

Fig.8

eine Ansicht einer Verschließeinrichtung für eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung.

Show:

Fig.1

an overall view of a device according to the invention;

Fig.2

a detail of the device Fig.1 ;

Figure 3

a lock device for the device Fig.1 ;

Figure 4

the lock device off Figure 3 when taking over containers from the further transport device;

Figure 5

a plan view of a part of the device Fig.1 to illustrate different workstations;

Figure 6

a view illustrating a piping for the device;

Figure 7

a representation to illustrate the transport of the containers; and

Figure 8

a view of a closing device for a device according to the invention.

Fig.1 shows a simplified representation of a device according to the invention 1. This device 1 has a filling space 4, within which the containers 10 are guided and filled, inter alia, with a liquid such as a drink. In this case, initially both empty and open containers are fed via a further transport unit 40, which is designed as a combined inlet / outlet star filled and filled and filled containers discharged. In Fig.1 In this case, the empty containers are each identified by the reference numeral 10a and the filled containers by the reference numeral l0b. It can be seen that in each case two unfilled containers 10a and then two filled containers 10b are arranged side by side. The further transport device 40 rotates clockwise as in the embodiment shown in FIG. The reference numeral 50 relates to a lock device which takes over both empty containers 10a from the further transport unit 40 and also transfers filled containers 10b to this further transport unit 40. At the start of operation, this transport unit 40 is equipped by hand with empty containers 10a.

The reference numeral 3 refers to a transport wheel on which the individual containers are transported along a circular track.

Fig.2 shows a detail view of in Fig.1 shown device. It can be seen that the further transport unit 40 is rotatable about a rotation axis X. The reference numeral 47 refers to a drive device which drives a serrated wheel 43 and thus the carrier 42 clocked. In this case, a clocked rotary movement is alternately performed by a circumferential angle between 15 and 45 °. Between each cycle of this rotational movement is a rest during which the containers are transferred to the lock device 50. In this case, the carrier 42 is preferably rotated by one position after each transfer / takeover of containers with respect to the containers.

However, it would also be possible to rotate the carrier after each takeover / transfer by two positions and alternately arrange an empty and a full container on the carrier. Also, the lock device could have four or more gripping elements, which are arranged side by side. In addition, it would also be possible for the lock device to have a total of 4 gripper elements, with two elements each being moved in the direction of the further transport unit and two further elements in the direction of the transport device 2

_F ig.3 shows an illustration of the lock device 50, which takes just a filled and sealed container 10b by the transport means 2, and substantially simultaneously (not shown) is an open and empty container to the transport device.

Figure 4 shows a situation in which just an empty container 10a is taken over by the further transport unit 40 and at the same time a filled container 10b is transferred from the lock device 5 to the transport device 40. For this purpose, the lock device on gripping elements 56, which can grip the containers, preferably at the neck. These gripping devices 56 are displaceable along the arrow P2, so that the containers can be drawn into an interior 51 of the lock device. After this retraction, the lock device is rotated about its axis of rotation y by 180 ° in order to be able to carry out a corresponding transfer to the transport device 2 or takeover of the transport device 2. The lock device therefore preferably has a bearing with a pivoting drive.

The transport of the containers takes place in a lock cell 53.

After pivoting the lock device 50 enters a (in Figure 4 not shown) linear slide again and the empty container 10a is passed to an already driven to position clamp or the gripping element 34 of the transport device 2 ( Fig. 3 ). The container is now with the support ring on the above-mentioned bracket 34 of the transport device 2 and is passed by opening the clip or the gripping element 56 of the transport device 2. After swiveling back the lock device by 180 °, the slide moves off again and a new cycle begins. The reference numeral 14 denotes a Inspection device, which checks whether 10 closures are mounted on the containers.

Figure 5 shows a plan view of the inventive device for displaying the different areas. The individual steps are marked with Roman numerals I - XII. In step I, a transfer of an empty and germinated container from the lock device 50 takes place. In a step II, the container 10 is externally sterilized and preheated in a step III with heated air. Subsequently, a continuous internal sterilization of the container in step IV with a H ₂ O ₂ -air mixture. Subsequently, in a step V, a discontinuous internal sterilization of the container with a H ₂ O ₂ -air mixture. In a VI, the container is flushed with sterile air.

The reference numeral VII denotes a free or unused station. In a step VIII, the container is filled, for example with a drink and then (step IX) liquid nitrogen is introduced into the container. Finally, (step X) the container is closed with a screw cap and sealed with an aluminum seal in a step XI. Finally, (step XII) the full container is transferred to the lock device 50.

In order to be able to carry out the individual work steps I-XII and in particular the work steps II-XI, the device 1 has a plurality of treatment organs, which are arranged stationarily on the support 20. The containers are each moved relative to these treatment organs. The reference numeral 8 shows (only schematically) a filling member for filling of the containers. Reference numerals 16 and 18 show (also only very schematically) two further treatment organs for carrying out steps III and IV. The individual treatment organs are arranged along a circular path, this path also corresponding to the transport path of the containers.

The filling space 4 is divided by three cutting discs 24, 25, 26 into three areas A, B, C. In region A, there is preferably a negative pressure in the range of 5 to 10 Pascal. This vacuum is required to prevent H ₂ O ₂ vapors leaving the system via the lock 50. This negative pressure is maintained via an exhaust air control.

In the area B, there are the above-mentioned stations for sterilizing the container. The loaded with H ₂ O ₂ vapor part of the system is operated with a slight overpressure of about 10 Pascal. In this way, there is a constant overflow (arrow P4) in the transfer area A of the lock device 50. Again, the pressure is maintained by an exhaust air control.

In the region C, the pressure in this sterile region is chosen such (for example, 20 Pascal overpressure) that overflows (arrows P5, P6) occur in the two adjacent regions A, C. In this way, a combination of unsterile air from the area A and a Konmination by H ₂ O ₂ laden air from the area B can be prevented. Also, the transport device 2 shown in the figures is operated clocked as mentioned above, in which case preferably an electrical Servomotor is provided which performs a clocked pivoting movement, for example in 30 ° steps.

The reference numeral 55 refers to a provided in the lock device 50 carrier to which a carriage 54, on which in turn the gripping elements 56 are arranged, is displaceable in the direction P2. Here, the lock device 50 is arranged relative to the transport device 2, that in an extended state, the two gripping elements 56 of the lock device are simultaneously introduced to the gripping elements 34 of the transport device and so substantially simultaneously handed over both an empty container and can take over a full container , Accordingly, the lock device 50 is arranged relative to the further transport unit, that the mentioned simultaneous acquisition and transfer is possible. However, it would also be possible to provide independently controllable slide for the two gripping elements 56.

Figure 6 shows a representation of the filling space 4. This filling space 4 has a base housing 5 with a carrier 20. At this support 20, the individual (not shown in detail) treatment elements of the device are arranged. The reference numeral 31 refers to a CIP piping. The reference numeral 32 refers to cleaning nozzles, which are used for cleaning the interior of the filling space 4. In this case, a cleaning liquid is distributed in more detail from the aforementioned feed line 31 to 12 individually controllable nozzle sticks or cleaning nozzles 32, which make it possible to clean the entire filling interior. The piping is preferably designed so that when the system is vented, all tubes 31 automatically run empty. Both Spray heads are preferably Rotationsssprühköpfe, which allow a discharge of cleaning agents full extent, ie by 180 °.

The reference numeral 35 refers in its entirety to a piping for supplying the beverage and possibly other gases, which are filled into the containers.

Figure 7 shows an overall view of the transport device 2. This has support elements 82. The reference numeral 34 refers to gripping elements which grip the containers. These gripping elements 34 can be raised or lowered by means of a lifting drive 85 in the direction of the arrow P7. The reference numeral 87 refers to the ceiling of the filling space 4, ie above this ceiling, a non-sterile space area is provided. The reference numeral 88 refers to the lifting device for lifting and lowering the gripping elements 34. This lifting device 88 is surrounded by a bellows 89, which ensures a sterile seal.

The reference numeral 91 shows a servomotor with an upstream bevel gear and a gear. With the help of this servo motor, the transport device 2 is driven clocked. On a bearing plate 92, a 4-point torque bearing 94 is attached. The equipped with an internal toothing on the inner ring bearing 94 can accommodate high loads as a single bearing and is almost free of play and also inexpensive. On the inner ring, ie the internal teeth of the aforementioned servomotor engages with the upstream bevel gear and the gear.

In Figure 8 a closure device 70 is shown. To close the container with a screw cap, first sterilized closure must be transported into a closure cone 41. This is realized with transfer to a pivoting unit 44. In Figure 8 the closure unit is shown in a view from below. The screw caps (not shown) first pass out of a closure rail 72 into a receiving region 73. Through this rail 72 it is achieved that the closures after the disinfection with the opening face down in the right direction. Before the receiving area 73, the closures pile up. First, a swing arm 44 performs a pivotal movement about the axis Z toward the rail end. In this area already sits (not shown) closure on a shelf 74. This shelf 74 is disposed on a spring plate 75. By pressing away the sheet 74 pushes a shutter on the pivot arm 44 and the end 45, it being noted here that pivots in the pivot arm below the plate 74. This component 45 receives the closure on the swivel arm. Thereafter, the pivot arm 44 pivots back under the cone 41. In addition to the pivotal movement of the pivot arm also performs a vertical movement up and down along the arrow P1. By lifting the pivot arm, the shutter is clamped in the cone 41.

It should be noted that a drive (not shown) of the pivot arm 44 outside of the filling space 4, that is arranged in a non-sterile area. A shaft 46, on which the pivot arm 44 is arranged, thus passes through the cover of the pivot unit. Reference numeral 48 refers to a bellows which allows the pivoting unit 44 to be raised or lowered both pivotally and in the direction of the arrow P1. Thus takes over the Bellows 48 on the one hand a-sealing the rotational movement on the other hand, however, a balancing of the lifting movement and finally a seal of the closure unit on the plate or the carrier 20. The closure cone 41 is then brought by a relative movement with respect to the container (not shown) to this and screwed the closure on the mouth of the container. In this case, the container can be brought by a lifting movement of the cone, but it would also be possible to move the cone in the direction of the container conversely.

Thus, only the closure cone 41 of the closing unit protrudes into the clean room and its mechanism and drive are freely accessible on the carrier 20. The reference numeral 52 refers to a further bellows, which is arranged on the closure cone 41 and its shaft.

Claims (11)

1. A device (1) for filling containers (10) with liquids, comprising a first transport device (2) which transports a plurality of containers (10) through a filling chamber (4), said filling chamber (4) being a sterile chamber (4) including a plurality of treatment members (8, 16, 18) arranged in the filling chamber (4) which treat the containers (10), with at least one of said treatment members (8, 16, 18) being a filling member (8) which fills the containers with the liquid,
   wherein the first transport device (2) is designed in such a way that it transports the containers (10) through the filling chamber (4) in a clocked manner, wherein the device (1) comprises a lock device (50) which prevents the entering of air into the filling chamber (4), characterised in that the lock device (50) is arranged between the first transport device (2) and a further transport device (40), wherein the further transport device (40) both hands over containers (10a) at least indirectly to the transport device (2) and takes over containers (10b) at least indirectly from the transport device (2).
2. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the treatment members (8, 16, 18) are arranged to be at least partly stationary.
3. The device (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first transport device (2) includes a transport wheel (3) which transports the containers (10) at least in sections along a circular path.
4. The device (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lock device (50) includes at least one gripping element (56) for gripping the containers (10), said gripping element (56) being arranged both to be displaceable in a linear direction and to be pivotable.
5. The device (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device (1) includes a plurality of liquid distribution devices arranged inside of the filling chamber (4).
6. The device (1) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a closure device (18) is arranged inside of the filling chamber (4), in order to close the containers (10) with caps.
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the closure device (18) includes a pivot arm (44) which pivots the caps.
8. The device (1) as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the pivot arm (44) may be lowered and lifted in its entirety.
9. A method for filling containers (10) with liquids, wherein the containers are transported by a transport device (2) through a sterile filling chamber (4) and are treated within said sterile filling chamber (4) by means of a plurality of treatment members (8, 16, 18) arranged in the filling chamber (4), with at least one of said treatment members (9, 16, 18) being a filling member (8) which fills the containers (10) with the liquid, wherein the containers (10) are transported through the filling chamber (4) in a clocked manner, wherein the device (1) comprises a lock device (50) which prevents the entering of air into the filling chamber (4), characterised in that the lock device (50) is arranged between the first transport device (2) and a further transport device (40) and wherein the further transport device (40) both hands over containers (10a) at least indirectly to the transport device (2) and takes over containers (10b) at least indirectly from the transport device (2).
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that an empty container (10a) is supplied to the transport device (2) and respectively at the same time a full container (10b) is carried off by the transport device (2).
11. The method as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that both filled and unfilled containers (10) are transported at the same time on the transport unit (40) for the containers (10).

Images