EP2719655B1 - Device for the treatment of containers and cleaning method for such a device - Google Patents

Device for the treatment of containers and cleaning method for such a device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2719655B1
EP2719655B1 EP13188007.2A EP13188007A EP2719655B1 EP 2719655 B1 EP2719655 B1 EP 2719655B1 EP 13188007 A EP13188007 A EP 13188007A EP 2719655 B1 EP2719655 B1 EP 2719655B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning
medium
treatment
rotor
fluid connection
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP13188007.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2719655A1 (en
Inventor
Michael Peter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Krones AG
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Krones AG
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Publication of EP2719655A1 publication Critical patent/EP2719655A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/001—Cleaning of filling devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C2003/228—Aseptic features
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/26—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
    • B67C2003/2688—Means for filling containers in defined atmospheric conditions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for treating containers with a treatment medium in a beverage filling plant, preferably a filler, a rinser or a sterilizer, and a method for cleaning such a device.
  • Devices for treating containers in a beverage filling plant for example fillers, rinsers or sterilizers, are known in the art. These devices are often designed as rotary machines, in which usually a rotating rotor is provided, by means of which the containers to be treated are treated in a continuous process.
  • a rotary filler for example, containers are received by a transfer point and then filled with the beverage during the passage of the treatment angle via a plurality of filling elements arranged on the rotor, before they are then transferred to a subsequent treatment section.
  • a housing which can fulfill different functions.
  • a housing can be provided to provide accident protection for the revolving rotor.
  • a housing is also suitable for providing a hygienic insulation from the environment.
  • aseptic fillers are mentioned, in which the rotor within a housing, which is then referred to as insulator, is arranged. Within the housing, so in the insulator space, a sterile atmosphere is provided and the penetration of germs in this insulator space is prevented by appropriate seals.
  • the corresponding insulator spaces in which the rotors of such container treatment devices rotate in rotation must be periodically subjected to internal cleaning or internal sterilization. Accordingly, the housing inner surfaces are acted upon by cleaning nozzles, which are usually attached to the rotor of the container treatment device, with a cleaning medium or a sterilization medium.
  • cleaning nozzles which are usually attached to the rotor of the container treatment device, with a cleaning medium or a sterilization medium.
  • the corresponding cleaning or sterilization medium is supplied to the corresponding cleaning nozzle, so that the entire interior, and in particular also the entire inner surface of the housing enclosing the rotor, is acted upon by the corresponding cleaning or sterilization medium.
  • a feeding of the respective media from the stationary system components, for example a frame carrying the rotor, to the rotating system components is usually achieved via a so-called media rotary distributor.
  • a media rotary distributor is a fixed shaft, on which media outlets are provided, on which so-called distribution tracks are arranged, and a rotatably connected to the rotor sleeve, which rotates about the shaft together with the rotor.
  • different distributor tracks can be delimited from one another, which in each case remove the corresponding medium from a medium outlet from the stationary shaft and then pass it on to a transmission within the rotor.
  • the seals of the media rotary distributor are susceptible to wear and therefore have a regular need for maintenance and a leakage potential.
  • seals in the range of sterile treatment rooms, for example in an isolator room undesirable because germs can settle in the undercut areas, whereby the cleaning or sterilization effort is increased.
  • a rotary distributor rotor device for treating containers which has a rotary connection for fluid transport, and in which an outlet opening for the exit of a cleaning fluid is provided on the rotor assembly
  • the DE 10 2011 008 878 A1 1 shows a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a filling element for container treatment machines in the form of filling machines, a container treatment machine and a method for cleaning machine elements on container treatment machines according to the preamble of claim 10.
  • the DE 196 43 838 A1 shows a filler cleaning with a master container.
  • the DE 28 45 646 A1 shows a circulating vessel treatment plant.
  • the apparatus for treating containers with a treatment medium in a beverage filling plant preferably the filler, rinser or sterilizer comprises a rotating rotor for treating containers to be treated, at least one rotating with the rotor cleaning nozzle for applying a cleaning medium to the rotor surrounding plant areas, and a circulating with the rotor treatment media intake.
  • a fluid connection is provided between at least one cleaning nozzle and the treatment medium intake.
  • the cleaning nozzle is in fluid communication with the treatment media receiving, can be dispensed with a separate supply of the cleaning medium to the cleaning nozzle.
  • a further distributor track within a media rotary distributor and thus also with rotating seals.
  • the cleaning effort for example in a beverage filling and especially in an aseptic Getränkeeab hydrollvorraum, further reduced because the complex cleaning of a media rotary distributor or another distribution track of a Media rotary distributor omitted.
  • the direct connection in fluid connection between the cleaning nozzle and the treatment media receptacle revolving around the rotor makes it possible, in accordance with an internal cleaning of the treatment medium receptacle with a corresponding cleaning or sterilization medium, to simultaneously clean the system areas surrounding the rotor, preferably an isolator chamber, via the cleaning nozzle can.
  • the cleaning process is triggered by the internal cleaning of the treatment media recording with the cleaning medium or the sterilization medium.
  • the treatment media receptacle further comprises a product retention vessel, and the fluid communication is in fluid communication with the treatment media receptacle in a region of the product retention vessel not in contact with the treatment medium in the regular treatment operation, preferably in the region of a vessel lid of the product containment vessel.
  • a control valve is arranged between the treatment medium intake and the cleaning nozzle, by means of which the admission of the cleaning valve to the cleaning medium or the sterilization medium can be controlled.
  • the cleaning nozzle can also be acted upon by the cleaning or sterilization medium and so in a rotating operation of the rotor cleaning or sterilization of the surrounding system rotor areas and preferably the inner surfaces of the housing can be achieved.
  • the apparatus further preferably comprises a media rotary distributor having a stationary part and a part rotating with the rotor for transferring media from the stationary part to the rotor.
  • control media for example hydraulic or pneumatic fluids for controlling a filling valve, for example, or other media from the stationary parts transferred to the rotor.
  • the probability of failure of the media rotary distributor can be further reduced by the fluid connection between the cleaning nozzle and the treatment media receptacle, since a distributor track and thus also the rotating seals omitted.
  • a further saving results on the cost side by saving the distribution track.
  • the product holding vessel for the treatment medium may be, for example, a central boiler or a ring kettle of a filler. Accordingly, when carrying out the cleaning and / or sterilization, the corresponding product holding vessel is filled with the respective cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium, so that an internal cleaning of the product holding vessel can be carried out.
  • a cleaning of the inner surfaces of the housing surrounding the rotor can then be carried out simultaneously, for example controlled by a valve.
  • the stationary housing parts can be acted upon by the co-moving with the rotor cleaning nozzles with cleaning and / or sterilization medium.
  • a rinser or a sterilizer for containers where the treatment medium is suitably provided in the form of a rinsing liquid or a sterilizing medium, usually no boiler is provided, but there are, for example, a distributor track and supply lines to the corresponding treatment valves.
  • a ring line is also provided, by means of which the treatment medium is supplied to the respective containers to be treated via a plurality of treatment elements arranged on the rotor.
  • the cleaning nozzles can be brought into fluid communication with the treatment media receptacle in order to be able to use the corresponding cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium for cleaning and / or sterilizing the isolator chamber during cleaning and / or sterilization of the treatment media receptacle.
  • a valve is arranged in the fluid connection between the treatment medium intake and the cleaning nozzle, by means of which the admission of the cleaning nozzle with cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium can be switched.
  • a vapor barrier is arranged in the valve rear space of the valve in order to provide a sterile closure of the valve to a sterile area of the device.
  • the treatment medium intake comprises a product holding vessel
  • the fluid connection is in fluid communication with the treatment medium intake in the region of a vessel bottom and / or a dished bottom of the product holding vessel.
  • the treatment medium intake comprises an annular product holding vessel and / or a ring line
  • the fluid connection is in fluid communication with the treatment medium receiving means on the annular product holding vessel and / or the ring line in order to allow a correspondingly simple connection.
  • the treatment medium intake preferably comprises a treatment medium supply for supplying the treatment medium to a treatment device for treating containers, preferably to a filling element, and / or to a storage device, preferably to a product holding vessel, and the fluid connection is in fluid communication with the treatment medium intake at the treatment medium supply.
  • the rotor is preferably housed in a housing and at least one cleaning nozzle is provided for applying a cleaning medium and / or a sterilization medium to an inner wall of the housing.
  • this at least one cleaning nozzle is arranged on the rotating part of the housing and sweeps with its spray fixed parts of the housing.
  • a method for cleaning a device for treating containers with a treatment medium in a beverage filling plant preferably for cleaning a filler, rinser or sterilizer, specified, said device comprises a circulating in a housing rotor for treating treated container, at least one with the Rotor encircling cleaning nozzle for applying a cleaning medium to a housing inner surface, as well as a rotatable with the rotor treatment media receiving comprises.
  • a cleaning medium and / or a sterilization medium is supplied to the cleaning nozzle directly from the treatment medium intake.
  • the advantages mentioned above with respect to the device can be achieved.
  • FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for treating containers, not shown here, with a treatment medium, wherein the device 1 shown here is a filler in a beverage filling plant.
  • the device 1 shown here is a filler in a beverage filling plant.
  • a filler drinks or other liquids in containers, such as bottles, are filled in a continuous process.
  • the device 1 comprises a rotor 2, on which the containers to be treated are received and on which the containers to be treated undergo the respective treatment.
  • the rotor 2 is designed as a rotor of a filler, so Accordingly, the bottles to be treated are held on the rotor while they are filled over the treatment angle across a plurality of arranged on the rotor 2 Gearorganen with the filling product.
  • the rotor 2 On the rotor 2 cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 are provided, by means of which a cleaning medium and / or a sterilization medium on the rotor 2 surrounding plant areas can be applied.
  • the rotor 2 is, at least on its sides, umhaust with a housing 4, which forms an insulator space 40 in its interior.
  • the insulator space 40 is further sealed off via the rotor roof 20 and the rotor bottom 22, so that the treatment of the containers can take place in a completely enclosed space.
  • This housing of the rotor has several functions. On the one hand, effective accident protection can be provided because a plant operator can not intervene in running plant components.
  • a volume which is hygienically isolated from the environment is provided via such an enclosure, within which a hygienically perfect treatment of the containers can be achieved. This is particularly important in the processing and bottling of beverages, which must be processed under aseptic conditions.
  • a germ-proof seal between the stationary housing wall of the housing 4 and the rotor 2 is achieved via a wear-free seal, which is designed here as a so-called water lock 42.
  • a wear-free seal which is designed here as a so-called water lock 42.
  • vacuum seals, overflow or mechanical seals can be used.
  • the cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34 which in the in FIG. 1 shown embodiment, serve to apply to the insulator chamber 40, arranged in the insulator space 40 system components, and especially the relative to the movement of the rotor 2 fixed system components with a cleaning medium and / or a sterilization medium.
  • the cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34 serve, inter alia, also to pressurize the housing inner surfaces of the housing 4 with the cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium.
  • the cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34 is supplied during the rotation of the rotor 2 in accordance with a cleaning medium and / or a sterilization medium, which is then sprayed onto the housing inner surfaces.
  • the rotor 2 rotates during the supply of the cleaning or sterilizing medium to the cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34, the entire insulator space 40 and thus the entire Housing interior swept by the cleaning medium or sterilization medium.
  • the rotor 2 further comprises a treatment medium receptacle 5 in the form of a product holding vessel 50, which rotates together with the rotor 2.
  • the product holding tank 50 is used in the filling operation of a filler to receive the filling product and then pass over corresponding, not shown here, leads to the filling elements also not shown in the figure.
  • Theloisvorhaltekessel 50 also serves to build up the required in the individual Grein for filling the filling product hydrostatic pressure.
  • the filling level h of the filling product in the product holding tank 50 is important and the pressure applied to the filling member of the upcoming filling product can be varied over the filling level h.
  • the filling product itself will flow into the product holding vessel 50 via a filling product feed line 52.
  • the filling product supply line 52 is designed to be stationary, whereas the treatment medium receptacle 5 comprising the product holding vessel 50 rotates together with the rotor 2 around the rotor axis 200.
  • the product holding kettle 50 is usually not completely filled, but a gas space remains above the filling product.
  • the structure of such a rotary filler is known in principle.
  • a fluid connection 6 is provided between the product holding vessel 50 and the cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34, 35 and 38.
  • the fluid connection 6 which is connected to the volume within the treatment medium receptacle via a valve 60 attached to the vessel bottom 54 of the product holding vessel 50, a fluid can accordingly be passed from the product holding vessel 50 through the valve 60 and the fluid connection 6 to the cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34 , 36 and 38 arrive.
  • the valve 60 is arranged in the region of a dished bottom of the product holding vessel 50.
  • the cleaning and / or sterilization medium In a cleaning and / or sterilization of the treatment media receptacle 5, particularly in a cleaning and / or sterilization of the threatenvorhaltekessels 50, which in the production of the treatment medium, for example, the filling product, flowed through by a cleaning medium and / or a sterilizing medium.
  • the cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium dwells in these plant areas and is also passed through the product leading supply lines to the filling organs to the to clean and / or sterilize the entire product route.
  • the cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium can also flow through the product path in a reverse flow.
  • the treatment media receptacle 5 and in particular also the product holding vessel 50 is filled with the cleaning and / or sterilization medium up to a predetermined height.
  • the product holding vessel 50 is completely filled with the cleaning and / or sterilization medium - this is also referred to as a "black filling" of the product holding vessel 50.
  • the cleaning and / or sterilization medium accommodated in the treatment medium receptacle 5 and in particular in the product holding vessel 50 can be passed via the fluid connection 6 to the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 when the valve 60 is opened.
  • the treatment media receptacle 5, the product holding vessel 50 and the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 do not move relative to each other, but circulate together with the rotor 2, a simple transfer of the cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium from the treatment medium receptacle 5 and in particular the Artsvorhaltekessel 50 to the Cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 can be achieved.
  • the provision of the fluid connection 6 does not necessitate a transfer of the cleaning and / or sterilization medium to the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 by means of a separate track of a media rotary distributor. Accordingly, so rotating seals can be saved and the media rotary distributor can be performed simplified.
  • the cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium can be supplied via the valve 60 through the fluid connection 6 to the cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38, to accordingly also a cleaning of the insulator space 40, arranged in the insulator space 40 system components and the housing inner surfaces of the To reach housing 4.
  • the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 during the regular treatment operation ie in FIG. 1 during filling of containers with a filling product, be fluidly separated from the treatment media intake 5. Accordingly, the filling product does not flow through the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38.
  • a sterile separation between the fluid connection 6 and the product-carrying system components can be formed via a vapor barrier arranged in the valve rear space of the valve 60.
  • the rotor 2 is usually supplied via a so-called media rotary distributor 7 with various media.
  • the media rotary distributor 7 comprises a stationary shaft 70, which is fixed to the surroundings, and a sleeve 72 rotating with the rotor 2, in which corresponding distributor tracks are inserted.
  • Such media rotary distributor 7 are maintenance-prone, as here rotary seals are provided, which provide in the relative rotation between fixed shaft 70 and rotating sleeve 72 for sealing the distributor tracks, wherein alternatively a fixed sleeve in combination with a rotating shaft (not shown) is possible.
  • the rotation causes wear on the seals, which necessitates regular maintenance.
  • the media rotary distributor 7 is a potential source of leakage.
  • the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 By connecting the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 directly to the treatment medium receptacle 5 can be dispensed with the use of a further distribution track in the media rotary distributor 7 for applying the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 with a cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium. Accordingly, the reliability of the device 1 can be increased by eliminating a distribution track, the cost can be reduced and the cost of cleaning and sterilizing the media rotary distributor can be reduced.
  • FIG. 1 described device 1 is particularly suitable for sterilizing aseptic systems in the field of dry aseptic, in which the cleaning media and sterilization media, which are also used for cleaning and sterilization of the product route, are also used for surface sterilization of the housing inner surfaces.
  • FIG. 2 an inventive embodiment of a device 1 for treating containers with a treatment medium is shown here again in the form of a filler in a beverage filling plant.
  • a rotor 2 is provided, on which the containers to be treated are received and continuously via a plurality of provided on the rotor 2 filling members with the filling product, which in a rotating with the rotor 2
  • Treatment medium receptacle 5 comprising a Rescuevorhaltekessel 50 is provided, are filled.
  • Cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 are provided, which are used for cleaning an insulator space 40 and in particular housing inner walls of a housing 4.
  • the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 rotate with the rotor 2 so that when they are exposed to a cleaning medium and / or a sterilization medium, they completely cover the insulator space 40, in particular the stationary part of the insulator space 40.
  • the fluid connection 6 is formed in the upper region of the treatment medium receptacle 5, specifically in the region of the vessel lid 56 of the product holding vessel 50.
  • the fluid connection 6 is in turn connected via a valve 60 to the vessel lid 56 of the Commandervorhaltekessels 50.
  • the filling product is again introduced into the product holding vessel 50 via the filling product feed line 52 and directed to the filling members via corresponding feed lines, not shown in this drawing, in such a way that the containers can be filled with the corresponding filling product.
  • the product holding tank 50 with the respective filling product is usually not completely filled, but only up to a predetermined filling height h.
  • the overlying space and the overlying areas of the Rescuevorhaltekessels 50 come in accordance with the production usually not in contact with the filling product. At least in these areas of the envisionvorhaltekessels 50, the filling product is usually not in production.
  • the product holding vessel 50 is usually completely filled with the cleaning medium or the sterilization medium.
  • the level of the cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium in the product holding tank 50 is usually well above the liquid level in the production operation. More preferably, the product holding kettle 50 is completely filled with cleaning and / or sterilizing medium to achieve complete cleaning and / or sterilization.
  • This is also referred to as a "black filling" of the product holding vessel 50, in which the product holding vessel 50 is completely filled, ie in particular to below the vessel lid 56.
  • Such a completely filled Fernvorhaltekessel 50 offers the cleaning medium or the sterilization medium now the ability to be about the arranged in the vessel lid 56 valve 60 and the fluid connection 6 the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 are provided.
  • valve 60 for cleaning the insulator space 40, the system components arranged in the insulator space 40, and the inner surfaces of the housing 4 are opened, so that the cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium can flow through the fluid connection 6 to the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38.
  • a control of the cleaning of the insulator space 40 can be carried out in such a way that an interior cleaning takes place only in a predetermined period of the cleaning and / or sterilization of the product path.
  • FIG. 2 As shown, by providing the fluid connection 6 between the treatment medium receptacle 5 and the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38, a separate distribution track in the medium rotary distributor 7 for the supply of the cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium to the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 can be saved.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 shown cleaning nozzles 36 and 38 serve to clean the area of connection of the fixed housing 4 to the rotor 2, in particular the area of the water locks 42, and / or to sterilize.
  • FIG. 3 a further embodiment of a filler is shown, wherein here again a treatment medium receptacle 5 is provided, which comprises a Fernvorhaltekessel 50 in ring form, that is a so-called ring boiler.
  • the ring boiler can also be understood as a ring line.
  • Individual flanges 500 can be recognized on the annular product holding vessel 50, via which filling product held in the product holding vessel 50 is transferred to the respective filling elements, likewise not shown in this figure.
  • Theloishaltekessel 50 is supplied via a media rotary distributor 7 and a corresponding treatment medium supply 58 with the filling product.
  • the filling product runs via a fixed axis, not shown here, over the sleeve 72, which rotates together with the rotor 2, into the treatment medium supply 58 and from there into the product holding tank 50 of the treatment medium intake 5.
  • the treatment medium supply 58 rotates with the rotor 2 and is correspondingly part of the circulating treatment medium intake 5, since in the treatment medium supply 58 also the filling product is entrained.
  • Cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 are provided again, which are provided for cleaning an insulator interior 40, arranged in the insulator interior 40 system components and / or housing inner surfaces of the housing 4.
  • the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 apply the cleaning medium to the housing inner surfaces 4 and other system components in the insulator space 40 when they are exposed to the cleaning medium or the sterilization medium during the rotation of the rotor.
  • a fluid connection 6 is again provided, which is in fluid communication with the treatment medium supply 58 via a valve 60. Accordingly, a fluid connection between the treatment medium receptacle 5 and the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 is again provided here. Accordingly, in normal production operation, that is to say, for example, during the filling of containers to be treated with the filling product, the valve 60 remains closed.
  • the valve 60 In the cleaning mode, in which the product path is flushed through with cleaning medium or sterilization medium, the valve 60 is opened at a specific time for a certain time, so that the cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium are made available to the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 via the fluid connection 6 and, accordingly, cleaning and sterilization of the insulator space 40 can be performed.
  • FIGS. 1 to 3 only devices for treating containers in the form of filling devices are shown here, instead of the filling devices, for example, a rinser or a sterilizer for containers to be treated can be constructed in the same way. Accordingly, then a fluid connection between the respective treatment media intake, so for example, the supply of a flushing fluid in a rinser or the sterilizing fluid in a sterilizer, and the respective cleaning nozzles, which can act upon cleaning or sterilizing the device according to the cleaning nozzles with the cleaning or sterilizing medium.
  • the respective treatment media intake so for example, the supply of a flushing fluid in a rinser or the sterilizing fluid in a sterilizer, and the respective cleaning nozzles, which can act upon cleaning or sterilizing the device according to the cleaning nozzles with the cleaning or sterilizing medium.

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  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)

Description

Technisches GebietTechnical area

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Behältern mit einem Behandlungsmedium in einer Getränkeabfüllanlage, bevorzugt einen Füller, einen Rinser oder einen Sterilisator, sowie ein Verfahren zum Reinigen einer solchen Vorrichtung.The present invention relates to a device for treating containers with a treatment medium in a beverage filling plant, preferably a filler, a rinser or a sterilizer, and a method for cleaning such a device.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Vorrichtungen zum Behandeln von Behältern in einer Getränkeabfüllanlage, beispielsweise Füller, Rinser oder Sterilisatoren, sind im Stand der Technik bekannt. Diese Vorrichtungen sind häufig als Rundläufermaschinen ausgebildet, in welchen üblicherweise ein umlaufender Rotor vorgesehen ist, mittels welchem die zu behandelnden Behälter in einem kontinuierlichen Prozess behandelt werden. Bei einem Rundläuferfüller werden beispielsweise Behälter von einem Übergabepunkt aufgenommen und dann während des Durchlaufs des Behandlungswinkels über eine Vielzahl von an dem Rotor angeordneten Füllorganen mit dem Getränk befüllt, bevor sie dann an einen nachfolgenden Behandlungsabschnitt übergeben werden.Devices for treating containers in a beverage filling plant, for example fillers, rinsers or sterilizers, are known in the art. These devices are often designed as rotary machines, in which usually a rotating rotor is provided, by means of which the containers to be treated are treated in a continuous process. In a rotary filler, for example, containers are received by a transfer point and then filled with the beverage during the passage of the treatment angle via a plurality of filling elements arranged on the rotor, before they are then transferred to a subsequent treatment section.

Der Abfüllbereich einer solchen Rundläufermaschine und insbesondere der Rotor ist üblicherweise mit einem Gehäuse eingehaust, welches unterschiedliche Funktionen erfüllen kann. Zum einen kann ein solches Gehäuse dafür vorgesehen sein, einen Unfallschutz für den umlaufenden Rotor bereitzustellen. Häufig ist ein solches Gehäuse auch dazu geeignet, eine hygienische Isolierung gegenüber der Umgebung bereitzustellen. In diesem Zusammenhang sind besonders aseptische Füller zu nennen, in welchen der Rotor innerhalb eines Gehäuses, welches dann als Isolator bezeichnet wird, angeordnet ist. Innerhalb des Gehäuses, also im Isolatorraum, wird eine sterile Atmosphäre bereitgestellt und das Eindringen von Keimen in diesen Isolatorraum wird über entsprechende Dichtungen unterbunden.The filling of such a rotary machine and in particular the rotor is usually housed with a housing which can fulfill different functions. On the one hand, such a housing can be provided to provide accident protection for the revolving rotor. Frequently, such a housing is also suitable for providing a hygienic insulation from the environment. In this context, particularly aseptic fillers are mentioned, in which the rotor within a housing, which is then referred to as insulator, is arranged. Within the housing, so in the insulator space, a sterile atmosphere is provided and the penetration of germs in this insulator space is prevented by appropriate seals.

Die entsprechenden Isolatorräume, in welchen die Rotoren solcher Behälterbehandlungsvorrichtungen umlaufend rotieren, müssen periodisch einer Innenreinigung beziehungsweise einer Innensterilisation unterzogen werden. Entsprechend werden die Gehäuseinnenflächen mittels Reinigungsdüsen, welche üblicherweise am Rotor der Behälterbehandlungsvorrichtung angebracht sind, mit einem Reinigungsmedium oder einem Sterilisationsmedium beaufschlagt. Hierzu wird während der Rotation des Rotors das entsprechende Reinigungs- beziehungsweise Sterilisationsmedium der entsprechenden Reinigungsdüse zugeführt, so dass der gesamte Innenraum und insbesondere auch die gesamte Innenfläche des den Rotor einhausenden Gehäuses mit dem entsprechenden Reinigungsbeziehungsweise Sterilisationsmedium beaufschlagt wird.The corresponding insulator spaces in which the rotors of such container treatment devices rotate in rotation must be periodically subjected to internal cleaning or internal sterilization. Accordingly, the housing inner surfaces are acted upon by cleaning nozzles, which are usually attached to the rotor of the container treatment device, with a cleaning medium or a sterilization medium. For this purpose, during the rotation of the rotor, the corresponding cleaning or sterilization medium is supplied to the corresponding cleaning nozzle, so that the entire interior, and in particular also the entire inner surface of the housing enclosing the rotor, is acted upon by the corresponding cleaning or sterilization medium.

Ein Zuführen der jeweiligen Medien von den stationären Anlagenkomponenten, beispielsweise einem den Rotor tragenden Gestell, zu den rotierenden Anlagenkomponenten wird üblicherweise über einen so genannten Mediendrehverteiler erreicht. Bei einem bekannten Mediendrehverteiler handelt es sich um eine feststehende Welle, an welcher Medienauslässe vorgesehen sind, auf welcher so genannte Verteilerspuren angeordnet sind, und eine mit dem Rotor drehfest verbundene Hülse, welche über der Welle entsprechend zusammen mit dem Rotor rotiert. Über Dichtungen können unterschiedliche Verteilerspuren gegeneinander abgegrenzt werden, welche jeweils von einem Medienauslass aus der feststehenden Welle das entsprechende Medium abnehmen und dann an eine Weiterleitung innerhalb des Rotors weiterreichen. Die Abdichtungen des Mediendrehverteilers sind verschleißanfällig und weisen daher einen regelmäßigen Wartungsbedarf und ein Leckagepotential auf. Weiterhin sind Dichtungen im Bereich von sterilen Behandlungsräumen, beispielsweise in einem Isolatorraum, unerwünscht, da sich in den hinterschnittenen Bereichen Keime ansiedeln können, wodurch der Reinigungs- beziehungsweise Sterilisierungsaufwand erhöht ist.A feeding of the respective media from the stationary system components, for example a frame carrying the rotor, to the rotating system components is usually achieved via a so-called media rotary distributor. In a known media rotary distributor is a fixed shaft, on which media outlets are provided, on which so-called distribution tracks are arranged, and a rotatably connected to the rotor sleeve, which rotates about the shaft together with the rotor. By means of seals, different distributor tracks can be delimited from one another, which in each case remove the corresponding medium from a medium outlet from the stationary shaft and then pass it on to a transmission within the rotor. The seals of the media rotary distributor are susceptible to wear and therefore have a regular need for maintenance and a leakage potential. Furthermore, seals in the range of sterile treatment rooms, for example in an isolator room, undesirable because germs can settle in the undercut areas, whereby the cleaning or sterilization effort is increased.

Aus der WO 97/18154 A1 ist eine Rotationsverteilerrundläufereinrichtung zur Behandlung von Behältern bekannt, welche eine Drehverbindung für den Fluidtransport aufweist, und in welcher an der Rotorbaugruppe eine Ausflussöffnung für den Austritt eines Reinigungsfluids vorgesehen istFrom the WO 97/18154 A1 For example, there is known a rotary distributor rotor device for treating containers, which has a rotary connection for fluid transport, and in which an outlet opening for the exit of a cleaning fluid is provided on the rotor assembly

Die DE 10 2011 008 878 A1 zeigt eine Vorrichtung gemäß dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1 sowie ein Füllelement für Behälterbehandlungsmaschinen in Form von Füllmaschinen, eine Behälterbehandlungsmaschine sowie ein Verfahren zum Reinigen von Maschinenelementen an Behälterbehandlungsmaschinen gemäß dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 10.The DE 10 2011 008 878 A1 1 shows a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a filling element for container treatment machines in the form of filling machines, a container treatment machine and a method for cleaning machine elements on container treatment machines according to the preamble of claim 10.

Die DE 196 43 838 A1 zeigt eine Füllerreinigung mit einem Vorlagenbehälter.The DE 196 43 838 A1 shows a filler cleaning with a master container.

Die DE 28 45 646 A1 zeigt eine umlaufende Gefäßbehandlungsanlage.The DE 28 45 646 A1 shows a circulating vessel treatment plant.

Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention

Ausgehend von dem bekannten Stand der Technik ist es eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Behältern sowie ein Verfahren zur Reinigung einer solchen Vorrichtung anzugeben, mittels welcher die Reinigung des Isolatorinnenraums weiter vereinfacht werden kann.Starting from the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for treating containers and a method for cleaning such a device, by means of which the cleaning of the insulator interior can be further simplified.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Behältern mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen.This object is achieved by a device for treating containers having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments emerge from the subclaims.

Entsprechend umfasst die Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Behältern mit einem Behandlungsmedium in einer Getränkeabfüllanlage, bevorzugt der Füller, Rinser oder Sterilisator, einen umlaufenden Rotor zur Behandlung zu behandelnder Behälter, mindestens eine mit dem Rotor umlaufende Reinigungsdüse zum Aufbringen eines Reinigungsmediums auf den Rotor umgebende Anlagenbereiche, sowie eine mit dem Rotor umlaufende Behandlungsmedienaufnahme. Erfindungsgemäß ist eine Fluidverbindung zwischen mindestens einer Reinigungsdüse und der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme vorgesehen.Accordingly, the apparatus for treating containers with a treatment medium in a beverage filling plant, preferably the filler, rinser or sterilizer comprises a rotating rotor for treating containers to be treated, at least one rotating with the rotor cleaning nozzle for applying a cleaning medium to the rotor surrounding plant areas, and a circulating with the rotor treatment media intake. According to the invention, a fluid connection is provided between at least one cleaning nozzle and the treatment medium intake.

Dadurch, dass die Reinigungsdüse mit der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme in Fluidverbindung steht, kann auf eine separate Zuführung des Reinigungsmediums zu der Reinigungsdüse verzichtet werden. Auf diese Weise lässt sich insbesondere erreichen, dass auf eine weitere Verteilerspur innerhalb eines Mediendrehverteilers und damit auch auf rotierende Dichtungen verzichtet werden kann. Auf diese Weise lässt sich entsprechend der Mediendrehverteiler einfacher herstellen, wodurch zum einen das Leckagepotential reduziert wird und zum anderen der Reinigungsaufwand, beispielsweise bei einer Getränkeabfüllvorrichtung und besonders bei einer aseptischen Getränkeabfüllvorrichtung, weiter reduziert wird, da die aufwändige Reinigung eines Mediendrehverteilers beziehungsweise einer weiteren Verteilerspur eines Mediendrehverteilers entfällt.Characterized in that the cleaning nozzle is in fluid communication with the treatment media receiving, can be dispensed with a separate supply of the cleaning medium to the cleaning nozzle. In this way, it can be achieved in particular that it is possible to dispense with a further distributor track within a media rotary distributor and thus also with rotating seals. In this way, according to the media rotary distributor easier to manufacture, whereby on the one hand, the leakage potential is reduced and on the other hand, the cleaning effort, for example in a beverage filling and especially in an aseptic Getränkeeabfüllvorrichtung, further reduced because the complex cleaning of a media rotary distributor or another distribution track of a Media rotary distributor omitted.

Die direkte Anbindung in Fluidverbindung zwischen der Reinigungsdüse und der mit dem Rotor umlaufenden Behandlungsmedienaufnahme ermöglicht es entsprechend, dass bei einer Innenreinigung der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme mit einem entsprechenden Reinigungs- oder Sterilisationsmedium gleichzeitig auch eine Reinigung der den Rotor umgebenden Anlagenbereiche, bevorzugt eines Isolatorraums über die Reinigungsdüse erreicht werden kann. Der Reinigungsvorgang wird dabei durch die Innenreinigung der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme mit dem Reinigungsmedium beziehungsweise dem Sterilisationsmedium ausgelöst.The direct connection in fluid connection between the cleaning nozzle and the treatment media receptacle revolving around the rotor makes it possible, in accordance with an internal cleaning of the treatment medium receptacle with a corresponding cleaning or sterilization medium, to simultaneously clean the system areas surrounding the rotor, preferably an isolator chamber, via the cleaning nozzle can. The cleaning process is triggered by the internal cleaning of the treatment media recording with the cleaning medium or the sterilization medium.

Die Behandlungsmedienaufnahme umfasst ferner einen Produktvorhaltekessel, und die Fluidverbindung steht in einem im regulären Behandlungsbetrieb nicht mit dem Behandlungsmedium in Kontakt kommenden Bereich des Produktvorhaltekessels, bevorzugt im Bereich eines Kesseldeckels des Produktvorhaltekessels, mit der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme in Fluidverbindung. So wird erreicht, dass eine Beaufschlagung der Fluidverbindung mit einem Fluid nur dann stattfindet, wenn der Produktvorhaltekessel vollständig mit Fluid befüllt ist.The treatment media receptacle further comprises a product retention vessel, and the fluid communication is in fluid communication with the treatment media receptacle in a region of the product retention vessel not in contact with the treatment medium in the regular treatment operation, preferably in the region of a vessel lid of the product containment vessel. Thus it is achieved that an admission of the fluid connection with a fluid takes place only when the Produktvorhaltekessel is completely filled with fluid.

In einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung ist zwischen der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme und der Reinigungsdüse ein Steuerventil angeordnet, mittels welchem die Beaufschlagung des Reinigungsventils mit dem Reinigungsmedium beziehungsweise dem Sterilisationsmedium gesteuert werden kann. Damit kann während einer Innenreinigung der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme mit einem Reinigungsmedium oder einem Sterilisationsmedium zu einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt und für einen bestimmten Zeitabschnitt die Reinigungsdüse ebenfalls mit dem Reinigungs- beziehungsweise Sterilisationsmedium beaufschlagt werden und so bei einem umlaufenden Betrieb des Rotors eine Reinigung beziehungsweise Sterilisierung der den Rotor umgebenden Anlagenbereiche und bevorzugt der Innenflächen des Gehäuses erreicht werden. Die Vorrichtung umfasst weiterhin bevorzugt einen Mediendrehverteiler mit einem stationären Teil und einem mit dem Rotor umlaufenden Teil zur Übergabe von Medien von dem stationären Teil an den Rotor. Auf diese Weise lassen sich auch weitere Medien, beispielsweise Reinigungsmedien beziehungsweise Sterilisationsmedium für eine CIP-Reinigung von Füllorganen, eine entsprechende Rückleitung für solche CIP-Medien, Steuermedien, beispielsweise Hydraulik- oder Pneumatikfluide zur Ansteuerung beispielsweise eines Füllventils, oder andere Medien von den stationären Teilen auf den Rotor übertragen.In a preferred development, a control valve is arranged between the treatment medium intake and the cleaning nozzle, by means of which the admission of the cleaning valve to the cleaning medium or the sterilization medium can be controlled. Thus, during an internal cleaning of the treatment medium intake with a cleaning medium or a sterilization medium at a certain time and for a certain period of time, the cleaning nozzle can also be acted upon by the cleaning or sterilization medium and so in a rotating operation of the rotor cleaning or sterilization of the surrounding system rotor areas and preferably the inner surfaces of the housing can be achieved. The apparatus further preferably comprises a media rotary distributor having a stationary part and a part rotating with the rotor for transferring media from the stationary part to the rotor. In this way, it is also possible to use other media, for example cleaning media or sterilization medium for CIP cleaning of filling bodies, a corresponding return line for such CIP media, control media, for example hydraulic or pneumatic fluids for controlling a filling valve, for example, or other media from the stationary parts transferred to the rotor.

Weiterhin kann durch die Fluidverbindung zwischen der Reinigungsdüse und der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme die Ausfallwahrscheinlichkeit des Mediendrehverteilers weiter reduziert werden, da eine Verteilerspur und damit auch die rotierenden Dichtungen entfallen. Eine weitere Einsparung ergibt sich auf der Kostenseite durch die Einsparung der Verteilerspur.Furthermore, the probability of failure of the media rotary distributor can be further reduced by the fluid connection between the cleaning nozzle and the treatment media receptacle, since a distributor track and thus also the rotating seals omitted. A further saving results on the cost side by saving the distribution track.

Der Produktvorhaltekessel für das Behandlungsmedium kann beispielsweise ein Zentralkessel oder ein Ringkessel eines Füllers sein. Entsprechend wird bei der Durchführung der Reinigung und/oder Sterilisierung der entsprechende Produktvorhaltekessel mit dem jeweiligen Reinigungsmedium und/oder Sterilisationsmedium befüllt, so dass eine Innenreinigung des Produktvorhaltekessels durchgeführt werden kann. Über die Fluidverbindung zur Reinigungsdüse kann dann gleichzeitig, beispielsweise gesteuert über ein Ventil, eine Reinigung der Innenflächen des den Rotor umgebenden Gehäuses durchgeführt werden. Insbesondere können die feststehenden Gehäuseteile durch die mit dem Rotor mitbewegten Reinigungsdüsen mit Reinigungs- und/oder Sterilisationsmedium beaufschlagt werden.The product holding vessel for the treatment medium may be, for example, a central boiler or a ring kettle of a filler. Accordingly, when carrying out the cleaning and / or sterilization, the corresponding product holding vessel is filled with the respective cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium, so that an internal cleaning of the product holding vessel can be carried out. By means of the fluid connection to the cleaning nozzle, a cleaning of the inner surfaces of the housing surrounding the rotor can then be carried out simultaneously, for example controlled by a valve. In particular, the stationary housing parts can be acted upon by the co-moving with the rotor cleaning nozzles with cleaning and / or sterilization medium.

Bei einem Rinser oder einem Sterilisator für Behälter, wo entsprechend das Behandlungsmedium in Form einer Spülflüssigkeit oder eines Sterilisationsmediums vorgesehen ist, ist üblicherweise kein Kessel vorgesehen, es sind jedoch beispielsweise eine Verteilerspur und Zuleitungen zu den entsprechenden Behandlungsventilen vorhanden. In bestimmten Ausführungsformen ist auch eine Ringleitung vorgesehen, mittels welcher das Behandlungsmedium über eine Vielzahl am Rotor angeordneter Behandlungsorgane den jeweiligen zu behandelnden Behältern zugeführt wird. Über eine entsprechende Abzweigung können die Reinigungsdüsen mit der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme in Fluidverbindung gebracht werden, um bei einer Reinigung und/oder Sterilisierung der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme das entsprechende Reinigungsmedium und/oder Sterilisationsmedium auch zur Reinigung und/oder Sterilisation des Isolatorraumes verwenden zu können.In a rinser or a sterilizer for containers, where the treatment medium is suitably provided in the form of a rinsing liquid or a sterilizing medium, usually no boiler is provided, but there are, for example, a distributor track and supply lines to the corresponding treatment valves. In certain embodiments, a ring line is also provided, by means of which the treatment medium is supplied to the respective containers to be treated via a plurality of treatment elements arranged on the rotor. Via an appropriate branch, the cleaning nozzles can be brought into fluid communication with the treatment media receptacle in order to be able to use the corresponding cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium for cleaning and / or sterilizing the isolator chamber during cleaning and / or sterilization of the treatment media receptacle.

In einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung ist in der Fluidverbindung zwischen der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme und der Reinigungsdüse ein Ventil angeordnet, mittels welchem die Beaufschlagung der Reinigungsdüse mit Reinigungsmedium und/oder Sterilisationsmedium geschaltet werden kann. Besonders bevorzugt ist eine Dampfsperre im Ventilrückraum des Ventils angeordnet, um einen sterilen Abschluss des Ventils zu einem sterilen Bereich der Vorrichtung hin bereitzustellen.In a preferred development, a valve is arranged in the fluid connection between the treatment medium intake and the cleaning nozzle, by means of which the admission of the cleaning nozzle with cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium can be switched. Particularly preferably, a vapor barrier is arranged in the valve rear space of the valve in order to provide a sterile closure of the valve to a sterile area of the device.

In einer Weiterbildung, die nicht Teil der Erfindung ist, umfasst die Behandlungsmedienaufnahme einen Produktvorhaltekessel, und die Fluidverbindung steht im Bereich eines Kesselbodens und/oder eines Klöpperbodens des Produktvorhaltekessels mit der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme in Fluidverbindung. So kann eine einfache Anbindung der Reinigungsdüsen über die Fluidverbindung erreicht werden.In a further development, which is not part of the invention, the treatment medium intake comprises a product holding vessel, and the fluid connection is in fluid communication with the treatment medium intake in the region of a vessel bottom and / or a dished bottom of the product holding vessel. Thus, a simple connection of the cleaning nozzles can be achieved via the fluid connection.

In noch einer weiteren bevorzugten Weiterbildung umfasst die Behandlungsmedienaufnahme einen ringförmigen Produktvorhaltekessel und/oder eine Ringleitung, und die Fluidverbindung steht am ringförmigen Produktvorhaltekessel und/oder der Ringleitung mit der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme in Fluidverbindung, um eine entsprechend einfache Anbindung zu ermöglichen.In yet another preferred embodiment, the treatment medium intake comprises an annular product holding vessel and / or a ring line, and the fluid connection is in fluid communication with the treatment medium receiving means on the annular product holding vessel and / or the ring line in order to allow a correspondingly simple connection.

Bevorzugt umfasst die Behandlungsmedienaufnahme eine Behandlungsmedienzufuhr zum Zuführen des Behandlungsmediums zu einer Behandlungsvorrichtung zum Behandeln von Behältern, bevorzugt zu einem Füllorgan, und/oder zu einer Bevorratungsvorrichtung, bevorzugt zu einem Produktvorhaltekessel, und die Fluidverbindung steht an der Behandlungsmedienzufuhr mit der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme in Fluidverbindung.The treatment medium intake preferably comprises a treatment medium supply for supplying the treatment medium to a treatment device for treating containers, preferably to a filling element, and / or to a storage device, preferably to a product holding vessel, and the fluid connection is in fluid communication with the treatment medium intake at the treatment medium supply.

Um einen Isolatorraum bereit zu stellen, ist der Rotor bevorzugt in einem Gehäuse eingehaust und mindestens eine Reinigungsdüse ist zum Aufbringen eines Reinigungsmediums und/oder eines Sterilisationsmediums auf eine Innenwand des Gehäuses vorgesehen. Insbesondere ist diese mindestens eine Reinigungsdüse am rotierenden Teil des Gehäuses angeordnet und überstreicht mit ihrem Sprühstrahl feststehende Teile des Gehäuses.In order to provide an insulator space, the rotor is preferably housed in a housing and at least one cleaning nozzle is provided for applying a cleaning medium and / or a sterilization medium to an inner wall of the housing. In particular, this at least one cleaning nozzle is arranged on the rotating part of the housing and sweeps with its spray fixed parts of the housing.

Die oben genannte Aufgabe wird weiterhin durch ein Verfahren zur Reinigung einer Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Behältern mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 10 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen.The above object is further achieved by a method for cleaning a device for treating containers having the features of claim 10. Advantageous developments emerge from the subclaims.

Entsprechend wird ein Verfahren zur Reinigung einer Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Behältern mit einem Behandlungsmedium in einer Getränkeabfüllanlage, bevorzugt zum Reinigen eines Füllers, Rinsers oder Sterilisators, angegeben, wobei die Vorrichtung einen in einem Gehäuse umlaufenden Rotor zur Behandlung zu behandelnder Behälter, mindestens eine mit dem Rotor umlaufende Reinigungsdüse zum Aufbringen eines Reinigungsmediums auf eine Gehäuseinnenfläche, sowie eine mit dem Rotor umlaufende Behandlungsmedienaufnahme umfasst. Erfindungsgemäß wird ein Reinigungsmedium und/oder ein Sterilisationsmedium der Reinigungsdüse direkt von der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme aus zugeführt.Accordingly, a method for cleaning a device for treating containers with a treatment medium in a beverage filling plant, preferably for cleaning a filler, rinser or sterilizer, specified, said device comprises a circulating in a housing rotor for treating treated container, at least one with the Rotor encircling cleaning nozzle for applying a cleaning medium to a housing inner surface, as well as a rotatable with the rotor treatment media receiving comprises. According to the invention, a cleaning medium and / or a sterilization medium is supplied to the cleaning nozzle directly from the treatment medium intake.

Durch die Zuführung des Reinigungsmediums zu der Reinigungsdüse über die Behandlungsmedienaufnahme können die oben bezüglich der Vorrichtung genannten Vorteile erreicht werden. Insbesondere kann auf eine weitere Zuleitung aus dem Mediendrehverteiler zu den Reinigungsdüsen verzichtet werden.By supplying the cleaning medium to the cleaning nozzle via the treatment medium intake, the advantages mentioned above with respect to the device can be achieved. In particular, it is possible to dispense with a further supply line from the media rotary distributor to the cleaning nozzles.

Kurze Beschreibung der FigurenBrief description of the figures

Bevorzugte weitere Ausführungsformen und Aspekte der vorliegenden Erfindung werden durch die nachfolgende Beschreibung der Figuren näher erläutert. Dabei zeigen:

Figur 1
eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Behältern gemäß einem ersten nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel;
Figur 2
eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Behältern gemäß einem erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel; und
Figur 3
eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer weiteren Vorrichtung zum Behandeln von Behältern gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel.
Preferred further embodiments and aspects of the present invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. Showing:
FIG. 1
a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for treating containers according to a first embodiment not according to the invention;
FIG. 2
a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for treating containers according to an embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 3
a schematic cross-sectional view of another device for treating containers according to another embodiment.

Detaillierte Beschreibung bevorzugter AusführungsbeispieleDetailed description of preferred embodiments

Im Folgenden werden bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele anhand der Figuren beschrieben. Dabei werden gleiche, ähnliche oder gleichwirkende Elemente in den unterschiedlichen Figuren mit identischen Bezugszeichen bezeichnet und auf eine wiederholte Beschreibung dieser Elemente wird in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung teilweise verzichtet, um Redundanzen zu vermeiden.In the following, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the figures. In this case, identical, similar or equivalent elements in the different figures are denoted by identical reference numerals and a repeated description of these elements will be omitted in the following description in part in order to avoid redundancies.

Figur 1 zeigt eine Vorrichtung 1 zum Behandeln von hier nicht gezeigten Behältern mit einem Behandlungsmedium, wobei die hier gezeigte Vorrichtung 1 ein Füller in einer Getränkeabfüllanlage ist. Mit einem solchen Füller werden Getränke oder andere Flüssigkeiten in Behälter, wie beispielsweise Flaschen, in einem kontinuierlichen Prozess abgefüllt. FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for treating containers, not shown here, with a treatment medium, wherein the device 1 shown here is a filler in a beverage filling plant. With such a filler drinks or other liquids in containers, such as bottles, are filled in a continuous process.

Die Vorrichtung 1 umfasst einen Rotor 2, an welchem die zu behandelnden Behälter aufgenommen werden und an welchem die zu behandelnden Behälter die jeweilige Behandlung erfahren. In dem in Figur 1 gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel ist der Rotor 2 als Rotor eines Füllers ausgebildet, so dass entsprechend die zu behandelnden Flaschen an dem Rotor gehalten werden, während sie über den Behandlungswinkel hinweg über eine Vielzahl von am Rotor 2 angeordneten Füllorganen mit dem Füllprodukt befüllt werden.The device 1 comprises a rotor 2, on which the containers to be treated are received and on which the containers to be treated undergo the respective treatment. In the in FIG. 1 The rotor 2 is designed as a rotor of a filler, so Accordingly, the bottles to be treated are held on the rotor while they are filled over the treatment angle across a plurality of arranged on the rotor 2 Füllorganen with the filling product.

An dem Rotor 2 sind Reinigungsdüsen 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 vorgesehen, mittels welchen ein Reinigungsmedium und/oder ein Sterilisationsmedium auf den Rotor 2 umgebende Anlagenbereiche aufgebracht werden kann. Der Rotor 2 ist, zumindest an seinen Seiten, mit einem Gehäuse 4 umhaust, welches in seinem Innenraum einen Isolatorraum 40 ausbildet. Der Isolatorraum 40 wird weiterhin über das Rotordach 20 und den Rotorboden 22 abgedichtet, so dass die Behandlung der Behälter in einem vollkommen abgeschlossenen Raum stattfinden kann. Diese Einhausung des Rotors hat mehrere Funktionen. Zum einen kann ein wirksamer Unfallschutz bereitgestellt werden, da ein Anlagenbediener nicht in laufende Anlagenkomponenten eingreifen kann. Zum anderen wird über eine solche Einhausung ein hygienisch von der Umgebung abgekoppeltes Volumen bereitgestellt, innerhalb welchem eine hygienisch einwandfreie Behandlung der Behälter erreicht werden kann. Dies ist besonders bei der Verarbeitung und Abfüllung von Getränken von Bedeutung, welche bei aseptischen Bedingungen verarbeitet werden müssen.On the rotor 2 cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 are provided, by means of which a cleaning medium and / or a sterilization medium on the rotor 2 surrounding plant areas can be applied. The rotor 2 is, at least on its sides, umhaust with a housing 4, which forms an insulator space 40 in its interior. The insulator space 40 is further sealed off via the rotor roof 20 and the rotor bottom 22, so that the treatment of the containers can take place in a completely enclosed space. This housing of the rotor has several functions. On the one hand, effective accident protection can be provided because a plant operator can not intervene in running plant components. On the other hand, a volume which is hygienically isolated from the environment is provided via such an enclosure, within which a hygienically perfect treatment of the containers can be achieved. This is particularly important in the processing and bottling of beverages, which must be processed under aseptic conditions.

Eine keimdichte Abdichtung zwischen der stationären Gehäusewand des Gehäuses 4 und dem Rotor 2 wird über eine verschleißfreie Dichtung erreicht, welche hier als so genanntes Wasserschloss 42 ausgebildet ist. Alternativ sind Unterdruckdichtungen, Überströmkanäle oder auch mechanische Dichtungen einsetzbar.A germ-proof seal between the stationary housing wall of the housing 4 and the rotor 2 is achieved via a wear-free seal, which is designed here as a so-called water lock 42. Alternatively, vacuum seals, overflow or mechanical seals can be used.

Die Reinigungsdüsen 30, 32, 34, welche in dem in Figur 1 gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellt sind, dienen dazu, den Isolatorraum 40, die in dem Isolatorraum 40 angeordneten Anlagenkomponenten, und besonders die relativ zu der Bewegung des Rotors 2 feststehenden Anlagenkomponenten mit einem Reinigungsmedium und/oder einem Sterilisationsmedium zu beaufschlagen. Die Reinigungsdüsen 30, 32, 34 dienen dabei unter anderem auch dazu, die Gehäuseinnenflächen des Gehäuses 4 mit dem Reinigungsmedium und/oder dem Sterilisationsmedium zu beaufschlagen. Dabei wird den Reinigungsdüsen 30, 32, 34 während der Rotation des Rotors 2 entsprechend ein Reinigungsmedium und/oder ein Sterilisationsmedium zugeführt, welches dann auf die Gehäuseinnenflächen aufgesprüht wird. Da sich der Rotor 2 während des Zuführens des Reinigungs- beziehungsweise Sterilisationsmediums zu den Reinigungsdüsen 30, 32, 34 dreht, wird der gesamte Isolatorraum 40 und damit die gesamte Gehäuseinnenfläche von dem Reinigungsmedium beziehungsweise Sterilisationsmedium überstrichen.The cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34, which in the in FIG. 1 shown embodiment, serve to apply to the insulator chamber 40, arranged in the insulator space 40 system components, and especially the relative to the movement of the rotor 2 fixed system components with a cleaning medium and / or a sterilization medium. The cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34 serve, inter alia, also to pressurize the housing inner surfaces of the housing 4 with the cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium. In this case, the cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34 is supplied during the rotation of the rotor 2 in accordance with a cleaning medium and / or a sterilization medium, which is then sprayed onto the housing inner surfaces. As the rotor 2 rotates during the supply of the cleaning or sterilizing medium to the cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34, the entire insulator space 40 and thus the entire Housing interior swept by the cleaning medium or sterilization medium.

Der Rotor 2 umfasst weiterhin eine Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5 in Form eines Produktvorhaltekessels 50, welcher mit dem Rotor 2 zusammen rotiert. Der Produktvorhaltekessel 50 dient im Füllbetrieb eines Füllers dazu, das Füllprodukt aufzunehmen und dann über entsprechende, hier nicht gezeigte, Zuleitungen an die in der Figur ebenfalls nicht gezeigten Füllorgane zu übergeben. Der Produktvorhaltekessel 50 dient dabei auch dazu, den in den einzelnen Füllorganen zur Abfüllung des Füllprodukts benötigten hydrostatischen Druck aufzubauen. In diesem Zusammenhang ist die Füllhöhe h des Füllprodukts in dem Produktvorhaltekessel 50 von Bedeutung und der am Füllorgan anliegende Druck des anstehenden Füllprodukts kann über die Füllhöhe h variiert werden. Das Füllprodukt selbst wird über eine Füllproduktzuleitung 52 in den Produktvorhaltekessel 50 einströmen. Dabei ist die Füllproduktzuleitung 52 stationär ausgebildet, wohingegen sich die Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5 umfassend den Produktvorhaltekessel 50 zusammen mit dem Rotor 2 um die Rotorachse 200 herum dreht. Während des Produktionsbetriebs, beispielsweise während des Abfüllens eines Getränks in Behälter, ist der Produktvorhaltekessel 50 üblicherweise nicht vollständig gefüllt, sondern es verbleibt über dem Füllprodukt ein Gasraum. Der Aufbau eines solchen Rundläuferfüllers ist prinzipiell bekannt.The rotor 2 further comprises a treatment medium receptacle 5 in the form of a product holding vessel 50, which rotates together with the rotor 2. The product holding tank 50 is used in the filling operation of a filler to receive the filling product and then pass over corresponding, not shown here, leads to the filling elements also not shown in the figure. The Produktvorhaltekessel 50 also serves to build up the required in the individual Füllorganen for filling the filling product hydrostatic pressure. In this context, the filling level h of the filling product in the product holding tank 50 is important and the pressure applied to the filling member of the upcoming filling product can be varied over the filling level h. The filling product itself will flow into the product holding vessel 50 via a filling product feed line 52. In this case, the filling product supply line 52 is designed to be stationary, whereas the treatment medium receptacle 5 comprising the product holding vessel 50 rotates together with the rotor 2 around the rotor axis 200. During production operation, for example during the filling of a beverage into containers, the product holding kettle 50 is usually not completely filled, but a gas space remains above the filling product. The structure of such a rotary filler is known in principle.

Eine Fluidverbindung 6 ist zwischen dem Produktvorhaltekessel 50 und den Reinigungsdüsen 30, 32, 34, 35 und 38 vorgesehen. Über die Fluidverbindung 6, welche über ein am Kesselboden 54 des Produktvorhaltekessels 50 angesetztes Ventil 60 mit dem Volumen innerhalb der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme verbunden ist, kann entsprechend ein Fluid aus dem Produktvorhaltekessel 50 durch das Ventil 60 und die Fluidverbindung 6 zu den Reinigungsdüsen 30, 32, 34, 36 und 38 gelangen. In dem in der Figur 1 gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel ist das Ventil 60 im Bereich eines Klöpperbodens des Produktvorhaltekessels 50 angeordnet.A fluid connection 6 is provided between the product holding vessel 50 and the cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34, 35 and 38. By way of the fluid connection 6, which is connected to the volume within the treatment medium receptacle via a valve 60 attached to the vessel bottom 54 of the product holding vessel 50, a fluid can accordingly be passed from the product holding vessel 50 through the valve 60 and the fluid connection 6 to the cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34 , 36 and 38 arrive. In the in the FIG. 1 In the embodiment shown, the valve 60 is arranged in the region of a dished bottom of the product holding vessel 50.

Bei einer Reinigung und/oder Sterilisierung der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5, besonders bei einer Reinigung und/oder Sterilisierung des Produktvorhaltekessels 50, werden die im Produktionsbetrieb von dem Behandlungsmedium, beispielsweise dem Füllprodukt, durchflossenen Anlagenbereiche von einem Reinigungsmedium und/oder einem Sterilisationsmedium durchströmt. Das Reinigungsmedium und/oder das Sterilisationsmedium verweilt in diesen Anlagenbereichen und wird auch durch die produktführenden Zuleitungen zu den Füllorganen geleitet, um den gesamten Produktweg zu reinigen und/oder zu sterilisieren. In einer Weiterbildung kann das Reinigungsmedium und/oder das Sterilisationsmedium den Produktweg auch in einer umgekehrten Strömung durchfließen. Bei beiden Varianten wird aber die Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5 und insbesondere auch der Produktvorhaltekessel 50 bis zu einer vorgegebenen Höhe mit dem Reinigungs- und/oder Sterilisationsmedium befüllt. In einer bevorzugten Variante wird der Produktvorhaltekessel 50 dabei vollständig mit dem Reinigungs- und/oder Sterilisationsmedium befüllt - man spricht hier auch von einem "Schwarzanfüllen" des Produktvorhaltekessels 50.In a cleaning and / or sterilization of the treatment media receptacle 5, particularly in a cleaning and / or sterilization of the Produktvorhaltekessels 50, which in the production of the treatment medium, for example, the filling product, flowed through by a cleaning medium and / or a sterilizing medium. The cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium dwells in these plant areas and is also passed through the product leading supply lines to the filling organs to the to clean and / or sterilize the entire product route. In one development, the cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium can also flow through the product path in a reverse flow. In both variants, however, the treatment media receptacle 5 and in particular also the product holding vessel 50 is filled with the cleaning and / or sterilization medium up to a predetermined height. In a preferred variant, the product holding vessel 50 is completely filled with the cleaning and / or sterilization medium - this is also referred to as a "black filling" of the product holding vessel 50.

Das in der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5 und insbesondere in dem Produktvorhaltekessel 50 aufgenommene Reinigungs- und/oder Sterilisationsmedium kann bei einer Öffnung des Ventils 60 über die Fluidverbindung 6 an die Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 geleitet werden.The cleaning and / or sterilization medium accommodated in the treatment medium receptacle 5 and in particular in the product holding vessel 50 can be passed via the fluid connection 6 to the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 when the valve 60 is opened.

Da sich die Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5, der Produktvorhaltekessel 50 und die Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 relativ zueinander nicht bewegen, sondern gemeinsam mit dem Rotor 2 umlaufen, kann eine einfache Übergabe des Reinigungsmediums und/oder des Sterilisationsmediums von der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5 und insbesondere dem Produktvorhaltekessel 50 zu den Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 erreicht werden. Im Gegensatz zu den aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Vorrichtungen ist durch die Bereitstellung der Fluidverbindung 6 eine Übergabe des Reinigungs- und/oder Sterilisationsmediums an die Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 mittels einer separaten Spur eines Mediendrehverteilers nicht notwendig. Entsprechend können so rotierende Dichtungen eingespart werden und der Mediendrehverteiler vereinfacht ausgeführt werden.Since the treatment media receptacle 5, the product holding vessel 50 and the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 do not move relative to each other, but circulate together with the rotor 2, a simple transfer of the cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium from the treatment medium receptacle 5 and in particular the Produktvorhaltekessel 50 to the Cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 can be achieved. In contrast to the devices known from the prior art, the provision of the fluid connection 6 does not necessitate a transfer of the cleaning and / or sterilization medium to the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 by means of a separate track of a media rotary distributor. Accordingly, so rotating seals can be saved and the media rotary distributor can be performed simplified.

Das Reinigungsmedium und/oder das Sterilisationsmedium kann über das Ventil 60 durch die Fluidverbindung 6 den Reinigungsdüsen 30, 32, 34, 36 und 38 zugeführt werden, um entsprechend auch eine Reinigung des Isolatorraums 40, der in dem Isolatorraum 40 angeordneten Anlagenkomponenten und der Gehäuseinnenflächen des Gehäuses 4 zu erreichen.The cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium can be supplied via the valve 60 through the fluid connection 6 to the cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38, to accordingly also a cleaning of the insulator space 40, arranged in the insulator space 40 system components and the housing inner surfaces of the To reach housing 4.

Entsprechend kann über die Fluidverbindung 6 eine einfache Anbindung der Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 an eine Zufuhr mit einem Reinigungsmedium oder einem Sterilisationsmedium erreicht werden.Accordingly, a simple connection of the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 to a supply with a cleaning medium or a sterilization medium can be achieved via the fluid connection 6.

Über das Ventil 60 können die Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 während des regulären Behandlungsbetriebes, also in Figur 1 während des Befüllens von Behältern mit einem Füllprodukt, von der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5 fluidtechnisch getrennt sein. Entsprechend fließt das Füllprodukt nicht durch die Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38. Über eine im Ventilrückraum des Ventils 60 angeordnete Dampfsperre kann darüber hinaus auch eine sterile Trennung zwischen der Fluidverbindung 6 und den produktführenden Anlagenkomponenten ausgebildet werden.About the valve 60, the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 during the regular treatment operation, ie in FIG. 1 during filling of containers with a filling product, be fluidly separated from the treatment media intake 5. Accordingly, the filling product does not flow through the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38. Moreover, a sterile separation between the fluid connection 6 and the product-carrying system components can be formed via a vapor barrier arranged in the valve rear space of the valve 60.

Der Rotor 2 wird üblicherweise über einen so genannten Mediendrehverteiler 7 mit diversen Medien versorgt. Der Mediendrehverteiler 7 umfasst dabei in der gezeigten Ausführungsform eine stationäre Welle 70, welche mit der Umgebung fest ist, und eine mit dem Rotor 2 rotierende Hülse 72, in welcher entsprechende Verteilerspuren eingebracht sind. Solche Mediendrehverteiler 7 sind wartungsanfällig, da hier Rotationsdichtungen vorgesehen sind, welche bei der Relativrotation zwischen feststehender Welle 70 und rotierender Hülse 72 für eine Abdichtung der Verteilerspuren sorgen, wobei alternativ eine feststehende Hülse in Kombination mit einer rotierenden Welle (nicht gezeigt) möglich ist. Durch die Rotation tritt an den Dichtungen Verschleiß auf, welcher regelmäßige Wartungsarbeiten notwendig macht. Weiterhin ist der Mediendrehverteiler 7 eine potentielle Quelle für Leckagen.The rotor 2 is usually supplied via a so-called media rotary distributor 7 with various media. In the illustrated embodiment, the media rotary distributor 7 comprises a stationary shaft 70, which is fixed to the surroundings, and a sleeve 72 rotating with the rotor 2, in which corresponding distributor tracks are inserted. Such media rotary distributor 7 are maintenance-prone, as here rotary seals are provided, which provide in the relative rotation between fixed shaft 70 and rotating sleeve 72 for sealing the distributor tracks, wherein alternatively a fixed sleeve in combination with a rotating shaft (not shown) is possible. The rotation causes wear on the seals, which necessitates regular maintenance. Furthermore, the media rotary distributor 7 is a potential source of leakage.

Durch die Anbindung der Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 direkt an die Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5 kann auf die Verwendung einer weiteren Verteilerspur in dem Mediendrehverteiler 7 zum Beaufschlagen der Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 mit einem Reinigungsmedium und/oder Sterilisationsmedium verzichtet werden. Entsprechend kann die Betriebssicherheit der Vorrichtung 1 durch den Entfall einer Verteilerspur erhöht werden, die Kosten können verringert werden und der Aufwand für die Reinigung und Sterilisierung des Mediendrehverteilers kann reduziert werden.By connecting the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 directly to the treatment medium receptacle 5 can be dispensed with the use of a further distribution track in the media rotary distributor 7 for applying the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 with a cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium. Accordingly, the reliability of the device 1 can be increased by eliminating a distribution track, the cost can be reduced and the cost of cleaning and sterilizing the media rotary distributor can be reduced.

Die in Figur 1 beschriebene Vorrichtung 1 eignet sich besonders gut zur Sterilisierung von aseptischen Anlagen im Bereich der Trockenaseptik, bei welcher die Reinigungsmedien und Sterilisationsmedien, welche auch zur Reinigung und Sterilisierung des Produktweges verwendet werden, ebenfalls zur Oberflächensterilisierung der Gehäuseinnenflächen verwendet werden.In the FIG. 1 described device 1 is particularly suitable for sterilizing aseptic systems in the field of dry aseptic, in which the cleaning media and sterilization media, which are also used for cleaning and sterilization of the product route, are also used for surface sterilization of the housing inner surfaces.

In Figur 2 ist ein erfindungsgemäßes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Vorrichtung 1 zum Behandeln von Behältern mit einem Behandlungsmedium gezeigt, hier wiederum in Form eines Füllers in einer Getränkeabfüllanlage. Es ist wiederum ein Rotor 2 vorgesehen, an welchem die zu behandelnden Behälter aufgenommen werden und kontinuierlich über eine Vielzahl von am Rotor 2 vorgesehenen Füllorganen mit dem Füllprodukt, welches in einer mit dem Rotor 2 umlaufenden Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5 umfassend einen Produktvorhaltekessel 50 vorgehalten wird, befüllt werden.In FIG. 2 an inventive embodiment of a device 1 for treating containers with a treatment medium is shown here again in the form of a filler in a beverage filling plant. In turn, a rotor 2 is provided, on which the containers to be treated are received and continuously via a plurality of provided on the rotor 2 filling members with the filling product, which in a rotating with the rotor 2 Treatment medium receptacle 5 comprising a Produktvorhaltekessel 50 is provided, are filled.

Reinigungsdüsen 30, 32, 34, 36 und 38 sind vorgesehen, welche zur Reinigung eines Isolatorraums 40 und insbesondere von Gehäuseinnenwänden eines Gehäuses 4 verwendet werden. Die Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 rotieren mit dem Rotor 2 mit, so dass sie bei Beaufschlagung mit einem Reinigungsmedium und/oder einem Sterilisationsmedium den Isolatorraum 40, insbesondere den feststehenden Teil des Isolatorraums 40, vollständig überstreichen.Cleaning nozzles 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 are provided, which are used for cleaning an insulator space 40 and in particular housing inner walls of a housing 4. The cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 rotate with the rotor 2 so that when they are exposed to a cleaning medium and / or a sterilization medium, they completely cover the insulator space 40, in particular the stationary part of the insulator space 40.

Es besteht eine Fluidverbindung 6 zwischen der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5 und den Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38. Im Gegensatz zu dem in Figur 1 gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel ist die Fluidverbindung 6 in dem hier gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel im oberen Bereich der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5, konkret im Bereich des Kesseldeckels 56 des Produktvorhaltekessels 50, ausgebildet. Die Fluidverbindung 6 ist wiederum über ein Ventil 60 mit dem Kesseldeckel 56 des Produktvorhaltekessels 50 angebunden.There is a fluid connection 6 between the treatment medium receptacle 5 and the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38. In contrast to the in FIG. 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the fluid connection 6 is formed in the upper region of the treatment medium receptacle 5, specifically in the region of the vessel lid 56 of the product holding vessel 50. The fluid connection 6 is in turn connected via a valve 60 to the vessel lid 56 of the Produktvorhaltekessels 50.

Im Produktionsbetrieb wird hier wiederum über die Füllproduktzuleitung 52 das Füllprodukt in den Produktvorhaltekessel 50 eingebracht und über entsprechende, in dieser Zeichnung nicht gezeigte Zuleitungen zu den Füllorganen geleitet, derart, dass ein Befüllen der Behälter mit dem entsprechenden Füllprodukt stattfinden kann. Im Produktionsbetrieb wird der Produktvorhaltekessel 50 mit dem jeweiligen Füllprodukt üblicherweise nicht vollständig gefüllt, sondern nur bis zu einer vorgegebenen Füllhöhe h. Der darüber liegende Raum und die darüber liegenden Bereiche des Produktvorhaltekessels 50 kommen im Produktionsbetrieb entsprechend üblicherweise nicht mit dem Füllprodukt in Berührung. Zumindest steht in diesen Bereichen des Produktvorhaltekessels 50 das Füllprodukt im Produktionsbetrieb üblicherweise nicht an.In the production operation, the filling product is again introduced into the product holding vessel 50 via the filling product feed line 52 and directed to the filling members via corresponding feed lines, not shown in this drawing, in such a way that the containers can be filled with the corresponding filling product. In the production operation, the product holding tank 50 with the respective filling product is usually not completely filled, but only up to a predetermined filling height h. The overlying space and the overlying areas of the Produktvorhaltekessels 50 come in accordance with the production usually not in contact with the filling product. At least in these areas of the Produktvorhaltekessels 50, the filling product is usually not in production.

Im Reinigungs- und/oder Sterilisationsbetrieb wird der Produktvorhaltekessel 50 üblicherweise mit dem Reinigungsmedium oder dem Sterilisationsmedium vollständig gefüllt. Das Niveau des Reinigungsmediums und/oder Sterilisationsmediums in dem Produktvorhaltekessel 50 liegt dabei üblicherweise deutlich über dem Flüssigkeitsniveau im Produktionsbetrieb. Besonders bevorzugt wird der Produktvorhaltekessel 50 vollständig mit Reinigungs- und/oder Sterilisationsmedium gefüllt, um eine vollständige Reinigung und/oder Sterilisation zu erreichen. Man spricht hier auch von einem "Schwarzanfüllen" des Produktvorhaltekessels 50, bei welchem der Produktvorhaltekessel 50 vollständig gefüllt ist, also insbesondere bis unter den Kesseldeckel 56. Ein solcher vollständig gefüllter Produktvorhaltekessel 50 bietet dem Reinigungsmedium oder dem Sterilisationsmedium nun die Möglichkeit, über das im Kesseldeckel 56 angeordnete Ventil 60 und die Fluidverbindung 6 den Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 zur Verfügung gestellt zu werden. Entsprechend kann das Ventil 60 zur Reinigung des Isolatorraums 40, der im Isolatorraum 40 angeordneten Anlagenkomponenten, sowie der Innenflächen des Gehäuses 4 geöffnet werden, so dass das Reinigungsmedium und/oder das Sterilisationsmedium durch die Fluidverbindung 6 zu den Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 strömen kann. Über das Ventil 60 lässt sich hier eine Steuerung der Reinigung des Isolatorraums 40 dergestalt durchführen, dass nur in einem vorbestimmten Zeitabschnitt der Reinigung und/oder Sterilisierung des Produktweges auch eine Innenraumreinigung stattfindet.During cleaning and / or sterilization operation, the product holding vessel 50 is usually completely filled with the cleaning medium or the sterilization medium. The level of the cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium in the product holding tank 50 is usually well above the liquid level in the production operation. More preferably, the product holding kettle 50 is completely filled with cleaning and / or sterilizing medium to achieve complete cleaning and / or sterilization. This is also referred to as a "black filling" of the product holding vessel 50, in which the product holding vessel 50 is completely filled, ie in particular to below the vessel lid 56. Such a completely filled Produktvorhaltekessel 50 offers the cleaning medium or the sterilization medium now the ability to be about the arranged in the vessel lid 56 valve 60 and the fluid connection 6 the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 are provided. Accordingly, the valve 60 for cleaning the insulator space 40, the system components arranged in the insulator space 40, and the inner surfaces of the housing 4 are opened, so that the cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium can flow through the fluid connection 6 to the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38. Via the valve 60, a control of the cleaning of the insulator space 40 can be carried out in such a way that an interior cleaning takes place only in a predetermined period of the cleaning and / or sterilization of the product path.

Durch die Anbindung der Fluidverbindung 6 an der Kesseldecke 56 kann auch auf ein Ventil verzichtet werden, da im Produktionsbetrieb ein Einlaufen des Füllprodukts in die Fluidverbindung 6 aufgrund der niedrigeren Füllhöhe nicht vorgesehen ist.By connecting the fluid connection 6 to the boiler cover 56, it is also possible to dispense with a valve, since in the production mode the filling product does not enter the fluid connection 6 due to the lower filling level.

Auch durch die in Figur 2 gezeigte Ausführungsform lässt sich durch das Bereitstellen der Fluidverbindung 6 zwischen der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5 und den Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 eine separate Verteilerspur in dem Mediendrehverteiler 7 für die Zuführung des Reinigungsmediums und/oder Sterilisationsmediums zu den Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 einsparen.Also by the in FIG. 2 As shown, by providing the fluid connection 6 between the treatment medium receptacle 5 and the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38, a separate distribution track in the medium rotary distributor 7 for the supply of the cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium to the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 can be saved.

Die in den Figuren 1 und 2 gezeigten Reinigungsdüsen 36 und 38 dienen dazu, den Bereich der Anbindung des feststehenden Gehäuses 4 an den Rotor 2, insbesondere den Bereich der Wasserschlösser 42, zu reinigen und/oder zu sterilisieren.The in the FIGS. 1 and 2 shown cleaning nozzles 36 and 38 serve to clean the area of connection of the fixed housing 4 to the rotor 2, in particular the area of the water locks 42, and / or to sterilize.

In Figur 3 ist ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Füllers gezeigt, wobei hier wiederum eine Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5 vorgesehen ist, welche einen Produktvorhaltekessel 50 in Ringform, also einen so genannten Ringkessel, umfasst. Der Ringkessel kann auch als Ringleitung verstanden werden.In FIG. 3 a further embodiment of a filler is shown, wherein here again a treatment medium receptacle 5 is provided, which comprises a Produktvorhaltekessel 50 in ring form, that is a so-called ring boiler. The ring boiler can also be understood as a ring line.

An dem ringförmigen Produktvorhaltekessel 50 lassen sich einzelne Flansche 500 erkennen, über welche das im Produktvorhaltekessel 50 vorgehaltene Füllprodukt an die jeweiligen, in dieser Figur ebenfalls nicht gezeigten, Füllorgane übergeben wird.Individual flanges 500 can be recognized on the annular product holding vessel 50, via which filling product held in the product holding vessel 50 is transferred to the respective filling elements, likewise not shown in this figure.

Der Produktvorhaltekessel 50 wird über einen Mediendrehverteiler 7 und eine entsprechende Behandlungsmedienzufuhr 58 mit dem Füllprodukt versorgt. Entsprechend läuft das Füllprodukt über eine hier nicht gezeigte, feststehende Achse über die sich mit dem Rotor 2 gemeinsam drehende Hülse 72 in die Behandlungsmedienzufuhr 58 und von dort in den Produktvorhaltekessel 50 der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5.The Produktvorhaltekessel 50 is supplied via a media rotary distributor 7 and a corresponding treatment medium supply 58 with the filling product. Correspondingly, the filling product runs via a fixed axis, not shown here, over the sleeve 72, which rotates together with the rotor 2, into the treatment medium supply 58 and from there into the product holding tank 50 of the treatment medium intake 5.

Die Behandlungsmedienzufuhr 58 rotiert mit dem Rotor 2 mit und ist entsprechend ein Teil der umlaufenden Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5, da in der Behandlungsmedienzufuhr 58 ebenfalls das Füllprodukt mitgeführt wird.The treatment medium supply 58 rotates with the rotor 2 and is correspondingly part of the circulating treatment medium intake 5, since in the treatment medium supply 58 also the filling product is entrained.

Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 sind wieder vorgesehen, welche zur Reinigung eines Isolatorinnenraums 40, von in dem Isolatorinnenraum 40 angeordneten Anlagenkomponenten und/oder von Gehäuseinnenflächen des Gehäuses 4 vorgesehen sind. Die Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 bringen das Reinigungsmedium auf die Gehäuseinnenflächen 4 sowie andere Anlagenkomponenten im Isolatorraum 40 auf, wenn sie mit dem Reinigungsmedium oder dem Sterilisationsmedium während des Umlaufs des Rotors beaufschlagt werden.Cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 are provided again, which are provided for cleaning an insulator interior 40, arranged in the insulator interior 40 system components and / or housing inner surfaces of the housing 4. The cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 apply the cleaning medium to the housing inner surfaces 4 and other system components in the insulator space 40 when they are exposed to the cleaning medium or the sterilization medium during the rotation of the rotor.

Um eine Zuführung von Reinigungsmedium und/oder Sterilisationsmedium zu erreichen, ist wieder eine Fluidverbindung 6 vorgesehen, welche über ein Ventil 60 mit der Behandlungsmedienzufuhr 58 in Fluidverbindung steht. Entsprechend wird auch hier wieder eine Fluidverbindung zwischen der Behandlungsmedienaufnahme 5 und den Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 bereitgestellt. Entsprechend kann im normalen Produktionsbetrieb, also beispielsweise während des Befüllens von zu behandelten Behältern mit dem Füllprodukt, das Ventil 60 geschlossen bleiben. Im Reinigungsbetrieb, in welchem der Produktweg mit Reinigungsmedium oder Sterilisationsmedium durchspült wird, wird das Ventil 60 zu einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt für eine bestimmte Zeit lang geöffnet, so dass das Reinigungsmedium und/oder das Sterilisationsmedium über die Fluidverbindung 6 den Reinigungsdüsen 30 bis 38 zur Verfügung gestellt wird und entsprechend eine Reinigung und Sterilisierung des Isolatorraums 40 durchgeführt werden kann.In order to achieve a supply of cleaning medium and / or sterilization medium, a fluid connection 6 is again provided, which is in fluid communication with the treatment medium supply 58 via a valve 60. Accordingly, a fluid connection between the treatment medium receptacle 5 and the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 is again provided here. Accordingly, in normal production operation, that is to say, for example, during the filling of containers to be treated with the filling product, the valve 60 remains closed. In the cleaning mode, in which the product path is flushed through with cleaning medium or sterilization medium, the valve 60 is opened at a specific time for a certain time, so that the cleaning medium and / or the sterilization medium are made available to the cleaning nozzles 30 to 38 via the fluid connection 6 and, accordingly, cleaning and sterilization of the insulator space 40 can be performed.

Obwohl in den Figuren 1 bis 3 nur Vorrichtungen zum Behandeln von Behältern in Form von Füllvorrichtungen gezeigt sind, kann hier anstelle der Füllvorrichtungen beispielsweise auch ein Rinser oder ein Sterilisator für zu behandelnde Behälter auf die gleiche Weise aufgebaut sein. Entsprechend wird dann eine Fluidverbindung zwischen der jeweiligen Behandlungsmedienaufnahme, also beispielsweise der Zuleitung eines Spülfluids bei einem Rinser oder des Sterilisationsfluids bei einem Sterilisator, und den jeweiligen Reinigungsdüsen bereitgestellt, welche bei einer Reinigung oder Sterilisierung der Vorrichtung entsprechend die Reinigungsdüsen mit dem Reinigungs- oder Sterilisationsmedium beaufschlagen kann.Although in the FIGS. 1 to 3 only devices for treating containers in the form of filling devices are shown here, instead of the filling devices, for example, a rinser or a sterilizer for containers to be treated can be constructed in the same way. Accordingly, then a fluid connection between the respective treatment media intake, so for example, the supply of a flushing fluid in a rinser or the sterilizing fluid in a sterilizer, and the respective cleaning nozzles, which can act upon cleaning or sterilizing the device according to the cleaning nozzles with the cleaning or sterilizing medium.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Vorrichtungcontraption
22
Rotorrotor
2020
Rotordachrotor roof
2222
Rotorbodenrotor base
200200
Rotorachserotor axis
30 - 3830 - 38
Reinigungsdüsencleaning nozzles
44
Gehäusecasing
4040
Isolatorraumisolator room
4242
Wasserschlosswater Castle
55
BehandlungsmedienaufnahmeTreatment media recording
5050
ProduktvorhaltekesselProduktvorhaltekessel
5252
FüllproduktzuleitungFüllproduktzuleitung
5454
KesselbodenKesselboden
5656
Kesseldeckelboiler cover
5858
BehandlungsmedienzufuhrTreatment media feed
500500
Flanschflange
66
Fluidverbindungfluid communication
6060
VentilValve
77
MediendrehverteilerMedia distributor
7070
Wellewave
7272
Hülseshell
hH
Füllhöhefilling height

Claims (12)

  1. Apparatus (1) for treating containers with a treatment medium in a beverage filling system, preferably filler, rinser or sterilizer, comprising a revolving rotor (2) for treating containers which are to be treated, at least one cleaning nozzle (30 to 38), which revolves with the rotor (2), for applying a cleaning medium and/or a sterilization medium to a system region which surrounds the rotor (2), and a treatment media receptacle (5) which revolves with the rotor (2), wherein a fluid connection (6) is provided between at least one cleaning nozzle (30 to 38) and the treatment media receptacle (5), characterized in that the treatment media receptacle (5) comprises a product storage vessel (50), and the fluid connection (6) is in fluid connection with the treatment media receptacle (5) in a region of the product storage vessel (50) which does not come into contact with the treatment medium during regular treatment operation.
  2. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a valve (60) is arranged in the fluid connection (6) between the treatment media receptacle (5) and the cleaning nozzle (30 to 38).
  3. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that a vapour barrier is arranged in the rear space of the valve (60) in order to provide sterile sealing of the valve (60) from a sterile region of the apparatus (1).
  4. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid connection (6) is in fluid connection with the treatment media receptacle (5) in the region of a vessel cover (56) of the product storage vessel (50).
  5. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment media receptacle (5) comprises an annular product storage vessel (50) and/or a ring line, and the fluid connection (6) is in fluid connection with the treatment media receptacle (5) at the annular product storage vessel (50) and/or the ring line.
  6. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment media receptacle (5) comprises a treatment media supply (58) for supplying the treatment medium to a treatment apparatus for treating containers, preferably to a filling element, and/or to a storage apparatus, preferably to a product storage vessel (50), and the fluid connection (6) is in fluid connection with the treatment media receptacle (5) at the treatment media supply (58).
  7. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rotary media distributor (7) comprising a stationary part (70) and a part (72) which revolves with the rotor (2) is provided for transferring media from a stationary region to the rotor (2), and no separate distributor path is provided for the fluid connection (6).
  8. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus is formed to fill, to rinse and/or to sterilize containers which are to be treated, and the fluid connection (6) is formed having a treatment media receptacle (50, 58) for receiving filling product, rinsing medium and/or sterilization medium.
  9. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotor (2) is housed in a housing (4), and at least one cleaning nozzle (30 to 38) is provided for applying a cleaning medium and/or a sterilization medium to an inner wall of the housing (4).
  10. Method for cleaning an apparatus (1) for treating containers with a treatment medium in a beverage filling system, preferably for cleaning a filler, rinser or sterilizer, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a rotor (2), which revolves in a housing (4), for treating containers which are to be treated, at least one cleaning nozzle (30 to 38), which revolves with the rotor (2), for applying a cleaning medium to housing inner surface, and a treatment media receptacle (5) which revolves with the rotor (2), wherein a cleaning medium and/or a sterilization medium is supplied directly from the treatment media receptacle (5) to the cleaning nozzle (30 to 38), characterized in that the treatment media receptacle (5) comprises a product storage vessel (50), and the fluid connection (6) is in fluid connection with the treatment media receptacle (5) in a region of the product storage vessel (50) which does not come into contact with the treatment medium during regular treatment operation.
  11. Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that the supply of the cleaning medium and/or of the sterilization medium is carried out during cleaning and/or sterilization of the treatment media receptacle (5).
  12. Method according to Claim 12, characterized in that the supply of the cleaning medium and/or of the sterilization medium is carried out during a limited time period of the cleaning and/or sterilization of the treatment media receptacle (5).
EP13188007.2A 2012-10-10 2013-10-10 Device for the treatment of containers and cleaning method for such a device Active EP2719655B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102012109643.0A DE102012109643A1 (en) 2012-10-10 2012-10-10 Apparatus for treating containers and cleaning method for such a device

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EP2719655A1 EP2719655A1 (en) 2014-04-16
EP2719655B1 true EP2719655B1 (en) 2016-02-24

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DE (1) DE102012109643A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202015101220U1 (en) * 2015-03-10 2016-06-15 Krones Ag Apparatus for flushing a container with a flushing medium
JP6754783B2 (en) * 2015-07-01 2020-09-16 テトラ ラバル ホールディングス アンド ファイナンス エス エイ Swirling device with sterile air flow
CN105692530B (en) * 2016-03-17 2018-08-14 江苏中远制药设备有限公司 A kind of filling high bit divider
DE102016107355A1 (en) * 2016-04-20 2017-10-26 Krones Ag Device for filling at least one container with a filling product in a beverage filling plant
DE102016122542A1 (en) * 2016-11-22 2018-05-24 Krones Ag Distributor for distributing flowable media
DE102017102852A1 (en) * 2017-02-13 2018-08-16 Krones Ag Device for filling a container with a filling product

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2845646A1 (en) * 1978-10-20 1980-05-08 Holstein & Kappert Maschf CIRCULAR VESSEL TREATMENT PLANT
DE19681039D2 (en) 1995-11-14 1999-03-11 Hans Werner Hees Rotary distributor rotary device for the treatment of objects, in particular containers, with a rotary connection for the fluid transport between a stator assembly and a rotor assembly
DE19643838A1 (en) * 1996-10-30 1998-05-07 Lang Apparatebau Gmbh Filler cleaning with reservoir
JP3556063B2 (en) * 1997-01-23 2004-08-18 大和製罐株式会社 Aseptic beverage can manufacturing equipment
DE10010215A1 (en) * 2000-03-02 2001-09-06 Khs Masch & Anlagenbau Ag Overhead processing device for bottles has spray nozzles movable between work and cleaning position across or perpendicular to movement of revolving support
CN2931453Y (en) * 2005-08-17 2007-08-08 上海瑞勇实业有限公司 Multifunctional miniaturization water production and filling integrative machine
DE102011008878A1 (en) * 2011-01-18 2012-07-19 Khs Gmbh Filling element for container treatment machines in the form of filling machines, container treatment machine and method for cleaning machine elements on container treatment machines
CN202038855U (en) * 2011-03-29 2011-11-16 北京洲际资源环保科技有限公司 Cleaning and sterilization system of beer filling device

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CN103723666A (en) 2014-04-16
CN103723666B (en) 2016-08-17
EP2719655A1 (en) 2014-04-16
DE102012109643A1 (en) 2014-04-10

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