EP4058395A1

EP4058395A1 - Linear filling machine for filling containers with filling material

Info

Publication number: EP4058395A1
Application number: EP20801193.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Niehr; Alexander DANELSKI; Thorsten Mietsch
Original assignee: KHS GmbH
Current assignee: KHS GmbH
Priority date: 2019-11-11
Filing date: 2020-11-02
Publication date: 2022-09-21
Also published as: DE102019130364A1; US20220396385A1; WO2021094118A1; CN114728774A

Abstract

The invention relates to a linear filling machine (1) for filling filling material into containers (2) which are transported in groups along a linear conveying path (F). The linear filling machine (1) has a plurality of machine sections (3, 3', 3'', 3''') following one another along the conveying path (F), wherein the respective machine sections (3, 3', 3'', 3''') form at least one introduction station (4) for receiving the containers (2), a handling station (5) for handling the containers (2), a filling station (6) for filling the containers (2), and a discharge station (7) for transferring the containers (2) on. The linear filling machine (1) is distinguished, in particular, by the fact that the machine sections (3, 3', 3'', 3''') are embodied as exchangeable machine modules (10, 10', 10'', 10'''), wherein each machine module (10, 10', 10'', 10''') forms an independent functional unit and, for this purpose, has at least one power supply unit (11) and at least one media supply unit, in particular a pneumatic medium supply unit (12), wherein the power supply unit (11) and the pneumatic medium supply unit (12) are arranged spatially separated from one another, and wherein the power supply unit (11) is arranged on a first side (16), and the pneumatic medium supply unit (12) is arranged on an opposite, second side (17), of the machine module (10, 10', 10'', 10''').

Description

Linear filling machine for filling containers with filling material

The invention relates to a linear filling machine for filling containers with a product, in particular to a linear filling machine, preferably operated in cyclic operation, for filling bottles, such as plastic bottles, with a drink.

Linear filling machines are well known from the prior art. Such linear filling machines, which are usually operated in cycle operation or in step operation, are used, for example, in the beverage industry or in the milk processing industry for filling beverages and are often designed as aseptic fillers for sterile filling of containers, in particular bottles. Embodiments of linear filling machines of the type mentioned are, for. B. in DE 102011 106 760 A1 or EP 1 977 990 A1.

It is known to move the containers cyclically or cyclically on their transport or conveying path through the linear filling machine, for example via so-called linear conveyors in which the containers are suspended, and to move the various conveyors in respective successive machine stations or sections - and carry out treatment steps. The transport and treatment is usually carried out in groups, with the containers of a group of containers suspended, for example, in a receiving device, in particular the carrier strip of the linear conveyor, moved in multiple lanes in parallel lines and treated together as a group in the individual machine stations or sections of the linear filling machine. It is also known that corresponding devices for the individual treatment steps are arranged in the respective successive machine stations or sections via which the containers moved by the linear filling machine as a container group are treated or processed.

In particular in the case of a linear filling machine designed as an aseptic filler, the containers are taken over by corresponding transfer or introduction devices and the empty containers introduced into the aseptic filler into the aseptic filler, for example, are initially filled with a Sterilization device, namely by means of a device for treatment with a sterilization medium, for example sterilized with a sterilization medium containing FteCte. The containers are then filled with the liquid product or filling material by means of a filling device and then again closed by means of a closing device and finally discharged from the linear filling machine by means of a transfer or discharge device. Depending on the application, further testing and / or treatment steps, such as the application of N2 or ISh-containing gas, aerosols or similar treatments, can be carried out when filling the product, with corresponding treatment stations for such treatments in the application-specific linear filling machines can be integrated in the corresponding position.

The linear filling machines known from the prior art are relatively rigid or fixed with regard to their construction, in particular with regard to their overall design and their overall structure, so that the known linear filling machines are disadvantageously suitable or optimized for certain application processes with regard to their overall structure, an application-related conversion however, this is not possible at all or only with great effort. A corresponding flexible adaptation to changed or changing application processes is therefore only possible with the known linear filling machines with considerable technical effort.

However, a more flexible adaptation or conversion option is increasingly desired, especially because, for example, in the beverage industry or milk processing industry, especially in the area of beverage filling, new types of products are to be brought onto the market in ever shorter cycles, which, however, often also require adjustments and changes in the filling process. For example, depending on the product to be filled, a changeover or expansion to fully aseptic filling may be necessary. Different types of beverage mixes also require, for example, special, additional treatment steps during the filling process or new, modified container or Packaging different types of machine stations required for closing. Thus, there remains a need for improved linear filling machines.

The object of the invention is to provide a linear filling machine which eliminates the disadvantages of the solutions known from the prior art and which, with a structurally simple structure, enables improved, more flexible adaptation to production processes as well as simple conversion and retrofitting.

To solve this problem, a linear filling machine according to the features of claim 1 is designed. Furthermore, a machine module for use in a linear filling machine according to claim 16 is specified to achieve the object. Advantageous further developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. All of the features described, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference. Furthermore, the content of the claims is made part of the description.

The present invention provides a linear filling machine for filling containers, which are transported in groups along a linear conveying path, with a filling material. The linear filling machine has several machine sections following one another along the conveying path, the respective machine sections forming at least one introduction station for receiving the containers, a treatment station for treating the containers, a filling station for filling the containers and a discharge station for transferring the containers. The linear filling machine is characterized in particular by the fact that the machine sections are designed as exchangeable machine modules, with each machine module forming an independent functional unit and at least one electrical supply unit, including, for example, a measuring, control, regulating, and monitoring safety device as well as has at least one media supply unit, in particular a pneumatic supply unit. The electrical supply unit and the pneumatic supply unit are arranged spatially separated from one another. The electrical Provision unit arranged on a first side and the pneumatic provision unit on an opposite second side of the machine module.

In the context of the present invention, an “electrical supply unit” is to be understood as meaning the “electrical system” or electrical main supply hardware known to the person skilled in the art and required for the main supply of a machine section. In the present case, this includes main connections and hardware components for providing, interconnecting and supplying a machine module with electrical power and for data transmission, in particular including main or basic components of supply, distribution and interface units with the corresponding hardware components. Analogously, a “pneumatic supply unit” within the meaning of the present invention is the “pneumatics” known to those skilled in the art and necessary for the main supply of a machine section or the main supply hardware for the pneumatic supply of the machine section, but in particular also for supplying the machine section with other supply media , to understand. Here, too, the term includes all main connections and hardware components for providing, interconnecting and supplying a machine module with pneumatically effective media or other supply media.

Cables and lines branching off from the electrical supply unit, in particular the branching cables and lines referred to here as “electrical distribution lines”, can also be understood here as part of the entire electrical supply unit. Analogously to this, the lines branching off from the pneumatic supply unit, in particular the branching lines referred to here as “pneumatic distributor line”, can also be understood as part of the entire electrical supply unit.

Due to the spatial separation of the electrical supply unit and the pneumatic supply unit, it is particularly advantageous for each machine module to have an electrical side and a pneumatic side. Thereby On the one hand, the pre-assembly options in the individual departments are improved and, on the other hand, functional tests are made easier.

In the present case, it is equally advantageous for each machine module that it is designed as an independent unit, in particular as an independent functional unit, and that each machine module is equipped with all the necessary flardware for electrical and pneumatic supply and can be put into operation with a central or commissioning unit. Each machine module can therefore also be tested for its function on its own, i.e. also outside the completely assembled, configured filling machine. This advantageously results in early error detection, since functional tests can be carried out module by module, that is to say for the individual machine modules, and in particular complete functional tests, even before the entire, fully configured filling machine is actually put into operation.

Several machine modules that are functionally coupled to one another then together form the linear filling machine, in particular in the form of an aseptic filler. Since the machine modules are designed as exchangeable machine modules, there are no strict configuration specifications for an initial combination and coupling. Subsequent rearrangement of the machine modules and even subsequent integration of additional machine modules are particularly advantageous in a particularly simple and fast manner. This provides a simple, fast option and solution for converting or retrofitting the linear filling machine. The present linear filling machine can thus be flexibly configured. In particular, due to the strict spatial separation of the electrical and pneumatic components, the individual machine modules are particularly easy to assemble and couple.

The present linear filling machine also enables machine modules, and thus individual stations or functional units, to be exchanged in a simple manner; for example, depending on the application, a machine module that forms a closing station for applying sealing films can be quickly and easily exchanged for another machine module, the one Capping station to close the container with screw cap closures. Just as advantageously, by simply adding or retrofitting a machine module that forms a sterilization station, a non-aseptic or only partially aseptic filling machine can be expanded into a fully aseptic filling machine.

The machine modules are preferably interchangeably coupled to one another and connected to a central or commissioning unit provided for control and operation. The electrical supply units of all machine modules are arranged in the area of a first side of the linear filling machine extending along the conveying path and the pneumatic supply units of all machine modules are arranged along an opposite second side of the linear filling machine. This arrangement of the machine modules defines an electrical side and a pneumatic side for the entire linear filling machine. This brings considerable advantages in maintenance and servicing, but also in the case of repairs that are due and in the case of a need or application-specific adaptation or conversion or retrofitting of the linear filling machine, since the accessibility of the electrical or pneumatic equipment and the clarity for the technical Staff is improved. Furthermore, the cable routes are laid as short as possible in the H2O2 zone. The central or start-up unit can include a central supply, for example a switch cabinet and a central controller. The central or start-up unit can also include a storage tank, container inlet, and data connections and the like.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each machine module has an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, the inlet end and / or the outlet end being designed as a coupling section for the functional connection of adjacent machine modules. It goes without saying that, in the case of a machine module arranged forwards on the inlet side and in the direction of the conveying path, it is sufficient that the outlet end is designed as a coupling section. Vice versa, in the case of a machine module arranged last on the outlet side and in the direction of the conveying path, it is sufficient for the inlet end to act as a coupling section is trained. In the case of all “internal” machine modules that are arranged between two further machine modules, both the inlet end and the outlet end are designed as coupling sections. Two adjacent machine modules that follow one another along the conveying path, namely in the conveying direction, are therefore coupled via the outlet end of the machine module preceding in the conveying direction and the inlet end of the machine module following in the conveying direction. For a person skilled in the art, it goes without saying that the functional coupling of the individual, independent machine modules, each forming a complete functional unit, is such that, for example, the clocked onward transport of the containers across the coupling points, namely from one machine module to the neighboring, subsequent and coupled Machine module takes place unhindered.

A respective treatment and functional device is preferably arranged in an interior space of the machine module. Such a treatment and functional device can be, for example, a device for taking over or transferring the container or a device for treating the container with a medium, in particular with a sterilization medium or with a stabilizing medium, or a device for filling the container with a filling material or a Device for closing the container. A respective treatment and functional device arranged in the interior of a machine module is connected to the electrical supply unit via at least one electrical distribution line. Alternatively or additionally, the respective treatment and functional device arranged in the interior of a machine module is connected to the pneumatic supply unit via at least one pneumatic distributor line.

The collective terms "electrical distribution line" and "pneumatic distribution line" used here include all lines and line sections that run between the connection point or connection of the treatment and functional device, namely the place of use and the respective supply unit. All electrical lines or data lines, such as connection cables and cables, in particular power cables and Data cables, as well as all measuring, control, regulating, and control safety equipment associated lines that run between the connection of the treatment and functional device and the hardware present in the supply unit, in particular the main supply unit with the corresponding main distribution and interface hardware , are therefore elements of the "electrical distribution line" in the sense of the present invention. Analogously to this, all line sections of pneumatic lines or lines of other supply media, which run between the connection of the treatment and functional device and the hardware present in the supply unit, are elements or parts of the “pneumatic distribution line”.

In the present case, the “electrical distribution line” can also be understood as part of the entire electrical supply unit. Similarly, the “pneumatic distribution line” can also be understood as part of the entire electrical supply unit.

Particularly preferably, each machine module has a module frame, the module frame comprising at least one vertical support column arranged on the first side of the machine module and at least one vertical support column arranged on the second side of the machine module, and the module frame furthermore comprising at least one horizontal support column extending along the first side Has a support beam and a horizontal support beam extending along the second side. Two or more vertical support columns are preferably arranged on each side, the multiple vertical support columns of one side particularly preferably being distributed over the entire longitudinal extent of the side, in particular being arranged distributed at equal intervals from one another. The horizontal support bars are preferably arranged on the upper side of the machine module and in particular define an upper side of the module frame.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one vertical support column of the first side is designed to receive and guide the electrical distribution line at least in sections, and the electrical distribution line is at least partially in the vertical support column of the first page recorded and managed. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one vertical support column on the second side is designed to receive and guide the pneumatic distributor line at least in sections, and the pneumatic distributor line is received and guided at least in sections in the vertical support column on the second side.

The vertical support columns are particularly preferably tubular, for example in the form of square tubes.

The horizontal support beam on the first side is preferably designed to at least partially receive and guide the electrical supply unit and forms an electrical main channel. Likewise, the horizontal support beam on the second side is preferably designed for at least partially receiving and guiding the pneumatic supply unit and forms a pneumatic main channel. In these preferred embodiments, the flare connections and flardware, in particular the flare supply units with the corresponding flare distributors and interface flardware components, are accommodated and received in the respective flare channels. The corresponding main ducts, namely the electrical main duct and the pneumatic main duct, preferably have main supply connections via which a functional test can be carried out.

According to alternative design options, each machine module can also comprise at least one tubular, elongated main channel body extending along the conveying direction to at least partially accommodate the electrical supply unit or the pneumatic supply unit, the main channel body being supported by one of the horizontal support bars. Of course, two main channel bodies can also be provided, one of the two main channel bodies being held or carried by a respective support beam. In these variants, the main duct body carried by the support strut on the first side thus forms the electrical main duct and the main duct body carried by the support strut on the second side forms the pneumatic main duct. In this case, the main channel body can advantageously be arranged, for example, resting on the support struts, thereby increasing accessibility is improved. The main channel body can also be designed with an enlarged cross-section compared to the support bars, which results in spatial advantages when accommodating the supply units.

Particular advantages result if the electrical and / or pneumatic distribution line is routed at least in sections in the vertical support column closest to a corresponding connection of the treatment and functional device and is connected to the connection of the treatment and functional device coming from this, since this can be done on the one hand that the shortest routes are always selected for laying lines or cabling within the machine module, which advantageously results in material savings. In addition, there is the advantage that the corresponding distribution lines, namely in particular the cables and pneumatic lines, as far as possible in the guided, received state, namely in the receiving space of the support columns and thus within the protected environment of the receiving, leading support column Connection can be brought up.

In particular, the electrical and / or pneumatic distribution line is received and guided in the vertical support column in such a way that the distribution line runs freely through the interior of the machine module over the shortest possible path to a connection of the treatment and functional device.

For example, corresponding, preferably sealed exit points or lead-through points or areas for the exit or passage or for leading out or lead-through of the cables and lines from the receiving space of the support column into the free interior of the machine module are provided in the support columns, with the cables or lines are led out of the receiving space of the support column at a respective exit point or lead-through point closest to the connection of the treatment and functional device and guided to the connection. In addition, it can also be ensured, for example, that the corresponding distribution lines, namely in particular the cables and pneumatic lines, can only move freely and unprotected through the interior space or through the the smallest possible path extend free space inside the machine module, in particular through the aseptic room. This has the particular advantage of protecting the product, for example, since the corresponding cables and lines are not exposed to the sometimes harsh and product-damaging conditions of the H2O2-enriched, especially hot, atmosphere of the aseptic room over long or longer route sections.

The electrical and / or pneumatic distribution lines are very particularly preferably laid in such a way that respective linear length sections adjoin one another at right angles. As a result, on the one hand, the above-described advantageous effect of keeping the length of the cables and lines as short as possible, which extend freely and unprotected through the interior, is supported. At the same time, a clear, systematically organized line laying and cabling is ensured in the entire machine module. In this way, for example, maintenance, repair and repair work can be facilitated and functional tests can be simplified.

A valve node for supplying filling material or product or treatment medium is preferably provided on the top of the machine modules. In particular in the case of the machine modules serving as a treatment station or filling station, the filling material or product or the treatment medium can be fed in from above, whereby a product side is defined on the top of the machine module.

Further machine modules can particularly preferably be provided in the linear filling machine. In particular, a machine module equipped with a closing device for closing the container can be integrated, specifically preferably between the two machine modules which serve as a filling station and a transfer station.

The invention also relates to a machine module for use in a linear filling machine. The machine module forms an independent functional unit and has at least one electrical supply unit and at least one media supply unit, in particular pneumatic Provisioning unit on. The electrical supply unit and the pneumatic supply unit are arranged spatially separated from one another, the electrical supply unit being arranged on a first side and the pneumatic supply unit on an opposite, second side of the machine module.

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

1 in a very simplified schematic representation and in a plan view from above, an embodiment of a linear filling machine according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows schematically a designed as a filling station

Machine module in an inlet-side view with highlighting the spatial separation of an electrical and pneumatic side;

3 shows a machine module designed as a filling station in an inlet-side view;

4 shows the machine module of FIG. 3 in a side view of the first page and FIG

5 shows the machine module of FIG. 3 in a side view of the second side.

The linear filling machine, generally denoted by 1 in FIG. 1, for filling containers 2 transported in groups along a conveying path F with a filling material, is in the example shown in particular designed as a linear aseptic filler or aseptic linear filling system and is used for sterile filling of containers 2 with liquid Product, especially for filling bottles, such as PET bottles, with a drink. Such linear filling machines 1 are used in particular in the beverage industry or when filling milk-containing products Drinks or dairy products are used and usually work in step-by-step operation, the containers 2 being transported in groups being moved in parallel lines along the conveying path F in a clocked manner.

The linear filling machine 1, which is shown in the very simplified representation of the example in FIG Machine station with a given function forms.

The containers 2, which are conveyed to a machine inlet by means of a feed unit (not shown) (only indicated by an arrow) and not specified in more detail, first arrive at the machine section 3 arranged on the inlet side, which forms an inlet station 4 for receiving the containers 2. The containers 2 are arranged in parallel lines in a container group for clocked, multi-lane onward transport, which is shown in dashed lines in the example in FIG. 1 and comprises a number of ten containers 2. The group of containers is then transported onwards from the introduction station 4. For this purpose, for example, a linear receiving device designed in a known manner with several container receptacles for hanging up the containers 2 is provided, the containers 2 being held as a group of containers by means of the receiving device, being appropriately positioned and also being transported on in parallel lines along the conveying path F in a clocked manner.

In the direction of the conveying path F, the machine section 3 'is followed by the machine section 3', which forms a treatment station 5 for treating the containers 2, in the example shown a sterilization station for sterilizing the containers 2 with a sterilizing medium, such as a sterilizing medium containing H2O2. The machine section 3 'can therefore also be understood here as a sterilization section or sterilizer and comprises a sterilization device known to the person skilled in the art with several treatment positions arranged next to one another in a row across the conveying path F, at which the containers 2 of a container group are sterilized together and simultaneously during a work cycle. In particular, an aseptic room or aseptic zone or sterile room is formed in the machine section 3 ', in which a sterile or aseptic atmosphere is set and maintained. This aseptic space is preferably designed in a space above an upper side of the receiving device for hanging the containers 2 so that the suspended containers 2 protrude into the aseptic space with their neck part adjoining the filling opening and protruding upward over the top of the receiving device.

In the further direction of the conveying path F, the machine section 3 is followed by the machine section 3 ″, which forms a filling station 6 for the aseptic filling or filling of the container 2 with a liquid filling material or product, in particular with a drink. The machine section 3 ″ can therefore also be understood as a filling section or filler or, in particular, as an aseptic filler and comprises a filling device known to those skilled in the art with several filling positions arranged next to one another in a row across the conveying path F, at which the containers 2 of a container group together and simultaneously during be filled in one work cycle. The aseptic space S is also formed in the machine section 3 ″ (see FIGS. 2 to 5), so that aseptic conditions also prevail here.

In the illustrated embodiment, the machine section 3 ″, further in the direction of the conveying path F, is followed by the machine section 3 ″, which forms a diversion station 7 for transferring the containers 2 and is arranged on the outlet side. Via the diversion station 7, the containers 2 are transferred in a known manner, for example from a machine outlet, to a removal unit (not shown) (only indicated by an arrow) and not specified in more detail, from where the containers 2 are transported to downstream transport units or to downstream machines for further treatment. for example for labeling or for shrinking sleeves.

It goes without saying that the linear filling machine 1 can comprise further machine sections; in particular, provision is made, for example, that a further machine section is provided between the machine sections 3 ″, 3 ′ ″, which forms a closing station for closing the containers 2. It is of course also possible, however, for a closing device to be arranged in direct connection to the filling device in the machine section 3 ″, so that the machine section 3 ″ forms a filling and closing station.

The individual machine sections 3, 3 ', 3 ", 3'" of the linear filling machine 1 are designed as exchangeable machine modules 10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'", with each machine module 10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'" one forms an independent functional unit. The machine modules 10, 10, 10 ″, 10 ‘″ are interchangeably or interchangeably coupled to one another and connected to a central or start-up unit 19, 20 provided for operation. In the example shown, the central or start-up unit 19, 20 is designed in several sub-units, whereby a central or start-up unit 19, 20 can comprise a switch cabinet, a central control unit, a central main supply and, for example, also a storage tank, a container inlet or the like.

Each machine module 10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'" has an inlet end 14 and an opposite outlet end 15, the individual machine modules 10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'" having their respective inlet and outlet ends 14, 15 connect to each other. The inlet and outlet ends 14, 15 are designed as respective coupling sections for the functional connection of adjacent machine modules 10, 10, 10 ″, 10 ″. Opposite each other and running in the direction of the conveying path F, the machine modules 10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'" each have a first and second side 16, 17, the machine modules 10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'" so are coupled or connected to one another so that the respective first sides 16 adjoin one another along a first side 8 of the linear filling machine 1 and the respective second sides 17 adjoin one another along a second side 9 of the linear filling machine 1.

The machine modules 10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'" are in themselves or can be combined and installed to form a complete functional unit and can also be put into operation individually. For this purpose, each machine module 10, 10 ′, 10 ″, 10 ′ ″ has at least one electrical supply unit 11 and at least one pneumatic supply unit 12. The electrical supply unit 11 and the pneumatic supply unit

12 are spatially separated from each other, with the electrical supply unit 11 on the first side 16 and the pneumatic supply unit 12 on the opposite second side 17 of the machine module 10, 10 ‘, 10 ″, 10 ″. This means that for each machine module 10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'" - and consequently also for the entire linear filling machine 1 - an electrical side E and a pneumatic side P are defined, as shown in the example in the schematic illustration in FIG a machine module 3 ″ designed as a filling station 6 is illustrated and will be discussed in greater detail below.

In the present example in FIG. 1, the first side 16 of the machine modules 10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'" and thus also the first side 8 of the linear filling machine 1 represents the electrical side E The second side 17 of the machine modules 10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'" and thus also the second side 9 of the linear filling machine 1 represents the pneumatic side P.

In Figures 2 to 4, a machine module 10 ″ is shown as an example, which forms a filling station 6 and is fully functional in an interior of the machine module 10 ″ with a corresponding treatment and functional device 13, in the special case a filling device. At the filling device

13 is a filling device 13 known to those skilled in the art, which is to be supplied in a known manner via electrical lines and / or media lines, in particular pneumatic lines, namely via electrical or pneumatic distributor lines 11a, 12a and has corresponding connections, in particular input connections, via which are connected to the supplying, feeding electrical or pneumatic distribution lines 11a, 12a. The electrical or pneumatic distributor lines 11a, 12a are also referred to simply as cables or cabling or as data cables or as pneumatic lines in the present case. At least in the area of the interior above the top of the receiving device for holding the container 2, namely where the filling openings of suspended containers 2 with the adjoining neck part are during operation, the aseptic space S is formed, in particular in the form of an aseptic space S with H202-containing atmosphere or H202 environment.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the machine module 10 ″ in a view looking in the direction of the conveying path F, namely a view of the inlet end 14. FIGS. 4 and 5 each show lateral views, namely FIG. 4 shows a view of the first side 16 , which corresponds to the electrical side E and FIG. 5 shows a view of the second side 17, which corresponds to the pneumatic side P.

In Figure 2, the spatial separation between the electrical side E and the pneumatic side P is highlighted by appropriate markings. The electrical side E is indicated by cross-hatching and the pneumatic side P by simple hatching. In the exemplary machine module 10 ″, a valve node 21 is also provided on the top for supplying the filling material, so that in addition to the separately arranged electrical and pneumatic pages E, P, a product page G (indicated by a non-hatched box) is defined, which in turn is defined in spatial separation to the electrical and pneumatic sides E, P is present.

The machine module 10 ″ shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 has a module frame 18 which comprises vertical support columns 18.1, 18.T arranged on the first side 16 and vertical support columns 18.2, 18.2 ′ arranged on the second side 17. The module frame 18 further comprises a horizontal support beam 18.3 extending along the first side 16 and a horizontal support beam 18.4 extending along the second side 17, the horizontal support beams 18.3, 18.4 of the example shown for at least partially receiving and guiding the electrical supply unit 11 or the pneumatic supply unit 12 and form a main electrical channel or a main pneumatic channel. The vertical support columns 18.1, 18.1 'of the first side 16 are designed as square tubes for partially receiving and guiding the electrical distribution lines 11a, 11a'. Analogously to this, the vertical support columns 18.2, 18.2 'of the second side 17 are also designed as square tubes for partially receiving and guiding the pneumatic distributor line 12a.

The filling device 13 is connected to the electrical supply unit 11 via the electrical distribution lines 11a, 11a ′. The electrical distribution lines 11a, 11a 'are in particular routed in such a way that only the shortest possible line sections or route sections, namely route sections of the smallest possible length, extend freely in the interior, in particular through the aseptic space S. In other words, the electrical distribution lines 11a, 11a 'are routed over the longest possible route or over the longest possible route sections in the vertical support columns 18.1, 18.T. The filling device 13 is supplied via cables 11a, which are routed in the support column 18.1, 18.T closest to the respective connection of the filling device 13 and exit from the support column 18.1, 18.T at a suitable point in order to be able to come from there in the shortest possible way To extend freely through the interior, in particular aseptic room S, to the connection.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the electrical distribution lines 11a, 11a 'are in particular guided and laid in such a way that individual, linear line or route sections preferably connect to one another at right angles.

In an analogous manner, the routing or laying of the pneumatic distributor lines 12a from the pneumatic side P is carried out accordingly, as described above for the electrical system. List of reference symbols

1 linear filling machine

2 containers

3, 3 ‘, 3", 3 ‘" machine sections

4 discharge station

5 treatment station

6 filling station 7 reject station

8, 9 first and second side of the linear filling machine, respectively

10, 10 ‘, 10“, 10 ‘“ machine modules 11 Electrical supply unit

11a electrical distribution line

12 Pneumatic supply unit

12a pneumatic distribution line

13 Filling device

14 End of arrival

15 expiring

16, 17 first and second side of the machine module 18 module frame

18.1, 18.1 'vertical support column 18.2, 18.2' vertical support column 18.3, 18.4 horizontal support beam 19, 20 central or commissioning unit 21 valve node E electrical side F conveying path G product side P pneumatic side S aseptic area

Claims

1. Linear filling machine (1) for filling containers (2) transported in groups along a linear conveying path (F) with a filling material, comprising several machine sections (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3'") following one another along the conveying path (F) , whereby the respective machine sections (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3'") have at least one introduction station (4) for taking over the containers (2), a treatment station (5) for treating the containers (2), a filling station (6) for filling the container (2) and forming a diversion station (7) for transferring the container (2), characterized in that the machine sections (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3'") are exchangeable machine modules (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10 '"), each machine module (10, 10', 10 ", 10 '") forming an independent functional unit and for this purpose at least one electrical supply unit (11) and at least one media supply unit, in particular pneumatic Provision unit (12), wherein the electrical provision unit eit (11) and the pneumatic supply unit (12) are arranged spatially separated from each other and wherein the electrical supply unit (11) on a first side (16) and the pneumatic supply unit (12) on an opposite second side (17) of the Machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") is arranged.

2. Linear filling machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the machine modules (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") are interchangeably coupled to one another and for control and operation with a central or commissioning unit (19, 20) are connected, the electrical supply units (11) of all machine modules (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") in the area of a first side (8) of the linear filling machine (1) extending along the conveying path (F) and the pneumatic supply units (12) of all machine modules (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") are arranged along an opposite second side (9) of the linear filling machine (1).

3. Linear filling machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") has an inlet end (14) and an opposite outlet end (15), the inlet end ( 14) and / or the outlet end (15) is designed as a coupling section for the functional connection of adjacent machine modules (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'").

4. Linear filling machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective treatment and functional device (13) is arranged in an interior of the machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'"), wherein the treatment - and functional device is connected via at least one electrical distribution line (11a) to the electrical supply unit (11) and / or via at least one pneumatic distribution line (12a) to the pneumatic supply unit (12).

5. Linear filling machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") has a module frame (18), the module frame (18) at least one on the first Side (16) of the machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") arranged vertical support column (18.1) and at least one on the second side (17) of the machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") arranged vertical support column (18.2) and wherein the module frame (18) further comprises at least one horizontal support beam (18.3) extending along the first side (16) and one horizontal support beam (18.4) extending along the second side (17).

6. Linear filling machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one vertical support column (18.1) of the first side (16) is designed for at least partially receiving and guiding the electrical distribution line (11a) and the electrical distribution line (11a) at least is received and guided in sections in the vertical support column (18.1) and / or that the at least one vertical support column (18.2) of the second side (17) is designed to receive and guide the pneumatic distributor line (12a) at least in sections and the pneumatic distributor line (12a) is received and guided at least in sections in the vertical support column (18.2).

7. Linear filling machine (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the vertical support columns (18.1, 18.2) are tubular, in particular in the form of square tubes.

8. Linear filling machine (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the horizontal support beam (18.3) of the first side (16) is designed for at least partially receiving and guiding the electrical supply unit (11) and an electrical Main channel forms.

9. Linear filling machine (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the horizontal support beam (18.4) is designed for at least partially receiving and guiding the pneumatic supply unit (12) and forms a main pneumatic channel.

10. Linear filling machine (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that each machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") has at least one tubular, elongated main channel body extending along the conveying direction (F) comprises at least partial accommodation of the electrical supply unit (11) or the pneumatic supply unit (12), the main channel body being supported in a supporting manner by one of the horizontal support bars (18.3, 18.4).

11. Linear filling machine (1) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the electrical and / or pneumatic distribution line (11a, 12a) at least in sections in the vertical support column (18.1) closest to a corresponding connection of the treatment and functional device (13) , 18.2) and is connected to the connection coming from there.

12. Linear filling machine (1) according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the electrical and / or pneumatic distributor line (11a, 12a) is received and guided in the vertical support column (18.1, 18.2) in such a way that the distributor line ( 11a, 12a) runs freely through the interior of the machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") on the shortest possible path to a connection of the treatment and functional device (13).

13. Linear filling machine (1) according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the electrical and / or pneumatic distribution line (11a, 12a) is laid in such a way that respective linear length sections adjoin one another at right angles.

14. Linear filling machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a valve node (21) for supplying product or treatment medium is provided on the top of the machine modules (10, 10 ‘, 10 ″, 10 ″).

15. Linear filling machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that further machine sections are provided, in particular at least one machine section forming a closing station, the further machine sections being formed by further machine modules, in particular by at least one machine module comprising a closing device.

16. Machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") for use in a linear filling machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") is an independent functional unit and has at least one electrical supply unit (11) and at least one media supply unit, in particular a pneumatic supply unit (12), the electrical supply unit (11) and the pneumatic supply unit (12) being arranged spatially separated from one another and wherein the electrical supply unit (11) is arranged on a first side (16) and the pneumatic supply unit (12) is arranged on an opposite second side (17) of the machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'").

17. Machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") according to claim 16, characterized in that the machine module (10, 10 ', 10 ", 10'") serves as an introduction station (4) for taking over containers ( 2), a treatment station (5) for treating containers (2), a filling station (6) for filling containers (2) or a diversion station (7) for transferring containers (2).