LINEAR FILLING MACHINE FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH FILLING MATERIAL

Abstract

A linear filling machine for filling containers that are transported in groups along a linear conveying path has a plurality of machine sections following one another along the conveying path. The respective machine sections form an input station for receiving the containers, a handling station for treating the containers, a filling station for filling the containers, and a discharge station for delivering the containers. The machine sections are exchangeable machine modules, wherein each machine module forms an independent functional unit with a power supply unit and a media supply unit, in particular a pneumatic medium supply unit. The supply units are arranged spatially separate from one another, with the power supply unit arranged on a first side and the pneumatic medium supply unit arranged on an opposite, second side of the machine module.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A linear filling machine for filling containers with a filling product, wherein the containers are transported in groups along a linear conveying path, the filling machine comprising: a plurality of machine sections following one another along the conveying path, said machine sections including at least one inlet station for taking over the containers, a treatment station for treating the containers, a filling station for filling the containers, and an outlet station for delivering the containers; said machine sections being configured as exchangeable machine modules and each of said machine modules forming an independent function unit, with each of said machine modules having at least one electric supply unit and at least one media supply unit; said electric supply unit and said media supply unit being disposed spatially separate from one another, with said electric supply unit being arranged on a first side of said machine module and said media supply unit being arranged on an opposite, second side of said machine module; and a valve manifold provided on an upper side of at least one of said machine modules for introducing product or treatment medium.

19. The linear filling machine according to claim 18, wherein said at least one media supply unit is a pneumatic supply unit.

20. The linear filling machine according to claim 19, wherein said machine modules are exchangeably coupled to one another and are connected for controlling and for operation to a central or actuation unit, wherein said electric supply units of all of said machine modules are arranged on a first side of the linear filling machine, extending along the conveying path, and said pneumatic supply units of all of said machine modules are arranged along an opposite, second side of the linear filling machine.

21. The linear filling machine according to claim 18, wherein each of said machine modules comprises an inlet end and an opposing outlet end, and wherein at least one of said inlet end or said outlet end is a coupling section for a functional connection of an adjacent said machine module.

22. The linear filling machine according to claim 19, further comprising a treatment and function device arranged in an interior of said machine module, at least one electric distributor line connecting said treatment and function device to said electric supply unit and/or at least one pneumatic distributor line connecting said treatment and function device to said pneumatic supply unit.

23. The linear filling machine according to claim 19, wherein each of said machine modules comprises a module frame, said module frame having at least one vertical carrier column arranged on the first side of said machine module, at least one vertical carrier column arranged on the second side of said machine module, and at least one horizontal carrier spar extending along the first side and a horizontal carrier spar extending along the second side.

24. The linear filling machine according to claim 23, wherein: said at least one vertical carrier column of the first side is configured for receiving and guiding an electric distributor line, at least in sections, and said electric distributor line is received and guided, at least in sections, in said vertical carrier column of the first side; and/or said at least one vertical carrier column of the second side is configured for receiving and guiding a pneumatic distributor line, at least in sections, and said pneumatic distributor line is received and guided, at least in sections, in said vertical carrier column of the second side.

25. The linear filling machine according to claim 24, wherein said vertical carrier columns are tubular columns.

26. The linear filling machine according to claim 24, wherein said vertical carrier columns are quadrilateral tubes.

27. The linear filling machine according to claim 23, wherein said horizontal carrier spar of the first side forms an electric main channel configured for, at least partially, receiving and guiding said electric supply unit.

28. The linear filling machine according to claim 23, wherein said horizontal carrier spar of the second side forms a pneumatic main channel configured for, at least partially, receiving and guiding said pneumatic supply unit.

29. The linear filling machine according to claim 23, wherein each machine module comprises at least one tubular longitudinal main channel body extending along the conveying direction for at least partially receiving said electric supply unit or said pneumatic supply unit, and wherein said main channel body is carried by said horizontal carrier spars.

30. The linear filling machine according to claim 24, wherein at least one of said electric distributor line or said pneumatic distributor line is guided at least in sections in a respective said vertical carrier column that is closest to a corresponding connection of said treatment and function device and, exiting from said vertical carrier column, is connected to the corresponding connection.

31. The linear filling machine according to claim 24, wherein at least one of said electric distributor line or said pneumatic distributor line is received and guided in said vertical carrier column such that the respective said distributor line runs freely on a shortest possible path through an interior of said machine module towards, and as far as, a connection of said treatment and function device.

32. The linear filling machine according to claim 24, wherein at least one of said electric distributor line or said pneumatic distributor line is laid with respective length sections that run linearly connecting to one another at right angles.

33. The linear filling machine according to claim 18, which comprises further machine sections formed as further machine modules.

34. The linear filling machine according to claim 33, wherein said further machine modules include at least one machine module being a closing device.

35. A machine module for a linear filling machine according to claim 18, the machine module forming an independent function unit being at least one of a treatment station for a treatment of containers or a filling station for filling containers, the machine module comprising: at least one electric supply unit and at least one media supply unit, wherein said electric supply unit and said media supply unit are arranged spatially separate from one another, wherein said electric supply unit is arranged on a first side of said machine module and said media supply unit is arranged on an opposite second side of the machine module, and wherein a valve manifold is disposed on an upper side of said machine module.

36. The machine module according to claim 35, wherein said at least one media supply unit is a pneumatic supply unit.

Description

[0034] The invention is explained in greater detail hereinafter on the basis of the Figures in relation to exemplary embodiments. The Figures show:

[0035] FIG. 1 In a highly simplified schematic representation and in a view from above, an embodiment of a linear filling machine according to the invention;

[0036] FIG. 2 in a schematic representation, a machine module, configured as a filling station, in a view on the inlet side, with emphasis on the spatial separation of an electric side and pneumatic side;

[0037] FIG. 3 a machine module configured as a filling station, in a view on the inlet side;

[0038] FIG. 4 the machine module from FIG. 3 in a side view of the first side, and

[0039] FIG. 5 the machine module of FIG. 3 in a side view of the second side.

[0040] The linear filling machine, designated in FIG. 1 in general by 1, for filling containers 2, being transported along a conveying path F, with a filling material, is configured in the example represented in particular as a linear aseptic filler or as an aseptic linear filling system, and serves to carry out sterile filling of containers 2 with liquid product, in particular the filling of bottles, such as PET bottles, with a beverage. Such linear filling machines 1 are used in particular in the beverage industry or for the filling of beverages containing milk or dairy products, and operate as a rule in stepping operation, wherein the containers 2, being transported in groups, are moved cyclically along the conveyor path F.

[0041] The linear filling machine 1, which is shown in a view from above in the highly simplified representation of the example from FIG. 1, comprises four machine sections 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, connecting to one another along the conveying path F, wherein each section forms a specific machine station with a predefined function.

[0042] The containers 2, delivered by means of a delivery unit, not represented (indicated only by an arrow) and not specified in any greater detail, first pass to the machine section 3, arranged on the inlet side, which forms an introduction station 4 for taking over the containers 2. In this situation the containers 2 are arranged in parallel lines in a container group for a cyclic multi-track further transport, which are represented in the example in FIG. 1 by a broken line, and comprises the number of ten containers 2. The container group is then transported onwards, going from the introduction station 4. For this purpose, for example, a linear receiver device is provided, configured in a known manner and with several container receivers for suspended carrying of the containers 2, wherein the containers 2 are held by means of the receiver device as a container group, positioned accordingly, and also transported further in a cyclic manner in parallel lines along the conveyor path F.

[0043] In the direction of the conveyor path F, the machine section 3 is then followed by the machine section 3′, which forms a treatment station 5 for treating the containers 2, in the example represented a sterilising station for sterilising the containers 2 with a sterilising medium, such as a sterilising medium containing H.sub.2O.sub.2. The machine section 3′ can therefore also be understood in the present situation as being a sterilisation section or steriliser, and comprises a sterilisation device, known to the person skilled in the art, with several treatment positions arranged next to one another in a row transverse to the conveying path F, at which the containers 2 of a container group are sterilised together and simultaneously during an operational cycle.

[0044] In particular, in this situation an aseptic space or aseptic zone or sterile space is formed in the machine section 3′, in which a sterile or aseptic atmosphere is established and maintained. This aseptic space is preferably formed in a space above an upper side of the receiver device for the suspended holding of the containers 2, such that the suspended containers 2 project into the aseptic space with their neck part projecting upwards, over the upper side of the receiver device, and adjacent to the filling opening.

[0045] Further in the direction of the conveying path F, next to the machine section 3′, is the machine section 3″, which forms a filling station 6 for the aseptic filling of the containers 2 with a liquid filling material or product, in particular with a beverage. The machine section 3″ can therefore also be understood in the present situation as a filling section or filler, or, in particular as an aseptic filler, and comprises a filling device known to the person skilled in the art, with several filling positions arranged next to one another in a row transverse to the conveying path F, at which the containers 2 of a container group are filled together and simultaneously during an operational cycle. The aseptic space S is also formed in the machine section 3″ (see FIGS. 2 to 5), such that aseptic conditions also prevail here.

[0046] With the exemplary embodiment represented, the machine section 3″ is followed further in the direction of the conveyor path F by the machine section 3′″, forming an outlet station 7 for handing over the containers 2, which is arranged on the outlet side. By way of the outlet station 7, the containers 2 are transferred in a known manner, for example, from a machine outlet to a removal conveyor device, not represented (indicated only by an arrow) and not specified in any greater detail, from which the containers 2 are transported onwards to downstream transport units or to downstream machines for further treatment, for example for labelling, or can be conveyed for the shrink-wrapping of sleeves.

[0047] It is self-explanatory that the linear filling machine 1 can comprise further machine sections, and in particular, for example, provision is made for a further machine section to be provided between the machine sections 3″, 3′″, which forms a closing station for closing the containers 2.

[0048] It is of course also possible, however, for a closure device to be arranged in immediate connection to the filling device in the machine section 3″, such that the machine section 3″ forms a filling and closing station.

[0049] The individual machine sections 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″ of the linear filling machine 1 are configured as exchangeable machine modules 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″, wherein each machine module 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″ forms an independent function unit. The machine modules 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″ are coupled to one another in an exchangeable or replaceable manner, and for operation are connected to a central or actuation unit 19, 20 provided. In the example represented, the central or actuation unit 19, 20 is configured as several part units, wherein a central or actuation unit 19, 20 can comprise a switch cabinet, a central control unit, a central main supply unit, and, for example, also a storage tank, a container inlet, or the like.

[0050] Each machine module 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″ comprises an inlet end 14 and an opposite outlet end 15, wherein the individual machine modules 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″ connect to one another by way of their respective inlet and outlet ends 14, 15. In this situation, the inlet and outlet ends 14, 15 are configured as respective coupling sections 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″, arranged adjacent for functional connection. Running opposite and in the direction of the conveyor path F, at the machine modules 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″, are in each case a first and a second side 16, 17, wherein the machine modules 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″ are coupled or connected to one another in such a way that the respective first sides 16 connect to one another along a first side 8 of the linear filling machine 1, and the respective second sides 17 connect to one another along a second side 9 of the linear filling machine 1.

[0051] The machine modules 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″ are in this situation either used individually or assembled to form a full function unit, and can also be taken into operation individually.

[0052] Each machine module 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″ also comprises at least one electric supply unit 11, as well as at least one pneumatic supply unit 12. The electric supply unit 11 and the pneumatic supply unit 12 are arranged spatially separated from one another, wherein the electric supply unit 11 is arranged on the first side 16 of the machine module 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″, and the pneumatic supply unit 12 is arranged on the opposite second side 17. Accordingly, with each machine module 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″, and in consequence also with the entire linear filling machine 1, an electric side E and a pneumatic side P are defined, as is shown on the basis of the schematic representation in FIG. 2 in relation to the example of a machine module 3″ configured as a filling station 6, and which will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.

[0053] In the present example in FIG. 1, the first side 16 of the machine module 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″, and therefore also the first page 8 of the linear filling machine 1, represents the electric side E. The second side 17 of the machine module 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″, opposite in relation to the conveying path F, and therefore also the second side 9 of the linear filling machine 1 represents the pneumatic side P.

[0054] Represented in FIGS. 2 to 4, by way of example, is a machine module 10″, which forms a filling station 6, and in an interior space of the machine module 10″ is provided with a corresponding treatment and function device 13, in this specific case a filling device, and specifically fully functional. The filling device 13 is a filling device 13 known to the person skilled in the art, which is to be supplied in a known manner by way of electric lines and/or media lines, in particular pneumatic lines, namely by way of electric or pneumatic distributor lines 11a, 12a, and for this purpose comprises corresponding connections, in particular inlet connections, by means of which the supplying electrical and pneumatic distributor lines 11a, 12a, are connected. The electrical and pneumatic distributor lines 11a, 12a are in this situation also simply designated as cables or cabling, or as data cables or as pneumatic lines.

[0055] In at least the region of the interior space above the upper side of the receiver device for holding the containers 2, namely in the position at which, when in operation, the filling openings of suspended containers 2 with the adjacent neck part are located, the aseptic space S is formed, in particular in the form of an aseptic space S with an atmosphere containing H.sub.2O.sub.2 or an H.sub.2O.sub.2 environment.

[0056] FIGS. 2 and 3 show the machine module 10″, in this situation in a view in a direction of the conveying path F, namely a view of the inlet end 14. The FIGS. 4 and 5 show in each case side views, and specifically FIG. 4 shows a view of the first side 16, which corresponds to the electric side E, and FIG. 5 shows a view of the second side 17, which corresponds to the pneumatic side P.

[0057] In FIG. 2, the spatial separation between the electric side E and the pneumatic side P is emphasised by corresponding markings. In this situation the electric side E is indicated by cross-hatching and the pneumatic side P by simple hatching. The machine module 10″ shown as example is further provided on its upper side with a valve manifold 21 for supplying the filling material, such that, in addition to the separately arranged electric and pneumatic sides E, P, a product side G is also defined (indicated by non-hatched boxes), which in turn are present in the spatial separation of the electric and pneumatic sides E, P.

[0058] The machine module 10′ represented in FIGS. 2 to 5 comprises a module frame 18, which comprises vertical carrier columns 18.1, 18.1′ arranged on the first side 16, and vertical carrier columns 18.2, 18.2′ arranged on the second side 17. The module frame 18 further comprises a horizontal carrier spar 18.3, extending along the first side 16, and a horizontal carrier spar 18.4 extending along the second side 17, wherein the horizontal carrier spars 18.3, 18.4 of the example represented are formed for the at least partial receiving and guiding of the electric supply unit 11 or the pneumatic unit 12 respectively, and form an electric main channel or a pneumatic main channel respectively.

[0059] The vertical carrier columns 18.1, 18.1′ of the first side 16 are configured as quadrilateral tubes for the partial receiving and guiding of the electric distribution lines 11a, 11a′. By analogy with this, the vertical carrier columns 18.2, 18.2′ of the second side 17 are likewise configured as quadrilateral tubes for the partial receiving and guiding of the pneumatic distribution line 12a.

[0060] The filling device 13 is connected to the electric supply unit 11 by electric distributor lines 11a, 11a′. In this situation, the electric distributor lines 11a, 11a′ are guided in particular in such a way that only the shortest possible line sections, namely line sections of the shortest possible length, extend freely in the interior, in particular through the aseptic space S. In other words, the electric distributor lines 11a, 11a′ are guided on the shortest possible path, or, respectively, over the longest possible stretches in the vertical carrier columns 18.1, 18.2. The supply of the filling device 13 takes place in this situation via cables 11a, which are guided in the carrier column 18.1, 18.1′ which are closest to the respective connection of the filling device 13, and emerge at an appropriate point form the carrier column 18.1, 18.1′, in order that, coming from there, they extend freely through the interior, in particular the aseptic space S, by the shortest path as far as the connection.

[0061] As can be derived from FIG. 3, in this situation the electric distributor lines 11a, 11a′ are in particular guided and laid in such a way that individual line sections or stretch sections running in linear fashion are preferably connected to one another at right angles.

[0062] By analogy, the guiding and laying of the pneumatic distributor lines 12a from the pneumatic side P is carried out in a corresponding manner as described heretofore for the electric side.

TABLE-US-00001 Reference Number List  1 Linear filling machine  2 Containers 3, 3′, 3″, 3′′′ Machine sections  4 Inlet station  5 Treatment station  6 Filling station  7 Outlet station 8, 9 First and second side respectively of the linear filling machine 10, 10′, 10″, 10′′′ Machine modules 11 Electric supply unit  11a Electric distributor line 12 Pneumatic supply unit  12a Pneumatic distributor line 13 Filling device 14 Inlet end 15 Outlet end 16, 17 First and second sides respectively of the machine module 18 Module frame .sup. 18.1, 18.1′ Vertical carrier column .sup. 18.2, 18.2′ Vertical carrier column 18.3, 18.4 Horizontal carrier spar 19, 20 Central or actuation unit 21 Valve manifold E Electric side F Conveying path G Product side P Pneumatic side S Aseptic space