Filling machine for filling pourable product into container

Abstract

The invention describes a filling machine (1, 1 ', 1' ') for filling a pourable product into a container (2), and the filling machine comprises: an isolated chamber (6) defining an interior environment (7); a sterilization device (9) arranged at least partially within the interior environment (7); a filling device (10) arranged at least partially within the interior environment (7); a closure device (11) arranged at least partially within the interior environment (7); and a transfer device (12) configured to advance the container (2) at least within the interior environment (7). The transport device (12) comprises a plurality of carriers (20, 20 '), each configured to carry at least one container (2) at a time, and a planar motor (21) configured to move each carrier (20, 20') within the interior environment (7), thereby advancing the containers (2) in sequence to the sterilization device (9), the filling device (10) and the closing device (11).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling machine for filling pourable products, preferably pourable foodstuffs, into containers.

[0002] Advantageously, the present invention relates to a filling machine for filling pourable products, preferably pourable foodstuffs, into ready-to-fill containers. Background Art

[0003] It is well known that many liquid or pourable foodstuffs, such as fruit juices, UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) milk, wine, tomato ketchup, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging materials, especially in the form of sealed packages.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped packaging for pourable foodstuffs, called Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is formed by sealing and folding laminated strip packaging materials. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure, including a carrier layer and / or a paper-based layer, which are covered on both sides with heat-sealable plastic layers (such as polyethylene). For aseptic packaging for long-term storage of products, the packaging material also includes a layer of oxygen barrier material (such as aluminum foil), which is superimposed on a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and then covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material to form the inner surface of the package that finally contacts the food.

[0005] Automatic filling machines are known, which are configured to form packages from blanks of multi-layer packaging materials and fill them with pourable products. The known automatic filling machines include corresponding first conveying means for advancing the packaging blanks and corresponding folding means configured to fold the packaging blanks into containers having closed ends (such as ends with sealed portions) and open ends, thereby forming ready-to-fill containers. The automatic packaging machine also includes a corresponding second conveying means, such as a corresponding conveyor belt for pushing the containers to a filling station, where the containers are filled with pourable products through filling equipment from the corresponding open ends, and then pushed to a closing station, where the open ends are closed by closing equipment (such as, by a sealing process). Usually, the filling and closing steps are performed in a controlled environment to ensure the required sanitary conditions.

[0006] There are also known filling machines that directly supply pre-formed containers (such as, ready-to-fill containers), which include a second conveying means, filling equipment, and closing equipment in order to fill the pourable products into the containers and then close the containers.

[0007] To achieve high-throughput filling machines, it is known to rely on architectures based on rotary conveying equipment, but this brings significant complexity and space requirements.

[0008] Although the known filling machines have achieved satisfactory results, there is still a desire in the industry to further improve the existing packaging machines. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved filling machine for filling pourable products (preferably pourable foods) into containers.

[0010] Advantageously, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved filling machine for filling pourable products (preferably pourable foods) into ready-to-fill containers.

[0011] The present invention provides a filling machine according to claim 1 independent.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the filling machine are stated in the claims directly or indirectly subordinate to claim 1. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] The following will describe three non-limiting embodiments of the present invention by way of example in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a filling machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with some components removed for clarity;

[0015] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic top view of the filling process of the filling machine shown loading a container to be filled, with some components removed for clarity;

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a filling machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with some components removed for clarity;

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a filling machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with some components removed for clarity;

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a filling machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with some components removed for clarity; and

[0019] Figure 6a and 6b schematically shows Figure 2 a variant of the details, with some components removed for clarity. Detailed Description

[0020] Reference numeral 1 denotes the filling machine as a whole for filling pourable products into a container 2.

[0021] Preferably, the filling machine 1 can be configured to fill a pourable product (such as (pasteurized) milk, juice, wine, ketchup, salt, sugar, emulsion, yogurt, yogurt drink, fruit - containing drink, milk drink, etc.) into the container 2.

[0022] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the container 2 can be formed of a multi - layer packaging material.

[0023] Preferably, the multi - layer packaging material can include at least one layer of fibrous material (such as paper or cardboard) and at least two layers of heat - sealable plastic material (such as polyethylene), with the fibrous material layer sandwiched between the two layers of heat - sealable plastic material. One of the two layers of heat - sealable plastic material can define the inner surface of the package 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0024] In addition, the multi - layer packaging material can further include a gas - barrier and light - barrier material layer (such as aluminum foil or ethylene - vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film), and in particular, this layer is disposed between one of the heat - sealable plastic material layers and the fibrous material layer. Preferably, the packaging material can further include another heat - sealable plastic material layer, which is disposed between the gas - barrier and light - barrier material layer and the fibrous material layer.

[0025] According to some alternative embodiments, the container 2 can be made of other materials, such as glass, metal (such as aluminum), composite materials, plastics, and / or combinations thereof.

[0026] Alternative containers 2 can include, for example, bottles made of plastic, glass, aluminum, or similar materials.

[0027] With particular reference Figure 2 , each container 2 can include an open - end portion 3 and a closed - end portion 4 opposite to the open - end portion 3. More specifically, each open - end portion 3 and the corresponding closed - end portion 4 can be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis A of the corresponding container 2.

[0028] Preferably, each open - end portion 3 includes a corresponding opening 5.

[0029] The filling machine 1 can be configured to fill the pourable product into the container 2 through the corresponding opening 5.

[0030] In addition, the filling machine 1 can be configured to close the corresponding open - end portion 3 of each container 2, preferably closing the corresponding opening 5, after filling the pourable product into the container 2.

[0031] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the container 2 can be a ready - to - fill container; that is, the container 2 is formed to be sterilizable and continuously filled with a pourable product.

[0032] According to some possible non - limiting embodiments, the filling machine 1 may be coupled to and / or may include a preparation machine configured to form the container 2 from corresponding precursors.

[0033] For example, the precursors may be packaging blanks and / or sheets formed from multi - layer packaging materials, which may be folded into the corresponding containers.

[0034] Another example of a precursor is a pre - form of polymeric material, which may be molded (e.g., blow - molded or compression - molded) into a bottle (defining the container 2).

[0035] Alternatively, the container 2 has been provided to the production plant and may then be fed to the filling machine 1.

[0036] More specifically, the filling machine 1 may include: - An isolation chamber 6 for defining an internal environment 7, preferably separating the internal environment 7 from the external environment 8; - A sterilization device 9, which is at least partially arranged within the internal environment 7 and is configured to sterilize the container 2 within the internal environment 7; - A filling device 10, which is at least partially arranged within the internal environment 7 and is configured to fill the container 2 within the internal environment 7 with a pourable product through a corresponding opening 5 of the container 2; - A closing device 11, which is at least partially arranged within the internal environment 7 and is configured to close the corresponding opening 5 of the container 2 within the internal environment 7; and - A conveying device 12, which is configured to advance the container 2 at least within the internal environment 7.

[0037] According to some possible non - limiting embodiments, the filling machine 1 may further include a forming device 13, which is configured to form and shape the filled and closed container 2, preferably to impart a final shape to the filled and closed container 2. According Figure 1 to an example, the forming device 13 may be arranged within the external environment 8.

[0038] More specifically, the conveying device 12 may include: - A plurality of carriers 20, each carrier being configured to carry at least one container 2 at a time; and - A planar motor 21, which is configured to selectively and independently move each carrier 20 within the internal environment 7, so as to sequentially advance the container 2 to the sterilization device 9, the filling device 10, and the closing device 11.

[0039] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the filling machine 1 may further include regulating means for regulating the internal environment 7. Preferably, the regulating means may be configured to control a sterile internal environment 7; that is, such that the filling of the containers 2 can be carried out under sterile conditions. For example, the regulating means may be configured to introduce a sterile gas (such as sterile air) into the internal environment 7 and / or maintain (control) a predetermined pressure within the internal environment 7, for example, such that the pressure within the internal environment 7 is higher than the pressure outside the internal environment 7 (such as within the external environment 8).

[0040] Furthermore, the external environment 8 may also not be a sterile environment.

[0041] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the isolation chamber 6 includes at least one inlet 22 and at least one outlet 23.

[0042] According to one or more embodiments, at least one inlet 22 may coincide with at least one outlet 23. Alternatively, the isolation chamber 6 may include a plurality of inlets 22 and / or a plurality of outlets 23.

[0043] As shown, the dimensions of the inlet 22 and / or the outlet 23 may be designed to allow multiple carriers 20 to pass through simultaneously. Alternatively, the dimensions of each inlet 22 and / or each outlet 23 may be designed to allow only one carrier 20 to pass through at a given time.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the regulating means may be configured to apply a pressure difference at at least one inlet 22 and / or at least one outlet 23 such that the predetermined pressure in the internal environment 7 is greater than the pressure in the external environment 8. Advantageously, this pressure difference may prevent air and particles from entering the internal environment 7 through the inlet 22 and / or the outlet 23.

[0045] Preferably, the isolation chamber 6 may include a plurality of walls 31 defining the internal environment 7. More preferably, at least one wall 31 has an inlet 22 and at least one wall 31 has an outlet 23.

[0046] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the isolation chamber 6 may extend in a first direction D1, a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, and a third direction D3 perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 (shown only in Figure 5 Figures 5a and 5b for another embodiment).

[0047] According Figure 1 to the non - limiting exemplary embodiment shown, the inlet 22 and the outlet 23 are spaced apart from each other substantially along the direction D1.

[0048] Preferably, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 may define a substantially horizontal plane, while the third direction D3 may have a substantially vertical orientation.

[0049] Preferably, the inlet 22 and / or the outlet 23 may comprise corresponding air locks, preferably for preventing air and / or contaminants from entering the internal environment 7 from the external environment 8.

[0050] With particular reference to Figure 1 , the planar motor 21 may be configured to selectively and independently move each carrier 20 within the internal environment 7 and move it from the inlet 22 to the outlet 23.

[0051] According to some possible non - restrictive embodiments, the planar motor 21 may be configured to propel each carrier 20 along a corresponding propulsion path P within the internal environment 7. Preferably, each propulsion path P may extend at least between the sterilization device 9 and the filling device 10, preferably between the sterilization device 9 and the closing device 11.

[0052] Preferably, each propulsion path P may extend between the inlet 22 and the outlet 23.

[0053] According to some possible non - restrictive embodiments, the planar motor 21 may be configured to selectively and independently move each carrier 20 located within the external environment 8.

[0054] According to some possible non - restrictive embodiments, each carrier 20 may be configured to receive a corresponding container 2 at a receiving station 24 and release the corresponding container 2 at a release station 25.

[0055] According to Figure 1 the example shown, the receiving station 24 and the release station 25 may be arranged within the external environment 8. According to this non - restrictive embodiment, the planar motor 21 may be configured to introduce the carrier 20 into the internal environment 7 through the inlet 22 and send it out of the internal environment 7 through the outlet 23.

[0056] Alternatively, one or both of the receiving station 24 and the release station 25 may be arranged within the internal environment 7. For example, the receiving station 24 may be located near the inlet 22, and / or the release station 25 may be located near the outlet 23. According to this embodiment, the planar motor 21 may be configured to only propel the carrier 20 within the internal environment 7.

[0057] According to some preferred non - restrictive embodiments, the planar motor 21 may be configured to (circularly) propel each carrier 20 from the receiving station 24 to the release station 25 and then from the release station 25 to the receiving station 24.

[0058] Advantageously, the planar motor 21 may be configured to control each carrier 20 to move along three linear axes and / or rotate about three rotational axes. Preferably, each carrier 20 may have six degrees of freedom.

[0059] More specifically, the planar motor 21 can be configured to control the respective position of each carrier 20 along a respective fourth direction D4 parallel to the first direction D1, a fifth direction D5 parallel to the second direction D2, and a sixth direction D6 parallel to the third direction D6.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the planar motor 21 can be configured to control the angular position of each carrier 20 about a respective first rotation axis parallel to the first direction D1, a second rotation axis parallel to the second direction D2, and a third rotation axis parallel to the third direction D3.

[0061] Advantageously, with particular reference to Figure 1 , the planar motor 21 can be configured to selectively and independently move each carrier 20 within the internal environment 7, thereby advancing the respective containers 2 in sequence as follows: a sterilization device 9 for sterilizing the respective containers 2; a filling device 10 for filling the respective containers 2 with a pourable product; and a closing device 11 for closing the respective containers 2. In other words, the planar motor 21 can be configured to advance the carrier 20 along a respective advancement path P such that the container 2 is first sterilized, then filled with the pourable product, and finally the container 2 is closed during use.

[0062] Preferably, the planar motor 21 can also be configured to advance the carrier 20 so as to advance the respective container 2 from the closing device 11 to a forming device 13 for forming and shaping the respective container 2.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the carrier 20 can be configured to move continuously during advancement, for example, at least between the sterilization device 9, the filling device 10, and the closing device 11. Optionally, the carrier 20 can be configured to move uninterruptedly between an inlet 22, the sterilization device 9, the filling device 10, the closing device 11, and an outlet 23. That is to say, the carrier 20 can be configured to advance uninterruptedly between the sterilization device 9, the filling device 10, and the closing device 11. The carrier 20 can be configured to decelerate at the sterilization device 9, the filling device 10, and the closing device 11, and / or the movable components of the sterilization device 9, the filling device 10, and the closing device 11 can be configured to move along with the carrier 20 during its advancement.

[0064] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the sterilization device 9 can include a plurality of sterilization apparatuses 26, which are arranged at respective sterilization stations and are configured to sterilize the containers 2 advanced to the respective sterilization stations.

[0065] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the filling device 10 may include a plurality of filling devices 27, each filling device 27 being arranged at a respective filling station and configured to fill at least a respective portion of the pourable product into the container 2 advanced to the respective filling station. According to Figure 1 the embodiments, each filling device 27 is configured to fill the pourable product into the respective container 2.

[0066] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each sterilization device 26 may be associated with a respective filling device 27; that is, each sterilization device 26 and the associated filling device 27 define a respective pair, such that the containers 2 advanced to the sterilization device 26 are subsequently advanced to the associated filling device 27, so that the respective pair is static (therefore, the pair does not change over time). In other words, after being sterilized by the respective sterilization device 26, each container 2 is advanced to the respective filling device 27 associated with the respective sterilization device 26.

[0067] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the closing device 11 may be configured to seal (preferably heat-seal) the respective opening 5 of the container 2.

[0068] Preferably, the closing device 11 may be configured to seal at least a portion of the multi-layer packaging material (preferably adjacent and / or as part of the respective open end portion 3) to each other, thereby closing and sealing the respective opening 5 of the respective container 2.

[0069] More specifically, the closing device 11 may include a plurality of closing devices 28, each closing device preferably having one or more sealing units, which are arranged at a respective closing station and configured to close (preferably seal) the respective opening 5 of the respective container 2 advanced to the respective closing station.

[0070] Preferably, each closing device 28 may be associated with a respective filling device 27; that is, each closing device 28 and the associated filling device 27 form a respective pair, such that the containers 2 advanced to the closing device 28 have previously been advanced to and filled by the associated filling device 27, so that the respective pair is static (therefore, the pair does not change over time). In other words, after the container 2 is filled by the respective filling device 27, the container 2 is advanced to the closing device 28 associated with the respective filling device 27.

[0071] According to Figure 1In a non-limiting embodiment, the planar motor 21 can be configured to selectively advance each carrier 20 to a respective filling station, and each filling device 27 can be configured to fill the pourable product into the container 2 advanced to the respective filling station. Preferably, subsequently, the planar motor 21 can be configured to directly advance each carrier 20 to the associated closing device 28.

[0072] More specifically, according to Figure 1 the embodiment of, the planar motor 21 can be configured to advance the carrier 20 along a respective advancement path P and through a respective sterilization station and a respective filling station, and / or a respective filling station and a respective closing station. Preferably, the planar motor 21 can be configured to advance the carrier 20 such that there are multiple advancement paths P, and such that these advancement paths are parallel to each other when considering the advancement between the respective sterilization device 26 and the respective filling device 27 (preferably between the respective sterilization device 26 and the respective closing device 28). Preferably, the advancement path P from the respective sterilization device 26 to the respective closing device 28 can be straight.

[0073] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the forming device 13 can include a plurality of forming devices 29, each forming device 29 being respectively arranged at a respective forming station and being configured to form and shape the respective container 2 and then advance it to the respective forming station.

[0074] Advantageously, each forming device 29 can be associated with a respective closing device 28, for example, such that each container 2, after being closed by the respective closing device 28, is advanced to the associated forming device 29 in use.

[0075] With particular reference to Figure 2 , each carrier 21 can include a holding assembly 30 for holding the respective container 2. In Figure 2 the example of, the holding assembly 30 can include a support surface for holding the respective container 2.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, each holding assembly 30 can include one or more clamping elements for clamping the respective container 2 and / or a holding seat for receiving a portion of the respective container 2 in a respective seat.

[0077] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the planar motor 21 can include a plurality of induction coils configured to generate respective local electromagnetic fields, and each carrier 20 can include at least one magnetic and / or ferromagnetic element configured to interact with the local electromagnetic field. Furthermore, the planar motor 21 can be configured to selectively control the induction coils and the respective local electromagnetic fields, thereby selectively advancing the carrier 20 through the interaction of the respective at least one magnetic and / or ferromagnetic element.

[0078] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the planar motor 21 may include a plurality of planar motor modules, each planar motor module including a corresponding plurality of induction coils.

[0079] Preferably, the plurality of planar motor modules may be arranged within the external environment 8 or the internal environment 7. Alternatively, a part of the plurality of planar motor modules may be arranged within the internal environment 7, while another part of the plurality of planar motor modules may be placed within the external environment 8.

[0080] More specifically, the planar motor 21 may be configured to control the plurality of induction coils to control the movement of the carrier 20 along the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 and / or about the first rotation axis, the second rotation axis, and the third rotation axis.

[0081] For example, the planar motor 21 may be configured to control the movement of the carrier 20 along the third direction D3 to lift the carrier 20; that is, to control the relative distance between the carrier 20 and the planar motor module. In addition, the planar motor 21 may be configured to control the movement of the carrier 20 along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 to define a corresponding propulsion path P.

[0082] In use, the filling machine 1 fills the pourable product into the container 2.

[0083] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, before filling the container 2, the filling machine 1 may also obtain the container 2 from a corresponding precursor. Alternatively, the container 2 may be supplied to the filling machine 1.

[0084] More specifically, the container 2 is sterilized by a sterilization device 9 (preferably by a corresponding sterilization equipment 26), then filled with the pourable product by a filling device 10 (preferably by at least one corresponding filling equipment 27), and then closed by a closing device 11 (preferably by a corresponding closing equipment 28). Advantageously, the container 2 may also be further formed and shaped by a forming device 13 after being closed by the closing device 11.

[0085] The sterilization, filling, and closing of the container 2 are performed at least within the internal environment 7.

[0086] In addition, the container 2 is advanced within the internal environment 7 while being carried by a corresponding carrier 20. The planar motor 21 selectively and independently controls the movement of the carrier 20, so as to advance the carrier 20 and the corresponding container 2 to the sterilization device 9, preferably to a corresponding sterilization station, then to the filling device 10, preferably to a corresponding filling station, and finally to the closing device 11, preferably to a corresponding closing station.

[0087] Reference Figure 3, numeral 1' represents an alternative embodiment of the filling machine according to the present invention; since filling machine 1' is similar to filling machine 1, the following description is limited to the differences between them and, where possible, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding components.

[0088] In particular, filling machine 1' differs from filling machine 1 in that forming device 13 is located within internal environment 7.

[0089] Since the use of filling machine 1' is similar to the use of filling machine 1, reference is made to the instructions for use of filling machine 1.

[0090] Reference Figure 4 , numeral 1'' represents an alternative embodiment of the filling machine according to the present invention; since filling machine 1'' is similar to filling machines 1 and 1', the following description is limited to the differences between them and, where possible, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding components.

[0091] In particular, filling machine 1'' differs from filling machines 1 and 1' in that planar motor 21 is configured to selectively advance each carrier 20 to a plurality of filling stations and each filling device 27 can be configured to fill a respective portion of the pourable product into a container 2 that has been advanced to a respective filling station.

[0092] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, filling device 10 may include at least a first group (comprising one or more filling devices 27) configured to fill a respective first portion of the pourable product into a respective container 2 and at least a second group (comprising one or more filling devices 27) configured to fill a respective second portion of the pourable product, which is different in composition from the first portion, into a respective container 2. Preferably, the first portion and the second portion are different.

[0093] Preferably, filling device 10 may include more than two groups (comprising one or more filling devices 27), with the respective filling devices 27 of each group being configured to fill the same portion of the pourable product and having a different composition compared to the respective portion of the pourable product filled into container 2 by the filling devices 27 of another group.

[0094] In this way, and by defining a specific advancement path for each carrier 20, a specific mixture of the portions within container 2 can be obtained. In other words, containers 2 filled with pourable products of different compositions can be obtained.

[0095] The use of filling machine 1'' is similar to the use of filling machines 1 and 1', and therefore, below we will only discuss the differences between filling machine 1'' and filling machines 1 and 1'.

[0096] In particular, the filling machine 1″ allows for customization of the composition of the pourable product filled into the container 2.

[0097] Preferably, the planar motor 21 selectively advances the carrier 20 to a plurality of filling devices 27, each filling device filling a corresponding portion of the pourable product into a corresponding container 2.

[0098] By advancing the carrier 20 to different filling devices 27, the composition of the pourable product can be specifically defined.

[0099] Reference Figure 5 , the numeral 1″′ denotes an alternative embodiment of the filling machine according to the present invention; since the filling machine 1″′ is similar to the filling machines 1, 1′, and 1″, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding components whenever possible.

[0100] The filling machine 1″′ differs from the filling machine 1 or 1′ in that it further includes one or more first intermediate chambers 40 located at and / or near one or more inlets 22, and / or one or more second intermediate chambers 41 located at and / or near one or more outlets 23.

[0101] In Figure 5 , in addition to the above differences, the configuration of the filling machine 1″′ is the same as that of the filling machine 1′. However, it must be understood that the filling machine 1″′ can also have the configuration of the filling machine 1 or 1″.

[0102] Preferably, each first intermediate chamber 40 and / or each second intermediate chamber 41 can be interposed between the internal environment 7 and the external environment 8.

[0103] Furthermore, the carrier 20 moving between the internal environment 7 and the external environment 8 can be configured to pass through one or more first intermediate chambers 40 and / or one or more second intermediate chambers 41.

[0104] More specifically, each first intermediate chamber 40 can be connected to the internal environment 7 through at least one inlet 22.

[0105] Preferably, each first intermediate chamber 40 can include at least one first opening 42, for example opposite to at least one inlet 22, and more preferably, each first intermediate chamber 40 can be connected to the external environment 8 through at least one first opening 42.

[0106] Preferably, each second intermediate chamber 41 can be connected to the internal environment 7 through at least one outlet 23.

[0107] More specifically, each second intermediate chamber 41 may include at least one second opening 43, for example opposite to at least one outlet 23, and preferably, each second intermediate chamber 41 may be connected to the external environment 8 through at least one second opening 43.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, the regulating device may be configured to maintain (control) a predetermined pressure within the internal environment 7 and a corresponding other predetermined pressure within the first intermediate chamber 40 and / or the second intermediate chamber 41. For example, the predetermined pressure within the internal environment 7 may be higher than the corresponding other predetermined pressure within the first intermediate chamber 40 and / or the second intermediate chamber 41.

[0109] Advantageously, the corresponding first intermediate chamber 40 and / or second intermediate chamber 41 may be at a pressure higher than that within the external environment 8.

[0110] Since the use of the filling machine 1″′ is similar to the use of the filling machine 1, we refer to the description provided regarding the use of the filling machine 1 and only emphasize its differences.

[0111] Specifically, the operation of the filling machine 1″′ differs from the operation of the filling machine 1 in that the carrier 20 passes through the first intermediate chamber 40 before entering the isolation chamber 6 (particularly the internal environment 7) through at least one inlet 22 and passes through the second intermediate chamber 41 before entering the external environment 8.

[0112] Figure 6a and 6b A variant of the carrier 20′ is schematically shown.

[0113] In particular, each carrier 21′ may at least include a first carrier portion 34 and a second carrier portion 35. Preferably, each first carrier portion 34 and each second carrier portion 35 may respectively include magnetic and / or ferromagnetic elements for interacting with the local electromagnetic fields selectively generated by a plurality of induction coils.

[0114] Preferably, each carrier 20 may further include a coupling assembly 36 that is coupled to the corresponding first carrier portion 34 and the corresponding second carrier portion 35 and carries the corresponding holding assembly 30.

[0115] Advantageously, the planar motor 21 may be configured to selectively move each first carrier portion 34 and the corresponding second carrier portion 35 to advance the corresponding carrier 20 at least within the internal environment 7.

[0116] In addition, the planar motor 21 may be configured to control the relative position between each first carrier portion 34 and the corresponding second carrier portion 35.

[0117] Advantageously, each coupling component 36 can be designed to allow the respective container 2 to approach or withdraw from the planar motor 21 by changing the relative position between the respective first carrier part 34 and the respective second carrier part 35. Preferably, by controlling the relative position between the first carrier part 34 and the respective second carrier part 35, the container 2 can be moved along the third direction D3.

[0118] For example, by doing so, the container 2 can be brought close to (see Figure 5 a) the respective filling device 27, and the respective container 2 can be withdrawn from the respective filling device 27 (see Figure 5 b), for example, to optimize the filling process.

[0119] According to Figure 5 the specific examples shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, each holding component 30 can include a seat 37 for carrying the container 2, and the coupling component 36 can include a first coupling element 38 hinged to the respective first carrier part 34 and the respective seat 37, and a second coupling element 39 hinged to the respective second carrier part 34 and the respective seat 37.

[0120] Based on the foregoing description, the advantages of the filling machine 1 or filling machines 1′, 1″, and 1″′ according to the present invention will be apparent.

[0121] Specifically, the filling machines 1, 1′, 1″, and 1″′ have a simple structure and high output.

[0122] In addition, the filling machines 1, 1′, 1″, and 1″′ occupy little space.

[0123] In addition, the filling machine 1″ is also capable of easily, quickly, and efficiently customizing the specific composition of the pourable product in the filling container 2.

[0124] Obviously, the filling machines 1, 1′, 1″, or 1″′ described herein can be modified without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A filling machine (1, 1′, 1″) for filling a pourable product into a container (2), the filling machine (1, 1′, 1″) comprising: - An isolation chamber (6) for defining an internal environment (7); - A sterilization device (9) at least partially arranged within the internal environment (7) and configured to sterilize the container (2) within the internal environment (7); - A filling device (10) at least partially arranged within the internal environment (7) and configured to fill the pourable product within the internal environment (7) into the container (2) through a corresponding opening (5) of the container (2); - A closing device (11) at least partially arranged within the internal environment (7) and configured to close the corresponding opening (5) of the container (2) within the internal environment (7); and - A conveying device (12) configured to advance the container (2) at least within the internal environment (7); Wherein, the conveying device (12) comprises: - A plurality of carriers (20, 20′), each carrier being configured to carry at least one container (2) at a time; and - A planar motor (21) configured to selectively and independently move each of the carriers (20, 20′) within the internal environment (7), so as to sequentially advance the container (2) to the sterilization device (9), the filling device (10) and the closing device (11).

2. The filling machine according to claim 1, wherein, The filling device (10) comprises a plurality of filling devices (27), each filling device being arranged at a corresponding filling station and configured to fill at least a corresponding portion of the pourable product into the container (2) advanced to the corresponding filling station.

3. The filling machine according to claim 2, wherein, The planar motor (21) is configured to selectively advance each carrier (20, 20′) to a corresponding filling station; Wherein, each filling device (27) is configured to fill the pourable product into the container (2) advanced to the corresponding filling station.

4. The filling machine according to claim 2, wherein, The sterilization device (9) comprises a plurality of sterilization devices (26), each sterilization device being associated with a corresponding filling device (27), arranged at a corresponding sterilization station and configured to sterilize the container (2) advanced to the corresponding sterilization station; and / or the closing device (11) comprises a plurality of closing devices (28), each closing device being associated with a corresponding filling device (10), arranged at a corresponding closing station and configured to close the corresponding opening (5) of the corresponding container (2) advanced to the corresponding closing station; Wherein, the planar motor (21) is configured to advance the carrier (20, 20′) along a corresponding advancing path (P), preferably along parallel advancing paths (P), through a corresponding sterilization station and the corresponding filling station, and / or a corresponding filling station and the corresponding closing station.

5. The filling machine according to claim 2, wherein, The planar motor (21) is configured to selectively advance each carrier (20) to a plurality of filling stations; Wherein, each filling device (27) is configured to fill a corresponding portion of the pourable product into the container (2) advanced to the corresponding filling station.

6. The filling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a forming device (13) configured to form and shape the container (2) within the internal environment (7) or the external environment (8), wherein, The isolation chamber (6) separates the internal environment (7) from the external environment (8).

7. The filling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising adjusting means configured to adjust the internal environment (7) to maintain a sterile internal environment. Preferably, the adjusting means is configured to introduce sterile gas into the internal environment (7) and / or maintain a predetermined pressure within the internal environment (7) such that the pressure within the internal environment (7) is higher than the pressure outside the internal environment (7).

8. The filling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The planar motor (21) includes a plurality of induction coils configured to generate corresponding local electromagnetic fields; Wherein, each carrier (20, 20') includes at least one magnetic and / or ferromagnetic element configured to interact with the local electromagnetic fields; Wherein, the planar motor (21) is configured to selectively control the induction coils and thereby control the corresponding local electromagnetic fields to selectively advance the carriers (20, 20').

9. The filling machine according to claim 8, wherein, The planar motor (21) includes a plurality of planar motor modules, each planar motor module including a corresponding plurality of the induction coils; Wherein, the plurality of planar motor modules are arranged within the external environment (8) and / or within the internal environment (7).

10. The filling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each container (2) is at least partially formed of a multi-layer packaging material; Wherein, the closing device (11) is configured to seal at least a portion of the multi-layer packaging material to each other, thereby closing and sealing the corresponding opening (5) of the container (2).

11. The filling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The isolation chamber (6) includes an inlet (22) and an outlet (23); Wherein, the planar motor (21) is configured to advance each container (2) between the inlet (22), the sterilization device (9), the filling device (10), the closing device (11) and the outlet (23).

12. The filling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each carrier (20') includes a first carrier portion (34) and a second carrier portion (35); Wherein, the planar motor (21) is configured to selectively move each first carrier portion (34) and each second carrier portion (34) to advance the carrier (20') at least within the internal environment (7) and control the relative position between each first carrier portion (34) and the corresponding second carrier portion (35); wherein, each carrier (20') further includes a holding assembly (30) and a coupling assembly (36), the holding assembly (30) being configured to carry the corresponding container (2), the coupling assembly being coupled to the corresponding first carrier portion (34) and the corresponding second carrier portion (35) and carrying the corresponding holding assembly (30); Wherein, each coupling component (36) is designed such that a change in the relative position between the corresponding first carrier part (34) and the corresponding second carrier part (35) allows the corresponding container (2) to be brought closer to or withdrawn from the planar motor (21).

13. The filling machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The isolation chamber (6) includes at least one inlet (22) and / or at least one outlet (23), and wherein the filling machine (1) further includes at least one intermediate chamber located at the at least one inlet (22) and / or the at least one outlet (23).

14. The filling machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - each carrier (20, 20') is configured to move continuously during advancement between the sterilization device (9), the filling device (10) and the closing device (11), and / or - the sterilization device (9), the filling device (10) and / or the closing device (11) include movable parts configured to move therewith during advancement of the plurality of carriers (20) through the respective devices (9, 10, 11).

15. A method of filling a container (2) with a pourable product, comprising the steps of: - providing a filling machine (1, 1', 1'') according to any one of the preceding claims; - controlling the advancement of the carriers (20, 20') by means of the planar motor (21) to advance the container (2) within the internal environment (7) to the sterilization device (9), the filling device (10) and the closing device (11); - sterilizing the container (2) by means of the sterilization device (9); - filling the container (2) with the pourable product by means of the filling device (10); - closing the respective opening (5) of the container (2) by means of the closing device (11).

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