Filling machine

By incorporating a barrier mechanism and dust removal device into the filling machine, the problem of paper scraps being difficult to remove during the filling process of Combibloc packaging materials has been solved, achieving more efficient paper scrap control and improved product quality, while reducing the impact on sterile areas.

CN224466296UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-07INNER MONGOLIA MENGNIU DAIRY IND (GROUP) CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
INNER MONGOLIA MENGNIU DAIRY IND (GROUP) CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-25
Publication Date
2026-07-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When using Combibloc packaging materials, existing filling machines often suffer from paper scraps that are difficult to remove effectively during production, leading to product contamination risks. Furthermore, frequent disassembly and cleaning can affect equipment stability and the sealing of sterile areas.

Method used

A barrier mechanism is installed in the filling machine to divide the internal space into a carton storage area, a carton forming area, and a filling area. The barrier is formed by the mounting plate, the first baffle, and the second baffle to reduce the possibility of paper scraps entering the filling area. A dust removal mechanism is installed in the non-sterile area for easy cleaning.

Benefits of technology

Effectively control paper scraps in the pre-filling area reduces the risk of product contamination, improves product qualification rate, reduces cleaning frequency, and enhances production efficiency and ease of operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model belongs to filling equipment technical field discloses a kind of filling machines, and the internal space of filling machine is separated to form carton storage area, carton forming area and filling area, carton forming area is located below carton storage area, and carton forming mechanism is provided in carton forming area, filling mechanism and sealing mechanism are provided in filling area, transfer mechanism is provided between carton forming area and filling area, and filling machine is separated by setting barrier mechanism between transfer mechanism and carton forming mechanism, carton storage area and carton forming area are separated from filling area, so that filling area is in a substantially sealed space, the possibility of paper scrap being transferred with packaging shell to filling area is reduced, and product failure rate is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of filling equipment technology, and in particular to a filling machine. Background Technology

[0002] Many filling equipment designs have been proposed for filling liquid products, especially liquid foods, into packaging. Typically, a flat, folded packaging shell with openings at both ends is first introduced into the filling equipment. After processes such as unfolding, bottom activation, and bottom folding, the packaging shell is transferred to the filling area of ​​the filling equipment to fill the processed packaging shell with the liquid food. Finally, it is sealed to form the final product.

[0003] For certain liquid foods, such as milk, it is necessary to fill them into packaging shells and seal them in a sterile environment to reduce the risk of microbial contamination and prevent the product from developing sour or swollen packaging within its shelf life.

[0004] For filling machines using Combibloc packaging as the outer shell, the lack of a PE film on the outermost layer of the packaging means that paper scraps are frequently generated during production, easily entering the product and causing contamination. Currently, a dust extraction device is typically installed before the Combibloc packaging material enters the filling machine to remove these paper scraps. However, this fails to remove paper scraps generated during the packaging material forming process due to equipment vibration, posing a significant quality risk. Furthermore, these paper scraps are unevenly distributed inside the filling machine, requiring regular disassembly and cleaning of multiple parts. Frequent disassembly and cleaning can lead to equipment instability, and since the filling area is a high-cleanliness zone, frequent disassembly and cleaning may compromise the airtightness of the filling area as a sterile region. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a filling machine that reduces the possibility of paper scraps generated by packaging materials entering the filling area of ​​the filling machine.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A filling machine, wherein the internal space of the filling machine is divided into a carton storage area, a carton forming area, and a filling area, the carton forming area being located below the carton storage area, a carton forming mechanism being provided in the carton forming area, a filling mechanism and a sealing mechanism being provided in the filling area, and a transfer mechanism being provided between the carton forming area and the filling area, characterized in that the filling machine further includes:

[0008] A barrier mechanism is installed between the transfer mechanism and the carton forming mechanism. The barrier mechanism includes a mounting plate, a first baffle, and a second baffle. The first end of the mounting plate is fixed to a first top beam disposed on the top of the carton forming mechanism. The area above the first top beam is the carton storage area, and the area below the first top beam is the carton forming area. The second end of the mounting plate extends horizontally above the transfer mechanism. The first baffle is disposed above the mounting plate, and its lower end abuts against the mounting plate. The second baffle is disposed below the mounting plate and located between the transfer mechanism and the carton forming mechanism. The upper end of the second baffle is connected to the mounting plate, and its lower end extends downward.

[0009] In some embodiments, the mounting plate is detachably connected to the first top crossbeam.

[0010] In some embodiments, a second top beam is provided above the transfer mechanism, and the second end of the mounting plate is connected to the second top beam.

[0011] In some embodiments, the mounting plate and the second baffle are detachably connected.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first end of the second baffle is horizontally connected to the mounting plate, and the second end of the second baffle is bent toward the second end of the mounting plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second baffle is made of stainless steel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second baffle is composed of a plurality of folded rectangular blocking portions.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first baffle is configured to be arc-shaped.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first baffle is made of PVC soft curtain.

[0017] In some embodiments, the filling machine further includes a dust removal mechanism connected to the carton forming area.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The aforementioned barrier mechanism divides the internal space of the entire filling machine into two zones. The carton storage zone and the carton forming zone are located on the same side of the first and second baffles, while the filling zone is located on the other side of the first and second baffles. This creates a essentially sealed space for the filling zone, reducing the possibility of paper scraps being transferred to the filling zone along with the packaging shell, and effectively controlling the paper scraps within the carton storage zone and the carton forming zone. Simultaneously, the area before the filling operation is a non-sterile area. The barrier mechanism's placement in this area facilitates subsequent cleaning of the barrier mechanism, reducing the impact on the sealing of the sterile area of ​​the filling machine.

[0019] Moreover, the aforementioned filling machine reduces process production and maintenance steps, increases production time and improves production efficiency; it achieves better paper dust filtration effect, avoids paper dust being brought into the product, and improves product qualification rate; and it can be centrally cleaned and processed, improving the convenience of front-line operation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a partial internal structure of the filling machine in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] In the picture:

[0022] 1. First baffle; 2. Mounting plate; 3. Transfer mechanism; 4. Second baffle; 5. Carton storage area; 6. Carton forming area; 7. Filling area; 8. Second top beam. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0026] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0027] The existing filling machine using Combibloc packaging materials as the outer packaging shell has its internal space functionally divided into a carton storage area 5, a carton forming area 6, and a filling area 7. The carton storage area 5 stores cartons and is equipped with a feeding mechanism to transfer the cartons to the carton forming area 6, which is located below the storage area 5. A feeding port for the cartons to pass through is provided between the storage area 5 and the carton forming area 6. The carton forming area 6 contains a carton forming mechanism, which specifically includes an unfolding component, a bottom activation station, and a bottom folding station. This mechanism opens the flattened, folded packaging shell with openings at both ends to form a bottom-sealed packaging box. The filling area 7 contains a filling mechanism and a sealing mechanism. The filling mechanism fills the packaging box with liquid, and the sealing mechanism seals the top of the packaging box. The filling area 7 is a sterile area. In order to transfer the formed packaging box to the filling area 7, the filling machine also includes a transfer mechanism 3, which is used to transfer the packaging box from the bottom folding station of the carton forming area 6 to the filling area 7. At the same time, the carton forming mechanism also includes a conveying component for transferring the packaging box from the bottom folding station of the carton to the transfer mechanism 3.

[0028] Based on the above-mentioned filling machine, this utility model proposes a filling machine that, in addition to the existing functional mechanisms (feeding mechanism, carton forming mechanism, filling mechanism, sealing mechanism, and transfer mechanism 3) and functional zones (including carton storage area 5, carton forming area 6, and filling area 7), also includes a barrier mechanism disposed between the carton forming mechanism and the transfer mechanism 3. The barrier mechanism includes a mounting plate 2, a first baffle 1, and a second baffle 4. The first end of the mounting plate 2 is mounted on a first top beam (not shown in the figure) disposed on the top of the carton forming mechanism. The carton storage area 5 is located above the first top beam, and the carton forming area 6 is located below the first top beam. The second end of the mounting plate 2 extends horizontally above the transfer mechanism 3. A first baffle 1 is positioned above the mounting plate 2 and near the feed inlet on the side close to the transfer mechanism 3. The lower end of the first baffle 1 abuts against the mounting plate 2. A second baffle 4 is positioned below the mounting plate 2, between the transfer mechanism 3 and the carton forming mechanism. The upper end of the second baffle 4 connects to the mounting plate 2, and the lower end of the second baffle 4 extends downwards. It is understood that a clearance space is provided below the second baffle 4 for the conveying assembly to transfer the packaging shell to the transfer mechanism 3.

[0029] The aforementioned barrier mechanism divides the internal space of the filling machine into two zones: the carton storage zone 5 and the carton forming zone 6 are located on the same side of the first baffle 1 and the second baffle 4, while the filling zone 7 is located on the other side of the first baffle 1 and the second baffle 4. This creates a essentially sealed space for the filling zone 7, reducing the possibility of loose paper scraps being transferred to the filling zone 7 along with the packaging shell. Paper scraps are effectively controlled within the zone before the filling machine begins filling operations (i.e., the carton storage zone 5 and the carton forming zone 6). Simultaneously, since the zone before filling operations is not sterile, the barrier mechanism's location in this zone facilitates subsequent cleaning and reduces the impact on the sealing of the sterile areas of the filling machine.

[0030] Moreover, the aforementioned filling machine reduces process production and maintenance steps, increases production time and improves production efficiency; it achieves better paper dust filtration effect, avoids paper dust being brought into the product, and improves product qualification rate; and it can be centrally cleaned and processed, improving the convenience of front-line operation.

[0031] Specifically, to effectively support the mounting plate 2, the second end of the mounting plate 2 is fixedly connected to the second top crossbeam 8 located above the transfer mechanism 3. Vertical beams are provided at both ends of the second top crossbeam 8 to support it. More specifically, both the first and second top crossbeams 8 have positioning holes. The mounting plate 2 is detachably connected to the first and second top crossbeams 8 via positioning pins inserted into these holes, facilitating regular cleaning of the mounting plate 2. Alternatively, the mounting plate 2 can be fixed to the first and / or second top crossbeams 8 using other detachable connection methods, such as snap-fit ​​connections.

[0032] For ease of installation, the mounting plate 2 is provided in two parts. Specifically, the mounting plate 2 is made of acrylic sheet. For example, the mounting plate 2 includes two acrylic sheets arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction of the transfer mechanism 3, each sheet being 58cm long, 43cm wide, and 1-1.5cm thick, and the mounting plate 2 is installed 5cm above the transfer mechanism 3 to avoid interfering with the movement of the packaging shell.

[0033] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 2 and the second baffle 4 can also be detachably connected to facilitate later cleaning, and the mounting plate 2 and the second baffle 4 are not limited to bolted connections.

[0034] To improve the stability of the second baffle 4 connected to the mounting plate 2, the first end of the second baffle 4 is horizontally connected to the mounting plate 2, and the second end of the second baffle 4 is bent away from the first end of the mounting plate 2. In some embodiments, the transfer mechanism 3 includes a sprocket drive assembly or a pulley drive assembly. Based on this, the second baffle 4 and the chain or synchronous belt in the transfer mechanism 3 are configured to conform to the shape and fit as closely as possible to the transfer mechanism 3, preventing paper scraps from being transferred onto the transfer mechanism 3 along with the packaging shell. Of course, this distance is determined by the size of the packaging shell and is not specifically limited here. At the same time, the lower end face of the second baffle 4 should be as close as possible to the conveying assembly.

[0035] Specifically, since the sprocket drive assembly or pulley drive assembly requires lubricating oil to reduce friction, the second baffle 4 is made of stainless steel to facilitate subsequent cleaning. More specifically, the second baffle 4 is composed of multiple rectangular blocking parts formed by folding to increase the contact area with paper scraps. Paper scraps are more likely to accumulate on the side of the second baffle 4 facing away from the transfer mechanism 3, reducing the difficulty of subsequent cleaning.

[0036] The first baffle 1 is designed in an arc shape, which also increases the contact area with paper scraps. It can be understood that the first baffle 1 can be bent either towards or away from the transfer mechanism 3. Specifically, the first baffle 1 uses a PVC soft curtain to facilitate adjustment of the lower end position of the mounting plate 2 as needed. Based on the standard dimensions of the filling machine, the PVC soft curtain has an overall width of 117±1cm and a length of 80±1cm.

[0037] In some embodiments, the filling machine also includes a dust removal mechanism connected to the carton forming area 6 of the filling machine, which is used to remove floating paper scraps and dust from the inside of the filling machine, reducing the difficulty of subsequent cleaning.

[0038] Understandably, the filling machine described above can also be used for other paper packaging boxes, and is not limited to Combibloc.

[0039] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A filling machine, wherein the internal space of the filling machine is divided into a carton storage area (5), a carton forming area (6), and a filling area (7), the carton forming area (6) being located below the carton storage area (5), a carton forming mechanism being provided in the carton forming area (6), a filling mechanism and a sealing mechanism being provided in the filling area (7), and a transfer mechanism (3) being provided between the carton forming area (6) and the filling area (7), characterized in that, The filling machine also includes: A barrier mechanism is installed between the transfer mechanism (3) and the carton forming mechanism. The barrier mechanism includes a mounting plate (2), a first baffle (1), and a second baffle (4). The first end of the mounting plate (2) is fixed on a first top beam provided on the top of the carton forming mechanism. The carton storage area (5) is above the first top beam, and the carton forming area (6) is below the first top beam. The second end of the mounting plate (2) extends horizontally to the top of the transfer mechanism (3). The first baffle (1) is located above the mounting plate (2), and the lower end of the first baffle (1) abuts against the mounting plate (2). The second baffle (4) is located below the mounting plate (2) and between the transfer mechanism (3) and the carton forming mechanism. The upper end of the second baffle (4) is connected to the mounting plate (2), and the lower end of the second baffle (4) extends downward.

2. The filling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting plate (2) is detachably connected to the first top crossbeam.

3. The filling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second top beam (8) is provided above the transfer mechanism (3), and the second end of the mounting plate (2) is connected to the second top beam (8).

4. The filling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting plate (2) and the second baffle (4) are detachably connected.

5. The filling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the second baffle (4) is horizontally connected to the mounting plate (2), and the second end of the second baffle (4) is bent toward the second end of the mounting plate (2).

6. The filling machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The second baffle (4) is made of stainless steel.

7. The filling machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The second baffle (4) is composed of multiple folded rectangular blocking parts.

8. The filling machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first baffle (1) is set to be arc-shaped.

9. The filling machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first baffle (1) is made of PVC soft curtain.

10. The filling machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The filling machine also includes a dust removal mechanism, which is connected to the carton forming area (6).