Container treatment device for treating containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a container treatment device (1) for treating containers (2), at least comprising a filling device (100) and a closing device (200), further comprising a first hygiene chamber region (5.1) for receiving at least the discharge openings of the filling elements and the containers (2) to be filled, and a second hygiene chamber region (5.2) for receiving at least the closing heads of the closing elements and the containers (2) to be closed, wherein the first and second hygiene chamber regions (5.1, 5.2) form a hygiene chamber (5) which is continuous in terms of flow and / or pressure, wherein at least one pressure equalization system (10) is provided which connects the gas chamber (9.2) of the filling material vessel (9) to the hygiene chamber (5), by means of which pressure equalization system (10) is achieved between the hygiene chamber (5) and the gas chamber (9.2) of the filling material vessel (9), and wherein the pressure compensation system (10) is connected to a cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent supply (11, 12) and is designed for cleaning and / or sterilizing the interior of the filling material vessel (9) and at least part of the hygiene space (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container treatment device for treating containers and to a method for operating such a container treatment device.

[0002] Container treatment devices for treating containers often include a filling device, also known as a filling machine. Among other things, filling devices designed as constant-pressure or pressureless filling systems are known in the prior art. In these filling devices, the filling speed at the respective filling element (filling point) results from the static height difference between the product outlet on the filling element, i.e., the dispensing opening there, and the level of the product in the reservoir (storage container), reduced by pressure losses that occur in the liquid product as it flows through the connecting channels between the reservoir and the filling element.

[0003] Fluctuations in the liquid level within the filling chamber, and especially pressure fluctuations within the chamber's gas space, lead to significant changes in the filling rate at the respective filling element. The consequences include, among others, increased and undesirable foaming due to excessive filling speed, negative impacts on the accuracy of fill level and / or volume measurements, etc.

[0004] While it is known to supply the respective boiler with liquid material in a level-controlled or -regulated manner during filling operation, changes, especially sudden changes, in the level of the material in the boiler cannot be ruled out. This is particularly true if the filling operation is interrupted or the filling device is run completely empty.

[0005] To eliminate the influence of pressure fluctuations on the filling rate, it is possible to connect the gas space of the filling vessel to the atmosphere via the largest possible cross-section, so that sudden changes in level do not lead to compression or expansion of the gas volume in the gas space above the liquid filling material and thus to changes, and in particular not to sudden changes, in the filling rate.

[0006] It is of particular importance that the pressure of the gas volume in the gas space above the liquid filling material of the filling vessel corresponds as closely as possible to the pressure of the gas surrounding the discharge opening of the filling material, as this procedure avoids further negative influences on the filling rate.

[0007] A constant-pressure or pressureless filling machine of rotary design for the sterile filling of bottles or similar containers with a liquid is known from publication EP2307304A1. This machine features a pressure equalization connection linking the gas space of the filling vessel to the sterile space. The sterile space is simply an annular space surrounding the vertical axis of the machine, in which all filling elements are arranged, at least with their dispensing openings. In other words, the sterile space is limited to the filling machine itself.

[0008] The pressure equalization connection between the gas chamber of the filling vessel and the sterile chamber of the filling machine is open during filling operations, ensuring a constant pressure between the filling vessel and the sterile chamber. This eliminates the influence of pressure fluctuations in the gas chamber of the filling vessel on the filling speed. The pressure equalization connection is designed to be closable at its inlet to the sterile chamber and / or gas chamber to prevent cleaning and / or sterilizing agents from entering the gas chamber of the filling vessel or the sterile chamber.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a container treatment device for treating containers which, with reduced design effort, enables effective pressure equalization between the hygienic space and the gas space of the filling vessel during filling operation of the filling device.

[0010] This problem is solved by a container treatment device for treating containers according to the features of independent claim 1. A method for operating such a container treatment device is the subject of independent claim 14. The dependent claims relate to preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a container treatment device for treating containers. The containers can preferably be cans and / or bottles made of metal, glass, and / or plastic. Plastic containers, especially PET bottles, are particularly advantageous.

[0012] The container treatment device according to the invention comprises at least one filling device of a rotating design for hygienically and / or sterilely filling the containers with a liquid material. The filling device is equipped with a rotor that rotates around a vertical machine axis and with a plurality of filling elements provided on the rotor, each with a dispensing opening for dispensing the liquid material into the respective container.

[0013] Furthermore, the filling device has a product reservoir which is connected to each filling element via a product line and forms a product chamber for receiving the liquid product and, above it, a gas chamber which can be supplied with a sterile gaseous and / or vaporous medium.

[0014] The container handling device further comprises a sealing device with several sealing elements, each with a sealing head for hygienic and / or sterile sealing of the containers. The sealing device is preferably a rotary sealing device or a sealing device of a circumferential design for sealing the containers. In more detail, the sealing device can have several sealing stations arranged around the circumference of a carousel that is driven by a motor to rotate about a vertical central axis of the sealing device, for sealing the containers with a container closure, in particular a screw cap.The carousel can be arranged circumferentially on a stationary central column extending along the vertical machine axis. The sealing stations rotating around the central column each have at least one lowering and lifting sealing element with a sealing head for hygienic and / or sterile sealing of the containers, as well as a container support located below each sealing element. This support is designed to hold a container upright or suspended from the central column. The container support can also be designed to lower and lift. In particular, the sealing device is designed with a rotary cap for hygienic and / or sterile sealing of PET containers.

[0015] The container handling device therefore further comprises a first hygienic chamber area for accommodating at least the dispensing openings of the filling elements and the containers to be filled, and a second hygienic chamber area for accommodating at least the sealing heads of the sealing elements and the containers to be sealed, wherein the first and second hygienic chamber areas form a continuous hygienic chamber in terms of flow and / or pressure. For example, the first and second hygienic chamber areas can form a single, continuous hygienic chamber. Alternatively, the first and second hygienic chamber areas can each form a separate space, separated from the external environment by an enclosure or wall, which are connected to each other via, for example, airlocks, in such a way that the continuous hygienic chamber in terms of flow and / or pressure is formed.In particular, the first and / or second hygiene room area can, for example, form a hygienic and / or sterile, especially aseptic, isolator or room, preferably airtight from the external environment, by means of wall elements or enclosure elements.

[0016] In addition, at least one pressure equalization system connecting the gas space of the filling vessel with the hygienic space is provided, by means of which a pressure equalization between the hygienic space and the gas space of the filling vessel can be achieved during a filling operation of the filling device.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, "pressure equalization" does not necessarily mean that the pressure in the gas space of the filling vessel and the hygienic space is exactly the same or identical. Rather, the pressure in the gas space and the pressure in the hygienic space may differ slightly due to friction losses, for example, in the pipes of the pressure equalization system. In the context of the present invention, "pressure equalization" specifically means that pressure changes in the gas space are also transmitted to the hygienic space – and vice versa. The transmission of the pressure change preferably occurs via the pressure equalization system.

[0018] According to the invention, the pressure equalization system is connected to a supply of cleaning agents and / or sterilizing agents and is designed for the internal cleaning and / or sterilization of the filling vessel and at least part of the hygiene room.

[0019] The filling device is particularly advantageous when designed as a constant-pressure or pressureless filling device. Containers can thus be filled using a constant-pressure filling device, where the filling rate results from the static height difference between the discharge opening of the respective filling element and the liquid level in the container, reduced by pressure losses or cleaning losses that occur during flow through, for example, product lines, a flow meter (if provided), or liquid channels within the filling elements. A constant pressure is maintained between the container and the hygienic area via the pressure equalization system, at least during the filling operation of the device.

[0020] The inventors of the present invention have recognized that, in solutions known from the prior art (see EP2307304 A1) for cleaning the filling vessel and at least part of the hygiene room, a separate cleaning system with several pipes for cleaning and / or sterilization is necessary, which entails a great deal of design effort, since the filling machine requires two separate pipe systems, namely the pressure equalization connection and the cleaning system.

[0021] The invention provides a container treatment device that eliminates the need for a separate cleaning system and thus the associated installation and space requirements of an additional piping system. The inventors recognized that the pressure equalization system is also suitable for internal cleaning and / or sterilization of the container and at least part of the hygienic space. Since the container treatment device according to the invention comprises both a filling device with a first hygienic space area and a closing device with a second hygienic space area, and these hygienic space areas form a continuous hygienic space in terms of flow and / or pressure, a particularly versatile pressure equalization can be achieved between different hygienic space areas during filling operation.The system can be switched not only to a hygienic zone within the filling device, but also to a second hygienic zone within the sealing device. This allows for particularly versatile and demand-based switching of various flow connections within the pressure equalization system during filling operations. Ultimately, this effectively prevents pressure fluctuations in the gas space of the container, which can lead to significant changes in filling speed. The arrangement of the hygienic zones also enables efficient use of available space and minimizes the installation and space requirements for additional piping systems. The container handling device thus offers a reliable, hygienic, and efficient solution for filling and sealing containers in various industrial applications within the beverage industry.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the pressure equalization system can be provided with a switchable piping system that fluidically connects the gas space of the filling vessel to the hygienic space. A switchable piping system enables flexible control and monitoring of the pressure equalization between the gas space of the filling vessel and the hygienic space. This allows the pressure equalization to be activated, deactivated, or continuously adjusted as needed. The ability to switch the piping system further optimizes the operating conditions of the tank treatment device. For example, pressure equalization can be activated during filling to ensure a consistent filling rate and deactivated during and / or after cleaning and / or sterilization. The switchable piping system thus allows the tank treatment device to be adapted to different operating conditions.For example, the piping system can be controlled or operated differently during filling, sealing, or cleaning. The piping system can be modular, i.e., multi-part, to facilitate easy installation, maintenance, and expansion. In particular, the piping system can include several fluidically leak-tight lines, especially metal pipes, preferably stainless steel. Implementing a switchable piping system offers an effective way to control pressure equalization between the filling vessel and the hygienic room and to optimize the operating conditions of the tank treatment device.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the pressure equalization system, designed as a piping system, may include at least one controllable and / or adjustable valve for switching the piping system. The controllable and / or adjustable valve enables precise control of the pressure equalization system. This allows the operating conditions of the tank treatment device to be precisely adapted to the requirements, preferably even during operation of the tank treatment device. The at least one valve may be pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically actuated and / or regulated. Furthermore, the piping system may be equipped with at least one sensor and an automatic control system that monitors and adjusts the pressure in the gas space and the hygienic space accordingly.At least one valve assembly can be coupled to a control system that continuously monitors the pressure and controls the valve assemblies according to a setpoint. This ensures that pressure equalization is continuously optimized.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, the container treatment device is characterized by a control device connected to the at least one valve assembly and further configured to switch the valve assembly so that, during cleaning operation of the container treatment device, a cleaning and / or sterilizing agent can be introduced into the filling vessel and the hygienic room via the pressure equalization system. The automated control optimizes the cleaning and sterilization process, reducing time and labor. Employees do not need to manually intervene to add cleaning and sterilizing agents or monitor the process. The automated control also ensures consistent cleaning results, as, for example, the quantity and / or timing of the addition of cleaning and sterilizing agents can be precisely controlled. This contributes to quality assurance.Automated cleaning and sterilization ultimately contributes to improved hygiene and product safety by removing potential sources of contamination and killing bacteria or germs. The control device can be program-controlled and execute predefined cleaning and sterilization cycles, for example, those stored in a memory unit. The memory unit can also contain corresponding setpoints, particularly pressure setpoints, for controlling the valves. The control device can be connected to sensors to monitor the cleaning progress and adjust the process accordingly. The connection between the sensors and / or the valves can be wireless and / or wired.Furthermore, the control device can be operated via interfaces such as touchscreens, software applications, or MMI (human-machine interaction) to facilitate the configuration and monitoring of the cleaning and sterilization process. Integrating a control device connected to the valve assembly enables automated control of the cleaning and sterilization process of the container treatment device via the pressure equalization system, resulting in improved hygiene and safety standards. This pressure equalization system also serves as the basis for internal cleaning and / or sterilization of the container and at least part of the hygienic area.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the pressure equalization system can be provided to connect the gas space of the filling vessel with the second hygienic chamber. This connection allows pressure equalization to occur via the sealing device, as the second hygienic chamber opens into it. Since the sealing device has a large second hygienic chamber with a considerable internal volume, connecting the gas space of the filling vessel to this chamber enables effective pressure equalization. This effectively compensates for pressure fluctuations during filling, thus increasing the stability of the filling process. A stable pressure in the second hygienic chamber, extending all the way to the sealer, therefore effectively contributes to maintaining the sterility of the containers and their contents during sealing.This is crucial for the safety and quality of the final product.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the pressure equalization system can be provided to connect the gas space of the filling vessel to the first hygienic area. Connecting the gas space of the filling vessel to the first hygienic area also ensures continuous pressure equalization during the filling process, which further helps to minimize pressure fluctuations in the vessel handling equipment and guarantee consistent filling of the vessels.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the pressure equalization system can be equipped with at least one cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening assigned to the gas space and at least one cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening leading into the hygienic space. By equipping the pressure equalization system with cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet openings for both the gas space and the hygienic space, a uniform distribution of the cleaning agents and / or sterilizing agents within the container treatment device can be achieved during the cleaning and sterilization processes.In particular, the cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet openings lead into the gas space and the hygiene space, so that the pressure equalization system is fluidically sealed to the gas space and the hygiene space via the sterilizing agent outlet openings.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening leading into the hygiene chamber can be located in the second hygiene chamber area. Since the second hygiene chamber area, which is associated with the closing device, often has a large interior space with a considerable internal volume, placing the cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening in this area allows for a uniform distribution of cleaning and sterilizing agents. This enables all relevant components in the second hygiene chamber area to be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized. Because the cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening can be located within the large interior space of the closing device, it is easily accessible and can be readily reached during maintenance and cleaning work.This facilitates the performance of routine cleaning and maintenance work and contributes to maintaining plant performance.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet openings leading into the hygiene room can be designed as a spray nozzle, in particular as a spray ball. By providing a spray ball, the cleaning or sterilizing agent can be sprayed evenly in all directions. This ensures uniform distribution over all surfaces in the hygiene room, resulting in effective interior cleaning and / or sterilization.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the sealing device can be located downstream of the filling device and / or integrated with it. By integrating the sealing device downstream or with the filling device, the entire container handling system can be designed to be particularly space-saving. This is especially advantageous in environments with limited space, as the two machines—the sealing device and the filling device—can be seamlessly integrated. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the first and second hygiene chambers are designed as a single, continuous hygiene chamber, particularly without airlocks or other partitions.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the container handling device is characterized by a sterilization device for sterilizing the containers and a third hygienic chamber for receiving the containers to be sterilized. The sterilization device is located upstream of the filling device and / or is integrated with the filling device, and the third hygienic chamber, together with the first and second hygienic chambers, forms a continuous hygienic chamber with respect to flow and / or pressure. By providing a sterilization device upstream of the filling device, the container handling device is designed to sterilize the containers before the filling process, thus advantageously minimizing contamination with microorganisms. This ultimately leads to higher product safety and quality, which is particularly important when filling sensitive products such as beverages or foodstuffs.Placing the sterilization unit upstream of the filling unit ensures comprehensive sterilization of the containers, including their internal and external surfaces. This guarantees that the containers are completely sterile before coming into contact with the liquid contents. Connecting the sterilization unit to the filling unit creates a seamless and integrated container handling system. This simplifies material flow and reduces potential sources of contamination that can occur when the sterilization unit is operated separately, i.e., not as part of the shared hygienic area. Integrating the sterilization unit into the shared hygienic area also makes the production process more efficient. Containers do not need to be moved between different machines or parts of the filling line, saving time and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one transfer device for transferring the containers from the filling device to the sealing device can be provided between the filling device and the sealing device. This transfer device is arranged such that the containers can be transferred from the filling device to the sealing device within the hygienic area. Advantageously, the transfer device can be designed as a star wheel or transfer star wheel. Alternatively or cumulatively, at least one transfer device can be provided that is designed as a continuously driven conveyor, for example, a conveyor belt or chain conveyor. Since the transfer takes place within the hygienic area, the sterility of the containers is maintained throughout the entire transfer from the filling device to the sealing device.This minimizes the risk of container contamination from external influences. Positioning the transfer unit within the hygienic area ensures that the hygienic environment remains continuous throughout the entire process, from filling to sealing. This contributes to a consistent sterilization environment and further reduces the risk of cross-contamination. The transfer unit enables a seamless flow of containers between the filling and sealing units. This improves process efficiency, as the containers can be moved continuously through the entire container handling system without requiring additional handling steps.Placing the transfer unit within the hygiene room allows for a compact design of the container handling system, as no separate sterilization or cleaning steps are required for transferring the containers. This contributes to optimizing the available space in the production environment of the container handling system.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, the closing device can be designed to seal the containers with screw caps. Screw caps provide a secure seal for the containers, which is particularly important for ensuring the quality and shelf life of the product. Designing the closing device to seal the containers with screw caps makes it possible to efficiently and reliably seal a wide variety of containers, regardless of their size or shape.

[0034] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for operating a container treatment device according to the preceding description, in which, during a filling operation of the filling device, a pressure equalization between the hygienic space and the gas space of the filling vessel is established via the pressure equalization system, wherein, during a cleaning operation of the container treatment device, the pressure equalization system is used as a cleaning and / or sterilization system for the internal cleaning and / or sterilization of the filling vessel and at least a part of the hygienic space.

[0035] Particularly advantageous as sterilizing agents are preferably hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and / or steam. Both substances are effective sterilizing agents capable of killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidative sterilizing agent that decomposes into water and oxygen after use, leaving no residue or harmful byproducts. Steam is also chemically neutral and leaves no residue on treated surfaces. This makes it particularly suitable for applications where no residue in the container or on the treatment equipment is acceptable.

[0036] Further developments, advantages and application possibilities of the invention also result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures.

[0037] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1. An exemplary and highly schematic embodiment of a container treatment device according to the invention for treating containers; Fig. 2 also exemplary and highly schematically another embodiment of a container treatment device according to the invention for treating containers with a sterilization device for sterilizing the containers, visualized only in block representation.

[0038] For identical or similarly acting elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used in the figures, where appropriate. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference numerals necessary or useful for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The invention is also presented in the figures only as a schematic view to illustrate its operation. In particular, the representations in the figures serve only to explain the fundamental principle of the invention.

[0039] The Fig. Figure 1 shows, in an exemplary and highly simplified manner, a container treatment device 1 for treating containers 2. In particular, the container treatment device 1 is one that is designed for the beverage industry to treat several thousand containers 2 per hour.

[0040] The container handling device 1 comprises a filling device 100 of a rotating design for the hygienic and / or sterile filling of the containers 2 with a liquid material. A plurality of filling elements FE, each with a dispensing opening 1.1 for dispensing the liquid material into the respective container 2, are provided on a rotor 3 which is driven around a vertical machine axis MA1.

[0041] The filling element FE, which is provided together with a plurality of similar filling elements FE on the circumference of the rotor 3 rotating around the vertical machine axis MA1, is intended for the hygienic and / or sterile filling of containers 2 designed as bottles, in particular PET bottles, with a liquid filling material.

[0042] Rotor 3 is in the Fig. Figure 1 shows only a rotor element with wall sections 3.1 and 3.2. This rotor element, which rotates around the machine axis MA1, together with a shielding element 4 provided on the machine frame and not rotating with the rotor 3, and having wall sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3, forms a first hygienic chamber area 5.1 or annular isolator concentrically enclosing the vertical machine axis MA1 for accommodating at least the dispensing openings 1.1 of the filling elements FE and the containers 2 to be filled. In other words, wall sections 3.1 and 3.2 are provided as enclosure elements on the rotor 3, while wall sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 are arranged as enclosure elements on the machine frame.

[0043] During the filling process, the containers 2 are completely, or at least with their opening area, received in the first hygienic area 5.1. After filling, the containers 2 slide on to a sealing device generally represented by reference numeral 200.

[0044] Each filling element FE is assigned a container support 6 in the first hygienic area 5.1. The respective container 2 is held on this support by a terminal flange 2.1, with its bottle opening positioned below the filling element FE or a dispensing opening 1.1 formed by the filling element. Each filling element FE is connected via a product line 7 with a flow meter 8 to a filling material reservoir 9. This reservoir is located at a height above the filling elements FE or the dispensing openings 1.1 and is partially filled with the liquid product during filling operation, i.e., up to a predetermined level N. During filling operation, the interior of the filling material reservoir 9 forms a filling space 9.1 occupied by the liquid product and, above this, a gas space 9.2. The gas space 9.2 is pressurized with a gaseous and / or vaporous medium under a defined overpressure.

[0045] The liquid material is fed to the filling tank 9 in a controlled manner via a product line (not shown in detail) with, for example, a rotary coupling, to ensure compliance with level N.

[0046] As already mentioned, the container handling device 1 has the closing device 200 with several closing elements 201, each with a closing head 202 for hygienically and / or sterilely closing the containers 2. The closing device 200 is, in the illustrated embodiment, the Fig. 1 is designed as a rotary closing device 200 or a closing device 200 of a rotating design for closing the containers 2. In more detail, the closing device 200 has several closing stations arranged on the circumference of a carousel 203 which is driven by a motor to rotate about a vertical central axis MA2 of the closing device 200, for closing the containers 2 with a container closure (not shown in detail), in particular a screw cap.

[0047] The carousel 203 can be arranged circumferentially on a stationary central column 204 extending along the vertical machine axis MA2, which is also only roughly schematically indicated. The sealing stations rotating around the central column 204 each have at least one lowering and lifting sealing element 201 with a sealing head 202 for hygienic and / or sterile sealing of the containers 2, as well as a container support 205 assigned to the respective sealing elements 201.

[0048] The respective container support 205 can be provided for the upright or suspended mounting of a respective container 2 on the central column 204, running circumferentially. The container support 205 can also be designed to be lowered and raised.

[0049] Rotating with the carousel 203, the sealing device 200 has at least one wall section 210 which, for example via a labyrinth seal 300 with further, non-rotating wall sections 211, 212 and 213, forms a second hygienic chamber area 5.2 for receiving at least the sealing heads 202 of the sealing elements 201 and the containers 2 to be sealed. According to the invention, the first and second hygienic chamber areas 5.1, 5.2 form a flow- and / or pressure-permeable hygienic chamber 5.

[0050] Furthermore, the container handling device 1 has at least one pressure equalization system 10 connecting the gas space 9.2 of the filling vessel 9 with the hygienic space 5, by means of which pressure equalization between the hygienic space 5 and the gas space 9.2 of the filling vessel 9 can be achieved during filling operation of the filling device 100. The filling of the containers 2 can thus take place in a constant-pressure filling system, in which the filling rate results from the static height difference between the discharge opening 1.1 of the respective filling element FE and the level N of the liquid level of the filling material in the filling vessel 9, reduced by pressure losses that occur during flow through, for example, the product lines 7, the flow meters 8, and liquid channels within the filling elements FE.The pressure equalization system 10 allows a constant pressure to be maintained between the filling vessel 9 and the flow- and / or pressure-permeable hygienic room 5.

[0051] Thus, the pressure equalization system 10 of the container treatment device 1 is connected to a cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent supply 11, 12 and is designed for the internal cleaning and / or sterilization of the filling container 9 and at least a part of the hygiene room 5.

[0052] In more detail, the pressure equalization system 10 of the container treatment device 1 has a switchable piping system 17...23 that fluidically connects the gas space 9.2 of the filling vessel 9 with the hygienic space 5. In more detail, the switchable piping system 17...23 fluidically and tightly connects the gas space 9.2 of the filling vessel 9 with the hygienic space 5. The piping system 17...23 is preferably modular, i.e., multi-part, to facilitate easy installation, maintenance, and expansion. In particular, the piping system 17...23 comprises several fluidically and tightly connectable piping units 17...23, especially metal pipes, preferably stainless steel. As also described in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the pressure equalization system 10, designed as a piping system 17...23, includes at least one controllable and / or adjustable valve device 26...36 for switching the piping system 17...23. Thus, the pressure equalization system 10 can connect the gas space 9.2 of the filling vessel 9 with the second hygienic area 5.2. Alternatively or cumulatively, the pressure equalization system 10 can also connect the gas space 9.2 of the filling vessel 9 with the first hygienic area 5.1.

[0053] The piping system 10 comprises a line 17, which connects the gas chamber 9.2 to the hygiene chamber 5, specifically the second hygiene chamber area 5.2, via switchable valve devices 26, 29, and 34, in a fluidically tight manner. The cleaning agent supply 11 and the sterilizing agent supply 12 open into the line 17. The cleaning agent supply 11 can be switched to the line 17 via valve device 31, and the sterilizing agent supply 12 via valve device 32. Lines 18, 20, 21, 22, and 23 branch off from the line 17. Line 18 connects the line 17 to the first hygiene chamber area 5.1 via valve device 27. Line 23 also connects the line 17 to the first hygiene chamber area 5.1 via valve device 30. Line 19 branches off from line 18 without the intermediate use of a valve device and also leads into gas space 9.2.Air, in particular sterile air, can be introduced into the pressure equalization system 10 via the valve assembly 28 through the branch line 20, which is connected to the line 17. Meanwhile, the pressure equalization system 10 can also be supplied with sterilizing agent via the valve assembly 36, in particular via the line 18, thus functioning as a sterilizing agent supply 12. The line 17 is also connected to the second hygiene room area 5.2 of the flow- and / or pressure-continuous hygiene room 5 via the branch line 22 with the valve assembly 33, as well as via the branch line 21 with the valve assembly 35.

[0054] To remove the cleaning and / or sterilizing agent, the container treatment device 1 has a drainage system 40 which drains the cleaning and / or sterilizing agent from the hygiene room 5 via pipes 41.

[0055] Unlike the one in Fig. The variant shown in 1 is in Fig. Figure 2 shows a container handling device 1, which includes a sterilization device 500 for sterilizing the containers 2 and a third hygiene chamber 5.3 for receiving the containers 2 to be sterilized, wherein the sterilization device 500 is preferably located upstream of the filling device 100, again with respect to the transport direction A. Alternatively, the filling device 100 can also be configured as a single unit with the sterilization device 500. Thus, the third hygiene chamber 5.3 together with the first and second hygiene chambers 5.1, 5.2 forms the flow- and / or pressure-continuous hygiene chamber 5. In particular, the switchable piping system includes, in addition to the piping of the Fig. 1. Line 24, which branches off from line 17, connects the gas space 9.2 of the filling vessel 9 to the hygienic space 5, in particular its third hygienic space area 5.3, fluidically. Line 24 can be configured to be switchable via the valve assembly 37.

[0056] As also in connection with the Fig. As indicated in Figure 1, the container treatment device 1 has a control device SE which is connected to the valve devices 26..37, preferably to all valve devices 26...37 and is further configured to switch the valve devices 26...37 in such a way that during a cleaning operation of the container treatment device 1 a cleaning and / or sterilizing agent can be introduced into the filling vessel 9 and into the hygiene room 5 via the pressure equalization system 10.

[0057] The pressure equalization system 10 is equipped with at least one cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening 15 assigned to the gas space 9.2 and with at least one cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening 16 leading into the hygiene space 5. In particular, the at least one cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening 16 leading into the hygiene space 5 is arranged in the second hygiene space area 5.2 – i.e., in the hygiene space area assigned to the closing device 200. It is particularly advantageous that the at least one cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening 16 leading into the hygiene space 5 is designed as a spray nozzle, in particular as a spray ball.

[0058] As can also be seen from the figures, the closing device 200 is located downstream of the filling device 100, preferably with respect to a transport direction A of the containers 2. Alternatively, the closing device 200 can also be configured as a single unit with the filling device 100.

[0059] At least one transfer device 400 can also be provided between the filling device 100 and the sealing device 200 for transferring the containers 2 from the filling device 100 to the sealing device 200, wherein the at least one transfer device 400 is arranged such that the containers 2 can be transferred from the filling device 100 to the sealing device 200 within the hygiene area 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer device 400 is a transfer star arranged in the second hygiene area 5.2.

[0060] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous modifications or adaptations are possible without departing from the underlying inventive concept. Reference symbol list 1 container treatment device 1.1 Drop-off opening 2 containers 3 Rotor 3.1 Wall section 3.2 Wall section 4 Shielding element 4.1...4.3 Wall section 5 Hygiene room 5.1, 5.2 Hygiene room area 6 container carriers 7 Product Management 8 flow meters 9 filling tanks 9.1 Filling area 9.2 Gas space 10 Pressure equalization system 11 Cleaning agent supply 12 Sterilizing agent supply 16 Sterilizing agent outlet opening 17...24 Line 26...37 Valve insertion 40 Discharge system 41 pipelines 100 filling device 200 locking device 201 Locking element 202 Sealing head 203 Carousel 204 Central column 205 container carriers 210...213 Wall section 300 labyrinth seals 400 Transfer device 500 Sterilization device MA1 machine axis MA2 machine axis FE filling element SE control device QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2307304A1 [0007, 0020]

Claims

[1] Container treatment device (1) for treating containers (2), at least comprising a filling device (100) of a rotating design for hygienically and / or sterilely filling the containers with a liquid product, with a rotor (3) that is driven rotating about a vertical machine axis, with a plurality of filling elements (FE) provided on the rotor (3), each with a dispensing opening (1.1) for dispensing the liquid product into the respective container (2), with a product reservoir (9) which is connected to each filling element (FE) via a product line (7) and forms a product chamber (9.1) for receiving the liquid product and, above it, a gas chamber (9.2) that can be supplied with a sterile gaseous and / or vaporous medium, further comprising a closing device (200) with several closing elements, each with a closing head for hygienically and / or sterilely closing the containers (2), further comprising a first hygiene area (5.1) for receiving at least the dispensing openings of the filling elements and the containers (2) to be filled and a second hygiene area (5.2) for receiving at least the closing heads of the closing elements and the containers (2) to be closed, wherein the first and second hygiene areas (5.1, 5.2) form a flow- and / or pressure-permeable hygiene space (5), wherein at least one pressure equalization system (10) connecting the gas space (9.2) of the filling vessel (9) with the hygienic space (5) is provided, by means of which a pressure equalization between the hygienic space (5) and the gas space (9.2) of the filling vessel (9) can be achieved during a filling operation of the filling device (100), and wherein the pressure equalization system (10) is connected to a cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent supply (11, 12) and is designed for the internal cleaning and / or sterilization of the filling vessel (9) and at least part of the hygiene room (5). [2] Container treatment device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the pressure equalization system (10) has a switchable piping system (17...24) which fluidically connects the gas space (9.2) of the filling vessel (9) with the hygienic space (5). [3] Container treatment device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that in the pressure equalization system (10) designed as a piping system (17...24) at least one controllable and / or adjustable valve device (26...37) is provided for switching the piping system (17...24). [4] Container treatment device (1) according to claim 3, characterized bya control device (SE) which is connected to at least one valve assembly (26...37) and is further configured to switch the valve assembly (26...37) so that during a cleaning operation of the container treatment device a cleaning and / or sterilizing agent can be introduced into the filling vessel (9) and into the hygiene room (5) via the pressure equalization system (10). [5] Container treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pressure equalization system (10) connects the gas space (9.2) of the filling vessel (9) with the second hygienic room area (5.2). [6] Container treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pressure equalization system (10) connects the gas space (9.2) of the filling vessel (9) with the first hygienic room area (5.1). [7] Container treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the pressure equalization system (10) is equipped with at least one cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening (15) assigned to the gas space (9.2) and with at least one cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening (16) leading into the hygiene space (5). [8] Container treatment device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that at least one cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening (16) leading into the hygiene room (5) is located in the second hygiene room area (5.2). [9] Container treatment device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that at least one cleaning agent and / or sterilizing agent outlet opening (16) leading into the hygiene room (5) is designed as a spray nozzle, in particular as a spray ball. [10] Container treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the closing device (200) is downstream of the filling device (100) and / or is blocked with the filling device (100). [11] Container treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a sterilization device (400) for sterilizing the containers (2) and a third hygiene room area (5.3) for receiving the containers (2) to be sterilized, wherein the sterilization device (400) is upstream of the filling device (100) and / or is blocked with the filling device (100) and the third hygiene room area (5.3) together with the first and second hygiene room areas (5.1, 5.2) forms the flow- and / or pressure-permeable hygiene room (5). [12] Container treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one transfer device (300) is provided between the filling device (100) and the closing device (200) for the transfer of the containers (2) from the filling device (100) to the closing device (200), wherein the at least one transfer device (300) is arranged such that the containers (2) can be transferred from the filling device (100) to the closing device (200) within the hygiene room (5). [13] Container treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the closing device (200) is designed to close the containers (2) with screw caps. [14] Method for operating a container treatment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein during a filling operation of the filling device (100) a pressure equalization is established between the hygienic space (5) and the gas space (9.2) of the filling vessel (9) via the pressure equalization system (10), wherein during a cleaning operation of the container treatment device (1) the pressure equalization system (10) is used as a cleaning and / or sterilization system for the internal cleaning and / or sterilization of the filling vessel (9) and at least a part of the hygienic space (5).

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