Can closing device, can filling system, and method for closing a can

Abstract

The present invention relates to a can closing device (3) for closing a can (6), in particular a beverage can, with a closing device arranged in a product space (4) and a lid supply device (14) connected to the product space (4), wherein the lid supply device (14) comprises a supply tunnel (13) via which the product space (4) is connected to a sterilization device (11) for sterilizing the can lid (5). According to the invention, a sterilizing gas generation system (16) is provided which is connected to the supply tunnel (13) via a sterilizing gas transport line (17) on the outlet side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a can closing device having a closing device arranged in a product space for closing a can with a can lid and a lid supply device connected to the product space, wherein the lid supply device comprises a supply tunnel, and through this supply tunnel, the product space is connected to a sterilization device for sterilizing the can lid.

Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to a can sealing device in the field of food technology. Against this background, the can is preferably a beverage can filled with a food technology filling medium. This food technology filling medium can be, for example, water, juice, beer, etc. Correspondingly, a liquid filling medium or beverage is preferably contemplated. However, the present invention is not limited to such filling media. For example, the can can in particular also comprise solid components in addition to the liquid filling medium. These are in particular fruit pieces, pulp, etc.

[0003] It is known that the can is first filled in a filling device and then supplied to a can closing device arranged downstream of the filling device for closing. Then, in this can closing device, a can lid is placed on the can, and the can is closed by joining the can lid to the can.

[0004] Furthermore, in the field of food technology, it can be particularly important that not only the filling medium is injected into the can in a sterile state for hygienic reasons, but also that the cans filled in this way are guided in a sterile state until closing. For this purpose, it is contemplated that the can be sterilized before filling and guided to the can closing device in a sterile atmosphere. This sterile atmosphere can be generated, for example, by flushing the can with a sterilizing gas, for example sterilized air, during filling and during transport to the capper.

[0005] The can lid is supplied to the product space separately from the can and is usually not in a sterilized state. Against this background, it is actually known that the can lid is separated and then sterilized in a sterilization device. However, the can lid is then supplied to the product space via a supply tunnel, which is not configured to be aseptic from a hygienic point of view. In this regard, a completely aseptic closure of the can is not possible. This can result in the need to subsequently pasteurize a particularly vulnerable filling medium in the closed can in order to enable sufficient killing of bacteria.

[0006] However, the addition of additional equipment for killing bacteria and / or germs requires high production costs and, in addition, a larger and more expensive system is also required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The underlying problem of the present invention is to provide a can closing device that enables an aseptic closure of the can and, in particular, can omit the addition of additional equipment for killing bacteria, such as pasteurization.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The subject and solution to this problem is a can filling system according to claim 1.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is contemplated that a sterilizing gas generation system is provided that is connected to the supply tunnel via a sterilizing gas transport line on the outlet side.

[0010] That is, according to such an embodiment, the sterilizing gas conveyance line is connected to the supply tunnel downstream of the sterilizing device, enabling the supply of the sterilizing gas into the supply tunnel. According to such an embodiment, it becomes possible to guide the can lids pre-sterilized in the sterilizing device aseptically through the supply tunnel, thus ensuring that the cans can be closed with aseptic can lids within the product space. Furthermore, the arrangement downstream of the sterilizing device can be ensured to be free from contamination of the sterilizing gas by unsterilized can lids within the sterilizing device. Rather, first, sterilization enables the killing of bacteria, and then, flushing with the sterilizing gas enables the aseptic conveyance of the can lids.

[0011] In this regard, the supply tunnel is configured to supply the can lids from the sterilizing device into the product space and preferably does not include another processing device for processing the can lids. However, of course, it is within the scope of the present invention to form the supply tunnel to have a cleaning device that enables the cleaning of the supply tunnel itself.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the supply tunnel includes at least one guide track, the guide track is surrounded by a flushing channel, and the flushing channel is connected to the sterilizing gas conveyance line. In this regard, the guide track refers to the area of the supply tunnel, and along the guide track, the can lids are moved. Since the flushing channel surrounds the guide track, the sterilizing gas also surrounds the can lids during conveyance. This ensures that the can lids are shielded from the outside by the sterilizing gas. Such an embodiment is particularly effective for passing the can lids through the soiled areas of the can closing device or the surrounding space during conveyance.

[0013] Basically, it is also within the scope of the present invention to arrange a plurality of, for example, two guide tracks within the supply tunnel. According to such an embodiment, in that case, the flushing channel surrounds both guide tracks and further extends between the individual guide tracks to keep the guide tracks aseptic separately from each other.

[0014] According to an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to provide a plurality of supply tunnels each formed with one guide track or, if necessary, a plurality of guide tracks. Such an embodiment is particularly effective when a plurality of, in particular more than two, parallel closed tracks are provided side by side, whereby a corresponding plurality of cans can be closed side by side. In that case, based on such an embodiment, the sterilizing gas generation system is connected to the individual supply tunnels or the flushing channels of the supply tunnels by means of one sterilizing gas transport line each.

[0015] A development of the invention contemplates that the sterilizing gas generation system is configured to sterilize the can lids with a chemical sterilant. In particular, this can be a sterilizing gas generation system that enables aseptic sterilization. In practice, sterilization is expressed in so-called log units, which are a measure of the reduction of bacteria. In the case of a sterilization device with Log2, a maximum of 1,000 out of 100,000 bacteria survive, while in the case of a sterilization device with Log5, only 1 out of 100,000 bacteria survive. Within the scope of the invention, sterilization devices are preferably contemplated that enable sterilization with at least Log3, but preferably at least Log4 or Log5.

[0016] Preferably, it is contemplated that the sterilizing gas generation system is configured to sterilize the can lids with a chemical sterilant. Chemical sterilants are particularly well-suited for achieving a high degree of bacteria reduction. In particular, the sterilant can be selected from the group of hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, and peracetic acid. Basically, it is also within the scope of the invention to irradiate the can lids, for example, selectively or additionally, with ultrasound and / or light, in particular UV light, but the effectiveness is significantly lower than that of chemical sterilants in most cases, so that particularly high log units cannot be achieved. Therefore, embodiments provided with such a radiation device in addition to chemical sterilization are particularly preferred.

[0017] When the sterilization device is operated with a chemical sterilant, it may also be contemplated to treat the can lids before introducing them into the supply tunnel, especially to remove residues of the sterilant. For this purpose, for example, treatment with heat or hot air and / or treatment with water, especially sterile water, can be carried out. Treatment with sterile water is particularly suitable especially during sterilization with peracetic acid, and treatment with heat is particularly suitable during treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

[0018] According to a development of the invention, a process space for process control technology is provided, and the process space is separated from the product space via a partition wall. The process control technology is understood to be all the media supply lines and media discharge systems necessary for operating the product space and the closing devices arranged in the product space. This includes, in particular, all electronic components and elements, such as control units, etc. Here, the idea is seen in that the product space is arranged so as to be isolated from the process control technology, whereby the product space can be cleaned as easily and completely as possible. Furthermore, in particular, the walls surrounding the product space can be formed substantially without bends and notches, so that the possibility of bacteria adhering is also reduced. Here, the partition wall preferably constitutes at least one wall of the product space.

[0019] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid supply device and / or especially the sterilization device is arranged above the product space. Usually, the corresponding filling system connected to the can closing arrangement requires a relatively large mounting space, whereby the arrangement of the individual system components becomes a problem in part. By arranging the lid supply device and especially the sterilization device above the product space, the height of the can closing device can also be used appropriately. Furthermore, the best possible access to the product space is obtained. For example, access flaps or access openings enabling access to the product space can be provided in the side walls of the product area. Thereby, the maintenance of the closing device can be carried out easily.

[0020] Furthermore, according to such an embodiment, it can be particularly preferably contemplated that the supply tunnel connects to the product space at the upper wall defining the product space. Such an embodiment is particularly effective when the supply tunnel is formed as a supply chute. In such a case, the supply of the can lids from the sterilization device into the product space is performed only by the weight of the can lids, and the can lids slide down through the supply tunnel and are thus introduced into the product space.

[0021] The guide track disposed in the supply tunnel or the guide tunnel is particularly preferably formed in an arch shape. Thereby, the can lids can be supplied to the sterilization device substantially upright, for example, and then be introduced into the product space lying flat laterally. In contrast to the product space, the supply of the can lids into the sterilization device is preferably performed via a sliding device, and the can lids are directly adjacent to each other and can thus be pressed against each other by direct contact.

[0022] It can also be contemplated to separate the can lids before introduction into the sterilization device. Separation means, within the scope of the present invention, that the directly adjacent can lids are spaced apart from each other, and the spacing is selected such that the sterilizing agent can reach the intermediate space sufficiently.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sterilizing gas generation system is a filtration system for generating sterilizing air. In this regard, such a filtration system is also called a fan filter unit (FFU) or a sterilizing air filter. In such a filtration system, the ambient air is passed through a filter with very fine pores, and the filter is formed such that even the smallest particles and bacteria can be removed from the ambient air. Such a system is also known, for example, from the field of cleanroom technology. The use of sterilizing air as the sterilizing gas is particularly advantageous because only the treatment of the ambient air is required and thus no external generation of a predetermined gas is required. Furthermore, the sterilizing air can be appropriately supplied to the product space and discharged from the can closing device together with the cans without any contamination of the ambient air in any form.

[0024] According to a development form of the present invention, a cleaning device for cleaning the supply tunnel is connected to the lid supply device. It has already been pointed out that it is preferable that another device for processing the can lids is not arranged in the supply tunnel. However, of course, the cleaning device can enable the cleaning of the supply tunnel. For this purpose, the cleaning device can be connected to the supply tunnel via a cleaner conveying line. In particular, it is contemplated that one or more cleaning nozzles are arranged on the walls surrounding the guide track, and the cleaner can be introduced into the supply tunnel through these walls.

[0025] The cleaner is particularly a cleaning form. However, of course, it is also conceivable to introduce water into the supply tunnel for re-flushing after processing in the cleaning form.

[0026] Preferably, the supply tunnel has a diameter of 50 mm to 200 mm, particularly 60 mm to 120 mm. The size depends in particular on how many guide tracks are arranged in the supply tunnel. In fact, when there are more than two guideways, it has been found that the formation of a second supply tunnel is particularly appropriate.

[0027] In order to close the can with the can lid, the closing device is particularly formed to couple the can lid to the can by folding. Thus, in a first step, the can lid is placed on the can and then folded along the can by a corresponding device. The closing device is preferably formed as a processing star, and the can is guided along a circular orbit and closed during this conveyance. Basically, it is also conceivable that the closing device has a plurality of parallel processing tracks and the number of guide tracks follows the number of processing tracks of the closing device. If the closing device enables, for example, the parallel closing, particularly folding, of two cans, two guide tracks are also provided.

[0028] The subject of the present invention is furthermore a can filling system having a filling machine for filling cans with a filling medium and a can closing device according to the invention adjacent to the filling machine, characterized in that the filling machine is connected to the can closing device via a conveying device on the outlet side.

[0029] Accordingly, the cans are first filled in the filling device and then delivered to the can closing device via the conveying device. The conveying device is in particular a conveyor belt. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the conveying device is also formed as a conveying star. However, it has been found that a conveying device having a more linear conveying direction is particularly advantageous, especially since, according to general practice, the can closing device is provided with a linear supply of cans.

[0030] The filling device may be a rotary machine, and the cans are arranged in a filling carousel and filled with the filling medium during movement along a circular conveying track. Such an embodiment has been found to be particularly advantageous with regard to the installation space.

[0031] A development of the present invention furthermore contemplates that the filling machine comprises a filling device arranged in a filling space and a second sterile gas generation system connected to the filling space via a second sterile gas conveying line. Accordingly, not only the closing of the cans but also the filling of the cans takes place in a sterile gas atmosphere, and the second sterile gas generation system is formed in the same way as the sterile gas generation system of the can closing device.

[0032] If a corresponding second sterile gas generation system is provided, within the scope of the present invention, the sterile gas generation system of the can closing device is referred to as the first sterile gas generation system. Correspondingly, the sterile gas conveying line of the can closing device is the first sterile gas conveying line.

[0033] The subject of the present invention is furthermore a method for closing a can, in particular a beverage can, in a can closing device according to the present invention, wherein the can lid is supplied to a sterilization device of the can closing device, sterilized in the sterilization device, and then the can lid is supplied to a product space via a supply tunnel and coupled to the can via a closing device, and the supply tunnel is flushed, in particular continuously, with a sterilizing gas, in particular sterilized air.

[0034] For this purpose, the sterilizing gas is generated in a sterilizing gas generation system. In particular, this is a filtration system that treats ambient air into sterilized air. Then, the sterilizing gas, in particular sterilized air, is supplied to the supply tunnel or a flushing channel of the supply tunnel via a sterilizing gas transport line.

[0035] Within the scope of this method, all specific features of the above-mentioned can closing device can be referred to. According to an embodiment of the present invention, in this method, it is possible to supply the sterilizing gas to the supply tunnel downstream of the sterilization device, whereby the sterilizing gas comes into contact only with the already sterilized can lids.

[0036] According to a development of this method, the can lids are separated before being supplied to the sterilization device. By separation, the can lids adjacent to each other are spaced apart from each other, so that the sterilizing gas can be introduced between the can lids.

[0037] The can lids are preferably sterilized with a chemical sterilizing agent in the sterilization device. The chemical sterilizing agent is in particular hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide and / or peracetic acid. After sterilization, a treatment for removing chemical residues from the can lids can also be carried out. This treatment can be carried out, for example, by introducing heat or hot air, but also by introducing water, in particular sterilized water.

[0038] A preferred embodiment further contemplates that the can lids are guided in the supply tunnel along at least two guide tracks arranged parallel to each other. This enables the parallel closing of two juxtaposed cans.

[0039] A further development of the present invention specifically contemplates that the can is filled with a food - technical filling medium before being supplied to the product space. The food - technical filling medium is understood to be all filling media used in food technology. In particular, it is food and / or beverage. For example, water, soft drinks, juice and / or beer.

[0040] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a can filling system according to the present invention, which is particularly formed for food technology. Preferably, it is a filling system that fills the can 6 in a first step and then closes it. For filling, a filling machine 1 is provided, and the filling machine 1 is connected to a can closing device 3 via a conveying device 2, and this can closing device is arranged immediately adjacent to the filling machine 1.

[0043] The can closing device 3 includes a product space 4 arranged in a housing, and in this product space, a closing device for closing the can 6 (not shown in detail) is arranged. The closing device is, in particular, a closing device formed to couple the can lid 5 to the can 6 by folding.

[0044] The can closing device 3 further comprises a media line 7 through which different fluids can be supplied. For example, it is possible to supply an inert gas, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), or a cleaning foam. It is also possible to supply water for flushing. The media line 7 is part of a process control device which is arranged within the can closing device 3 in the process space 8, while the can 6 is supplied to the product space 4 for closing, and the process space 8 and the product space 4 are separated from each other via a partition wall 10. This ensures that dirt or bacteria which could cause contamination of the filling medium arranged within the can 6 cannot accumulate in the process control technology. Furthermore, particularly easy cleaning of the product space 4 is possible.

[0045] Embodiments according to the invention become apparent in particular from a comparison with FIG. 2. Here, it is important to enable the most aseptic filling and aseptic closing of the can 6. As is known, filling in the filling system 1 can be carried out under clean room conditions, but for the can lid 5, individual sterilization in a sterilization device 11 is contemplated. Here, the can lids 5 are first stacked and inserted into an inlet track 12 and then separated and individually sterilized within the sterilization device 11, the can lids 5 being spaced apart from each other as part of the separation.

[0046] Within the sterilization device 11, sterilization is carried out with a chemical sterilizing agent. This is in particular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and / or peracetic acid. Subsequently, the can lids 5 are treated in order to remove residues of the sterilizing agent. This treatment can be carried out, for example, by introducing hot air and / or water, in particular sterile water.

[0047] Subsequently, the can lids 5 are supplied to a supply tunnel 13 which is formed in an arch shape and connects to the product space 4 via an upper wall 10. Accordingly, a lid supply device 14 comprising a sterilization device and the supply tunnel 13 is arranged above the product space 4.

[0048] The supply tunnel 13 is provided with a guide track 15 for the can lids 5. This guide track 15 is formed in an arch shape, and the can lids 5 are caused to be able to reach within the product space 4 on their own based on their own weight.

[0049] Furthermore, the can closing device 3 is provided with a sterilizing gas generation system 16 formed as a filtration system and generating sterilized air from the ambient air. The sterilized air is then supplied to the flushing channel 18 via the sterilizing gas conveyance line 17. This flushing channel 18 surrounds the guide track 5, and thus isolates the can lids 5 from the environment during supply to the product space 4. Thereby, it is ensured that dirt or bacteria cannot adhere to the can lids 5 during supply to the product space 4.

[0050] Furthermore, cleaning nozzles enabling the introduction of cleaning foam and / or water are arranged on the walls of the supply tunnel 13. Thereby, the supply tunnel 13 can be effectively cleaned. Conversely, the devices for processing the can lids 5 are not provided within the supply tunnel 13.

[0051] The sterilized air further reaches the product chamber 4 via the flushing channel 18 and can reach the outside via the product space 4 on both the inlet side and the outlet side. Thereby, it is ensured that the product space 4 can also be operated under clean room conditions. Additional devices for introducing the sterilizing gas into the product space 4 are basically possible but not essential.

[0052] Figure 3 shows a development form of the can closing device 3 according to Figure 2. This embodiment is substantially different in that two guide tracks 15 are provided within the supply tunnel 13, whereby two parallel supplies of the can lids 5 are possible. Such an embodiment is particularly effective especially when the closing device within the product space 4 is also configured to close the cans 6 with the can lids 5 in two parallel lines.

[0053] Even with such an embodiment, since the guide tracks 15 are each surrounded by the flushing channels 18, both guide tracks 15 are also separated from each other by a sterilizing gas, particularly sterilizing air. Basically, it is within the scope of the present invention that both guide tracks 15 are each guided within their own supply tunnel 13. In such a case, both supply tunnels 13 must be connected to the sterile gas generation system 16 via the sterilizing gas transport lines 17, respectively.

Explanation of Signs

[0054] 1 Filling machine 2 Conveyor 3 Can closing device 4 Product space 5 Can lid 6 Can 7 Medium line 8 Process space 10 Partition wall 11 Sterilizing device 12 Inlet track 13 Supply tunnel 14 Lid supply device 15 Guide track 16 Sterile gas generation system 17 Sterilizing gas transport line 18 Flushing channel

Claims

1. A can closing device (3) having a can (6), in particular a closing device arranged in a product space (4) for closing a beverage can with a can lid (5), and a lid supply device (14) connected to the product space (4), wherein the lid supply device (14) comprises a supply tunnel (13), through which the product space (4) is connected to a sterilization device (11) for sterilizing the can lid (5). In this case, A sterilizing gas generation system (16) connected to the supply tunnel (13) via a sterilizing gas transport line (17) on the outlet side is provided. The can closing device (3) is characterized by this.

2. The supply tunnel (13) comprises at least one guide track (15), the guide track (15) is surrounded by a flushing channel (18), and the flushing channel (18) is connected to the sterilizing gas transport line (17). The can closing device (3) according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

3. The sterilization device (11) is configured to sterilize the can lid (5) with a chemical sterilizing agent. The can closing device (3) according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized by this.

4. The sterilizing agent is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide and peracetic acid. The can closing device (3) according to claim 3 is characterized by this.

5. A process space (8) for process control technology is provided, and the process space (8) is separated from the product space (4) via a partition wall. The can closing device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is characterized by this.

6. The lid supply device (14) and / or the sterilization device (11) is arranged above the product space (4). The can closing device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is characterized by this.

7. The supply tunnel (13) is connected to the product space (4) at the upper wall defining the product space (4). The can closing device (3) according to claim 6 is characterized by this.

8. The supply tunnel (13) is formed as a supply chute. The can closing device (3) according to claim 7 is characterized by this.

9. The sterilizing gas generation system (16) is a filtration system for generating sterilized air. The can closing device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is characterized by this.

10. A can closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a cleaning device for cleaning the supply tunnel (13) is connected to the lid supply device (14).

11. A can closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the supply tunnel (13) has a diameter of 50 mm to 200 mm, particularly 60 mm to 120 mm.

12. A can closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the closing device is formed to couple the can lid (5) to the can (6) by folding.

13. A can filling system having a filling machine (1) for filling a can (6) with a filling medium and a can closing device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 adjacent to the filling machine (1), characterized in that the filling machine (1) is connected to the can closing device (3) via a conveying device (2) on the outlet side.

14. The can filling system according to claim 13, characterized in that the filling machine (1) comprises a filling device arranged in a filling space and a second sterilizing gas generation system connected to the filling space via a second sterilizing gas conveying line.

15. A method for closing a can (6), particularly a beverage can, in a can closing device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the can lid (5) is supplied to a sterilizing device (11) of the can closing device (3), sterilized in the sterilizing device (11), then the can lid (5) is supplied to a product space (4) via a supply tunnel (13) and coupled to the can via a closing device, and the supply tunnel (13) is flushed with a sterilizing gas, particularly sterilized air.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the can lid (5) is separated before being supplied to the sterilizing device (11).

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the can lid (5) is sterilized with a chemical sterilizing agent in the sterilizing device (11).

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the can lid (5) is guided in the supply tunnel (13) along at least two guide tracks (15) arranged parallel to each other.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the can (6) is filled with a food technology filling medium before being supplied to the product space (4).

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