Systems for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions

Abstract

A system (1) for filling and closing cans (2) under hygienic conditions includes a hygienic compartment (3) and an inlet opening (30) for filling material, the inlet opening (30) being formed on the hygienic compartment (3). When used as intended, one or more cans (2) can be assigned to the hygienic compartment (3), which can be moved within the system (1) together with the cans (2). The system (1) includes a seaming unit (7). The seaming unit (7) includes a lid holder (71) and a seaming roller (72), through which a filling tube (73) for filling the cans (2) can be threaded, particularly through the lid holder (71). A platform (31) on which the cans (2) can be placed is arranged within the hygienic compartment (3). When used as intended, the platform (31) with the cans (2) can be lifted in the direction of the inlet opening (30) for the filling material. The hygiene compartment (3) also comprises a casing (32) arranged around the platform (31) and a head plate (33). To be able to close the hygiene compartment (3), the casing (32) can be lifted up to the head plate (33) in the direction of the inlet opening (30), or the casing (32) can be attached to the head plate (33) so that the platform (31) can be lifted into the casing (32).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions according to the preambles of the independent claims.

[0002] Various systems for filling and / or closing containers are known from the prior art. The purpose of the system is to automatically fill and close a large number of containers. A particular challenge is to fill and close the cans in the shortest possible time and under the most hygienic conditions using a robust and safe system.

[0003] A system for aseptically filling products, in particular beverages, into bottles or similar containers is known from patent specification WO 2011 / 029609. For this purpose, the containers are arranged in an enclosure forming an aseptic room. The enclosure comprises both a device for filling the containers and a device for closing the containers. In a first step, the containers are filled with the corresponding beverage and then, in a second step, they are transferred via a container transfer device to a device for closing the containers. This procedure is time-consuming and requires a lot of effort and high costs to create an aseptic environment in the room.

[0004] Furthermore, German Patent Application No. 19739326 describes an apparatus for processing beverage containers, which encloses the beverage containers in a housing under sterile conditions during processing. To this end, the beverage containers placed on a conveyor belt are separated by gates. These gates form closed compartments under sterile conditions when the beverage containers enter the apparatus. A disadvantage of this apparatus is that the conveyor belt must be stopped during processing.

[0005] A device for closing containers is known from German Patent Application Publication No. 4424098. During the movement of the container along the conveying path, the sealing cap is moved toward the container opening so that an access gap exists between the container opening and the sealing cap. This gap forms a processing zone. In the processing zone, aseptic processing is performed in the area of ​​the container opening before the closing process. In this case, only the closing process of the container is performed under aseptic conditions. This has the disadvantage that the overall sterility during the filling process is not particularly high, and the shelf life of the filling material may not be long.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 2,695,743 describes a machine for filling containers with liquids under counterpressure. The machine includes a filling head and a chamber whose open end receives the container. The backpressure is generated by compressed gas, which also supports valve operation within the head, but provisions are made to sterilize the crown cap or other closure. The closure and container remain sterile until the closure process is complete.

[0007] A device for closing a liquid container is known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,356,510. For this purpose, a chamber receives at least a portion of the container having an opening, and the corresponding liquid is filled into it under counterpressure. The container is then closed with a lid using a closing head located in the chamber.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 2,885,845 describes an apparatus for sterilizing and closing containers under aseptic conditions. To this end, a cylinder, open at the bottom, is closed by a liftable platform. The closed space is first sterilized with hot gas before the desired filler is injected into the container from a reservoir. A crimping head is then lowered into the closed container to close it. The filled and closed container is then removed at an unloading station.

[0009] US Pat. No. 2,972,214 shows a system for aseptically closing bottles and other containers filled with sterile liquids.

[0010] EP 3757024 shows an installation for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a system for filling and closing cans that avoids the drawbacks of or improves upon the prior art, and in particular to create a system and method that is robust, easy to use, and fills and seals beverage cans in the shortest possible time and under the most hygienic conditions.

[0012] This object is achieved by a system for filling and closing cans according to the independent claims.

[0013] According to the present invention, a system for filling and closing cans under sanitary conditions comprises a sanitary compartment and an inlet opening for filling material, the inlet opening being formed in the sanitary compartment. When used as intended, one or more cans can be assigned to the sanitary compartment, and the sanitary compartment can be moved within the system together with the cans.

[0014] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a seaming unit is arranged in the hygiene compartment. The seaming unit comprises a lid holder and a seaming roller. A filling tube can be passed through the lid holder to fill the cans, and in particular the filling tube is passed through the lid holder.

[0015] In this context, closing a can means placing at least a can lid on the can, ensuring that the can remains closed for further processing by pressing the lid onto the can or by joining the lid to the can by conventional joining techniques, preferably seaming.

[0016] The cans filled and closed with this system are cans filled with liquid and / or solid filling material. Preferably, they are beverage cans filled with a liquid material, in particular a beverage.

[0017] A hygiene compartment is defined here as a compartment that is closed off from its surroundings and maintained under hygienic conditions. Hygienic conditions are understood here to mean conditions that correspond at least to hygiene class I as defined in accordance with VDMA (No. 2 / 2000, 3rd edition 2016). Preferably, the hygiene conditions comply with hygiene class III or higher, as classified as defined in accordance with VDMA (No. 2 / 2000, 3rd edition 2016).

[0018] The lid holder can lift the lid and transfer it to the can using a receiving mechanism, which can be a suction mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, or an induction system that moves the lid.

[0019] The advantage of this system is that the cans are filled and closed in a way that ensures a long shelf life for the contents and at the same time allows for very efficient filling and closure. Furthermore, these conditions allow for an optimized pressure ratio, ensuring fast filling and closure even with foamy and dusty materials. Overpressures of up to 65 bar, preferably 0-40 bar, are used. The system is also very robust and easy to apply.

[0020] Preferably, the filling tube is movably arranged in the seaming unit, in particular in the lid holder.

[0021] This has the advantage of an economical and space-saving system configuration, but at the same time also allows for fast filling and subsequent cleaning of the filling tube, resulting in optimized hygiene.

[0022] Preferably, the filling tube is provided with a steering device in the end region of the filling tube outlet, which may be a device for dividing the flow of filling material and ensuring that the filling material follows a laminar flow with reduced turbulence.

[0023] The steering device may be a grid of different designs, several essentially parallel pipes, a rotor, a pump, a turbine or other rotating element.

[0024] In this case, turbulence-reduced laminar flow means in particular that foaming of the liquid is minimized. The advantage of such a steering device is that the product is exposed to a laminar flow, which slows down the filling process and avoids turbulence that could cause the filling material to foam (e.g. beer) and further cause the filling material to splash out of the can, contaminating the hygiene compartment and resulting in additional cleaning steps.

[0025] The steering device is preferably designed in the form of a static steering device, with pipes or grids being particularly suitable as static steering devices.

[0026] Static steering systems have the advantage of being simple components that are easy to install and maintain.

[0027] Preferably, the steering device is designed in the form of an adjustable steering device. A rotor, a turbine or a pump is particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0028] An adjustable steering device has the advantage that existing turbulent flow can be quickly and sustainably converted into laminar flow.

[0029] Preferably, the filling tube is provided with one or more shut-off and / or dosing devices.

[0030] The shut-off device and / or the opening device can be formed in different versions with different tasks. The shut-off device and / or the opening device can in particular be a valve.

[0031] An advantage of a filling tube with a shutoff device is that the shutoff device regulates the flow of filling material within the filling tube.

[0032] Preferably, one of the shut-off devices is located at the end of the filling tube that faces the can during intended use, for opening and closing the filling tube.

[0033] An additional shutoff device can be used to select whether the fill material, cleaning liquid, or inert gas (e.g., noble gases, CO2 or N2 to some extent, etc.) passes through the fill tube. After the can is filled, the fill tube can be blown out to remove any liquid residue, ensuring that almost all of the liquid residue enters the can. If the shutoff device is located at the bottom end of the fill tube, blowing out the fill tube is not necessary.

[0034] The shutoff device for opening and closing can be a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a switching valve, a load holding valve, a gate valve, a butterfly valve, a ball valve, or the like.

[0035] The advantage of such a shut-off device is that it can control whether or not product flows into the can, thereby preventing the can from being overfilled.

[0036] Preferably, the filling tube is provided with one or more shut-off devices or supply elements, one of which is arranged at the end of the filling tube facing away from the can when the can is in its intended use, for opening and closing the filling tube.

[0037] The shutoff device for opening and closing can be a pressure relief valve, a pressure control valve, a changeover valve, a load holding valve, etc. The supply element can be, for example, a hose, a pipe, a line, a screw feeder, etc.

[0038] The advantage of such a shut-off device or feed element is that it regulates whether, how fast and how much filling material can flow into the filling tube.

[0039] Preferably, the shut-off device or supply element is arranged at the end of the filling tube facing away from the can when in intended use, so as to allow the introduction of solids (e.g. powders), liquids and / or gases, in particular filling materials, cleaning agents or disinfectants.

[0040] Examples of fill materials are beverages, CO2, N2, protective gases (e.g., noble gases), etc. Examples of cleaning agents are liquid cleaning agents, inert gases, water vapor, acids, alkalis, disinfectants, foaming agents, etc. Liquids can be introduced at temperatures from below 15°C up to near the freezing point of the liquid and up to the boiling point of the liquid (e.g., water vapor up to 200°C).

[0041] The fact that the shut-off device or the supply element is formed in such a way that liquids and / or gases, in particular filling materials or cleaning agents, can be introduced is particularly advantageous, since the cans are filled under optimized hygienic conditions.

[0042] Preferably, the filling tube comprises a filling tube sidewall, the filling tube sidewall comprising an inner filling tube wall, an outer filling tube wall, and at least one hole, the at least one hole being arranged in the filling tube sidewall. The at least one hole is arranged in the filling tube sidewall so that the outer filling tube wall can be flushed with gas and / or liquid, particularly cleaning liquid. When open, the at least one hole serves as a discharge opening for a medium (gas, liquid) introduced into the filling tube for gas treatment, cleaning, and disinfection. When the hole is closed, the filling material can be fed through the filling tube without contacting the outer filling tube wall.

[0043] The gases used are CO2, N2, inert gases (e.g. noble gases), water vapor, etc. The cleaning liquid can be an acid, alkali, water or disinfectant that removes fill material and impurities and / or destroys bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. without leaving any residue.

[0044] Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous as hygiene is optimized by washing with gas and / or washing liquid on the outer wall of the filling tube.

[0045] Preferably, the hygiene compartment comprises a lid slide. The lid slide may be provided with a sliding mechanism and / or a snap mechanism.

[0046] The advantage of locating the lid slide in the hygiene compartment is that the lid slide carries one or more lids and allows for automated, and therefore efficient and rapid, lid delivery.

[0047] According to a further aspect, the system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions as described above also includes a seaming unit adjustment device, which is used to adjust the seaming roller and / or replace the seaming chuck. The seaming unit adjustment device is located outside the hygienic compartment and is in the form of an eccentric screw, slide, screw, etc.

[0048] Seaming roller settings and / or seaming chuck changes vary depending on the size and shape of the can being filled, particularly the size and shape of the can lid, and therefore must be adjusted accordingly when changing can sizes or shapes.

[0049] It is particularly advantageous if the seaming unit adjustment device is arranged outside the hygiene compartment, which makes it easier to adjust the seaming unit and also saves a lot of time.

[0050] Preferably, a tool or other auxiliary means is used for further manipulation on the seaming unit in the hygiene compartment, which is formed so that it can fit into a recess on the seaming roller.

[0051] According to an alternative design of the device according to the invention, a platform on which cans can be placed is arranged in the hygiene compartment. When used as intended, the platform with the cans can be lifted in the direction of the inlet opening for the filling material. The hygiene compartment also comprises a casing and a head plate arranged around the platform. To be able to close the hygiene compartment, the casing can be lifted up to the head plate in the direction of the inlet opening, or the casing can be attached to the head plate so that the platform can be lifted into the casing.

[0052] Obviously, alternative designs of the system according to the invention can also, but not necessarily, comprise a seaming unit arranged on the hygienic compartment comprising a lid holder and a seaming roller, and the filling tube can pass through the lid holder to fill the cans, in particular the filling tube passes through the lid holder.

[0053] In this context, closing a can means placing at least a can lid on the can, ensuring that the can remains closed for further processing by pressing the lid onto the can or by joining the lid to the can by conventional joining techniques, preferably seaming.

[0054] The cans filled and closed with this system are cans filled with liquid and / or solid filling material. They are preferably beverage cans filled with a liquid filling material, in particular a beverage.

[0055] A hygiene compartment is defined here as a compartment that is closed off from its surroundings and maintained under hygienic conditions. Hygienic conditions are understood here to mean conditions that correspond at least to hygiene class I as defined in accordance with VDMA (No. 2 / 2000, 3rd edition 2016). Preferably, the hygiene conditions comply with hygiene class III or higher, as classified as defined in accordance with VDMA (No. 2 / 2000, 3rd edition 2016).

[0056] The lid holder can lift the lid and transfer it to the can using a receiving mechanism, which can be a suction mechanism, a magnetic mechanism, or an induction system that moves the lid.

[0057] The platform may be solid and in the form of a plunger, but may also be in the form of a lifting rod with a plate at the upper end of the lifting rod.

[0058] The advantage of this system is that the cans are filled and closed in a way that ensures a long shelf life for the contents and at the same time allows for very efficient filling and closure. Furthermore, these conditions allow for an optimized pressure ratio, ensuring fast filling and closure even with foamy and dusty materials. Overpressures of up to 65 bar, preferably 0-40 bar, are used. The system is also very robust and easy to apply.

[0059] Preferably, the casing has a hollow cylindrical shape, which has the advantage on the one hand that the material costs are reduced and on the other hand that the system can be installed in a space-saving manner.

[0060] Preferably, the platform has a concave curvature for can alignment. The advantage of the concave curvature of the platform is that it ensures stability of the can and prevents it from slipping.

[0061] Preferably, the casing can be a sealing stopper against the head plate.

[0062] This allows for improved conditions for the hygienic filling and closing of cans. According to a further aspect, the system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions further comprises a storage compartment for storing at least one lid, preferably at least two lids, as described above. The storage compartment is arranged adjacent to the hygienic compartment. However, in particular, the storage compartment can also be arranged in the hygienic compartment.

[0063] An advantage of such a storage compartment is that a lid is available for closing the can and is automatically delivered from the storage compartment to the can.

[0064] Preferably, the lid in the closed hygiene compartment can be moved from a position next to the can to a position above the filled can, in particular by being pushed, pulled or pivoted by the moving device.

[0065] Delivering the lid to the can in this manner is particularly advantageous as it allows the lid to be delivered to the can automatically, thereby not only ensuring that the can can be easily closed, but also optimizing compliance with hygiene conditions during the closing process.

[0066] Preferably, the hygiene compartment has a casing arranged around a platform and a head plate that allows the hygiene compartment to be closed, and the casing can be lifted toward the entrance opening to close the hygiene compartment, and the storage compartment is arranged on the casing. The storage compartment stores at least one lid, preferably a stack of at least two lids. The casing and the storage compartment arranged thereon can be sealed against a stop plate, and in particular can be lifted.

[0067] This improves hygiene during the can closing process. Preferably, the storage compartment further comprises a supply opening, in particular a nozzle for adding a cleaning agent or a gas, and an outlet for the discharge of liquid, in particular a drain valve for gas.

[0068] The supply opening is used to allow the cleaning agent to enter from the storage compartment. To maintain hygiene, the supply opening must be airtight sealed from the environment outside the storage compartment. This can be, for example, an inlet or a nozzle. On the other hand, the outlet is used to discharge the cleaning agent into the environment outside the storage compartment and therefore must be airtight sealed from the environment outside the storage compartment. This can be achieved, for example, by a device such as a siphon, a valve, or an emptying container.

[0069] The advantage is that the can lids are washed in the storage compartment, thus optimizing the hygiene of the can lids before they are placed on the filled cans.

[0070] Preferably, the storage compartment also includes a lid separator comprising a stack of can lids, a drawer, and a slide for separating the can lids.

[0071] The advantage of this lid separation is that a large number of lids can be stocked in the storage compartment and then quickly and automatically transported to filled cans for closing.

[0072] According to a further aspect, the system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions as described above further comprises a feeding device for feeding cans to be filled and delivering lids and / or conveying devices for cans that have already been filled and closed.

[0073] The cans and lids are picked up in the feeding device using a carrier, which may take the form of, for example, an active or passive gripper, and the pick-up may be radial or linear.

[0074] This allows a large number of cans to be filled and closed quickly. Preferably, the supply device and / or the conveying device further includes at least one conveyor belt for conveying empty or filled cans, and a can stopper device, the can stopper device including at least two expandable barriers. At least one expandable barrier is disposed on one side of the conveyor belt and at least one expandable barrier is disposed on the opposite side of the conveyor belt. In an expanded state, the expandable barriers stop cans on the conveyor belt. In a non-expanded state, the expandable barriers allow cans to pass through.

[0075] The expandable barrier is a hollow body made of elastic material. When the internal pressure of the hollow body increases, it expands, and when the internal pressure decreases, the hollow body returns to its original shape. At the same time, the elastic material is stable enough to be placed upright on the side of the conveyor belt when not expanded.

[0076] The expandable barrier allows the cans to be stopped on the conveyor belt in a gentle and reliable manner, thus preventing damage to the cans on the one hand and ensuring uninterrupted stopping and movement of the conveyor belt and / or the conveyed cans.

[0077] According to a further aspect, the system for filling and closing cans under hygienic conditions as described above further comprises a seaming unit comprising a filling tube for filling the cans and at least one unit for closing the cans as described above, wherein depending on the position of the filling tube, the seaming unit is arranged above or below the inlet opening.

[0078] The descendable filling tube can be used as the filling tube for internal jet filling, but the filling tube can also be designed so that edge filling can be carried out and in special cases the lowering of the filling tube for the filling process can be omitted.

[0079] This has the advantage that time-efficient filling and closing of the cans in the hygiene compartment is possible.

[0080] This object is further achieved by a method for supplying cans to be filled at a filling station in a system as described above, the method comprising the steps of: i) placing the can on a platform; ii) Closing the hygiene area; a1) lifting the casing; and a2) Lifting the platform or b) moving the can into a filling position by lifting the platform into the casing; Includes.

[0081] Steps a1) and a2) can be performed sequentially, partially overlapping, or simultaneously. The reverse sequence is also possible, i.e., a2) completely before a1), or a2) partially or completely overlapping with a1).

[0082] The advantage of this process is that it ensures optimum hygiene. The process is also very robust and easy to use.

[0083] This object is further achieved by a method for lid separation in a system as described above, the method comprising: a) placing a stack of at least two can lids into a storage compartment on a drawer; b) separating the bottom can end from the top can end using a slide; c) moving the drawer horizontally so that the bottom can lid falls downward; d) moving the drawer to a starting position so that the bottom can lid falls onto the supply support; f) placing the bottom can lid onto the filled can using a transfer device; Includes.

[0084] The bottom of a storage compartment, a carrier, a part surface of a feeding or conveying device, or simply a hole through which the can lid can fall.

[0085] The advantage of this process is that the closure of the filled cans is accelerated and the separation of the lid is automatic.

[0086] This object is further achieved by a method for feeding and unloading cans and can ends by a feeding or conveying device in a system such as described above, the method comprising: a) simultaneous or successive reception of cans and can ends into a feeding device; b) simultaneous or successive rotational movement of the cans into the sanitary compartment and of the can lids into the storage compartment; c) filling the can; d) Linear or rotational movement and placement of the lid onto the filled can; e) Closing the filled can with a can lid; f) linear or rotational movement of the filled and closed can to the discharge position; g) Ejection of filled and closed cans; Includes.

[0087] The advantage of this process is the rapid filling and closing of a large number of closed cans. The invention is further explained below with reference to embodiments in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0088] [Figure 1] 3 is a schematic diagram of a lid holder and a filling tube in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 1a] 3 is a schematic diagram of a blocking device in a filling tube in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 1b] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a blocking device in a filling tube according to a second embodiment. [Figure 1c] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a blocking device in a filling tube according to a third embodiment. [Figure 1d] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a blocking device in a filling tube according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5a] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 5b] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 8a] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the hygiene compartment opening mechanism. [Figure 8b] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the hygiene compartment opening mechanism. [Figure 9a] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the hygiene compartment opening mechanism. [Figure 9b] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the hygiene compartment opening mechanism. [Figure 9c] FIG. 10 is a side view of the seaming unit in the hygiene compartment. [Figure 10a] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a filling tube outer wall flushing process. [Figure 10b] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a filling tube outer wall flushing process. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a storage compartment integrated into one embodiment of the system. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the lid separation process. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a supply and transport device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a supply and transport device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a supply and transport device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a supply and transport device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a can sealing device. [Figure 20a] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a lifting mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20b] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a lifting mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20c] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a lifting mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20d] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a lifting mechanism according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20e] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a lifting mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 20f] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a lifting mechanism according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 21a] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a passive carrier for a feeding and transporting device. [Figure 21b] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cam-controlled carrier for a feeding and transporting device. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0089] 1 shows a lid holder 71 as part of a seaming unit 7 and a filling tube 73 of a system 1 used for the automatic filling and closing of cans 2. The filling tube 73 has the task of filling material into cans 2 (not shown). The filling tube 73 passes through the lid holder 71 and can be arranged both movable and immovable within the lid holder 71.

[0090] 1a to 1c show different embodiments of the filling tube 73. FIG. FIG. 1a shows a fill tube 73 having a shutoff device 732 disposed at the end of the fill tube 73 facing the can 2 during intended use. The shutoff device 732 is movable vertically and serves to open and close the fill tube 732, thereby controlling whether or not the fill material is dispensed into the can 2. The shutoff device 732 actively rises or falls from the end of the fill tube 73 facing the can 2 during intended use, opening and closing the fill tube 73 with a seal 7341a disposed on the fill tube inner wall 7341. As shown, the shutoff device 732 can be formed in a variety of shapes, such as a cone or a trapezoid. The shutoff device 732 can also be actuated by a spring force or a pressure differential between the fill tube inner wall 7341 and the sanitary compartment 3. This eliminates the need for an external mechanical connection to open and close the shutoff device 732.

[0091] 1b shows a further embodiment of a fill tube 73. Here again, the fill tube 73 comprises a shut-off device 732 that is arranged at the end of the fill tube 73 that faces the can 2 when in intended use. The shut-off device 732 is vertically movable and is again used to open and close the fill tube 732 and to regulate the entrance of the fill material into the can 2. The shut-off device 732 is actively raised or lowered to open and close the end of the fill tube 73 that faces the can 2 during intended use.

[0092] 1c shows a further embodiment of the filling tube 73. At the end of the filling tube 73 that faces the can 2 during intended use, a steering device 731 is shown. The steering device 731 has the task of converting the turbulent flow of the filling material into a laminar flow in order to reduce as much as possible splashing and / or foaming when filling the can 2 with the filling material. This is a static steering device 731.

[0093] 1d shows a further embodiment of the filling tube 73. Here too, the filling tube 73 comprises a static steering device 731 consisting of several tubes with a diameter smaller than that of the filling tube 731.

[0094] 2, 3, 4, 5a, 5b, 6 and 7 show different embodiments of the system 1 with seaming rollers outside the hygiene compartment 3.

[0095] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the system 1, which includes a sanitary compartment 3, a seaming unit 7, and a seal 32 that seals the sanitary compartment at the top when closed. Furthermore, a lifting device (not shown here or in the following FIGS. 3-7) can be provided for raising and lowering the can 2. The seaming unit 7 includes a lid holder 71 and a seaming roller 72. The lid holder 71 is located inside the sanitary compartment 3. In preparation for the seaming process, the lid holder with the lid can be lowered onto the can, and / or the can can be lifted toward the lid holder by the lifting device (this also applies to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-7). The seaming roller 72 is located outside the sanitary compartment 3. The lid holder 71 includes a filling tube 73 that can pass through the inlet opening 30 of the lid holder 71. The can 2 and the can lid 21 are located inside the sanitary compartment 3, and the can lid 2 rests on a support 33 above the opening of the can 2. In this case, the seal 32 is an inclined seal. The sanitary compartment 3 is open to fill and close the filling material into the can 2. Because the seaming rollers 72 are located outside the sanitary compartment 3, wear from the seaming process causes less contamination of the sanitary compartment 3.

[0096] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the system 1. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 corresponds to the embodiment of Figure 2, but in contrast to the first embodiment shown in Figure 2, it has a horizontal seal 32 and a support 33 arranged inside the hygiene compartment 3.

[0097] Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the system 1. This system 1 is similar to the system 1 shown in Figure 2. Here too, the seal 32 for sealing the hygiene compartment 3 is formed as a beveled seal. In contrast to the system 1 shown in Figure 2, Figure 4 also shows a lid slide 34 provided to be at the top attachment (not shown) of the hygiene compartment. Preferably, the lid slide 34 is arranged in a vertically fixed position in this embodiment.

[0098] Figures 5a and 5b show the sanitary compartment 3 of the system 1. The sanitary compartment 3 is sealed by a horizontal seal 32. A can 2 and a can lid 21 are placed in the sanitary compartment 3. A lid slide 34 is integrated into the wall of the sanitary compartment 3. By a pushing or pulling action initiated from the outside, the lid slide 34 moves the can lid 21 onto the can 2.

[0099] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the system 1 similar to Figure 3. Additionally, a lid slide 34 and a lid holding device 35 are shown here. The lid slide 34 moves the can lid 21 onto the can 2, starting from the outside. The lid holding device 35 presses the can lid 21 down, reducing the internal volume of the hygiene compartment 3. The smaller internal volume of the hygiene compartment 3 means that any flushing process with cleaning agents, disinfectants, protective gases, etc. can be carried out more economically, efficiently and quickly.

[0100] Figure 7 shows a lid holding device 35 in a further embodiment. In contrast to the variant shown in Figure 6, an arm 351 is arranged on the lid holding device 35, by means of which the can lid 21 can be moved onto the can. This arrangement has the advantage that the lid slide does not have to move with the shell.

[0101] Figures 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b and 9c show diagrammatically the opening of the hygienic compartment 3 for closing the can 2 with a can lid 21 by seaming.

[0102] FIG. 8a shows a closed hygiene compartment 3 with a filled can 2 onto which a can lid 21 is pressed.

[0103] Figure 8b shows how, with the sanitary section 3 open, a can 2 with a can lid 21 is closed using two seaming rollers 72. The open sanitary section 3 leaves a way for the seaming rollers 72 to fit the can lid 21 to the can 2 by seaming.

[0104] Figures 9a and 9b show in more detail the closing of the sanitary compartment 3 for filling the can 2, the opening of the sanitary compartment 3 and the closing of the can 2 with the can lid 21. When the sanitary compartment 3 in Figure 9a is closed, the seal 36 is pressed against the inner wall of the sanitary compartment 3 by the overpressure of the gas production.

[0105] Figure 9c shows the arrangement of seaming rollers 72 from Figures 9a and 9b from a side view.

[0106] 10a and 10b show a flushing process of the fill tube outer wall 7342 of a fill tube 73 movable within the lid holder 71. The fill tube comprises a fill tube side wall 734, which comprises a fill tube inner wall 7341, a fill tube outer wall 7342, and a hole 7343. Instead of one hole 7343, the fill tube side wall 734 can also comprise several holes 7343. A cavity 712 is disposed between the fill tube 73, the lid holder 71, and the seal 711. As shown in FIG. 10b, the flushing process can be initiated when the fill tube is moved vertically within the lid holder 71 so that the hole 7343 in the fill tube side wall 7342 is located in the area between the seals 711. The cavity 712 is filled with a cleaning agent, disinfectant, protective gas, etc., which is then supplied to the fill tube 73 through the hole 7343 and flows out.

[0107] The system 1 shown in Figure 11 is used for the automatic filling and closing of cans 2. The system 1 comprises a hygiene compartment 3, a platform 31 (not shown here, see Figure 2) on which the can 2 can be placed, a casing 32, and a head plate 33. In a first step, the platform 31 lifts the can 2 and moves it towards the head plate 33. This movement serves to position the can (2) at the required level for the subsequent filling process. This movement can also be omitted in special arrangements. In a second step, the casing 32, which is arranged around the platform 31, moves in the same direction towards the head plate 33 until it stops and forms a sealing stop against the head plate 33. The two steps can also be performed in the reverse order or simultaneously.

[0108] Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of a system 1 for automatic filling and closing of cans 2. Here it is shown how the can 2 moves on a concavely curved platform 31 in the direction of the head plate 33 (not shown here, see Figure 11) until it reaches a sealing stop against the head plate 33. Then, in a second step, the filling material is filled into the can 2 through an inlet opening 30 integrated in the head plate 33.

[0109] 13 shows a storage compartment 5 integrated into the system 1. The storage compartment 5 is placed above the sanitary compartment 3 and stores can lids 21. In a first step, the cans 2 are moved on the platform 31 towards the head plate 33. In a second step, the casings 32 on which the storage compartment 5 is placed follow the head plate 33 until they come to a stop. The cans 2 are then filled with the filling material (see FIG. 12). Subsequently, the can lids 21 contained in the storage compartment 5 are moved into the sanitary compartment 3 and onto the filled cans 2.

[0110] 14 shows a lid separator 52 integrated into a storage compartment 5, comprising a stack of can lids 21, a drawer 521, a slide 522 for separating the can lids 21, and a moving device 50, the stack of can lids 21 resting on the drawer 521. In step A, the slide 522 is used to separate the stack of can lids 21 from the lowest can lid 21. In step B, the drawer 521 is moved horizontally so that the bottom can lids 21 fall downwards. In step C, the drawer 521 is returned to the starting position and the bottom can lid 2, in this case in the form of the base of the storage compartment 5, falls onto a supply support 523, from which it is dropped in step D by a filled can 2 or by the moving device 50 arranged on the supply support 523.

[0111] 15, 16, 17 and 18 show different design variants of the feeding device 6 and the transport device 6a.

[0112] FIG. 15 shows a feeder 6 with two rotationally symmetric carriers 64. A can 2 is picked up by one of the two carriers 64 on one side in step A, while the other three carriers 64 remain unoccupied. In step B, the feeder rotates 90°, moving the can 2 accordingly. In step C, the can end 21 is picked up by the second carrier 64 on the same side. This carrier 64 can also function as a feed support 523 for the lid separator, as shown in FIG. 14. In step D, the feeder 6 rotates again 90°, moving the can 2 and lid 21 accordingly. Here, the can 2 is placed on the platform 31, and the lid 21 is placed on the lid support 53. In step E, the feeder 6 rotates 90° in the opposite direction, and the can 2 and lid 21 remain stationary on the platform 31 and lid support 53. The can 2 is then filled with the filling material. In a further step, a lid 21 is pushed onto the filled can 2, closing it. In step F, the feeder 6 rotates again 90° back to its original orientation, and the filled can 21 is again received on one side of the two carriers 64. On the other side, another unfilled can 2 is picked up by another carrier 64. In step G, the feeder 6 rotates again 90°, and another lid 21 is received by the still-empty carrier 64 on the side of the unfilled can 2. After a further 90° rotation in step H, the filled can 2 is ejected, for example by dropping it through an opening in the table. Steps D to H are now repeated again.

[0113] 16 shows a further embodiment of the feeding device 6. The cans 2 are placed in an outer position and can lids 21 are placed on the feeding device 6, which are moved onto the filled cans 2 during a rotational movement after the cans 2 have been filled with filling material. The support surface for the can lids 21 on the feeding device 6 can also function as a feeding support 523 for lid separation, as described in FIG.

[0114] FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the feeding device 6 which is a combination of the two embodiments of FIGS.

[0115] FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of a feeder 6 similar to that shown in FIG. 16. It also shows a conveyor belt 61 for transporting empty cans 2 to the feeder 6 and a conveyor device 6a for removing filled and closed cans 2. Both the feeder 6 and the conveyor device 6a are configured as conveyor stars. The conveyor device 6a comprises several units, each consisting of a platform 31 and a can support 53. One of the empty cans 2 and one can lid 21 are accommodated on each platform 31. The can lids 21 are placed on the feeder 6. After the can 2 is filled and closed with the can lid 21, the filled can 2 is delivered by the conveyor device 6a. Again, the contact surface of the can lid 21 on the feeder 6 can be used as a feed support 523 for lid separation, as described in FIG. 14.

[0116] FIG. 19 shows a can stopper device 62 for stopping cans 2 on a conveyor belt 61. The can stopper device 62 has two expandable hollow cylindrical barriers 63 on both sides of the conveyor belt 61. To stop the cans 2 on the conveyor belt 61, the expandable hollow cylindrical barriers 63 are expanded by gas, e.g., air. The cans 2 are gently held by narrowing the passage between the two expandable hollow cylindrical barriers 63. After the gas is released, the passage between the two expandable hollow cylindrical barriers 63 becomes passable again, and the cans can be further conveyed on the conveyor belt 61. The advantage of this device is that the conveyor belt 61 can continue to move, yet the cans can be stopped and conveyed again at any desired moment.

[0117] 20a-20f show a compact, dynamically optimized lifting mechanism 8 for lifting cans 2 for filling and closing with a can lid 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0118] Figure 20a shows a top view of the lifting mechanism 8. The lifting mechanism 8 comprises two guide rods 81. The can 2 is placed on the platform 31 between the two guide rods 81 and adjacent and in the same plane is the can lid 21 which is placed on the can lid support 53.

[0119] Figure 20b shows a lifting mechanism 8 comprising two guide rods 81 and a pneumatic device 82 connected to a platform 31 on which the can 2 is placed. The platform 31 is moved upwards by the pneumatic device 82.

[0120] Figure 20c shows a lifting mechanism 8 comprising a guide rod 81, a pivot element 83 and a tether 84 disposed within the guide rod 81. A platform 31 with a can 2 attached thereto is attached to the pivot element 83. The pivot element 83 and the platform 31 with the can 2 attached thereto are pulled upwards or lowered downwards by the tether 84.

[0121] Figure 20d shows a lifting mechanism 8 comprising a guide rod 81, a tether 84 and a gear mechanism 85. A platform 31 with a can 2 is placed on the gear mechanism 85. A tether 84 is placed inside the guide rod 81. By rotating the connecting rod and gear mechanism 85, the platform 31 with the can 2 is lifted by a threaded rod driven by the gear mechanism.

[0122] FIG. 20e shows a lifting mechanism 8 comprising a guide rod 81, a wire 86 disposed within the guide rod 81 and connected to the platform 31, and a spring 87 in contact with the platform 31. A can 2 is disposed on the platform 31. The can 2 moves upward via the pressure of the spring and the release of the wire 86. By pulling the wire 86 upward, the can support 31 is lowered.

[0123] Figure 20f shows a further lifting mechanism 8 comprising two guide rods 81, with two pneumatic cylinders located within the guide rods 81 and connected to the platform 31 on which the can 2 sits. The two pneumatic cylinders move the platform 31 together with the can 2 up and down.

[0124] FIG. 21a shows a passive carrier 64 for the feeding device 6 and the conveying device 6a (not shown here), which has the advantage that it does not need to be controlled. The carrier 64 is in the form of a gripper that can hold a can 2. The carrier also comprises a spring-controlled hinge mechanism 65. The carrier 64 first picks up the can 2 and moves it into the hygiene compartment 3. The casing 32 then slides from bottom to top over the can 2. The spring-loaded carrier 64 passively moves out of the way of the casing 32 and the hygiene compartment 3 closes.

[0125] FIG. 21b shows a cam-controlled carrier 64 for the feeding device 6 and the conveying device 6a (not shown here), which is advantageously controlled by the casing 32 and therefore no additional actuation is required. The carrier 64 is again in the form of a gripper that can hold a can 2 (not shown here). The carrier 64 also comprises a spring mechanism 66. The carrier 64 picks up the can 2 and conveys it to the hygiene compartment 3. As the carrier 64 rises, it is then pushed laterally over the contour of the casing 32, and the hygiene compartment 3 closes. The spring force returns the carrier 64 to its starting position.

[0126] Figure 22 shows a system 1 comprising a platform 31, a storage compartment 5, two guide rods 81 and a seaming unit 7. The system 1 also comprises four wheels 11 for flexible use.

Claims

1. 1. A system (1) for filling and closing cans (2) under hygienic conditions, comprising a hygiene compartment (3) and an inlet opening (30) for filling material, the inlet opening (30) being formed in the hygiene compartment (3), the system (1) being designed such that, when used as intended, one or more cans (2) can be assigned to the hygiene compartment (3) so that they can move together within the system (1), the system (1) comprising a seaming unit (7), the seaming unit (7) comprising a lid holder (71) and a seaming roller (72), and a filling tube (73) for filling the cans (2) can pass through the lid holder (71), in particular passes through the lid holder (71).

2. 2. The system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling tube (73) is movably arranged in the seaming unit (7), in particular in the lid holder (71).

3. 10. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling tube (73) is provided with a steering device (731) in the end region of the filling tube outlet for forming a turbulence-reduced laminar flow of the filling material.

4. 4. The system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the steering device (731) is in the form of a static steering device (731), in particular a pipe or a grid, or an adjustable steering device (731), in particular a rotor, a turbine or a pump.

5. 10. A system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling tube (73) is provided with one or more shut-off or dosing devices (732).

6. 6. The system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that one of the shut-off devices (732) for opening and closing the filling tube (73) is arranged at the end of the filling tube (73) that faces the can (2) when used as intended.

7. 7. The system (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the filling tube (73) comprises one or more shut-off devices (732) or supply elements (733), one of which for opening and closing the filling tube (73) is arranged at the end of the filling tube (73) facing away from the can (2) when used as intended.

8. the shut-off device (732) or supply element (733) is located at the end of the filling tube (73) that faces away from the can (2) when in intended use, liquids, in particular filling materials, cleaning agents, etc., and / or A system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, which is configured so that gases, in particular filling materials, cleaning agents or the like, can be introduced and / or injected.

9. A system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling tube (73) has a filling tube side wall (734) which comprises a filling tube inner wall (7341), a filling tube outer wall (7342) and holes (7343), the holes (7343) being arranged in the filling tube side wall (7341) so that the filling tube outer wall (7342) can be flushed with gas and / or liquid, in particular a cleaning liquid.

10. 10. A system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hygiene compartment (3) is designed in such a way that it is equipped with a lid slide (34).

11. 1. A system (1), in particular as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, for filling and closing cans (2) under hygienic conditions, comprising a hygiene compartment (3) and an inlet opening (30) for filling material, the inlet opening (30) being arranged in the hygiene compartment (3), the system (1) being designed such that, when used as intended, one or more cans (2) can be assigned to the hygiene compartment (3) so that they can move together within the system (1), the system (1) having a seaming unit adjustment device for adjusting the seaming unit (7), the seaming unit adjustment device being arranged outside the hygiene compartment (3).

12. A system (1), in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 11, for filling and closing cans (2) under hygienic conditions, comprising a hygienic compartment (3) and an inlet opening (30) for filling material, said inlet opening (30) being formed in said hygienic compartment (3), said system (1) being designed in such a way that, when used as intended, one or more cans (2) can be assigned to said hygienic compartment (3) so as to be able to move together with said cans (2) within said system (1), a platform (31) is arranged in the hygiene compartment (3) on which a can (2) can be placed, the platform (31) being able to be raised together with the can (2) in the direction of the inlet opening (30) for the filling material when used as intended; The hygiene compartment (3) can be closed by means of a casing (32) and a head plate (33) arranged around the platform (31); The casing (32) can be lifted in the direction of the inlet opening (30) to close the hygiene compartment (3) up to the head plate (33), or A system (1), characterized in that a casing (32) is attached to said head plate (33) so that said platform (31) can be lifted into said casing (32).

13. 13. The system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the casing (32) is of hollow cylindrical shape.

14. 14. The system (1) according to any one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the platform (31) has a concave curvature for aligning the can (2).

15. A system (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the casing (32) can be sealed stopped with the head plate (33).

16. 16. A system (1), in particular according to any one of claims 12 to 15, for filling and closing cans (2) under hygienic conditions, comprising a hygiene compartment (3) and an inlet opening (30) for filling with material, the inlet opening (30) being arranged in the hygiene compartment (3), the system (1) being capable of allocating one or more cans (2) to the hygiene compartment (3) when used as intended, the hygiene compartment (3) being arranged so as to be movable within the system (1) together with the cans (2), and a storage compartment (5) for storing a stack of at least one lid (21), preferably at least two lids (21), being arranged adjacent to the hygiene compartment (3), in particular above the hygiene compartment (3).

17. A system (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that a lid (21) in the closed hygiene compartment (3) can be moved from a position next to the can (2) to a position on the filled can (2), in particular pushed or pulled or pivoted into position by a moving device (50).

18. 18. The system (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the hygiene compartment (3) is closable by a casing (32) and a head plate (33) arranged around the platform (31), the casing (32) being liftable in the direction of the inlet opening (30) for closing the hygiene compartment (3), the storage compartment (5) being arranged on the casing (32) and allowing the arrangement of at least one lid (21), in particular a stack of at least two lids (21) thereon, and the casing (32) and the storage compartment (5) arranged thereon can be a sealing stop against the stop plate (33), in particular can be lifted.

19. The storage compartment (5) further comprises: a supply opening (50), in particular a nozzle, for supplying a cleaning agent or gas, and an outlet (51) for discharging the liquid; and Exhaust valve especially for gas A system (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 18, comprising:

20. A system (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the storage compartment (5) further comprises a lid separator (52) comprising a stack of lids (21), a drawer (521) and a slide (522) for separating the can lids (21).

21. A system (1), in particular according to any one of claims 12 to 20, for filling and closing cans (2) under hygienic conditions, comprising a hygiene compartment (3) and an inlet opening (30) for filling material, said inlet opening (30) being arranged in said hygiene compartment (3), said system (1) being arranged such that, when used as intended, one or more cans (2) are assigned to said hygiene compartment (3) and are movable together with said cans (2) within said system, said system (1) comprising: the can to be filled (2), or Lid (21), or Can (2) and lid (21) to be filled Supply device for (6) and / or Conveyor (6a) for filled cans (2) A system (1) comprising:

22. 22. The system (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the supply device (6) and / or the conveying device (6a) further comprises at least one conveyor belt (61) for conveying empty or filled cans (2) and a can stopping device (62) comprising at least two expandable barriers (63), wherein at least one expandable barrier (63) is arranged on one side of the conveyor belt (61) and at least one expandable barrier (63) is arranged on the opposite side of the conveyor belt (61) such that the expandable barrier (63) stops the cans (2) on the conveyor belt (61) in an expanded state and allows the cans (2) to pass through in a non-expanded state.

23. 23. A system (1) for filling and closing cans (2) under hygienic conditions, in particular as described in any one of claims 12 to 22, comprising a hygiene compartment (3) and an inlet opening (30) for filling material, the inlet opening (30) being arranged in the hygiene compartment (3), the system (1) being configured such that, when used as intended, one or more cans (2) can be assigned to the hygiene compartment (3) and thereby moved together with the cans (2) within the system (1), the system (1) comprising a seaming unit (7) comprising a filling tube (71) for filling the cans (2) and at least one seaming roller (72) for closing the cans (2), the seaming unit (7) being insertable into the inlet opening (30).

24. A method for supplying cans (2) to be filled in a filling station in a system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: placing a can (2) on a platform (31); a1) lifting the casing (32); a2) lifting said platform (31); or b) by lifting said platform (31) into said casing (32); closing the hygiene compartment (3) and moving the can to the filling position; A method comprising:

25. A method for separating a lid in a system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: a) placing a stack of at least two can lids (2) in a storage compartment (5) on a drawer (521); b) separating the bottom can lid (21) from the top can lid (21) using a slide (522); c) moving the drawer (521) horizontally so that the bottom can lid (21) falls downwards; d) moving the drawer (521) to a starting position so that the bottom can lid (2) falls onto the supply support (523); e) placing said bottom can lid (2) on the filled can (2) using a transfer device (50); A method comprising:

26. A method for feeding and distributing cans (2) and can lids (21) by means of a feeding device (6) or a conveying device (6a) in a plant (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: a) simultaneous or successive reception of cans (2) and can lids (21) into a feeding device (6); b) simultaneous or sequential rotation of the can (2) into the hygiene compartment (3) and the can lid (21) into the storage compartment (5); c) filling said can (2); d) linear or rotational movement and placement of the can lid (21) onto the filled can (2); e) Closing the filled can (2) with the can lid (21); f) linear or rotational movement of said filled and closed can (2) to an ejection position; g) Ejection of said filled and closed can (2); A method comprising:

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