Filling machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filling machine and method for filling containers with products, in particular liquid food products. The filling machine provides a clean zone in the working chamber for filling the containers while they are being conveyed through the working chamber. The clean zone is provided by introducing HEPA filtered air into the working chamber via a fluid inlet. The invention is characterized in that the filling machine comprises a plurality of fluid inlets, each of which comprises a convex fluid inlet face facing the working chamber and having a plurality of through openings arranged therein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling machine that fills a container with a product, particularly a liquid food, while the container is being transported through a work chamber having a clean atmosphere, and the container is acted upon by a fluid, particularly HEPA-filtered air, for providing the clean atmosphere, and a method of using the same.

Background Art

[0002] When filling a container with a liquid food, it has been found convenient to use a filling machine in which the container is transported from the inlet side to the outlet side of the work chamber on a conveyor. While the container is being transported, the container is sterilized by being treated with a cleaning agent or being acted upon, for example, by ultraviolet light, starting from the inlet side. Then, the container enters a filling area within the work chamber where the liquid food is filled into the container. Then, the container is transported to a closed area within the work chamber. The filling area and the closed area within the work chamber are typically separated by a wall extending transversely to the transport path. The container is closed within the closed area equipped with a heater and a sealer. The heater supplies hot air to the upper part of the container, and the sealer closes and seals the container by folding, pressing, and forming a butt joint on the open container.

[0003] In order to obtain a filled container without contamination by particles, bacteria, or viruses that significantly impair the quality and shelf life of the food within the filled container, it is necessary to maintain a clean atmosphere within the work chamber above the open container. A clean atmosphere is typically obtained by supplying a fluid, such as HEPA-filtered air, directed from a fluid inlet opening above the container into the work chamber.

[0004] The work chamber must be cleaned at regular intervals in order to maintain a clean atmosphere within the work chamber. In particular, water, alkali- or acid-based cleaning products, and hydrogen peroxide aerosol are considered suitable cleaning media for the work chamber. [[ID=2,2]]

[0005] In one commercially available filling machine, HEPA air is supplied to the working chamber through a plenum with multiple through-holes located in the ceiling of the working chamber. This arrangement can introduce challenges due to turbulence and backflow, which can cause the HEPA airflow to be inconsistent around the top of the conveyor and container. To promote uniform flow, the plenum needs to be very large to equalize the HEPA air pressure across the multiple through-holes. A large plenum results in a filling machine with a large volume, and cleaning the inside of the plenum can be difficult.

[0006] A filling machine known from U.S. Patent No. 8,944,079 (Patent Document 1) comprises a work chamber for filling a product into a container having an external line for introducing a sterilizing fluid into the work chamber. The external line extends through the work chamber and has an opening located above the container to uniformly spread the sterilizing fluid onto the container, which is positioned below the external line. This external line surrounds an internal line configured to distribute a cleaning medium from a nozzle. The internal line rotates within the external line to properly clean the inside of the external line. This configuration has problems with backflow of non-sterilizing hot air from a heater, and the mass flow rate of sterilizing air in the work chamber was not suitable under all operating conditions for maintaining a clean atmosphere.

[0007] European Patent No. 3230169 (Patent Document 2) provides a filling machine very similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 8944079, but with an improved sterile atmosphere within the working chamber. The annular chamber between the internal and external lines is configured to gradually decrease in cross-sectional area to substantially zero. This provides a constant static pressure along the length of the annular chamber, which results in a uniform flow of clean fluid along the length of the filling area. In this configuration, problematic areas with backflow and turbulence still exist. This is solved by adding a flow body to manage flow resistance within the working chamber. The cleaning procedure requires the internal line to rotate within the external line while distributing the cleaning medium.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a filling machine for filling containers in a clean zone that at least mitigates the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a filling machine equipped with a compact supply unit for HEPA air, and the working chamber and the supply unit for HEPA air are easy to clean.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for filling containers using the aforementioned filling machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8944079 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 3230169 [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention is characterized as described in the main claims, and the dependent claims describe other features of the present invention.

[0013] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a filling machine equipped with a work chamber having side walls, a ceiling, and a floor. The container is transported by a conveyor from the inlet side to the outlet side through the work chamber, and the work chamber is

[0014] The filling machine comprises at least one station in a work chamber configured to perform work steps on a container, the filling machine having a plurality of fluid inlets, each fluid inlet having a convex fluid inlet surface facing the work chamber, and having a plurality of through-openings configured to supply fluid to the work chamber to form a clean zone around at least one station, each fluid inlet being fluidly connected to a supply conduit for supplying fluid to the work chamber.

[0015] In one configuration of a filling machine, the fluid inlet surface is located on the ceiling.

[0016] In one configuration of a filling machine, the cross-section of the supply conduit increases towards the end proximal to the fluid inlet.

[0017] In one configuration of a filling machine, the supply conduit is equipped with a cleaning nozzle positioned inside the supply conduit for spraying a cleaning medium onto the inner surface of the supply conduit and the fluid inlet.

[0018] In another exemplary configuration of the filling machine, the supply conduit has a circular cross-section. Square, rectangular, triangular, and other cross-sectional shapes may also be used.

[0019] In one configuration of a filling machine, the fluid inlet surface has the shape of a spherical or ellipsoidal cap.

[0020] In one configuration of a filling machine, the radius of curvature of the fluid inlet surface is greater distal to the ceiling than the radius of curvature of the fluid inlet surface proximal to the ceiling.

[0021] In one configuration of a filling machine, the fluid inlet comprises a first surface region having a surface curvature with a first radius r1 and a second surface region having a surface curvature with a second radius r2, wherein the first radius r1 is greater than the second radius r2.

[0022] In one configuration of a filling machine, the fluid inlet surface has the shape of an annular sphere, comprising a first surface region having a surface curvature with a first radius r1 and a second surface region having a surface curvature with a second radius r2.

[0023] In one configuration of the filling machine, the fluid inlet surface has the shape of a semi-elliptical surface including a first surface region having a surface curvature with a first radius r1 and a second surface region having a surface curvature with a second radius r2.

[0024] In one configuration of the filling machine, through openings are arranged in both a first surface region having a surface curvature with at least a first radius r1 and a second surface region having a surface curvature with a second radius r2 of the fluid inlet surface.

[0025] In one configuration of the filling machine, the fluid inlet surface includes a first surface region having a surface curvature with a first radius r1 and a second surface region having a surface curvature with a second radius r2, the first radius r1 is greater than the second radius r2, and the fluid inlet surface is arranged through a through opening arranged in the first surface region having a surface curvature with the first radius r1 via the second surface region having a surface curvature with the second radius r2, and is configured to supply fluid for forming a cleaning zone around at least one station in a ratio for providing a majority of the fluid for forming a cleaning zone around at least one station, and the ratio of the fluid for forming a cleaning zone around at least one station between the supply from the first surface region having a surface curvature with the first radius r1 and the supply from the second surface region having a surface curvature with the second radius r2 is 10:9 to 10:1, 5:4 to 5:1, 10:7 to 4:1, 3:2 to 3:1, 5:3 to 3:1, 5:3 to 2:1.

[0026] In one configuration of the filling machine, the supply conduit and the fluid inlet surface include a longitudinal axis A, and the through opening included in the first surface region having a surface curvature with a first radius r1 can be configured to distribute fluid for forming a cleaning zone around at least one station at a distribution angle of up to Y° from the axis A, covering a larger area distally from the fluid inlet surface than proximally to the fluid inlet surface.

[0027] In one configuration, the distribution angle Y° is 10°~40°, 15°~35°, 17°~32°, 20°~30°, 23°~28°, or 26.5°.

[0028] In one configuration of a filling machine, a through-opening included in a second surface region having a surface curvature with a second radius r2 may be configured to distribute fluid to form a clean zone around at least one station at a distribution angle of up to x° from axis A, covering a larger area distal to the fluid inlet surface than proximal to the fluid inlet surface.

[0029] In one configuration, the distribution angle X° is 40°~89°, 55°~85°, 60°~80°, 65°~78°, 70°~77°, or 75°.

[0030] In another configuration of the filling machine, each fluid inlet is fluid-connected to its respective supply conduit.

[0031] In one configuration of a filling machine, the work chamber is divided into a filling area and a closed area by a wall extending laterally within the work chamber, with the filling area located near the inlet and the closed area located near the outlet.

[0032] In one exemplary configuration of the filling machine, the filling area comprises at least one of the plurality of fluid inlets, and the closing area comprises at least one of the plurality of fluid inlets.

[0033] In another configuration of the filling machine, the filling area comprises at least two of the plurality of fluid inlets, and the closing area comprises at least two of the plurality of fluid inlets.

[0034] In one configuration of a filling machine, the filling area comprises a filling station for filling containers, and the closing area comprises a heating station for heating containers and a sealing station for sealing containers.

[0035] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of filling a container using a filling machine, wherein the method is: A. A step of providing a filling machine, wherein the filling machine is -Equipped with a work chamber having side walls, a ceiling, and a floor, The container is transported by a conveyor from the inlet side to the outlet side through the work chamber, and the work chamber is - At least one station in a work chamber configured to perform work steps on a container, -A fluid inlet having a fluid inlet surface, wherein the fluid inlet surface is provided with a plurality of through-openings configured to supply fluid to the work chamber for forming a clean zone within the work chamber, -The fluid inlet is fluid-connected to a supply conduit for supplying fluid to the work chamber. Steps include a fluid inlet surface that includes a convex surface facing the working chamber, B. A step of forming a clean zone within a work chamber around at least one station by supplying fluid to at least one station from multiple fluid inlets, Multiple through-openings are arranged, each having a convex fluid inlet surface facing the work chamber, and configured to supply fluid to the work chamber to form a clean zone around at least one station. The process includes the step of each fluid inlet being fluidly connected to a supply conduit for supplying fluid to the work chamber.

[0036] The filling machine may conform to any of the features described above under the first aspect of the present invention.

[0037] To fill the container with the product, follow these steps: C. A step of providing a filling machine in accordance with the characteristics described above, wherein the filling machine is • A filling station for filling containers, • A heating station for heating the container, • A sealing station for sealing containers, and further steps, While transporting the container from the inlet side to the outlet side, D. A step of filling containers with food at the filling station, E. A step of heating the container in the heating station, A step of sealing the container may be performed at a sealing station.

[0038] To clean the filling machine, work chamber, supply conduit, fluid inlet, fluid inlet surface, and fluid inlet penetration, follow these steps: F. A step of providing a filling machine in accordance with the features described above, wherein the filling machine is A cleaning nozzle positioned inside the supply conduit for spraying the cleaning medium onto the inner surface of the supply conduit and the fluid inlet, The step further comprises: a plurality of cleaning nozzles positioned within the work chamber to spray a cleaning medium onto the surface inside the work chamber; G. A step of operating a cleaning nozzle to clean the inner surface of the supply conduit and the fluid inlet, H. A step of operating a cleaning nozzle positioned inside the work chamber to clean the surface inside the work chamber, I. Steps A through I may be repeated as needed. The present invention provides, for example, the following items: (Item 1) A filling machine (100), the filling machine (100) comprises a work chamber (110) having side walls (111), a ceiling (112), and a floor (113), The container (130) is transported by the conveyor (115) from the inlet side (114a) to the outlet side (114b) through the work chamber (110). The work chamber (110) comprises at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) within the work chamber (110) configured to perform work steps on the container (130), The filling machine (100) is characterized by having a plurality of fluid inlets (120), Each fluid inlet (120) has a convex fluid inlet surface (121) facing the work chamber (110) and having a plurality of through-openings (122) arranged therein, and the plurality of through-openings (122) are configured to supply fluid to the work chamber (110) to form a clean zone around the at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c). Each fluid inlet (120) of the filling machine (100) is fluidly connected to a supply conduit (125) for supplying the fluid to the work chamber (110). (Item 2) The filling machine (100) according to item 1, wherein the cross-section of the supply conduit (125) increases toward the proximal end of the fluid inlet (120). (Item 3) The filling machine (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the supply conduit (125) is equipped with a cleaning nozzle (123a) located inside the supply conduit (125) for spraying a cleaning medium onto the inner surface of the supply conduit (125) and the fluid inlet (120). (Item 4) The supply conduit (125) is a filling machine (100) as described in any of the preceding items, having a circular cross-section. (Item 5) The filling machine (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the fluid inlet surface (121) has the shape of a spherical or ellipsoidal cap. (Item 6) Each fluid inlet (120) is fluid-connected to its respective supply conduit (125) in the filling machine (100) described in any of the preceding items. (Item 7) The filling machine (100) described in any of the preceding items, wherein the work chamber (110) is divided into a filling area (117) and a closed area (118) by a wall (119) extending laterally within the work chamber (110), the filling area being located near the inlet side (114a), and the closed area (118) being located near the outlet side (114b). (Item 8) The filling area (117) comprises at least one of the plurality of fluid inlets (120), and the closing area (118) comprises at least one of the plurality of fluid inlets (120), as described in item 7, the filling machine (100). (Item 9) The filling area (117) comprises at least two of the plurality of fluid inlets (120), and the closing area (118) comprises at least two of the plurality of fluid inlets (120), as described in item 8, the filling machine (100). (Item 10) A filling machine (100) according to any one of items 7 to 9, wherein the filling area (117) comprises a filling station (140a) for filling containers (130), and the closing area (118) comprises a heating station (140b) for heating the containers (130) and a sealing station (140c) for sealing the containers (130). (Item 11) The supply conduit (125) and the fluid inlet surface (121) are provided with a longitudinal axis (A), The fluid inlet surface (121) comprises a first surface region (121') having a surface curvature with a first radius r1, and a second surface region (121'') having a surface curvature with a second radius r2. The first radius r1 is greater than the second radius r2. The through-opening (122) contained within the first surface region (121') having a surface curvature with a first radius r1 is configured to distribute the fluid to form a clean zone around the at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) at a distribution angle of up to Y° from the axis (A), covering a larger area distal to the fluid inlet surface (121) than proximal to the fluid inlet surface (121), where Y° is 10° to 40°, and / or The through-opening contained in the second surface (121") having a surface curvature having a second radius r2 is configured to distribute fluid to form a clean zone around the at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) at a distribution angle of up to X° from axis A, covering a larger area distal to the fluid inlet surface (121) than proximal to the fluid inlet surface (121), where X° is 40° to 89°, as described in any of the preceding items, filling machine (100). (Item 12) The fluid inlet surface (121) comprises a first surface region (121') having a surface curvature with a first radius r1, and a second surface region (121'') having a surface curvature with a second radius r2. The first radius r1 is greater than the second radius r2. The fluid inlet surface (121) is configured to supply the fluid for forming a clean zone around the at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) to the work chamber (110) via a through-opening located in the first surface region (121') having a surface curvature having a first radius r1, rather than via the second surface region (121") having a surface curvature having a second radius r2. A filling machine (100) according to any of the preceding items, in which the ratio of the fluids for forming a clean zone around the at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) between the supply from the first surface region (121') having a surface curvature having a first radius r1 and the supply from the second surface region (121") having a surface curvature having a second radius r2 is 10:9 to 10:1. (Item 13) A method for filling a container, wherein the method is A. A step of providing a filling machine (100), The filling machine (100) includes a work chamber (110) which has side walls (111), a ceiling (112), and a floor (113). The container (130) is transported by the conveyor (115) from the inlet side (114a) to the outlet side (114b) through the work chamber (110). The aforementioned work chamber (110) is The work chamber (110) includes at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) configured to perform work steps on the container (130), A fluid inlet (120) having a fluid inlet surface (121), wherein the fluid inlet surface (121) comprises a plurality of through-openings (122) configured to supply fluid to the work chamber (110) for forming a clean zone within the work chamber (110), and Equipped with, The fluid inlet (120) is fluidly connected to a supply conduit (125) for supplying fluid to the work chamber (110). The fluid inlet surface (121) has a convex surface facing the work chamber (110), and the step B. The step of forming a clean zone within the work chamber (110) around the at least one station by supplying fluid to the at least one station from a plurality of fluid inlets (120). Includes, Each fluid inlet (120) has a convex fluid inlet surface (121) facing the work chamber (110) and having a plurality of through-openings (122) arranged therein, the plurality of through-openings (122) configured to supply fluid to the work chamber (110) to form a clean zone around at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c), Each fluid inlet (120) is fluidly connected to a supply conduit (125) for supplying the fluid to the work chamber (110), in a method. (Item 14) The aforementioned method, C. A step of providing a filling machine (100) as described in item 13, wherein the filling machine (100) A filling station (140a) for filling containers (130), A heating station (140b) for heating the container (130), A sealing station (140c) for sealing the container (130) and It also has steps, While transporting the container (130) from the inlet side (114a) toward the outlet side (114b), D. A step of filling the container (130) with food at the filling station (140a), E. A step of heating the container (130) in the heating station (140b), F. The step of sealing the container (130) in the sealing station (140c) and The method described in item 13, further including the method described in item 13. (Item 15) The aforementioned method, G. A step of providing a filling machine (100) as described in item 14, wherein the filling machine (100) A cleaning nozzle (123a) is disposed within the supply conduit (125), wherein the cleaning nozzle (123a) sprays a cleaning medium onto the inner surface of the supply conduit (125) and the fluid inlet (120), Multiple cleaning nozzles (123b) are arranged within the work chamber (110) and Furthermore, The plurality of cleaning nozzles (123b) spray a cleaning medium onto the surface inside the work chamber (110), H. A step of operating the cleaning nozzle (123a) to clean the inner surface of the supply conduit (125) and the fluid inlet (120), I. The step of operating the cleaning nozzle (123b) located inside the work chamber (110) to clean the surface inside the work chamber (110), J. Optionally, repeat steps A through I. The method described in item 14, further including the method described in item 14. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a side view of a filling machine having a work chamber with containers on a conveyor, a filling area, a closed area, and multiple fluid inlets passing through the ceiling of the work chamber.

[0040] [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows details of the filling area, which includes a filling station and a cleaning nozzle.

[0041] [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a side view of a closed region containing a heating station and a closure station.

[0042] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a separate supply conduit with a convex fluid inlet surface and multiple openings.

[0043] [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a separated supply conduit having a convex inlet surface, multiple openings, and a cleaning nozzle positioned inside the supply conduit.

[0044] [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a separation and supply conduit whose convex inlet surface exhibits an annular spherical shape.

[0045] [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a separation and supply conduit whose convex inlet surface has a semi-ellipsoidal shape.

[0046] [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the longitudinal axis of the fluid inlet and the fluid inlet surface. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples contained herein. The present invention is particularly intended to include modified forms of embodiments, including some embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments. It should be understood that, as with engineering or design projects, in the development of actual implementations, certain decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system and / or business-related constraints. Furthermore, it should be understood that while such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, they are nevertheless routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art who are interested in this disclosure.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the illustrated filling machine 100 includes a work chamber 110 suitable for providing a clean atmosphere. The work chamber 110 is defined by side walls 111, a ceiling 112, and a floor 113. The work chamber 110 has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. The work chamber 110 is equipped with a conveyor 115 configured to transport containers 130 from the inlet side 114a to the outlet side 114b of the work chamber 110. The work chamber 110 has a longitudinal direction from the inlet side 114a to the outlet side 114b. The containers 130 are designed to hold liquid food such as beverages.

[0049] Moving from the inlet side 114a to the outlet side 114b, the work chamber 110 is divided into a filling area 117 and a closed area 118 by a wall 119. The wall 119 extends laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the work chamber 110.

[0050] The filling region 117 is located near the inlet side 114a, and the closing region 118 is located near the outlet side 114b.

[0051] The filling machine 100 includes a decontamination tunnel 150 connected to the inlet side 114a and located outside the work chamber 110. Before entering the filling area 117, the containers 130 are transported by a conveyor 115 through the decontamination tunnel 150 and decontaminated therein. Decontamination includes exposure of the containers 130 to UV light.

[0052] Container 130 enters the work chamber 110 via conveyor 115 in an open state. Filling of the container 130 with liquid food is carried out within the filling area 117 by a filling station 140a located within the filling area.

[0053] While still open, the filled container 130 is transported into a closed region 118 where the upper end 131 of the container is heated by the heating station 140b.

[0054] Next, the container 130 is transported to a sealing station 140c located in the closed area 118. The container 130 is closed and sealed by the sealing station 140c, which forms a gable by folding the upper end 131 of the container. Finally, the container 130 is carried out of the work chamber 110 by the conveyor 115 through the side wall 111 on the exit side 114b.

[0055] To obtain a filled container 130 without contamination by particles, bacteria, or viruses that would significantly impair the quality and shelf life of the liquid food inside, it is necessary to maintain a clean atmosphere within the work chamber 110, particularly above the open container 130. A clean atmosphere is obtained by supplying HEPA air to the work chamber 110.

[0056] As used herein, the term HEPA air refers to air filtered through a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter is a high-efficiency particulate air filter. Defined by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) standards, which are used by most American industries, a HEPA filter removes at least 99.97% of aerosols with a diameter of 0.3 micrometers (μm). HEPA filters capture pollen, dirt, dust, moisture, bacteria (0.2–2.0 μm), and viruses (0.02–0.3 μm). By definition, HEPA air is suitable for forming a clean zone when introduced into a work chamber.

[0057] The work chamber 110 is equipped with a plurality of fluid inlets 120. Each of the fluid inlets 120 has a convex fluid inlet surface 121 facing the work chamber 110. Each of the fluid inlet surfaces 121 is located on the ceiling 112 and has a plurality of through-openings 122. Each of the fluid inlets 120 is fluidly connected to a supply conduit 125 that supplies HEPA air to each respective fluid inlet 120. The HEPA air is introduced into the work chamber through the through-openings 122.

[0058] The through-opening 122 is configured to direct a continuous, layered, and uniform flow of HEPA air from the fluid inlet surface 121 to at least below the vertical level of the upper end 131 of the container when the container 130 is being transported. The layered and uniform HEPA airflow provides a clean zone, which extends throughout the work chamber 110 from the fluid inlet surface 121 to below the vertical level of the upper end 131 of the container when the container 130 is being transported, thereby preventing contaminants from entering the container 130 while the container 130 is being transported through the work chamber 110.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the fluid inlet surface 121 has a convex ellipsoidal shape facing the work chamber 110, and the radius of curvature of the fluid inlet surface 121 is greater distal to the ceiling 112 than the radius of curvature of the fluid inlet surface 121 proximal to the ceiling 112. The ellipsoidal shape of the fluid inlet helps to equalize the pressure of the HEPA air across the through-opening 122. The ellipsoidal shape also provides a surface suitable for generating a layered and uniform HEPA airflow directed directly to the upper end 131 of the container while the through-opening 122 is transported within the work chamber.

[0060] To further aid in providing a uniform and layered HEPA airflow within the work chamber 110, the HEPA air pressure is equalized across the through-openings 122. The supply conduit 125 has the shape of a circular pipe with a cross-section suitable for providing a slow HEPA airflow velocity. The cross-section of the supply conduit 125 increases towards the proximal end of the fluid inlet surface 121. This helps to further slow the HEPA airflow velocity and equalize the HEPA air pressure across the through-openings 122, which then provides a uniform and layered HEPA airflow. Equalizing the HEPA air pressure across multiple through-openings 122 reduces the risk of undesirable backflow of air from the work chamber 110, which could lead to contamination.

[0061] The configuration of the filling machine 100 with a supply conduit 125 allows for a more compact design than when using a single plenum to equalize the pressure across the through-opening 122. This is because the plenum needs to have a much larger volume than is required when using a supply conduit 125 as described herein in order to slow down the flow velocity of the HEPA air.

[0062] After several containers 130 have been filled and transported, the work chamber 110 and the supply conduit 125 must be cleaned. As shown in Figure 5, the supply conduit 125 includes a supply conduit cleaning nozzle 123a located inside the supply conduit 125, configured to spray cleaning medium onto the inner surface of the supply conduit 125 and the fluid inlet 120. The cleaning medium sprayed from the supply conduit cleaning nozzle 123a also reaches the through-opening 122. The supply conduit cleaning nozzle 123a is fluidly connected to a pipe 124 for supplying cleaning medium to the supply conduit cleaning nozzle 123a.

[0063] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the work chamber 110 is equipped with at least one work chamber cleaning nozzle 123b for cleaning the surfaces inside the work chamber 110.

[0064] Here, we refer to Figure 6, which shows one embodiment in which the convex fluid inlet surface 121 has a torispherical shape. As used herein, a torispherical surface is a surface obtained from the intersection of a spherical cap with a tangential torus. The torispherical fluid inlet surface 121 includes a first surface region 121' having a surface curvature with a first radius r1 and a second surface region 121'' having a curvature with a second radius r2, where radius r1 is greater than radius r2.

[0065] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, it is shown that when installed in the filling machine 100, the annular spherical region with a radius of curvature indicated by r1 is distal to the ceiling 112, and the annular spherical region with a radius of curvature indicated by r2 is proximal to the ceiling.

[0066] The measurement of the annular sphere is defined as follows: r1 = radius of the sphere. r² = radius of the ring. h1 = Height from the base of the fluid inlet surface to the base of the ring. h2 = height from the base of the ring to the apex of the fluid inlet surface. h3 = h1 + h2 = height from the base of the fluid inlet surface to the apex of the fluid inlet surface. D a = diameter. s = the vertical thickness of the material constituting the fluid inlet surface.

[0067] A preferred example of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 is defined by measurement according to the DIN28011 standard.

[0068] Here, we refer to Figure 7, which shows one embodiment in which the convex fluid inlet surface 121 has the shape of a semi-ellipsoidal surface. The semi-ellipsoidal fluid inlet surface 121 includes a first region having a surface curvature with a radius indicated by r1 and a second surface region 121'' having a surface curvature with a radius indicated by r2. Radius r1 is greater than radius r2.

[0069] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, when installed in the filling machine 100, the semi-ellipsoidal surface region with a radius of curvature indicated by r1 is distal to the ceiling 112, and the semi-ellipsoidal surface region with a radius of curvature indicated by r2 is proximal to the ceiling.

[0070] The measured values ​​of the semi-ellipsoidal fluid inlet surface 121 are defined as follows: r1 = radius of curvature of the first region. r² = radius of curvature of the second region. h1 = Height from the base of the fluid inlet surface to the base of the ring. h2 = height from the base of the ring to the apex of the fluid inlet surface. h3 = h1 + h2 = height from the base of the fluid inlet surface to the apex of the fluid inlet surface. D a = diameter. s = vertical thickness of the material constituting the fluid inlet surface

[0071] A preferred example of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 is defined by measurement according to the DIN28013 standard.

[0072] In all embodiments, the through-openings 122 may be configured such that through-openings 122 arranged in combination in a region of radius r1 supply a larger portion of fluid to the work chamber 110 for forming a clean zone around at least one work station 140a, 140b, 140c compared to through-openings 122 arranged in combination in a region of radius r2. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this difference in the supply of fluid for forming a clean zone around at least one work station 140a, 140b, 140c can be achieved by distributing the through-openings 122 on the fluid inlet surface 121 such that more through-openings 122 are arranged in the region of radius r1 than in the region of radius r2, and / or by varying the size of the through-openings 122 in the regions of radius r1 and radius r2.

[0073] Refer here to Figure 8, which shows that the supply conduit 125 and the fluid inlet surface 121 include the longitudinal axis A. A through-opening 122 contained within a first surface region 121' having a first radius r1 may be configured to distribute fluid to form a clean zone around at least one work station at a distribution angle of up to Y° from axis A, covering a larger area distal to the fluid inlet surface 121 than proximal to the fluid inlet surface 121.

[0074] The distribution angle Y° can be 10°~40°, 15°~35°, 17°~32°, 20°~30°, 23°~28°, or 26.5°.

[0075] A through-opening 122 contained within a second surface region 121" having a second radius r2 may be configured to distribute fluid to form a clean zone around at least one work station at a distribution angle of up to X° from axis A, covering a larger area distal to the fluid inlet surface 121 than proximal to the fluid inlet surface 121.

[0076] The distribution angle X° can be 40°~89°, 55°~85°, 60°~80°, 65°~78°, 70°~77°, or 75°.

[0077] It is understood that the features shown in Figure 8 are applicable to all embodiments described herein.

[0078] Supplying fluid to form clean zones around at least one work station 140a, 140b, 140c at a distribution angle of 90° or more from axis A is undesirable because it does not provide a uniform fluid flow for forming clean zones from the fluid inlet 120 toward the floor 113.

[0079] For clarity, it is understood that certain features of the present invention described above in the context of separate configurations may be provided in combination in a single configuration. Conversely, various features of the present invention described in the context of a single configuration for the sake of brevity may be provided individually or in any suitable partial combination.

[0080] (List of references) 100 filling machine 110 Working Chamber 111 Side wall 112 Ceiling 113 floors 114a Entrance side 114b Exit side 115 Conveyor 117 Filling area 118 Closed area 119 Wall 120 Fluid inlet 121 Fluid inlet surface 121' First surface region 121” Second surface region 122 Through-opening 123a Supply conduit cleaning nozzle 123b Work chamber cleaning nozzle 124 pipes 125 Supply Conduit 130 Container 131 Upper end of container 132 Lower end of container 140a Filling Station 140b Heating Station 140°C sealed station 150 Decontamination Tunnel

Claims

1. A filling machine (100), The filling machine (100) includes a work chamber (110) comprising side walls (111), a ceiling (112), and a floor (113). The container (130) is transported by the conveyor (115) from the inlet side (114a) to the outlet side (114b) through the work chamber (110). The work chamber (110) comprises at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) within the work chamber (110), and the at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) is configured to perform work steps on the container (130). The filling machine (100) is equipped with a plurality of fluid inlets (120), Each fluid inlet (120) has a convex fluid inlet surface (121) facing the work chamber (110) and having a plurality of through-openings (122) arranged therein, and the plurality of through-openings (122) are configured to supply fluid to the work chamber (110) to form a clean zone around at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c), Each fluid inlet (120) is fluidly connected to a supply conduit (125) for supplying the fluid to the work chamber (110), The fluid inlet surface (121) has the shape of a spherical or ellipsoidal cap. A filling machine (100) characterized by the following.

2. The filling machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the supply conduit (125) increases toward the end proximal to the fluid inlet (120).

3. The filling machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the supply conduit (125) comprises a cleaning nozzle (123a) disposed within the supply conduit (125), and the cleaning nozzle (123a) is for spraying a cleaning medium onto the inner surface of the supply conduit (125) and the fluid inlet (120).

4. The filling machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the supply conduit (125) has a circular cross-section.

5. The filling machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein each fluid inlet (120) is fluid-connected to its respective supply conduit (125).

6. The filling machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the work chamber (110) is divided into a filling area (117) and a closed area (118) by a wall (119) extending laterally within the work chamber (110), the filling area being located closer to the inlet side (114a) than the closed area, and the closed area (118) being located closer to the outlet side (114b) than the filling area.

7. The filling area (117) comprises at least one of the plurality of fluid inlets (120), and the closing area (118) comprises at least one of the plurality of fluid inlets (120), the filling machine (100) according to claim 6.

8. The filling area (117) comprises at least two of the plurality of fluid inlets (120), and the closing area (118) comprises at least two of the plurality of fluid inlets (120), the filling machine (100) according to claim 7.

9. The filling area (117) comprises a filling station (140a) for filling containers (130), and the closing area (118) comprises a heating station (140b) for heating containers (130) and a sealing station (140c) for sealing containers (130), as described in claim 6, for the filling machine (100).

10. The supply conduit (125) and the fluid inlet surface (121) are provided with a longitudinal axis (A), The fluid inlet surface (121) comprises a first surface region (121') having a surface curvature with a first radius r1, and a second surface region (121'') having a surface curvature with a second radius r2. The first radius r1 is greater than the second radius r2. The through-opening (122) contained within the first surface region (121') having a surface curvature having a first radius r1 is configured to distribute the fluid to form a clean zone around the at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) at a distribution angle of up to Y° from the axis (A), covering a larger area distal to the fluid inlet surface (121) than proximal to the fluid inlet surface (121), where Y° is between 10° and 40°, and / or The through-opening contained within the second surface region (121") having a surface curvature having a second radius r2 is configured to distribute fluid to form a clean zone around the at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) at a distribution angle of up to X° from the axis (A), covering a larger area distal to the fluid inlet surface (121) than proximal to the fluid inlet surface, where X° is between 40° and 89°, according to the filling machine (100) of claim 1.

11. The fluid inlet surface (121) comprises a first surface region (121') having a surface curvature with a first radius r1, and a second surface region (121'') having a surface curvature with a second radius r2. The first radius r1 is greater than the second radius r2. The fluid inlet surface (121) is configured to supply the fluid for forming a clean zone around the at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) to the work chamber (110) through a through-opening located in the first surface region (121') having a surface curvature having a first radius r1, rather than through the second surface region (121'') having a surface curvature having a second radius r2, in a ratio that provides a larger portion of the fluid for forming a clean zone around the at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c). The filling machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the fluids for forming a clean zone around the at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) between the supply from the first surface region (121'') having a surface curvature having a first radius r1 and the supply from the second surface region (121'') having a surface curvature having a second radius r2 is 10:9 to 10:

1.

12. A method for filling a container, wherein the method is A. A step of providing a filling machine (100), The filling machine (100) includes a work chamber (110) comprising side walls (111), a ceiling (112), and a floor (113). The container (130) is transported by the conveyor (115) from the inlet side (114a) to the outlet side (114b) through the work chamber (110). The aforementioned work chamber (110) is The work chamber (110) comprises at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c), the at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c) configured to perform work steps on the container (130), A fluid inlet (120) having a fluid inlet surface (121), wherein the fluid inlet surface (121) comprises a plurality of through-openings (122) configured to supply fluid to the work chamber (110) for forming a clean zone within the work chamber (110), and Equipped with, The fluid inlet (120) is fluidly connected to a supply conduit (125) for supplying fluid to the work chamber (110). The fluid inlet surface (121) has a convex surface facing the work chamber (110), and the fluid inlet surface (121) has the shape of a spherical or ellipsoidal cap, and is a step, B. A step of forming a clean zone within the work chamber (110) around the at least one station by supplying fluid to the at least one station from a plurality of fluid inlets (120), Each fluid inlet (120) faces the work chamber (110) and has a convex fluid inlet surface (121) having a plurality of through-openings (122), the plurality of through-openings (122) being configured to supply fluid to the work chamber (110) to form a clean zone around at least one station (140a, 140b, 140c), Each fluid inlet (120) is fluidly connected to a supply conduit (125) for supplying the fluid to the work chamber (110), and Methods that include...

13. The aforementioned method, C. A step of providing a filling machine (100) according to claim 12, wherein the filling machine (100) is A filling station (140a) for filling containers (130), A heating station (140b) for heating the container (130), A sealing station (140c) for sealing the container (130) and Further steps to be added, While transporting the container (130) from the inlet side (114a) toward the outlet side (114b), D. A step of filling the container (130) with food at the filling station (140a), E. A step of heating the container (130) in the heating station (140b), F. A step for sealing the container (130) in the sealing station (140c) Pu and The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

14. The aforementioned method, G. A step of providing a filling machine (100) according to claim 13, wherein the filling machine (100) is A cleaning nozzle (123a) is located within the supply conduit (125), wherein the cleaning nozzle (123a) sprays a cleaning medium onto the inner surface of the supply conduit (125) and the fluid inlet (120), A plurality of cleaning nozzles (123b) are arranged within the work chamber (110), and the plurality of cleaning nozzles (123b) are for spraying a cleaning medium onto the surface inside the work chamber (110). Further steps to be added, H. A step of operating the cleaning nozzle (123a) to clean the inner surface of the supply conduit (125) and the fluid inlet (120), I. The step of operating the cleaning nozzle (123b) located inside the work chamber (110) to clean the surface inside the work chamber (110), J. Optionally, repeat steps A through I. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:

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