Rotary Filling Device Changing System for Compact CIP Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling device systems require a large installation space for moving rinsing containers or cleaning caps, especially when an elongated fill level probe is present, leading to space constraints in limited environments.
Innovation Solution
A rotary device with a changing system that moves the container carrier and cleaning cap using a common drive device, allowing for automatic CIP cleaning with minimal installation space by pivoting the container carrier and cleaning cap about multiple pivot axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a system for moving rinsing containers or cleaning caps is installed in conventional filling devices, then automatic CIP cleaning capability is achieved, but the installation space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the container carrier movement mechanism and the cleaning cap positioning mechanism into a single integrated changing system. The container carrier and cleaning cap are moved and positioned using shared mechanical components and a common drive system, eliminating the need for separate independent systems and reducing overall space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The changing system performs multiple functions: it moves the container carrier away from the filling element, positions the cleaning cap below the filling element, and coordinates both movements using a single mechanical system. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing installation space.
2Productivity
If the pitch of filling stations is reduced to increase productivity, then more filling stations can be accommodated, but space for cleaning systems becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the container carrier movement and cleaning cap positioning into one integrated system, the patent reduces the space required per filling station. This allows tighter spacing of filling stations (smaller pitch) while still accommodating the necessary cleaning infrastructure, thereby increasing the number of stations that can be installed in a given area.
3Area of stationary object
If manual attachment and removal of cleaning caps is used to save space, then installation space is reduced, but labor intensity and cleaning efficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The changing system automatically performs the attachment and detachment of cleaning caps to the filling elements without manual intervention. The system self-manages the positioning and securing of cleaning caps through its automated mechanical operations, eliminating the need for manual cap attachment while requiring minimal additional space.
4Manufacturing precision
If an elongated fill level probe is installed for precise filling control, then filling precision is improved, but the space requirement for cleaning systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated changing system consolidates the space required for cleaning operations, allowing the inclusion of elongated fill level probes without proportionally increasing overall space requirements. The merged system efficiently manages cleaning cap positioning even when additional components like elongated probes are present, maintaining compact dimensions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates, among other things, to a device (10), preferably a rotary device, for filling containers. The device (10) has a filling element (12) for filling a container, a container carrier (24) for supporting the container during filling of the container, and a cleaning cap (26) for covering the filling element (12) during cleaning of the filling element (12). The device (10) further has a changing system (30) which is designed to move the container carrier (24) away from a position directly beneath the filling element (12), preferably pivoting it away, and to move the cleaning cap (26) towards a position directly beneath the filling element (12), preferably pivoting it towards it, particularly preferably about a plurality of spaced-apart pivot axes (S1, S2, S3, S4).