Filling Machine Rotor Drive Integration for Closing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling machines require a separate drive to move closing elements between engagement and non-engagement positions, which complicates the construction and increases the risk of mechanical failures and contamination during cleaning and disinfection processes.
Innovation Solution
The filling machine design eliminates the need for a separate drive by using the rotor's drive to move the closing element support ring between positions, with the rotor rotating in a single direction, and incorporates a blocking and docking device to facilitate fluid connection for cleaning media, eliminating the need for rotary feedthroughs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate drive is used to move closing elements between engagement and non-engagement positions, then the closing elements can be precisely positioned, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the function of moving closing elements with the existing rotor drive mechanism. The closing element support ring is coupled to the rotor such that the rotor's rotation automatically drives the closing elements between engagement and non-engagement positions, eliminating the need for a separate drive system while maintaining precise positioning control.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor drive is designed to perform multiple functions: it both fills containers and simultaneously positions the closing elements. The blocking device is integrated into the rotor assembly, allowing the same rotational mechanism to control both filling operations and closing element positioning, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate drive is used to move closing elements, then positioning control is improved, but the risk of mechanical failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the closing element positioning mechanism with the rotor drive, reducing the number of independent mechanical systems. By using the rotor's existing rotational motion to drive the closing element support ring, the design eliminates additional motors, gears, and control mechanisms that would increase mechanical failure risk.
3Ease of manufacture
If rotary feedthroughs are used to supply cleaning media, then cleaning functionality is achieved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes rotary feedthroughs from the system entirely. Instead, cleaning media is supplied through fluid channels formed in the rotor and closing element support ring, which are naturally present due to their rotational function. This extraction of the harmful component (rotary feedthroughs) eliminates the contamination risk while preserving cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid channels in the rotor and support ring act as intermediaries for supplying cleaning media. These channels provide a sealed, contamination-free pathway for cleaning fluids to reach the closing elements during rotation, replacing the contaminated interface that would exist with traditional rotary feedthroughs.
4Device complexity
If the rotor rotates in one direction only, then the construction is simplified, but the ability to move closing elements bidirectionally is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic blocking device that can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on the rotor's rotational position. During filling operations, the blocking device prevents the support ring from rotating with the rotor, keeping closing elements in the engagement position. During cleaning, the block is released, allowing the support ring to rotate with the rotor and move closing elements to non-engagement positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a filling machine (1) for filling containers (2) with a filling material, comprising a rotor (3) which can be driven in rotation about a vertical machine axis (MA), a plurality of filling elements provided on the rotor (3), a closure element supporting ring (8) disposed coaxially with the machine axis (MA) having a plurality of closure elements (12) for closing the filling elements (5) on the underside thereof during cleaning and/or disinfection of the filling machine (1), wherein by relative movement of the closure element (8) and of the rotor (3) the closure elements (12) can be moved between a non-engaged state and an engaged state. For this purpose at least one locking device (15) is provided, by means of which a co-rotation of the closure element supporting ring (8) together with the rotor (2) for changing the closure elements (12) into the engaged state and back is controlled and locked.