Patent Application
20240166386
This application claims the benefit of and incorporates herein by reference German patent application DE 10 2022 130 513.9, filed on Nov. 17, 2022.
The invention relates to a dosing device for dosing liquid or pasty products, in particular food products, comprising at least one dosing unit which contains at least one dosing nozzle which is movably supported, in particular along a vertical direction, for filling containers, in particular cups, comprising at least one cleaning unit at least for cleaning and/or sterilizing the dosing nozzle, comprising at least one sterile chamber which at least section-wise surrounds a packaging carrier, in particular with containers arranged therein, and comprising at least one dosing chamber which is arranged, in particular along a vertical direction, above the sterile chamber and in which at least the cleaning unit is arranged.
Such a dosing device is already disclosed in DE 10 2017 207 073 A1, wherein in the already disclosed dosing device the dosing chamber and the sterile chamber form a common chamber, wherein this common chamber is sealed upwardly by a barrier arranged on the dosing unit and downwardly by a tub relative to the machine interior. The dosing chamber of the already disclosed dosing device does not comprise a bottom spatially separating the dosing chamber from the sterile chamber. A separate closing of the sterile chamber, in particular for changing the dosing unit, by a closable dosing opening between the dosing chamber and the sterile chamber, is thus not provided in the already disclosed dosing device. Thus it can lead to an undesirable contamination of the sterile chamber, in particular after changing the dosing unit, so that this can involve additional effort for sterilizing the sterile chamber, in particular after changing the dosing unit.
The object of the invention, in particular, is to provide a dosing device of the type in question, a method of the type in question and a filling system of the type in question, having improved properties regarding a sterilizing function and/or a dosing unit changing function. The object is achieved according to the invention.
The invention is based on a dosing device for dosing liquid or pasty products, in particular food products, comprising at least one dosing unit which comprises at least one dosing nozzle which is movably supported, in particular along a vertical direction, for filling containers, in particular cups, comprising at least one cleaning unit at least for cleaning and/or sterilizing the dosing nozzle, comprising at least one sterile chamber which at least section-wise surrounds a packaging carrier, in particular with containers arranged therein, and comprising at least one dosing chamber which is arranged, in particular along a vertical direction, above the sterile chamber and in which at least the cleaning unit is arranged.
It is proposed that the dosing chamber has a bottom which faces the sterile chamber and which has at least one dosing opening which faces the sterile chamber and through which the containers arranged in the sterile chamber can be filled by means of the dosing nozzle in at least one operating state. A spatial separation between the dosing chamber and the sterile chamber can be made possible in a structurally simple manner by means of the embodiment according to the invention, while at the same time achieving an advantageous dosing functionality. Two separate chambers which are connected via the dosing opening can be produced in a structurally simple manner, wherein the dosing opening can be opened or closed as a function of the operating state of the dosing device, in particular in order to permit an individual sterilizing or cleaning of the dosing nozzle or in order to implement a dosing unit changing function in which advantageously a contamination of the sterile chamber can be substantially avoided. Advantageously, an individual sterilizing function can be implemented for the dosing chamber and for the sterile chamber. Advantageously, a sterilizing function which can be adapted to production-related conditions can be implemented for the dosing chamber and for the sterile chamber. An advantageous hygiene concept can be made possible. The embodiment according to the invention can advantageously permit a reliable and fully automatic cleaning of the dosing unit, while a filling system comprising the dosing device can remain in operation, in particular when a plurality of dosing devices are provided in the filling system.
The dosing unit preferably comprises a plurality of dosing nozzles which are configured for filling containers with a liquid or pasty product, in particular with a food product. “Configured” is in particular to mean specifically designed, specifically set up and/or specifically equipped. “An object being configured for a specific function” is in particular to mean that the object fulfills and/or carries out this specific function in at least one use state and/or operating state. The containers which can be filled by means of the dosing unit are preferably embodied as cups. It is also conceivable, however, that the containers which can be filled by means of the dosing unit have a different design which appears expedient to a person skilled in the art, such as for example a design as trays, as cans, as bottles, as tubes, or the like. The dosing nozzles are preferably mounted so as to be jointly movable relative to the dosing chamber and/or to the sterile chamber. It is also conceivable, however, that the dosing nozzles are mounted so as to be individually movable relative to the dosing chamber and/or to the sterile chamber. Preferably, the dosing nozzle(s) is/are movably supported, in particular relative to the dosing chamber and/or the sterile chamber, in a direction running at least substantially perpendicularly to a standing surface of the dosing device, operating forces being able to be supported thereby on a substrate, such as for example a production hall floor, or the like. The expression “substantially perpendicularly” is intended to define, in particular, an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, in particular when viewed in a projection plane, enclose an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation, in particular, of less than 8°, advantageously of less than 5° and particularly advantageously of less than 2°. Preferably, the dosing nozzle(s) is/are movably supported in the vertical direction, in particular relative to the dosing chamber and/or the sterile chamber. Preferably, the dosing nozzle(s) is/are movably supported in a translational manner, in particular relative to the dosing chamber and/or the sterile chamber. It is also conceivable, however, that the dosing nozzle(s) is/are movably supported in a different direction which appears expedient to a person skilled in the art and/or that the dosing nozzle (s) is/are movably supported in a different manner, such as for example pivotably movably supported, or the like. The dosing nozzles preferably have a design which is already known to a person skilled in the art. The dosing nozzles preferably have an at least substantially similar design to one another. It is also conceivable, however, that the dosing unit has differently implemented dosing nozzles, in particular depending on a field of application or an application of the dosing unit. Preferably, a description of an individual dosing nozzle can be applied to the other dosing nozzles of the dosing unit.
The cleaning unit is preferably arranged in the dosing chamber. Preferably, the cleaning unit is movably supported in the dosing chamber, in particular movably supported in a translational manner, in particular relative to the dosing unit. The cleaning unit is preferably movably supported in a direction running at least substantially parallel to the standing surface of the dosing device, in particular relative to the dosing unit. “Substantially parallel” is in particular to mean an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in one plane, wherein the direction relative to the reference direction has a deviation, in particular, of less than 8°, advantageously of less than 5° and particularly advantageously of less than 2°. Preferably, the cleaning unit is movably supported in a horizontal direction, in particular relative to the dosing unit. Preferably, when viewed in the vertical direction, the cleaning unit is arranged in a region between a barrier of the dosing device arranged on the dosing unit and the bottom of the dosing chamber. Preferably, the cleaning unit comprises at least one cleaning element, in particular flushing plate or flushing bar, which defines a cleaning space in which the dosing nozzle(s) can be arranged. At least the cleaning element of the cleaning unit is preferably movably supported in the dosing chamber in the horizonal direction, in particular relative to the dosing unit.
The sterile chamber and the dosing chamber are preferably in each case separate, and at least substantially self-contained, chambers which in at least one operating state can be connected via the dosing opening, in particular in order to be able to fill the containers, which are located in the sterile chamber, by means of the dosing unit. The sterile chamber preferably comprises side walls and at least one bottom via which the side walls are connected together. Preferably, when viewed in the vertical direction, the sterile chamber is defined, in particular closed, upwardly by an external wall of the dosing device or by a packaging carrier. The dosing chamber preferably comprises side walls and the bottom via which the side walls are connected together. Preferably, when viewed in the vertical direction, the dosing chamber is upwardly defined, in particular closed, by the barrier of the dosing device arranged on the dosing unit, or an upper closure wall. Preferably, when viewed in the vertical direction, the sterile chamber is arranged below the dosing chamber. Preferably, when viewed in the vertical direction, the dosing chamber is arranged above the sterile chamber. It is also conceivable, however, that the dosing chamber is arranged at least partially or entirely inside the sterile chamber. Preferably, when viewed in the vertical direction, the dosing chamber is arranged at least above a packaging guide unit of the dosing device for guiding the packaging carrier.
Preferably, the bottom of the dosing chamber extends in a plane extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the vertical direction. Preferably, the bottom of the dosing chamber extends at least substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. The bottom of the dosing chamber extends at least substantially parallel to a guide axis of the packaging guide unit. It is also conceivable, however, that the bottom of the dosing chamber runs in an inclined manner relative to the plane extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the vertical direction, in order to permit an outflow of cleaning or sterilizing agent located, for example, in the dosing chamber after the cleaning or sterilizing of the dosing unit and/or the dosing chamber. Further arrangements of the bottom which appear expedient to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. The bottom preferably defines a maximum extent of the dosing opening. Preferably, the bottom comprises an edge defining the dosing opening. It is conceivable that the dosing chamber has a plurality of dosing openings arranged in the bottom of the dosing chamber, or that the dosing chamber has a single dosing opening arranged in the bottom of the dosing chamber. In an embodiment of the dosing chamber with a plurality of dosing openings, it is conceivable that in each case a single dosing nozzle of the dosing unit is assigned to a dosing opening or that a plurality of dosing nozzles of the dosing unit are assigned to a dosing opening.
It is further proposed that the dosing nozzle extends, in particular in the vertical direction, into the dosing opening or through the dosing opening in at least one operating state, in particular in order to fill the containers arranged in the sterile chamber. Preferably, the dosing nozzle extends into the dosing opening or through the dosing opening, at least in a filling operating state in which the containers can be filled by means of the dosing nozzle(s) with liquid or pasty products. The dosing nozzle(s) extends/extend from the dosing chamber into the sterile chamber, in particular through the dosing opening, in at least one operating state, in particular in the filling operating state. It is also conceivable, however, that the dosing nozzle(s) only extends/extend into the dosing opening and does/do not protrude into the sterile chamber in the filling operating state, or that the dosing nozzle(s) is/are arranged above the dosing opening and the containers arranged below the dosing opening is/are filled through the dosing opening in the filling operating state. Further arrangements of the dosing nozzle(s) in the filling operating state which appear expedient to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. Preferably, the dosing nozzle(s) is/are arranged outside the dosing opening in at least one operating state, in particular in at least one cleaning or sterilizing operating state. Preferably, the dosing nozzle(s) can be moved into the dosing opening or out of the dosing opening as a result of a lifting movement in the vertical direction. A spatial separation between the dosing chamber and the sterile chamber can be made possible in a structurally simple manner by means of the embodiment according to the invention, while at the same time achieving an advantageous dosing functionality. Two separate chambers which are connected via the dosing opening can be produced in a structurally simple manner, wherein the dosing nozzle(s) extends/extend into the dosing opening or is/are arranged outside the dosing opening as a function of the operating state of the dosing device.
It is further proposed that the dosing device comprises at least one lifting unit which is configured to move at least the dosing nozzle, in particular in the vertical direction, relative to the dosing opening, in particular at least into the dosing opening or out of the dosing opening. Preferably, the lifting unit comprises at least one drive element, such as for example a drive motor, a drive cylinder, or the like, for moving the dosing nozzle(s), in particular in the vertical direction. A drive axis of the drive element preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction. The drive element is preferably embodied as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. Preferably, the lifting unit comprises at least two, particularly preferably at least four, drive elements, the dosing nozzle(s) being movably supported thereby, in particular in the vertical direction. The lifting unit preferably comprises at least one transverse carrier element on which the dosing nozzle(s) is/are arranged so as to be moved by means of the drive element. The transverse carrier element preferably has a longitudinal axis which extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the vertical direction. Preferably, the lifting unit comprises at least two transverse carrier elements, wherein in each case two drive elements are provided for each transverse carrier element. It is also conceivable, however, that the lifting unit has a different design which appears expedient to a person skilled in the art, such as for example a design with at least one or more linear guide element(s), such as guide rails, guide rods, toothed racks, or the like, which has/have a longitudinal axis oriented at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction and by means of which the dosing nozzle(s) is/are movably supported, in particular in the vertical direction, wherein the lifting unit has at least one or more drive element(s), such as for example one or more electric motor(s) or the like, the dosing nozzle(s) being able to be moved thereby along the guide element(s). An active movement, in particular an automatic movement, of the dosing nozzle relative to the dosing opening can be permitted in a structurally simple manner by means of the embodiment according to the invention, in particular in order to permit different positions of the dosing nozzle as a function of an operating state of the dosing device. A spatial separation between the dosing chamber and the sterile chamber can be made possible in a structurally simple manner, while at the same time achieving an advantageous dosing functionality. Advantageously, it is possible to achieve an automatic transfer of the dosing device from the filling operating state to the cleaning or sterilizing operating state.
It is further proposed that the cleaning unit comprises at least one closure element which is movably supported, in particular relative to the dosing chamber and/or the sterile chamber, for closing the dosing opening of the dosing chamber in at least one operating state. Preferably, the closure element is configured for closing the dosing opening in the cleaning or sterilizing operating state. Preferably, at least one sealing element of the cleaning unit is arranged on the closure element and/or on the edge of the bottom of the dosing chamber defining the dosing opening, in particular in order to permit a fluid-tight closure of the dosing opening. The closure element covers the dosing opening, preferably entirely. In an embodiment of the dosing device with a plurality of dosing openings in the bottom of the dosing chamber, it is conceivable that the cleaning unit comprises a single closure element which can close all of the dosing openings or the cleaning unit comprises a plurality of closure elements, wherein in each case a single closure element of the plurality of closure elements is assigned to one of the dosing openings. Preferably, the closure element is movably supported in a translational manner, in particular in a direction running at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction. It is also conceivable, however, that the closure element is pivotably mounted relative to the dosing chamber and/or the sterile chamber in a direction running at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction or to the horizontal direction or in that the closure element is movably supported in a translational manner in a direction running at least substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. The closure element can be moved by a drive of the cleaning unit, by the dosing nozzle itself, or the like. It is conceivable that the drive of the cleaning unit is embodied, for example, as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, as an electric motor, or the like. A spatial separation between the dosing chamber and the sterile chamber can be made possible in a structurally simple manner by means of the embodiment according to the invention, while at the same time achieving an advantageous dosing functionality. Two separate chambers which are connected via the dosing opening can be produced in a structurally simple manner, wherein the dosing opening can be opened or closed as a function of the operating state of the dosing device, in particular in order to permit an individual sterilizing or cleaning of the dosing nozzle or in order to implement a dosing unit changing function in which advantageously a contamination of the sterile chamber can be substantially avoided. Advantageously, an individual sterilizing function can be implemented for the dosing chamber and for the sterile chamber. Advantageously, a sterilizing function which can be adapted to production-related conditions can be implemented for the dosing chamber and for the sterile chamber.
It is further proposed that the cleaning unit comprises at least one closure element, in particular the already aforementioned closure element, which is movably supported, in particular in a translational manner, on a cleaning element, in particular on the already aforementioned cleaning element, of the cleaning unit, for closing or for opening the dosing opening. The cleaning element is preferably realized as a flushing plate or as a flushing bar. It is also conceivable, however, that the cleaning element has a different design which appears expedient to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the closure element is movably supported in a translational manner on the cleaning element, in particular in a direction running at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction. It is also conceivable, however, that the closure element is pivotably mounted on the cleaning element about a pivot axis running at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction or at least substantially parallel to the horizontal direction. It is also conceivable that the cleaning unit comprises at least one spring element which applies a spring force on the closure element in the direction of the dosing opening, in particular such that the closure element is movably supported in a spring-pretensioned manner on the cleaning element. It is conceivable that the cleaning unit comprises a single cleaning element for each dosing nozzle or that the cleaning unit comprises a single cleaning element for all of the dosing nozzles, in which the dosing nozzles can be arranged together for the cleaning or sterilizing. A spatial separation between the dosing chamber and the sterile chamber can be permitted in a structurally simple manner by means of the embodiment according to the invention, while at the same time achieving an advantageous dosing functionality. Two separate chambers which are connected via the dosing opening can be produced in a structurally simple manner, wherein the dosing opening can be opened or closed as a function of the operating state of the dosing device, in particular in order to permit an individual sterilizing or cleaning of the dosing nozzle or in order to implement a dosing unit changing function in which advantageously a contamination of the sterile chamber can be substantially avoided.
It is further proposed that the cleaning unit has at least one cleaning element, in particular the already aforementioned cleaning element, in particular the flushing plate or the flushing bar, which is movably supported inside the dosing chamber, and which in at least one operating state covers the dosing opening, in particular when viewed along a vertical direction. Preferably, the cleaning element is arranged above the dosing opening and covers the dosing opening at least in the cleaning or sterilizing operating state. In an alternative embodiment of the dosing device according to the invention, it is conceivable that the closure element is realized integrally with the cleaning element and, in particular, the cleaning element itself forms the closure element. In the one-piece embodiment of the closure element with the cleaning element, the cleaning element is movably supported, in particular additionally in a direction running at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction, in order to close or open the dosing opening. Further embodiments which appear expedient to the person skilled in the art are also conceivable. “In one piece” is in particular to mean at least connected by a material connection, for example by a welding process, a bonding process, an injection molding process and/or a different process which appears expedient to a person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously shaped in one piece, such as for example by producing from a casting and/or by producing in a single-component or multi-component injection molding method and advantageously from a single blank. Two separate chambers which are connected via the dosing opening can be produced in a structurally simple manner by means of the embodiment according to the invention, wherein the dosing opening can be opened or closed as a function of the operating state of the dosing device, in particular in order to permit an individual sterilizing or cleaning of the dosing nozzle or in order to implement a dosing unit changing function in which advantageously a contamination of the sterile chamber can be substantially avoided.
Advantageously, a closing function and a cleaning or sterilizing function can be integrated in a structural unit of the dosing device according to the invention in a structurally simple manner. Advantageously, a space-saving arrangement of the individual elements of the dosing device according to the invention can be implemented for a reliable closure of the dosing opening. The invention is also based on a method for operating a dosing device, in particular a dosing device according to the invention. It is proposed that in at least one method step at least one dosing nozzle, in particular the already aforementioned dosing nozzle, of a dosing unit, in particular the already aforementioned dosing unit, of the dosing device can be moved, in particular, by means of a lifting unit, in particular the already aforementioned lifting unit, of the dosing device out of or into a dosing opening, in particular the already aforementioned dosing opening, of a dosing chamber, in particular the already aforementioned dosing chamber, of the dosing device, in particular in the vertical direction. Preferably, the dosing nozzle(s) is/are moved by means of the lifting unit out of the dosing opening for transferring from the filling operating state into the cleaning or sterilizing operating state or into a filling nozzle changing operating state. Preferably, the cleaning element, in particular after moving the dosing nozzle(s) out of the dosing opening, is moved in the horizontal direction, in particular below the dosing nozzle(s) and above the dosing opening. In particular, as a result of the movement below the dosing nozzle(s) and above the dosing opening, the cleaning element is connected to a fluid interface of the cleaning unit via which cleaning or sterilizing fluid can be supplied to the cleaning element. Preferably, in particular after moving the cleaning element below the dosing nozzle(s) and/or above the dosing opening, the closure element is moved into a closed position, in particular moved in the vertical direction in order to close the dosing opening. The dosing nozzle(s) is/are moved by means of the lifting unit in the vertical direction into the cleaning element for transferring into the cleaning or sterilizing operating state, in particular after moving the cleaning element below the dosing nozzle(s) and above the dosing opening, and preferably after the dosing opening is closed by means of the closure element. Preferably, the dosing nozzle(s) and/or the dosing chamber are cleaned or sterilized in the cleaning or sterilizing operating state. In particular the dosing unit, in particular the dosing nozzle(s), is/are moved further in the vertical direction in a direction facing away from the dosing chamber for transferring into the filling nozzle changing operating state, in particular after moving the cleaning element below the dosing nozzle(s) and/or above the dosing opening and preferably after the dosing opening is closed by means of the closure element, or entirely removed from the dosing chamber, in particular in order to change the individual dosing nozzles or all of the dosing nozzles. After changing the individual dosing nozzles or all of the dosing nozzles, the dosing unit, in particular the dosing nozzle(s), is/are moved back in the vertical direction in the direction of the dosing chamber or arranged again on the dosing chamber. In particular, the dosing nozzle(s) is/are transferred into the cleaning or sterilizing operating state, in particular by moving the dosing nozzle(s) into the cleaning element and subsequently cleaning or sterilizing the dosing nozzle(s). Preferably, a cleaning or sterilizing of the dosing chamber takes place by means of a chamber cleaning element of the cleaning unit at the same time as or after the cleaning or sterilizing of the dosing nozzle(s). The chamber cleaning element may be embodied, for example, as a spray head, as a spray nozzle, or the like. Preferably, the chamber cleaning element is arranged inside the dosing chamber. Preferably, after the cleaning or sterilizing is carried out, the dosing nozzle(s) is/are moved by means of the lifting unit out of the cleaning element. Preferably, the closure element is moved in the vertical direction, in a direction facing away from the sterile chamber, into an open position in which the dosing opening is opened. Preferably, the cleaning element is moved in the horizontal direction away from the dosing opening. Preferably, the dosing nozzle(s) is/are moved by means of the lifting unit into the dosing opening for transferring into the filling operating state, in particular after a cleaning or sterilizing of the dosing nozzle(s) and/or the dosing chamber. As a result of the closed dosing opening, the sterile chamber advantageously remains sterile in the cleaning or sterilizing operating state and in the filling nozzle changing operating state. It is also conceivable, however, that the sterile chamber is also cleaned or sterilized in the cleaning or sterilizing operating state. Advantageously, a spatial separation between the dosing chamber and the sterile chamber can be made possible by means of the embodiment according to the invention, while at the same time achieving an advantageous dosing functionality. Advantageously, two separate chambers which are connected via the dosing opening can be produced, wherein the dosing opening can be opened or closed as a function of the operating state of the dosing device, in particular in order to permit an individual sterilizing or cleaning of the dosing nozzle or in order to implement a dosing unit changing function in which advantageously a contamination of the sterile chamber can be substantially avoided. Advantageously, an individual sterilizing function can be implemented for the dosing chamber and for the sterile chamber. Advantageously, a sterilizing function which can be adapted to production-related conditions can be implemented for the dosing chamber and for the sterile chamber. An advantageous hygiene concept can be made possible. The embodiment according to the invention can advantageously permit a reliable and fully automatic cleaning of the dosing unit, while a filling system comprising the dosing device can remain in operation, in particular when a plurality of dosing devices are provided in the filling system.
It is further proposed that in at least one method step the dosing opening of the dosing chamber is closed, in particular automatically, by means of a closure element, in particular the already aforementioned closure element, of a cleaning unit, in particular the already aforementioned cleaning unit, of the dosing device. Preferably, as a function of a position of the cleaning element the dosing opening is closed relative to the dosing opening, in particular automatically, by means of the closure element. Instead of a movement of the closure element relative to the cleaning element for closing the dosing opening, it is also conceivable that the cleaning element, in particular following a movement of the cleaning element in the horizontal direction, is moved in the vertical direction in the direction of the sterile chamber in order to close the dosing opening. Further embodiments and/or method steps which appear expedient to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. Advantageously, a reliable closure of the dosing opening can be implemented by means of the embodiment according to the invention. Advantageously, it is possible to keep the sterile chamber sterile in a reliable manner in the operating states which include the cleaning operating state or the sterilizing operating state and the filling nozzle changing operating state. Advantageously, a spatial separation between the dosing chamber and the sterile chamber can be made possible, while at the same time achieving an advantageous dosing functionality.
The invention is also based on a filling system for liquid, pasty or solid products, in particular food products, comprising at least one dosing device according to the invention. Preferably, the filling system comprises a plurality of dosing devices according to the invention or the dosing device comprises a plurality of dosing units. Preferably, in an embodiment of the filling system with a plurality of dosing devices, the dosing devices are arranged one behind the other in a transport direction of the filling system. Preferably, a separate dosing chamber is assigned to each dosing unit of the dosing devices. Preferably, the sterile chamber of one of the dosing devices is realized integrally with the sterile chambers of the other dosing devices. In particular, the filling system comprises a continuous sterile chamber which is assigned to all of the dosing devices, while each of the dosing devices has a separate dosing chamber, in each case being realized separately from the continuous sterile chamber and in each case being able to be closed individually by means of a closure element. The sterile chamber is preferably embodied as a sterile tunnel. Preferably, in an embodiment of the dosing device with a plurality of dosing units, the dosing units are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction of the filling system. Preferably, a separate dosing chamber is assigned to each dosing unit of the dosing device. Preferably, the sterile chamber of the dosing device is assigned to all of the dosing units of the dosing device. In particular, the dosing device comprises a continuous sterile chamber which is assigned to all of the dosing units, while a separate dosing chamber is assigned to each of the dosing units, in each case being realized separately from the continuous sterile chamber and in each case being able to be closed individually by means of a closure element. The sterile chamber is preferably embodied as a sterile tunnel. The filling system can comprise further devices and/or units which appear expedient to a person skilled in the art and which can be used for dosing or filling liquid or pasty products, in particular food products. The filling system is preferably configured for producing and/or filling food products. The filling system can also comprise, in addition to the dosing device, a plurality of further devices and/or units which a person skilled in the art considers expedient, such as for example a forming device for packaging, a cutting device, a closure device, an overpackaging device, a container feed device, or the like. A filling system with a reliable spatial separation between the dosing chamber and the sterile chamber can be made possible in a structurally simple manner by means of the embodiment according to the invention, while at the same time achieving an advantageous dosing functionality. Advantageously, it is possible to implement a dosing unit changing function in which advantageously a contamination of the sterile chamber can be substantially avoided. Advantageously, an individual sterilizing function can be implemented for the dosing chamber and for the sterile chamber. Advantageously, a sterilizing function which can be adapted to production-related conditions can be implemented for the dosing chamber and for the sterile chamber. An advantageous hygiene concept can be made possible. The embodiment according to the invention can advantageously permit a reliable and fully automatic cleaning of the dosing unit, while a filling system comprising the dosing device can remain in operation, in particular when a plurality of dosing devices are provided in the filling system.
It is further proposed that the filling system comprises at least one packaging carrier, in particular the already aforementioned packaging carrier, and at least one packaging guide unit, in particular the already aforementioned packaging guide unit, for guiding the packaging carrier, in particular at least inside the sterile chamber, wherein the dosing chamber, in particular at least the bottom of the dosing chamber, is arranged in a direction running transversely to a guide axis of the packaging guide unit, in particular in the vertical direction, spatially above the packaging carrier. Preferably, when viewed in the vertical direction, at least the bottom of the dosing chamber is arranged between the packaging guide unit and an external wall of the filling system and/or between the packaging guide unit and the barrier of the dosing device. Further arrangements of the dosing chamber which appear expedient to a person skilled in the art, and in which the dosing opening can be reliably closed, are also conceivable. A spatial separation between the dosing chamber and the sterile chamber can be made possible in a structurally simple manner by means of the embodiment according to the invention, while at the same time achieving an advantageous dosing functionality. Two separate chambers which are connected via the dosing opening can be produced in a structurally simple manner, wherein the dosing opening can be opened or closed as a function of the operating state of the dosing device, in particular in order to permit an individual sterilizing or cleaning of the dosing nozzle or in order to implement a dosing unit changing function in which advantageously a contamination of the sterile chamber can be substantially avoided. Advantageously, an individual sterilizing function can be implemented for the dosing chamber and for the sterile chamber. Advantageously, a sterilizing function which can be adapted to production-related conditions can be implemented for the dosing chamber and for the sterile chamber. An advantageous hygiene concept can be made possible. The embodiment according to the invention can advantageously permit a reliable and fully automatic cleaning of the dosing unit, while a filling system comprising the dosing device can remain in operation, in particular when a plurality of dosing devices are provided in the filling system.
The dosing device according to the invention, the method according to the invention and/or the filling system according to the invention is/are not intended to be limited to the above-described application and embodiment. In particular, the dosing device according to the invention, the method according to the invention and/or the filling system according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units and method steps which differs from a number mentioned herein. Moreover, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values which lie within the stated limits should also be regarded as disclosed and able to be used as desired.
Further advantages are found in the following description of the drawings. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them to form further meaningful combinations.
In the drawings:
The dosing device 10 also comprises at least one cleaning unit 20, at least for cleaning and/or sterilizing the dosing nozzle(s) 16, the sterile chamber 22, which at least section-wise surrounds the packaging carrier 24, in particular with containers 18 arranged therein, and the dosing chamber 26 which is arranged, in particular in the vertical direction 14, above the sterile chamber 22 and in which at least the cleaning unit 20 is arranged. The cleaning unit 20, when viewed in the vertical direction 14, is preferably arranged in a region between a barrier 56 which is arranged on the dosing unit 12 (see also
The sterile chamber 22 and the dosing chamber 26 are in each case preferably separate and at least substantially self-contained chambers which in at least one operating state can be connected via a dosing opening 30 of the dosing chamber 26, in particular in order to be able to fill the containers 18 located in the sterile chamber 22 by means of the dosing unit 12. The sterile chamber 22 preferably comprises side walls 58 and at least one bottom 60 via which the side walls 58 are connected together. Preferably, when viewed in the vertical direction 14, the sterile chamber 22 is defined, in particular closed, upwardly by an external wall of the dosing device 10 or of the filling system 46 or by the packaging carrier 24. The dosing chamber 26 preferably comprises side walls 62 and the bottom 28, via which the side walls 62 are connected together. Preferably, when viewed in the vertical direction 14, the dosing chamber 26 is defined, in particular closed, upwardly by the barrier 56 of the dosing device 10 which is arranged on the dosing unit 12, or an upper closure wall. Preferably, when viewed in the vertical direction 14, the sterile chamber 22 is arranged below the dosing chamber 26. Preferably, when viewed in the vertical direction 14, the dosing chamber 26 is arranged above the sterile chamber 22. It is also conceivable, however, that the dosing chamber 26 is at least partially or entirely arranged inside the sterile chamber 22. Preferably, when viewed in the vertical direction 14, the dosing chamber 26 is arranged at least above the packaging guide unit 48.
The dosing chamber 26 has the bottom 28 which faces the sterile chamber 22 and which has the at least one dosing opening 30 which faces the sterile chamber 22 and through which the containers 18 arranged in the sterile chamber 22 can be filled by means of the dosing nozzle(s) 16 in at least one operating state. The dosing chamber 26, in particular at least the bottom 28 of the dosing chamber 26, is preferably arranged in a direction running transversely to a guide axis 50 of the packaging guide unit 48, in particular in the vertical direction 14, spatially above the packaging carrier 24. Preferably, the bottom 28 of the dosing chamber 26 extends in a plane extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the vertical direction 14. Preferably, the bottom 28 of the dosing chamber 26 extends at least substantially parallel to the horizontal direction 54. The bottom 28 of the dosing chamber 26 extends at least substantially parallel to the guide axis 50 of the packaging guide unit 48. It is also conceivable, however, that the bottom 28 of the dosing chamber 26 runs in an inclined manner relative to the plane extending transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the vertical direction 14, in particular in order to permit an outflow of cleaning or sterilizing agent located, for example, in the dosing chamber 26 after a cleaning or sterilizing of the dosing unit 12 and/or the dosing chamber 26. Further arrangements of the bottom 28 which appear expedient to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable. The bottom 28 preferably defines a maximum extent of the dosing opening 30. Preferably, the bottom 28 comprises an edge defining the dosing opening 30. It is conceivable that the dosing chamber 26 has a plurality of dosing openings 30 which are arranged in the bottom 28 of the dosing chamber 26 or that the dosing chamber 26 has a single dosing opening 30 which is arranged in the bottom 28 of the dosing chamber 26. In an embodiment of the dosing chamber 26 with a plurality of dosing openings 30, it is conceivable that in each case a single dosing nozzle 16 of the dosing unit 12 is assigned to a dosing opening 30 or that a plurality of dosing nozzles 16 of the dosing unit 12 are assigned to a dosing opening 30.
Preferably, the dosing nozzle(s) 16 extends/extend, in particular in the vertical direction 14, into the dosing opening 30 or through the dosing opening 30 in at least one operating state, in particular in order to fill the containers 18 arranged in the sterile chamber 22. Preferably, the dosing nozzle(s) 16 extends/extend into the dosing opening 30 or through the dosing opening 30 in at least one filling operating state in which the containers 18 can be filled by means of the dosing nozzle(s) 16 with liquid or pasty products (see
Preferably, the dosing device 10 comprises at least one lifting unit 32 which is configured to move the dosing nozzle(s) 16, in particular in the vertical direction 14, relative to the dosing opening 30, in particular at least into the dosing opening 30 or out of the dosing opening 30. Preferably, the lifting unit 32 comprises at least one drive element 64, such as for example a drive motor, a drive cylinder or the like, for a movement of the dosing nozzle(s) 16, in particular in the vertical direction 14. A drive axis of the drive element 64 preferably runs at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction 14. The drive element 64 is preferably embodied as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. Preferably, the lifting unit 32 comprises at least four drive elements 64 (a number of drive elements 64 deviating from four is also conceivable), the dosing nozzle(s) 16 being movably supported thereby, in particular in the vertical direction 14. The lifting unit 32 preferably comprises at least one transverse carrier element 66 on which the dosing nozzle(s) 16 is/are arranged so as to be moved by means of the drive element 64. The transverse carrier element 66 preferably has a longitudinal axis which extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the vertical direction 14. Preferably, the lifting unit 32 comprises at least two transverse carrier elements 66, wherein in each case two drive elements 64 are provided for each transverse carrier element 66. It is also conceivable, however, that the lifting unit 32 has a different design which appears expedient to a person skilled in the art, such as for example a design with at least one or more linear guide element(s), such as for example guide rails, guide rods, toothed racks, or the like, which has/have a longitudinal axis oriented at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction 14 and by means of which the dosing nozzle(s) 16 is/are movably supported, in particular in the vertical direction 14, wherein the lifting unit 32 has at least one or more drive element(s), such as for example one or more electric motor(s) or the like, the dosing nozzle(s) 16 being movable thereby along the guide element(s).
Preferably, the cleaning unit 20 comprises at least one movably supported closure element 34 for closing the dosing opening 30 of the dosing chamber 26 in at least one operating state. Preferably, the closure element 34 is configured for closing the dosing opening 30 in the cleaning or sterilizing operating state (see
The cleaning unit 20 preferably comprises the closure element 34 which is movably supported, in particular in a translational manner, on the cleaning element 36 of the cleaning unit 20 for closing or for opening the dosing opening 30. The cleaning element 36 is preferably embodied as a flushing plate or a flushing bar. It is also conceivable, however, that the cleaning element 36 has a different design which appears expedient to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the closure element 34 is movably supported on the cleaning element 36 in a translational manner, in particular in a direction running at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction 14. It is also conceivable, however, that the closure element 34 is pivotably mounted on the cleaning element 36 about a pivot axis running at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction 14 or at least substantially parallel to the horizontal direction 54. It is also conceivable that the cleaning unit 20 comprises at least one spring element which applies a spring force to the closure element 34 in the direction of the dosing opening 30, in particular such that the closure element 34 is movably supported in a spring-pretensioned manner on the cleaning element 36. It is conceivable that the cleaning unit 20 has a single cleaning element 36 for each dosing nozzle 16 or that the cleaning unit 20 comprises a single cleaning element 36 for all of the dosing nozzles 16, in which the dosing nozzles 16 can be arranged together for the cleaning or sterilizing, as is represented in the exemplary embodiment shown here.
Preferably, the cleaning unit 20 comprises the cleaning element 36 which is movably supported inside the dosing chamber 26 and which in at least one operating state covers the dosing opening 30, in particular when viewed along a vertical direction 14 (see
The dosing nozzle(s) 16 is/are moved by means of the lifting unit 32 in the vertical direction 14 into the cleaning element 36 for transferring into the cleaning or sterilizing operating state, in particular after moving the cleaning element 36 below the dosing nozzle(s) 16 and above the dosing opening 30 and preferably after the dosing opening 30 is closed by means of the closure element 34. Preferably, the dosing nozzle(s) 16 and/or the dosing chamber 26 are cleaned in the cleaning or sterilizing operating state, in particular in the method step 44 or in a method step of the method 38 following the method step 44.
In particular, in a method step 70 of the method 38 following the method step 42, which preferably takes place alternatively or additionally to the method step of the method 38, in which the dosing device 10 is in the cleaning or sterilizing operating state, the dosing unit 12, in particular the dosing nozzle(s) 16, is/are moved further in the vertical direction 14 in a direction facing away from the dosing chamber 26 for transferring into the filling nozzle changing operating state, in particular after moving the cleaning element 36 below the dosing nozzle(s) 16 and above the dosing opening 30 and preferably after the dosing opening 30 is closed by means of the closure element 34, or entirely removed from the dosing chamber 26, in particular in order to change the individual dosing nozzles 16 or all of the dosing nozzles 16. After changing the individual dosing nozzles 16 or all of the dosing nozzles 16, the dosing unit 12, in particular the dosing nozzle(s) 16, is/are moved back in the vertical direction 14 in the direction of the dosing chamber 26 or arranged again on the dosing chamber 26. In particular, the dosing nozzle(s) 16 is/are transferred into the cleaning or sterilizing operating state, in particular by moving the dosing nozzle(s) 16 into the cleaning element 36 and subsequently cleaning or sterilizing the dosing nozzle(s) 16.
Preferably, a cleaning or sterilizing of the dosing chamber 26 takes place by means of a chamber cleaning element 74 (see
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2022 130 513.9 | Nov 2022 | DE | national |
