Apparatus and method for filling containers arranged in-line with collection of the fluids for washing the supply ducts and the filling heads

An apparatus for filling containers, comprising:

• a filling station, comprising a plurality of filling heads which are supplied by supply ducts for supplying a filling fluid and are each provided with a dispensing nozzle;
• a transport plane for transporting a plurality of containers arranged in-line along a longitudinal feeding direction (x-x), from an upstream inlet to a filling position in the filling station and to a downstream outlet;
• wherein the filling heads are arranged in-line along the longitudinal direction (X-X) and are movable in a vertical direction (z-z) with respect to the transport plane between a raised position, where they do not interfere with passage of the containers to be filled, and a lowered position;
• the apparatus further comprising a collector assembly for collecting washing fluids, comprising a number of collection cups for collecting washing fluids for washing the filling heads and/or the supply ducts, equal to the number of said filling heads;
• the collection cups being arranged in-line along the longitudinal direction (x-x) and being movable in a transverse direction (y-y) with respect to the transport plane between an inner position, where they do not interfere with the transit of the containers on the transport plane and the movement of the filling heads in the vertical direction, and an outer collection position, where each cup is arranged above the transport plane in a position coaxial with a respective dispensing nozzle of a respective filling head, for coupling with the said dispensing nozzle.