CN113003519A

CN113003519A - Device and method for filling containers with a filling product

Info

Publication number: CN113003519A
Application number: CN202011509251.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 瓦伦丁·贝彻; 弗洛里恩·哈贝塞采尔; 诺曼·纳拉亚南; 海因里希·比尔迈尔; 约瑟夫·诺特; 犹特·温特
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2019-12-19
Filing date: 2020-12-18
Publication date: 2021-06-22
Also published as: EP3838839A1; DE102019135261A1; SI3838839T1; EP3838839B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling device (1) and a method for filling a container (200) with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling system, wherein the filling device (1) comprises: a filling mechanism (20) having a gas line (24) and a filling product line (22), the gas line (24) being used for evacuating the container (200) to be filled to a negative pressure (P)_low) A filling product line (22) for introducing a filling product from a base reservoir (110) into the reservoir at an overpressureSaid evacuated container (200); and at least one metering introduction line, preferably a metering valve (27, 28), which is arranged to introduce a metered component from a metering reservoir (124a, 125a) into the filling product line (22).

Description

Device and method for filling containers with a filling product

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a filling device and a method for filling containers with a filling product, preferably for filling multi-component beverages, such as soft drinks, mixed drinks, juices or carbonated filling products, in a beverage filling installation.

Background

For mixing and filling products composed of a plurality of components, various techniques for metering the individual components are known, which are briefly described below:

for example, the desired components may be metered and filled individually by means of individual metering stations, as is known, for example, from US2008/0271809a 1. However, the use of separate metering stations for a large number of components leads to a complex apparatus structure and process flow, since the filling of each container is distributed to a plurality of separate metering/filling stations, at which the containers have to be positioned for the respective metering time. Although it is in principle possible to meter a plurality of components into a container simultaneously at a common filling station via separate lines and discharge openings, this is limited by the size of the bottle or container mouth.

Alternatively, it may be achieved to combine the components in a common filling valve, see for example EP0775668a1 and WO2009/114121a 1. The metering of the components to be added to the base fluid takes place in front of the filling valve outlet, wherein the required amount can be measured, for example, by volumetric measurement by means of a flow meter (EP0775668a1) or by other volumetric metering techniques (WO2009/114121a1), for example by means of a metering piston and/or a diaphragm pump.

High metering accuracy can be achieved by measurements with a flow meter. The flow meter measures the volume or mass to be metered and closes a shut-off valve in the metering line when a threshold value is reached. Other volumetric metering methods, such as using pumps or time/pressure filling, are generally more uncertain and tend to be more responsive to changes in the metering medium, such as changes in pressure, temperature, or composition. The result is frequent calibration, especially when replacing the metering medium. Weight measurement is hardly achievable due to the large difference between the metered weight in minute amounts (μ l) and the weight of the container.

The above-mentioned techniques are characterized in that the components are mixed at a later point in time, i.e. during or shortly before filling. However, post-mixing is also associated with technical difficulties. Therefore, time optimization of the filling process is not easy to achieve, since the metering process, for example using a flow meter, cannot be accelerated at will. The time for which the container stays below the metering position is proportional to the performance of the filling line. Thus, for higher performance requirements, either the metering time and hence the metering range must be shortened or a second parallel metering line must be established. The range of possible metering depends on the available metering time and thus on the linear energy.

As a result, post-mixing leads to no minor structural complexity. In the case of a small container mouth, it is difficult to fill a moving container with a fixed metering head. Thus, the metering head must move with the container (e.g., as a gyrator), or the container must remain upright beneath the metering head for the metering and filling process, as with a linear cycle machine, for example. When a large number of various metering components are to be used at the same time, both solutions are mechanically complicated, cost-intensive and maintenance-intensive due to the large number of filling positions and/or metering components at the filling valve, and require a large amount of construction space.

Those metering techniques, which determine the volume, for example by means of a pump or a piston meter, and at the same time deliver the medium, have the disadvantage that no feedback can be provided to the controller about the volume actually introduced into the container. The same applies to time/pressure filling. If the valve is not open or the line is blocked, this is not readily immediately recognized by the system. Since subsequent quality control of the filled container cannot be achieved or is only achieved with great effort when filling individually with a plurality of components, it is highly desirable to have feedback from the metering system as to the actual metered quantity, when this is not absolutely necessary.

The technical problems described above lead to further improvements in the metering/filling process, as is evident, for example, from EP2272790a1 and DE102009049583a 1. In this case, the components of the filling product are metered directly during filling by means of a flow meter and are introduced together into the container to be filled, wherein during metering the main component is discharged back from the component to be metered. The volume of the main component discharged is determined by means of a flow meter, so that the volume of the component to be metered is also known and controllable. When the filling product is subsequently filled into the container, the main component together with the component to be metered is completely flushed out of the filling valve into the container, wherein at the same time the same flow meter can be used to determine the total filling quantity. In the next filling cycle, the filling quantity and the quantity of the component to be metered can be determined anew. This allows a high degree of flexibility in filling individual beverages without requiring changeover time.

What happens in the case of a variety replacement is that residues of the previously filled product, in particular any dosage components, remain in the filling valve. Flavorings, fruit pieces, etc. can be carried away and contaminate subsequent filling. In order to keep as little residue as possible in the filling valve in order to avoid contamination of the filling product during the subsequent filling process, the amount of main component and the filling must be set such that the filling valve is completely free of previously filled residues. Cleanliness depends, among other factors, on the rate and pressure at which the filling valve is flushed when the filling product is dispensed into the container. However, flushing of the filling valve cannot be accelerated at will for a number of reasons. Therefore, when carbonated beverages are filled, a bubble may easily be caused. Likewise, the evacuation of the atmosphere located in the container during filling prevents the filling process from being accelerated.

A further difficulty in flexible filling by metering the components into the filling valve is that the carbon dioxide content of the filling product cannot be easily flexible, i.e. cannot be adjusted container-wise and/or variety-wise. The main component of the filling product, for example water, usually has a defined carbonic acid content. The metered component, e.g., a fruit syrup, has a defined brix content. The carbon dioxide content and the brix content clearly define the mixing ratio. For one variety of filling products, the carbonic acid content of the main component can be adapted such that the desired content is contained in the container after mixing and filling. If only one variety of filling product is always filled on the filling device, the carbonic acid content can be adapted to the main component for the next variety according to the specific variety. However, if two or more varieties are to be filled subsequently, in turn or simultaneously, via a plurality of filling valves coupled to one another, which can in principle be achieved by adding the metered components separately, the carbonic acid content of the filled product can no longer be adjusted to the particular variety, since this carbonic acid content is determined by the main component.

This creates a further difficulty in that by leading out the atmosphere in the container during the filling process, mainly air, flavouring from the product will be carried away into the product tank through the return gas channel. This also counteracts the filling of individual varieties (liquid-and gas-combined components) in the case of a variety-by-variety replacement of the containers.

Disclosure of Invention

The aim of the invention is to improve the filling that can be personalized flexibly, in particular to further reduce the entrainment of any flavouring or filling product.

This object is achieved by a filling device having the features of claim 1, by a device having the features of claim 10 and by a method having the features of claim 11. Advantageous developments emerge from the dependent claims, the figures of the invention and the description of the preferred embodiments.

The filling device according to the invention is used for filling a container with a filling product. The filling product is preferably a multi-component filling product consisting of at least two components, wherein one of the components is referred to herein as the "base liquid" or "main component" for the purpose of language differentiation. Any other component is referred to as a "dosing component". In addition to the filling of the filling product, the filling device is also provided for combining and, if necessary, at least partially mixing the components and, in this respect, for carrying out at least part of the production process of the filling product to be filled. The base liquid is, for example, water (distilled or carbonated) or beer. The metering components may include syrup, liquids containing pulp, flavors, and the like. The filling device is therefore particularly preferably used in beverage filling plants.

The proposed filling device has: a filling mechanism having a gas line for evacuating the container to be filled to a negative pressure P and a filling product line_lowA fill product line for introducing fill product from a base reservoir into the evacuated container at an overpressure; and at least one metering introduction line, preferably a metering valve, which is arranged to introduce a metered component from a metering reservoir into the filling product line.

The terms "underpressure" and "overpressure" are to be understood in the first place with respect to one another. However, the negative pressure P after evacuation_lowPreferably below atmospheric pressure (atmospheric pressure). The overpressure at which the filling product is filled may correspond to atmospheric pressure, but is preferably higher than atmospheric pressure.

Therefore, before introducing the filling product, the container is preferably evacuated to a negative pressure P of 0.5 to 0.05 bar absolute, preferably 0.3 to 0.1 bar absolute, particularly preferably about 0.1 bar absolute_low. Preferably, the overpressure is above atmospheric pressure, for example at a pressure of 1.1 to 6 bar absolute. In this way, the container is evacuated such that substantially no gas is expelled from the filling product when it is filled with the filling product and therefore no gas has to flow out of the interior space of the container. Rather, the entire mouth cross section of the container can be used for introducing the filling product. In other words, only one filling product flow is generated during filling, which is introduced into the container, and no opposite fluid flow is generated.

The section of the filling product line into which the metered component is introduced is also referred to herein as the "metering chamber". One or more metering valves are a preferred form of metering lead-in line. In other words: in certain embodiments, where the metering component is introduced into the metering chamber and any measurements are made by means external to the filling mechanism, the metering valve may be omitted where necessary. It should also be noted that it is not necessary to perform a substantial or even complete mixing of the components in the metering chamber. The actual mixing can also take place during filling or later in the container. More precisely, the metering chamber is primarily used for metering one or more metering components into the main component.

Thus, almost any large amount of flavouring can be individually filled in containers in a highly flexible manner, without significant entrainment of flavouring taking place here, etc. Flushing of the filling mechanism is optimized due to the high pressure differential in the system during filling, thereby prohibiting or at least minimizing any product or flavoring from being carried into subsequent containers. In addition, since no return gas has to be conducted out of the container during filling, there is no flavouring entering the system, in particular the product tank, through this path.

In the case of a variety replacement, modifications of the base liquid, for example adaptation of the water quality, can be omitted, whereby any emissions can be minimized. Thus, only one quality of water (e.g., distilled water) has to be made available as the base liquid. It is also possible to provide a plurality of apparatuses with the same water quality, irrespective of which varieties are filled therein.

In connection with the mixing, it is not necessary to position the container at the filling device during the metering phase, since the metering or mixing takes place not during the filling process but in the metering chamber. The time for mixing can be used synergistically for container transport. Thus, the concepts described herein may be applied not only to linear cycle machines having one or more fill positions, but also to rotary machines. In the case of a rotary machine, the containers can leave the carousel again only after a small angle of rotation.

Preferably, the filling device has a process chamber into which the container to be filled can be introduced at least partially (in particular the container mouth) for evacuation and filling, which process chamber can be sealed with respect to the external environment and has a gas supply which is provided to generate an overpressure in the process chamber. In this way, a bubble overflow after filling, in particular after removal of the filling means from the container mouth, can be avoided. Preferably, the overpressure in the treatment chamber corresponds to the overpressure at which the filling product is introduced into the container. In a filling containing carbon dioxideIn the case of products, the overpressure in the treatment chamber preferably corresponds to the filling pressure or saturation pressure of the carbon dioxide, whereby foaming or bubbling of the filled product after the end of the filling process is effectively prevented. This also makes it possible to incorporate carbon dioxide into the filling product in the container after filling if the internal pressure of the treatment chamber is generated by carbon dioxide or a gas containing carbon dioxide. Thus, by selecting the overpressure in the treatment chamber, the CO in the filling product can be adjusted container-by-container and variety-by-variety₂And (4) content.

Preferably, the filling mechanism has a mouth section and is provided in this case such that the mouth section can be brought into fluid communication in a sealed manner with the treatment chamber for the evacuation and filling of the container in the treatment chamber. For this purpose, the filling means are provided at least partially movable. Therefore, it is possible to quickly and reliably perform evacuation and filling of the container, and at the same time prevent foreign particles from entering into the container interior. In order to reliably seat the mouth section on the container mouth, the mouth section can have a centering cup with a seal, for example with a suitably shaped compression rubber.

Preferably, the filling device has a closure mechanism arranged to receive a closure, for example by means of a magnet, and to close the container with the closure after filling. It is particularly preferred to perform the closing in the process chamber under an overpressure established therein. For this purpose, the closing mechanism can have a closing head which projects into the treatment chamber and is substantially vertically movable. The closures can be transferred to the closure head in various ways. For example, the closures can be introduced into the process chamber from the sorting unit and the introduction channel and transferred to the closure head in a first step for each filling/closing cycle. By closing immediately after filling and under overpressure in the treatment chamber, the filling process can be significantly accelerated, since the settling phase of the filling product is substantially not required, even if it is a carbonized product.

Preferably, the filling device has at least two metering lines, for example metering valves, which are provided to each introduce a metered component into the metering chamber, wherein the one metering line is or can be fluidically connected to a metering reservoir of a first metering branch, which metering reservoir is provided to supply a first metered component, and the other metering line is or can be fluidically connected to a metering reservoir of a second metering branch, which metering reservoir is provided to supply a second metered component, which is preferably different from the first metered component. Thus, a range of varieties can be filled in containers without the filling device being structurally very complex.

Preferably, the filling device has means for introducing carbon dioxide into the metering chamber and/or the container. Thus, almost any carbon dioxide content can be adjusted on a container-by-container basis and on a specific variety-by-variety basis. Thus, it is necessary, for example, to make available as base liquid water as a possible main component of only one quality (for example, distilled water or water carbonized to some extent). It is also possible to provide a plurality of apparatuses with the same water quality, irrespective of which varieties are filled therein. It is not necessary here to concentrate on the filling product with the lowest carbonic acid content. Alternatively, the retorted fill product may be filled in parallel with the carbonized fill product.

According to the embodiment variants already mentioned above, the carbon dioxide can be introduced directly through the treatment chamber after filling. Particularly preferably, the filling device is additionally or alternatively provided for flushing the container with carbon dioxide, preferably via a gas line of the filling mechanism, prior to evacuation, and then evacuating the container to a variable negative pressure P_lowIn order to regulate the carbon dioxide content of the filled product. In this way, the evacuation of the container, and thus the impact filling, is synergistically combined with the separate carbonization of the filling product. Thus, the term "evacuate" or the like in this context does not necessarily mean that the negative pressure in the container is to be brought as close as possible to the ideal vacuum.

Preferably, the filling device is arranged such that the overpressure at which the filling product is introduced into the container is preferably adapted to the underpressure P in this way_lowSo that said overpressure and said underpressure P_lowThe pressure difference therebetween remains substantially constant. Thus, the negative pressure P_lowIs not changedThe filling speed and thus the duration of the filling process must be influenced. The pressure difference can be selected such that the container-specific carbonization does not affect the control of the filling process, in particular the clock rate, the cycle duration, etc.

The above object is also achieved by an apparatus for filling a container with a filling product having a base liquid and at least one dosing component. The device, which is preferably part of a beverage filling system or is provided for such a beverage filling system, has:

a base reservoir arranged to provide the base liquid;

at least one filling device according to any one of the preceding embodiments;

a base line having a base line fluidly connecting the base reservoir with a filling product line of a filling mechanism and a flow meter arranged at the base line between the base reservoir and the filling mechanism and arranged to determine an amount of fluid flowing in the base line through the flow meter; and

at least one metering branch, which is arranged to introduce a metered component into the metering chamber via a metering introduction line.

With the "backflow measurement" carried out in this way, i.e. the determination of the volume of the base liquid which is discharged from the metering chamber by the metered component introduced, the mixing ratio can be determined in a mechanically simple, compact and reliable manner. In particular, only a single flow meter (per line) is required to measure the base liquid and the metering components and thereby determine their proportions. In the case of a plurality of filling means, therefore, preferably exactly one flow meter is installed for each strand for the respective filling means. Thus, the back-off quantity of the metered component can be measured at each filling mechanism for each back-flow measurement. Thus, the term "line" refers to a separate filling line to the filling means. This line must be distinguished from the entire filling line. It is not necessary to position the container at the filling device during the metering phase, since the metering or mixing takes place not during filling but in the metering chamber. The time for metering may be used synergistically for container transport. In addition, the flow meter is always flowed through by the base liquid only, i.e. in most cases by water. Thus, the medium properties do not change and the line system is not contaminated by different fluids in these areas.

The features, technical effects, advantages and embodiments that have been described with reference to the filling device are similarly applicable to the device with backflow measurement.

The above object is also achieved by a method for filling a container with a filling product having a base liquid and at least one dosing component. The method, which is preferably carried out in a beverage filling system, has:

introducing a base liquid into a metering chamber of a filling mechanism;

introducing at least one metering component into the metering chamber;

evacuating the container to be filled to a negative pressure P_low(ii) a And

a filling product consisting of a base liquid and a metering component is introduced from the metering chamber into the evacuated container under overpressure.

It should be noted that the selected arrangement of steps does not necessarily dictate a temporal order. Thus, the base liquid and the dosing component may be introduced into the dosing chamber, for example, before, after or simultaneously with the evacuation of the container.

The features, technical effects, advantages and embodiments already described for the filling device and the device with backflow measurement apply analogously to the method.

For the reasons mentioned above, the method is therefore preferably also implemented such that: introducing a container to be filled at least partially into the process chamber for evacuation and filling; the filling mechanism having a port section in sealed fluid communication with the container in the process chamber for evacuation and filling of the container; sealing the process chamber from the external environment and bringing it to an overpressure; and closing the container with a closure, preferably in and below the overpressure of the process chamber.

Preferably, carbon dioxide is introduced into the metering chamber and/or the container for the reasons described above.

Preferably, for the reasons mentioned above, the method is also implemented such that: flushing the container with carbon dioxide prior to evacuation; the container is then evacuated to a negative pressure P_lowIn order to regulate the carbon dioxide content of the filled product, wherein the negative pressure P_lowCan be variably adjusted.

Preferably, for the reasons mentioned above, the overpressure at which the filling product is introduced into the container is preferably adapted to the underpressure P in this way_lowSo that said overpressure and said underpressure P_lowThe pressure difference therebetween remains substantially constant, for example by multiple sequential or side-by-side filling. Therefore, the negative pressure P can be also made_lowAbove atmospheric pressure. Due to the fact that in P_lowThe pressure difference between the overpressure and the filling pressure remains the same, so that the correct filling level can also be set in this case or the intended filling time/treatment time can be achieved.

Preferably, the metering of the metered components is performed for each reflux measurement for the reasons described above. For this purpose, the method is carried out, for example, using the apparatus described in this respect, wherein in this case the method also has:

providing a base liquid through a base reservoir;

introducing the base liquid from the base reservoir into a metering chamber;

introducing a metering component from a metering branch into the metering chamber, wherein, for metering the metering component, a flow meter determines the amount of fluid flowing through the flow meter in a base line; and

emptying the metering chamber into the container.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments. The features described herein may be implemented individually or in combination with one or more of the features listed above, provided that such features are not mutually inconsistent. Herein, the preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Other preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail by the following description of the drawings. In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a filling device from the side; and

fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an apparatus for filling a container with a multi-component filling product.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the same, similar or equivalent elements in different drawings are attached with the same reference numerals, and repeated description of these elements is partially omitted to avoid redundancy.

Fig. 1 shows a part of a filling device 1 in a beverage filling installation, which filling device 1 is used to fill a container (not shown in fig. 1) with a filling product and to close the container with a closure 2.

The filling device 1 has a filling means 20, which filling means 20 projects into the process chamber 10 in the process stage shown in fig. 1. The filling mechanism 20 includes, housed in a filling mechanism case 21: a fill product line 22; a filling valve 23 disposed at a lower end, i.e., a downstream end, of the filling product line 22; a gas line 24; and a gas valve 25 disposed at a lower end portion of the gas line 24.

Through gas line 24 and gas valve 25, the vessel may be flushed and/or biased with a gas such as an inert gas, nitrogen, and/or carbon dioxide. By means of which the container interior space can also be adjusted to a desired pressure, for example evacuated. It should be noted that the gas line 24 can be a multi-channel structure, e.g., multiple gas lines can be included through a tube-in-tube structure, to physically separate the introduction of one or more gases into the vessel and/or the removal of gases from the vessel, if necessary.

The gas valve 25 comprises, for example, a gas valve cone and a gas valve seat, which are arranged to regulate the gas flow. For this purpose, the gas valve cone can be switched by means of an actuator, not shown.

The filling product line 22 is preferably embodied as an annular line which runs approximately concentrically to the gas line 24. The filling valve 23 comprises, for example, a filling valve cone and a filling valve seat, which are arranged to regulate the flow of the filling product. The filling valve 23 is arranged to enable a complete shut-off of the filling product flow. In the simplest case, the filling valve 23 has two positions, one being an open position and one being a fully closed position. For this purpose, the filling valve 23 can be switched by means of an actuator, not shown.

The actuation of the gas valve 25 and the filling valve 23 takes place by means of actuators which are not shown in detail. It should be noted that the gas valve 25 and the filling valve 23 can be operatively connected to each other, so that, for example, a common actuator can be provided to simplify the structure of the filling mechanism 20 and to improve reliability.

The filling means 20 has a mouth section 26 at the outflow end of the medium, the mouth section 26 being arranged such that the container mouth can be placed in a sealing manner against the mouth section 26. For this purpose, the mouth section 26 preferably has a centering cap with a suitably shaped extruded rubber. The filling means 20 with the mouth section 26 is provided for so-called wall filling, in which the filling product flows down against the container wall after flowing out of the mouth section 26. Preferably, the filling product line 22 and the mouth section 26 are designed or have corresponding means such that the filling product is in a vortex during filling, whereby the filling product is driven outward by centrifugal force and flows downward in a spiral motion after flowing out of the mouth section 26.

In order to achieve rapid product replacement without substantial changeover time, the filling device 20 has one or more, preferably at least two,

metering valves

27, 28, which

metering valves

27, 28 open into the metering chamber 22 a.

Metering valves

27, 28 are preferred designs or embodiments of the metering lead-in lines. In other words: in certain embodiments, in which the introduction of the metering components into the metering chamber 22a and the possible measurement take place are effected by means external to the filling device 20, the

metering valves

27, 28 can be omitted if necessary, so that, for example, only the respective metering lines or metering channels open into the metering chamber 22 a.

The metering chamber 22a may be part of the filling product line 22 or a suitably shaped part. One or more metered components, such as syrup, fruit pulp, flavourings etc., can be metered into the main component, such as water or beer, which is introduced into the metering chamber 22a through the filling product line 22, through

metering valves

27, 28 to which respective metering lines are connected. How the measurement can be carried out during the metered addition of the metering component is explained below with reference to fig. 2.

The filling means 20 is provided at least partially movable, so that the arm-shaped section of the filling means 20 shown in fig. 1 can be moved into the process chamber 10 or pulled back into the process chamber 10 or partially or even completely removed from the process chamber 10. This enables the container mouth for the filling process to be pressed onto the mouth section 26 of the filling means 20, and then the filling means 20 to be pulled back to such an extent after the filling process has ended, that the container in the treatment chamber 10 can be closed.

In order to ensure the movability of the filling means 20 without subjecting the atmosphere of the processing chamber 10 to uncontrolled external influences, means for sealing are accordingly provided, which are not shown in fig. 1. For example, the pressure in the treatment chamber after the end of the filling process can be greater than the pressure of the external environment, which does not have to be atmospheric pressure, so that contaminants can be virtually excluded from entering the treatment chamber 10. Alternatively or additionally, the process chamber 10 may be located in or constitute a clean room.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the filling device 1 also has a closure mechanism 30 for closing the container. The closing mechanism 30 has a closing head 31, which closing head 31 projects into the process chamber 10 and can be moved substantially vertically in the present exemplary embodiment. Similar to the filling mechanism 20, the closing mechanism 30 is sealed with respect to the walls of the process chamber 10 to avoid contamination or uncontrolled destruction of the atmosphere inside the process chamber 10 by external influences.

The closure mechanism 30 is constructed and arranged to receive and retain the closure 2 at the closure head 31. For this purpose, the closure head 31 can have a magnet, whereby the closure 2, in particular in the case of a metal crown cap, can be received centrally and rest on the container mouth to close the container in a structurally simple manner. Alternatively, the closure 2 may be gripped, held and applied to the container mouth by suitable gripping or clamping means, so that the concepts presented herein may also be applied to plastic closures, rotating closures and the like.

The closure head 31 is provided so as to be movable in an upward/downward direction, wherein the closure head 31 is arranged substantially coaxially with the container mouth, so that the closure 2 can be reliably applied to the container.

The transfer of closures 2 to the closure head 31 can be carried out in various ways. For example, the closures 2 can be introduced into the process chamber 10 in a first step for each filling/closing cycle, for example from a sorting unit and an introduction channel. For this purpose, the treatment chamber 10 can be part of a closure mechanism 30 and perform a relative movement with respect to a closure introduction, for example an introduction groove or a transfer arm, wherein the closure head 31 picks up and holds the closures 2 from the closure introduction.

It should be noted that the closing of the container may also be performed at other locations. However, especially in the case of carbon dioxide-containing fill products, it is preferred that the closing takes place in the treatment chamber 10 under overpressure immediately after filling, as described below.

To fill the container, the container is lifted, and the container mouth is introduced into the process chamber 10 and sealed with respect to the process chamber 10. The container mouth is pressed in a sealing manner against the mouth section 26 of the filling means 20 moved out to the filling position. The mouth section 26 of the filling means 20 thus marks the end position of the container lifting. The sealer head 31 receives the sealer 2 and moves into the processing chamber 10. The sealing of the process chamber 10 with respect to the environment and with respect to the container or its mouth region can be carried out by expanding one or more seals. The process chamber 10 itself preferably does not perform any lifting motion.

During the filling process, the introduction of gas into the process chamber 10 is preferably carried out. The overall process can be optimized by such simultaneous execution. During the filling process, the process chamber 10 is sealed with respect to all sides, whereby a suitable internal pressure is established in the process chamber 10. This internal pressure preferably corresponds to the filling pressure or saturation pressure of the carbon dioxide in the case of a filling product containing carbon dioxide, whereby foaming or bubbling of the filling product after the end of the filling process is effectively inhibited.

The gas supply can take place in the wall of the process chamber 10 by means of valves which are not shown in fig. 1. Alternatively or additionally, the gas supply may be at least partially integrated in the filling means 20. Therefore, for this purpose, the filling mechanism 20 according to the present embodiment has a process chamber gas line 29. The process chamber gas line 29, in particular its outlet into the process chamber 10, can be arranged such that the outgoing gas jet hits the underside of the closure element 2 when the filling means 20 is in the filling position. In this way, the closure 2 is cleaned simultaneously during the filling process. As gas, carbon dioxide is preferably used, however other media, such as sterile air, may also be used.

If the container is now filled and the inner space of the process chamber 10 is brought to the desired pressure, the filling mechanism 20 is pulled back and the closure head 31 continues its downward movement until the container mouth is closed when it is reached.

A preferred procedure for impact filling and closing of containers with a filling product can be carried out as follows:

a) evacuating the container to a negative pressure P_low；

b) Filling the container with the filling product, preferably under overpressure;

c) an overpressure P is generated in the treatment chamber 10 and, if appropriate, in the head space of the container_highTo avoid foaming and flooding of the filling product when the filling mechanism 20 is released from the container mouth;

d) applying the closure 2 to the container mouth and closing the container without prior relief to ambient pressure;

f) the process chamber 10 is vented and the containers are removed for further processing (e.g., labeling, packaging, etc.).

The term "negative pressure"And "overpressure" should first be understood with respect to each other. However, the negative pressure P after evacuation in step a)_lowPreferably below atmospheric pressure (atmospheric pressure). The overpressure P generated in step c)_highMay correspond to atmospheric pressure, but is preferably higher than atmospheric pressure.

Therefore, before introducing the filling product, the container is preferably evacuated to a negative pressure P of 0.5 to 0.05 bar absolute, preferably 0.3 to 0.1 bar absolute, particularly preferably about 0.1 bar absolute_low. Preferably, the overpressure P_highAbove atmospheric pressure, for example at a pressure of 1.1 to 6 bar absolute. In this way, the container is evacuated such that substantially no gas is expelled through the filling product when it is filled with the filling product, and therefore no gas has to flow out of the interior space of the container. Rather, the entire mouth cross section of the container can be used for introducing the filling product. In other words, only a flow of filling product introduced into the container is generated during filling, and no opposite flow of fluid is generated.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an apparatus 100 for filling a container 200 with a multi-component filling product.

The apparatus 100 has: a base reservoir 110 for a base liquid, which can also be considered as the main product; and the filling device 1 with the filling mechanism 20 as described above. For the sake of clarity, the filling device 1 is only schematically illustrated in fig. 2, in particular without the treatment chamber 10 and without the closing means 30.

The base liquid and possibly the metering components, which may be mixed by a fluid system described below, are introduced into the container 200 by the filling mechanism 20. The base liquid is for example water or beer. The metering components may include, for example, syrups, liquids containing pulp, syrups, flavors, and the like.

The device 100 has a base line 120, the base line 120 being provided for introducing a base liquid into the filling means 20 and into which base line 120 a metered component can be introduced. Further lines, also referred to as "auxiliary lines", not shown herein, may be provided in order to mix in different amounts and/or further metered components.

For this purpose, the base line 120 has a base line 121, which base line 121 extends from the base reservoir 110 to the filling means 20. The base line 121 is equipped with a flow meter 122. The flow meter 122 is preferably a contactless, e.g. inductive, measuring device for determining the liquid flow, the volume flow, the transported mass, etc. flowing through the flow meter 122.

The section of the base line 121 between the flow meter 122 and the filling valve 23 is referred to as the metering chamber 22a or contains the metering chamber 22 a. The metering chamber 22a is provided for measuring the metered component to be introduced by rearward discharge, as described below.

According to the present embodiment, two

metering branches

124, 125 open into the metering chamber 22 a. The two

metering branches

124, 125 each have: a

metering reservoir

124a, 125a, a

metering line

124b, 125b fluidly connected thereto, and a

metering valve

27, 28, which

metering valve

27, 28 fluidly connects the associated

metering line

124b, 125b with the metering chamber 22a in a switchable manner.

The metering range of the baseline 120 is determined by selecting the nominal width of the metering chamber 22a, the flow meter 122, and/or the

metering branches

124, 125.

The metering and filling processes are described below using the apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of fig. 2:

at the beginning of each filling cycle, the base line 120 is flushed with the base liquid, whereby the associated metering chamber 22a is filled with the base liquid when the filling means 20 is closed. When filling the metering chamber, the associated flow meter 122 can measure the flow of the base liquid in the forward direction, i.e. the filling direction. In this way, the desired total fill volume of the metering chamber 22a can be determined and adjusted.

The metered components are then introduced into the metering chamber 22a by opening the

respective metering valves

27, 28. The metering components can be introduced simultaneously or sequentially. The introduction of the metering component causes a portion of the base liquid to be expelled rearwardly from the metering chamber 22 a. The flow rate directed backwards is detected by the flow meter 122. The

metering valves

27, 28, which may be embodied as pure shut-off valves or also as adjustable shut-off valves, remain open until the desired volume of the metered component has been filled into the metering chamber 22 a. For this purpose, the flow meter 122 and the valves of the device 100 are connected in communication with a control device (not shown in the figures) which determines the time points of opening/closing or generally the switching behavior of the participating components on the basis of the detection results of the flow meter 122. It should be noted that by introducing the different metered components of the line in sequence, the amount of each individual metered component can be accurately determined with only one flow meter 122.

In the subsequent filling phase described previously with reference to fig. 1, the metering chamber 22a is emptied into the container 200, thereby completely flushing the line.

The

reservoirs

110, 124a, 125a for the base liquid and the metered component, respectively, may be individually or collectively subjected to a gas pressure in the headspace to ensure the necessary pressure differential for delivery of the respective fluids. Alternatively or additionally, the static height of the

reservoirs

110, 124a, 125a may be selected such that a pressure difference is able to introduce the metered component into the base liquid.

By means of this introduction and measurement of the metering component by means of the rearward discharge, precise metering can be achieved. By means of the impact filling due to the pressure difference between the container 200, which is under negative pressure, and the filling product, which is under overpressure, not only the filling process is accelerated, but also an optimal flushing of the filling means 20 is thus achieved, whereby entrainment of flavoring or filling product residues is effectively prevented.

The technology proposed herein for quickly and reliably filling containers 200, both container-by-container and variety-by-variety, also allows for the separate incorporation of carbonic acid into the filling product. The carbonic acid content can be adjusted in various ways:

according to a preferred embodiment, the desired carbon dioxide content is determined by the CO in the container 200 prior to filling₂And (4) determining the content. This is possible because the container 200 is brought to a negative pressure P prior to filling_low. If CO is used before evacuation₂The container 200 can be flushed by adjusting P_lowTo adjust the carbon dioxide content individually, in particular by specific species and by container. To make a negative pressure P_lowWithout affecting the duration of the filling process, the overpressure at which the filling product is introduced into the container 200 can be adapted accordingly. Preferably, the overpressure is selected such that the sum of the overpressure and P is_lowPressure difference therebetween for determining CO₂Different P in content_lowRemains approximately constant.

The carbon dioxide content may alternatively or additionally be determined by introducing CO during filling₂Directly into the metering chamber 22a and/or the container 200 or into the headspace of the container 200 at the end of the filling process. For this purpose, a gas line 24 and a gas valve 25, a

metering valve

27, 28 or another device of the filling mechanism 20 can be provided for introducing CO₂From CO₂The source is introduced into the fill product. Alternatively or additionally, the base liquid and/or one or more metering components may incorporate CO₂Such that the specific type of mixing of the components also produces specific type of CO₂And (4) content.

This also makes it possible to incorporate carbon dioxide into the filling product in the container after filling if the internal pressure of the treatment chamber 10 is generated by carbon dioxide or a gas containing carbon dioxide. Thus, by selecting the overpressure in the treatment chamber 10, the CO in the filling product can be adjusted container-by-container and variety-by-variety₂And (4) content.

Thus, almost any carbon dioxide content can be adjusted individually, especially by specific species and/or by container. Various filling products having various carbon dioxide contents can be filled simultaneously. It is possible to fill almost any large amount of flavoring agent individually in containers with a high degree of flexibility without significant entrainment of flavoring agent, etc. The change of the base liquid, for example the adaptation of the water quality, can be cancelled in the case of a variety replacement, whereby any discharge can be minimized. Thus, it is necessary, for example, to make available only one quality of water (e.g., distilled or carbonated water) as the base liquid. It is also possible to provide a plurality of apparatuses with the same water quality, irrespective of which varieties are filled therein. It is not necessary here to concentrate on the filling product with the lowest carbonic acid content. Alternatively, the retorted fill product may be filled in parallel with the carbonized fill product. Flushing of the filling mechanism 20 is optimized due to the high pressure differential in the system during filling, thereby prohibiting or at least minimizing any product or flavoring from being carried into subsequent containers. In addition, since the return gas does not have to be conducted out of the container 200 during filling, there is no way for the flavoring to enter the system, especially the product tank.

For metering, it is not necessary to position the container 200 at the filling device 20 during the metering phase, since metering or mixing takes place not during filling but in the metering chamber 22 a. The time for metering may be used synergistically for container transport. Thus, the concepts described herein may be applied not only to linear cycle machines having one or more fill positions, but also to rotary machines. In the case of a rotary machine, the containers 200 can leave the carousel again only after a small angle of rotation.

The flow meter 122 is always flowed through by the base liquid only, i.e., in most cases, by water. Thus, the medium properties do not change and the line system is not contaminated by different fluids in these areas.

The mechanical engineering costs for implementing the device 100 are justified, since the line system can be implemented by a pipe or hose line with a small number of valves and only a single flow meter (per line). No complex geometries need to be constructed, whereby the device 100 is easy to clean and maintain. The risk of clogging is low. The apparatus 100 is also suitable for metering high viscosity fluids.

Where applicable, all individual features shown in the embodiments can be combined with each other and/or interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Description of reference numerals:

1 filling device

2 closure member

10 processing chamber

20 filling mechanism

21 filling mechanism shell

22 fill product line

22a measuring chamber

23 filling valve

24 gas pipeline

25 gas valve

26 mouth section

27 metering valve

28 metering valve

29 chamber gas line

30 closure mechanism

31 closure head

100 device for filling containers with a multi-component filling product

110 basic storage

120 basic line

121 base line

122 flow meter

124 first metering branch

124a metering reservoir of a first metering branch

124b metering line of the first metering branch

125 second metering branch

125a second metering branch of a metering reservoir

125b metering line of the second metering branch

200 container

Claims

1. A filling device (1) for filling a container (200) with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant, the filling device (1) having:

a filling mechanism (20) having a gas line (24) and a filling product line (22), the gas line (24) being used for evacuating the container (200) to be filled to a negative pressure (P)_low) A filling product line (22) for introducing a filling product from a base reservoir (110) into the evacuated container (200) at an overpressure; and

at least one metering introduction line, preferably a metering valve (27, 28), which is arranged to introduce a metered component from a metering reservoir (124a, 125a) into the filling product line (22).

2. Filling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a process chamber (10) is provided, into which process chamber (10) the container (200) to be filled can be at least partially introduced for evacuation and filling, which process chamber (10) can be sealed with respect to the external environment and has a gas supply arranged to generate an overpressure in the process chamber (10).

3. Filling device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the filling means (20) have a mouth section (25) and are arranged such that the mouth section (25) can be brought into fluid communication with the container in a sealed manner for evacuation and filling of the container in the treatment chamber (10), wherein the filling means (20) are at least partially movable for this purpose.

4. Filling device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a closing mechanism (30) is provided, the closing mechanism (30) being arranged to receive a closure (2) and to close the container (200) in the processing chamber (10) with the closure (2) after filling.

5. Filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two metering introduction lines, preferably metering valves (27, 28), are provided, which are arranged to each introduce a metering component into the filling product line (22), wherein the one metering introduction line (27) is or can be in fluid connection with a metering reservoir (124a) of a first metering branch, which metering reservoir (124a) is arranged to provide a first metering component, and the other metering introduction line (28) is or can be in fluid connection with a metering reservoir (125a) of a second metering branch, which metering reservoir (125a) is arranged to provide a second metering component, which is preferably different from the first metering component.

6. Filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling device (1) has means for introducing carbon dioxide into the filling product line (22) and/or the container (200).

7. According to claim 6The filling device (1) being characterized in that the filling device (1) is arranged to flush the container (200) with carbon dioxide, preferably via the gas line (24), prior to evacuation, and then to evacuate the container (200) to a variable underpressure (P)_low) In order to regulate the carbon dioxide content of the filled product.

8. Filling device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the filling device (1) is arranged such that the overpressure at which the filling product is introduced into the container (200) is preferably adapted to a negative pressure (P) in such a way_low) So that said overpressure and said underpressure (P)_low) The pressure difference therebetween remains substantially constant.

9. The filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling device (1) has a flow meter (122), the flow meter (122) being arranged at the filling product line (22) and being provided to determine the amount of fluid flowing through the flow meter (122) in the filling product line (22).

10. An apparatus (100) for filling a container (200) with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant, the filling product having a base liquid and at least one metered component, wherein the apparatus (100) has:

a base reservoir (110) arranged to provide the base liquid;

at least one filling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims;

a base line (120) having a base line (121) and a flow meter (122), the base line (121) fluidly connecting the base reservoir (110) with a filling product line (22) of a filling means (20), the flow meter (122) being arranged at the base line (121) between the base reservoir (110) and the filling means (20) and being arranged to determine an amount of fluid flowing in the base line (121) through the flow meter (122); and

at least one metering branch (124) arranged to introduce a metered component into the filling product line (22) through a metering introduction line.

11. A method for filling a container (200) with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant, the filling product having a base liquid and at least one metered component, wherein the method has:

introducing a base liquid into a filling product line (22) of a filling means (20);

introducing at least one metering component into the fill product line (22);

evacuating the container (200) to be filled to a negative pressure (P)_low) (ii) a And

a filling product consisting of a base liquid and a metered component is introduced from the filling product line (22) into the evacuated container (200) under overpressure.

12. The method of claim 11,

introducing a container (200) to be filled at least partially into the process chamber (10) for evacuation and filling;

the filling mechanism (20) having a mouth section (25), the mouth section (25) being in fluid communication in a sealed manner with the container (200) in the process chamber (10) for evacuation and filling of the container (200);

sealing the process chamber (10) from the external environment and bringing it to an overpressure; and

the container (200) is preferably closed with a closure (2) both in and below the overpressure of the treatment chamber (10).

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that carbon dioxide is introduced into the filling product line (22) and/or the container (200).

14. The method of claim 13,

flushing the container (200) with carbon dioxide prior to evacuation;

then evacuating the container (200) to a negative pressure (P)_low) In order to regulate the carbon dioxide content in the filled product, wherein the negative pressure (P)_low) Can be variably adjusted.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the overpressure at which the filling product is introduced into the container (200) is preferably adapted to the underpressure (P) in such a way_low) So that said overpressure and said underpressure (P)_low) The pressure difference therebetween remains substantially constant.

16. The method according to one of claims 11 to 15, which is carried out by means of the device according to claim 10, wherein the method has:

providing a base liquid through a base reservoir (110);

directing the base liquid from the base reservoir (110) into a fill product line (22);

introducing a metering component from a metering branch (124) into the filling product line (22), wherein, for metering the metering component, a flow meter (122) determines the amount of fluid flowing through the flow meter (122) in a base line (121); and

emptying the filling product line (22) into the container (200).