DE102018112908A1 - Filling system for filling containers with a liquid filling material and filling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling system for filling containers with a liquid product according to the preamble of claim 1. According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a filling system for filling containers with a liquid product, comprising at least one filling product providing Füllgutkessel and at least one Filling element for the controlled delivery of the filling material in the arranged in sealing position on the filling container in a filling phase of the filling. Furthermore, at least one flow path for a liquid and / or gaseous medium is formed in the filling element, wherein the flow path communicates with the interior of the container to be filled, at least during the filling phase, and can be discharged via the return gas displaced from the container during the filling phase. or displaced filling material is traceable to the Füllgutkessel. The present invention is further distinguished by the fact that at least one valve device which is infinitely adjustable between an open and / or closed position is provided at least in the flow path, by means of which a volumetric flow of the liquid and / or gaseous medium flowing through the flow path is steplessly controlled and / or is controllable.

Description

The invention relates to a filling system for filling containers with a liquid product according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a filling machine with a plurality of filling elements on a rotor about a vertical axis rotatably driven rotor according to the preamble of claim 19.

Filling systems and filling machines for filling containers with liquid contents, especially for pressure filling are known in various designs.

In the context of the present invention, "free-jet filling" or "free-jet filling" is understood as meaning a filling system or filling method in which the liquid product flows to the container to be filled from the liquid valve in a free filling jet or filling material jet, the flow of the filling material not being controlled by guide elements such as eg Ableitschirme, swirler, short or long filling tubes is influenced or changed.

Free jet filling can take place both without pressure and under pressure. In the pressureless free jet filling, the container has ambient pressure, wherein the container is not usually applied with its container mouth or opening on the filling element, but is spaced from the filling element or from a provided discharge opening. If the container at the non-pressurized jet filling but with his container mouth on the filling element, so a gas path establishes a connection between the interior of the container and the environment, whereby a non-pressurized filling is made possible. Preferably, the gas contained in the container and displaced by the beverage flowing into the container escapes into the environment via this gas path.

If the free jet filling under a different pressure from the ambient pressure, the container is pressed with its mouth against the filling element and sealed, the pressure in the interior of the container by applying a clamping gas (inert gas or CO2 gas) or by applying a negative pressure set to this, deviating from the ambient pressure, which may be both above and below the ambient pressure.

In addition to the free-steel filling, those skilled in the filling process are known in which the contents before or during the inflow into the container by conducting elements to the inner wall of the container to be filled is passed. This procedure ensures that the filling material flows into the container with reduced foaming. This filling process is also referred to as "filling over the container wall".

The invention shown below is applicable both to the free-jet filling, as well as to the filling over the container wall, so that both terms are synonymous below and not the scope of the invention limiting.

In sealing position with the filling element befindlicher container means in the context of the present invention that each container to be filled in the manner known in the art with its container mouth close to the filling element or to a local, which is pressed surrounding at least one discharge opening seal.

In this case, the feeding of the clamping gas into the respective container and the discharge of the return gas from the respective container in known filling systems via one and the same formed in the filling element controlled flow path can be carried out in which in the switching states "open" and / or "closed" valve device is arranged as a control valve. This valve device is then, for example, part of a pneumatic control valve arrangement and is controlled by at least one electrically controllable switching valve by a machine control of the filling machine. Disadvantageously, with a valve device designed in this way, it is not possible to control the volume flow flowing through the valve device sufficiently finely during the filling phase.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a filling system for filling containers with a liquid product, which allows an improved compared to the prior art control of the valve device through-flowing volume flow during the filling phase.

The object is achieved by a filling system for filling containers with a liquid product according to the features of independent claim 1. A corresponding filling machine is the subject of the independent patent claim 19.

The respective subclaims relate to particularly preferred embodiments of the invention.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a filling system for filling containers with a liquid product, comprising at least one Füllgutkessel the filling material providing and at least one filling element for the controlled delivery of the filling in the arranged in sealing position on the filling container in a filling phase of the filling , Furthermore, in the filling element at least a flow path for a liquid and / or gaseous medium is formed, wherein the flow path is at least during the filling phase with the interior of the container to be filled in communication. Preferably, via the flow path at least during the filling phase of the container displaced back gas can be discharged and / or displaced filling attributable to the Füllgutkessel and / or for inert gas flushing and / or biasing of the container via the flow path gas supplied from the container. The present invention is further distinguished by the fact that at least one valve device which is infinitely variable between an open and / or closed position is provided at least in the flow path, wherein the volume flow of the liquid and / or gaseous medium flowing through the flow path is adjusted by means of the at least one continuously variable valve device infinitely controllable and / or regulated.

Particularly advantageously, the gas flows for the following functions can be controlled and / or regulated in a highly flexible manner by the valve device designed according to the invention:

By means of the valve device can be a fine metering of the gas stream for purging at high vacuum in the evacuation (also rinsing under conventional conditions) may be formed. In this case, the rinsing process can also take place as a control loop depending on the internal pressure of the bottle, measured by the pressure sensor in the filling valve.

Advantageously, by means of the valve device, a control and / or regulation of a gas flow during the biasing phase (for example, throttled at sensitive plastic bottles) take place. In conjunction with a pressure sensor, the course of the bias can be carried out according to a predetermined pressure profile. For example, by means of the valve device, initial product residues in the interior of a corresponding container can be removed from the gas pipe and / or return gas pipe in a soft manner and without atomizing the product during this process. As is known, lead sputtered product residues in the residual relief to overfoaming. Thereafter, the bias can then be continued with a larger volume flow to keep the bias time as short as possible.

In addition, the valve device can also be used to control and / or regulate the filling rate by throttling the return gas flow in accordance with a predetermined characteristic curve fitting to a respective beverage and / or container and / or via a control loop involving flow measurement according to a flow characteristic curve.

Further advantageously, by means of the valve device, a control and / or regulation of the product return in a Trinox process by a control circuit via a arranged in the filling valve pressure sensor or control according to a predetermined flow profile.

Also advantageously, by means of the valve device, a controlled and / or controlled pressure build-up in the settling phase in the cycle with a pressure reduction via a discharge nozzle in the vacuum channel or in a separate discharge channel done. By lowering the pressure below the saturation pressure, gas bubbles form in the beverage, which rise to the surface and form foam. A short-term controlled increase in pressure can greatly limit the foam formation on the surface. Then then the relief pressure can be lowered again. This process can also be repeated several times. Also, the process may be controlled and / or regulated additionally or alternatively via the pressure sensor arranged in the filling valve.

Moreover, by means of the valve device, flushing of the headspace from a separate inert gas channel according to a flow profile and / or pressure regulation during a filling process without evacuation and / or termination of the filling process via the electric fill level signal by means of a hollow probe can advantageously be carried out. Likewise, headspace purging from the ring bowl or a separate gas channel connected to it in the atmosphere and / or the vacuum channel is possible.

Finally, the multi-functionality of the valve device is also applicable to a volumetric pressure filling system for carbonated soft drinks. The valve device may also control and / or regulate the biasing process, the fill rate, and the settling and relief process.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the at least one valve device is designed as a continuously adjustable control valve, which is controllable between the open and / or closed position in any intermediate position as a permissible operating position.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the at least one valve device is designed as a magnetically and / or electrically and / or pneumatically controllably controllable control valve between the open and / or closed position.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the valve device is provided in a first Teilströmungweg the flow path, wherein the first Teilströmungsweg extends from a gas space of a Füllgutkessels via a return gas pipe into the interior of the container.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the valve device is provided in the transition region of a return gas pipe to a flexible conduit, in particular on a support arm.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the valve device is provided between a free space formed above the gas pipe and the flow path leading into the ring vessel.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the filling system has at least the valve device and at least one further valve device, wherein the at least one further valve device is provided in the flow path between the interior of the container and the annular channel designed as a vacuum channel.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the flow channel is assigned at least one pressure sensor which forms a control circuit, in particular a pressure control loop, with the valve device and / or the further valve device, by means of which a rinsing phase and / or prestressing phase and / or filling phase and / or evacuation phase and / or calming phase and / or relief phase can be controlled and / or regulated, wherein the valve device and / or the further valve device forms an actuator in the control loop, in particular in the pressure control loop.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the filling system is adapted to control the discharge phase via preselectable pressure characteristics with the involvement of the pressure control loop and / or to regulate, in such a way that after a reduction of the internal pressure in the liquid Filled container filled by the continuously adjustable valve device and / or the other valve device, the absolute pressure in the remaining head space of the container via the flow path is increased again.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the valve device and / or the further valve device with a flow meter associated with the control loop, in particular a flow control circuit, formed by means of a rinsing phase and / or bias phase and / or filling phase and / or settling phase and / or relief phase can be controlled and / or regulated, wherein the valve device and / or the further valve device forms an actuator in the control loop, in particular in the volume flow control loop.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it is provided that the filling system is designed, at least during the filling phase, the filling speed by throttling the return gas flowing back over the flow path via the valve device and / or the further valve device to a defined opening profile for the valve device and / or to control and / or regulate the further valve device.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it is provided that the filling system is designed to control the filling speed by throttling the return gas flowing back over the flow path via the valve device and / or the further valve device to a preselected volumetric flow profile with involvement of the volume flow control circuit, at least during the filling phase and / or to regulate.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that, at least during the Trinox filling phase, the filling level can be controlled and / or regulated by incorporating the pressure regulating circuit by means of the continuously adjustable valve device and / or the further valve device as an actuator.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that, at least during the Trinox filling phase, the filling level can be controlled and / or regulated by incorporating the pressure regulating circuit by means of the continuously adjustable valve device and / or the further valve device as an actuator.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the rinsing phase is formed as a control loop depending on the container internal pressure, wherein the container internal pressure can be detected by means of the at least one pressure sensor in the filling element and forms a control parameter.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it is provided that the flow path is formed in a return gas pipe extending into the container during the filling phase, via which gas flowing through the container interior during the filling phase Contents displaced return gas in the Füllgutkessel or in a connected to the Füllgutkessel separate annular channel or in a connected via a pressure control with the Füllgutkessel separated annular channel and / or at the end of the filling phase to set a Sollfüllhöhe from the headspace of the initially overfilled container contents in the Füllgutkessel is displaced.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the return gas tube is axially displaceably guided upward through a housing of the filling element, wherein an open end of the return gas tube is formed within the housing as a lateral opening, which opens into a lock chamber.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment variant, it is provided that the lock chamber can be connected to a liquid channel via a gas channel system both with the annular channel designed as a vacuum channel and with the interposition of a second control valve such that the lock chamber can be filled with inert gas during the cleaning and / or sterilization phase / or a negative pressure and / or a vacuum can be acted upon.

The expression "essentially" or "approximately" in the sense of the invention means deviations from the exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

Although some aspects have been described in the context of a filling machine, it should be understood that these aspects also constitute a description of the corresponding filling method, such that a block or component of a device is also to be understood as a corresponding method step or feature of a method step , Similarly, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by a hardware device (or using a hardware device). Apparatus) such. As a microprocessor, a programmable computer or an electronic circuit can be performed. In some embodiments, some or more of the most important method steps may be performed by such an apparatus.

• 1 bis 10 beispielhaft eine Ausführungsvariante eines vereinfacht und in Schnittdarstellung gezeigten Füllelementes eines Füllsystems gemäß der Erfindung in verschiedenen Phasen des Füllprozesses;
• 11 beispielhaft eine weitere Ausführungsvariante eines vereinfacht und in Schnittdarstellung gezeigten Füllelementes eines Füllsystems gemäß der Erfindung;
• 12 beispielhaft eine nochmals weitere Ausführungsvariante eines vereinfacht und in Schnittdarstellung gezeigten Füllelementes eines Füllsystems gemäß der Erfindung;
• 13 beispielhaft eine nochmals weitere Ausführungsvariante eines vereinfacht und in Schnittdarstellung gezeigten Füllelementes eines Füllsystems gemäß der Erfindung;
• 14 beispielhaft eine nochmals weitere Ausführungsvariante eines vereinfacht und in Schnittdarstellung gezeigten Füllelementes eines Füllsystems gemäß der Erfindung.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• 1 to 10 For example, an embodiment of a simplified and shown in cross-sectional filling element of a filling system according to the invention in different stages of the filling process.
• 11 by way of example, a further embodiment variant of a filling element of a filling system according to the invention shown simplified and in section;
• 12 By way of example, a further embodiment variant of a filling element of a filling system according to the invention, shown in a simplified and sectional view;
• 13 By way of example, a further embodiment variant of a filling element of a filling system according to the invention, shown in a simplified and sectional view;
• 14 By way of example, a further embodiment variant of a filling element of a filling system according to the invention, shown in a simplified and sectional view.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used in the figures. Furthermore, for clarity, only reference numerals in the individual figures are shown, which are required for the description of the respective figure.

That in the 1 to 10 generally with 1 designated filling system is part of a filling machine of rotating design for filling a liquid filling in bottles 2 or similar container. The filling system 1 can be designed in particular for free-steel filling and / or filling via the container wall and / or for the long-tube filling.

The filling system 1 includes filling elements for this purpose 1.1 of which in the 1 only one filling element 1.1 is shown and at uniform angular intervals on the circumference of a vertical machine axis MA revolving drivable rotor 4 the filling machine are provided. On the only partially illustrated rotor 4 is one for all filling elements 1.1 common filling material boiler 5 , which is designed for example as a ring boiler, and during the filling operation up to a predetermined level level controlled with the medium partially filled. In addition to the product boiler 5 are located on the rotor 4 also for all filling elements 1.1 the filling machine common ring channels 30 and 40 ,

In the product cell 5 are thus during the filling operation, an upper gas space 5.1 and a lower fluid space 5.2 educated. Serves the filling system 1.1 for pressure drop of the liquid contents in the containers or bottles 2 so is the gas space 5.1 pressurized with an inert gas under pressure (CO2 gas) acted upon. The liquid product is the product vessel 5 Controlled supplied via a not shown in detail supply line.

The ring channels 30 and 40 can fulfill different functions depending on the filling process. For example, the annular channel 30 for guiding the Intertgases under pressure, in particular as a Trinox gas channel or clamping gas channel, and / or the annular channel 40 as a vacuum channel for evacuating or relieving the container 2 be educated.

In a housing 6 of the filling element 1.1 is, inter alia, a fluid channel 7 trained, over a line 8th with the liquid space 5.2 of the boiler 5 communicates. The line 8th can be a flow meter 8.1 be assigned by means of the over the line 8th the fluid channel 7 supplied volume flow of liquid contents, so the amount of product per unit time, can be detected.

Further, in the liquid channel 7 a liquid valve 9 provided, specifically for the controlled delivery of the liquid contents via a, a vertical Füllelementachse FA concentrically enclosing annular discharge opening 10 at the bottom of the filler element 1.1 from the local, open end of the fluid channel 7 is formed.

At the delivery opening 10 is a centering tulip 11 with seal 12 provided the discharge opening 10 surrounds annular and against the respective container 2 during filling, especially during pressure filling with its container mouth 2.1 is pressed, that is applied in sealing position.

The liquid valve 9 consists essentially of one in the liquid channel 7 arranged valve body 9.1 , with one on the inner surface of the liquid channel 7 trained valve seat cooperates. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 9.1 at an axis coincident with the Füllelementachse FA arranged and open at both ends valve or gas pipe 13 provided or formed, which at the same time as a valve tappet for actuating the liquid valve 9 serves and for this purpose with an only schematically indicated actuator 14 interacts with the gas pipe 13 and thus the valve body 9.1 to open and close the liquid valve 9 by a given stroke axially in the Füllelementachse FA are movable.

The gas pipe is at the bottom, open end 13 through the discharge opening 11 through the bottom of the case 6 before and extends during filling with this end in the interior of the container 2 into it. With its upper, also open end reaches the gas pipe 13 in a closed gas space 15 into it.

Furthermore, the corresponding filling element 1.1 of the filling system 1 a co-axial with the Füllelementachse FA arranged, the filling level in the respective container 2 determining return gas pipe 16 have, which may be formed as Trinox tube and extending through the gas pipe 13 extends through and with its lower end from the lower open end of the gas pipe 13 protrudes. More in detail, the filling element 1.1 the same axis with the Füllelementachse FA arranged, open at both ends and from the gas pipe 13 by far enclosed return gas tube 16 on, which as a level determining element with its end 16.1 during the filling operation also in the upper region or headspace of the container 2 extends in and over the lower end of the gas pipe 13 protrudes.

The return gas pipe 16 is through the case 6 of the filling element 1.1 passed, stands with an upper length over the top of the housing 6 before and is with the local, also open end 16.2 on a support arm 18 an adjustment 19 held. The adjusting device 19 is designed to the support arm 18 including the held thereon, so fixed, return gas pipe 16 axially along the Füllelementachse FA to move, in particular to raise and lower, and preferably in the manner described in more detail below in each case from an upper output or stroke position down for the setting of different filling heights during the filling of the filling element 1.1 , Further, the upper end 16.2 of the return gas pipe 16 via a flexible cable 25 to the gas room 5.1 of the product cell 5 connected.

About the trained as Trinox tube return gas pipe 16 is at the end of the respective filling process by pressurizing the contents of the filling material not occupied head space of the filled container 2 Excess filling material in the product vessel 5 returned until the lower, open end of the Trinox tube above the level of the contents in the container 2 is located and thus the exact filling level is set.

For this purpose, the return gas pipe 16 be designed as a probe ( 8a to 8c ) and as a hollow probe 16.3 trained inner tube and a relative to the inner tube electrically insulated and also as a hollow probe 16.4 having trained outer tube. The respective upper ends 16.2 the two hollow probes 16.3 and 16.4 are also electrically isolated from each other in the carrier 18 recorded and connectable with different poles of a power supply device, not shown. The lower end 16.1 the formed as an outer tube hollow probe 16.4 This forms the measure of the filling level, by reaching the selbigen of liquid product an electrical short circuit between the outer and inner tube on the filling level and thus a signal to close the product valve 9 can be generated.

To the axial adjustment of the return gas pipe 16 , ie when adjusting the filling height, up to which the containers 2 each filled with the liquid contents, an intrusion of dirt and / or germs in critical areas or in the process side of the filling element 1 To avoid, the return gas pipe can 16 before exiting at the top of the housing 6 through one in the housing 6 trained protection or lock room 22 be guided, which in the illustrated embodiment circular cylindrical concentric with the Füllelementachse FA is formed and based on the Füllelementachse FA has an axial length which is at least equal to the maximum Einstellhub to which the return gas pipe 16 between the "maximum fill level" setting and the "minimum fill level" setting.

Furthermore, in the filling element 1.1 at least one flow path 20 formed for a liquid and / or gaseous medium, wherein the flow path 20 at least during the filling phase with the interior of the container to be filled 2 communicates. Preferably, via the flow path 20 at least during the filling phase of the container 2 displaced return gas dischargeable and / or displaced filling material to the product vessel 5 traceable and / or for Inertgasspülen via the flow path 20 Gas from the container 2 can be fed in The flow path 20 can be designed as a gas path and / or as a gas channel system. More in detail, the flow path 20 a first and a second partial flow path 20.1 and 20.2 include.

According to the filling system 1 the embodiment of the 1 to 10 is by means of the first Teilströmungsweges 20.1 at least the interior of the container 2 over the return gas pipe 16 with the gas space 5.1 of the product container 5 connectable, at least during the actual filling phase and with the interposition of at least one valve device 26 , Preferably, by means of the second Teilströmungsweges 20.2 also the interior of the container 2 over the gas pipe 13 with the interposition of a first control valve SV1 which is designed as an "open" and "closed" valve, ie a control valve with two possible stationary permissible operating states, namely an operating state "open" and an operating state "closed", with the annular channel 30 connectable. Intermediate positions of the first control valve SV1 are not possible here. In other words, therefore, the flow path extends 20 with its two partial flow paths 20.1 . 20.2 from the annular channel 30 via the first control valve SV1 in the container interior and from there via the return gas pipe 16 and the valve device 26 in the gas space 5.1 of the product container 5 ,

In other words, so the flow path 20 a first partial flow paths 20.1 comprise, by means of which the interior of the container 2 over the return gas pipe 16 with the gas space 5.1 of the product container 5 is connectable, and a second Teilströmungsweg 20.2 which is between the outer surface of the return gas pipe 16 and the inner surface of the gas pipe 13 is formed, at the lower end of the gas pipe 13 is open and at the top of the gas pipe 13 in the manner described in more detail below with the gas space 15 communicates and by means of which the interior of the container 2 over the gas pipe 13 with the interposition of the first control valve SV1 with the ring channel 30 is connectable.

Furthermore, in the filling element 1.1 more, for example in the 2 illustrated, gas paths or gas channel systems may be formed which a plurality of controlled gas paths with an associated second control valve SV2 which is equal to the first control valve SV1 is formed. In particular, another may be the annular channel 40 via the second control valve SV2 with the flow path 20 connecting gas duct system be provided, as for example more detail in the 2 is shown. Also, this further gas channel system instead of using a second control valve SV2 ( 1 ) also with two second control valves SV2 ( 2 ) be formed. This further gas channel system is known to the person skilled in the design and operation.

According to the invention, it is provided that at least in the flow path 20 at least one between an open and / or closed position continuously adjustable valve device 26 . 27 is provided, by means of a the flow path 20 flowing through flow of the liquid and / or gaseous medium is continuously controlled and / or regulated. Under open position is in the context of the present invention, that operating position of the valve device 26 . 27 understood, at the valve device 26 . 27 flows through with a maximum possible volume flow of a liquid and / or gaseous medium per unit time, while the closed position that operating position is understood, in which the volume flow through the valve means 26 . 27 flows, is equal to zero.

More in detail can be the at least one valve device 26 . 27 be designed as infinitely adjustable control valve, which between the operating positions "open" and / or "closed" (ie open position and / or closed position) in any intermediate position as an allowable operating position controlled and thus adjustable, preferably continuously. These arbitrary intermediate positions can also be controlled as permissible stationary operating positions.

For example, the at least one valve device 26 . 27 be designed as a magnetically and / or electrically and / or pneumatically continuously controllable between the open and / or closed position control valve.

Preferably, the valve device 26 at the upper end 16.2 of the return gas pipe 16 in the first partial flow path 20.1 of the flow path 20 be provided, in particular in the transition region of the return gas pipe 16 to the flexible line 25 , The upper end 16.2 of the return gas pipe 16 is thus on the support arm 18 provided valve device 26 and the flexible line 25 to the gas room 5.2 of the liquid boiler 5 connected.

In addition, the flow channel 20 also at least one pressure sensor DS for detecting the in the flow channel 20 be assigned to prevailing pressure conditions. Advantageously, the pressure sensor DS be designed to detect the absolute pressure conditions.

Further advantageously, the valve device 26 with the pressure sensor DS a control loop RK , in particular a pressure control loop DRC , form, by means of which a rinsing phase and / or bias phase and / or filling phase and / or evacuation phase and / or calming phase and / or relief phase can be controlled and / or regulated, wherein the valve device 26 an actuator in the control loop RK , in particular in the pressure control loop DRC , trains ( 4 ). For this purpose, the control loop RK with one for the filling system 1 cooperate responsible machine control, or be controlled by this.

In particular, the pressure sensor DS on the housing 6 of the filling element 1.1 arranged or in this (housing 6 ) integrated. Furthermore, the pressure sensor DS be provided such that by means of the pressure sensor DS the pressure conditions in the flow channel 20 Advantageously in the second partial flow path 20.2 between the gas space 15 and the first control valve SV1 , are detectable. Preferably, for the pressure control loop DRC that of the pressure sensor DS detected actual pressure values transmitted to the machine control and compared with there stored nominal pressure values and based on the valve device 26 controlled as an actuator. The pressure sensor DS delivers here for the pressure control loop DRC the control parameter of the controlled variable.

The filling system can do this 1 be designed to the discharge phase via preselectable pressure characteristics with the involvement of the pressure control loop DRC to control and / or to regulate, in such a way that after a reduction in the internal pressure in the container filled with liquid product 2 by means of the continuously adjustable valve device 26 the absolute pressure in the remaining head space of the container 2 over the flow path 20 is increased again. Thus, foaming can be reduced by rising gas bubbles.

In particular, the absolute pressure in the remaining head space of the container 2 be lowered during the discharge phase so that in the bottled liquid product inside the container 2 Bubbles form. By means of the infinitely adjustable control valve 26 can the absolute pressure in the container 2 at a short time in the range of the saturation pressure or slightly approached or controlled. Particularly advantageous is the formation of foam, at the moment in which the bubbles on the surface within the contents of the container 2 burst, greatly diminished.

Furthermore, further advantageously the valve device 26 with the flow meter 8.1 a control loop RK , in particular a volume flow control loop VRK , form, by means of which a rinsing phase and / or bias phase and / or filling phase and / or evacuation phase and / or calming phase and / or relief phase can be controlled and / or regulated, wherein the valve device 26 an actuator in the control loop RK , in particular in the volume flow control loop VRK , trains. ( 6 ). Again, the control loop RK with one for the filling system 1 cooperate responsible machine control, or be controlled by this.

Preferably, for the volume flow control loop VRK that of the flow meter 8.1 recorded actual volume flow values in the line 8th recorded and transmitted to the machine control and compared with stored there SOLL volume flow values and based on the valve device 26 controlled as an actuator. Of the Flowmeter 8.1 delivers here for the volume flow control loop VRK the control parameter of the controlled variable.

It can be provided that, at least during the filling phase, the regulation of the filling speed, that of the in the container to be filled 2 inflowing volume flow of liquid product, by throttling the over the flow path 20 flowing back gas via the valve device 26 according to a fixed opening profile for the valve device 26 he follows.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that, at least during the filling phase, the regulation of the filling speed, that is, of the container to be filled 2 inflowing volume flow of liquid product, by throttling the over the flow path 20 flowing back gas via the valve device 26 according to a preselected volumetric flow profile with integration of the volumetric flow control loop VKR he follows.

In the exemplary embodiment of the 1 to 10 it is assumed that the product cell 5 partially filled. From the gas space 5.1 exists here in some filling phases a compound in the annular channel 30 , which can be designed in particular as a gas-filled gas channel. However, these filling phases can also be filled with a product vessel filled completely with liquid filling material 5 realize, if this has an independent pressure control. In such a case, then also required as a clamping gas channel ring channel required 30 an independent pressure control, in particular an independent gas pressure control, which regulates the filling pressure as a reference variable and the clamping pressure approximately to the same pressure level. Likewise, it is conceivable to form the clamping pressure as a guide pressure and nachzufahren the filling pressure.

11 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which different from the embodiment of the 1 inside the gas pipe 13 no return gas pipe 16 is provided. The interior of the container 2 is here on the gas pipe 13 with the interposition of inventively designed, continuously variable valve device 26 with the ring channel 30 connectable. In particular, the valve device 26 between one above the gas pipe 13 trained free space 15 and in the ring channel 30 leading flow path 20 intended. According to this in 11 shown further embodiment, the pressure sensor DS Also be provided such that by means of this, the pressure conditions in the gas space 15 are detectable.

In 12 is a further embodiment of the filling system according to the invention 1 shown, in contrast to the previous embodiments, in addition to the continuously variable valve device 26 at least one further continuously variable valve device 27 having. Preferably, they are the valve device 26 and the valve device 27 constructed identically and in each case as a continuously adjustable control valve which can be controlled between the open and / or closed position in any intermediate position as a permissible operating position.

It is also the at least one further valve device 27 in the flow path 20 provided and continuously adjustable between an open and / or closed position, wherein also by means of at least one further valve device 27 a the flow path 20 flowing through flow of the liquid and / or gaseous medium is continuously controlled and / or regulated.

More in detail is the at least one further valve device 27 in the flow path 20 between the interior of the container 2 and designed as a vacuum channel annular channel 30 provided, ie in particular in the second Teilströmungsweg 20.2 of the flow path 20 ,

Also in this embodiment is the flow channel 20 at least one pressure sensor DS associated with the valve means 26 and 27 a control loop RK , in particular a pressure control loop DRC , forms, by means of which a rinsing phase and / or biasing phase and / or filling phase and / or evacuation phase and / or calming phase and / or relief phase can be controlled and / or regulated, wherein the valve means 26 and 27 a respective actuator in the control loop RK , in particular in the pressure control loop DRC to train.

It can also be provided that the filling system 1 adapted to the discharge phase via preselectable pressure characteristics with the involvement of the pressure control loop DRC to control and / or to regulate, in such a way that after a reduction in the internal pressure in the container filled with liquid product 2 by means of the continuously adjustable valve devices 26 and 27 the absolute pressure in the remaining head space of the container 2 over the flow path 20 is increased again.

Preferably, it can also be provided that the filling system 1 according to the embodiment of the 12 is designed to at least during the filling phase, the filling speed by throttling the over the flow path 20 flowing back gas via the valve devices 26 and 27 according to a fixed opening profile for the valve devices 26 and 27 to control and / or to regulate.

Advantageously, it can also be provided that, at least during the Trinox filling phase, the filling levels with the involvement of the pressure regulating circuit DKR by means of the continuously adjustable valve devices 26 and 27 can be controlled and / or regulated as an actuator. In this case, at least during the Trinox filling phase, the filling levels with the involvement of the pressure control loop DKR by means of the continuously adjustable valve devices 26 and 27 be formed as an actuator controllable and / or adjustable. In particular, the rinsing phase as a control loop RK is formed dependent on the container internal pressure, wherein the container internal pressure by means of the at least one pressure sensor DS in the filling element 1.1 can be detected and forms a control parameter.

Advantageously, it can also be provided that the flow path 20 in one during the filling phase in the container 2 reaching in return gas pipe 16 is formed, via which during the filling phase by the container interior inflowing material displaced return gas into the Füllgutkessel 5 or in one with the product vessel 5 connected separate annular channel 30 . 40 or in one via a pressure control with the product vessel 5 connected separate annular channel 30 . 40 derived and / or at the end of the filling phase for setting a Sollfüllhöhe from the headspace of the initially overfilled container 2 Fillings in the product vessel 5 is displaced.

In 13 is a further embodiment of the filling system according to the invention 1 also shown how the variant of the 12 , second valve means 26 and 27 having. Different from the variant of the 12 , is the other valve device 27 not the arm here 18 but also like the valve device 26 , in or on the housing 6 intended.

Also in this embodiment is the first part flow path 20.1 of the flow path 20 from the interior of the container 2 over the return gas pipe 16 with the interposition of the valve device 26 with the gas space 5.1 of the product container 5 connected.

Different from the previous embodiments is the return gas pipe 16 though through the case 6 of the filling element 1.1 passed upwards, and stands with the upper length over the top of the housing 6 but it is the top, open end 16.2 still inside the case 6 designed as a lateral opening, which in the lock room 22 flows through an upper and lower seal 28.1 . 28.2 is sealed. Here is the return gas pipe 16 axially displaceable on the seals 28.1 . 28.2 , which are designed in particular as ring seals guided. From the side opening 16.2 is the first partial flow path 20.1 in the lock room 22 and from there via the valve device 26 and the flexible line 25 in the gas space 5.1 of the product container 5 guided.

In 14 is yet another embodiment of the filling system according to the invention 1 shown in essence as the embodiment of the 12 is constructed, but one by means of the second control valve SV2 as well as an independent gas channel system 29 separately controllable lock space 22 having. The gas duct system connects 29 the lock room 22 with the ring channel 30 on one side, as well as the liquid channel 7 with the interposition of the second control valve SV2 on the other side such that the lock room 22 by means of the second control valve SV2 can be controlled in the cleaning and / or sterilization phase, in particular acted upon by inter-gas, is.

In particular, it can be provided that the lock chamber 22 with the trained as a vacuum channel annular channel 30 during the cleaning and / or sterilization phase is in fluid communication. This leakage from the valve interior are always in the direction of the annular channel 30 dissipated and prevented a possible source of contamination with microorganisms.

With the filling system according to the invention 1 If different filling methods are possible, for example, subsequent pressure filling of containers 2 with the filling system 1 according to the embodiment of the 1 to 10 :

2 shows a sealing position on the filling element 1.1 raised container 2 , with its container mouth close to the centering tulip 11 pressed. In this filling process, the liquid product flows with the liquid valve open 9 the interior of the in sealing position on the filling element 1.1 held and with the inert gas ( 4 and 5 ) prestressed containers 2 to.

At least at the end of the respective filling phase is open valve device 26 that of the contents of the container 2 displaced inert gas over the return gas pipe 16 , the open valve device 26 and the line 25 in the gas space 5.1 of the product container 5 directed ( 7 ).

With the liquid valve still open 9 is the inflow of the contents in the container 2 then ended when the lower, open end 16.1 of the return gas pipe 16 in the level of the product in the container 2 reached filling material is immersed and a state of equilibrium between the height of Füllgutspiegels in Füllgutkessel 5 and in the return gas pipe 16 has set forming filling column.

The level of the lower end 16.1 thus determines the filling level of the filling material in the respective container 2 , After closing the liquid valve 9 and the valve device 26 and after relieving the headspace of the container not occupied by the contents 2 this is from the filling element 1.1 removed by lowering.

The respective desired filling level is at the beginning of the filling operation by axial adjustment of the return gas pipe 16 (Adjustment) set, for example, for all filling elements 1.1 ,

In addition to this described pressure filling is with the filler 1.1 Also a so-called Trinox filling process possible, in which in turn the return gas pipe 16 or its end 16.1 determine the fill level ( 9 ).

In this Trinox process, there is a deliberate overfilling of the respective prestressed and in sealing position on the filling element 1.1 arranged container 2 , ie filling beyond the desired level, with the liquid valve open 9 and closed valve device 26 , Wherein during filling by the inflowing medium from the interior of the container 2 displaced inert gas z. B. over the between the gas pipe 13 and the return gas pipe 16 formed second partial flow channel 20.2 and from there via the opened first control valve SV1 in the ring channel 30 is displaced. After closing the liquid valve 9 is the occupied by the contents headspace of the container 2 pressurized, for example via the still open first control valve SV1 , By opening the valve device 26 is via the return gas pipe 16 , the open valve device 26 and the line 25 Contents from the overfilled container 2 into the product boiler 5 as long as returned to the lower end 16.1 of the return gas pipe 16 outside the contents in the container 2 located.

After closing the valve device 26 and after relieving the headspace of the filled container 2 for example, via the opened second control valve SV2 becomes the container 2 from the filling element 1.1 deducted. Also in this Trinox filling process, the respective desired filling level is achieved by the axial adjustment of the return gas pipe 16 (Adjustment stroke) is set on all filling elements 1.1 the filling machine 1 ,

It can be provided that, at least during the Trinox filling phase, the regulation of the filling level, ie the filling height adjustment of filling material in a container to be filled 2 , according to a fixed opening profile for the valve device 26 he follows.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that, at least during the Trinox filling phase, the regulation of the filling level, that is to say the filling height adjustment on filling contents in a container to be filled, can be regulated 2 , incorporating the pressure control loop DKR by means of the continuously adjustable valve device 26 takes place as an actuator.

Particularly advantageous may be the continuously controllable and / or controllable valve device 26 be formed so that a fine metering of the inert gas during the filling phase temporally upstream rinsing phase at high vacuum in the evacuation takes place.

Furthermore, it can also be advantageously provided that the rinsing phase or the rinsing process as a control loop RK is formed dependent on the container internal pressure, wherein the container internal pressure by means of the at least one pressure sensor DS in the filling element 1.1 can be detected and forms a control parameter.

The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that a plurality of changes or modifications are possible without thereby leaving the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

filling system

1.1

filler

2

container

2.1

container mouth

4

rotor

5

Füllgutkessel

5.1

headspace

5.2

liquid space

6

casing

7

liquid channel

8th

management

8.1

Flowmeter

9

liquid valve

9.1

valve body

10

discharge opening

11

centering bell

12

poetry

13

gas pipe

14

actuator

15

headspace

16

Return gas pipe

16.1

lower end

16.2

top end

16.3

hollow probe

16.4

hollow probe

18

support arm

19

adjustment

20

flow

20.1

first partial flow path

20.2

second partial flow path

22

lock chamber

25

management

26

valve means

27

valve means

28.1

poetry

28.2

poetry

29

Gas duct system

30

annular channel

40

annular channel

DS

pressure sensor

RK

loop

DRC

Pressure control circuit

VRK

Volume flow control loop

FA

filling element

MA

machine axis

SV1

first control valve

SV2

second control valve

Claims (19)

Filling system for filling containers (2) with a liquid filling material, comprising at least one Füllgutkessel (5) providing the filling material and at least one filling element (1.1) for the controlled delivery of the filling material in the in sealing position on the filling element (1.1) arranged container (2) in a filling phase of the filling, wherein in the filling element (1.1) at least one flow path (20) for a liquid and / or gaseous medium is formed, which is at least during the filling phase with an interior of the container to be filled (2) in communication characterized in that at least one valve device (26, 27) which is infinitely adjustable between an open and / or closed position is provided at least in the flow path (20), wherein the at least one continuously adjustable valve device (26, 27) flows through the flow path (20) Volumetric flow of the liquid and / or gaseous medium steplessly controlled and / or regulated is. Filling system after Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one valve device (26, 27) is designed as a continuously adjustable control valve, which is controllable between the open and / or closed position in any intermediate position as a permissible operating position. Filling system after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one valve device (26, 27) as a magnetically and / or electrically and / or pneumatically formed between the open and / or closed position continuously controllable control valve. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one valve device (26) in a first Teilströmungsweg (20.1) of the flow path (20) is provided, wherein the first Teilströmungsweg (20.1) of a gas space (5.1) of a Füllgutkessels ( 5) via a return gas pipe (16) into the interior of the container (2). Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one valve device (26) in the transition region of a return gas pipe (16) to a flexible conduit (25), in particular on a support arm (18) is provided. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve device is provided at least one (26) between a free space (15) formed above the gas pipe (13) and the flow path (20) leading into the ring vessel (30). Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, that the filling system (1) at least the valve means (26) and at least one further valve means (27), wherein the at least one further valve means (27) in the flow path (20) between the interior of the container ( 2) and designed as a vacuum channel annular channel (30) is provided. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow channel (20) at least one pressure sensor (DS) is associated with the valve means (26) and / or the further valve means (27) a control circuit (RK), in particular a pressure control loop (DRK), by means of which a rinsing phase and / or prestressing phase and / or filling phase and / or evacuation phase and / or Calming phase and / or relief phase is controlled and / or regulated, wherein the valve device (26) and / or the further valve device (27) an actuator in the control loop (RK), in particular in the pressure control loop (DRK), is formed. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling system (1) is adapted to control the discharge phase via preselectable pressure characteristics with the involvement of the pressure control loop (DRC) and / or to regulate, in such a way that after a reduction the internal pressure in the filled with liquid product container (2) by means of the continuously adjustable valve means (26) and / or the further valve means (27) of the absolute pressure in the remaining headspace of the container (2) via the flow path (20) is increased again. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve device (26) with a line (8) associated flow meter (8.1) the control circuit (RK), in particular a volume flow control circuit (VRK), formed by means of a rinsing phase and / or The biasing phase and / or filling phase and / or calming phase and / or relief phase can be controlled and / or regulated, wherein the valve device (26) and / or the further valve device (27) an actuator in the control loop (RK), in particular in the volume flow control loop ( VRK) trains. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling system (1) is designed, at least during the filling phase, the filling speed by throttling the back over the flow path (20) flowing back gas via the valve device (26) and / or the further valve device ( 27) according to a fixed opening profile for the valve device (26) to control and / or to regulate. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling system (1) is designed, at least during the filling phase, the filling speed by throttling the back over the flow path (20) flowing back gas via the valve device (26) and / or the further valve device ( 27) according to a preselected volumetric flow profile with the involvement of the volume flow control loop (VKR) to control and / or to regulate. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least during the Trinox filling phase the filling levels with the involvement of the pressure control circuit (DKR) by means of the continuously adjustable valve means (26) and / or the further valve means (27) as an actuator control and / or is controllable. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least during the Trinox filling phase the filling levels with the involvement of the pressure control circuit (DKR) by means of the continuously adjustable valve means (26) and / or the further valve means (27) as an actuator control and / or is controllable. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rinsing phase is formed as a control loop (RK) depending on the container internal pressure, wherein the container internal pressure by means of the at least one pressure sensor (DS) in the filling element (1.1) can be detected and forms a control parameter. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow path (20) is formed in a during the filling phase in the container (2) reaching into the return gas pipe (16), via which during the filling phase by the inflowing container interior recirculated return gas in the Füllgutkessel (5) or in a with the Füllgutkessel (5) connected separate annular channel (30, 40) or in a via a pressure control with the Füllgutkessel (5) connected separate annular channel (30, 40) derived and / or at the end of the filling phase for Setting a Sollfüllhöhe from the headspace of the initially overfilled container (2) filling material in the Füllgutkessel (5) is displaced. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return gas pipe (16) is axially displaceably guided upward through a housing (6) of the filling element (1.1), wherein an open end (16.2) of the return gas pipe (16) within the housing (6) is designed as a lateral opening, which opens into a lock chamber (22). Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock chamber (22) via a gas channel system (29) both with the vacuum channel designed as a ring channel (30) and with the interposition of a second control valve (SV2) with a liquid channel (7) is connectable in that the lock chamber 22 can be acted upon with inert gas during the cleaning and / or sterilization phase. Filling machine for filling containers (2) with a liquid filling material with a plurality of filling elements (1.1) of a filling system (1) provided on a periphery of a rotor (4) which can be driven peripherally about a vertical machine axis (MA), characterized in that the filling system (1) is formed according to one of the preceding claims.

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