DE102021128681A1 - Device and method for filling containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (10A-10D) for filling a container (12), preferably for a filler carousel, having a filling valve (14) for dispensing a liquid to the container (12) and a switching unit (16) which is below the filling valve (14) and a liquid filling channel (30) for receiving the liquid from the filling valve (14) and discharging the liquid to the container (12) and at least one gas channel (32) for evacuating the container (12) and/or to the biasing the container (12) and/or for discharging return gas from the container (12).

Description

technical field

The invention relates to a device for filling a container and a method for operating a device for filling containers.

Technical background

Different techniques can be used to fill containers in filling devices such as filler carousels. For example, full-jet filling systems or free-jet filling systems or pressure-filling systems, such as wall-filling systems, can be used.

With full-jet systems, for example, still drinks can be filled with a full-jet/free-jet filling valve. It is not necessary for the bottle to be pressed against the filling valve. The return gas can flow out of the container into the surrounding space. If, for example, a carbonated or carbonated drink is filled with a full jet system, the container can be pressed against the filling valve. The necessary gas routing for the clamping gases and return gases, from the filling element to the container and back, are integrated in the filling valve. The return gas path is arranged on the side of the filling jet outlet in the filling valve.

In the case of wall-filling systems, the container can be pressed against the filling valve for wall-filling, both with still or non-carbonated beverages and with carbonated beverages. The fill valve is specially designed to allow wall filling such that the fill jet engages an inner peripheral wall of the container upon entry into the container. The necessary gas routing for the clamping gases and return gases, from the filling element to the container and back, are integrated in the filling valve.

In known filling valves or filling elements, the supply of pressurized gas into the respective container and the discharge of the return gas from the respective container take place via a controlled gas path formed in the filling valve and having a plurality of gas channels in which one or more control valves are arranged. The control valves are then, for example, part of a pneumatic control valve arrangement and are controlled by a machine control of the filling machine via at least one electrically controllable switching valve. In the case of filling element arrangements known from the prior art, the return gas channel in particular is sometimes exposed to a high level of germs and/or contamination.

The DE 10 2014 109 589 A1 relates to a filling system for filling containers, having a large number of filling elements, each of which has a filling material channel provided in a filling element housing with a filling material outlet, via which, during filling, the liquid filling material, controlled by a liquid valve, flows to the respective container with its container opening below the filling material outlet flows in, with container carriers assigned to the respective filling elements and movable in the vertical direction for holding and producing at least one indirect sealing position of the respective container relative to the filling element, as well as with rinsing caps to be arranged on the filling material outlets for cleaning and/or sterilizing the filling elements. Each filling element is assigned an expansion piece that can be arranged in a sealed position at the filling material outlet and has a filling material passage, so that when the expansion piece is arranged on the filling material outlet, the filling material channel of the filling element is lengthened.

The DE 10 2016 115 891 A1 relates to a filling system for filling a container with a filling product, comprising a filling device for filling the container with the filling product, a deflection device having an electrostatic field being provided for deflecting the filling product relative to the container.

From the EP 3 286 130 B1 is also known a filling element arrangement for pressureless or pressurized free-jet filling of containers with a liquid filling material.

The invention has for its object to provide an improved technique that the filling of containers in different modes such. B. free jet filling and wall filling, made possible in a simple way.

Summary of the Invention

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for filling a container, preferably for a filler carousel, comprising a filling valve (e.g. full jet filling valve) for dispensing a liquid to the container. The device further comprises a changeover unit which can be positioned (e.g. selectively) below the filling valve and has a liquid filling channel for receiving the liquid from the filling valve and dispensing the liquid to the container and at least one gas channel for evacuating the container and/or to the Biasing the container and/or for discharging return gas from the container.

Advantageously, the device enables containers to be filled in different modes in a simple and hygienic manner, i.e. with and without the interposition of the liquid filling channel of the switching unit in the liquid flow path from the filling valve to the container. The device can advantageously fill still products with a free jet (without the interposition of the liquid filling channel of the switching unit) with correspondingly high performance of free jet systems and the filling of carbonated products with pressure filling, e.g. B. Filling with wall filling (through the interposition of the liquid filling channel of the switching unit) with correspondingly high performance from wall filling systems. Here, for example, it is also possible to switch fully automatically between free jet and wall filling. Highly foaming products can be filled at much higher speeds with wall filling than with free-jet fillers.

The gas flow in the form of at least one gas channel, e.g. B. for evacuating the container or for supplying pressurized gas to the container or for discharging return gas from the container, no longer integrated in the filling element or the filling valve, but in the changeover unit. This can be very advantageous, for example, in the field of aseptics, since no gas channels have to be integrated and monitored in the filling device. Purely as an example, reference should be made here to aseptic systems that fill still, weakly acidic products, whereby the container is not pressed against the filling valve. The gas channels in the filling element must be designed and monitored according to the requirements of aseptic systems, even if they are only used temporarily. This means an increased effort for the design of the components. The monitoring of cleaning and sterilization also requires more sensors (temperature monitoring).

The switching unit can preferably be designed separately from the filling valve.

The at least one gas channel can preferably be formed separately from the liquid filling channel.

For example, the at least one gas channel can have an evacuation channel, a pressurized gas channel and/or a return gas channel. It is possible that the evacuation duct, the compressed gas duct and/or the return gas duct are formed separately from one another or that at least two of the ducts (of two or three ducts in total) are integrated with one another, e.g. B. the span gas channel and the return gas channel.

Preferably, the at least one gas duct can have exactly one gas duct (e.g. compressed gas duct, return gas duct or evacuation duct), exactly two gas ducts (e.g. compressed gas duct and return gas duct or compressed gas duct and evacuation duct or evacuation duct and return gas duct) or exactly three gas ducts (e.g. Span gas channel and return gas channel and evacuation channel).

In one embodiment, a (e.g. outlet) section of the liquid filling channel and a (e.g. end) section of the at least one gas channel run side by side or coaxially, with the section of the liquid filling channel preferably coaxially surrounding the section of the at least one gas channel, particularly preferably helical. Preferably, this can be particularly advantageous for reasons of installation space, in which case the at least one gas duct can particularly preferably be cleverly arranged within an installation space that is already present inside the liquid filling duct.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the device also has a tensioning gas source which is or can be connected to the at least one gas channel (e.g. the tensioning gas channel of the at least one gas channel) for supplying tensioning gas. The container can thus advantageously be prestressed via the at least one gas channel before filling.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the device also has a return gas discharge which is or can be connected to the at least one gas channel (eg the return gas channel of the at least one gas channel) for discharging the return gas. Return gas can thus advantageously be discharged from the container via the at least one gas channel while the container is being filled.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the device also has a vacuum source which is or can be connected to the at least one gas channel (e.g. the evacuation channel of the at least one gas channel) for evacuating the container. Advantageously, the container can thus be evacuated via the at least one gas channel before filling and, if necessary, before prestressing.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the liquid filling channel is designed for converting (or reshaping or deflecting) the liquid received from the filling valve into a filling jet for wall-filling and for emitting the filling jet for wall-filling to the container.

In one embodiment, the liquid filling channel has a (e.g. helical) swirl-generating section, a guide element and/or a flow body that widens in the direction of flow, preferably a deflector screen. The swirl-generating section, the guide element and/or the flow body can preferably surround a section of the at least one gas channel, particularly preferably coaxially. Advantageously, this can allow the wall of the container to be filled, particularly advantageously in a very space-saving manner.

In a further embodiment, the switching unit can be moved vertically, preferably by means of an actuator and/or independently of the filling valve. The switching unit can thus advantageously be pressed against the container and/or the filling valve.

In a further embodiment, the switching unit can be pressed against the filling valve, preferably by means of a vertical movement of the filling valve (e.g. caused by an actuator) and/or the switching unit (e.g. caused by an actuator). Alternatively or additionally, the switching unit can be pressed onto the container, preferably by means of a vertical movement of the switching unit and/or a container holder of the container.

The switching unit can preferably have an upper (eg metallic or non-metallic), preferably ring-shaped, sealing surface for pressing against the filling valve.

The switching unit can preferably have a lower (eg metallic or non-metallic), preferably ring-shaped, sealing surface for pressing against the container.

The filling valve can preferably have a (eg metallic or non-metallic), preferably annular, sealing surface for pressing against the changeover unit.

In one embodiment variant, the filling valve has a movable valve member, preferably with a valve cone, which preferably protrudes into the changeover unit (e.g. the liquid filling channel of the changeover unit) in a closed position of the filling valve when the changeover unit is positioned below the filling valve. The switching unit can preferably have a recess for a front end of the movable valve member, which is particularly preferably adapted to a shape of the front end. This can advantageously enable a particularly flat conversion unit.

In a further embodiment variant, the switching unit can be displaced, pivoted and/or rotated for positioning below the filling valve, preferably guided and/or by means of an actuator.

In a further embodiment variant, the filling valve can be moved vertically, preferably for pressing against the switching unit, and/or the device has a container holder for holding the container, which can be moved vertically, preferably for pressing against the switching unit.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the device can be operated in a first operating mode, preferably a free jet operating mode, in which the filling valve emits the liquid in a free jet for preferably direct (e.g. without interposing the liquid filling channel of the switching unit) filling of the container. Alternatively or additionally, the device can be operated in a second operating mode, preferably wall-filling operating mode, in which the switching unit is positioned below the filling valve, the liquid-filling channel receives the liquid from the filling valve and outputs it to the container for filling, preferably wall-filling, the container, and the at least one gas duct draws gas from the vessel to evacuate the vessel and/or the at least one gas duct supplies pressurizing gas to the vessel for prestressing the vessel prior to filling the vessel and/or the at least one gas duct receives return gas from the vessel during filling and derives.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for operating a device for filling containers, preferably as disclosed herein, the method involving operating the device in a first operating mode in which a free jet from a filling valve, preferably directly (e.g. without the interposition of the liquid filling channel of the switching unit), flows into a container below the filling valve. The method comprises operating the device in a second operating mode in which a changeover unit is positioned below the filling valve, a liquid filling channel of the changeover unit receives liquid from the filling valve and delivers liquid to the container, preferably such that wall filling of the container occurs, and the Switching unit has at least one gas channel through which gas is evacuated from the container before the container is filled and/or through which a tensioning gas is fed into the container for pretensioning the container before the container is filled and/or through which during the filling of the container a return gas is discharged from the container. The same advantages that have already been described for the device can advantageously be achieved with the method.

In one embodiment, the container is positioned at a distance from the filling valve in the first mode of operation (e.g. without the interposition of the changeover unit and/or the liquid filling channel), and/or the container and the changeover unit and the filling valve are pressed against one another in the second mode of operation.

In another embodiment, in the first mode of operation, a non-carbonated (or still) liquid is filled into the container and/or in the second mode of operation, a carbonated liquid is filled into the container.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the method also includes changing from the first operating mode to the second operating mode by moving, preferably shifting, pivoting and/or rotating, the switching unit or the liquid filling channel of the switching unit under the filling valve, preferably by means of an actuator.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the method also includes changing from the second operating mode to the first operating mode by moving, preferably shifting, pivoting and/or rotating, the switching unit or the liquid filling channel of the switching unit away from the filling valve, preferably by means of an actuator.

In the second operating mode, the liquid filling channel of the switching unit preferably shapes the liquid received from the filling valve into a filling jet for wall filling of the liquid filling channel by means of a (e.g. helical) swirl-generating section, a guide element and/or a flow body that widens in the direction of flow, preferably a deflector screen container around.

In the context of the present disclosure, “free-jet filling” or “free-jet filling” is preferably understood to mean a filling method in which the liquid filling material flows towards the container to be filled from the liquid valve in a free filling jet or filling material jet, with the flow of the filling material not being restricted by guide elements such as e.g. B. deflector screens, swirlers, short or long filling tubes is influenced or changed. Free-jet filling can be carried out both under pressure and without pressure. In the case of pressureless free-jet filling, the container can have ambient pressure, the container mouth or opening generally not lying against the filling valve, but rather being at a distance from the filling valve or from a dispensing opening provided. If the container mouth is in contact with the filling valve during pressureless free-jet filling, a gas path can create a connection between the interior of the container and the environment, which makes pressureless filling possible. Preferably, the gas contained in the container and displaced by the beverage flowing into the container also escapes into the environment via this gas path. If the free-jet filling takes place under a pressure that deviates from the ambient pressure, which can be both above and below the ambient pressure, the container can be pressed with its mouth against the filling valve and sealed, whereupon the pressure in the interior of the container is then reduced by applying a pressurized gas or can be adjusted by applying a negative pressure.

Preferably, the opposite of the above-described free-jet filling can represent a filling process in which the liquid filling material is conveyed to the container to be filled from the liquid valve, influencing the flow of the filling material by guide elements such as e.g. B. Ableitschirme and / or swirlers and / or short or long filling tubes can flow, z. B. for wall filling of the container. This filling process can also be carried out without pressure or under pressure.

The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another as desired.

character list

• 1 eine schematische Schnittansicht durch eine Vorrichtung zum Füllen in einem ersten Betriebsmodus gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 2 eine schematische Schnittansicht durch die Vorrichtung von 1 in einem zweiten Betriebsmodus;
• 3 eine schematische Schnittansicht durch eine Vorrichtung zum Füllen in einem ersten Betriebsmodus gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 4 eine schematische Schnittansicht durch die Vorrichtung von 3 in einem zweiten Betriebsmodus;
• 5 eine schematische Schnittansicht durch eine Vorrichtung zum Füllen in einem ersten Betriebsmodus gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;
• 6 eine schematische Schnittansicht durch die Vorrichtung von 5 in einem zweiten Betriebsmodus; und
• 7 eine schematische Schnittansicht durch eine Vorrichtung zum Füllen in einem zweiten Betriebsmodus gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung.

Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a schematic sectional view through a device for filling in a first operating mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 2 a schematic sectional view through the device of 1 in a second mode of operation;
• 3 a schematic sectional view through a device for filling in a first operating mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 4 a schematic sectional view through the device of 3 in a second mode of operation;
• 5 a schematic sectional view through a device for filling in a first operating mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 6 a schematic sectional view through the device of 5 in a second mode of operation; and
• 7 a schematic sectional view through a device for filling in a second operating mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least in part, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols and, for their explanation, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

The 1 and 2 12 show an apparatus 10A for filling containers 12 (only the container neck of the container 12 is shown) in different modes of operation.

The device 10A (as well as the devices 10B to 10D of 3 until 7 ) can be included in a filling device of a container treatment plant. The filling device is preferably designed as a filler carousel. The filling device can have several devices 10A-10D for filling several containers at the same time. For example, the devices 10A-10D can be arranged around a circumference of the filling device designed as a filler carousel.

The device 10A has a filling valve 14 and a switching unit 16 . In addition, the device 10A can have a support structure 18, a container holder 20 and an actuator 22.

The fill valve 14 can dispense a liquid (e.g., a beverage) to fill the container 12 . The liquid can be dispensed in a free jet from the filling valve 14 itself. The inflation valve 14 may include a moveable valve member 24 and a valve seat 26 .

The valve member 24 can have, for example, a front valve cone for pressing against the valve seat 26 and for lifting off the valve seat 26 . The valve seat 26 can be designed in the shape of a cone or a truncated cone. The valve member 24 can be moved, preferably displaced, by an actuator (not shown) between a closed position (not shown) and an open position (shown). In the closed position, the valve member 24 is in contact with the valve seat 26 . In the open position, the valve member 24 is spaced apart from the valve seat 26 . In the open position, a free jet flows out of the filling valve 14, which can be formed in the gap between the valve member 24 and the valve seat 26.

The actuator of the inflation valve 14 and all other actuators disclosed herein can be implemented in any manner, for example, electromagnetic, pneumatic, or hydraulic.

The inflation valve 14 can be carried by the support structure 18 . It is possible that the filling valve 14 can be moved vertically, for example by means of an actuator (not shown). By means of the vertical mobility, the filling valve 14 can, for example, be pressed against the switching unit 16 or pressed against the container 12 or a distance from the container 12 can be reduced without pressing the filling valve 14 against the container 12 . Alternatively, the filling valve 14 can be attached in a fixed or immovable manner, for example on the support structure 18.

The filling valve 14 can have a sealing surface 28 . The sealing surface 28 can be metallic or non-metallic, e.g. B. be made of plastic. The sealing surface 28 preferably surrounds an outlet of the filling valve 14. The sealing surface 28 is preferably annular. The sealing surface 28 can preferably be designed as an encircling collar section or as an encircling collar. The sealing surface 28 can seal between the filling valve 14 and the changeover unit 16 when the filling valve 14 and the changeover unit 16 are pressed against one another.

The switching unit 16 has a liquid filling channel 30 and at least one gas channel 32 .

The liquid fill channel 30 can receive liquid from the fill valve 14 and dispense liquid to the container 12 . The liquid filling channel 30 can preferably convert the received liquid into a filling jet for wall filling of the container 12 . The liquid can be received by the filling valve 14 when the switching unit 16 or the liquid filling channel 30 is positioned below the filling valve 14 . The liquid fill channel 30 may have an upper inlet for receiving the liquid or for positioning below the fill valve 14 . The liquid filling channel 30 can discharge the filling jet for wall filling of the container 12 through a bottom outlet of the liquid filling channel 30 .

In order to convert the received liquid into the filling jet for wall filling, the liquid filling channel 30 can have a swirl-generating section, for example. As in the 1 and 2 is shown, the twist-generating section can be helical or helical, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid filling channel 30 can, for example, be a guide element and/or a flow body that widens in the direction of flow or towards the container 12 (not in the 1 and 2 shown), for example in the form of a shielding body. The guide element and/or the flow body can deflect the liquid for application to an inner wall of the container 12, ie for filling the wall of the container. The flow body can surround a section of the at least one gas channel 32, preferably coaxially.

A section, preferably an outlet section, of the liquid filling channel 30 is preferably arranged coaxially to a section, preferably an end section, of the at least gas channel 32 . The section of the liquid filling channel 30 particularly preferably coaxially surrounds the section of the at least one gas channel 32 . The portion of the liquid filling channel 30 may preferably be an outlet portion adjacent to an outlet of the liquid filling channel 30 . The section of the at least one gas duct 32 can preferably be an end section that adjoins an opening of the at least one gas duct 32 that can be pressed against the container 12 or at least faces the container 12 when the switching unit 16 for filling the container 12 is below the Filling valve 14 is positioned.

The at least one gas channel 32 can have a clamping gas channel for receiving clamping gas, which is connected to a clamping gas source 44 (for reasons of clarity only in 1 shown) is connected or connectable. The tensioning gas received can be discharged from a lower opening of the at least one gas channel 32 or of the tensioning gas channel into the container 12 for the purpose of pretensioning the container 12 . It is also possible for the container 12 to be filled with pressurized gas or production gas, e.g. B. CO2, is flushed before filling

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one gas duct 32 can have a return gas duct, which is connected to a return gas discharge 46 (for reasons of clarity only in 1 shown) is connected or connectable. When filling the container 12 (e.g. filling through the liquid filling channel 30), return gas can flow directly from the container 12 into the at least one gas channel 32 or return gas channel via the lower opening of the at least one gas channel 32 or the return gas channel. The at least one gas duct 32 or return gas duct can direct inflowing return gas to the return gas outlet 46 .

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one gas channel 32 can have an evacuation channel that is connected to a vacuum source 48 (for reasons of clarity only in 1 shown) is connected or connectable. The vacuum source 48 can be embodied as a vacuum pump, for example. By means of the lower opening of the at least one gas channel 32 or the evacuation channel, gas can be fed directly from the container 12 into the at least one gas channel 32 or evacuation channel before the container 12 is filled and, if necessary, preloaded (e.g. filling through the liquid filling channel 30). flow in or be sucked into it. The at least one gas channel 32 or evacuation channel can conduct the gas to the vacuum source 48 .

It is possible for the compressed gas channel, the return gas channel and the evacuation channel to be designed separately from one another. It is also possible that only one of these channels is formed separately and the other two channels form a common channel. It is also possible that only one gas duct 32 is included, which takes on the function of the pressurized gas duct, the return gas duct and/or the evacuation duct.

It is possible for the device 10A to have at least one gas line 34 for discharging gas for evacuating the container 12, for supplying the pressurized gas and/or for discharging the return gas. The at least one gas line 34 can be connected to the at least one gas channel 32 . The at least one gas line 34 can be carried by the support structure 18 . The at least one gas line 34 can particularly preferably extend through an actuator of the actuator 22 .

The at least one gas channel 32 can be controlled with one or more control valves (not shown in the figures), which can block or unblock the at least one gas channel 32, for example, and/or connect the at least one gas channel 32 to the pressurized gas source 44 and / or the return gas discharge 46 and / or the vacuum source 48 can bring. The at least one control valve can be controlled by a machine control of the filling device comprising the device 10A, e.g. B. pneumatically or electromagnetically.

The switching unit 16 can be carried on the support structure 18 . The support structure 18 can also support the actuator 22 .

The switching unit 16 can be positioned below the filling valve 14 . The changeover unit 16 may be moveable under the inflation valve 14 and away from a position under the inflation valve 14 . The movement can include, for example, rotating, pivoting and/or shifting of the switching unit 16 . Accordingly, the switching unit 16 can be slidably, pivotably and/or rotatably mounted. The movement can preferably be a vertical movement and/or a have horizontal movement. The mobility of the switching unit 16 can be independent of any mobility of the filling valve 14 that may be present.

The switching unit 16 can preferably be moved to the position below the filling valve 14 and moved away from the position below the filling valve 14 by means of the actuator 22, for example to a parking position. However, it is also possible, for example, for a robotic device (not shown) to position or move the switching unit 16 under the filling valve 14, if desired.

The switching unit 16 can be pressed against the filling valve 14 from below. The pressing can be effected, for example, by means of a vertical movement of the filling valve 14 and/or a vertical movement of the switching unit 16.

The switching unit 16 can be pressed onto the container 12 from above. The pressing can be effected, for example, by means of a vertical movement of the switching unit 16 and/or a vertical movement of the container 12, for example by means of the container holder 20.

The switching unit 16 can have an upper sealing surface 36 . The upper sealing surface 36 can be metallic or non-metallic, e.g. B. be made of plastic. Preferably, the upper sealing surface 36 surrounds an inlet of the liquid fill channel 30. The upper sealing surface 36 is preferably annular. The upper sealing surface 36 is preferably designed as an encircling collar section or as an encircling collar. The upper sealing surface 36 can seal between the inflation valve 14 and the changeover unit 16 when the inflation valve 14 and the changeover unit 16 are pressed together.

The switching unit 16 can have a lower sealing surface 38 . The lower sealing surface 38 can be metallic or non-metallic, e.g. B. be made of plastic. The lower sealing surface 38 preferably surrounds an outlet of the liquid filling channel 30 and an opening of the at least one gas channel 32. The lower sealing surface 38 is preferably annular. The lower sealing surface 38 is preferably designed as an encircling collar section or as an encircling collar. The lower sealing surface 38 is preferably designed in the form of a cone. The lower sealing surface 38 can seal between the changeover unit 16 and the container 12 when the changeover unit 16 and the container 12 are pressed together.

It is possible that a front end (for example the valve cone) of the valve member 24 of the filling valve 14 protrudes into the switching unit 16 in a closed position of the filling valve 14 when the switching unit 16 is positioned below the filling valve 14 . The switching unit 16 can preferably have a recess 40 (for reasons of clarity only in 1 marked with a reference number) for the front end of the valve member 24. A shape of the recess 40 can be adapted to a shape of the front end of the valve member 24 . For example, the recess 40 can be conical for the valve cone of the valve member 24 .

The container holder 20 is designed to hold the container 12 . For example, the container holder 20 can hold the container 12 on a container neck. Correspondingly, the container holder 20 can be embodied as a container neck holder, for example. Alternatively or in addition to holding the container 12 by its neck, the container holder 20 can hold the container 12 by its container body or body, for example, or can support the container 12 from below or on the bottom.

The container holder 20 can hold the container 12, for example, by means of a clamp or a gripper. The container holder may be passive and resiliently biased to a closed position for retaining the container 12, for example. Alternatively, the container holder 20 can be active and can be opened and/or closed, for example, by means of an actuator. It is also possible for the actuator to be able to open a container holder 20 that is elastically prestressed to close or to close a container holder 20 that is elastically prestressed to open.

It is possible that the container holder 20 can be moved vertically, for example by means of an actuator. By means of the vertical mobility, the container holder 20 can be pressed against the switching unit 16 from below and, if desired, can be pressed against the filling valve 14 from below without the switching unit 16 being interposed.

The 1 10 shows the device 10A in a first operating mode, preferably a full-beam or free-beam operating mode. In the first operating mode, the container 12 can be filled with a free jet from the filling valve 14 in the open position. The free jet can flow directly into the container 12 from the filling valve 14 . The switching unit 16 can be positioned in a parking position. In the parking position, the switching unit 16 can be positioned in such a way that it is no longer positioned below the filling valve 14 . However, it is also conceivable, for example, for the switching unit 16 to have a flow channel separate from the liquid filling channel 30 . In the first operating mode, this through-flow channel can be positioned below the filling valve 14 . This flow channel can the free jet from the filling valve 14, for example, without significant Pass influence and flow into the container 12.

In the first mode of operation, the filling valve 14 is preferably positioned at a distance from the container 12 . In the first operating mode, a non-carbonated or non-carbonated liquid can preferably be filled from the filling valve 14 into the container 12 (e.g. directly or via a passage of the switching unit 16).

The 2 shows the device 10A in a second operating mode, preferably non-free jet operating mode or pressure filling operating mode, particularly preferably for wall filling of the container 12. In the second operating mode, the switching unit 16 and the liquid filling channel 30 can be positioned below the filling valve 14. The switching unit 16 can receive the liquid from the filling valve 14 at an inlet of the liquid filling channel 30 . In the liquid filling channel 30, the liquid can preferably be converted or deflected into a filling jet for wall filling. The filling jet for wall filling can leave the switching unit 16 from an outlet of the liquid filling channel 30 and flow into the container 12 .

In the second operating mode, the switching unit 16 can be pressed from below onto the filling valve 14 or its outlet. This pressing can be brought about when changing from the first operating mode to the second operating mode of the device 10A in that the switching unit 16 is first pivoted under the filling valve 14 by means of the actuator 22 . The switching unit 16 can then be moved vertically upwards by means of the actuator 22 in order to press the switching unit 16 against the filling valve 14 .

In the second operating mode, the container 12 can be pressed against the switching unit 16 from below. This pressing can be effected in the second operating mode of the device 10A in that, after the switching unit 16 has been pressed against the filling valve 14 from below, the container 12 is moved vertically upwards by means of the container holder 20 and to the switching unit 16 or the outlet of the liquid filling channel 30 is pressed.

During the (e.g. wall) filling of the container 12 in the second operating mode, return gas can flow out of the container 12 into the at least one gas channel 32 and be routed to the return gas outlet 46 . As an alternative or in addition, it is possible for the container 12 to be prestressed with a pressurizing gas before the (e.g. wall) filling of the container 12 in the second operating mode. The clamping gas can flow from the clamping gas source 44 through the at least one gas channel 32 into the container 12 .

It is also possible that the at least one gas channel 32 can be used, for example, to evacuate the container 12 if desired. For this purpose, the at least one gas channel 32 can be connected or can be connected to the vacuum source 48 .

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one gas channel 32 could, for example, have the evacuation channel and the pressurized gas channel (e.g. for CO2 as pressurized gas/purging gas) separately from one another. In this exemplary embodiment, the pressed-on container 12 could, for example, first be evacuated via the evacuation duct in order to reduce the air (and thus the oxygen contained therein) in the container 12 . Following this, CO2 can be conducted into the evacuated container 12 via the pressurized gas channel and this can be flushed or prestressed with it.

It is also possible that a control valve that is assigned to the vacuum source 48 and a clamping gas valve/purge gas valve that is assigned, for example, to the clamping gas source 44 open at the same time or with only a slight time lag, so that the vacuum source 48 allows the flow of the production gas, e.g. B. CO2, through the container 12 can support.

In the second operating mode, the filling valve 14, the switching unit 16 and the container 12 are preferably pressed against one another. In the second operating mode, a carbonated or carbonated liquid can preferably be filled from the filling valve 14 via the liquid filling channel 30 of the switching unit 16 into the container 12 .

To switch from the second operating mode ( 2 ) to the first operating mode ( 1 ) the switching unit 16 can be moved vertically downwards by means of the actuator 22 . The switching unit 16 is detached from the filling valve 14. The switching unit 16 or at least the inlet of the liquid filling channel 30 can now be moved away from the filling valve 14 or its outlet by means of the actuator 22.

The 3 and 4 show a device 10B similar to device 10A. In the device 10B, the inflation valve 14 may be vertically moveable, for example, by means of an actuator (not shown). The vertical mobility can be adjusted in the first operating mode (see 3 ) can be used, for example, to reduce a distance between the filling valve 14 and the container 12 without the filling valve 14 touching the container 12. The vertical mobility can in the second operating mode (see 4 ) can be used, for example, to press the filling valve 14 together with the switching unit 16 onto the container 12 from above. So it's not necessary, but still possible that the container holder 20 can move the container 12 vertically.

The 5 and 6 10 show a device 10C similar to devices 10A and 10B. In the device 10C, the changeover unit 16 can be placed under the filling valve 14 for the second operating mode (see FIG 6 ) are shifted by means of the actuator 22 and for the first operating mode (see 5 ) are moved away from a position below the filling valve 14 by means of the actuator 22. The filling valve 14 can in turn be vertically movable in order to position the filling valve 14 in the second mode of operation (see FIG 6 ) to press onto the changeover unit 16 from above. Likewise, the container holder 20 can be moved vertically to hold the containers 12 in the second mode of operation (see FIG 6 ) to press against the changeover unit 16 from below.

The 7 Figure 10 shows a device 10D similar to device 10A. A difference between the devices 10A and 10D is that the liquid filling channel 30 of the switching unit 16 of the device 10D has a flow body 42 instead of a helical channel section. The flow body 42 can deflect the liquid received by the filling valve 14 in such a way that a filling jet for filling the walls of the container 12 is produced. The flow body 42 preferably widens in the direction of flow or in the direction of the container 12. The flow body 42 is preferably designed as a deflecting screen, as shown. The flow body 42 can preferably be arranged centrally in the liquid filling channel 30 . An end section of the at least one gas channel 32 can run through the flow body 42 .

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the idea of the invention and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the subclaims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and/or the configuration of the filling valve and/or the changeover unit of independent claim 1.

Reference List

10A-10D

Device for filling

12

container

14

filling valve

16

switching unit

18

supporting structure

20

container holder

22

actuator

24

valve member

26

valve seat

28

sealing surface

30

liquid filling channel

32

gas channel

34

gas line

36

upper sealing surface

38

lower sealing surface

40

recess

42

flow body

44

span gas source

46

return gas evacuation

48

vacuum source

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102014109589 A1 [0006]
• DE 102016115891 A1 [0007]
• EP 3286130 B1 [0008]

Claims (15)

Device (10A-10D) for filling a container (12), preferably for a filler carousel, comprising: a fill valve (14) for dispensing a liquid to the container (12); and a changeover unit (16) positionable below the filling valve (14) and a liquid filling channel (30) for receiving the liquid from the filling valve (14) and discharging the liquid to the container (12) and at least one gas channel (32) for evacuation of the container (12) and/or for prestressing the container (12) and/or for discharging return gas from the container (12). device (10A-10D). claim 1 , wherein: a section of the liquid-filling channel (30) and a section of the at least one gas channel (32) run next to one another or coaxially, with the section of the liquid-filling channel (30) preferably surrounding the section of the at least one gas channel (32) coaxially, particularly preferably helically. device (10A-10D). claim 1 or claim 2 , further comprising: a clamping gas source (44) which is or can be connected to the at least one gas channel (32) for supplying clamping gas; and/or a return gas outlet (46) which is or can be connected to the at least one gas channel (32) for removing the return gas; and/or a vacuum source which is or can be connected to the at least one gas channel (32) for evacuating the container (12). Apparatus (10A-10D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the liquid filling channel (30) is adapted for converting the liquid received from the filling valve (14) into a wall-filling filling jet and for discharging the wall-filling filling jet to the container (12). Apparatus (10A-10D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the liquid filling channel (30) has a swirl-generating section, a guide element and/or a flow body (42) that widens in the direction of flow, preferably a deflector screen, the swirl-generating section, the guide element and/or the flow body (42) preferably surrounding a section of the at least one gas channel (32), particularly preferably coaxially. Apparatus (10A-10D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the switching unit (16) can be moved vertically, preferably by means of an actuator (22) and/or independently of the filling valve (14). Apparatus (10A-10D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the switching unit (16) can be pressed against the filling valve (14), preferably by means of a vertical movement of the filling valve (14) and/or the switching unit (16); and or the switching unit (16) can be pressed against the container (12), preferably by means of a vertical movement of the switching unit (16) and/or a container holder (20) of the container (12). Apparatus (10A-10D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the filling valve (14) has a movable valve member (24), preferably with a valve cone, which protrudes into the switching unit (16) in a closed position of the filling valve (14) when the switching unit (16) is positioned below the filling valve (14). , the changeover unit (16) preferably having a recess (40) for a front end of the movable valve member (24), which is particularly preferably adapted to a shape of the front end. Apparatus (10A-10D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the switching unit (16) can be displaced, pivoted or rotated for positioning below the filling valve (14), preferably guided and/or by means of an actuator (22). Apparatus (10A-10D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the filling valve (14) can be moved vertically, preferably for pressing against the switching unit (16); and or the device (10A-10D) has a container holder (20) for holding the container (12), which is vertically movable, preferably for pressing against the switching unit (16). Device (10A-10D) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the device (10A-10D) can be operated in a first operating mode, preferably free jet operating mode, in which the filling valve (14) discharges the liquid in a free jet to the, preferably direct , Filling the container (12) outputs; and/or the device (10A-10D) can be operated in a second operating mode, preferably wall-filling operating mode, in which: - the switching unit (16) is positioned below the filling valve (14), - the liquid filling channel (30) receives the liquid from the fill valve (14) receives and dispenses to the container (12) for filling, preferably wall-filling, the container (12), and - the at least one gas channel (32) sucks gas out of the container (12) for evacuating the container (12) and/or the at least one gas channel (32) supplies clamping gas to the container (12) for pre-stressing the container (12) before filling of the container (12) and/or the at least one gas channel (32) receives and diverts return gas from the container (12) during filling. Method for operating a device (10A-10D) for filling containers (12), preferably according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: operating the device (10A-10D) in a first operating mode in which a free jet flows from a filling valve (14), preferably directly, into a container (12) below the filling valve (14); and operating the device (10A-10D) in a second mode of operation in which: - a switching unit (16) is positioned below the filling valve (14), - a liquid filling channel (30) of the switching unit (16) receives liquid from the filling valve (14) and delivers it to the container (12), preferably in such a way that wall filling of the container (12) occurs, and - the switching unit (16) has at least one gas channel (32) through which gas is evacuated from the container (12) before the container (12) is filled and/or through which a pressurized gas is fed into the Container (12) for biasing the container (12) is passed and / or through which a return gas is discharged from the container (12) during the filling of the container (12). procedure after claim 12 wherein: the reservoir (12) is positioned spaced from the fill valve (14) in the first mode of operation; and/or the container (12) and the switching unit (16) and the filling valve (14) are pressed against one another in the second operating mode. procedure after claim 12 or Claim 13 wherein: in the first mode of operation, a non-carbonated liquid is filled into the container (12); and/or a carbonated liquid is filled into the container (12) in the second operating mode. Procedure according to one of Claims 12 until 14 , further comprising: changing from the first operating mode to the second operating mode by moving, preferably sliding, pivoting and/or rotating, the switching unit (16) or the liquid filling channel (30) of the switching unit (16) under the filling valve (14), preferably by means an actuator (22); and/or changing from the second operating mode to the first operating mode by moving, preferably shifting, pivoting and/or rotating, the switching unit (16) or the liquid filling channel (30) of the switching unit (16) away from the filling valve (14), preferably by means an actuator (22).

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