DE102022119201A1 - Filling system for filling containers and method of operation - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling system for filling containers (3) with at least one filling element (2), the filling element (2) having at least one filling valve (7) and a receiving device (6) assigned to the filling valve (7) for receiving the containers (3 ), wherein the receiving device (6) is arranged to be movable relative to the filling valve (7) starting from an insertion position via an adjusting stroke. According to the invention, separate drive means are provided for effecting the adjustment stroke and a pressure stroke of the receiving device (6) following the adjustment stroke.

Description

The following invention relates to a filling system for filling containers with at least one filling element, the filling element having at least one filling valve and one filling valve associated receiving device for receiving containers, the receiving device being arranged to be movable relative to the fluid valve starting from an insertion position via an adjusting stroke.

In the context of the invention, a stroke always means a direction which occurs in the vertical direction and thus essentially parallel to the gravitational force. The direction is also referred to below as the lifting direction.

Such filling systems are basically known from the prior art, with the invention relating in particular to filling systems from the beverage industry. Accordingly, the containers are preferably bottles or cans. In the case of bottles, these are beverage bottles which are made either from glass or from plastic, in particular from polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Filling systems of this type are fundamentally known from the prior art and serve to accommodate the containers in an insertion position in a receiving device and then to arrange them on the filling valve using a corresponding adjustment stroke.

The DE 10 2010 007 288 A1 describes, for example, that the receiving device can be moved in the lifting direction via a cam-controlled drive means. Here, the cam-controlled drive means is set up in such a way that the receiving device is pressed downwards in the lifting direction by rolling a guide roller on a specially designed guide cam and a container can then be inserted into the receiving device. The guide curve then runs upwards in the lifting direction, with a spring element pressing the receiving device upwards via an adjusting stroke and pressing the container arranged in the receiving element against a sealing seat of the filling element. Accordingly, this spring element causes, on the one hand, a movement of the receiving device and, on the other hand, generates the contact pressure required for sealing between the container and the sealing seat.

Alternatively, it is also known from practice that the contact pressure can be brought about via a sliding element within the filling valve. It should be noted here that during the course of filling, a certain filling pressure is present within the filling valve, and the sliding element can be moved closer to the container by appropriately designing the surfaces in contact with the filling pressure. However, this requires that the containers are firmly arranged in relation to one another with respect to the lifting device during filling.

Based on such a filling system, it is also known that, for example, a large adjustment stroke must be overcome between the insertion position and an operating position in which the containers are filled. This adjustment stroke is usually effected via a cam-controlled drive means. After the required adjustment stroke has been completed, the receiving device is then locked relative to the filling valve and the actuating element is pressurized.

Accordingly, several steps are necessary to enable sufficient pressure of the container on the sealing seat. It must always be ensured that not only the adjustment stroke is carried out in a suitable manner, but also that the locking and unlocking of the receiving device is carried out reliably.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a filling system which, compared to the solutions known from practice, is characterized by a simple and reliable design, through which, on the one hand, comparatively large adjustment strokes and at the same time the application of the required contact pressure are possible in a simple manner.

The object and solution to this problem is a filling system according to claim 1. According to the invention it is therefore provided that separate drive means are provided for effecting the adjusting stroke and a pressure stroke of the receiving device following the adjusting stroke.

It is therefore clear that the contact pressure is caused by a lifting movement of the receiving device, whereby the total stroke of the receiving device can be divided into an adjusting stroke and a contact pressure stroke.

The adjusting stroke is designed to be significantly longer than the contact stroke, with the ratio between the adjusting stroke and contact stroke being at least 3:1, preferably at least 4:1, particularly preferably at least 5:1. Accordingly, a large distance between the insertion position and the operating position should be bridged by means of the adjusting stroke, whereby the receiving device or a container arranged in the receiving device can be brought spatially close to the filling valve by applying a relatively small force.

In contrast, the contact stroke is primarily used to apply a sufficiently large contact pressure, so that a significantly greater amount of force is required. In this respect, the actuating stroke is characterized by a large path with less force applied and the contact stroke by a small path with high force applied.

The invention is based on the knowledge that it is particularly advantageous if the adjustment stroke on the one hand and the contact pressure stroke on the other hand are effected by different drive means, in which case each drive means can be adapted to the special conditions.

Particularly preferred in this context is an embodiment in which the at least one filling element has a fluid pressure drive for effecting the contact pressure stroke. In the context of the invention, a fluid pressure element is understood to mean all drive means in which the forces required to effect the stroke are caused by a static pressure of a fluid, e.g. B. a liquid or a gas can be applied. In this context, the design as a pneumatic drive is particularly advantageous, in which case a movement in the lifting direction can then be effected within a pneumatic cylinder. Pneumatic drives in particular have the advantage that they can be used in food-sensitive areas because they are operated exclusively with air. In contrast, hydraulic drives require the provision of appropriate hydraulic oil, whereby the leakage of hydraulic oil can lead to contamination within the filling system. In principle, other drive means are also within the scope of the invention, e.g. B. an electric drive, in particular an electric cylinder, is conceivable, but fluid pressure drives are characterized by the application of a large force with a small stroke.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a coupling device is connected to the fluid pressure drive, which in a coupling position connects the receiving device to the fluid pressure drive. Accordingly, the coupling device represents a link between the receiving device and the fluid pressure drive, whereby the coupling should only take place for a certain period of time during the filling process. For this purpose, the coupling device is set up in such a way that a connection between the fluid pressure drive and the receiving device only takes place at the end of the adjustment stroke, so that the contact pressure stroke and the contact pressure caused thereby can then be adjusted via the fluid pressure drive. For the connection between the receiving device and the coupling device, it is sufficient if it is such that it acts exclusively in the lifting direction. Contrary to the lifting direction, a corresponding connection is not absolutely necessary, since a corresponding movement can occur solely due to the gravity of the receiving element.

The coupling device preferably has at least one coupling arm, which can be moved into the coupling position starting from a basic position both in the lifting direction and in a direction perpendicular or oblique thereto. In this context, a basic position means a position in which the coupling device is not connected to the receiving device. By moving the coupling arm perpendicularly or obliquely to the lifting direction, it is possible to reach behind the receiving device or sections of the receiving device with respect to the lifting direction, whereby the contact stroke of the receiving device can then be effected by the movement in the lifting direction.

In principle, it is sufficient if the movement of the at least one coupling arm in the lifting direction and the movement perpendicular or oblique to it take place one after the other. At the same time, it is also possible for a movement in the lifting direction to also take place during the vertical movement, so that the receiving device can be connected to the fluid pressure drive in a time-efficient manner. The coupling device preferably has two coupling arms arranged parallel to one another, so that the contact pressure required for the contact pressure stroke can be applied uniformly by the fluid pressure drive.

Particularly preferred in this context is an embodiment in which the at least one coupling arm can be moved between the basic position and the coupling position via a guide pin engaging in a guide groove. Preferably, the guide groove is curved at least in sections. According to such a configuration, the guide groove then runs both in the lifting direction and in the direction perpendicular or oblique thereto, so that the movement of the at least one coupling arm can be determined solely by the course of the guide groove. The guide pin can be arranged, for example, on the housing of the fluid pressure drive or on a component adjacent to the housing.

To couple the coupling device, the at least one coupling arm can be designed with a coupling hook. Such a configuration is particularly useful if the receiving device has a holding element for the containers and a telescopic device connected to the holding element, the coupling hooks of the at least A coupling arm engages behind sections of the telescopic device in a coupling position.

According to such an embodiment, the telescopic device can be formed from one, but preferably from two, telescopic rods, which connect to the holding element for receiving the containers. If two telescopic rods are provided, they can be connected at an upper end facing the fluid pressure drive to a cross strut, which can be gripped behind by the coupling hook of at least one coupling arm.

It should be noted here that such telescopic devices are basically known from the prior art, so that a purely structural redesign of the filling elements is possible in a simple manner. Accordingly, not only a significantly more effective positioning and pressing can be carried out with the filling element according to the invention. Rather, existing filling systems can also be converted in a simple manner, without the need for complex adaptation and redesign of the filling system, in particular the telescopic device.

A further development of the invention further provides that a guide rod is provided, with the receiving device being guided on the guide rod in the lifting direction. With the help of such a guide rod, the stability can be increased in particular during the movement along the adjustment stroke and the contact pressure stroke, the guide rod usually being arranged in a fixed manner on the housing of the fluid pressure drive. When designing with a telescopic device, for example, a hole can be provided in a cross strut that connects the telescopic rods to one another, into which the guide rod then engages. The length of the guide rod is determined in particular by the length of the required stroke, with the adjusting stroke being particularly important due to the relatively long distance.

A further particularly preferred embodiment provides that a filling pipe connects to the filling valve, which is arranged in an operating position within a container located in the receiving device. In this context, an operating position means a position of the container or the receiving device in which the container can be filled. Accordingly, in the operating position, the adjustment stroke and the contact pressure have already been passed through and the container connects to a sealing seat of the filling valve with the predefined contact pressure. The filling tube then engages in the container and lies with its open end within the filling space of the container. Accordingly, filling comparatively close to the ground can be made possible, with the length of the filling tube being determined in particular by the size of the container. In addition, the length of the filling tube is also a decisive factor for the size of the adjustment stroke and in particular for the length of the guide rod. If, for example, comparatively large containers are provided and at the same time an arrangement of the opening of the filling tube within the container close to the floor is provided, a sufficiently large adjustment stroke must be ensured between the operating position and the insertion position so that a container is inserted into the receiving device in the insertion position and accordingly can also be removed again in a removal position.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the adjusting stroke and/or the length of the filling tube is between 200 and 360 mm.

In principle, the filling system is not limited to a specific arrangement of the filling elements. Nevertheless, a preferred embodiment provides that a plurality of filling elements of the type described above are arranged in the circumferential direction on a rotatably driven carrier. Accordingly, the filling system is preferably designed as a rotary machine, so that the filling elements rotate continuously on the carrier during operation of the filling system.

Based on such a configuration, it is then possible in a simple manner for the adjusting stroke to be effected via a cam drive. According to such an embodiment, to form the cam drive, the filling elements can each have a guide roller arranged on the receiving device, which can be rolled at least in sections on a guide cam as the carrier rotates. The guide curve is designed in such a way that, due to its shape, which is pronounced in the lifting direction, the receiving devices can be moved between the insertion position and the operating position or between the operating position and the removal position in the lifting direction.

It is sufficient here if the guide curve only extends in sections along a circumference of the carrier in which an actuating stroke actually has to be effected. It should be noted that during filling the fluid pressure device usually presses the container towards the filling valve, so that the cam drive is not required there. Only when the containers are removed or when the containers are brought to the filling valve is it necessary to go through the large adjustment stroke, so that it is then removed speaking guide curve sections must be provided on which the guide rollers of the filling elements can roll.

Such a design is particularly advantageous because a cam drive can be used to achieve a reliable and effective position along a large adjustment stroke depending on the angle. At the same time, however, it is not necessary that large forces, in particular a force required for the contact pressure, have to be applied using the cam drive, since this can be done via the fluid pressure device. The adjusting stroke can thus be effected by the cam drive and the pressure stroke can be effected by the fluid pressure device, with both drive means acting in different angular sections.

A further preferred embodiment provides that a control unit is provided, which is set up to control the contact pressure to be caused by the fluid pressure drive on the basis of a predefined contact pressure. This predefined contact pressure depends in particular on the shape, size and material of the container. The pressure inside the container can also be crucial for determining the predefined contact pressure.

The invention furthermore relates to a method for filling containers according to claim 14 in a filling system according to the invention, wherein a container is inserted into the receiving device of a filling element in an insertion position and the receiving device is moved into an operating position via an adjustment stroke and a subsequent pressure stroke, and wherein the filling valve is opened and the container is filled with a liquid. The liquid is in particular drinks, e.g. E.g. water, milk, soft drinks, beer and mixed drinks. In addition, the drinks can also be carbonated.

According to a further development of the method, the contact stroke is determined based on a predefined contact pressure between the container and a sealing seat of the filling valve. This can also be done, for example, on the basis of a pressure measurement in the container.

In addition, the method according to the invention preferably provides for a filling tube to be arranged within the container during filling.

• 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Füllanlage in einer isometrischen Ansicht,
• 2 ein Füllelement der Füllanlage gemäß 1,
• 3A, 3B, 3C das Fluiddruckventil des Füllelements gemäß 2 in unterschiedlichen Stellungen.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. Show it:

• 1 a filling system according to the invention in an isometric view,
• 2 a filling element according to the filling system 1 ,
• 3A , 3B , 3C the fluid pressure valve of the filling element according to 2 in different positions.

The 1 shows a filling system according to the invention, which according to the drawing is designed as a so-called rotary machine and has a rotatably driven carrier 1 on which a large number of identical filling elements are arranged in the circumferential direction U. The carrier 1 rotates during operation along the circumferential direction U, with containers 3 being filled during the rotation, which in the present example are designed as plastic bottles. In particular, these are plastic bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate.

From the 1 It can also be seen that a feed arrangement 4 and a removal arrangement 5 are provided, via which the containers 3 can be fed or removed from the filling elements 2. Between the feed arrangement 4 and the filling arrangement 5, the carrier 1 forms a treatment section in which the containers 3 can be filled.

Already based on the 1 It becomes clear that the containers 3 are arranged movably in a lifting direction H within a receiving device 6, the containers 3 being in an insertion position during feeding and in an operating position during filling.

In an operating position, the container 3 lies against a filling opening of a filling valve 7. This is particularly possible based on the 2 clearly shows a filling element 2 in the operating position. In addition, a comparative view of the 1 and 2 It is also clear that, according to such a position, a filling tube 8 is arranged in the containers 3, so that a relatively large adjustment stroke between the insertion position of the containers 3 and the operating position must be made possible due to the length of the filling tube 8. This is done via a cam drive. For this purpose, the filling elements 2 each have a guide roller 9, which rolls on a guide curve 10, the guide curve 10, due to its shape in the stroke direction H, enabling an adjusting stroke between the insertion position and the operating position on the one hand and the operating position and a discharge position on the other hand. At the same time, however, this cam drive is not able to create sufficient contact pressure between the filling valve 7 and the container 3.

Against this background, a fluid pressure drive 11 is provided, which is preferably designed as a pneumatic drive and which causes a contact pressure between the filling valve 7 and the container 3 as a result of a contact stroke in the stroke direction H. To guide the movement, a guide rod 20 is also provided, which is arranged parallel to the lifting direction H and connects to the housing of the fluid pressure drive 11.

In this context it should also be mentioned that the receiving device 6 has a holding element 12, which is designed as a neck ring holder. The container 3, designed as a plastic bottle, has a so-called neck ring 13, via which it rests on the holding element 12. The receiving means then connects to two telescopic rods 14, which are connected to one another via a cross strut 15 and the guide roller 9 for the cam drive is arranged on this cross strut 15.

The fluid pressure drive 11 is also arranged on this cross strut 15, the functionality of which is based in particular on the 3A , 3B , 3C becomes clear.

The fluid pressure drive 11 connects to a coupling device 16, which has two coupling arms 17, which are formed at the end with a coupling hook 18. In addition, the coupling arms 17 have a guide groove 21. The fluid pressure drive 11 is arranged and set up so that these coupling arms 17 can be moved in the lifting direction.

According to the 3A This fluid pressure drive 11 is not yet in a coupled state, so that a contact pressure stroke cannot be effected.

According to the 3B The cam drive then effects the adjustment stroke and brings the telescopic device with the telescopic rods 14 as well as the cross strut 15 and the guide roller 9 towards the fluid pressure drive 11. The cross strut 15 also has an opening into which the guide rod 20 engages.

The coupling arms 17 are then moved in the lifting direction by the fluid pressure drive 11, with the coupling arms 17 also being pivoted outwards in a radial direction perpendicular thereto by the guide groove 21 and a guide pin 19 engaging in this guide groove 21 and the coupling hooks 18 engage behind the cross strut 15 . As a result, the telescopic rods 14 and the adjoining holding element 12 move over the contact stroke in the stroke direction H until a predefined contact pressure between the filling valve 7 and the container 3 is reached.

After filling, the coupling device 16 is released again and the receiving device 6 can be moved back into the removal position with the container 3 solely due to gravity.

According to the invention, two separate drive means are therefore provided, with the cam drive in the present exemplary embodiment causing the adjusting stroke and the fluid pressure drive 11 causing the contact pressure stroke. Accordingly, the cam drive is designed to effect a large stroke with low forces and the fluid pressure drive 11 to effect a small stroke with large forces.

Reference symbol list

1

carrier

2

Filling element

3

container

4

Feeding arrangement

5

Withdrawal order

6

Recording device

7

Fill valve

8th

Filling tube

9

leadership role

10

Guide curve

11

Fluid pressure drive

12

Holding element

13

Neck ring

14

Telescopic rod

15

Cross brace

16

Coupling device

17

coupling arm

18

coupling hook

19

Guide pin

20

Guide rod

21

Guide groove

H

Stroke direction

U

Circumferential direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed 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.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010007288 A1 [0005]

Claims (17)

Filling system for filling containers (3) with at least one filling element (2), the filling element (2) having at least one filling valve (7) and a receiving device (6) assigned to the filling valve (7) for receiving the containers (3), wherein the receiving device (6) is arranged to be movable relative to the filling valve (7) starting from an insertion position via an adjusting stroke, characterized in that separate drive means are provided for effecting the adjusting stroke and a pressure stroke of the receiving device (6) following the adjusting stroke. Filling system Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one filling element (2) has a fluid pressure drive (11) for effecting the contact pressure stroke. Filling system Claim 2 , characterized in that a coupling device (16) is connected to the fluid pressure drive (11), which in a coupling position connects the receiving device (6) to the fluid pressure drive (11). Filling system Claim 3 , characterized in that the coupling device (16) has at least one coupling arm (17), which can be moved into the coupling position starting from a basic position in the lifting direction (H) as well as in a direction perpendicular or oblique thereto. Filling system Claim 4 , characterized in that the at least one coupling arm (17) can be moved between the basic position and the coupling position via a guide pin (19) engaging in a guide groove (21). Filling system according to one of the Claims 3 until 5 , characterized in that the at least one coupling arm (17) is designed with a coupling hook (18). Filling system Claim 6 , characterized in that the receiving device (6) has a holding element (12) for the containers and a telescopic device connected to the holding element (12), the coupling hook (18) of the at least one coupling arm (17) being sections of the telescopic device, in particular a cross strut (15) of the telescopic device, engages behind in a coupling position. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a guide rod (20) is provided, the receiving device (6) being guided on the guide rod (20) in the lifting direction (H). Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a filling pipe (8) connects to the filling valve (7), which can be arranged in an operating position within a container (3) located in the receiving device (6). Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of filling elements (2) are arranged in a circumferential direction (U) on a rotatably driven carrier (1). Filling system Claim 10 , characterized in that the adjusting stroke can be effected via a cam drive. Filling system Claim 11 , characterized in that to form the cam drive, the filling elements (2) each have a guide roller (9) arranged on the receiving device (6), which can be rolled at least in sections on a guide cam (10) as the carrier (1) rotates. Filling system according to one of the Claims 2 until 12 , characterized in that a control unit is provided which is set up to control the contact stroke to be effected by the fluid pressure drive (11) on the basis of a predefined contact pressure. Method for filling containers (3) in a filling system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in each case a container (3) is inserted into the receiving device (6) of a filling element (2) in an insertion position and the receiving device (6) is operated via an adjusting stroke and a subsequent pressure stroke is moved into an operating position, the filling valve (7) being opened and the container (3) being filled with a liquid. Procedure according to Claim 14 , whereby the contact stroke is determined based on a predefined contact pressure between the container (3) and a sealing seat of the filling valve (7). Procedure according to Claim 15 , whereby the predefined contact pressure is determined based on a pressure measurement in the container. Procedure according to one of the Claims 14 until 16 , wherein a filling tube (8) is arranged inside the container (3) during filling.

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