DE4338669A1 - Filling element for bottle filling machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The filling element (3) has a flow channel (6) incorporating a control valve (8) which is opened to allow the liquid to flow into the bottle (2) fitted to the filling element. A function element (14) projecting into the bottle moves in the direction of the filling element axis between a lowered position at a given distance below the filling element and a raised position fitting into the filling element, in dependence on the pressure of an operating medium supplied during or after the filling phase. The function element has a piston/cylinder operating device (16) with the cylinder space supplied with the operating medium which pref. comprises an inert gas and/or a sterilisation medium, e.g. steam.

Description

The invention relates to a filling element according to Ober Concept of claim 1.

Filling elements are known in various designs, in particular also in an embodiment in which a functional element in the form of a suction pipe that determines the fill level by an actuator in a vertical Filler element axis between an upper stroke position and a lower stroke position is movable, this movement controlled depending on the respective working state takes place in which the filling element is currently located.

In the known case is for each filling element or for that there functional element as an actuator with a cam roller and together with a stroke curve acting lifting linkage used.

A filling element is also known (DE-OS 38 09 852) u. a. for use in a method or in a Filling machine for aseptic or sterile filling of a liquid contents in containers, especially in bottles is suitable. The known filling element is as such with a filling tube formed which over the bottom of the filler protrudes. The actual filling phase, which begins with the opening of the Liquid valve is initiated, in advance takes place u. a. the treatment or sterilization of the respective container with a hot sterilization medium, preferably with steam. For this, the filling pipe is over a controllable sterilization formed in the filling element medium connection with a hot sterile source sationsmedium connected so that this at the bottom of the in the filling tube protruding into the container emerges. For the Quality of sterilization, it is critical that the end the fill pipe, d. H. those from this end during sterile station determined exit point for the sterilization medium  so deep in the tank with a short distance from the tank bottom is arranged that the bottom of the container sufficiently with the Sterilization medium is applied and for example along the bottom of the container radially to the container axis or Axis of the filling element or the filling tube to the outside and then from the bottom of the container in particular along the inside surface of the container circumference axially upwards an intense Flow of the sterilization medium results in a optimal sterilization of the container interior also in the lower area, d. H. especially on the inner surface of the Bottom, the circumference of the container and in the between them formed angle is reached.

The disadvantage of this known filling element u. a. that for the introduction of the for optimal sterilization if possible long trained filling tube in the container - up to tight contact (sealing position) of the container against the filling element - a relatively large stroke for that on a container carrier arranged container is required. So it will also requires a relatively long cycle time for the container has reached the sealing position and an exposure to the Interior of the container with the pressure of hot sterile sationsmediums is possible, as in many cases for the Achieve an optimal result for sterilization is required.

The object of the invention is to show a filling element, in which a functional element in a particularly simple manner controlled depending on the respective operating state the filling element between an upper and a lower Stroke position is movable.

A filler element is appropriate for solving this task the characterizing part of claim 1 is formed.

In the invention, the up and down movement of the Functional element, which, for example, the fill level determining element (e.g. a probe) or a sterile sationsrohr is, by at least a gaseous operation  medium with which the containers are filled when filling be hit. This operating medium is, for example inert compressed gas and / or a sterilization medium and / or a vacuum or vacuum.

By using the operating medium for the movement of the It is a functional element in a particularly advantageous manner possible to control this lifting movement at the same time to use those tax funds that are also for the controlled loading of the container with the respective Operating medium are provided on the filling element. Hereby gives u. a. a particularly simple construction and a simplified control for the control means.

Another advantage of the invention is among others in that in addition to those used for filling and operating media no additional control and on drive media for the stroke movement of the functional element required are.

The filling element according to the invention is preferably one without filler pipe or one with a short filler pipe, so that to attach and remove the respective container that or from the filling element a short stroke and thus also a short cycle time are sufficient.

If the functional element is a sterilization tube, then this is when a treatment of the respective container is provided with the sterilization medium when preparing or after attaching the container from its top Stroke position moved to its lower stroke position, in which the with at least one outlet opening provided lower end this tube protrudes deep into the container, with the smallest possible distance from the bottom of the container so that with a small amount of sterilization medium and in one short duration of treatment an optimal sterilization of the entire container interior is possible. The sterilization pipe and the parts connected to it in particular the actuation provided for the movement of the tube  device can be formed with low mass. It therefore no large mass accelerations are required, which is especially true when running at high performance Filling machine is of great importance.

Through the control elements controlling the respective filling element are in particular the sterilization tube and the associated actuator controlled so that at least during the filling phase, but preferably also in one of these Filling phase possibly preceding pretension phase, in which the Interior of the one in the sealing position with the filling element Container is biased at its own predetermined pressure the sterilization tube in the upper stroke position finds that this pipe may burst or burst. defective container is not damaged and especially so It is protected that liquid filling material does not adhere to the pipe can accumulate, which also increases the quality of the Sterilization contributes.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Actuator designed so that the sterile tube through the pressure of the sterilization medium into the lower stroke position is moved and held there. Hereby will not just simplify the actuator and the associated control, but is thereby also ensured that the sterilization tube in the lower stroke position when hot from this pipe Sterilization medium emerges.

The sterilization medium appears during the sterilization the lower end of the sterilization tube. But there are also conceivable versions in which the z. B. sterilization medium supplied via a gas channel via the lower end of the sterilization tube from the container is dissipated, where it then also, for example possible condensate or condensate residues with the sterilization medium through the sterilization tube dissipate.  

Furthermore, it is also possible in the invention that sterile sationsrohr ver with a source for a vacuum bind so as to close the container over the sterilization tube evacuate, preferably also to remove liquid or Condensate. Finally, with the invention is one Control possible in such a way that already in the upper Stroke position from the sterilization tube hot sterilization medium escapes, which is particularly important before starting a treatment of those parts with the Sterilization medium is possible with the container in the Area of the container mouth. Even with the Invention is the sterilization tube as far as in the respective Containers introduced that the bottom of the container sufficiently the sterilization medium is applied.

Further developments of the invention are the subject of the sub Expectations.

The invention is based on the figures Exemplary embodiments explained in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a simplified sectional view of a filling member füllrohrloses a counter pressure bottle filling machine of rotary type, together with the ring boiler of the filling machine and with an attached to the filling-element bottle;

. Fig. 2-4 further in a similar representation as Figure 1, possible embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 5 in individual representation, the lower end of a sterilization tube, together with a valve body;

FIGS. 6 and 7 in an illustration similar to FIG. 1, another possible execution of the invention form.

In the figures, 1 is a ring bowl which is provided on an otherwise not shown rotor of the filling machine which rotates around a vertical machine axis and which serves to fill the bottles 2 with a carbonated beverage, for example beer, under counterpressure.

On the circumference of the rotor or ring bowl 1 , a multiplicity of filling points are formed, each of which has a filling element 3 and a bottle carrier which can be moved up and down in the vertical direction. The filling elements 3 are attached to the circumference of the ring bowl 1 . This forms an inner space 4 which surrounds the vertical machine axis and which is filled to a predetermined level N with the beverage or with the liquid filling material, so that below the level N a liquid space 41 occupied by the liquid filling material and above the level a gas space 4 '' for a gas under pressure, for example inert gas (z. B. CO₂ gas) is formed.

Each filling element has a housing 5 , in the lower part of which a liquid channel 6 is formed, which is connected at its one end to the filling space 4 'and on the underside of the filling element 3 or the housing 5 a ring-shaped encircling the vertical filling element axis FA Dispensing opening 7 forms. In the liquid channel 6 , the liquid valve 8 is provided, which is shown in its open position in FIG. 1. This liquid valve consists of a valve body 9 , which can be moved by a predetermined movement stroke in the direction of the axis FA by actuating means (not shown in more detail) and, in the closed state of the liquid valve 8, rests with a valve body surface against a valve seat formed in the liquid channel 6 . 10 with a centering tulip and 11 with a discharge opening 7 enclosing annular seal, against which the sealing position with the filling element 3 bottle 2 with its mouth 2 'is pressed.

Below the interior 4 , a ring-shaped, for all filling elements 3 common residual gas channel 12 is provided in the ring bowl 1 . Furthermore, a supply channel 13 for the sterilization medium, namely for water vapor, which is also common to all filling elements 3, is provided on the ring bowl 1 or on the rotor having this ring bowl.

Each filling element 3 has an axially aligned with the axis FA sterilization tube 14 , which is open at its lower tube end 14 'and is passed through a bore of the valve body 9 which extends axially with the axis FA. The outer diameter of the sterilization tube 14 and the inner diameter of the bore mentioned are adjusted to one another in such a way that there is a gas or annular channel 15 within the valve body 9 or within a body which is produced in one piece with this valve and extends upwards and tappet-like extension 91 , which is open at the bottom of the filling element 3 and is closed by the annular discharge channel 7 concentrically. By an actuator 16 provided on the top of the filling element 3 , the sterilization tube 14 is displaceable in the axis FA by a predetermined stroke in such a way that the tube end 14 'in the upper stroke position is level or approximately level with the lower end of the valve body 9 , So in the filling element 3 or in the valve body 9 is retracted and in the lower stroke position shown in FIG. 1 is inserted so far into the bottle 2 in the filling element 3 that the tube end 14 'in the immediate vicinity of the inner surface of the Bottom 2 '' of the bottle 2 , or at least only so far from the bottom that the bottom is sufficiently acted upon with the water vapor.

The actuator 16 is formed by a cylinder 17 in which a piston 18 is provided in the axis FA shift bar. The upper, open end of the sterilization tube 14 is attached to the piston 18 . In the piston 18 , an axis with the axis FA extending channel 19 is provided, via which the upper, open end of the sterilization tube 14 is connected to the side of the piston 18 facing away from this tube.

The tube 14 facing away from the sterilization chamber of the cylinder 17 above the piston 18 opens a channel 21 which via a separate for each filling element 3 and provided indi vidually controllable electric control valve 22 is connected to the supply channel. 13

The part or space of the cylinder 17 provided underneath the piston 18 can be acted upon by a pneumatic pressure of a control pressure line 45, or can be vented to the atmosphere, via a separately provided, electrically actuated control valve 23 for each filler element 3 .

Furthermore, each filling element 3 has three individually controllable control valves 24 - 26 , which form a control block and control various channels, some of which are formed in the housing 5 of the filling element and some in the ring bowl 1 . In particular, the control valves 24-26 are connected to the following channels:

Control valve 24

On the input side to a connecting channel 27 which opens into a channel 28 leading to the residual gas channel 12 , and on the output side to a channel 29 which opens out on the inner surface of the cylinder 17 and with the piston 18 in the lower stroke position or with the sterilization tube in the lower stroke position 14 is connected to the channel 19 .

Control valve 25

On the input side with a to the gas space 4 '' leading channel 30 and on the output side with a channel 31 which is connected to the gas channel 15 .

Control valve 26

On the input side with channel 31 and on the output side with channel 28 .

The special feature of the filling element 3 is that when the sterilization tube 14 is in the upper stroke position, in which the control pressure is applied to the control valve 23 of the piston 18 on its underside by opening the control valve 22, a steam outlet at the tube end 14 'and thus on the underside of the filling element 3 is possible to sterilize the parts or surfaces there as well as the bottle 2 when it is attached in the region of its mouth 2 '.

After preparation of the bottle 2 the sterilizing tube is fully retracted into the bottle 2 14, so that the tube end 14 'is arranged in close proximity to the inner surface of the bottom 2' '. For the retraction of the sterilization tube 14 into the bottle 2 , the pressure of the sterilization medium or steam acting on the upper surface of the piston 18 when the control valve 22 is open is used, with the control valve 23 providing targeted or controlled relief of the space formed below the piston 18 of the cylinder 17 takes place. The cross section of the piston 18 compared to the cross section of the sterilization tube 14 ensures that the sterilization medium exerts a sufficiently large pressure on the top of the piston 18 , although this sterilization medium constantly occurs at the lower tube end 14 '.

Since the tube end 14 'is immediately above the inner surface of the bottom 2 '', there is a vapor flow in the bottle 2 , which runs radially outward from the tube end 14 ' along the bottom 2 'and then axially upwards, so that all areas of the inner surface of the bottle are treated intensively with the sterilization medium or steam, which is discharged to the atmosphere via the ring channel 15 into the residual gas channel at least during part of a sterilization phase.

A principal advantage is still in the fact that only a small stroke by the retractable sterilization tube 14 in spite of an optimum sterilization of the bottle carrier 20 is required and that, moreover, the retracted sterilization tube 14 incoming especially during bottle and when the bottle outlet, but also in critical phases of Filling process, for example during the pre-tensioning of the bottle 2 to the filling pressure, is protected in the retracted state. In detail, the filling element 3 enables the following mode of operation:

1. Steam valve outer parts

During the passage of the filling elements 3 through the fabric between the bottle and the bottle inlet spout of the filling machine th loss angle of the respective control is effected a steam outlet at the lower end of the pipe 14 'at valve 22 is in said upper stroke position sterilization tube 14 by opening. Here, the lower cylinder chamber of the cylinder 17 is acted upon by the control pressure.

2. Displacing the air from bottle 2 using steam

Immediately after pressing the bottle 2 to the filling element 3 , a full steam flow is introduced into the upper part of the cylinder 17 by reopening the control valve 22 . At the same time, the lower part of the cylinder 17 is vented via the control valve 23 , so that the sterilization tube 14 moves downward from the upper stroke position and is inserted increasingly deeper into the bottle 2 . By the steam exiting at the pipe end 14 ', the air in the sealing position with the filling element 3 bottle 2 is increasingly displaced from this bottle and via the annular channel 15 and the open control valve 26 to the z. B. discharged at atmospheric pressure residual gas channel 12 .

The steam flow optimally sterilizes the bottle 2 on its inner surfaces. The sterilization tube 14 is also included in this sterilization, namely by the steam flow inside and outside.

3. Sterilize bottle 2 and filling element 3 under positive pressure

After the complete displacement of the air from the bottle 2 , the control valve 26 is closed, so that steam is introduced into the bottle 2 via the still open control valve 22 and the sterilization tube 14 until pressure equalization with the pressure in the supply channel 13 is reached.

4. Suppress steam with inert gas or CO₂

After a predetermined sterilization time, the control valve 22 is closed. At the same time, the vapor overpressure is discharged into the residual gas channel 12 via the control valve 26 which is opened again. Immediately afterwards, the control valves 24 and 25 are opened, so that inert gas from the gas space 4 '' enters the bottle 2 via the channels 30 and 31 and via the annular channel 15 'and the residual steam via the sterilization tube 14 , the channel 29 , the connecting channel 27 and the channel 28 to the residual gas channel 12 is displaced. Characterized in that the pipe end 14 'is provided directly on the inner surface of the bottom 2 '', condensate residues can be removed from the bottle 2 in this displacement.

5. Bottle 2 prestressing

For this prestressing, the valve 24 is closed, so that the prestressing can take place via the opened valve 25 and the channels 30 and 31 . For prestressing the bottle 2 , the sterilization tube 14 is moved into its upper stroke position by corresponding actuation of the control valve 23 , so that this tube is completely retracted into the filling element 3 and is therefore also protected against broken glass bottles.

This is then followed, for example, by filling the bottle 2 in the usual method steps (by opening the liquid valve 8 and relieving and removing the filled bottle). The filling preferably comprises several phases, namely a slow filling phase, a rapid filling phase and a subsequent slow filling phase.

During filling, the sterilization tube 14 is also in the upper stroke position. Since the filling element 3 thus has no elements that protrude during the filling into the interior of the bottle 2 'and could be used as a level-determining member or probe, a magnetic inductive flow meter 32 (MID) is provided for each filling element 3 a flow corresponding to the flow rate, ie the respective bottle 2 when the liquid valve 8 is open, supplies a corresponding signal to a control device which, when the measured quantity or volume size corresponds to a predetermined value, provides a closing signal for the liquid valve 8 .

In the described design of the actuator 16 , it is possible to design the sterilization tube 14 so that it stands in its lower stroke position with the lower tube end 14 'on the floor at 2 ', in such a way that the steam outlet is possible at the same time. For this purpose, the sterilization tube 14 is provided at the tube end 14 'or at the edge there, for example, with notches or recesses in such a way that projections are formed on the lower tube end and open recesses are formed between them toward the inside of the tube, the outside of the tube and the bottom of the tube. Is the sterilization tube 14 with the tube end 14 'in the lower stroke position on the bottom 2 ''of the bottle 2 , so can be achieved regardless of the tolerances of the bottles 2 in each case essentially the same conditions in the treatment of these bottles.

Changes and modifications to the procedure described above are possible. For example, it is possible, with the steam supplied via the sterilization tube 14, only to displace the air from the respective bottle 2 without the bottle 2 being subsequently subjected to the steam pressure of the supply channel 13 .

The CIP cleaning of the filling elements 3 is preferably carried out in such a way that the upper part of the cylinder 17 above the piston 18 is pressurized with the pressurized CIP media, specifically with the lower cylinder chamber vented via the control valve 23 . The sterilization tube 14 is thereby moved into the lower stroke position and extends over its entire length into the rinsing sleeve attached to the filler element during CIP cleaning, so that the sterilization tube 14 is included along its entire length inside and outside in the CIP cleaning can be.

Fig. 2 shows a filling element 3 a, which differs from the filling element 3 essentially only in the features mentioned below, but otherwise corresponds to the filling element 3 , so that for all elements corresponding to the filling element 3 in Fig. 2 again the same Reference numerals are used as in FIG. 1, which also applies to the filling elements 3 b and 3 c of FIGS. 3 and 4 described below.

The filling element 3 a differs from the filling element 3 first in that the actuating device 16 a instead of the piston 18 has a piston 18 a with a channel 19 a, which is connected to the upper end of the sterilization tube 14 and only on the peripheral surface of the Piston 18 a is open, in such a way that in the lower stroke position of the sterilization tube 14, the channel 19 a is connected to a channel 34 formed in the cylinder 17 and leading to a further control valve 33 .

Furthermore, a channel 35 is provided in the filling element 3 a instead of the channel 29 , which connects the valve 24 on the output side to the channel 21 .

Instead of the connecting channel 27 , a connecting channel 36 is finally provided, which connects the valve 24 on the input side to the channel 31 .

A significant difference in the operation of the filling element 3 a compared to the filling element 3 is that for the steam treatment with open control valves 22 , 24 and 33, a steam flow from the supply channel 13 through the ring channel 15 into the bottle 2 and from this bottle back over the in its lowest stroke position located sterilization tube 14 , the channels 19 a and 34 and the control valve 33, for example in the residual gas channel 12 or in an additional union channel is possible.

Figs. 3 shows the filling element 3 and b differs from the filling element 3 substantially by the measures specified hereinafter:
The piston 18 b of the actuating device 16 b has a channel 19 b, which in turn opens into the sterilization tube 14 , is open at the top of the piston 18 b and is offset radially with respect to the axis FA. Instead of the channel 29 , a channel 37 is provided, which is connected to the control valve 24 from the outlet side and opens into the upper cylinder chamber at the upper end of the cylinder 17 . In the filling element 3 b, the connecting channel 27 is also omitted and the control valve 24 on the input side is also connected to the channel 30 . Furthermore, the control valve 3 b on the piston has an upwardly projecting rod 38 which is guided on the top of the cylinder 17, that is to say forms an additional guide also for the sterilization tube 14 . The rod 38 has an axial channel 39 , which is open at the top of the rod and communicates with an annular channel 40 , which is provided on the circumference of the piston 18 b between an upper and a lower seal 41 . Compressed air or steam residues can be removed via channels 40 and 39 .

Finally, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a vacuum channel 42 common to all filling elements 3 b is provided, to which each filling element 3 b is connected via a control valve 43 , specifically via channel 21 .

The additional connection to the vacuum channel 42 enables vacuum treatment of the bottle 2 . Furthermore, in the filling element 3 b, rinsing of the bottle 2 via the sterilization tube 14 is possible, this tube being pressurized by the pressure of the inert gas or CO₂ gas which is used in the gas space 4 'via the open control valve 24 and the channel 37 is supplied in the upper cylinder space of the cylinder 17 , moved into the lower stroke position and held there.

Fig. 4 as a further possible embodiment the filling element 3 c, which is substantially different from the filling element 3 only in that also the vacuum channel 42 is provided in addition to the supply passage 13 for steam, so that by appropriate actuation of the control valves 22 and 43 the channel 21 can optionally be connected to the supply channel 13 or to the vacuum channel 42 .

The channel 21 opens at the filling element 3 c not in the upper cylinder space of the cylinder 17 , but in a channel 44 formed in this cylinder, the device in the lower stroke position 18 c of the actuating device 16 c or sterilization tube 14 in the in the piston 18 c provided channel 19 c opens, which is constantly connected to the sterilization tube 14 and in the lower stroke position also with the channel 29 . In addition to the control valve 23 , a control valve 23 'is provided, both of which are connected to the control pressure or compressed air line 45 and of which the control valve 23 ' controls the upper and the control valve 23 further controls the lower cylinder space of the cylinder 17 . In the filling element 3 c, the stroke of the sterilization tube 14 is thus effected in both directions by the control pressure medium (compressed air). As a result, the cylinder spaces of the actuating device 16 c are kept completely free of such media, which also get into the respective bottle 2 or are used for the treatment of this bottle, however, with the acceptance of the additional control valve 23 '.

With the filling element 3 c, the procedures described above in connection with the filling element 3 are possible, but additionally, in particular, also using the vacuum in the vacuum channel 42 , suction of condensate via the sterilization tube 14 . For this purpose, the sterilization tube 14 is in the lower stroke position, ie via the control valve 23 ', the upper cylinder chamber of the cylinder 17 is acted upon by the control pressure and the lower cylinder chamber is vented via the control valve 23 . When the control valves 22 , 24 , 25 and 26 are closed and the control valves 43 are open, the condensate is extracted.

As a further possible embodiment, Fig. 5 shows a sterilization tube 14 a, which is provided at its lower end 14 a 'with a head or valve body 46 . This interacts with a valve seat, for example formed by an O-ring 47 , which is provided on the valve body 9 in the region of the lower, open end of the ring channel 15 . In the upper stroke position of the sterilization tube 14 a, the valve body 46 bears against the O-ring and thereby closes the ring channel 15 . The sterilization tube 14 a thus simultaneously has the function of a control valve. As a result, the control valve 26 can be omitted for the filling elements 3 , 3 a, 3 b and 3 c, in which case, however, the channel 28 is connected directly to the channel 31 .

In the filling element 3 b of FIG. 3, the rod 38 is preferably integrally formed with the sterilization tube 14 of a length of a tube profile, the interior of this tube profile being closed in the region of the piston 18 b, so that the sterilization tube 14 and the this pipe result in separate channel 39 .

Deviating from the above-described embodiments, other elements determining the filling quantity or the filling height can also be used instead of the flow meter 32 , e.g. B. light or ultrasonic sensors that scan the level of the liquid contents in the container via a return gas path or the sterilization tube. Furthermore, the sterilization tube can be designed as an element determining the fill level, preferably with a light or ultrasound sensor. Finally, there are also weighing devices for the bottles 2 which, for. B. glass or plastic bottles are possible.

Fig. 6 shows as a further embodiment a filling element 3 d, which differs from the filling element 3 of FIG. 1 in wesent union only in that treatment of the bottles 2 with the sterilizing medium (water vapor) is not provided and accordingly instead of the sterile sationsrohres 14 a probe 48 determining the filling element axis axially displaceable filling heights is used.

In FIG. 6, those elements which correspond in function to elements of FIG. 1 are again identified by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1. In this sense, the filler element has 3 d a housing 5 which is secured to the outer surface of the annular vessel 1 and in which, among others- the liquid duct 6 is provided with the valve body formed by the liquid valve 9. 8

The valve body 9 has in addition to the upwardly extending tubular or plunger-like extension 9 'also a lower tubular extension 9 '', which is located in a sealing position with the filling element 3 d at a mouth 2 ' via the seal 11 of the centering tulip 10 Bottle 2 with a short length extends through this mouth 2 'into the bottle. Between the outer surface and the inner surface of the valve body 9 and the extensions 9 'and 9 ''is a ring channel corresponding ring channel 49 is formed, which is open at the lower end of the extension 9 ''and opens into a space 50 ' of the channel 50 above which, like the channels 51-55, are partially formed in the housing 5 and partially in the ring bowl 1 .

Furthermore, the filling element 3 d has three individually controllable control valves 56 , 57 and 58 as well as an actuating device 16 d, which is formed by a piston 18 d that can be moved up and down in a cylinder 59 in the direction of the filling element axis FA. With the actuator 16 d, the probe 48 is between a lowered in Fig. 6 working position (under the lift position), in which the probe 48 projects beyond the lower end of the extension 9 '' and with its lower, the active part of the probe Probe tip 48 'extends through the mouth 2 ' into the interior of the bottle, and a raised rest position (upper stroke position) is movable, in which the probe tip 48 'is received by the extension 9 ''and is protected by it. For the movement, the probe 48 is guided in the region of its upper end on the top and bottom of the cylinder 49 ver slidably. The piston 18 d is permanently provided on the probe 48 .

Channels 50-55 and control valves 56-58 are connected as follows:

Control valve 56

On the input side to the channel 50 'and the annular channel 49 in connection with the channel 50 and on the output side to the channel 51 , which opens into the gas space 4 ''.

Control valve 57

On the input side to the channel 54 , which opens into a pressure or cylinder space 60 formed below the piston 18 d, and on the output side to the channel 52 , which is connected to the return gas or residual gas channel 12 .

Control valve 58

On the input side to the channel 50 and on the output side to the channel 53 , which opens into a vacuum channel 61 provided for all filling elements 3 d of the filling machine and provided in the ring boiler 1 .

Via the channel 55 there is still a connection between the channel 50 and the pressure or cylinder space 62 formed above the piston 18 d. The openings of the channels 54 and 55 in the pressure spaces 60 and 62 are located on the lower and upper walls that delimit these pressure spaces.

In the piston 18 d, an opening 64 connecting the pressure chambers 60 and 61 and provided with a nozzle or throttle 63 and an opening 66 also connecting the pressure chambers 60 and 62 and provided with a check valve 65 are provided. The check valve 57 is designed so that it allows fluid flow from the cylinder chamber 60 into the cylinder chamber 62 through the opening 66 , but blocks a fluid flow in the opposite direction.

The basic advantage of the filling element 3 d is that the movement of the probe 48 between the upper stroke position and the lower stroke position by the treatment medium, namely by the inert gas used for prestressing, is controlled by one of the anyway when filling the Bottles 2 necessary and thus existing control valves, namely using the control valve 56 .

In detail, the filler element 3 d enables the following working methods, the following description starting from the closed state of the control valves 56-58 , unless the open state of a control valve is expressly indicated in a special process step:

1. Pre-evacuate

For this purpose, the control valve 56 is opened. The bottle 2 arranged in the sealing position with the filling element 3 b is evacuated by means of the vacuum channel 61 . In this case, a vacuum is also established in the cylinder space 62 via the channel 55 , by means of which the probe 48 is moved into the upper stroke position if this position is not already present.

2. Interim rinsing and partial tempering

For this purpose, the control valve 57 is opened so that gas from the return gas channel 12 via the channels 52 and 54 into the cylinder chamber 60 , from there via the opening check valve 65 also into the cylinder chamber 62 and from there via the channel 55 into the annular channel 49 from which the gas enters bottle 2 . Since both pressure spaces 60 and 62 are subjected to substantially the same pressure, the pressure in the cylinder space 60 is at most greater due to a pressure drop in the openings 64 and 66 , the piston 18 b and thus the probe 48 remain in the upper stroke position.

3. Preload and quick fill

For this step of the process, the control valve 56 is opened, so that via the channels 50 , 51 and 55 the pressure of the gas chamber 4 'above the pressure of the return gas channel 12 ''in the cylinder chamber 62 is effective, whereby the piston 8 d and with it the probe 48 in the lower stroke position can be moved.

Via the open control valve 56 , the channels 50 and 51 and the annular channel 49 , the interior of the bottle 2 is connected to the gas space 4 '', so that on the one hand, before the bottles 2 with the gas from the gas space 4 '' and on the other hand (after opening the liquid valve 8 ) the gas displaced when filling from the bottle 2 is returned to the gas space 4 ''.

4. Brake or slow filling

For this purpose, the control valve 57 is opened so that a connection to the return gas channel 12 is provided via the ring channel 49 , the channel 55 , the cylinder chamber 62 , the throttle 63 , the cylinder chamber 60 , the channel 54 and the channel 52 for filling from the bottle 2 displaced gas. The filling speed in this slow filling phase is determined by the throttle 63 provided in the piston 18 d.

In this phase of the filling process, the pressure in the cylinder chamber 62 (filling pressure) is higher than the pressure in the cylinder chamber 60 (return gas pressure), so that the probe 48 remains in its lower working position.

5. Preload the bottle

After the response of the probe 48 , the actual filling phase was ended by closing the liquid valve 8 . The control valve 57 remains open for the preliminary relief. The pressure in the bottle 2 is then slowly reduced to the pressure level of the return gas channel 12 . At the end of this process there is a pressure equalization between the pressure spaces 60 and 62 . The piston 18 d and the probe 48 remain in the lower stroke position.

6. Residual relief

By briefly opening the control valve 58 , the excess pressure still prevailing in the bottle 2 is reduced to atmospheric pressure. For this there is a connection to the vacuum channel 61 via the ring channel 49 and the channels 50 and 53 . At the same time, the pressure in the pressure chambers 60 and 62 is also reduced via the channel 55 .

When the filled bottle 2 is removed from the filling element 3 d, the control valve 57 is briefly opened again, so that the pressure in the return gas channel 12, which is above atmospheric pressure, is applied to the cylinder space 60 via the channels 52 and 54 , and thus the piston 18 d and the probe 48 are moved back into their upper stroke position, ie the probe is moved with its probe tip 48 'out of the bottle 2 and drawn into the extension 9 ''.

With 67 a spring is designated, which balances the weight of the piston 18 d and the probe 48 at least to the extent that the probe 48 remains in any stroke position without the action of a treatment medium on the piston 18 d. In addition to this or instead of this, the spring 67 also serves as an electrical connection or connection element between the probe 48 and a housing-side electrical connection or conductor.

The filler element 3 d has the advantage that no additional operating media (eg compressed air, electrical storm) are required for the movement of the probe 48 .

For the prescribed training also allows easy cleaning of the filling element 3 b and in particular also the actuating device 16 d, with the following cleaning methods:

1. CIP flow through the return gas duct

In this cleaning step, the liquid cleaning medium reaches with open control valve 57 from the return gas channel 12 via the channels 52 and 54 into the cylinder chamber 60 and from there via the throttle 63 and above all via the check valve 65 into the cylinder chamber 62 , from where that Cleaning medium can then flow into the CIP return. The piston 16 d and the probe 48 are in the upper stroke position and are held in this position, since the pressure drop in the openings 64 and 66 causes the pressure in the cylinder space 60 to be greater than in the cylinder space 62 .

2.CIP flow through the boiler interior 4

The liquid cleaning medium passes from the boiler interior 4 via the opened liquid valve 8 and a flushing sleeve, which is not shown, but is in the same way as the bottle 2 in the sealing position with the filler element 3 d, into the annular channel 49 and from there the channel 50 and the channel 55 in the cylinder space 62 . The pressure of the cleaning medium moves the piston 18 d and the probe 48 into the lower position and holds it there. The cleaning medium flows through the nozzle or throttle 63 into the cylinder chamber 60 and from there on via the channel 54 and the open control valve 57 in the return gas channel 12th

Due to the CIP flow via the return gas duct 12 and the boiler interior 4 , both pressure spaces 60 and 62 are thus included in the CIP cleaning cycle. By changing the flow direction with which the cleaning medium flows through the actuating device 16 b, it is also achieved that all surfaces of the cylinder 59 and also the piston 18 d are included in the cleaning process.

Fig. 7 shows in a similar representation as Fig. 6, a filling element 3 e, which differs from the filling element 3 d essentially only in that the channels 52 , 53 and 54 , the control valves 57 and 58 and the vacuum channel 61 are omitted and a channel 68 is provided instead of the channel 53 , which constantly connects the return gas channel 12 to the cylinder space 60 , specifically in the region of the lower end face of the cylinder 59 . Despite the very simple design and despite the use of only a single control valve 56 , in addition to the usual preloading, quick filling, brake filling, preliminary relief and residual relief, controlled up and down movement of the probe 48 by the treatment media is possible, depending on the control valve 56 . In detail, the following stroke movement of the probe 48 results in the individual filling phases:

1. Preload

Until a bottle 2 is pressed against the filling element 3 e, the pressure of the return gas channel 12 prevails in the cylinder space 60 , so that the piston 18 d and the probe 48 are in the upper stroke position.

Immediately after pressing a bottle 2 , the control valve 56 is opened so that a connection between the gas space 4 '' and the interior of the bottle 2 is made for prestressing via the channels 50 and 51 and the annular channel 49 . At the same time over the channel 55, the cylinder chamber 62 with the compared to the pressure in the return gas channel 12 higher pressure of the gas chamber 4 '', so that the piston 18 d and the probe 48 move into their lower stroke position and the probe 48 with the probe tip 48 '' is inserted into the bottle 2 and thereby assumes its measuring position.

2. Quick fill

With the control valve 46 still open and the liquid valve 8 open, the rapid filling takes place. Since the cylinder chamber 62 is still pressurized by the gas chamber 4 '', the probe 48 remains in the lower position.

3. Brake filling

To reduce the filling speed, the control valve 56 is closed, so that the gas displaced during filling from the bottle 2 flows through the ring channel 49 , the channel 55 , the cylinder chamber 62 , the throttle 63 , the cylinder chamber 60 and the channel 68 into the return gas channel 12 can. Since the pressure in the cylinder chamber 62 is still higher than in the cylinder chamber 60 , the probe 48 remains in the lower stroke position.

4. Relief

After the response of the probe 48 , the liquid valve 8 is closed. Immediately after closing the liquid keitsventiles 8 , the pressure in the bottle 2 builds up via the nozzle 63 to the pressure level of the return gas channel 12 .

The pressure in the return gas channel 12 is set to an overpressure for example between 0.5 and 1.0 bar. At the end of the preliminary relief, there is a pressure equalization between the pressure spaces 60 and 62 . The probe 48 remains in the lower stroke position.

5. Relieve the rest

This residual relief to atmospheric pressure takes place by pulling the bottle 2 from the filling element 3 e. The cylinder chamber 62 is relieved to atmospheric pressure via the channel 55 and the annular channel 49 . The overpressure from the return gas channel 12 which continues to act in the cylinder chamber 60 moves the piston 18 d and with it the probe 48 into the upper stroke position, so that the probe 48 is drawn out of the bottle 2 into the extension 9 .

In the case of the filling element 3 d, a cleaning of the actuating device 16 d is also possible, namely:

1.CIP flow via the return gas duct 12

Here, the cleaning medium passes from the return gas channel 12 into the cylinder chamber 60 and from there partly via the throttle 63 and partly via the check valve 65 into the cylinder chamber 62 , from which the cleaning medium passes via the channel 55 and the ring channel 49 into a flushing bell provided on the filling element , from which it then flows through the open liquid valve into the boiler interior 4 .

The pressure of the cleaning medium moves the piston 18 d and the probe 48 into the upper stroke position.

2. CIP flow over the ring bowl or inside the bowl

When the flushing bell is provided on the filling element 3 e and when the liquid valve 8 is open, the cleaning medium passes from the interior 4 of the boiler via the ring channel 49 and the channel 55 into the cylinder chamber 62 and from there via the nozzle 63 into the cylinder chamber 60 , from which the cleaning medium then passes through the Channel 68 flows to the return gas channel 12 . Due to the higher pressure of the cleaning medium in the cylinder chamber 62 , the piston 18 and the probe 48 are moved downward.

By changing the direction of flow for the cleaning medium and the resulting movement of the piston 18 d, it is again ensured here that all surfaces of the cylinder 59 and the piston 18 d, in particular also the end faces there, are included in the cleaning.

With appropriate training, the invention Filling element can also be used to fill cans.

All control valves of the filling elements 3 , 3 a - 3 d, including the liquid valves of these filling elements are controlled in a filling machine by a central control device.

Before commissioning a filling machine with the filling elements 3 , 3 a - 3 d, it is ensured that the product space 4 'of the ring bowl 1 , the liquid product and the gas space 4 ''the inert gas with the required pressure and also such channels and connections, which carry an operating medium during operation, this operating medium with the required pressure.

Reference list

1 Ring bowl
2nd bottle
2 ′ muzzle
2 ′ ′ ground
3rd,3rda,3rdb filling element
3rdc,3rdb,3rdd,3rde filling element
4th Boiler interior
4 ′ Product space
4 ′ ′ Gas space
5 casing
6 Liquid channel
7 Delivery opening
8th Liquid valve
9 Valve body
9 ′ renewal
10th Centering tulip
11 poetry
12th Residual gas channel
13 Supply channel
14,14a sterilization tube
14 ′,14a ′ pipe end
15 Ring channel
16,16a,16b actuator
16c,16d actuator
17th cylinder
18th,18tha,18thb piston
18thc,18thd piston
19th,19tha,19thb,19thc channel
21 channel
22 Control valve
23,23 ′ Control valve
24-26 Control valve
27 Connecting channel
28-31 channel
32 Flow meter
33 Control valve
 34,35 channel
36 Connecting channel
37, channel
38 pole
39 channel
40 Ring channel
41 Piston seal
42 Vacuum channel
43 Control valve
44 channel
45 Control pressure line
46 Valve body
47 O-ring
48 probe
48 ′ Probe tip
49 Ring channel
50-55 channel
50 ′ room
56-58 Control valve
59 cylinder
60 Cylinder space
61 Vacuum channel
62 Cylinder space
63 throttle
64 opening
65 check valve
66 opening
67 feather
68 Channel.

Claims (21)

1. Filling element for filling machines for filling a liquid filling material into bottles ( 2 ) or similar containers, with a liquid channel ( 8 ) and a discharge opening ( 7 ) forming liquid channel ( 6 ), via which the respective, to the filling element ( 3 , 3 a- 3 e) attached container ( 2 ) in a filling phase with the liquid valve ( 8 ) open, the liquid filling material flows in, with an insertable functional element ( 14 , 14 a, 48 ) and with an actuating device ( 16, 16 a- 16 d) with which the functional element ( 14 , 14 a, 48 ) in the direction of a filling element axis (FA) between a lower stroke position in which the functional element ( 14 , 14 a, 48 ) at least in the filling phase protrudes with a predetermined length over the underside of the Füllele element ( 3 , 3 a - 3 e) and extends into the respective container ( 2 ) attached to the filling element, and an upper stroke position is movable, in which the fun ktionselement ( 14 , 14 a, 48 ) at least part of the length mentioned in the filling element ( 3 , 3 a- 3 e), the filling element being a filler-less filler element or one with a short filler tube, characterized in that the Actuating device ( 16 , 16 a- 16 d) is a piston-cylinder arrangement with at least one cylinder ( 17 ) and a piston ( 18 , 18 a- 18 d) which can be displaced therein and which has at least one inside the cylinder ( 17 ) Limited cylinder space, which can be acted upon by the pressure of at least one operating medium for the stroke movement of the functional element ( 14 , 14 a, 48 ), with which the containers ( 2 ) are also acted upon in the filling phase and / or in at least one treatment phase preceding or following this . 2. Filling element according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating medium is a vacuum and / or a compressed gas, preferably an inert pressure gas, and / or a sterile sationsmedium, preferably water vapor.   3. Filling element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the functional element is an element determining the fill level, preferably a probe ( 48 ) determining the fill level. 4. Filling element according to one of claims 1-3, characterized by at least one open at the bottom of the filling element and at the filling element set container ( 2 ) opening into the container interior gas channel ( 15 , 49 ) for supplying and / or discharging a Operating medium in or out of the container ( 2 ) attached to the filling element, and by at least one operating medium connection which can be controlled by control means. 5. Filling element according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one cylinder space part of at least one Operating medium connection or with at least one Operating medium connection is connected. 6. Filling element according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that on both sides of the piston ( 18 , 18 a- 18 d) a cylinder chamber can be acted upon with an operating medium, and that at least one of these cylinder chambers via at least one control valve, preferably via at least one pressure medium or operating medium control valve is controllable. 7. Filling element according to claim 6, characterized in that at least the lower, the underside of the filling element and the movement of the functional element ( 14 , 14 a, 48 ) in the upper stroke position causing cylinder space via the pressure medium control valve ( 23 ) is controllable. 8. Filling element according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the lower end ( 14 ', 14 a', 48 ') of the length of the functional element in the upper stroke position in the region of the discharge opening ( 7 ) and / or in Area of a discharge opening ( 7 ) enclosing contact or sealing element ( 11 ) for the mouth ( 2 ') of the container ( 2 ) and / or in the area of a centering element ( 10 ) for the container ( 2 ) and / or one of the functional element enclosing tubular or sleeve-like element ( 9 ''), wherein, for example, the discharge opening ( 7 ) is radially offset from the axis of the functional element ( 14 , 14 a, 48 ), preferably the functional element ( 14 , 14 a, 48 ) or whose axis concentrically encloses. 9. Filling element according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the liquid valve ( 8 ) in a filling element axis (FA) by a predetermined stroke movable valve body ( 9 ), and that the functional element ( 14 , 14 a, 48 ) passed through an opening of this valve body ( 9 ) and movable relative to the valve body ( 9 ), the valve body ( 9 ) preferably being provided at the lower end of a valve tappet or a tappet-like extension ( 9 ') and the functional element ( 14 , 14 a, 48 ) is passed through an opening of the valve body and the tappet-like element ( 9 '), preferably in such a way that between the outer surface of the functional element ( 14 , 14 a, 48 ) and the inner surface of the bore in the valve body ( 9 ) and in Tappet ( 9 ') of the gas channel ( 15 ) is formed. 10. Filling element according to one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the functional element ( 14 a) forms an element ( 46 ) of a valve which closes the gas channel ( 15 ) in the upper stroke position, preferably the functional element ( 14 a) at its lower end ( 14 a ') forms a valve body ( 46 ) which comes into contact with a valve seat ( 47 ) in the upper stroke position of the functional element and thereby closes the gas channel ( 15 ). 11. Filling element according to one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the functional element is a sterilization tube ( 14 , 14 a) which extends in the lower stroke position with a tube length into the container and by means of a first control means ( 22 ) Controllable sterilization medium connection can be connected to a source ( 13 ) for the sterilization medium, specifically for treating the interior of the container with the sterilization medium flowing through the tube ( 14 , 14 a) in a sterilization phase in which the sterilization tube ( 14 , 14 a ) in the lower stroke position so deep with at least one opening formed in the region of the lower end ( 14 ', 14 a') of the tube length in the container ( 2 ) that the region of a container bottom ( 2 ') opposite the container bottom ( 2 '') with the sterilization medium. 12. Filling element according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one cylinder space via control means, preferably via the first control means ( 22 ) for a movement of the sterilization tube ( 14 , 14 a) in the lower stroke position with the pressure of the sterilization medium. 13. Filling element according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that in the piston ( 18 , 18 b), a channel ( 19 , 19 b) is formed which ver the inside of the sterilization tube ( 14 , 14 a) with the at least one cylinder space binds. 14. Filling element according to one of claims 11-13, characterized in that in the piston ( 18 a, 18 c) a channel ( 19 a, 19 c) is formed, which on the one hand is connected to the sterilization tube ( 14 ) and in at least one stroke position of the piston or the sterilization tube ( 14 , 14 a) is also connected to a channel ( 29 , 34 , 44 ) formed at least partially in the cylinder ( 17 ), and preferably the channel ( 19 a, 19 c) has an opening in the piston ( 18 a, 18 c) on the circumferential surface of the piston, which in one stroke position is congruent with an opening of the channel ( 29 , 34 , 44 ) formed at least partially in the cylinder ( 17 ). 15. Filling element according to one of claims 11-14, characterized in that the actuating device ( 16 , 16 a- 16 d) and / or the sterilization medium connection or the first control means ( 22 ) there can be controlled in such a way,
that already during the movement of the sterilizing tube (14, 14 a) from the upper stroke setting into the lower stroke position the sterilization medium from the sterilizing tube (14, 14 a) exits,
and / or that the sterilization tube ( 14 , 14 a) is in the upper stroke position during the filling phase or when the liquid valve ( 8 ) is open, preferably also during a preload phase preceding the filling phase,
and / or that in the lower stroke position of the sterilization tube ( 14 , 14 a) the lower end ( 14 ', 14 a') of the container bottom ( 2 '') is immediately adjacent. 16. Filling element according to one of claims 4-15, characterized in that at least one vacuum connection is provided, the second control means ( 43 , 58 ) and via which the gas channel ( 49 ) and / or the sterilization tube ( 14 , 14th a) controlled to a vacuum source (42, 61) can be connected, and in that the at least one cylinder chamber by the second control means (43, 58) is also controlled by the negative pressure of the negative pressure source (42, 61) can be acted upon. 17. Filling element according to one of claims 4-16, characterized in that at least one connection for an inert compressed gas is provided, which is controllable by third control means ( 56 , 57 ) and via which the gas channel ( 49 ) controlled with a source ( 4th '', 12 ) for the inert gas, and that the at least one cylinder chamber controlled by the third control means ( 56 , 57 ) can be acted upon with the pressure of the source of the inert gas. 18. Filling element according to claim 17, characterized in that the third control means have at least two control valves ( 56 , 57 ), via which the gas channel ( 49 ) controlled with a return gas channel ( 12 ) or with a source ( 4 '') for an under Filling or prestressing gas, for example, can be connected to the gas space of a boiler ( 1 ) of the filling machine or to a prestressing gas duct. 19. Filling element according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that in the piston ( 18 d) of the actuating device ( 16 d) at least one opening ( 64 , 66 ), preferably at least one with a nozzle ( 63 ) and / or with a check valve ( 65 ) provided opening, and that the at least one gas path includes the two cylinder spaces of the actuating device ( 16 d) and extends through the at least one opening ( 64 , 66 ). 20. Filling element according to one of claims 17-19, characterized in that one of the cylinder spaces, preferably the lifting of the functional element ( 48 ) causing cylinder space ( 60 ) via at least one control valve ( 57 ) of the third control means with the residual gas channel ( 12 ) and that the other cylinder chamber ( 62 ), preferably the cylinder chamber causing the functional element ( 48 ) to lower when pressurized, can be acted upon by the inert gas under filling pressure or pre-tensioning pressure via at least one other control valve ( 56 ) of the third control means. 21. Filling element according to one of claims 1-20, characterized by a on the functional element ( 48 ) engaging spring ( 67 ) which forms an electrical connection between the functional element ( 48 ) and an electrical connection or conductor not moved with the functional element .