EP0979797B1 - Filling system - Google Patents

Abstract

The bottle filling system has a number of filling elements (3) associated with a common filling liquid chamber (2) and a pair of common gas chambers (22,25),the delivery line (11) of each filling element containing a centrally controlled filling valve (13) and associated with 3 controlled gas valves (16,17,18) for respective gas paths, controlled for pressure-less filling, or counter-pressure filling using a single-chamber or triple chamber principle.

Description

The invention relates to a filling system for filling bottles or like container with a liquid product.

Filling systems of this type are known in various designs, in particular are also systems for a pressureless filling, systems for a filling and Backpressure according to the single-chamber principle as well as a filling under counterpressure after the three-chamber principle.

Such a device according to the preamble of claim 1 is for Example from DE-A-43 24 592 known.

The object of the invention is to show a filling system with which without large Effort, ultimately only by changing the control program different Filling methods are possible.

To solve this problem, a system according to claim 1 educated.

The system according to the invention enables a pressureless filling and allows continue with little additional effort, ultimately only by changing the Control program to a filling under counter pressure according to the one-chamber filling principle and also a filling under counter pressure according to the three-chamber principle.

Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

in vereinfachter Darstellung und im Vertikalschnitt eines der Füllelemente eines Füllsystems bzw. einer Füllmaschine umlaufender Bauart zusammen mit einem am Füllelement angesetzten Behälter im Form einer Flasche;

Fig. 2

das Füllelement der Figur 1 in seiner Verwendung für eine drucklose Füllung;

Fig. 3

das Füllelement der Figur 1 in seiner Verwendung für eine Ein-KammerDruckfüllung;

Fig. 4

das Füllelement der Figur 1 in seiner Verwendung bei einer Drei-KammerDruckfüllung.

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

Fig. 1

in a simplified representation and in a vertical section of one of the filling elements of a filling system or a filling machine of rotating design together with a container attached to the filling element in the form of a bottle;

Fig. 2

the filling element of Figure 1 in its use for a non-pressurized filling;

Fig. 3

the filling element of Figure 1 in its use for a one-chamber pressure filling;

Fig. 4

the filling element of Figure 1 in its use in a three-chamber pressure filling.

In the figures, 1 is the ring kettle of a filling machine, which (ring kettle) in known manner part of the rotating around the vertical axis of the machine rotor this machine is. When operating the filling machine, the interior 2 of the Ring boiler 1 completely filled with the respective liquid product (beverage), such as will be explained in more detail below.

At the periphery of the ring vessel 1 are at regular angular intervals to the Machine axis distributed filling elements 3 provided, each together with a Liftable and lowerable bottle carrier 4 form a filling, for filling the each with its bottom on the bottle carrier 4 upstanding and from this with their mouth 5 against the filling element 3 attached bottles. 6

The filling elements 3 are designed as long-tube filling elements and have an over the underside of the filling element housing 7 or via a formed there Centering 8 with seal 9 downwardly projecting filling tube 10, which at on the filling element 3 attached bottle 6 inside this bottle to near the Bottled bottom is enough. In the housing 7, a liquid channel 11 is formed, whose one end via a passage 12 with the interior 2 of the ring vessel 1 in Connection stands. The other end of the liquid channel is inside the Housing 7 with the upper end of the open-ended filling tube 10 in conjunction. Furthermore, in the liquid channel 11 formed by a valve body with plunger Liquid valve 13 is provided, which via the plunger by means of a pneumatic Actuator 13 'is actuated.

In the housing 7 u.a. a gas channel 14 formed in a filling tube 10th concentrically enclosing and open in the centering element 8 and 9 on the seal annular opening 15 passes. About the opening 15 of the gas channel 14 is at a sealed to the filling element 3 in sealing position pressed bottle 6 to the outside in contact with the interior of the bottle.

Furthermore, each filling element 3 has three individually controllable and pneumatic operated control valves 16, 17 and 18 which are connected as follows:

Control valve 16

On the input side Via a channel 19 with the liquid channel 11, in the area between the liquid valve 13 and the filling tube 10, i. in the flow direction of the filling material after the liquid valve thirteenth On the output side With one end of a channel 20, whose other end opens into the gas channel 14.

Control valve 17

On the input side With the one end of a channel 21, whose other end is connected to a formed in the ring vessel 1 and common to all filling elements 3 first annular channel 22. On the output side With the gas channel 14.

Control valve 18

On the input side With one end of a channel 23, which opens with its other end in the gas channel 14. On the output side With one end of a channel 24, which communicates with its other end with a ring vessel 1 formed in the common and for all filling elements 3 of the filling machine second annular channel 25 in connection.

In the channel 23, a throttle or nozzle 26 is provided, which for a defined Throttling has a defined cross-section.

Another, formed in the housing 7 channel 27 connects the channel 24 with the Gas channel 14. In the channel 27 are in series a second throttle 28 and a Pressure control valve 29 is provided. The latter is also designed so that it is for a Flow from the channel 24 into the gas channel 14 blocks, a flow in reverse Direction permits, as long as the pressure difference across the valve above a predetermined Threshold is. Like the liquid valves 13, the control valves 16 are also - 18 computer controlled, i. These valves are used depending on the Control program of a central computer or a central control device of Controlled filling machine. This control device is generally 46 in the figures designated.

As Figure 1 further shows, the actuator 13 'has a Boundary cylinder 13 ", which is pneumatically actuated and also individually is controlled by the central controller 46 of the filler. In the figure 1 is this limiting cylinder in the non-activated state, so that at corresponding activation of the actuator 13 'the liquid valve full can be opened. If the limiting cylinder 13 "activated, it forms a stop for the plunger of the liquid valve 13 in such a way that the Liquid valve 13 with activated actuator 13 'only with a limited valve lift, i. only partially or with a reduced cross-section is open.

The filling system described consisting of the filling elements 3 and the ring boiler. 1 with the interior 2 and the annular channels 22 and 25 has u.a. the advantage that with he various filling methods are possible, namely u.a. a non-pressurized filling (Figure 2), a one-chamber pressure fill (Figure 3) and a three-chamber pressure fill, and that the transition between these individual filling methods without major expense essentially only by changing the control program for the control of the liquid valves 13 and control valves 16 - 18 of the filling element 3rd is possible.

With the filling system, you can choose between still drinks and also, for example CO2-containing products are bottled. Different filling machines are for this not necessary anymore.

Furthermore, the filling system corresponds to a high hygienic and microbiological Standard, as within the Füllgutweges, especially within the Liquid channels 11 and filling tube 10 no mechanically complex and difficult to cleaning internals are located. In the same way, the gas connections, namely the gas channel 14, the channels 19, 20, 21, 23, 24 and 27 and the ring channels 22 and 25 largely free of installation and therefore easy and reliable to clean.

The pneumatically actuated control valves 16 - 18 as well as the Actuator 13 'for the liquid valve are each about membranes properly sealed.

Another advantage of the filling system described is also that the Interior 2 of the ring boiler 1 during operation completely with the liquid Filled material is filled, so that in particular with a hot filling difficult too removing deposits in the interior 2 of the ring boiler 1 are avoided as they in conventional filling systems in the ring bowl at the phase boundary between the liquid Fill and the overlying gas space occur.

In the below described in connection with Figures 2 and 3 Filling process is the interior 2 of the ring boiler 1 with an outer separately beside the filling machine arranged reservoir 30 connected, which with the liquid product is filled to a level N, well above the maximum Level of Füllgutspiegels in the bottle 6 on the filling element 3 is located. Through a Level controller 31, which i.a. a level gauge 32 and a control valve 33 in one Having supply line 34 for the liquid product, the level N is constant held. The perfect constancy of the level N in the container 30 is also due to the ensures relatively large Füllgutoberfläche in the container 30, even at very high product throughputs, as given in high-performance fillers.

For pressureless filling or filling under atmospheric conditions The constant level N also results in a very constant static pressure of the contents in the inner space 2 of the ring boiler and thus a uniform, reproducible filling speed in all filling phases and good filling qualities as well exact filling heights.

In the interior of the reservoir 30 and spray heads are provided so that the Interior of the tank 30 fully involved in the CIP cleaning of the filler can be.

For one-chamber pressure filling, i. e.g. in the filling of CO2-containing Beverages under pressure, an additional pressure regulator 35 is provided on the container 30, essentially consisting of a pressure gauge 36 for measuring the Gas pressure in the gas space above the level N and one of the pressure gauge 36th controlled control valve 37 in a supply line 38, which in the gas space of the Container 30 opens above the level N and with a source of pressurized stationary inert gas such as CO2 gas is connected.

If the product to be filled is not or only negligibly sensitive to oxygen, then may be in the gas space of the container 30 instead of a pressurized inert gas also purified, pressurized air can be used as the pressure medium.

The above the level N formed gas space of the boiler 30 is still on a separate channel 39 with the annular channel 22 in conjunction. About this channel 39 is done e.g. the biasing of the bottles 6 in the one-chamber pressure filling. At this Pressure filling is the channel 39, for example, for the discharge and for the Return gas removal used during the current filling, in particular for CO2-containing products that have a high microbiological stability.

When filling of breastfeeding, microbiologically perishable products takes place the discharge and the return gas discharge via the channel 39 preferably only then if a Schutzgasbeaufschlagung is provided during the filling.

Below are the non-pressurized filling and the one-chamber pressure filling described in more detail, which are possible with the system of Figure 2 and 3.

1. Pressure-free filling under protective gas (germ-free filling).

• Fruchtsäfte und Fruchtsaftgetränke (Kaltfüllung unter Reinraumbedingungen), isotonische Getränke,
• Eistee,
• stilles Wasser unter hohen mikrobiologischen Anforderungen,
• Wein (kaltsteril).

This type of filling is particularly suitable for the following products:

• Fruit juices and fruit juice drinks (cold filling under clean room conditions), isotonic drinks,
• Icetea,
• still water under high microbiological requirements,
• Wine (cold sterile).

This process variant, in accordance with the figure 2, the annular channel 25 via a pressure regulator 40 is connected to a source of an inert gas or inert gas and in the annular channel 25 thus a slight protective gas overpressure is adjusted, comprises the following process steps:

1.1. Lift the bottle to the filling element and rinse with inert gas

Immediately after each bottle 6 at the bottle inlet of the filling machine is positioned below the respective filling element 3, it is provided with a e.g. against the bottle breast fitting holder 41, which provided at each filling position is caught and centered below its mouth. If not against the Filler element 3 raised, i. at the mouth 5 from the bottom of the Füllelementes spaced bottle, but already in the interior of the Bottle 6 into reaching filling tube 10 flows over the two open Control valves 16 and 18 from the annular channel 25 via the channels 24, 26, 19 and 14th Flushing or inert gas both at the lower open end of the filling tube 10 (arrow A 2), as well as at the annular opening 15 (arrow B of Fig. 2).

Upon further lifting of the bottle 6 and in this case increasingly deeper penetrating filling tube 10 is a major part of the inside of the bottle 6 contained Air replaced by the sterile purge gas and contained in the bottle 6 germs displaced to the outside. This rinsing process continues until the bottle 6 is in its is located at the highest position, i. with its mouth 5 from that of the centering element. 8 formed bell-shaped shelter 8 'is received, with a small distance between mouth 5 and seal 9. The upper attachment for the Bottle forms the holder 41. In this position, the bottle 6 remains until completion the filling.

1.2. Slow stuffing

With closed control valves 16-18, the liquid valve 13 is pneumatic partially, i. opened by a limited valve or opening stroke. For this is the Limiting cylinder 13 "of the actuator 13 is activated.

About the opened with the restricted valve lift liquid valve 13 and the Filling tube 10, the medium flows at reduced speed into the interior of the bottle 6 and meets soft on the bottom of the bottle. Until the immersion of the lower one End of the filling tube 10 in the rising Füllgutspiegel remains the slow low-turbulence filling exist. An admission of the mouth 5 with inert gas This is not necessary because of the incoming contents from the bottle. 6 displaced gas prevents the ingress of outside air, especially as the Bottle mouth 5 is received in the bell-like shelter 8 '.

1.3. fast Fill

Time-controlled, the limiting cylinder 13 "is deactivated, so that at continue activated actuator 13 ', the liquid valve 13 fully opens and thus the Filling the generally cylindrical, non-critical middle part of the bottle 6 with high Filling speed. This results in a total of a high Filling performance. The duration of this fast filling phase is in turn timed, namely by a bottle-related timing.

1.4. brake filling

In the narrowing bottleneck, the return of the Filling speed to the value of slow filling (section 1.2.). For this purpose is via the control again the limiting cylinder 13 "activated, so that then the Liquid valve 13 is in turn opened with the limited stroke.

During this brake filling, the product level rises with a uniform surface and without significant foaming of the integrated in the filling tube 10 Füllhöhen probe 10 'zoom. Bubbles, e.g. can come from the fast filling, can ascend to the surface.

The underlayer filling over the long filling tube 10 is self-assembly Foam-intensive products ensure that no foam or foam at the end of the filling process only small amounts of foam are present at the level of the contents. this makes possible also a very precise and reproducible determination of the filling level by the probe 10 'and thus excellent filling height accuracies. After the response of the probe 10 ', the closing of the liquid valve 13 takes place.

1.5. Filling and mouth with protective gas

With the closing of the liquid valve 13 and the open mouth of the bottle ends 5 protective gas stream from the respective bottle 6. To continue a To maintain the protective function opens immediately after the filling Control valve 18, so that via the gas channel 14 and the ring opening 15 a Purging gas stream in the mouth 5 enclosing shelter 8 'exits.

1.6. Lower the bottle and empty the filling tube

As soon as the bottle 6 is lowered by the bottle plate 4, it is opened Control valve 18 and the control valve 16 is opened so that throttled by the nozzle 26th in turn purge gas on the one hand continues to escape from the annular opening 15 and on the other hand passes through the gas channel 14 and the channels 19 and 20 in the filling tube 10, so that the in the filling tube remaining contents when lowering the bottle 6 clean in this bottle expires. The gas for Füllrohrbelüftung does not come from the surrounding Atmosphere, but from the supplied with the inert and inert gas annular channel 25th

1.7. Apply filling gas to the filling element

After the bottle 6 is completely lowered from the filling element and on Bottle outlet of the filling machine led away from the corresponding filling position became, are the filling tube 10 and the shelter 8 ', especially in the area the local annular opening 15 and the outer surface of the filling tube 10 in the region of Protective space 8 'continues to flow around with the protective or inert gas. Stay here for this the control valves 16 and 18 open. So that a complete shielding of all critical areas on the filling element 3 with respect to ambient air and existing there Germs is ensured, this condition remains even after the introduction of a new one Bottle 6 to the filling formed by the respective filling element 3 as new Process step "Lifting bottles and rinsing with inert gas" (Section 1.1.) maintained.

For a CIP cleaning 3 corresponding CIP or Rinsing caps put on. These then seal outward on the filling element 3 in this way from that the respective shelter 8 'or its inner surfaces fully into the CIP cleaning are included. During cleaning and sterilization cycles All gas and beverage routes within the filler and the filling elements 3 of the central computer controlled successively flows through and thus in a perfect hygienic condition.

The method variant described above is particularly suitable for Bottling still drinks in PET bottles or other containers or bottles, the thin-walled for cost reasons or to reduce the empty weight are executed and have a reduced load capacity, especially no Allow pressing on a filling element with higher forces. Furthermore, it is suitable This process variant described above, in particular for hot filling of beverages in PET bottles, their dimensional stability and thus axial load capacity with increasing temperature decreases. A firm contact pressure of the respective bottle. 6 with its mouth 5 to the respective filling element is in the above described variant of the method, in particular by the formation of Filling elements 3 as Langrohrfüllelemente not required. The respective bottle 6 can stand freely on the bottle carrier 4 and is only through the holder 41st held. By Schutzgasbeaufschlagung described above are a Contamination in particular of the mouth area and the interior of the respective bottle 6 effectively prevented by germs from the environment. Will the Holder 41 is used, so it is also ensured that it during the entire filling process to no direct contact between the bottle 6 and the filling tube 10 and the centering element 8 and the local areas comes.

2 pressure filling via container 30

• Limonaden und Softdrinks (z.B. Cola-Getränke)
• karbonisiertes Mineralwasser
• karbonisierte Fruchtgetränke.

This procedure is particularly suitable for

• Sodas and soft drinks (eg cola drinks)
• carbonated mineral water
• carbonated fruit drinks.

In this process variant, according to FIG. 3, the gas space in the boiler 30 above the level N with a regulated pressure applied, with e.g. CO2 gas or a CO2-air mixture. Furthermore, in this Process variant of the annular channel 25 used as a relief channel and is connected to the Atmosphere connected.

In detail, this method variant comprises the following steps:

2.1. Press bottle on filling element

After lifting the bottle 6 through the bottle carrier 4, the mouth 5 seals gastight on the filling element 3 from. All control valves 16 - 18 and the Liquid valve 13 are closed.

2.2. bias

About the channel 39 and the annular channel 22, the biasing of the respective takes place Bottle 6 from the gas space of the container 30. For this biasing is the Control valve 17 is opened for a predetermined period of time so that CO2 gas on the Channel 21, the open control valve 17 and the gas channel 14 enters the bottle 6. The duration of the opening of the control valve 17 is dependent on the volume the bottle 6 and the pressure in the container 30 is selected so that during this Pretensioning time, a pressure equalization between the bottle 6 and the container 30 is carried out.

2.3. Slow stuffing

With closed control valves 16-18, the liquid valve 13 is not at Activated limiting cylinder 13 "fully open, the liquid product flows with it reduced flow rate through the filling tube 10 in the bottle 6 and hits there again soft and low turbulence on the bottom of the bottle. The low one Filling speed is achieved in that by the inflowing medium the interior of the bottle 6 displaced air-CO2 mixture through the throttle 28 and the pressure control valve 29 only throttled in the channel 24 and via this in the for Relief pressure-free, i. At atmospheric pressure located annular channel 25 can flow. This slow-filling phase is maintained until the bottom end of the filling tube 10 is immersed in the rising level of Füllgutspiegel.

The slow stuffing is terminated by a timing.

2.4. fast Fill

The cylindrical central part of the respective bottle 6 is provided with a higher Bulk power filled. For this purpose, with closed control valves 16 and 18 the Control valve 17 is opened, so that an additional, unthrottled gas path in the than Serving gas duct and connected to the gas space of the container 30 Ring channel 22 is made. Furthermore, there is the throttle 28 and the Pressure control valve 29 a gas path to the annular channel 25th

The filling rate during the fast filling phase thus essentially results from the static product level, which is adjusted in the container 30. Under Considering the respective volume of the bottle 6 or taking into account the bottle type, this Schnellfüllphase is again for a certain duration, the is determined by a timing.

2.5. Brake and correction filling

In the narrowing bottleneck, the filling speed is again on the Value of the filling phase (number 2.3.) Withdrawn. For this purpose, the control valve 17 closed, so that the displaced from the bottle 6 air-gas mixture turn throttled by the throttle 28 and via the pressure control valve 29 in the annular channel 25th flows. Bubbles that are in the fast filling due to turbulence in the medium have formed, now rise quickly to the surface of the contents. Of the Finally, the product level reaches foam-free and with a smooth surface appearance the probe 10 '.

2.6. Filling and pre-relieving

As soon as the rising level of contents has reached the probe 10 ', a Close the liquid valve 13 causing effect signal.

After closing the liquid valve 13 is still a throttled Connection via the throttle 28 with the annular channel 25. The series with the throttle 28th arranged pressure control valve 29 is adjusted so that the pressure in the bottleneck degraded to a predetermined pressure level. This pressure level is thereby preferably noticeably below the CO2 saturation pressure of the filled product.

In this pre-relief and reassurance phase, everyone in the medium rises formed discharge bubbles quickly to the surface. The headroom of the Bottle 6 maintained by the valve 29 slight overpressure relative to the Atmosphere prevents significant foaming.

Compared to conventional relief and calming methods, this offers Controlled, pressure-controlled pre-discharge has the advantage of being faster and more efficient runs more evenly and also undesirable foaming in the headspace of Bottle is severely restricted. The relieving and calming takes place again by a predetermined time period.

2.7 Residual discharges

For this residual relief is closed control valves 16 and 17, the Control valve 17 is opened, so that the head space of the bottle 6, i. the interior of the Bottle 6 above the Füllgutspiegels via the throttle 26 with the annular channel 25th is connected. The throttle 26 ensures a gentle pressure reduction. Since the Output pressure for this residual discharge already well below the filling pressure and preferably also below the CO2 saturation pressure, forms in the Restloads only in a small, negligible extent additional Foam in the headspace of the bottle. Abspritzverluste are avoided.

2.8. Lower the bottle and empty the filling tube

Once the interior of the bottle 6 atmospheric pressure or approximately Has reached atmospheric pressure, and lowered the bottle 6 with the bottle plate 4 is, the control valve 16 is opened, so that a gas connection between the Filling tube 10 and the annular opening 15 is made to the atmosphere and Thus, the filling material located in the filling tube clean the bottle 6 can drain.

3. Pressure filling according to the three-chamber filling principle

• Softdrinks und/oder Bier
• sauerstoffempfindliche Softdrinks
• mikrobiologisch empfindliche Softdrinks.

This process variant is particularly suitable for the following products:

• Soft drinks and / or beer
• oxygen-sensitive soft drinks
• microbiologically sensitive soft drinks.

The filling system is in this process variant in the apparent from the figure 4 Form used. Here, the annular channel 22 used as a clamping gas channel is over a pressure regulator 42 in the supply line 43 with a source for a Pressurized fresh tension or inert gas, such as CO2 gas connected. In this variant of the method, which will be described in detail below, for the Bias of the respective bottle 6 so only fresh inert gas from the Ring channel 22 (clamping gas channel) removed. This is a high Inert gas concentration, for example, CO2 concentration in the bottle 6 during ensured the filling process. The oxygen uptake in the product (beverage) is correspondingly low. Furthermore, it is ensured that no gas, which already in a bottle 6, flows back in a gas space, which is in contact with the contents stands. All gases displaced by the filling material flowing into a bottle 6 be passed over the ring channel 22 directly connected to the atmosphere directly into the atmosphere. Contaminations caused by multiple uses Gas shares are thus virtually ruled out.

The filling material is directly via a supply line 43 with pressure regulator 45 Interior 2 of the ring boiler 1 fed, in such a way that this interior. 2 again completely and without gas space filled with the contents. The pressure regulator 42 and 44 are set so that the filling pressure in the interior 2 by a small, constant value is above the pressure in the annular channel 22 (clamping gas channel). For this are the two pressure regulators 42 and 44 in the illustrated embodiment with each other connected.

Specifically, this process variant includes where the container 30 is not used will, the following process steps:

3.1. Press the bottle against the filling element

The respective bottle 6 is lifted from the bottle plate 4 and with its mouth 5 in sealing position against the filling element 3 or against the seal 9 in the centering element 8 pressed and sealed.

3.2. Preloading over the bottleneck

For this purpose, the control valve 17 is opened, so that from the annular channel 22 and over the Channels 21 and 14 a connection between the interior of the bottle 6 and the Channel 22 is made. The bottle 6 is regulated with fresh inert gas Pressure of the annular channel 22 biased.

3.3. Slow stuffing

With closed control valves 16-18, the liquid valve 13 is opened. Of the Boundary cylinder 13 "is not activated, so that the liquid valve 13 is full is opened. About the constantly open, throttled connection, that of the Connecting channel 27 is formed with the throttle 28 and the valve 29, flows from the inflowing medium from the bottle 6 displaced gas in the annular channel 25th (Return gas channel). The pressure control valve 29 is practical in this process step without influence.

The filling material flows at reduced speed over the filling tube 10 into the bottle 6 and again meets soft and low turbulence on the bottom of the bottle. The flow or filling rate at this filling phase is i.a. through the cross section of Throttle 28 determined.

The turbulence- and bubble-poor filling phase ends after immersion of the filling tube 10 in the rising level, according to a bottle-related timing.

3.4. fast Fill

To increase the filling speed in the uncritical and mostly cylindrical Middle part of the bottle 6, the control valve 18 is opened so that now on both Chokes 26 and 28 is a connection to the annular channel 25 (gas channel). The duration the fast filling phase is in turn determined by a bottle-related timing.

3.5. brake filling

In the narrowing bottleneck, the filling speed is again on the Value of the filling phase withdrawn. For this purpose, the control valve 18 is closed, so that the interior of the bottle 6 only via the throttle 28 with the annular channel 25 (return gas channel) is in communication. The level of contents rises below this level Conditions slowly and with a smooth and low-foaming surface. As soon as the level of contents in the bottle reaches the probe 10 'or the probe contact is generates a closing signal for closing the liquid valve 13.

3.6. Filling and pre-relieving

After closing the liquid valve 13, the pressure in the bottle 6 builds via the pressure control valve 29 to the set with this valve Pre-discharge pressure off. This pre-relief pressure is set to for example, in the vicinity of the CO2 saturation pressure or even significantly less.

Bubbles that form in the product during pressure reduction then rise rapidly on. However, the regulated, slight overpressure (pre-relief pressure) prevents one significant foaming. For sensitive drinks this is Pre-discharge pressure according to a time preset for a preselected time maintained to further calm the drink and foam in To keep borders. This method is particularly advantageous when Carbonated drinks are bottled at higher temperatures.

3.7. rest Relieve

After completion of the preliminary relief, the control valve 18 is opened, so that the Pressure in the bottle 6 via the throttle 26 to the pressure in the annular channel 25, i. on Atmospheric pressure reduced. Because of the low outlet pressure at This residual discharge is formed even with sensitive drinks barely additional Foam. Abspritzverluste be avoided.

3.8. Lower the bottle and empty the filling tube

For the emptying of the filling tube 10, the control valve 16 is opened, bringing a Connection to the filling tube 10 via the gas channel 14 to the annular opening 15 and so that when lowering the bottle 6 is made to the atmosphere. The in the filling tube 10 remaining filling material thus flows directly when lowering the bottle 6 in these off.

In all the above-described process variants takes place when braking after the Response of the probe 10 ', the closing of the liquid valve 13, for example, with a time delay, preferably also when the filling machine is running over a appropriate input to an operator terminal set and / or changed can be, which then a correction of the level is possible.

As described above, the holder 41 in the filling principle "pressureless filling under protective gas "so controlled that he the respective bottle 6 with respect to the filling tube 10 and its axis centered and attached to the filling element 3 bottle 6 with their mouth at a distance from the seal 9 holds, while the Füllprinzipien "One-chamber pressure filling" and "three-chamber pressure filling" of the holder 41 of Centering of the respective bottle 6 is used, but this when filling with its mouth 5 is pressed in sealing position against the seal 9 of the filling element 3.

The filling system according to the invention has been described above for three very different Process variants explained. All process variants, for example together that time specifications, especially bottle and / or filling material related Timing of the operating unit of the filling machine or the control device 46 of this filling machine individually adjustable and / or in the control device 46th be set by entering the bottle type and / or the Füllgutart, namely for example, taking into account a memory of the controller 46th stored data.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

ring bowl

2

Ring boiler room

3

filler

4

bottle plates

5

bottle mouth

6

bottle

7

Filling element housing

8th

centering

8th'

shelter

9

poetry

10

filling pipe

10 '

probe

11

liquid channel

12

Passage

13

liquid valve

13 '

actuator

13 "

restricting cylinder

14

gas channel

15

opening

16 - 18

control valve

19-21

channel

22

annular channel

23, 24

channel

25

annular channel

26

Throttle or nozzle

27

channel

28

Throttle or nozzle

29

Pressure control valve

30

container

31

level controller

32

level meter

33

control valve

34

supply line

35

pressure regulator

36

pressure gauge

37

control valve

38

supply line

39

channel

40

pressure regulator

41

holder

42

pressure regulator

43, 44

supply line

45

pressure regulator

46

control device

Claims (27)

1. Filling system for filling bottles or similar containers (6) with a liquid product, said filling system including a plurality of filling elements (3), a product chamber (2) common to at least one group of filling elements (3), a first and second gas chamber (22, 25) common to at least one group of filling elements (3), a fill tube (10), a container stop and/or container centring means (8, 9), an actuating element (13'), a central control device (46), a housing (7), a gas duct opening (15), a first, second and third gas path (19, 21,24), a liquid duct (11), which is configured in a housing (7) of each filling element (3), communicates with the product chamber (2) and opens out into a fill tube (10), which forms a discharge opening for the product and protrudes above a container stop and/or container centring means (8, 9) formed on the filling element, said filling system also including a liquid valve (13) in the liquid duct (11), said liquid valve being respectively individually actuatable via the actuating element (13") by means of a central control device (46) at least for one group of filling elements (3) for an opening operation in the filling phase and a closing operation at the end of the filling phase,
   said filling system also including a gas duct (14), which is configured in the housing (7) of each filling element (3) and communicates with a gas duct opening (15), which is provided on the container stop, is offset relative to the filling pipe (10) and, when the container (6) is sealingly placed on the filling element (3), communicates with the container interior, as well as including at least a first, second and third control valve, which are controllable individually by means of the control device (46), for controlling gas paths configured in the housing (7) of each filling element (3),
   wherein the first control valve (16), on a first side, communicates via a first gas path (19) with a region of the liquid duct (11) downstream of the liquid valve (13) in the direction of flow of the product and is connected on a first side to the gas duct (14), the second control valve (17) is connected on a first side to a second gas path (21), which leads to the first gas chamber (22), and on a second side to the gas duct (14), the third control valve (18) is connected on a first side to the gas duct (14) and on a second side to a third gas path (24), which leads to the second gas chamber (25), characterised in that the first, second and third control valves are two-way, and in that a fourth gas path (27), which includes a pressure regulating valve (29), is provided between the gas duct (14) and the third gas path (24) or respectively the second gas chamber (25).
2. Filling system according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating element (13') of the liquid valve (13) is controllable in such a manner that the liquid valve (13) can assume at least three states, namely a first closed state for blocking the liquid duct (11), a second state where the liquid valve (13) is open with a reduced cross-section, as well as a third state where the liquid valve (13) is completely open.
3. Filling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the liquid valve (13) includes a valve body, which is displaceable in an axial direction, for example in the direction of an axis of a filling element, and is movable by means of the actuating device (13'), and in that the actuating device (13') includes a limiting element (13"), which is activatable by means of the control device (46) in such a manner that in the activated state it only permits a limited movement of the valve body.
4. Filling system according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the actuating element (13') is a pneumatic actuating element, for example a cylinder, and in that the limiting element is also a pneumatically actuatable limiting cylinder (13").
5. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control valves (16 - 18) are pneumatically actuatable valves, preferably valves actuatable through diaphragms or diaphragm valves.
6. Filling system according to claim 5, characterised in that the pneumatic actuating element (13') and the pneumatically actuatable control valves (16 - 18) are each operable by the control device (46) by means of electro-pneumatic valves.
7. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a holder (41) at each filling element (3), which centres the container (6), which has been raised and placed onto the filling element, with reference to the axis of the filling element or respectively of the fill tube (10).
8. Filling system according to claim 7, characterised in that the holder (41) is controllable in such a manner that the said holder holds the container (6) by its mouth (5) at a spacing from the container stop (9).
9. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the respective filling element (3) is such a filling element with a long fill tube (10).
10. Filling system according to one of the preceding daims, characterised in that on the underside of the housing (7) of each filling element (3) there is provided a bell-shaped element (8), which forms the container stop (9) internally of a shelter (8') that is open towards the underside of the filling elements (3).
11. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the threshold of the pressure-regulating valve (29) is adjusted to the difference between preliminary relief pressure and atmospheric pressure.
12. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a first throttle (26) is provided in the third gas path (24) for reducing the cross-sectional flow.
13. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one second throttle (28) is provided in the fourth gas path (27) in series with the pressure-regulating valve (29) for reducing the cross-sectional flow.
14. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a protective gas at regulated (40) pressure can be admitted to the second gas chamber for a pressureless filling of the container (6) with protective gas.
15. Filling system according to claim 14, characterised in that a pressure regulator (40) is provided in the connection between the second gas chamber (25) and the source for the pressurised protective gas.
16. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that for a pressureless filling of the container (6) with protective gas, the control valves (16 - 18) and the actuating element (13') of the liquid valve (13) are controllable by the control device (6) in such a manner that, for flushing the container more especially in the interior and in the region of the container mouth (5), the first and third control valves (16, 18) are opened to provide an outlet for the flushing gas from the second gas chamber (25) at the bottom end of the fill tube (10) and at the gas duct opening (15).
17. Filling system according to claim 16, characterised in that for an initial low-speed filling, a subsequent high-speed filling and a final decelerating filling at the container mouth of the container (6) at a spacing from the container stop (9), the control device (46) controls the actuating element (13') initially for the moving of the liquid valve (13) into the second state (open with a reduced cross-section), then for the moving of the liquid valve (13) into the third state (completely open), then for the moving of the liquid valve (13) into the second state (open with a reduced cross-section) and then finally for the movement of the liquid valve (13) into the first state (closing of the liquid valve) (first state).
18. Filling system according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that the first and third control valves (16, 18) are opened for emptying the fill tube when the liquid valve (13) is closed.
19. Filling system according to one of claims 16 - 18, characterised in that, before the container (6) is removed from the filling element (3), protective gas from the second gas chamber (25) can be admitted to the shelter (8') by means of the control device (46) by opening the third control valve (18).
20. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that for filling the container (6) under counter pressure in accordance with the single chamber filling principle, the gas chamber of the additional reservoir (30) is connected to a source for a pressurised gas.
21. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a pressure regulator (35) is provided in the connection between the pressurised gas source and the gas chamber of the reservoir (30).
22. Filling system according to claim 24 or 25, characterised in that the second gas chamber (25) is open to the atmosphere.
23. Filling system according to one of claims 22 - 24, characterised in that the control valves (16 - 18) and the actuating element (13') are controllable by the control device (46) in such a manner that in a preliminary pressurisation phase, to pre-pressurise the interior of the container (6), which is sealingly abutting against the filling element (3) with its mouth (5), the second control valve is opened to produce a connection between the gas duct (14) and the second gas path, in that for a low-speed filling with the control valves (16 - 18) closed, the liquid valve (13) is opened completely, in that for a subsequent high-speed filling the second control valve (17) is opened to produce a connection between the gas duct (14) and the first gas chamber (21), and in that for a subsequent decelerating filling and a preliminary pressure relief, all the control valves (16 - 18) are closed, and after the deceleration filling has been completed, the liquid valve (14) is moved into the first state for the subsequent preliminary pressure relief to a preliminary relief pressure.
24. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that for a filling of the container (6) under counter pressure in accordance with the three-chamber filling principle, the product chamber (2) is connected via a pressure regulator (45) to a source for a pressurised product and the first gas chamber (22) is connected via an additional pressure regulator (42) to a source for a pressurised pressurisation gas, wherein the pressure regulators (42, 25) are adjusted in such a manner that the filling pressure in the product chamber (2) is equal or preferably greater than the pressurisation gas pressure in the first gas chamber (22), and in that the second gas chamber (25) acts as a relief chamber and is preferably connected to the atmosphere.
25. Filling system according to claim 25, characterised in that the actuating element (13') for the liquid valve (13) and the control valves (16 - 18) are controllable by the control device (46) in such a manner that for the preliminary pressurisation of the containers (6), each moved into a sealing position with the filling element (3), the second control valve (17) is opened, in that for the low-speed filling with the control valves (16 - 18) closed, the liquid valve (13) is opened, in that for the subsequent high-speed filling the third control valve (16) is opened to produce an additional connection from the container interior into the second gas chamber (25), and in that for a decelerating filling subsequently the third control valve (18) is closed and for the preliminary depressurisation with the control valves (10 - 18) closed, the liquid valve (13) is closed.
26. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closing of the liquid valve (13) is effected in a time-delayed manner with a time parameter after the response of a probe (10') for determining the filling level.
27. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in individual filling phases, the opening and/or closing of the control valves (16 - 18) and/or of the liquid valve (13) is effected after a period of time determined by a time parameter, and in that the time parameters are adjustable or are adjusted on the control device (46).

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