EP2386518B1 - Filling device - Google Patents

Filling device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2386518B1
EP2386518B1 EP11160625.7A EP11160625A EP2386518B1 EP 2386518 B1 EP2386518 B1 EP 2386518B1 EP 11160625 A EP11160625 A EP 11160625A EP 2386518 B1 EP2386518 B1 EP 2386518B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filling
product
channel
common carrier
return gas
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP11160625.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2386518A1 (en
EP2386518B2 (en
Inventor
Walter Neumayer
Erwin Knieling
Wolfgang Gruber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Krones AG
Original Assignee
Krones AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=44455241&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP2386518(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Krones AG filed Critical Krones AG
Priority to EP14164023.5A priority Critical patent/EP2754637B1/en
Priority to SI201130197T priority patent/SI2386518T1/en
Publication of EP2386518A1 publication Critical patent/EP2386518A1/en
Publication of EP2386518B1 publication Critical patent/EP2386518B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2386518B2 publication Critical patent/EP2386518B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/26—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
    • B67C2003/2668—Means for adapting the filling head to various sizes of containers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a filling device according to the preamble of claim 1 for filling containers with a liquid.
  • Filling devices are used for example in the beverage industry for filling bottles with drinks.
  • the bottles are usually introduced into a filler with a plurality of filling elements, wherein each of the filling elements comprises a filling valve, a filling tube and a return gas pipe.
  • a bottle to be filled is lifted in the filler by a lifting cylinder and pressed via a centering bell to the filling valve outlet of a filling element, whereby the filling valve is opened and the product to be bottled is passed from a ring bowl into the bottle.
  • the ring bowl with the product to be filled is usually subjected to a vacuum.
  • the return gas pipes of the filling elements extend into the vacuum area of the ring boiler.
  • a vacuum path is also opened from the vessel into the bottle, whereby return gas can escape from the bottle into the vacuum area of the ring bowl.
  • a disadvantage of these known systems is that the filling level can only be changed by adjusting the height of the ring bowl or by complex replacement of spacers.
  • From the EP 1 544 157 is a filling machine according to the preamble of claim 1 for filling containers known with at least one filler valve having a filling element with at least partially formed in this gas paths, which are in each case via a connecting line with the interior of the container during filling in conjunction and of which a first Gas path is connected to a biasing gas having a first pressure having space for the contents and this or a second gas path for discharging the clamping gas and with another gas path for supplying a gas with a pressure above the clamping gas pressure, wherein in and out of the containers leading gas paths are arranged within the connectable with the container neck filler neck, it being provided that provided in this filler neck, a first gas channel for supplying and discharging process gases such as bias and return gas and other media and this or another gas channel in his Level determining height infinitely height adjustable and is submitted for supplying a pressurized gas above the biasing pressure.
  • the invention provides a filling device according to claim 1 for filling containers with a liquid, comprising a plurality of filling elements, wherein each of the filling elements comprises a filling valve, a filling tube and a return gas pipe, wherein the filling tubes of the filling elements on a first common carrier and the return gas pipes Filling elements on a second common carrier are arranged, and wherein the position of the second common carrier is adjustable relative to the position of the first common carrier.
  • the position of the return gas tubes and thus the filling level for the filling elements can be adjusted in a simple manner.
  • the positions of the return gas pipes relative to the positions of the respective filling tubes in particular jointly, be adjustable.
  • the containers to be filled may in particular be bottles, for example plastic bottles or glass bottles.
  • the liquid may be, for example, a beverage product.
  • the filling device may be a filling device of the beverage industry.
  • a common carrier here can be understood in particular to be a carrier which is common to the filling tubes or the return gas tubes, to which the filling tubes or the return gas tubes of the filling elements of the filling device are therefore arranged.
  • the first and / or second common carrier can be arranged via a, in particular rotatable, filling table. As a result, a filler carousel can be formed.
  • the position of the first common carrier and / or the second common carrier may in particular correspond to a height above the filling table.
  • the second common carrier may be height adjustable relative to the first common carrier.
  • the position of the second common carrier can in particular be adjustable independently of the position of the first common carrier. In other words, the position of the first common carrier can remain unchanged during an adjustment of the position of the second common carrier.
  • the position of the second common carrier can in particular be continuous, that is stepless, adjustable. As a result, the filling level in the containers can be changed continuously.
  • the position of the first common carrier and the position of the second common carrier may be adjustable together. As a result, the filling device can be easily adjusted to a new container type to be filled.
  • first common carrier and the second common carrier can be height-adjustable together.
  • adjustable in this context may mean in particular that the position of the first common carrier and the position of the second common carrier at the same time, in particular parallel to each other, are adjustable.
  • the filling device may in particular comprise a position adjustment device which is designed such that with the aid of the position adjustment device, the position of the second common carrier relative to the position of the first common carrier and / or the position of the first common carrier adjustable together with the position of the second common carrier are.
  • Such a position adjustment device can be achieved in a simple manner that the position, in particular the height of the second common carrier, relative to the position, in particular to the height of the first common carrier is adjustable.
  • the at least one first motor and the at least one second motor can be operated independently of one another.
  • the first and / or the second motor may in particular be servomotors.
  • the at least one first transmission may be connected to the filling table.
  • the at least one first gear can remain stationary during rotation of the at least one threaded spindle.
  • the position adjustment device may be configured and / or configured such that the at least one second motor drives the at least one second transmission while the at least one first motor is stationary and thus does not drive the at least one first transmission.
  • the threaded spindle does not rotate and thus not the at least one threaded nut, via which the first common carrier is connected to the threaded spindle.
  • the position of the first common carrier can remain unchanged.
  • the at least one second transmission By driving the at least one second transmission through the at least one second motor, the at least one second transmission can be moved, in particular along the at least one threaded spindle. Characterized in that the second common carrier is connected via the at least one second gear to the at least one threaded spindle, the second common carrier can be moved with the at least one second gear. In this way, the position of the second common carrier relative to the position of the first common carrier can be adjusted.
  • the position adjustment device may be configured and / or configured such that, alternatively, the at least one first motor drives the at least one first transmission while the at least one second motor is not being operated.
  • the threaded spindle can be rotated by the at least one first gear.
  • the at least one threaded nut, with which the first common carrier is connected to the threaded spindle, does not rotate and can be displaced by the rotation of the threaded spindle. As a result, the position of the first common carrier can be adjusted or changed.
  • the at least one second motor If the at least one second motor is not operated, the rotation of the threaded spindle, the at least one second gear can be moved. Characterized in that the second common carrier is connected via the at least one second gear to the threaded spindle, the position of the second common carrier can be adjusted. By the at least one threaded spindle, the position of the first common carrier and the position of the second common carrier can be adjusted together in this case.
  • the position adjustment device may in particular comprise a plurality of threaded spindles, a plurality of first gears, a plurality of second gears and a plurality of threaded nuts. As a result, a better load distribution can be achieved.
  • the plurality of first gear can be connected to each other so that they can be driven together, in particular simultaneously, by the at least one first motor.
  • the plurality of second gears can be connected to each other in this way be that they can be driven together, in particular at the same time, by the at least one second motor.
  • the first common carrier may in particular comprise a first fastening element, in particular wherein the at least one threaded nut is arranged on the first fastening element.
  • the second common carrier may in particular comprise a second fastening element, in particular wherein the at least one second gear is arranged on the second fastening element.
  • a product channel may be arranged in and / or on the first common carrier, wherein the product channel is connected to the filling tubes such that a fluid can be conducted from the product channel into the filling tubes and / or vice versa.
  • the filling tubes can in particular be arranged on the first common carrier such that a fluid can be conducted laterally from the product channel into the filling tubes.
  • the filling tubes can be arranged laterally on the first common carrier.
  • the filling tubes can be easier to access, for example for maintenance work, than in systems known in the prior art, in which the filling tubes are arranged under the ring bowl.
  • the filling device may also comprise at least one product tank, which is arranged laterally adjacent to the first and the second common carrier and connected to the product channel such that during operation of the filling device, a fluid from the at least one product tank can be passed into the product channel.
  • at least one product tank arranged next to the filling table can be provided.
  • the adjacent product tank can save electrical components in the area of the filler carousel, for example level probes.
  • adjacent to the side means, in particular, that the at least one product tank is not arranged above the filling table, in particular not above the first and second common carrier.
  • the filling device may in particular comprise a plurality of product tanks, which are arranged laterally adjacent to the first and second common carrier and are connected to the product channel such that, during operation of the filling device, a fluid can be conducted from the plurality of product tanks into the product channel.
  • a fluid can be conducted from the plurality of product tanks into the product channel.
  • the product channel can be completely vented during production preparation and filled to the brimful with filling product.
  • a venting device through which the filling product flows on the way to the product channel and which has an automatic venting valve. As the bottling product passes through the vent, gas bubbles supplied with the bottling product during bottling operation may be removed from the bottling product stream before they reach the product channel.
  • the venting device is a venting vessel.
  • the venting device is arranged at least partially above the product channel.
  • a vacuum channel and / or a return gas channel are arranged in and / or on the second common carrier, wherein the vacuum channel and / or the return gas channel is connected to the return gas pipes in such a way that a fluid from the vacuum channel and / or return gas channel into the return gas pipes and / or vice versa can be directed.
  • the vacuum channel and / or the return gas channel can be formed separately from the product channel.
  • a fluid in the vacuum channel and / or in the return gas channel has no direct contact with a fluid in the product channel. It can thereby be achieved that the return gas does not come into contact with the product to be filled. Even a contact between the vacuum in the vacuum channel and the product to be filled can be prevented. This may be particularly advantageous in the filling of alcoholic products, as this can reduce alcohol loss.
  • the vacuum channel and the return gas channel may be separate from each other. Separated from each other in this context may mean that a fluid in the vacuum channel has no direct contact with a fluid in the return gas channel.
  • the vacuum channel and / or the return gas channel can each be connected via at least one valve to one of the return gas pipes.
  • a fluid path of one of the return gas pipes to the vacuum and / or return gas duct can be selectively opened or closed.
  • a valve can be kept closed to the vacuum channel during filling, so that no fluid from the return gas tube can be passed into the vacuum channel. For example, this may prevent or at least minimize filling of bottles during filling.
  • the vacuum channel and / or the return gas channel can be connected to the return gas pipes of the filling elements in each case via at least one valve.
  • the vacuum channel can in particular be connected in each case via two or more valves with the return gas pipes. In this way, different correction times can be made possible with different bottleneck volumes.
  • the vacuum channel may be connected to the product channel in such a way that a fluid can be passed from the vacuum channel into the product channel.
  • the first common carrier and / or the second common carrier may be annular. As a result, maintenance of the elements of the filling device can be facilitated.
  • the product channel may be in the form of a pipeline, in particular with a circular cross section.
  • the product to be filled can in particular be provided in a side-by-side product tank as described above, from where the product can be passed into the product channel during operation of the filling device.
  • the diameter of the product channel can be between 1080 cm and 6480 cm, in particular between 1440 cm and 5760 cm.
  • the filling level for the filling elements of the filling device can be adjusted in a simple manner.
  • the filling device may in particular comprise a position adjusting device described above.
  • the method may include driving the at least one second transmission by means of the at least one second motor while the at least one first motor is not being driven and thus the at least one first transmission is not rotating.
  • the threaded spindle does not rotate and thus not the at least one threaded nut, via which the first common carrier is connected to the threaded spindle.
  • the position of the first common carrier can remain unchanged.
  • the at least one second transmission By driving the at least one second transmission through the at least one second motor, the at least one second transmission can be moved, in particular along the at least one threaded spindle.
  • the second common carrier is connected via the at least one second gear with the at least one threaded spindle, the second common carrier with the at least one second gear can be moved. In this way, the position of the second common carrier relative to the position of the first common carrier can be adjusted.
  • FIG. 1 shows a filler shell 101 of an exemplary filling device for filling containers, such as bottles, with a liquid, such as a beverage.
  • the filler shell 101 may for example be mounted on a rotating filling table.
  • the filling device may be designed as a rotary.
  • each of the filling elements 102 comprises a return gas tube 103 and a filling tube 104, wherein the filling tubes 104 of the filling elements 102 are arranged on a first common carrier 105 and the return gas tubes 103 of the filling elements 102 on a second common carrier 106.
  • the position of the second common carrier 106 relative to the position of the first common carrier 105 is adjustable.
  • the adjustable position can correspond to a position along the axis of rotation of the filler shell during operation.
  • the adjustable position may correspond to a height above the filling table.
  • the second common carrier 106 can thus be height-adjustable relative to the first common carrier 105.
  • the height of the second common carrier 106 relative to the first common carrier 105 may be variable within a range of +/- 50 mm.
  • FIG. 2 shows a part of an exemplary filler shell in cross section.
  • a filling element 202 comprising a return gas tube 203 and a filling tube 204.
  • the filling tube 204 is arranged on a first common carrier 205 via a filling valve block and the return gas tube 203 is arranged on a second common carrier 206 via a valve block.
  • the first common carrier 205 includes a first mounting plate 211 and the second common carrier 206 includes a second mounting plate 212.
  • FIG. 2 also shows threaded spindles 207 according to the invention, which interconnect the first common carrier 205 and the second common carrier 206.
  • the threaded spindles 207 can be rotated by first gear 209 in rotation.
  • the first mounting plate 211 and thus the first common carrier 205 are connected by threaded nuts 210 with the threaded spindles 207.
  • the threaded nuts 210 are mounted axially on the threaded spindles 207.
  • the second mounting plate 212 and thus the second common carrier 206 are connected via second gear 208 with the threaded spindles 207.
  • the second gear 208 are also mounted axially on the threaded spindles 207 here.
  • the first transmissions 209 and the second transmissions 208 can be, for example, worm gears.
  • the first gear 209 and the second gear 208 are each connected by coupling elements 217, so each form a gear train.
  • a first gear train comprising the first gear 209 may be driven by a first motor and a second gear train comprising the second gear 208 may be driven by a second motor.
  • the second motor may drive the second gear train while the first engine is stopped and thus the first gear train is not driven. In this case, turn the threaded spindles 207 not. Thus, in this case, the position of the first common carrier 205 can remain unchanged.
  • the second gear 208 By driving the second gear train by the second motor, the second gear 208 can be moved along the longitudinal axes of the threaded spindles 207. Characterized in that the second common carrier 206 is connected via the second gear 208 with the threaded spindles 207, the second common carrier 206 is moved with the second gear 208. In this way, the position of the second common carrier 206 relative to the position of the first common carrier 205 can be adjusted.
  • the first motor may drive the first gear train while the second motor is not operated.
  • the threaded spindles can be rotated by the first gear 209.
  • the threaded nuts 210, with which the first common carrier 205 is connected to the threaded spindles 207, do not rotate and are displaced by the rotation of the threaded spindles 207. Thereby, the position of the first common carrier 205 can be adjusted or changed.
  • the second gear train is not driven.
  • the rotation of the threaded spindles 207 allows the second gears 208 to be displaced.
  • the position of the second common carrier 206 can be adjusted in this way.
  • the threaded spindles 207 the position of the first common carrier 205 and the position of the second common carrier 206 can be adjusted together in this case.
  • FIG. 2 also shows a product channel 213 arranged in the first common carrier 205.
  • the product channel is connected to the filling tube 204 in such a way that a fluid can be conducted from the product channel 213 into the filling tube 204 and / or vice versa.
  • a product can be passed from the product channel 213 via a filling valve in the filling tube 204.
  • the bottling product is supplied from a media distributor 110 (see Fig. 1 ) are conveyed to the product passage 213 via piping (not shown).
  • a venting device (not shown) is arranged, through which the filling product flows.
  • the bottling product flows from the product manifold through the vent and is conveyed to the product channel via the tubing (not shown). If the filling device is filled with filling product during the production preparation, gas bubbles can be removed from the product stream at the ventilation devices, which in the absence of such a vent - would otherwise collect in the product channel, which would lead to a poorer filling behavior.
  • venting device (not shown) is arranged above the product channel 213, the gas bubbles can simply rise in accordance with their nature and rise in the venting vessel.
  • an automatically operating (not shown) vent valve is arranged to regularly drain the resulting gas from the vent.
  • a venting device can also be arranged directly on the product channel 213, wherein it is not flowed through by the inflowing filling product.
  • vent lanterns located radially within the product channel. It is also possible to arrange these vent lanterns directly on the product channel, but above it, whereby, however, the position change described between the carriers 205 and 206 is hindered.
  • a return gas channel 214 and a vacuum channel 215 are arranged in the second common carrier 206, wherein the vacuum channel 215 and / or the return gas channel 214 are connected to the return gas pipe 203 such that a fluid from the vacuum channel 215 and / or return gas channel 214 into the return gas pipe 203 and /. or vice versa.
  • a negative pressure can be provided by a vacuum pump.
  • the product passage 213, the return gas passage 214 and the vacuum passage 215 are formed separately from each other.
  • a fluid that is in one of the channels may be spatially separated from the fluids in the other channels.
  • a contact among the fluids present in the different channels can be avoided.
  • it can be prevented, for example, that the return gas from the bottle comes into contact with the product to be filled or that the vacuum from the vacuum channel 215 comes into contact with the product to be filled in the product channel 213.
  • FIG. 2 also shows a lifting cylinder 216, by means of which a bottle can be pressed against the filling valve outlet.
  • FIG. 3 shows an exemplary filling element with a pressed-on bottle 323.
  • the exemplary filling element in FIG. 3 a return gas pipe 303, a filling pipe 304 and a filling valve 318.
  • a centering bell 322 is shown, via which the bottle 323 can be pressed against the filling valve outlet.
  • the centering bell 322 is disposed on a linkage 321 which can be moved relative to the filling valve 318.
  • the centering bell 322 can be moved in the direction of the filling valve 318 when the bottle 323 is pressed on.
  • the first common carrier 305 and the second common carrier 306 are indicated.
  • a product channel 313 arranged in the first common carrier 305 is connected to the filling tube 304 such that a product can be conducted from the product channel 313 into the filling tube 304 via the filling valve 318.
  • the exemplary filling element of FIG. 3 is in particular arranged laterally on the first common carrier 305 and second common carrier 306. As a result, replacement and / or maintenance of the filling element can be simplified with respect to a filling element arranged below a ring bowl, as known in the art.
  • the indicated second common carrier 306 are in FIG. 3 also a return gas channel 314 and a spatially separate vacuum channel 315 provided.
  • the return gas channel 314 is connected in a switchable manner via a first valve 319 to the return gas pipe 303.
  • the vacuum channel 315 is connected to the return gas pipe 303 via a second valve 320 switchable.
  • a fluid path from the vacuum duct 315 into the return gas pipe 303 can be switched by the second valve 320, ie opened or closed.
  • FIGS. 4a to 4d show an exemplary filling process using the in FIG. 3 exemplified filling element.
  • FIG. 4a shows how an exemplary bottle 423 is transferred to the exemplary filling element.
  • the exemplary bottle 423 may be, for example, on a lifting cylinder as in FIG. 2 are shown.
  • a lifting cylinder By such a lifting cylinder, the bottle 423 is raised and the bottle mouth centered by a centering bell 422 in your position.
  • the centering bell 422 By further lifting the cylinder, the centering bell 422 is moved in the direction of the filling valve block in which the filling valve and at least partially the filling tube 404 is arranged.
  • the linkage 421, on which the centering bell 422 is arranged can be moved relative to the filling valve block.
  • FIG. 4b shows the bottle 423 in a pressed state to the lower end of the filling valve block.
  • the filling valve 418 is opened, so that a product from the product channel 413 can be passed through the filling tube 404 in the bottle 423.
  • the product to be filled then runs along the inner wall of the bottle 423 into the bottle.
  • By pressing the bottle 423 also opened the valve 419 via a control block 424 so that return gas escaping from the bottle can be conducted via the return gas tube 403 into the return gas channel 414. Since the return gas channel 414 is spatially separated from the product channel 413, the return gas from the bottle does not come into contact with the product to be filled in the product channel 413.
  • the bottle is filled in this way until the liquid level of the product bottled blocks the return gas path via the return gas tube 403, ie has risen above the height of the lower opening of the return gas tube 403 in the bottle 423.
  • the bottle 423 will then, as in Figure 4c shown subtracted from the filling valve block, whereby the filling valve 418 is closed.
  • the control block 424 closes the valve 419, whereby the fluid path from the return gas tube 403 into the return gas channel 414 is closed.
  • Valve 420 is then opened by the control block 425, whereby a vacuum path is opened, that is, a fluid from the return gas tube 403 in the vacuum channel 415 can be passed. Since a negative pressure prevails in the vacuum channel 415, the overfilled product is sucked into the vacuum channel 415.
  • the fact that the vacuum channel 415 is formed spatially separated from the product channel 413, the excess product does not come into contact with the product to be filled.
  • valve 420 is closed by the control block 425, the bottle 423 is completely lowered by the lifting cylinder and moves over an outlet star on the filler carousel.
  • the filling element in particular by a CIP (Cleaning in Place) cleaning, be cleaned, as in FIG. 4d illustrated.
  • Teflonbalgventile can be used preferably also.
  • the sucked in the above-described correction phase in the vacuum channel 415 product can be passed through a liquid separator in a separating vessel.
  • the liquid separator may in particular be arranged in front of a vacuum pump of the vacuum channel 415.
  • the product sucked into the vacuum channel 415 in the above-described correction phase may alternatively be returned to the product channel 413 via a connection channel between the vacuum channel 415 and the product channel 413. This allows the reuse of the extracted Product, which is important in wine bottling, for example, as it can be a very valuable bottling product.
  • the corrected product in a valve node above the liquid separator in front of the vacuum pump can be returned to the product channel 413.
  • FIG. 5 shows an exemplary filling device comprising a filler shell with a first common carrier 505 and a second common carrier 506.
  • the filling elements, which are arranged on the filler shell, are in FIG. 5 for the sake of clarity not shown.
  • a corresponding representation can be found in FIG. 1 ,
  • the filler top is disposed on a rotating, fixed-height fill table 526. Filling table 526 and filler shell together form a so-called filler carousel.
  • Denoted by reference numeral 527 is a pre-table system on which, for example, (not shown) transport star wheels or one or more, the filling device downstream, (not shown) closing machines are arranged.
  • an adjacent product tank 528 is shown, which is laterally adjacent to the filler carousel, in particular to the first and second common carrier 505 and 506, respectively.
  • the product tank 528 is connected to a product channel arranged in the first common carrier 505 in such a way that, during operation of the filling device, a product can be conducted from the product tank 528 into the product channel.
  • the product channel can have a lower volume than a prior art ring boiler. As a result, the product loss can be reduced in case of malfunction of the filling. In particular, an emergency stop function can be provided.
  • the filling device may have a shut-off valve between the adjoining product tank 528 and the filler carousel.
  • a shut-off valve between the adjoining product tank 528 and the filler carousel.
  • the adjacent product tank and the product channel can be emptied by pushing the product back into a customer tank and then filled with a new product.
  • the filling valves of the filling elements can be emptied via an emptying curve.
  • an adjacent tank 528 also electrical components, such as level sensors can be avoided in the filler carousel. This can be advantageous for a cost reasons, on the other hand, for safety reasons, for example, if high-percentage spirits are bottled and thus risk of explosion.
  • an overpressure prevails in the adjoining product tank 528, in particular wherein the overpressure is achieved by supplying a gas via an incoming line.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Befüllvorrichtung gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 zum Befüllen von Behältern mit einer Flüssigkeit.The present invention relates to a filling device according to the preamble of claim 1 for filling containers with a liquid.

Befüllvorrichtungen werden beispielsweise in der Getränkeindustrie zum Befüllen von Flaschen mit Getränken verwendet. Dabei werden die Flaschen üblicherweise in einen Füller mit mehreren Füllelementen eingebracht, wobei jedes der Füllelemente ein Füllventil, ein Füllrohr und ein Rückgasrohr umfasst. Eine zu befüllende Flasche wird im Füller durch einen Hubzylinder angehoben und über eine Zentrierglocke an den Füllventilauslauf eines Füllelementes gepresst, wodurch das Füllventil geöffnet und das abzufüllende Produkt aus einem Ringkessel in die Flasche geleitet wird.Filling devices are used for example in the beverage industry for filling bottles with drinks. The bottles are usually introduced into a filler with a plurality of filling elements, wherein each of the filling elements comprises a filling valve, a filling tube and a return gas pipe. A bottle to be filled is lifted in the filler by a lifting cylinder and pressed via a centering bell to the filling valve outlet of a filling element, whereby the filling valve is opened and the product to be bottled is passed from a ring bowl into the bottle.

Der Ringkessel mit dem abzufüllenden Produkt ist üblicherweise mit einem Vakuum beaufschlagt. In den Vakuumbereich des Ringkessels reichen dabei die Rückgasrohre der Füllelemente. Beim Anpressen der Flasche an den Füllventilauslauf wird ebenfalls ein Vakuumweg vom Kessel in die Flasche geöffnet, wodurch Rückgas aus der Flasche in den Vakuumbereich des Ringkessels entweichen kann.The ring bowl with the product to be filled is usually subjected to a vacuum. The return gas pipes of the filling elements extend into the vacuum area of the ring boiler. When the bottle is pressed against the filling valve outlet, a vacuum path is also opened from the vessel into the bottle, whereby return gas can escape from the bottle into the vacuum area of the ring bowl.

Sobald das abzufüllende Produkt über die untere Öffnung des Rückgasrohres steigt, und den Vakuumweg damit verschließt, wird das Befüllen gestoppt, die Flasche wird vom Füllventil abgezogen und von außen in die Flasche strömende Luft führt dazu, dass das zuviel gefüllte Produkt in den Ringkessel zurückgesaugt wird.As soon as the product to be filled rises above the lower opening of the return gas pipe and closes off the vacuum path, the filling is stopped, the bottle is withdrawn from the filling valve and air flowing from the outside into the bottle causes the overfilled product to be sucked back into the ring tank ,

Ein Nachteil dieser bekannten Systeme ist jedoch, dass die Füllhöhe nur durch Verstellen der Höhe des Ringkessels verändert werden kann oder durch aufwändiges Austauschen von Distanzstücken..A disadvantage of these known systems, however, is that the filling level can only be changed by adjusting the height of the ring bowl or by complex replacement of spacers.

Es wurden daher mehrere Systeme vorgeschlagen, die es erlauben, das Rückgasrohr unabhängig vom Ringkessel in der Höhe zu verstellen.Therefore, several systems have been proposed which allow the return gas pipe to be adjusted independently of the ring bowl.

Aus der EP 1 544 157 ist eine Füllmaschine gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 zum Füllen von Behältern bekannt mit wenigstens einem ein Füllventil aufweisenden Füllelement mit mindestens teilweise in diesem ausgebildeten Gaswegen, die während des Füllens jeweils über eine Verbindungsleitung mit dem Innenraum des Behälters in Verbindung stehen und von denen ein erster Gasweg an einen ein Vorspanngas mit einem ersten Druck aufweisenden Raum für das Füllgut angeschlossen ist und dieser oder ein zweiter Gasweg zum Abführen des Spanngases dient sowie mit einem weiteren Gasweg zum Zuführen eines Gases mit einem Druck oberhalb des Spanngasdrucks, wobei die in und aus den Behältern führenden Gaswege innerhalb des mit dem Behälterhals verbindbaren Füllstutzens angeordnet sind, wobei vorgesehen ist, dass in diesem Füllstutzen ein erster Gaskanal zum Zu- und Abführen von Prozessgasen wie Vorspann- und Rückgas sowie weiteren Medien vorgesehen und dieser oder ein weiterer Gaskanal in seiner den Füllspiegel bestimmenden Höhe stufenlos höhenverstellbar und zum Zuführen eines Druckgases oberhalb des Vorspanndrucks eingereichtet ist.From the EP 1 544 157 is a filling machine according to the preamble of claim 1 for filling containers known with at least one filler valve having a filling element with at least partially formed in this gas paths, which are in each case via a connecting line with the interior of the container during filling in conjunction and of which a first Gas path is connected to a biasing gas having a first pressure having space for the contents and this or a second gas path for discharging the clamping gas and with another gas path for supplying a gas with a pressure above the clamping gas pressure, wherein in and out of the containers leading gas paths are arranged within the connectable with the container neck filler neck, it being provided that provided in this filler neck, a first gas channel for supplying and discharging process gases such as bias and return gas and other media and this or another gas channel in his Level determining height infinitely height adjustable and is submitted for supplying a pressurized gas above the biasing pressure.

Die bekannten Systeme weisen im Allgemeinen jedoch eine hohe mechanisme Komplexität auf.However, the known systems generally have a high mechanical complexity.

Daher ist es Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine Befüllvorrichtung bereitzustellen, welche auf einfache Weise ein Verstellen der Füllhöhe erlaubt.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a filling device which allows a simple adjustment of the filling level.

Die Erfindung stellt eine Befüllvorrichtung gemäß dem Patentanspruch 1 zum Befüllen von Behältern mit einer Flüssigkeit bereit, umfassend mehrere Füllelemente, wobei jedes der Füllelemente ein Füllventil, ein Füllrohr und ein Rückgasrohr umfasst, wobei die Füllrohre der Füllelemente an einem ersten gemeinsamen Träger und die Rückgasrohre der Füllelemente an einem zweiten gemeinsamen Träger angeordnet sind, und wobei die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers relativ zu der Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers verstellbar ist.The invention provides a filling device according to claim 1 for filling containers with a liquid, comprising a plurality of filling elements, wherein each of the filling elements comprises a filling valve, a filling tube and a return gas pipe, wherein the filling tubes of the filling elements on a first common carrier and the return gas pipes Filling elements on a second common carrier are arranged, and wherein the position of the second common carrier is adjustable relative to the position of the first common carrier.

Durch die Verstellbarkeit des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers relativ zum ersten gemeinsamen Träger kann die Position der Rückgasrohre und damit die Füllhöhe für die Füllelemente in einfacher Weise eingestellt werden.Due to the adjustability of the second common carrier relative to the first common carrier, the position of the return gas tubes and thus the filling level for the filling elements can be adjusted in a simple manner.

Mit anderen Worten können die Positionen der Rückgasrohre relativ zu den Positionen der jeweiligen Füllrohre, insbesondere gemeinsam, verstellbar sein.In other words, the positions of the return gas pipes relative to the positions of the respective filling tubes, in particular jointly, be adjustable.

Bei den zu befüllenden Behältern kann es sich insbesondere um Flaschen, beispielsweise eine Kunststoffflaschen oder Glasflaschen handeln. Bei der Flüssigkeit kann es sich beispielsweise um ein Getränkeprodukt handeln. Mit anderen Worten kann die Befüllvorrichtung eine Befüllvorrichtung der Getränkeindustrie sein.The containers to be filled may in particular be bottles, for example plastic bottles or glass bottles. The liquid may be, for example, a beverage product. In other words, the filling device may be a filling device of the beverage industry.

Als gemeinsamer Träger kann hier insbesondere ein Träger verstanden werden, der den Füllrohren beziehungsweise den Rückgasrohren gemeinsam ist, an dem also die Füllrohre beziehungsweise die Rückgasrohre der Füllelemente der Befüllvorrichtung angeordnet sind.A common carrier here can be understood in particular to be a carrier which is common to the filling tubes or the return gas tubes, to which the filling tubes or the return gas tubes of the filling elements of the filling device are therefore arranged.

Der erste und/oder zweite gemeinsame Träger können über einen, insbesondere drehbaren, Fülltisch angeordnet sein. Dadurch kann ein Füllerkarussell gebildet werden.The first and / or second common carrier can be arranged via a, in particular rotatable, filling table. As a result, a filler carousel can be formed.

Die Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers und/oder des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers kann insbesondere einer Höhe über dem Fülltisch entsprechen. Mit anderen Worten kann der zweite gemeinsame Träger relativ zum ersten gemeinsamen Träger höhenverstellbar sein.The position of the first common carrier and / or the second common carrier may in particular correspond to a height above the filling table. In other words, the second common carrier may be height adjustable relative to the first common carrier.

Die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers kann insbesondere unabhängig von der Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers verstellbar sein. Mit anderen Worten kann die Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers während einer Verstellung der Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers unverändert bleiben.The position of the second common carrier can in particular be adjustable independently of the position of the first common carrier. In other words, the position of the first common carrier can remain unchanged during an adjustment of the position of the second common carrier.

Die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers kann insbesondere kontinuierlich, also stufenlos, verstellbar sein. Dadurch kann die Füllhöhe in den Behältern stufenlos verändert werden.The position of the second common carrier can in particular be continuous, that is stepless, adjustable. As a result, the filling level in the containers can be changed continuously.

Die Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers und die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers können gemeinsam verstellbar sein. Dadurch kann die Befüllvorrichtung auf einfache Weise auf einen neuen zu befüllenden Behältertyp eingestellt werden.The position of the first common carrier and the position of the second common carrier may be adjustable together. As a result, the filling device can be easily adjusted to a new container type to be filled.

Insbesondere können der erste gemeinsame Träger und der zweite gemeinsame Träger gemeinsam höhenverstellbar sein.In particular, the first common carrier and the second common carrier can be height-adjustable together.

Gemeinsam verstellbar kann in diesem Zusammenhang insbesondere bedeuten, dass die Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers und die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers gleichzeitig, insbesondere parallel zueinander, verstellbar sind.Together adjustable in this context may mean in particular that the position of the first common carrier and the position of the second common carrier at the same time, in particular parallel to each other, are adjustable.

Die Befüllvorrichtung kann insbesondere eine Positionsverstelleinrichtung umfassen, welche derart ausgebildet ist, dass mit Hilfe der Positionsverstelleinrichtung die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers relativ zu der Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers und/oder die Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers gemeinsam mit der Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers verstellbar sind.The filling device may in particular comprise a position adjustment device which is designed such that with the aid of the position adjustment device, the position of the second common carrier relative to the position of the first common carrier and / or the position of the first common carrier adjustable together with the position of the second common carrier are.

Die Positionsverstelleinrichtung umfasst insbesondere :

  • wenigstens ein erstes und wenigstens ein zweites Getriebe,
  • erfindungsgemäß wenigstens eine Gewindespindel, wobei die wenigstens eine Gewindespindel den ersten gemeinsamen Träger und den zweiten gemeinsamen Träger miteinander verbindet. Die wenigstens eine Gewindespindel durch das wenigstens eine erste Getriebe antreibbar, insbesondere drehbar, ist,
  • wenigstens einen ersten Motor, wobei das wenigstens eine erste Getriebe mit Hilfe des wenigstens einen ersten Motors antreibbar ist, und wenigstens einen zweiten Motor, wobei das wenigstens eine zweite Getriebe durch den wenigstens einen zweiten Motor antreibbar ist,
  • wobei der erste gemeinsame Träger mittels einer Gewindemutter mit der wenigstens einen Gewindespindel verbunden ist, und
  • wobei der zweite gemeinsame Träger mittels des wenigstens einen zweiten Getriebes mit der wenigstens einen Gewindespindel verbunden ist.
The position adjustment device comprises in particular:
  • at least a first and at least a second transmission,
  • According to the invention, at least one threaded spindle, wherein the at least one threaded spindle interconnects the first common carrier and the second common carrier. The at least one threaded spindle can be driven, in particular rotatable, by the at least one first gear,
  • at least one first motor, wherein the at least one first transmission is drivable with the aid of the at least one first motor, and at least one second motor, wherein the at least one second transmission is drivable by the at least one second motor,
  • wherein the first common carrier is connected by means of a threaded nut with the at least one threaded spindle, and
  • wherein the second common carrier is connected by means of the at least one second transmission with the at least one threaded spindle.

Durch eine derartige Positionsverstelleinrichtung kann in einfacher Weise erreicht werden, dass die Position, insbesondere die Höhe des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers, relativ zur Position, insbesondere zur Höhe, des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers verstellbar ist.By such a position adjustment device can be achieved in a simple manner that the position, in particular the height of the second common carrier, relative to the position, in particular to the height of the first common carrier is adjustable.

Insbesondere können der wenigstens eine erste Motor und der wenigstens eine zweite Motor unabhängig voneinander betreibbar sein. Der erste und/oder der zweite Motor können insbesondere Servomotoren sein.In particular, the at least one first motor and the at least one second motor can be operated independently of one another. The first and / or the second motor may in particular be servomotors.

Das wenigstens eine erste Getriebe kann mit dem Fülltisch verbunden sein. Dadurch kann das wenigstens eine erste Getriebe beim Drehen der wenigstens einen Gewindespindel ortsfest bleiben.The at least one first transmission may be connected to the filling table. As a result, the at least one first gear can remain stationary during rotation of the at least one threaded spindle.

Beispielsweise kann die Positionsverstelleinrichtung derart ausgebildet und/oder konfiguriert sein, dass der wenigstens eine zweite Motor das wenigstens eine zweite Getriebe antreibt, während der wenigstens eine erste Motor stillsteht und somit das wenigstens eine erste Getriebe nicht antreibt. In diesem Fall dreht sich die Gewindespindel nicht und damit auch nicht die wenigstens eine Gewindemutter, über die der erste gemeinsame Träger mit der Gewindespindel verbunden ist. Somit kann in diesem Fall die Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers unverändert bleiben.For example, the position adjustment device may be configured and / or configured such that the at least one second motor drives the at least one second transmission while the at least one first motor is stationary and thus does not drive the at least one first transmission. In this case, the threaded spindle does not rotate and thus not the at least one threaded nut, via which the first common carrier is connected to the threaded spindle. Thus, in this case, the position of the first common carrier can remain unchanged.

Durch den Antrieb des wenigstens einen zweiten Getriebes durch den wenigstens einen zweiten Motor kann das wenigstens eine zweite Getriebe bewegt werden, insbesondere entlang der wenigstens einen Gewindespindel. Dadurch, dass der zweite gemeinsame Träger über das wenigstens eine zweite Getriebe mit der wenigstens einen Gewindespindel verbunden ist, kann der zweite gemeinsame Träger mit dem wenigstens einem zweiten Getriebe mitbewegt werden. Auf diese Weise kann die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers relativ zu der Position des ersten gemeinsamen Träger verstellt werden.By driving the at least one second transmission through the at least one second motor, the at least one second transmission can be moved, in particular along the at least one threaded spindle. Characterized in that the second common carrier is connected via the at least one second gear to the at least one threaded spindle, the second common carrier can be moved with the at least one second gear. In this way, the position of the second common carrier relative to the position of the first common carrier can be adjusted.

Die Positionsverstelleinrichtung kann derart ausgebildet und/oder konfiguriert sein, dass alternativ der wenigstens eine erste Motor das wenigstens eine erste Getriebe antreibt, während der wenigstens eine zweite Motor nicht betrieben wird. In diesem Fall kann die Gewindespindel durch das wenigstens eine erste Getriebe gedreht werden. Die wenigstens eine Gewindemutter, mit welcher der erste gemeinsame Träger mit der Gewindespindel verbunden ist, dreht sich nicht und kann durch die Drehung der Gewindespindel verschoben werden. Dadurch kann die Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers verstellt oder geändert werden.The position adjustment device may be configured and / or configured such that, alternatively, the at least one first motor drives the at least one first transmission while the at least one second motor is not being operated. In this case, the threaded spindle can be rotated by the at least one first gear. The at least one threaded nut, with which the first common carrier is connected to the threaded spindle, does not rotate and can be displaced by the rotation of the threaded spindle. As a result, the position of the first common carrier can be adjusted or changed.

Wenn der wenigstens eine zweite Motor nicht betrieben wird, kann durch die Drehung der Gewindespindel das wenigstens eine zweite Getriebe verschoben werden. Dadurch, dass der zweite gemeinsame Träger über das wenigstens eine zweite Getriebe mit der Gewindespindel verbunden ist, kann die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers verstellt werden. Durch die wenigstens eine Gewindespindel kann in diesem Fall die Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers und die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers gemeinsam verstellt werden.If the at least one second motor is not operated, the rotation of the threaded spindle, the at least one second gear can be moved. Characterized in that the second common carrier is connected via the at least one second gear to the threaded spindle, the position of the second common carrier can be adjusted. By the at least one threaded spindle, the position of the first common carrier and the position of the second common carrier can be adjusted together in this case.

Die Positionsverstelleinrichtung kann insbesondere mehrere Gewindespindeln, mehrere erste Getriebe, mehrere zweite Getriebe und mehrere Gewindemuttern umfassen. Dadurch kann eine bessere Lastverteilung erzielt werden.The position adjustment device may in particular comprise a plurality of threaded spindles, a plurality of first gears, a plurality of second gears and a plurality of threaded nuts. As a result, a better load distribution can be achieved.

In diesem Fall können die mehreren ersten Getriebe derart miteinander verbunden sein, dass sie gemeinsam, insbesondere gleichzeitig, durch den wenigstens einen ersten Motor angetrieben werden können. Die mehreren zweiten Getriebe können derart miteinander verbunden sein, dass sie gemeinsam, insbesondere gleichzeitig, durch den wenigstens einen zweiten Motor angetrieben werden können.In this case, the plurality of first gear can be connected to each other so that they can be driven together, in particular simultaneously, by the at least one first motor. The plurality of second gears can be connected to each other in this way be that they can be driven together, in particular at the same time, by the at least one second motor.

Der erste gemeinsame Träger kann insbesondere ein erstes Befestigungselement umfassen, insbesondere wobei die wenigstens eine Gewindemutter an dem ersten Befestigungselement angeordnet ist. Der zweite gemeinsame Träger kann insbesondere ein zweites Befestigungselement umfassen, insbesondere wobei das wenigstens eine zweite Getriebe an dem zweiten Befestigungselement angeordnet ist.The first common carrier may in particular comprise a first fastening element, in particular wherein the at least one threaded nut is arranged on the first fastening element. The second common carrier may in particular comprise a second fastening element, in particular wherein the at least one second gear is arranged on the second fastening element.

Im und/oder am ersten gemeinsamen Träger kann ein Produktkanal angeordnet sein, wobei der Produktkanal mit den Füllrohren derart verbunden ist, dass ein Fluid vom Produktkanal in die Füllrohre und/oder umgekehrt geleitet werden kann.A product channel may be arranged in and / or on the first common carrier, wherein the product channel is connected to the filling tubes such that a fluid can be conducted from the product channel into the filling tubes and / or vice versa.

Die Füllrohre können insbesondere derart am ersten gemeinsamen Träger angeordnet sein, dass ein Fluid seitlich vom Produktkanal in die Füllrohre geleitet werden kann. Mit anderen Worten können die Füllrohre seitlich am ersten gemeinsamen Träger angeordnet sein. Dadurch können die Füllrohre leichter, beispielsweise für Wartungsarbeiten, zugänglich sein als bei im Stand der Technik bekannten Systemen, bei welchen die Füllrohre unter dem Ringkessel angeordnet sind.The filling tubes can in particular be arranged on the first common carrier such that a fluid can be conducted laterally from the product channel into the filling tubes. In other words, the filling tubes can be arranged laterally on the first common carrier. As a result, the filling tubes can be easier to access, for example for maintenance work, than in systems known in the prior art, in which the filling tubes are arranged under the ring bowl.

Die Befüllvorrichtung kann außerdem wenigstens einen Produkttank umfassen, der seitlich benachbart zu dem ersten und dem zweiten gemeinsamen Träger angeordnet ist und mit dem Produktkanal derart verbunden ist, dass im Betrieb der Befüllvorrichtung ein Fluid vom wenigstens einen Produkttank in den Produktkanal geleitet werden kann. Mit anderen Worten kann wenigstens ein neben dem Fülltisch angeordneter Produkttank vorgesehen sein. Durch den nebenstehenden Produkttank können elektrische Bauteile im Bereich des Füllerkarussells eingespart werden, beispielsweise Niveausonden.The filling device may also comprise at least one product tank, which is arranged laterally adjacent to the first and the second common carrier and connected to the product channel such that during operation of the filling device, a fluid from the at least one product tank can be passed into the product channel. In other words, at least one product tank arranged next to the filling table can be provided. The adjacent product tank can save electrical components in the area of the filler carousel, for example level probes.

Seitlich benachbart bedeutet in diesem Zusammenhang insbesondere, dass der wenigstens eine Produkttank nicht oberhalb des Fülltisches, insbesondere nicht oberhalb des ersten und zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers, angeordnet ist.In this context, adjacent to the side means, in particular, that the at least one product tank is not arranged above the filling table, in particular not above the first and second common carrier.

Die Befüllvorrichtung kann insbesondere mehrere Produkttanks umfassen, die seitlich benachbart zu dem ersten und zweiten gemeinsamen Träger angeordnet sind und mit dem Produktkanal derart verbunden sind, dass im Betrieb der Befüllvorrichtung ein Fluid von den mehreren Produkttanks in den Produktkanal geleitet werden kann. Durch den Einsatz mehrerer Produkttanks kann beispielsweise die Produktwechselzeit bei einem Produktwechsel optimiert, insbesondere minimiert, werden.The filling device may in particular comprise a plurality of product tanks, which are arranged laterally adjacent to the first and second common carrier and are connected to the product channel such that, during operation of the filling device, a fluid can be conducted from the plurality of product tanks into the product channel. By using multiple product tanks, for example, the product changeover time can be optimized during a product change, in particular minimized.

Vorteilhaft befindet sich auf dem Füllerkarussell wenigstens eine Entlüftungsvorrichtung. Durch diese wenigstens eine Entlüftungsvorrichtung kann der Produktkanal bei Produktionsvorbereitung vollständig entlüftet werden und entsprechend randvoll mit Abfüllprodukt befüllt werden. Besonders vorteilhaft ist eine Entlüftungseinrichtung, durch welche das Abfüllprodukt auf dem Weg zum Produktkanal hindurchfließt und die ein automatisches Entlüftungsventil aufweist. Da das Abfüllprodukt durch die Entlüftungseinrichtung hindurchfließt, werden eventuell mit dem Abfüllprodukt während Abfüllbetrieb zugeführte Gasblasen aus dem Abfüllproduktstrom entfernt, bevor sie den Produktkanal erreichen. Besonders bevorzugt handelt es sich bei der Entlüftungseinrichtung um ein Entlüftungsgefäß. Besonders bevorzugt ist die Entlüftungseinrichtung wenigstens teilweise oberhalb des Produktkanals angeordnet.Advantageously located on the filler carousel at least one venting device. By means of this at least one venting device, the product channel can be completely vented during production preparation and filled to the brimful with filling product. Particularly advantageous is a venting device through which the filling product flows on the way to the product channel and which has an automatic venting valve. As the bottling product passes through the vent, gas bubbles supplied with the bottling product during bottling operation may be removed from the bottling product stream before they reach the product channel. Particularly preferably, the venting device is a venting vessel. Particularly preferably, the venting device is arranged at least partially above the product channel.

Im und/oder am zweiten gemeinsamen Träger ist erfindungsgemäß ein Vakuumkanal und/oder ein Rückgaskanal angeordnet, wobei der Vakuumkanal und/oder der Rückgaskanal mit den Rückgasrohren derart verbunden ist, dass ein Fluid vom Vakuumkanal und/oder Rückgaskanal in die Rückgasrohre und/oder umgekehrt geleitet werden kann.In accordance with the invention, a vacuum channel and / or a return gas channel are arranged in and / or on the second common carrier, wherein the vacuum channel and / or the return gas channel is connected to the return gas pipes in such a way that a fluid from the vacuum channel and / or return gas channel into the return gas pipes and / or vice versa can be directed.

Insbesondere können der Vakuumkanal und/oder der Rückgaskanal vom Produktkanal getrennt ausgebildet sein. Getrennt kann in diesem Zusammenhang insbesondere bedeuten, dass ein Fluid im Vakuumkanal und/oder im Rückgaskanal keinen unmittelbaren Kontakt zu einem Fluid im Produktkanal aufweist. Dadurch kann erreicht werden, dass das Rückgas keinen Kontakt zum abzufüllenden Produkt bekommt. Auch ein Kontakt zwischen dem Vakuum im Vakuumkanal und dem abzufüllenden Produkt kann dadurch verhindert werden. Dies kann insbesondere bei der Abfüllung von alkoholischen Produkten von Vorteil sein, da dadurch ein Alkoholverlust reduziert werden kann.In particular, the vacuum channel and / or the return gas channel can be formed separately from the product channel. Separately may mean in this context, in particular, that a fluid in the vacuum channel and / or in the return gas channel has no direct contact with a fluid in the product channel. It can thereby be achieved that the return gas does not come into contact with the product to be filled. Even a contact between the vacuum in the vacuum channel and the product to be filled can be prevented. This may be particularly advantageous in the filling of alcoholic products, as this can reduce alcohol loss.

Der Vakuumkanal und der Rückgaskanal können getrennt voneinander sein. Voneinander getrennt kann in diesem Zusammenhang bedeuten, dass ein Fluid im Vakuumkanal keinen unmittelbaren Kontakt zu einem Fluid im Rückgaskanal aufweist.The vacuum channel and the return gas channel may be separate from each other. Separated from each other in this context may mean that a fluid in the vacuum channel has no direct contact with a fluid in the return gas channel.

Der Vakuumkanal und/oder der Rückgaskanal können je über wenigstens ein Ventil mit einem der Rückgasrohre verbunden sein. Dadurch kann ein Fluidweg von je einem der Rückgasrohre zu dem Vakuum- und/oder Rückgaskanal wahlweise geöffnet oder geschlossen werden. Beispielsweise kann ein Ventil zum Vakuumkanal während des Befüllens geschlossen gehalten werden, so dass kein Fluid vom Rückgasrohr in den Vakuumkanal geleitet werden kann. Dies kann beispielsweise eine zu geringe Füllung von Flaschen bei der Füllung verhindern oder wenigstens minimieren.The vacuum channel and / or the return gas channel can each be connected via at least one valve to one of the return gas pipes. As a result, a fluid path of one of the return gas pipes to the vacuum and / or return gas duct can be selectively opened or closed. For example, a valve can be kept closed to the vacuum channel during filling, so that no fluid from the return gas tube can be passed into the vacuum channel. For example, this may prevent or at least minimize filling of bottles during filling.

Insbesondere können der Vakuumkanal und/oder der Rückgaskanal mit den Rückgasrohren der Füllelemente jeweils über wenigstens ein Ventil verbunden sein.In particular, the vacuum channel and / or the return gas channel can be connected to the return gas pipes of the filling elements in each case via at least one valve.

Der Vakuumkanal kann insbesondere jeweils über zwei oder mehr Ventile mit den Rückgasrohren verbunden sein. Auf diese Weise können unterschiedliche Korrekturzeiten bei unterschiedlichen Flaschenhalsvolumen ermöglicht werden.The vacuum channel can in particular be connected in each case via two or more valves with the return gas pipes. In this way, different correction times can be made possible with different bottleneck volumes.

Der Vakuumkanal kann mit dem Produktkanal derart verbunden sein, dass ein Fluid vom Vakuumkanal in den Produktkanal geleitet werden kann. Dadurch kann in einer Korrekturphase nach einem Überfüllen eines Behälters über das Niveau einer unteren Öffnung des Rückgasrohres hinaus eine zuviel eingefüllte Produktmenge zunächst in den Vakuumkanal geleitet werden und von dort anschließend in den Produktkanal. Dadurch kann ein Produkt aus einer Korrekturphase wiederverwendet werden.The vacuum channel may be connected to the product channel in such a way that a fluid can be passed from the vacuum channel into the product channel. As a result, in a correction phase after an overfilling of a container beyond the level of a lower opening of the return gas pipe, an excessively filled product quantity can first be conducted into the vacuum channel and from there into the product channel. As a result, a product from a correction phase can be reused.

Der erste gemeinsame Träger und/oder der zweite gemeinsame Träger können ringförmig ausgebildet sein. Dadurch kann eine Wartung der Elemente der Befüllvorrichtung erleichtert werden.The first common carrier and / or the second common carrier may be annular. As a result, maintenance of the elements of the filling device can be facilitated.

Der Produktkanal kann in Form einer Rohrleitung, insbesondere mit kreisförmigen Querschnitt, ausgebildet sein. Das abzufüllende Produkt kann in diesem Fall insbesondere in einem oben beschriebenen nebenstehenden Produkttank bereitgestellt werden, von wo das Produkt im Betrieb der Befüllvorrichtung in den Produktkanal geleitet werden kann. Der Durchmesser des Produktkanals kann zwischen 1080 cm und 6480 cm, insbesondere zwischen 1440 cm und 5760 cm, betragen. Dadurch kann ein Produktverlust bei einer Fehlfunktion, beispielsweise des Füllventils, geringer gehalten werden als im Falle eines im Stand der Technik bekannten Ringkessel über dem Füllventil.The product channel may be in the form of a pipeline, in particular with a circular cross section. In this case, the product to be filled can in particular be provided in a side-by-side product tank as described above, from where the product can be passed into the product channel during operation of the filling device. The diameter of the product channel can be between 1080 cm and 6480 cm, in particular between 1440 cm and 5760 cm. As a result, a loss of product in the case of a malfunction, for example of the filling valve, can be kept lower than in the case of a ring boiler known in the prior art above the filling valve.

Ein Verfahren zum Einstellen einer Füllhöhe beim Befüllen von Behältern mit einer Flüssigkeit umfassent die Schritte:

  • Bereitstellen einer oben beschriebenen Befüllvorrichtung; und
  • Einstellen einer Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers.
A method of adjusting a level when filling containers with a liquid includes the steps of:
  • Providing a filling device described above; and
  • Adjusting a position of the second common carrier.

Dadurch kann die Füllhöhe für die Füllelemente der Befüllvorrichtung in einfacher Weise eingestellt werden.As a result, the filling level for the filling elements of the filling device can be adjusted in a simple manner.

Die Befüllvorrichtung kann insbesondere eine oben beschriebene Positionsverstelleinrichtung umfassen.The filling device may in particular comprise a position adjusting device described above.

In diesem Fall kann das Verfahren ein Antreiben des wenigstens einen zweiten Getriebes mit Hilfe des wenigstens einen zweiten Motors umfassen, während der wenigstens eine erste Motor nicht angetrieben wird und somit das wenigstens eine erste Getriebe sich nicht dreht.In this case, the method may include driving the at least one second transmission by means of the at least one second motor while the at least one first motor is not being driven and thus the at least one first transmission is not rotating.

In diesem Fall dreht sich die Gewindespindel nicht und damit auch nicht die wenigstens eine Gewindemutter, über die der erste gemeinsame Träger mit der Gewindespindel verbunden ist. Somit kann in diesem Fall die Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers unverändert bleiben. Durch den Antrieb des wenigstens einen zweiten Getriebes durch den wenigstens einen zweiten Motor kann das wenigstens eine zweite Getriebe bewegt werden, insbesondere entlang der wenigstens einen Gewindespindel. Dadurch, dass der zweite gemeinsame Träger über das wenigstens eine zweite Getriebe mit der wenigstens einen Gewindespindel verbunden ist, kann der zweite gemeinsame Träger mit dem wenigstens einen zweiten Getriebe mitbewegt werden. Auf diese Weise kann die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers relativ zu der Position des ersten gemeinsamen Träger verstellt werden.In this case, the threaded spindle does not rotate and thus not the at least one threaded nut, via which the first common carrier is connected to the threaded spindle. Thus, in this case, the position of the first common carrier can remain unchanged. By driving the at least one second transmission through the at least one second motor, the at least one second transmission can be moved, in particular along the at least one threaded spindle. Characterized in that the second common carrier is connected via the at least one second gear with the at least one threaded spindle, the second common carrier with the at least one second gear can be moved. In this way, the position of the second common carrier relative to the position of the first common carrier can be adjusted.

Weitere Vorteile und Merkmale der Erfindung werden nachfolgend anhand der beispielhaften Figuren erläutert. Dabei zeigt

  • Figur 1 ein Fülleroberteil einer beispielhaften Befüllvorrichtung;
  • Figur 2 einen Querschnitt durch einen Teil einer beispielhaften Befüllvorrichtung;
  • Figur 3 ein beispielhaftes Füllelement;
  • Figur 4a - 4d eine Illustration eines beispielhaften Befüllvorganges; und
  • Figur 5 eine beispielhafte Befüllvorrichtung.
Further advantages and features of the invention are explained below with reference to the exemplary figures. It shows
  • FIG. 1 a filler top of an exemplary filling device;
  • FIG. 2 a cross-section through part of an exemplary filling device;
  • FIG. 3 an exemplary filling element;
  • Figure 4a - 4d an illustration of an exemplary filling process; and
  • FIG. 5 an exemplary filling device.

Figur 1 zeigt ein Fülleroberteil 101 einer beispielhaften Befüllvorrichtung zum Befüllen von Behältern, beispielsweise Flaschen, mit einer Flüssigkeit, beispielsweise einem Getränk. Das Fülleroberteil 101 kann beispielsweise auf einem sich drehenden Fülltisch montiert sein. Insbesondere kann die Befüllvorrichtung als Rundläufer ausgebildet sein. FIG. 1 shows a filler shell 101 of an exemplary filling device for filling containers, such as bottles, with a liquid, such as a beverage. The filler shell 101 may for example be mounted on a rotating filling table. In particular, the filling device may be designed as a rotary.

In Figur 1 sind außerdem mehrere am Umfang des Fülleroberteils 101 angeordnete Füllelemente 102 schematisch angedeutet. Jedes der Füllelemente 102 umfasst ein Rückgasrohr 103 und ein Füllrohr 104, wobei die Füllrohre 104 der Füllelemente 102 an einem ersten gemeinsamen Träger 105 und die Rückgasrohre 103 der Füllelemente 102 an einem zweiten gemeinsamen Träger 106 angeordnet sind.In FIG. 1 Moreover, a plurality of filling elements 102 arranged on the circumference of the filler shell 101 are schematically indicated. Each of the filling elements 102 comprises a return gas tube 103 and a filling tube 104, wherein the filling tubes 104 of the filling elements 102 are arranged on a first common carrier 105 and the return gas tubes 103 of the filling elements 102 on a second common carrier 106.

Durch eine im Folgenden genauer beschriebene Positionsverstelleinrichtung ist die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers 106 gegenüber der Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers 105 verstellbar. Insbesondere kann die verstellbare Position einer Position entlang der Rotationsachse des Fülleroberteils im Betrieb entsprechen. Mit anderen Worten kann die verstellbare Position einer Höhe über dem Fülltisch entsprechen. Der zweite gemeinsame Träger 106 kann also relativ zum ersten gemeinsamen Träger 105 höhenverstellbar sein.By a position adjusting device described in more detail below, the position of the second common carrier 106 relative to the position of the first common carrier 105 is adjustable. In particular, the adjustable position can correspond to a position along the axis of rotation of the filler shell during operation. In other words, the adjustable position may correspond to a height above the filling table. The second common carrier 106 can thus be height-adjustable relative to the first common carrier 105.

Beispielsweise kann die Höhe des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers 106 relativ zum ersten gemeinsamen Träger 105 in einem Bereich von +/- 50 mm variierbar sein.For example, the height of the second common carrier 106 relative to the first common carrier 105 may be variable within a range of +/- 50 mm.

Figur 2 zeigt einen Teil eines beispielhaften Fülleroberteils im Querschnitt. Insbesondere zeigt Figur 2 ein Füllelement 202, umfassend ein Rückgasrohr 203 und ein Füllrohr 204. Das Füllrohr 204 ist über einen Füllventilblock an einem ersten gemeinsamen Träger 205 angeordnet und das Rückgasrohr 203 ist über einen Ventilblock an einem zweiten gemeinsamen Träger 206 angeordnet. FIG. 2 shows a part of an exemplary filler shell in cross section. In particular shows FIG. 2 a filling element 202, comprising a return gas tube 203 and a filling tube 204. The filling tube 204 is arranged on a first common carrier 205 via a filling valve block and the return gas tube 203 is arranged on a second common carrier 206 via a valve block.

Der erste gemeinsame Träger 205 umfasst eine erste Befestigungsplatte 211 und der zweite gemeinsame Träger 206 umfasst eine zweite Befestigungsplatte 212.The first common carrier 205 includes a first mounting plate 211 and the second common carrier 206 includes a second mounting plate 212.

Figur 2 zeigt außerdem erfindungsgemäße Gewindespindeln 207, welche den ersten gemeinsamen Träger 205 und den zweiten gemeinsamen Träger 206 miteinander verbinden. Die Gewindespindeln 207 können durch erste Getriebe 209 in Drehung versetzt werden. Die erste Befestigungsplatte 211 und damit der erste gemeinsame Träger 205 sind über Gewindemuttern 210 mit den Gewindespindeln 207 verbunden. Die Gewindemuttern 210 sind axial auf den Gewindespindeln 207 montiert. FIG. 2 also shows threaded spindles 207 according to the invention, which interconnect the first common carrier 205 and the second common carrier 206. The threaded spindles 207 can be rotated by first gear 209 in rotation. The first mounting plate 211 and thus the first common carrier 205 are connected by threaded nuts 210 with the threaded spindles 207. The threaded nuts 210 are mounted axially on the threaded spindles 207.

Die zweite Befestigungsplatte 212 und damit der zweite gemeinsame Träger 206 sind über zweite Getriebe 208 mit den Gewindespindeln 207 verbunden. Die zweiten Getriebe 208 sind hier ebenfalls axial auf den Gewindespindeln 207 montiert. Bei den ersten Getrieben 209 beziehungsweise den zweiten Getrieben 208 kann es sich beispielsweise um Schneckengetriebe handeln. Die ersten Getriebe 209 beziehungsweise die zweiten Getriebe 208 sind jeweils durch Kupplungselemente 217 verbunden, bilden also jeweils eine Getriebereihe.The second mounting plate 212 and thus the second common carrier 206 are connected via second gear 208 with the threaded spindles 207. The second gear 208 are also mounted axially on the threaded spindles 207 here. The first transmissions 209 and the second transmissions 208 can be, for example, worm gears. The first gear 209 and the second gear 208 are each connected by coupling elements 217, so each form a gear train.

Eine erste Getriebereihe umfassend die ersten Getriebe 209 kann durch einen ersten Motor angetrieben werden und eine zweite Getriebereihe umfassend die zweiten Getriebe 208 kann durch einen zweiten Motor angetrieben werden.A first gear train comprising the first gear 209 may be driven by a first motor and a second gear train comprising the second gear 208 may be driven by a second motor.

Beispielsweise kann der zweite Motor die zweite Getriebereihe antreiben, während der erste Motor stillsteht und somit die erste Getriebereihe nicht angetrieben wird. In diesem Fall drehen sich die Gewindespindeln 207 nicht. Somit kann in diesem Fall die Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers 205 unverändert bleiben.For example, the second motor may drive the second gear train while the first engine is stopped and thus the first gear train is not driven. In this case, turn the threaded spindles 207 not. Thus, in this case, the position of the first common carrier 205 can remain unchanged.

Durch den Antrieb der zweiten Getriebereihe durch den zweiten Motor können die zweiten Getriebe 208 entlang der Längsachsen der Gewindespindeln 207 bewegt werden. Dadurch, dass der zweite gemeinsame Träger 206 über die zweiten Getriebe 208 mit den Gewindespindeln 207 verbunden ist, wird der zweite gemeinsame Träger 206 mit den zweiten Getrieben 208 mitbewegt. Auf diese Weise kann die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers 206 relativ zu der Position des ersten gemeinsamen Träger 205 verstellt werden.By driving the second gear train by the second motor, the second gear 208 can be moved along the longitudinal axes of the threaded spindles 207. Characterized in that the second common carrier 206 is connected via the second gear 208 with the threaded spindles 207, the second common carrier 206 is moved with the second gear 208. In this way, the position of the second common carrier 206 relative to the position of the first common carrier 205 can be adjusted.

Alternativ kann der erste Motor die erste Getriebereihe antreiben, während der zweite Motor nicht betrieben wird. In diesem Fall können die Gewindespindeln durch die ersten Getriebe 209 gedreht werden. Die Gewindemuttern 210, mit denen der erste gemeinsame Träger 205 mit den Gewindespindeln 207 verbunden ist, drehen sich nicht und werden durch die Drehung der Gewindespindeln 207 verschoben. Dadurch kann die Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers 205 verstellt oder geändert werden.Alternatively, the first motor may drive the first gear train while the second motor is not operated. In this case, the threaded spindles can be rotated by the first gear 209. The threaded nuts 210, with which the first common carrier 205 is connected to the threaded spindles 207, do not rotate and are displaced by the rotation of the threaded spindles 207. Thereby, the position of the first common carrier 205 can be adjusted or changed.

Dadurch, dass der zweite Motor nicht betrieben wird, wird die zweite Getriebereihe nicht angetrieben. Durch die Drehung der Gewindespindeln 207 können die zweiten Getriebe 208 jedoch verschoben werden. Dadurch, dass der zweite gemeinsame Träger 206 über die zweiten Getriebe 208 mit den Gewindespindeln 207 verbunden ist, kann die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers 206 auf diese Weise verstellt werden. Durch die Gewindespindeln 207 können in diesem Fall die Position des ersten gemeinsamen Trägers 205 und die Position des zweiten gemeinsamen Trägers 206 gemeinsam verstellt werden.Because the second motor is not operated, the second gear train is not driven. However, the rotation of the threaded spindles 207 allows the second gears 208 to be displaced. Characterized in that the second common carrier 206 is connected via the second gear 208 with the threaded spindles 207, the position of the second common carrier 206 can be adjusted in this way. By the threaded spindles 207, the position of the first common carrier 205 and the position of the second common carrier 206 can be adjusted together in this case.

Figur 2 zeigt außerdem einen im ersten gemeinsamen Träger 205 angeordneten Produktkanal 213. Der Produktkanal ist dabei mit dem Füllrohr 204 derart verbunden, dass ein Fluid vom Produktkanal 213 in das Füllrohr 204 und/oder umgekehrt geleitet werden kann. Insbesondere kann ein Produkt aus dem Produktkanal 213 über ein Füllventil in das Füllrohr 204 geleitet werden. FIG. 2 also shows a product channel 213 arranged in the first common carrier 205. The product channel is connected to the filling tube 204 in such a way that a fluid can be conducted from the product channel 213 into the filling tube 204 and / or vice versa. In particular, a product can be passed from the product channel 213 via a filling valve in the filling tube 204.

Das Abfüllprodukt wird von einem Medien- bzw. Produktverteiler 110 (siehe Fig. 1) über (nicht gezeigte) Rohrleitungen zum Produktkanal 213 gefördert. Im Strömungsweg zwischen Produktverteiler und Produktkanal ist eine (nicht gezeigte) Entlüftungseinrichtung angeordnet, durch die das Abfüllprodukt strömt. Das Abfüllprodukt strömt vom Produktverteiler durch die Entlüftungseinrichtung, und wird über die (nicht gezeigten) Rohrleitungen zum Produktkanal gefördert. Wird die Befüllvorrichtung im Rahmen der Produktionsvorbereitung mit Abfüllprodukt befüllt, können an der Entlüftungseinrichtungen Gasblasen aus dem Produktstrom entfernt werden, die sich - bei Fehlen einer solchen Entlüftungseinrichtung - ansonsten im Produktkanal sammeln würden, was zu einem schlechteren Füllverhalten führen würde. Da die (nicht gezeigte) Entlüftungseinrichtung oberhalb des Produktkanals 213 angeordnet ist, können die Gasblasen auf einfachem Wege ihrem Naturell entsprechend nach oben steigen und sich im Entlüftungsgefäß sammeln. Am Entlüftungsgefäß ist ein automatisch arbeitendes (nicht gezeigtes) Entlüftungsventil angeordnet, um regelmäßig die anfallenden Gasmengen aus dem Entlüftungsgefäß abzulassen. Alternativ kann eine Entlüftungseinrichtung auch direkt am Produktkanal 213 angeordnet sein, wobei sie nicht vom zuströmenden Abfüllprodukt durchströmt wird. Dies können ein oder mehrere sogenannte Entlüftungslaternen sein, die radial innerhalb des Produktkanals angeordnet sind. Ebenso ist möglich, diese Entlüftungslaternen direkt am Produktkanal, jedoch oberhalb dessen anzuordnen, wobei dadurch jedoch die beschriebene Positionsveränderung zwischen den Trägern 205 und 206 behindert wird.The bottling product is supplied from a media distributor 110 (see Fig. 1 ) are conveyed to the product passage 213 via piping (not shown). In the flow path between product distributor and product channel, a venting device (not shown) is arranged, through which the filling product flows. The bottling product flows from the product manifold through the vent and is conveyed to the product channel via the tubing (not shown). If the filling device is filled with filling product during the production preparation, gas bubbles can be removed from the product stream at the ventilation devices, which in the absence of such a vent - would otherwise collect in the product channel, which would lead to a poorer filling behavior. Since the venting device (not shown) is arranged above the product channel 213, the gas bubbles can simply rise in accordance with their nature and rise in the venting vessel. At the vent vessel an automatically operating (not shown) vent valve is arranged to regularly drain the resulting gas from the vent. Alternatively, a venting device can also be arranged directly on the product channel 213, wherein it is not flowed through by the inflowing filling product. These may be one or more so-called vent lanterns located radially within the product channel. It is also possible to arrange these vent lanterns directly on the product channel, but above it, whereby, however, the position change described between the carriers 205 and 206 is hindered.

Im zweiten gemeinsamen Träger 206 sind ein Rückgaskanal 214 und ein Vakuumkanal 215 angeordnet, wobei der Vakuumkanal 215 und/oder der Rückgaskanal 214 mit dem Rückgasrohr 203 derart verbunden sind, dass ein Fluid vom Vakuumkanal 215 und/oder Rückgaskanal 214 in das Rückgasrohr 203 und/oder umgekehrt geleitet werden kann.A return gas channel 214 and a vacuum channel 215 are arranged in the second common carrier 206, wherein the vacuum channel 215 and / or the return gas channel 214 are connected to the return gas pipe 203 such that a fluid from the vacuum channel 215 and / or return gas channel 214 into the return gas pipe 203 and /. or vice versa.

Im Vakuumkanal 215 kann durch eine Vakuumpumpe ein Unterdruck bereitgestellt werden.In the vacuum channel 215, a negative pressure can be provided by a vacuum pump.

In diesem Beispiel sind der Produktkanal 213, der Rückgaskanal 214 und der Vakuumkanal 215 getrennt voneinander ausgebildet. Mit anderen Worten kann ein Fluid, welches sich in einem der Kanäle befindet, räumlich von den Fluiden in den anderen Kanälen getrennt sein. Dadurch kann ein Kontakt unter den in den unterschiedlichen Kanälen vorhandenen Fluiden vermieden werden. Dadurch kann beispielsweise verhindert werden, dass das Rückgas aus der Flasche mit dem abzufüllenden Produkt in Kontakt kommt oder dass das Vakuum aus dem Vakuumkanal 215 in Kontakt mit dem abzufüllenden Produkt im Produktkanal 213 kommt. Durch diese Trennungen kann ein geringerer Alkoholverlust bei der Abfüllung alkoholischer Getränke und/oder Scherben und Verunreinigungen im abzufüllenden Produkt verhindert werden.In this example, the product passage 213, the return gas passage 214 and the vacuum passage 215 are formed separately from each other. In other words, a fluid that is in one of the channels may be spatially separated from the fluids in the other channels. Thereby, a contact among the fluids present in the different channels can be avoided. As a result, it can be prevented, for example, that the return gas from the bottle comes into contact with the product to be filled or that the vacuum from the vacuum channel 215 comes into contact with the product to be filled in the product channel 213. By these separations, a lesser loss of alcohol in the filling of alcoholic beverages and / or broken pieces and impurities in the product to be filled can be prevented.

Figur 2 zeigt außerdem einen Hubzylinder 216, mittels dessen eine Flasche gegen den Füllventilauslauf gepresst werden kann. FIG. 2 also shows a lifting cylinder 216, by means of which a bottle can be pressed against the filling valve outlet.

Figur 3 zeigt ein beispielhaftes Füllelement mit einer angepressten Flasche 323. Insbesondere umfasst das beispielhafte Füllelement in Figur 3 ein Rückgasrohr 303, ein Füllrohr 304 und ein Füllventil 318. Im Bereich des Füllventilauslaufs ist eine Zentrierglocke 322 gezeigt, über welche die Flasche 323 an den Füllventilauslauf gepresst werden kann. Die Zentrierglocke 322 ist an einem Gestänge 321 angeordnet, welches relativ zum Füllventil 318 bewegt werden kann. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary filling element with a pressed-on bottle 323. In particular, the exemplary filling element in FIG FIG. 3 a return gas pipe 303, a filling pipe 304 and a filling valve 318. In the region of the filling valve outlet, a centering bell 322 is shown, via which the bottle 323 can be pressed against the filling valve outlet. The centering bell 322 is disposed on a linkage 321 which can be moved relative to the filling valve 318.

Dadurch kann die Zentrierglocke 322 beim Anpressen der Flasche 323 in Richtung des Füllventils 318 bewegt werden.As a result, the centering bell 322 can be moved in the direction of the filling valve 318 when the bottle 323 is pressed on.

Ebenfalls in Figur 3 angedeutet sind der erste gemeinsame Träger 305 und der zweite gemeinsame Träger 306. Ein im ersten gemeinsamen Träger 305 angeordneter Produktkanal 313 ist dabei derart mit dem Füllrohr 304 verbunden, dass ein Produkt vom Produktkanal 313 in das Füllrohr 304 über das Füllventil 318 geleitet werden kann.Also in FIG. 3 The first common carrier 305 and the second common carrier 306 are indicated. A product channel 313 arranged in the first common carrier 305 is connected to the filling tube 304 such that a product can be conducted from the product channel 313 into the filling tube 304 via the filling valve 318.

Das beispielhafte Füllelement der Figur 3 ist insbesondere seitlich am ersten gemeinsamen Träger 305 und zweiten gemeinsamen Träger 306 angeordnet. Dadurch können Austausch und/oder Wartung des Füllelements gegenüber einem unter einem Ringkessel angeordneten Füllelement, wie im Stand der Technik bekannt, vereinfacht werden.The exemplary filling element of FIG. 3 is in particular arranged laterally on the first common carrier 305 and second common carrier 306. As a result, replacement and / or maintenance of the filling element can be simplified with respect to a filling element arranged below a ring bowl, as known in the art.

Im angedeuteten zweiten gemeinsamen Träger 306 sind in Figur 3 außerdem ein Rückgaskanal 314 und ein davon räumlich getrennter Vakuumkanal 315 vorgesehen. Der Rückgaskanal 314 ist über ein erstes Ventil 319 mit dem Rückgasrohr 303 schaltbar verbunden. Mit anderen Worten kann ein Fluidweg vom Rückgaskanal 314 in das Rückgasrohr 303 und umgekehrt durch das Ventil 319 geschaltet, also geöffnet oder verschlossen, werden. Auch der Vakuumkanal 315 ist mit dem Rückgasrohr 303 über ein zweites Ventil 320 schaltbar verbunden. Dadurch kann ein Fluidweg vom Vakuumkanal 315 in das Rückgasrohr 303 durch das zweite Ventil 320 geschaltet, also geöffnet oder verschlossen, werden.In the indicated second common carrier 306 are in FIG. 3 also a return gas channel 314 and a spatially separate vacuum channel 315 provided. The return gas channel 314 is connected in a switchable manner via a first valve 319 to the return gas pipe 303. In other words, a fluid path from the return gas channel 314 in the return gas pipe 303 and vice versa connected by the valve 319, so open or closed, be. Also, the vacuum channel 315 is connected to the return gas pipe 303 via a second valve 320 switchable. As a result, a fluid path from the vacuum duct 315 into the return gas pipe 303 can be switched by the second valve 320, ie opened or closed.

Figuren 4a bis 4d zeigen einen beispielhaften Füllvorgang unter Verwendung des in Figur 3 beispielhaft gezeigten Füllelements. FIGS. 4a to 4d show an exemplary filling process using the in FIG. 3 exemplified filling element.

Figur 4a zeigt wie eine beispielhafte Flasche 423 an das beispielhafte Füllelement übergeben wird. Die beispielhafte Flasche 423 kann sich dabei beispielsweise auf einem Hubzylinder wie in Figur 2 dargestellt befinden. Durch einen derartigen Hubzylinder wird die Flasche 423 angehoben und die Flaschenmündung durch eine Zentrierglocke 422 in Ihrer Position zentriert. Durch ein weiteres Heben des Zylinders wird die Zentrierglocke 422 in Richtung des Füllventilblocks, in dem das Füllventil und wenigstens teilweise das Füllrohr 404 angeordnet ist, bewegt. Dafür kann das Gestänge 421, an dem die Zentrierglocke 422 angeordnet ist, relativ zum Füllventilblock bewegt werden. FIG. 4a shows how an exemplary bottle 423 is transferred to the exemplary filling element. The exemplary bottle 423 may be, for example, on a lifting cylinder as in FIG. 2 are shown. By such a lifting cylinder, the bottle 423 is raised and the bottle mouth centered by a centering bell 422 in your position. By further lifting the cylinder, the centering bell 422 is moved in the direction of the filling valve block in which the filling valve and at least partially the filling tube 404 is arranged. For this purpose, the linkage 421, on which the centering bell 422 is arranged, can be moved relative to the filling valve block.

Figur 4b zeigt die Flasche 423 in einem an das untere Ende des Füllventilblocks gepressten Zustand. Beim Anpressen der Flasche 423 wird das Füllventil 418 geöffnet, so dass ein Produkt aus dem Produktkanal 413 über das Füllrohr 404 in die Flasche 423 geleitet werden kann. Das zu füllende Produkt läuft dann entlang der Innenwand der Flasche 423 in die Flasche. Durch dass Anpressen der Flasche 423 wurde auch über einen Steuerblock 424 das Ventil 419 geöffnet, so dass aus der Flasche entweichendes Rückgas über das Rückgasrohr 403 in den Rückgaskanal 414 geleitet werden kann. Da der Rückgaskanal 414 vom Produktkanal 413 räumlich getrennt ist, kommt das Rückgas aus der Flasche nicht mit dem abzufüllenden Produkt im Produktkanal 413 in Berührung. FIG. 4b shows the bottle 423 in a pressed state to the lower end of the filling valve block. When pressing the bottle 423, the filling valve 418 is opened, so that a product from the product channel 413 can be passed through the filling tube 404 in the bottle 423. The product to be filled then runs along the inner wall of the bottle 423 into the bottle. By pressing the bottle 423 also opened the valve 419 via a control block 424 so that return gas escaping from the bottle can be conducted via the return gas tube 403 into the return gas channel 414. Since the return gas channel 414 is spatially separated from the product channel 413, the return gas from the bottle does not come into contact with the product to be filled in the product channel 413.

Die Flasche wird auf diese Weise solange gefüllt, bis der Flüssigkeitsspiegel des abgefüllten Produkts den Rückgasweg über das Rückgasrohr 403 versperrt, also über die Höhe der unteren Öffnung des Rückgasrohres 403 in der Flasche 423 angestiegen ist.The bottle is filled in this way until the liquid level of the product bottled blocks the return gas path via the return gas tube 403, ie has risen above the height of the lower opening of the return gas tube 403 in the bottle 423.

Die Flasche 423 wird daraufhin, wie in Figur 4c gezeigt, vom Füllventilblock abgezogen, wodurch das Füllventil 418 verschlossen wird. Durch das Absenken der Flasche 423 kann Luft von außen in die Flasche 423 strömen. Sobald die Flasche 423 komplett auf den Korrekturhub abgesenkt wurde, wird durch den Steuerblock 424 das Ventil 419 geschlossen, wodurch der Fluidweg vom Rückgasrohr 403 in den Rückgaskanal 414 verschlossen wird. Durch den Steuerblock 425 wird daraufhin Ventil 420 geöffnet, wodurch ein Vakuumweg geöffnet wird, also ein Fluid vom Rückgasrohr 403 in den Vakuumkanal 415 geleitet werden kann. Da im Vakuumkanal 415 ein Unterdruck herrscht, wird das zuviel abgefüllte Produkt in den Vakuumkanal 415 gesaugt. Dadurch, dass der Vakuumkanal 415 vom Produktkanal 413 räumlich getrennt ausgebildet ist, kommt das überschüssige Produkt nicht mit dem abzufüllenden Produkt in Berührung.The bottle 423 will then, as in Figure 4c shown subtracted from the filling valve block, whereby the filling valve 418 is closed. By lowering the bottle 423, air can flow from the outside into the bottle 423. As soon as the bottle 423 has been completely lowered to the correction stroke, the control block 424 closes the valve 419, whereby the fluid path from the return gas tube 403 into the return gas channel 414 is closed. Valve 420 is then opened by the control block 425, whereby a vacuum path is opened, that is, a fluid from the return gas tube 403 in the vacuum channel 415 can be passed. Since a negative pressure prevails in the vacuum channel 415, the overfilled product is sucked into the vacuum channel 415. The fact that the vacuum channel 415 is formed spatially separated from the product channel 413, the excess product does not come into contact with the product to be filled.

Nach einer derartigen Korrekturphase wird das Ventil 420 durch den Steuerblock 425 geschlossen, die Flasche 423 wird durch den Hubzylinder komplett abgesenkt und fährt über einen Auslaufstern auf dem Füllerkarussell.After such a correction phase, the valve 420 is closed by the control block 425, the bottle 423 is completely lowered by the lifting cylinder and moves over an outlet star on the filler carousel.

Nach erfolgter Abfüllung kann, insbesondere vor Umstellung auf ein neues abzufüllendes Produkt, das Füllelement, insbesondere durch eine CIP (Cleaning in Place) Reinigung, gereinigt werden, wie in Figur 4d illustriert.After completion of filling, in particular before conversion to a new product to be filled, the filling element, in particular by a CIP (Cleaning in Place) cleaning, be cleaned, as in FIG. 4d illustrated.

Als Steuerblöcke 424, 425 können bevorzugt auch Teflonbalgventile eingesetzt werden.As control blocks 424, 425 Teflonbalgventile can be used preferably also.

Das in der oben beschriebenen Korrekturphase in den Vakuumkanal 415 abgesaugte Produkt kann über einen Flüssigkeitsabscheider in einen Abscheidebehälter geleitet werden. Der Flüssigkeitsabscheider kann insbesondere vor einer Vakuumpumpe des Vakuumkanals 415 angeordnet sein.The sucked in the above-described correction phase in the vacuum channel 415 product can be passed through a liquid separator in a separating vessel. The liquid separator may in particular be arranged in front of a vacuum pump of the vacuum channel 415.

Das in der oben beschriebenen Korrekturphase in den Vakuumkanal 415 abgesaugte Produkt kann alternativ über einen Verbindungskanal zwischen Vakuumkanal 415 und Produktkanal 413 in den Produktkanal 413 zurückgeleitet werden. Dies ermöglicht die Wiederverwertung des abgesaugten Produkts, was beispielsweise in der Weinabfüllung von Bedeutung ist, da es sich hier um ein sehr wertvolles Abfüllprodukt handeln kann.The product sucked into the vacuum channel 415 in the above-described correction phase may alternatively be returned to the product channel 413 via a connection channel between the vacuum channel 415 and the product channel 413. This allows the reuse of the extracted Product, which is important in wine bottling, for example, as it can be a very valuable bottling product.

Beispielsweise kann das korrigierte Produkt in einem Ventilknoten über dem Flüssigkeitsabscheider vor der Vakuumpumpe in den Produktkanal 413 zurückgeführt werden. Bevorzugt wird dabei das Produkt vor der Rückführung sicherheitshalber noch aufbereitet, beispielsweise durch eine Filtration oder durch ein Verschneiden mit Original-Abfüllprodukt.For example, the corrected product in a valve node above the liquid separator in front of the vacuum pump can be returned to the product channel 413. Preference is given to the product before recycling for safety's sake still processed, for example by filtration or by blending with original bottling product.

Figur 5 zeigt eine beispielhafte Befüllvorrichtung umfassend ein Fülleroberteil mit einem ersten gemeinsamen Träger 505 und einem zweiten gemeinsamen Träger 506. Die Füllelemente, welche am Fülleroberteil angeordnet sind, sind in Figur 5 der Übersichtlichkeit halber nicht gezeigt. Eine entsprechende Darstellung findet sich in Figur 1. Das Fülleroberteil ist auf einem sich drehenden, in der Höhe feststehenden Fülltisch 526 angeordnet. Fülltisch 526 und Fülleroberteil bilden zusammen ein sogenanntes Füllerkarussell. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary filling device comprising a filler shell with a first common carrier 505 and a second common carrier 506. The filling elements, which are arranged on the filler shell, are in FIG. 5 for the sake of clarity not shown. A corresponding representation can be found in FIG. 1 , The filler top is disposed on a rotating, fixed-height fill table 526. Filling table 526 and filler shell together form a so-called filler carousel.

Mit Bezugszeichen 527 gekennzeichnet ist ein Vortischsystem, an dem beispielsweise (nicht gezeigte) Transportsternräder oder einen oder mehrere, der Befüllvorrichtung nachgeschaltete, (nicht gezeigte) Verschließmaschinen angeordnet sind.Denoted by reference numeral 527 is a pre-table system on which, for example, (not shown) transport star wheels or one or more, the filling device downstream, (not shown) closing machines are arranged.

In Figur 5 ist außerdem ein nebenstehender Produkttank 528 gezeigt, der seitlich benachbart zu dem Füllerkarussell, insbesondere zu dem ersten und zweiten gemeinsamen Träger 505 beziehungsweise 506, angeordnet ist. Der Produkttank 528 ist mit einem im ersten gemeinsamen Träger 505 angeordneten Produktkanal derart verbunden, dass im Betrieb der Befüllvorrichtung ein Produkt vom Produkttank 528 in den Produktkanal geleitet werden kann. Durch die Kombination eines Produktkanals und eines nebenstehenden Produkttanks kann der Produktkanal ein geringeres Volumen aufweisen als ein Ringkessel im Stand der Technik. Dadurch kann der Produktverlust bei einer Fehlfunktion der Befüllvorrichtung reduziert werden. Insbesondere kann eine Not-Aus-Funktion vorgesehen sein. Dazu kann die Befüllvorrichtung ein Absperrventil zwischen dem nebenstehenden Produkttank 528 und dem Füllerkarussell aufweisen. Bei Fehlfunktion eines Füllelements, beispielsweise eines Füllventils, kann dadurch ein Auslaufen einer größeren Produktmenge verhindert werden.In FIG. 5 In addition, an adjacent product tank 528 is shown, which is laterally adjacent to the filler carousel, in particular to the first and second common carrier 505 and 506, respectively. The product tank 528 is connected to a product channel arranged in the first common carrier 505 in such a way that, during operation of the filling device, a product can be conducted from the product tank 528 into the product channel. By combining a product channel and a side-by-side product tank, the product channel can have a lower volume than a prior art ring boiler. As a result, the product loss can be reduced in case of malfunction of the filling. In particular, an emergency stop function can be provided. For this purpose, the filling device may have a shut-off valve between the adjoining product tank 528 and the filler carousel. In case of malfunction of a filling element, such as a filling valve, leakage of a larger amount of product can be prevented.

Bei einem Produktwechsel kann der nebenstehende Produkttank und der Produktkanal durch Zurückdrücken des Produkts in einen Kundentank entleert und danach mit einem neuen Produkt befüllt werden. Vor dem Abfüllen des neuen Produkts können die Füllventile der Füllelemente über eine Entleerungskurve entleert werden.In the event of a product change, the adjacent product tank and the product channel can be emptied by pushing the product back into a customer tank and then filled with a new product. Before filling the new product, the filling valves of the filling elements can be emptied via an emptying curve.

Es können auch mehrere nebenstehende Produkttanks verwendet werden. Dadurch können die Produktwechselzeiten und der Produktverlust beim Wechsel eines abzufüllenden Produkts weiter optimiert, insbesondere minimiert, werden.You can also use several adjacent product tanks. As a result, the product changeover times and the product loss when changing a product to be filled can be further optimized, in particular minimized.

Durch einen nebenstehenden Tank 528 können außerdem elektrische Bauteile, wie beispielsweise Niveausonden, im Füllerkarussell vermieden werden. Dies kann von Vorteil sein für einerseits aus Kostengründen, andererseits aus Sicherheitsgründen, wenn beispielsweise hochprozentige Spirituosen abgefüllt werden und somit Explosionsgefahr bestehen kann.By an adjacent tank 528 also electrical components, such as level sensors can be avoided in the filler carousel. This can be advantageous for a cost reasons, on the other hand, for safety reasons, for example, if high-percentage spirits are bottled and thus risk of explosion.

In dem nebenstehenden Produkttank 528 kann insbesondere ein Überdruck herrschen, insbesondere wobei der Überdruck durch ein Zuführen eines Gases über eine eingehende Leitung erreicht wird.In particular, an overpressure prevails in the adjoining product tank 528, in particular wherein the overpressure is achieved by supplying a gas via an incoming line.

Claims (9)

  1. Filling device for filling containers with a liquid comprising a plurality of filling elements (102; 202), each of the filling elements (102; 202) comprising a filling valve (318; 418), a filling tube (104; 204; 304; 404) and a return gas tube (103; 203; 303; 403),
    the filling tubes (104; 204; 304; 404) of the filling elements (102; 202) being arranged on a first common support (105; 205; 305; 505) and the return gas tubes (103; 203; 303; 403) of the filling elements (102; 202) being arranged on a second common support (106; 206; 306; 506),
    the position of the second common support (106; 206; 306; 506) being able to be adjusted relative to the position of the first common support (105; 205; 305; 505), characterised in that a vacuum channel (215; 315; 415) and/or a return gas channel (214; 314; 414) is/are arranged in and/or on the second common support, the vacuum channel (215; 315; 415) and/or the return gas channel (214; 314; 414) being connected to the return gas tubes (103; 203; 303; 403) in such a manner that a fluid can be directed from the vacuum channel (215; 315; 415) and/or the return gas channel (214; 314; 414) into the return gas tubes (103; 203; 303; 403) and/or vice versa;
    wherein at least one threaded spindle (207) connects the first common support (105; 205; 305; 505) and the second common support (106; 206; 306; 506) to each other.
  2. Filling device according to claim 1, wherein the position of the first common support (105; 205; 305; 505) and the position of the second common support (106; 206; 306; 506) can be adjusted together.
  3. Filling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a product channel (213; 313; 413) is arranged in and/or on the first common support (105; 205; 305; 505), the product channel (213; 313; 413) being connected to the filling tubes (104; 204; 304; 404) in such a manner that a fluid can be directed from the product channel (213; 313; 413) into the filling tubes (104; 204; 304; 404) and/or vice versa.
  4. Filling device according to claim 3, wherein the filling tubes (104; 204; 304; 404) are arranged on the first common support (105; 205; 305; 505) in such a manner that a fluid can be directed laterally from the product channel (213; 313; 413) into the filling tubes (104; 204; 304; 404).
  5. Filling device according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising at least one product tank (528) which is arranged laterally adjacent to the first and second common support and which is connected to the product channel (213; 313; 413) in such a manner that, during operation of the filling device, a fluid can be directed from the at least one product tank (528) into the product channel (213; 313; 413).
  6. Filling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vacuum channel (215; 315; 415) and the return gas channel (214; 314; 414) are separated from each other.
  7. Filling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vacuum channel (215; 315; 415) and/or the return gas channel (214; 314; 414) are connected to one of the return gas tubes (103; 203; 303; 403) via at least one valve (319; 320, 419; 420).
  8. Filling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vacuum channel (215; 315; 415) is connected to the product channel (213; 313; 413) in such a manner that a fluid can be directed from the vacuum channel (215; 315; 415) into the product channel (213; 313; 413).
  9. Filling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first common support (105; 205; 305; 505) and/or the second common support (106; 206; 306; 506) is/are constructed in an annular manner.
EP11160625.7A 2010-05-12 2011-03-31 Filling device Active EP2386518B2 (en)

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EP14164023.5A EP2754637B1 (en) 2010-05-12 2011-03-31 Method for adjusting a filling height
SI201130197T SI2386518T1 (en) 2010-05-12 2011-03-31 Filling device

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2754637B1 (en) 2015-02-18
CN102241383B (en) 2014-07-16
SI2754637T1 (en) 2015-06-30
DE102010028953A1 (en) 2011-11-17
CN102241383A (en) 2011-11-16
US20110277881A1 (en) 2011-11-17
EP2754637A1 (en) 2014-07-16
EP2386518A1 (en) 2011-11-16
SI2386518T1 (en) 2014-08-29
EP2386518B2 (en) 2018-12-12
US8794275B2 (en) 2014-08-05

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