EP3795532A1 - Device and method for filling a container with a filling product - Google Patents

Abstract

Method and filling device (1) for filling a container (100) with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant, the method comprising: determining one or more variable influencing variables (42), which are a target variable (41) of the filling, preferably a filling level and / or a filling volume, affect; Receiving the influencing variables (42) from a control device (40); Calculating at least one output variable (43) from the received influencing variables (42) by means of a calculation model of the control device (40); and filling the container (100) as a function of the at least one output size (43).

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a method and a filling device for filling a container with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling system for filling beverages, such as water, carbonated or non-carbonated, soft drinks, beer or mixed drinks.

State of the art

Among the various methods and devices for filling filling products in beverage filling systems, a technology for the sudden filling of containers is known, for example in the DE 102014 104 872 A1 and DE 102014 104 873 A1 is described. Here, the filling product is provided under an overpressure, the container to be filled is evacuated and the filling product under overpressure is introduced into the underpressure container. Due to the pressure difference produced in this way, the filling product is introduced suddenly.

In order to shorten the settling time of the filling product after filling in the container and to prevent foaming and over-foaming of the filling product, the container can according to one in the DE 10 2014 104 873 A1 described further development can be closed under overpressure, without a pressure equalization of the container interior with the external environment.

With the overpressure method for sudden filling, the filling level in the container is not set via a return air pipe or a height probe, as is the case with a conventional filling device, but is influenced by various parameters. So according to the DE 10 2014 104 872 A1 the filling of the container ends, for example, when a certain cut-off pressure is reached in the container. The parameters that determine the filling level are, on the one hand, manipulated variables that can be set on the filling device, and, on the other hand, properties of the filling product. Finds an intended or unintended variation of a Instead of such an influencing variable, for example by changing the ambient conditions or the filling product to be filled, the filling level in the container can also change.

During the filling process, in the event of sudden filling, the filling device can neither measure the filling level nor, if necessary, correct it in order to achieve the desired filling level. If an influencing variable changes, such as the vacuum pressure, the temperature or the CO ₂ concentration of the filling product, it is possible that the containers are underfilled or overfilled. In other words, if a constant filling pressure is set and if one or more of the above-mentioned parameters changes, a different filling height is generated in the containers, which can lead to them having to be ejected by a control unit after filling.

Presentation of the invention

One object of the invention is to improve the filling of a container, preferably in a beverage filling plant, in particular to improve the accuracy of the intended fill level or the intended fill volume.

The object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1 and a filling device with the features of the independent device claim. Advantageous developments follow from the subclaims, the following presentation of the invention and the description of preferred exemplary embodiments.

The method and the filling device according to the invention are used to fill a container with a filling product. The filling product is preferably a beverage, such as, for example, water, carbonated or non-carbonated, soft drinks, beer or mixed drinks.

In the method according to the invention, one or more variable influencing variables are determined which influence a target variable of the filling or its value. The terms “determination”, “ascertain” etc. here include, in particular, the measurement of the influencing variable (s) by means of suitable sensors. However, there is also the possibility that one or more of the influencing variables can be determined in some other way, for example calculated, simulated or estimated, or in that their behavior is known or the like. A combination of different methods for determining the influencing variable (s) is also included. The fill level and / or the fill volume in the filled container are particularly preferably used as the target variable. Influencing variables are, for example, the temperature and / or the CO ₂ content of the filling product to be filled. In the case of the evacuation of the container described below, the negative pressure of the evacuated container and / or the overpressure, under which the filling product is provided and filled can be such an influencing variable. The target variables themselves are not influencing variables; ie the filling level to be achieved and / or the filling volume to be achieved are optimization variables that are to be calculated from the influencing variables and, depending on the deviation from the intended target variable (s), lead to an adjustment or adaptation of the filling process.

The determined influencing variables or their values are received by a control device. The control device then calculates at least one output variable from the received influencing variables by means of a calculation model. In other words, the calculation model of the control device carries out a pre-calculation of which value is to be expected for the target variable (s) as a function of the received influencing variables and determines the output variable (s) from this. The container is then filled as a function of the at least one output size. In this case, the output variables are preferably determined or calculated in such a way that the target variable is essentially constant over several fillings. So normally a certain filling level is aimed for, which should be kept constant with high accuracy. However, in the event of a brand change, a change of the container type or for other reasons, a change in the filling level or the filling volume may also be intended. In general, the output variables are therefore determined or calculated in such a way that a certain, intended value of the target variable (s) is achieved as well as possible during filling.

Such a precalculation allows containers to be generated with high accuracy with the intended fill level or with the intended fill volume, in particular with a constant fill height or constant fill volume, even under changing process conditions and without monitoring the fill level during filling. Any fluctuations in influencing variables of the filling process, such as the temperature of the filling product and / or vacuum pressure, are measured, for example, preferably in defined time steps, and the filling pressure, vacuum pressure or dead space volume, for example, is calculated and adjusted using the calculation model. In this way, the process parameters are dynamically adapted to fluctuations in order to counteract changes in the filling level or the filling volume. The calculation model also enables production to be started up without major fluctuations, as it is possible to react to dynamic changes, such as the gradual heating of the filling product in a product kettle. The filling level is not set using a return air pipe or a height probe. For this reason, the method is particularly suitable for the sudden filling described below.

The container is preferably evacuated to a negative pressure before the filling product is introduced. The filling product is preferably provided under an overpressure and introduced into the evacuated container.

The terms “underpressure” and “overpressure” are to be understood here initially relative to one another. However, the negative pressure after evacuation is preferably below atmospheric pressure (= normal pressure). The overpressure of the filling product can correspond to atmospheric pressure, but is preferably higher. Thus, before the filling product is introduced, the container is preferably evacuated to a negative pressure with an absolute pressure of 0.5 to 0.05 bar, preferably 0.3 to 0.1 bar, particularly preferably about 0.1 bar. The excess pressure of the filling product is preferably above atmospheric pressure, for example at an absolute pressure of 1 bar to 9 bar, preferably 2.5 bar to 6 bar, particularly preferably 2.8 bar to 3.3 bar.

In this way, the container is evacuated in such a way that essentially no gas is displaced by the filling product when it is filled with the filling product and, accordingly, no gas has to flow out of the interior of the container. Rather, the entire mouth cross-section of the container can be used to introduce the filling product. In other words, during filling there is only one flow of filling product directed into the container, but no opposing flow of fluid.

The filling of the container is preferably ended while taking into account the pressure profile in the container during filling. For example, filling can be ended when a predetermined cut-off pressure is reached in the container or when a predetermined increase in pressure is reached. The filling is preferably ended by closing a filling valve arranged in the filling product line.

Because filling is ended on the basis of the pressure curve that results during filling, good metering accuracy can be achieved. The dosing accuracy is independent of the flow rate of the filling product and the filling time. The dosing accuracy can also be used independently of the volume to be filled and, in particular, also for filling containers with small volumes of 0.2 l to 5 l. In this way, even sudden filling can be reliably terminated when the desired filling volume or the desired filling height is reached.

To carry out the method, it is only necessary to determine the pressure of the container to be filled, so that the structural effort is low. In preferred embodiments, for example, a central pressure gauge or a pressure gauge can be provided on each filling element of a beverage filling system, for example a rotary filler.

As mentioned above, the variable influencing variables preferably include: the temperature and / or the CO ₂ content of the filling product to be filled and / or the negative pressure of the evacuated container and / or the overpressure under which the filling product is provided. Sensors for monitoring one or more of these parameters are often available anyway and can thus be used synergistically for the advance calculation.

The at least one output variable preferably comprises: the overpressure of the filling product under which the filling is carried out and / or the underpressure of the evacuated container and / or the shutdown pressure and / or a dead space volume. By adjusting one or more of these parameters, the filling level or the filling volume can be set in a structurally simple manner and precisely to the container, and in particular can be kept constant.

According to a first variant, for example, the calculation model calculates a required filling pressure for a defined target variable for each measuring point. If the current filling pressure deviates from the calculated target pressure, this is readjusted. The current filling pressure can be determined, for example, by a pressure gauge in a product vessel, which delivers the filling product to the respective filling stations, and / or by the pressure gauge in the filling product line. As an alternative procedure, the negative pressure can also be calculated and regulated at constant filling pressure. Here, the negative pressure in the container and / or in a vacuum line can be measured and used. According to a third variant, the dead space volume in the filling product line is kept variable, as a result of which a constant filling height or a constant filling volume in the container can in turn be achieved. The dead space volume can be varied, for example, by a plunger or a piston which can be moved in a corresponding section of the filling product line or in a chamber branching off therefrom.

The one or more variable influencing variables are preferably determined in defined time steps and received by the control device, as a result of which the influencing variables are continuously updated. In this way, the filling process can be adapted quasi-continuously to small changes in the influencing variables.

For the same reason, the calculation of the at least one output variable from the received influencing variables is preferably carried out for each filling process, according to requirements or at defined time or filling intervals.

After completion of the filling, the filling level or the filling volume in the filled container is preferably determined in order to adjust the calculation model as a function thereof. In particular, the fill level or the fill volume can be measured afterwards, sporadically, in certain distances or even for each filled container. For example, any variation in the headspace volume due to outgassing of the gases contained in the filling product can be determined by a filling level measurement and taken into account in the calculation model for subsequent filling processes. If excessive outgassing occurs, this can be compensated for, for example, by adjusting the temperature of the filling product to be filled.

Preferably, neither the filling level nor the filled volume are determined or used to determine the end of filling, since this would be associated with a high structural effort and associated problems of reliability and maintenance, especially in the case of sudden filling.

For the reasons set out above, the at least one output variable is preferably calculated from the received influencing variables by means of the calculation model in such a way that the target variable assumes a predetermined value, preferably remains essentially constant over several fillings.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a filling device for filling a container with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant. The filling device has: a filling element with a filling product line for introducing the filling product into the container; Means for determining one or more variable influencing variables which influence a target variable of the filling, preferably the filling height and / or the filling volume in the filled container; and a control device which is set up to receive the determined influencing variables, to calculate at least one output variable from the received influencing variables by means of a calculation model and to control the filling element in such a way that the container is filled as a function of the at least one output variable. In this case, the output variables are preferably determined or calculated in such a way that the target variable is essentially constant over several fillings. So normally a certain filling level is aimed for, which should be kept constant with high accuracy. However, in the event of a brand change, a change of the container type or for other reasons, a change in the filling level or the filling volume may also be intended. In general, the output variables are therefore determined or calculated in such a way that a certain, intended value of the target variable (s) is achieved as well as possible during filling.

The features, technical effects, advantages and exemplary embodiments that have been described in relation to the method apply analogously to the filling device.

For the reasons set out above, the filling device is preferably set up to evacuate the container to be filled to a negative pressure, preferably to an absolute pressure of 0.5 to 0.05 bar, particularly preferably 0.3 to 0.1 bar, and that The filling product is preferably provided under an overpressure, preferably under an absolute pressure of 1 bar to 9 bar, particularly preferably 2.5 bar to 6 bar, and introduced into the container.

For the reasons mentioned above, the control device of the filling device is preferably set up to end the filling of the container while taking into account the pressure profile in the container during filling, preferably when a predetermined cut-off pressure is reached in the container or when a predetermined increase in pressure is reached.

The means for determining one or more variable influencing variables for the reasons mentioned above preferably comprise: a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the filling _{product to be filled and / or a CO 2} sensor for measuring the CO ₂ content of the filling product to be filled and / or a pressure gauge for Measurement of the negative pressure of the evacuated container and / or a pressure gauge for measuring the overpressure under which the filling product is provided.

For the reasons mentioned above, the at least one output variable preferably comprises: the overpressure of the filling product under which the filling is carried out and / or the underpressure of the evacuated container and / or the shutdown pressure and / or a dead space volume.

For the reasons mentioned above, the filling product line preferably comprises a variable dead space volume which can be varied by an output variable of the control device.

For the reasons mentioned above, the control device is preferably set up to receive the one or more variable influencing variables in defined time steps and / or to calculate the at least one output variable from the received influencing variables for each filling process, depending on requirements or in defined time or filling intervals.

For the reasons mentioned above, the control device is preferably set up in such a way that the calculation of the at least one output variable from the received influencing variables by means of the calculation model takes place in such a way that the target variable assumes a predetermined value, preferably is essentially constant over several fillings.

Further advantages and features of the present invention are evident from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments. The features described there can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the features set out above implemented as long as the features do not contradict each other. The following description of preferred exemplary embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the figures

Figur 1a

eine Füllvorrichtung zum Befüllen eines Behälters, wobei sich die Füllvorrichtung und der zu befüllende Behälter in einem ersten Zustand befinden;

Figur 1b

die Füllvorrichtung mit Behälter aus der Figur 1a in einem zweiten Zustand;

Figur 1c

die Füllvorrichtung mit Behälter der Figuren 1a und 1b in einem dritten Zustand;

Figur 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer Füllvorrichtung zum Befüllen und Verschließen eines Behälters gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel; und

Figur 3

ein Blockdiagramm einer Steuereinrichtung, die eine Vorausberechnung zum Erzielen einer gewünschten Füllhöhe beziehungsweise eines gewünschten Füllvolumens vornimmt.

Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. Show:

Figure 1a

a filling device for filling a container, the filling device and the container to be filled being in a first state;

Figure 1b

the filling device with container from the Figure 1a in a second state;

Figure 1c

the filling device with the container Figures 1a and 1b in a third state;

Figure 2

a schematic representation of a filling device for filling and closing a container according to a further embodiment; and

Figure 3

a block diagram of a control device that performs a pre-calculation to achieve a desired fill level or a desired fill volume.

Detailed description of preferred exemplary embodiments

Preferred exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar or identically acting elements are provided with identical reference symbols in the figures, and a repeated description of these elements is in some cases dispensed with in order to avoid redundancies.

First, exemplary embodiments for suddenly filling a container 100 with reference to FIG Figures 1a, 1b, 1c and 2 described. The precalculation of the filling height or the filling volume, which can be used for this and other exemplary embodiments, is presented below.

In the Figure 1a a filling device 1 for filling a container 100 to be filled with a filling product is shown. The filling device 1 comprises a filling element, indicated only schematically, with a filling product line 2 and an opening section 2a, which is designed, for example, as a receiving bell. A container mouth 110 of the container 100 to be filled can be received in a pressure-tight manner in the receiving bell. The interior 112 is corresponding of the container 100 to be filled for filling the same connected in a pressure-tight manner with the filling product line 2 in a communicating manner.

A vacuum line 3 is provided, which can be brought into connection via a vacuum valve 3a with the filling product line 2 and thus also with the interior 112 of the container 100 to be filled. The vacuum line 3 provides a negative pressure approximately in the range of an absolute pressure of 0.5 bar to 0.05 bar, preferably 0.3 to 0.1 bar, particularly preferably 0.1 bar, so that there is in the interior 112 of the container 100 after a certain time a corresponding negative pressure with an absolute pressure of, for example, 0.5 bar to 0.05 bar, preferably 0.3 to 0.1 bar, particularly preferably 0.1 bar, is set.

Accordingly, the container 100 to be filled can be used in the Figure 1a schematically shown state in which the vacuum valve 30 is open, can be brought to a predetermined negative pressure, which is determined for example by a pressure gauge 4 as the output pressure PAU. The pressure gauge 4 communicates with the filling product line 2 and correspondingly also with the interior space 112 of the container 100 to be filled. The pressure in the container 112 can also be determined via the pressure gauge 4 after the vacuum valve 3a has been closed.

Alternatively, the pressure gauge 4 can also be provided in the vacuum line 3 or in the vacuum source (not shown here) itself, for example a vacuum pump. The pressure gauge 4 initially only enables the outlet pressure PAU in the container 100 to be filled to be determined. If the pressure gauge 4 is arranged in the vacuum line 3 or at the vacuum source itself, it is permissible to assume that the pressure provided in the vacuum line 3 or the pressure provided by the vacuum source is also set in the interior 112 of the container 100 to be filled after a short time. In this way, the pressure in the interior 112 of the container 100 to be filled can also be reliably determined with a pressure gauge 4 arranged in the vacuum line 3 or on the vacuum source.

In the Figure 1b the filling device 1 is shown in a second process state. The vacuum valve 3a is closed and a filling valve 5a is open and accordingly provides a connection between a filling product supply 5 and the interior space 112 of the container 100 to be filled via the filling product line 2. Correspondingly, the filling product present in the filling product feed 5 can be introduced into the container 100.

The filling product in the filling product feed 5 is particularly preferably under an overpressure compared to the initial pressure PAU present in the container 100 to be filled, for example under an absolute pressure of 1 to 9 bar.

The terms "underpressure" and "overpressure" are initially to be understood relative to one another. The overpressure is to be regarded as overpressure in relation to the underpressure formed in the container 100 to be filled, so that there is a pressure gradient between the filling product provided and the container 100. However, the negative pressure after evacuation is preferably below atmospheric pressure (= normal pressure of approx. 1 bar). The overpressure under which the filling product is provided can correspond to atmospheric pressure, but is preferably higher.

The excess pressure of the filling product can also correspond to the saturation pressure of the filling product and preferably be at an absolute pressure of 1.1 bar to 6 bar. The presence of the overpressure at the respective saturation pressure can _{counteract the release of CO 2} in the case of a carbonized filling product.

In a further development, the excess pressure of the filling product is above the saturation pressure of the filling product and is preferably below an absolute pressure of 1.6 bar to 9 bar. A high overpressure, in particular above the saturation pressure of the filling product, can ensure that the CO ₂ in the filling product is saturated and at the same time the pressure gradient between the filling product provided and the container 100 to be filled is greater in order to further accelerate the filling process accelerate.

Because there is a negative pressure in the interior 112 of the container 100 to be filled and the filling product is provided in the filling product supply 5 under an overpressure, a sudden filling of the container 100 to be filled is realized. The end of filling is determined by considering the pressure profile in the container 100 during filling. For example, the filling valve 50 is closed as soon as a predetermined cut-off pressure PAB and thus the desired volume of filling product is present in the container 100 to be filled. The pressure gauge 4 in the filling product line 2 can be used for this purpose. Alternatively, the pressure profile in the container 100 can be measured, the filling being terminated when a predetermined gradient and / or a predetermined differential dp / dt of the pressure is reached in that the filling valve 5a is closed.

In order to determine when the filling is to be ended, a control device described below determines the proportion of filling product that can be introduced into the container 100 to be filled, for example on the basis of the output pressure PAU determined before the opening of the filling valve 50 in the container 100 to be filled until a pressure equilibrium is established or a predetermined cut-off pressure PAB is reached.

In other words, the pressure curve in the container 100 to be filled is dependent on the initial pressure PAU in the container 100 to be filled at the beginning of the filling process and thus also on the residual gas in the container 100. The container 100 is filled by the filling product in such a way that the filling product shares the remaining space with the residual gas. The pressure in the container 100 increases accordingly. The resulting pressure curve can therefore also be used to determine the respective filling state of the container 100 and, for example, the end of filling to be achieved starting from the output pressure PAU of the unfilled container 100 on this basis.

For example, with an evacuation of a container 100 to be filled, which has a nominal volume of half a liter, with an assumed head space 113 of 20 ml and an assumed installation space of the filling product line 2 below the valves 3a, 5a, 6a of 5 ml, a total volume of 525 ml vorl, which is first evacuated by opening the vacuum valve 3a.

If the vacuum valve 3a is then closed and the filling valve 5a opened, as in FIG Figure 1b shown, the total volume of 525 ml is charged with filling product from the filling product supply 5. Since, in the example described, there is a negative pressure in the container 100 to be filled compared to the filling product in the filling product feed 5, the filling product shoots into the container 100 to be filled. If the filling product is a carbonized filling product, a high tendency to foam is to be expected due to the pressure difference. A fill product foam is thus present in the total volume from the construction space in the fill product line 2, head space 113 and container interior 112.

If this total volume is evacuated to an absolute pressure of 0.1 bar, for example, residual gas with a volume of 52.5 ml still remains, which was in the container 100 to be filled before filling. Depending on the pretreatment of the container 100 to be filled, the residual gas is CO ₂ , another inert gas, air or another gas mixture.

Correspondingly, filling product, which is supplied via the filling product supply 5, can initially be supplied to the container 100 up to normal pressure, that is to say atmospheric pressure, which results in a capacity of 472.5 ml.

In order to achieve the nominal filling volume of 510 ml, for example, the filling product must continue to flow into the container to be filled via the filling product feed 5 and compress the remaining gas, which displaces a volume of 52.5 ml at atmospheric pressure, so that the missing filling quantity 37.5 ml can still be pressed in to achieve the desired nominal filling volume of 510 ml.

It follows from this that the filling product must be filled in via the filling product feed 5 at least under an absolute pressure of 1.4 bar in order to enable the corresponding compression of the residual gas. If the filling product is present in the filling product feed 5 at said pressure, the pressures in the filling product feed 5, the filling product line 2 and the interior 112 of the container 100 to be filled are matched so that there is an absolute pressure of 1.4 bar and in the container 100 to be filled has a total capacity of 510 ml.

Correspondingly, by determining the pressure of the container 100 to be filled prior to filling, the filling device 1 for filling a container 100 with a filling product can ensure that the filling is terminated when a predetermined cut-off pressure PAB in the container 100 is reached. In the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment, the predetermined cut-off pressure PAB is achieved in the container 100 in that the filling product in the filling product feed 5 is already provided with the cut-off pressure PAB. Accordingly, the container 100 to be filled is filled with the filling product only until an equilibrium is established between the pressure present in the interior 112 of the container 100 to be filled and the pressure present in the fill product line 5.

The determination or provision of the filling product pressure, in combination with the cut-off pressure PAB, thus determines the filling volume to be introduced into the container 100 to be filled before the start of filling.

In order to enable the container 100 to be filled to be filled exactly with the filling product, it may be necessary in the exemplary embodiment described to introduce a gas barrier in the filling product line 2 or the filling product supply 5 in order to prevent the pressures in the then almost completely filled container 100 and the filling product supply 5, a backflow of the residual gas from the container 100 into the filling product supply 5 takes place. If such a backflow of residual gas into the filling product feed 5 were allowed, the container 100 would be overfilled with the filling product. The return flow of residual gas from the container 100 must therefore be prevented in order to achieve even more precise filling results.

In the case of the equilibrium method, in which, towards the end of filling, an equilibrium is established between the pressure present in the interior space 112 of the container 100 to be filled and the pressure present in the filling product feed 5, the initial filling process is rapid; towards the end, before the actual equilibrium has been established, however, the filling slows down and then finally comes to a standstill with the formation of the pressure equilibrium.

In one variant, the cut-off pressure PAB, as described above, is again determined from the determined output pressure PAU of the container 100 to be filled, for example again at a cut-off pressure PAB of 1.4 bar absolute pressure based on an output pressure PAU of 0.1 bar absolute pressure. In this variant, however, the filling product in the filling product feed 5 is under a significantly higher pressure, preferably under an absolute pressure of 1.5 bar to 9 bar.

When the filling product flows into the container to be filled, the pressure profile in the interior 112 of the container 100 to be filled can then be tracked via the pressure meter 4 and the filling valve when the predetermined cut-off pressure PAB is reached, in the example described 1.4 bar 5a to be closed. The filling valve 5a is thus closed while the pressure in the filling product feed 5 is still higher than the pressure in the container 100 which is then filled. By providing the filling product under a pressure in the filling product feed 5 that is above the predetermined cut-off pressure PAB, the container 100 can be filled quickly or suddenly, and the filling process can be ended quickly.

Accordingly, until the filling valve 5a closes, the filling product is under excess pressure compared to the pressure in the container 100 to be filled, so that the filling product can flow in quickly. Furthermore, a backflow of residual gas from the container 100 into the filling product feed 5 can be avoided by the pressure difference and the accompanying filling product flow directed into the container 100. In this way, the filling of the container 100 can be carried out under the pressure conditions on which the determination of the cut-off pressure PAB is based, so that the predetermined filling volume can be achieved exactly. Accordingly, the above-mentioned gas barrier can also be dispensed with, since residual gas cannot flow back due to the pressure difference that is always present and the fill product flow directed exclusively into the container 100.

In the Figure 1c A further step of the method is shown in which the filling device 1 for filling the container 100 with the filling product is connected to the filling product line 2 via a tensioning gas device 6, which has a tensioning gas valve 6a, in order to push the remaining filling product out of the filling product line 2 and the to press foamed filling product into the interior 112 of the container 100 to be filled. In this way, the filling product line 2 can essentially be emptied of filling product which is still present in foam form. Furthermore, the filling product can be introduced into the interior 112 of the container 100 to be filled in such a way that the head space 113 also remains essentially free of filling product foam.

A further development of the filling device 1 according to FIG Figures 1a, 1b and 1c is in the Figure 2 shown. The Figure 2 shows a section of a filling device 1 for filling a container (in Figure 2 not shown) with a filling product and closing the container with a closure 200 in a beverage filling plant.

The filling device 1 has a filling member 20, which in the Figure 2 Process stage shown protrudes into a treatment chamber 10. The filling element 20 has, accommodated in a filling element housing 21: a filling product line 22; a filling valve 23 which is arranged at the lower, ie downstream end of the filling product line 22; a gas line 24; and a gas valve 25 disposed at the lower end of the gas line 24. Sensors such as a pressure gauge in the fill product line 22 or gas line 24 are in FIG Figure 2 not shown for the sake of clarity.

The container can be flushed and / or pretensioned with a gas, for example inert gas, nitrogen and / or carbon dioxide, via the gas line 24 and the gas valve 25. Furthermore, the interior of the container can be adjusted to a desired pressure, for example evacuated. The gas line 24 may be of a multi-channel construction, for example by means of a tube-in-tube configuration, comprising multiple gas lines to physically separate the supply of one or more gases into the container and / or the discharge of gas from the container, if necessary .

The gas valve 25 comprises, for example, a gas valve cone and a gas valve seat, which are designed to regulate the gas flow. For this purpose, the gas valve cone can be switched via an actuator (not shown).

The filling product line 22 is preferably designed as a ring line which extends essentially concentrically to the gas line 24. The filling valve 23 comprises, for example, a filling valve cone and a filling valve seat, which are designed to regulate the flow of the filling product. The filling valve 23 is set up to enable the flow of filling product to be shut off completely. In the simplest case, the filling valve 23 has two positions, one open and one completely closed. For this purpose, the filling valve 23 can be switched via an actuator (not shown).

The actuation of the gas valve 25 and the filling valve 23 take place via actuators which are not shown in detail. It should be pointed out that the gas valve 25 and filling valve 23 can be operatively connected to one another, so that, for example, an actuator can be set up for common use in order to simplify the construction of the filling element 20 and to increase reliability.

At the outlet end of the media, the filling element 20 has an opening section 26 which is set up in such a way that the container opening can be brought against the opening section 26 in a sealing manner. For this purpose, the mouth section 26 preferably has a centering bell with a suitably shaped contact rubber. The filling member 20 with the mouth section 26 is set up for what is known as wall filling, in which the filling product flows down the container wall after exiting the mouth section 26. The filling product line 22 and the mouth section 26 are preferably designed or have corresponding means so that the filling product is swirled during filling, whereby the filling product is driven outwards due to centrifugal force and flows downwards in a spiral movement after exiting the mouth section 26.

Optionally, the filling element 20 has one or more, preferably at least two, metering valves 27, 28, which open into a metering chamber 22a, whereby a quick type change can be realized, essentially without a changeover time.

The metering valves 27, 28 are preferred versions or designs of metering feed lines. In other words: In certain embodiments in which the introduction and any dimensions of the dosage component (s) into the dosage space 22a is implemented by means external to the filling element 20, the dosage valves 27, 28 may be dispensed with, so that, for example, only corresponding Dosage lines or channels open into the dosing space 22a.

The metering space 22a can be a section or a suitably shaped part of the filling product line 22. Via the dosing valves 27, 28, to which corresponding dosing lines are connected, one or more dosing components, for example syrup, pulp, aromas, etc., can be added to a main component introduced into the dosing chamber 22a via the filling product line 22, for example water or beer.

The filling member 20 is set up to be at least partially movable, so that the in the Figure 2 The arm-like section of the filling member 20 shown can be retracted into the treatment chamber 10 and either withdrawn therein or partially or even completely removed therefrom. This makes it possible to press the container mouth for the filling process against the mouth section 26 of the filling element 20 and then withdraw the filling element 20 after the filling process has ended so that the container can be closed in the treatment chamber 10.

In order to ensure the movability of the filling element 20 without the atmosphere of the treatment chamber 10 being exposed to uncontrolled external influences, means for sealing are provided, which are provided in the Figure 2 are not shown. For example, the Treatment chamber pressure after completion of the filling process must be greater than the pressure of the external environment, which in this case does not have to be atmospheric pressure, as a result of which penetration of contaminants into the treatment chamber 10 can be almost excluded. As an alternative or in addition, the treatment chamber 10 can be located in a clean room or form one.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the filling device 1 also has a closing element 30 for closing the container. The closing element 30 has a closing head 31 which protrudes into the treatment chamber 10 and, in the present exemplary embodiment, can be moved essentially vertically. Like the filling element 20, the closing element 30 is sealed off from the wall of the treatment chamber 10 in order to avoid contamination or uncontrolled impairment of the atmosphere in the interior of the treatment chamber 10 due to external influences.

The closure member 30 is designed and set up to receive and hold a closure 200 on the closure head 31. For this purpose, the closure head 31 can have a magnet, whereby a closure 200, in particular if it is a metallic crown cap, can be centered and placed on the container mouth to close the container in a structurally simple manner. Alternatively, the closure 200 can be grasped, held and applied to the container mouth by suitable gripping or clamping means, so that the concept presented here can also be used for plastic closures, rotary closures, etc.

The closure head 31 is designed to be movable in the up / down direction, it being arranged essentially coaxially to the container mouth in order to be able to reliably apply the closure 200 to the container.

A closure 200 can be transferred to the closer head 31 in various ways. For example, a closure 200 can be introduced into the treatment chamber 10 per filling / closing cycle in a first step, for example from a sorting mechanism and a feed chute. For this purpose, the treatment chamber 10 can be part of the closure member 30 and execute a movement relative to the closure feed, such as the feed channel or a transfer arm, the closure head 31 picking and holding a closure 200 from the closure feed.

It should be noted that the container can also be closed at another point. In particular in the case of carbon dioxide-containing filling products, however, the closure takes place preferably immediately after filling and in the treatment chamber 10 under positive pressure instead, as below and in relation to FIG Figures 1a, 1b and 1c already explained.

To fill the container, it is raised relative to the treatment chamber 10, the container mouth is introduced into the treatment chamber 10 and sealed off from the treatment chamber 10. The container mouth is pressed sealingly against the mouth section 26 of the filling element 20, which is extended into the filling position. The mouth section 26 of the filling member 20 thus marks the end position of the container stroke. The closer head 31 picks up the closure 200 and moves into the treatment chamber 10. The sealing of the treatment chamber 10 from the environment and from the container or its mouth area can be achieved by inflating one or more seals. The treatment chamber 10 itself preferably does not perform any lifting movement.

During the filling process, gas is preferably fed into the treatment chamber 10. The overall process can be optimized through such a parallel execution. During the filling process, the treatment chamber 10 is sealed on all sides, as a result of which a suitable internal pressure can be built up in the treatment chamber 10. In the case of carbon dioxide-containing filling products, this preferably corresponds to the filling pressure or saturation pressure of the carbon dioxide, which effectively prevents the filling product from foaming up or over-foaming after the filling process has ended.

The gas supply for the treatment chamber 10 can by means of one in the Figure 2 valve not shown in the wall of the treatment chamber 10 take place. As an alternative or in addition, the gas supply can be at least partially integrated in the filling element 20. For this purpose, the filling element 20 according to the present exemplary embodiment has a treatment chamber gas line 29. The treatment chamber gas line 29, in particular its outlet into the treatment chamber 10, can be set up in such a way that the exiting gas jet hits the underside of the closure 200 when the filling element 20 is in the filling position. In this way, the closure 200 is cleaned at the same time during the filling process. Carbon dioxide is preferably used as the gas, but another medium, such as sterile air, can also be used.

If the container is now filled and the interior of the treatment chamber 10 is brought to the desired pressure, the filling element 20 is withdrawn and the closing head 31 continues its downward movement until the opening of the container is closed when it is reached.

1. a) Evakuieren des Behälters auf einen Unterdruck P_low;
2. b) Einfüllen des Füllprodukts in den Behälter, vorzugsweise unter einem Überdruck;
3. c) Erzeugen eines Überdrucks P_high in der Behandlungskammer 10 sowie gegebenenfalls im Kopfraum des Behälters, um beim Lösen des Füllorgans 20 von der Behältermündung ein auf- und überschäumen des Füllprodukts zu vermeiden;
4. d) Lösen des Füllorgans 20 von der Behältermündung;
5. e) Aufbringen des Verschlusses 200 auf die Behältermündung und Verschließen des Behälters, ohne vorherige Entlastung auf Umgebungsdruck;
6. f) Entlüften der Behandlungskammer 10 und Ausbringen des Behälters zur weiteren Verarbeitung (bspw. Etikettierung, Verpackung usw.).

A preferred process for suddenly filling and closing the container with a filling product can be carried out as follows:

1. a) evacuating the container to a negative pressure P _low ;
2. b) filling the filling product into the container, preferably under an overpressure;
3. c) generating an overpressure P _high in the treatment chamber 10 and optionally in the head space of the container in order to prevent the filling product from foaming up and over when the filling element 20 is released from the container mouth;
4. d) releasing the filling member 20 from the container mouth;
5. e) applying the closure 200 to the container mouth and closing the container without prior release to ambient pressure;
6. f) Venting the treatment chamber 10 and removing the container for further processing (e.g. labeling, packaging, etc.).

As in relation to the embodiment of Figures 1a, 1b and 1c As set out above, the terms "negative pressure" and "positive pressure" are also initially to be understood relative to one another. However, the negative pressure P _low after the evacuation in step a) is preferably below atmospheric pressure (= normal pressure). _{The overpressure P high} generated in step c) can correspond to atmospheric pressure, but is preferably higher.

Thus, before the filling product is introduced, the container is preferably _{evacuated to a negative pressure P low} with an absolute pressure of 0.5 to 0.05 bar, preferably 0.3 to 0.1 bar, particularly preferably about 0.1 bar. The overpressure of the filling product and the overpressure P _{high of} the treatment chamber 10, which are preferably the same, are preferably above atmospheric pressure, for example at an absolute pressure of 1.1 bar to 6 bar. In this way, the container is evacuated in such a way that when it is filled with the filling product, essentially no gas is displaced by the filling product and, accordingly, no gas has to flow out of the interior of the container. Rather, the entire mouth cross-section of the container can be used to introduce the filling product. In other words, during filling there is only one flow of filling product directed into the container, but not an opposing flow of fluid.

The filling process, in particular the variants for ending the filling process, can also be carried out in the case of the filling device with an integrated closing function according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG Figure 2 be carried out as in relation to the embodiment of FIG Figures 1a, 1b and 1c set out.

During the filling process, due to the pressure-tight filling, the filling level cannot be measured or can only be measured with great structural effort, and filling can be terminated on the basis of the filling level reached. Any correction of the filling level is even more difficult to integrate into the technology for sudden filling. If an influencing variable changes, such as the negative pressure P _low , the temperature or CO ₂ concentration of the filling product, it is possible that the containers are underfilled or overfilled.

In order to improve the accuracy of the filling level or the filled volume, the filling device 1 has a control device 40, which is shown in the block diagram of FIG Figure 3 is shown schematically.

The control device 40 is an electronic, data-processing device which is set up to minimize fluctuations in a target variable 41, preferably the filling level and / or the filling volume, by means of a calculation model. The control device 40 can be implemented in various ways: for example, it can be built up centrally or decentrally, from one or more computing devices communicating with one another, communicate wirelessly or wired, be programmable, etc. from sensors, for example from the pressure gauge 4, a CO ₂ sensor for determining the CO ₂ concentration in the filling product, a temperature sensor for determining the filling product temperature and the like. The measurement data can be transmitted at certain time intervals, e.g. cyclically before each filling process or every n> 1 filling processes, continuously or as required. The transmission can be wireless or wired. The data are processed by means of a calculation model, and the control device 40 generates data or signals to components (actuators, valves, pumps and the like) that influence the filling process as output.

The influencing variables 42 determined by sensors or otherwise can be subdivided into geometric, process-related and product-dependent variables. The product-dependent variables include, for example, the temperature and / or the CO ₂ content of the filling product. The process-related variables include, for example, the vacuum pressure, which is used to produce the negative pressure P _low . The geometric variables include, for example, properties of the container, such as its volume.

If the influencing variables 42 are known, the filling process can be controlled by adding one or more for the desired target variable 41, ie the filling level to be achieved or the volume to be filled Output variables 43 are calculated. Output variables 43 relate to adjustable parameters, such as the overpressure of the filling product under which the filling is carried out and / or the negative pressure P _{low of} the evacuated container and / or the cut-off pressure PAB and / or a dead space volume which varies the volume to be filled.

Those of the influencing variables 42 that are process-dependent and changeable are to be measured in the ongoing process and incorporated into the calculation model of the filling process. The aim is therefore to be able to use the calculation model to react to the parameters of the filling, which are measured, for example, in defined time steps, in order to minimize fluctuations in the target variable 41, i.e. filling level or filling volume.

According to a first variant, for example, the calculation model calculates a required filling pressure for a defined target variable 41 for each measuring point. If the current filling pressure deviates from the calculated target pressure, this is readjusted. The current filling pressure can be determined, for example, by a pressure gauge in a product vessel, which delivers the filling product to the respective filling stations, and / or by the pressure gauge 4 in the filling product line 2, 22.

As an alternative procedure, the negative pressure P _low can also be calculated and regulated at a constant filling pressure. Here, the negative pressure in the container and / or in the vacuum line 3 can be measured and used.

According to a third variant, the dead space volume in the filling product line 2, 22 is kept variable, as a result of which a constant filling height or a constant filling volume can be achieved in the container. The dead space volume can be varied, for example, by a plunger or a piston which can be moved in a corresponding section of the filling product line 2, 22 or in a chamber branching off therefrom.

According to a further development, the filling level achieved in this way or the filling volume achieved in this way can be measured after filling at certain intervals, sporadically or continuously, in order to optimize the calculation model. For example, any variation in the headspace volume due to outgassing of the gases contained in the filling product can be determined by a filling level measurement and taken into account in the calculation model for subsequent filling processes. If excessive outgassing occurs, this can be compensated for, for example, by adjusting the temperature of the filling product to be filled.

By pre-calculating one or more output variables 43, such as the filling pressure, for a defined target variable 41, such as the filling level, containers with a constant filling height or constant filling volume can be generated, even under changing process conditions. Occurring fluctuations in influencing variables 42 of the filling process, such as the temperature of the filling product and / or the vacuum pressure, are measured, preferably in defined time steps, and the filling pressure, vacuum pressure and / or the dead space volume are calculated and adjusted using the calculation model. In this way, the process parameters are dynamically adapted to fluctuations in order to counteract changes in the filling level or the filling volume. The calculation model also enables production to be started up without major fluctuations, as dynamic changes, such as the gradual heating of the filling product in the product kettle, can be responded to.

As far as applicable, all of the individual features shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another and / or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Reference list

1

Filling device

2

Filling product line

2a

Mouth section

3

Vacuum line

3a

Vacuum valve

4th

Pressure gauge

5

Filling product feed

5a

Filling valve

6th

Tensioning device

6a

Clamping gas valve

10

Treatment chamber

20th

Filling organ

21st

Filling organ housing

22nd

Filling product line

22a

Dosing room

23

Filling valve

24

Gas pipe

25th

Gas valve

26th

Mouth section

27

Dosing valve

28

Dosing valve

29

Treatment chamber gas line

30th

Closing element

31

Capping head

40

Control device

41

Target size

42

Influencing factor

43

Output size

100

container

110

Container mouth

112

Interior of the container

113

Headroom

200

Clasp

Claims (15)

A method for filling a container (100) with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant, the method comprising: Determining one or more variable influencing variables (42) which influence a target variable (41) of the filling, preferably a filling height and / or a filling volume; Receiving the influencing variables (42) from a control device (40); Calculating at least one output variable (43) from the received influencing variables (42) by means of a calculation model of the control device (40); and Filling the container (100) as a function of the at least one output size (43). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling of the container (100) comprises: Evacuating the container (100) to be filled to a negative pressure P _low , preferably to an absolute pressure of 0.5 to 0.05 bar, particularly preferably 0.3 to 0.1 bar; and Providing and filling the filling product into the container under an overpressure, preferably under an absolute pressure of 1 bar to 9 bar, particularly preferably 2.5 bar to 6 bar. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the filling of the container (100) taking into account the pressure profile in the container (100) during filling, preferably when a predetermined cut-off pressure (PAB) is reached in the container (100) or when a predetermined slope of the Pressure is terminated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the variable influencing variables (42) include: temperature and / or CO ₂ content of the filling product to be filled and / or negative pressure P _{low of} the evacuated container (100) and / or overpressure under which the Filling product is provided. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one output variable (43) comprises: overpressure of the filling product under which filling takes place and / or underpressure P _{low of} the evacuated container and / or shutdown pressure (PAB) and / or a dead space volume . Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more variable influencing variables (42) are determined in defined time steps and are received by the control device (40). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the calculation of the at least one output variable (43) from the received influencing variables (42) for each filling process is carried out according to requirements or in defined time or filling intervals. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after completion of the filling, the filling level or the filling volume in the filled container (100) is determined and the calculation model is adjusted as a function thereof. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that neither the filling level nor the filled volume are determined and / or used to determine the end of the filling. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the calculation of the at least one output variable (43) from the received influencing variables (42) takes place by means of the calculation model in such a way that the target variable (41) assumes a predetermined value, preferably over several fillings Remains essentially constant. Filling device (1) for filling a container (100) with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant, the filling device (1) having: a filling element with a filling product line (2, 22) for introducing the filling product into the container (100); Means for determining one or more variable influencing variables (42) which influence a target variable (41) of the filling, preferably a filling height and / or a filling volume; a control device (40) which is set up to receive the determined influencing variables (42), to calculate at least one output variable (43) from the received influencing variables (42) by means of a calculation model and to control the filling element in such a way that the container (100) is filled as a function of the at least one output size (43). Filling device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that it is set up to set the container (100) to be filled to a negative pressure P _low , preferably to an absolute pressure of 0.5 to 0.05 bar, particularly preferably 0.3 to 0.1 bar, to be evacuated and to provide the filling product under an overpressure, preferably under an absolute pressure of 1 bar to 9 bar, particularly preferably 2.5 bar to 6 bar, and to introduce it into the container (100), the control device (40) preferably being set up to facilitate the filling of the container (100) taking into account the pressure profile in the container (100) during filling, preferably when a predetermined cut-off pressure (PAB) is reached in the container (100) or when a predetermined increase in pressure is reached. Filling device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the means for determining one or more variable influencing variables (42) comprise: a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the filling product to be filled and / or a CO ₂ sensor for measuring the CO ₂ Content of the filling product to be filled and / or a pressure gauge (4a) for measuring the negative pressure P _{low of} the evacuated container (100) and / or a pressure gauge for measuring the overpressure under which the filling product is provided. Filling device (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the at least one output variable (43) comprises: overpressure of the filling product under which filling takes place and / or underpressure P _{low of} the evacuated container and / or shutdown pressure (PAB) and / or a dead space volume; and / or the filling product line (2, 22) comprises a variable dead space volume which can be varied by an output variable (43) of the control device (40). Filling device (1) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the control device (40) is set up to receive the one or more variable influencing variables (42) in defined time steps and / or to calculate the at least one output variable (43 ) from the received influencing variables (42) for each filling process, to be carried out according to requirements or at defined time or filling intervals; and / or the control device (40) is set up such that the calculation of the at least one output variable (43) from the received influencing variables (42) by means of the calculation model takes place in such a way that the target variable (41) assumes a predetermined value, preferably over several fillings is essentially constant across.

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