EP3838839A1 - Device and method for filling a container with a filling product - Google Patents

Abstract

Filling device (1) and method for filling a container (200) with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant, the filling device (1) comprising: a filling element (20) which has a gas line around the container (200) to be filled To evacuate negative pressure (P _low), and a filling product line (22a) for introducing a filling product from a base reservoir (110) under positive pressure into the evacuated container (200); and at least one metering feed line, preferably metering valve (27, 28), which is set up to introduce a metering component from a metering reservoir (124a, 125a) into the filling product line (22a).

Description

Technical area

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

State of the art

In order to mix and fill filling products consisting of several components, various technologies for dosing the individual components are known, which are briefly presented below:
For example, the desired components can be dosed and filled individually via separate dosing stations, as is the case, for example, from the US 2008/0271809 A1 is known. The use of separate dosing stations for a large number of components, however, leads to a complex system structure and process flow, since the filling of each container is divided into several separate dosing / filling stations at which the container must be positioned for the respective dosing times. In principle, it is possible to meter the multiple components into the container via separate lines and dispensing openings simultaneously and at a common filling station, but this is limited by the size of the bottle or container mouth.

Alternatively, the components can be brought together in a common filling valve, see for example EP 0 775 668 A1 and WO 2009/114121 A1 . A component to be added to a base fluid is metered in front of the filling valve outlet, with the desired amount being measured, for example, by measuring the volume using a flow meter ( EP 0 775 668 A1 ) or by another volumetric dispensing technology ( WO 2009/114121 A1 ), for example by means of a metering piston and / or a diaphragm pump.

High dosing accuracy can be achieved by measuring with the aid of a flow meter. This measures the volume to be dosed or the mass to be dosed and closes a shut-off valve in the dosing line when a threshold value is reached. Other volumetric dosing methods, such as the use of pumps or time / pressure filling, often have greater uncertainties and tend to be more sensitive to changes in the dosing medium, for example changes in pressure, temperature or composition. Frequent calibration, especially when changing the dosage medium, is the result. A gravimetric measurement of the dosages is hardly feasible due to the large differences between the dosage weight for very small quantities (µl) and the container weight.

The technologies outlined above are characterized by the fact that the components are mixed at a later point in time, i.e. either during or shortly before filling. However, late mixing is also associated with technical difficulties. Optimizing the filling process over time is not easily possible, since the dosing process cannot be accelerated at will, for example using a flow meter. The time that the container remains under the dosing point is directly proportional to the capacity of the filling line. With a higher power requirement, either the dosing time and thus the dosing range must be reduced or a second parallel dosing line must be set up. The possible dosing range depends on the available dosing time and thus on the line performance.

In addition, the late mixing results in a not inconsiderable structural complexity. In the case of small container mouths, it is difficult to fill a moving container with a fixed dosing head. Therefore, either the dosing head must move with the container (for example as a rotary machine) or the container must remain under the dosing head for the dosing and filling process, as is the case with a linear transfer machine. If a large number of different dosage components are to be available at the same time, both solutions are complex in terms of mechanical engineering, costly and maintenance-intensive, and require a lot of installation space due to the large number of filling points and / or dosage components on the filling valve.

Those dosing techniques that determine the volume and convey the medium at the same time, for example by means of pumps or piston dispensers, have the disadvantage that no feedback can be given to the controller about the volume actually introduced into the container.

This also applies to the time / pressure filling. If a valve does not open or the line is blocked, this cannot be immediately recognized by the system. Since a subsequent quality control of the filled container with individualized filling with several components cannot be implemented or is only possible with great effort, feedback from the dosing system about the actually dosed amount is desirable, if not absolutely necessary.

The technical problems described above have led to a further development of the dosing / filling process, for example from the EP 2 272 790 A1 and DE 10 2009 049 583 A1 emerges. In this case, the components of the filling product are dosed directly during filling by means of a flow meter and fed into the container to be filled together, with a main component being displaced backwards by the added component during the dosing. The displaced volume of the main component is determined by means of the flow meter, and thus the volume of the metered component is also known and controllable. During the subsequent filling of the filling product into the container, the main component together with the added component is completely flushed out of the filling valve into the container, whereby the total filling quantity can be determined with the same flow meter. During the next filling cycle, the filling quantities and also the added component quantities can be redefined. This enables highly flexible filling of individualized beverages without changeover times.

When changing the type, it can happen that residues of a previous filling product, in particular any dosage components, remain in the filling valve. Flavors, pieces of fruit and the like can be carried over and contaminate subsequent bottlings. So that as little residue as possible remains in the filling valve that could contaminate the filling product during the subsequent filling process, the quantity and filling of the main component must be set up in such a way that it completely frees the filling valve from residues from the previous filling. The degree of cleaning is determined, among other things, by how quickly and with what pressure the filling valve is flushed when the filling product is dispensed into the container. For several reasons, however, the flushing of the filling valve cannot be accelerated at will. When filling beverages containing carbon dioxide, this can easily lead to foaming over. The displacement of the atmosphere in the container during filling also prevents the filling process from being accelerated.

Another difficulty with flexible filling by metering components into the filling valve is that the carbon dioxide content of the filling product cannot easily be made flexible, i.e. it cannot be adjusted according to the container and / or type. The main component of the filling product, for example water, normally has a defined carbonic acid content. The dosage component, for example fruit syrup, has a defined Brix content. The carbon dioxide content and the Brix content clearly define the mixing ratio. For one type of filling product, the carbonic acid content of the main component can be adjusted so that the desired content is contained in the container after mixing and filling. If only one type of filling product is ever filled on the filler, the carbonic acid content of the main component can be adapted to the type of the next type. However, if two or more types are to be filled immediately one after the other or at the same time through several filling valves that are coupled to one another, which is in principle possible through the individual addition of dosage components, the carbonic acid content of the filled product can no longer be set specifically for the type, as this is determined by the main component.

A further difficulty arises, which is that, due to the discharge of the atmosphere in the container, mostly air, aromas from the product can be carried away via the return gas channel into the product kettle during the filling process. This also counteracts single-type filling (liquid-bound and gas-bound ingredients) in the case of a change of type by container.

Presentation of the invention

One object of the invention is to improve the flexible, customizable filling, in particular to further reduce any flavor or filling product carryover.

The object is achieved by a filling device with the features of claim 1, a device with the features of claim 10 and a method with the features of claim 11. Advantageous developments follow from the subclaims, the following presentation of the invention and the description of preferred exemplary embodiments.

The filling device according to the invention is used to fill a container with a filling product. The filling product is preferably a multi-component filling product made up of at least two components, one of the components being referred to herein as a “base liquid” or “main component” for the purpose of linguistic differentiation. Any further components are referred to as "dosage component (s)". In addition to the filling of the filling product is the filling device set up for bringing together and optionally at least partially mixing the components and in this respect takes over at least part of the manufacturing process of the filling product to be filled. The basic liquid is, for example, water (still or carbonated) or beer. The dosage component (s) may include syrup, pulp containing liquids, pulp, flavorings, and the like. The filling device is therefore particularly preferably used in a beverage filling plant.

The proposed filling device has: a filling element which has a gas line in order _{to evacuate the container to be filled to a negative pressure P low} , and a filling product line in order to introduce a filling product from a base reservoir under an overpressure into the evacuated container; and at least one dosing feed line, preferably a dosing valve, which is set up to introduce a dosing component from a dosing reservoir into the filling product line.

The terms "underpressure" and "overpressure" are initially to be understood relative to one another. However, the negative pressure P _low after the evacuation is preferably below atmospheric pressure (= normal pressure). The overpressure of the filling product under which the filling is carried out 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 is 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 no opposing flow of fluid.

The section of the filling product line into which the metering component is introduced is also referred to herein as the “metering space”. The one or more metering valves are preferred versions of metering feed lines. In other words: In certain embodiments in which the introduction and any dimensions of the dosing component (s) into the dosing space is implemented by means external to the filling element, the dosing valves can optionally be dispensed with. In addition, it should be pointed out that no substantial or even complete mixing of the components has to take place in the metering chamber. An actual one Mixing can also take place during filling or later in the container. Rather, the metering chamber primarily serves to meter one or more metering components into the main component.

In this way, almost any number of flavors can be filled in a highly flexible manner, individually for each container, without significant flavor carryover or the like occurring. This is because the high pressure difference in the system during filling optimizes the flushing of the filling element, which prevents or at least minimizes any product or aroma carryover into subsequent containers. Since, in addition, no return gas has to be discharged from the container during filling, no aroma can enter the system, in particular a product kettle, via this route.

A change in the basic liquid, such as an adjustment of the water quality, can be omitted when changing types, which means that any discharge quantities can be minimized. For example, water only needs to be made available as a base liquid of one quality (e.g. still). Several systems can also be supplied with the same water quality, regardless of which types are filled in them.

With regard to the mixing in, there does not have to be a container on the filling element during the dosing phase, since the dosing or mixing does not take place during filling but in the dosing room. The time for mixing can be used synergistically for the transport of the container. The concept presented here can thus be used both for linear indexing machines with one or more filling stations and for rotary machines. In the case of rotary machines, the containers can leave the carousel again after only a small angle of rotation.

The filling device preferably has a treatment chamber into which the container to be filled for evacuation and filling can be at least partially introduced (in particular the container mouth), which can be sealed off from the external environment and has a gas supply which is set up to maintain an overpressure in the Generate treatment chamber. In this way, foaming over after filling, in particular after removing the filling member from the container mouth, can be avoided. The overpressure in the treatment chamber preferably corresponds to the overpressure with which the filling product is introduced into the container. In the case of filling products containing carbon dioxide, the overpressure in the treatment chamber preferably corresponds to the filling pressure or saturation pressure of the carbon dioxide, which effectively prevents the filling product from foaming or foaming over after the filling process has ended. Is the internal pressure of the treatment chamber by carbon dioxide or a Generates carbon dioxide-containing gas, in this way, after filling, the filling product in the container can also be mixed with carbon dioxide. By choosing the overpressure in the treatment _{chamber, the CO 2} content in the filling product can be adjusted for each container and type.

The filling element preferably has an opening section and in this case is set up in such a way that the opening section for evacuating and filling the container in the treatment chamber can be brought into fluid communication therewith in a sealing manner. For this purpose, the filling element is preferably designed to be at least partially movable. Thus, the evacuation and filling of the container can be carried out quickly and reliably, and at the same time foreign particles are prevented from getting into the interior of the container. For a reliable seat of the mouth section on the container mouth, the mouth section can have a centering bell with a seal, for example with a suitably shaped rubber contact.

The filling device preferably has a closure member which is set up to receive a closure, for example by means of a magnet, and to close the container with the closure after it has been filled. The sealing takes place particularly preferably in the treatment chamber under the overpressure built up therein. For this purpose, the closing element can have a closing head which protrudes into the treatment chamber and can be moved essentially vertically. A closure can be transferred to the closer head in various ways. For example, in a first step per filling / closing cycle, a closure can be introduced into the treatment chamber, for example from a sorting unit and a feed chute, and transferred to the closure head. By closing immediately after filling and under overpressure in the treatment chamber, the filling process can be considerably accelerated, since essentially no calming phase of the filling product is required, even if it is carbonized.

The filling device preferably has at least two dosage supply lines, for example dosage valves, which are set up to introduce a dosage component into the dosing chamber, one dosage supply line being in fluid connection with a dosage reservoir of a first dosage branch which is set up to provide a first dosage component can be brought, and the other dosage feed line with a dosage reservoir of a second dosage branch, which is set up to provide a second dosage component, which preferably differs from the first dosage component, is in fluid connection or can be brought. Consequently a number of types can be filled by container without the filling device becoming significantly more complicated.

The filling device preferably has means for introducing carbon dioxide into the metering space and / or into the container. This means that almost any carbon dioxide content can be set for each container and type. For example, water as a possible main component only has to be made available to one quality (e.g. still or carbonized to a certain degree) as the base liquid. Several systems can also be supplied with the same water quality, regardless of which types are filled in them. In this case, it is not absolutely necessary to focus on the filling product with the lowest carbon dioxide content. In addition, still filling products can be filled in parallel to carbonated filling products.

According to an embodiment variant already mentioned above, the carbon dioxide can be introduced directly via the treatment chamber following the filling. Particularly preferably, the filling device is additionally or alternatively set up to flush the container with carbon dioxide before evacuation, preferably via the gas line of the filling element, and then _{to evacuate the container to a variable negative pressure P low} in order to adjust the carbon dioxide content in the filled filling product. In this way, the evacuation of the container, thus the sudden filling, is synergistically combined with the individual carbonization of the filling product. The terms “evacuation”, “evacuate” and the like do not necessarily imply an endeavor to bring the negative pressure in the container as close as possible to a perfect vacuum.

The filling device is preferably designed to adapt the overpressure with which the filling product is introduced into the container to the underpressure P _low , preferably in such a way that the pressure difference between the overpressure and the underpressure P _low remains essentially constant. The variation in the negative pressure P _low therefore does not necessarily affect the filling speed and thus the duration of the filling process. The pressure difference can be selected so that the container-specific, type-specific carbonation does not affect the control of the filling process, in particular the cycle rate, cycle duration, etc.

• ein Basisreservoir, das eingerichtet ist, um die Basisflüssigkeit bereitzustellen;
• zumindest eine Füllvorrichtung gemäß einer der vorstehend dargelegten Ausführungsformen;
• eine Basislinie mit einer Basisleitung, die das Basisreservoir mit der Füllproduktleitung des Füllorgans in Fluidverbindung bringt, einem Durchflussmesser, der an der Basisleitung zwischen dem Basisreservoir und dem Füllorgan angeordnet und eingerichtet ist, um die in der Basisleitung den Durchflussmesser passierende Fluidmenge zu bestimmen; und
• zumindest einen Dosagezweig, der eingerichtet ist, um eine Dosagekomponente über die Dosagezuleitung in den Dosierraum einzuleiten.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a device for filling a container with a filling product which has a base liquid and at least one dosage component. The device, which is preferably part of a beverage filling system or is set up for such, has:

• a base reservoir configured to provide the base liquid;
• at least one filling device according to one of the embodiments set out above;
• a base line with a base line that brings the base reservoir with the filling product line of the filling element in fluid communication, a flow meter which is arranged on the base line between the base reservoir and the filling element and is set up to determine the amount of fluid passing through the flow meter in the base line; and
• at least one metering branch which is set up to introduce a metering component into the metering chamber via the metering feed line.

With the "backflow measurement" implemented in this way, i.e. the determination of the volume of the base liquid displaced backwards out of the dosing chamber by the dosing component introduced, the mixing ratio can be determined in a simple, compact and reliable way in terms of mechanical engineering. In particular, only a single flow meter (per line) is required to measure both the base liquid and the dosage component (s) and thus determine their ratio. In the case of several filling elements, precisely one flow meter is therefore preferably installed per filling line for the corresponding filling element. As a result, the displaced amount of the dosage components can be measured by backflow measurement at each filling element. The term "line" thus means the individual filling line to a filling element. This must be distinguished from the entire filling line. During the dosing phase there does not have to be a container on the filling element, since the dosing or mixing is not carried out during filling but in the dosing room. The time for dosing can be used synergistically for transporting the container. In addition, only the basic liquid, i.e. in most cases water, flows through the flow meter. This means that the media properties do not change, and the pipe system is not contaminated by different fluids in these areas.

The features, technical effects, advantages and exemplary embodiments that have been described in relation to the filling device apply analogously to this device with reverse flow measurement.

• Einleiten der Basisflüssigkeit in einen Dosierraum eines Füllorgans;
• Einleiten zumindest einer Dosagekomponente in den Dosierraum;
• Evakuieren des zu befüllenden Behälters auf einen Unterdruck P_low; und
• Einleiten des Füllprodukts aus Basisflüssigkeit und Dosagekomponente unter einem Überdruck aus dem Dosierraum in den evakuierten Behälter.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a method for filling a container with a filling product which has a base liquid and at least one dosage component, solved. The method, which is preferably carried out in a beverage filling plant, has:

• Introducing the base liquid into a metering space of a filling element;
• Introducing at least one dosing component into the dosing space;
• Evacuating the container to be filled to a negative pressure P _low ; and
• Introducing the filling product from the base liquid and the dosage component under an overpressure from the dosing space into the evacuated container.

It should be noted that the selected list of steps does not necessarily dictate a chronological order. For example, the introduction of the base liquid and the dosing component (s) into the dosing space can take place before, after or during the evacuation of the container.

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

For the reasons mentioned above, the method is preferably further developed in such a way that the container to be filled is at least partially introduced into a treatment chamber for evacuation and filling; the filling member has a mouth section which, for evacuating and filling the container, is brought into sealing fluid communication therewith in the treatment chamber; the treatment chamber is sealed from the external environment and is brought to an overpressure; and the container is closed with a closure, preferably in and under the excess pressure of the treatment chamber.

For the reasons mentioned above, carbon dioxide is preferably introduced into the metering space and / or into the container.

For the reasons mentioned above, the method is preferably also designed in such a way that the container is flushed with carbon dioxide before evacuation; and then the container is _{evacuated to a negative pressure P low} , the negative pressure P _{low being} variably adjustable in order to adjust the carbon dioxide content in the filled filling product.

For the reasons mentioned above, the overpressure with which the filling product is introduced into the container is _{preferably adapted to the underpressure P low} , preferably so that the pressure difference between the overpressure and the underpressure P _low remains essentially constant, for example over several fillings one after the other or side by side. It is also possible for the negative pressure P _{low to be} above atmospheric pressure. Since the pressure difference between P _low and the overpressure / filling pressure remains the same, the correct filling level can also be set in this case or the desired filling time / process time can be achieved.

• Bereitstellen der Basisflüssigkeit durch das Basisreservoir;
• Einleiten der Basisflüssigkeit aus dem Basisreservoir in den Dosierraum;
• Einleiten der Dosagekomponente aus dem Dosagezweig in den Dosierraum, wobei für die Eindosierung der Dosagekomponente der Durchflussmesser die in der Basisleitung den Durchflussmesser passierende Fluidmenge bestimmt; und
• Entleeren des Dosierraums in den Behälter.

For the reasons mentioned above, the metering of the metering component (s) is preferably carried out by backflow measurement. For this purpose, the method is carried out, for example, with the device described in this regard, the method in this case further comprising:

• Providing the base liquid through the base reservoir;
• Introducing the base liquid from the base reservoir into the dosing space;
• Introducing the metering component from the metering branch into the metering space, the flow meter determining the amount of fluid passing through the flow meter in the base line for metering in the metering component; and
• Emptying the dosing space into the container.

Further advantages and features of the present invention can be seen from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments. The features described there can be implemented alone or in combination with one or more of the features set out above, provided the features do not contradict one another. The following description of preferred exemplary embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the figures

• Figur 1 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht von der Seite betrachtet, die einen Ausschnitt einer Füllvorrichtung zeigt; und
• Figur 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zum Befüllen eines Behälters mit einem mehrkomponentigen Füllprodukt.

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

• Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view viewed from the side showing a portion of a filling device; and
• Figure 2 a schematic representation of a device for filling a container with a multi-component filling product.

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.

The Figure 1 shows a section of a filling device 1 for filling a container (in Figure 1 not shown) with a filling product and closing the container with a closure 2 in a beverage filling plant.

The filling device 1 has a filling member 20, which in the Figure 1 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.

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. It should be noted that the gas line 24 can be a multi-channel construction, for example by means of a tube-in-tube construction, it can comprise several gas lines in order to supply one or more gases into the container and / or to discharge gas from the container physically separate 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 set up to regulate the flow of the filling product. The filling valve 23 is designed to completely shut off the flow of filling product enable. 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 the 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.

In order to achieve a quick change of type, essentially without a changeover time, the filling element 20 has one or more, preferably at least two, metering valves 27, 28 which open into a metering chamber 22a.

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 water or beer, can be fed into the dosing chamber 22a via the filling product line 22. for example syrup, pulp, flavors, etc., can be added. How the measurement can take place during the metering in of the dosage components is described below with reference to the Figure 2 explained.

The filling member 20 is set up to be at least partially movable, so that the in the Figure 1 The arm-like section of the filling element 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 1 are not shown. For example, after the filling process has ended, the treatment chamber pressure can be greater than the pressure of the external environment, which in this case does not have to be atmospheric pressure, so that the penetration of contaminants into the treatment chamber 10 can be virtually 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 2 on the closure head 31. For this purpose, the closure head 31 can have a magnet, whereby a closure 2, especially 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 2 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 closing 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 2 to the container.

A closure 2 can be transferred to the closer head 31 in various ways. For example, a closure 2 can be introduced into the treatment chamber 10 per filling / closing cycle in a first step, for example from a sorting unit and a feed chute. For this purpose, the treatment chamber 10 can be part of the closure member 30 and perform 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 2 from the closure feed.

It should be noted that the container can also be closed at another point. In particular in the case of filling products containing carbon dioxide, however, the sealing preferably takes place immediately after filling and in the treatment chamber 10 under excess pressure, as explained below.

To fill the container, it is raised, 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 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 2 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 is 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 can be achieved by means of a Figure 1 valve not shown in the wall of the treatment chamber 10 take place. Alternatively or additionally, 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 2 when the filling element 20 is in the filling position. In this way, the closure 2 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.

• a) Evakuieren des Behälters auf einen Unterdruck P_low;
• b) Einfüllen des Füllprodukts in den Behälter, vorzugsweise unter einem Überdruck;
• 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;
• d) Aufbringen des Verschlusses 2 auf die Behältermündung und Verschließen des Behälters, ohne vorherige Entlastung auf Umgebungsdruck;
• 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:

• a) evacuating the container to a negative pressure P _low ;
• b) filling the filling product into the container, preferably under an overpressure;
• 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;
• d) applying the closure 2 to the container mouth and closing the container without prior release to ambient pressure;
• f) Venting of the treatment chamber 10 and removal of the container for further processing (e.g. labeling, packaging, etc.).

The terms "underpressure" and "overpressure" are 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 P _high is 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 Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a device 100 for filling a container 200 with a multi-component filling product.

The device 100 has a base reservoir 110 for a base liquid, which can also be viewed as the main product, as well as a filling device 1 with a filling member 20 as described above. The filling device 1 is in the Figure 2 for the sake of clarity only shown schematically, in particular without treatment chamber 10 and without closure member 30.

The base liquid and any dosage components, which can be mixed in via a fluid system described below, are introduced into the container 200 via the filling element 20. The basic liquid is, for example, water or beer. The dosage components can include, for example, syrup, pulp containing liquids, pulp, flavorings, etc.

The device 100 has a base line 120 which is set up for the introduction of the base liquid into the filling element 20 and into which the dosage components can be introduced. Further lines, not shown here, also referred to as "secondary lines", can be provided in order to mix in different amounts and / or further dosage components.

For this purpose, the base line 120 has a base line 121 which extends from the base reservoir 110 to the filling element 20. The base line 121 is equipped with a flow meter 122. The flow meter 122 is preferably a contactless, for example an inductive, measuring device for determining the liquid flow, volume flow, the transported mass or the like passing through the flow meter 122.

The section of the base line 121, which is located between the flow meter 122 and the filling valve 23, is referred to as a dosing space 22a or contains one. The metering space 22a is set up to measure the metering components to be introduced by means of backward displacement, as described below.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, two metering branches 124, 125 open into the metering space 22a. The two metering branches 124, 125 each have a metering reservoir 124a, 125a, a fluidically connected metering line 124b, 125b and a metering valve 27, 28 which brings the associated metering line 124b, 125b into fluid connection with the metering chamber 22a in a switchable manner.

With the selection of the nominal widths of the metering chamber 22a, the flow meter 122 and / or the metering branches 124, 125, a metering range for the baseline 120 is established.

The dosing and filling process is described below using the device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG Figure 2 described:
The base line 120 is rinsed with the base liquid at the beginning of each filling cycle, as a result of which the associated metering space 22a is filled with the base liquid when the filling element 20 is closed. When filling the dosing space, the associated flow meter 122 can measure the flow of base liquid in the forward direction, ie the filling direction. In this way, the desired total filling volume of the metering space 22a can be determined and set.

The metering components are then introduced into the metering chamber 22a by opening the corresponding metering valves 27, 28. The dosage components can be introduced simultaneously or one after the other. The introduction of the dosing components has the result that part of the base liquid is displaced backwards out of the dosing space 22a. Here, the backward flow is detected by the flow meter 122. The dosing valves 27, 28, which can be designed as pure shut-off valves or also as controllable shut-off valves, remain open until the desired volume of the dosing component (s) has been filled into the dosing space 22a. For this purpose, the flow meter 122 and the valves of the device 100 are communicatively connected to a control device (not shown in the figures), which determines the time of opening / closing or generally the switching behavior of the components involved on the basis of the detection results of the flow meter 122. It should be noted that the amount of each individual dosage component can be accurately measured with just one flow meter 122 can be determined by introducing different dosage components of a line one after the other.

In the subsequent filling phase, above in relation to the Figure 1 stated, the metering space 22a is emptied into the container 200, whereby the line is completely flushed.

The reservoirs 110, 124a, 125a for the base liquid and the dosage components can each be subjected to a gas pressure in the head space, either separately or together, in order to ensure the necessary pressure difference for the delivery of the corresponding fluids. Alternatively or additionally, the static heights of the reservoirs 110, 124a, 125a can be selected such that the pressure differences enable the dosage components to be introduced into the base liquid.

The introduction and dimensioning of the dosage component (s) carried out in this way by means of backward displacement enables precise dosage to be achieved. The sudden filling due to the pressure difference between the underpressure container 200 and the underpressure filling product not only accelerates the filling process, but also optimal rinsing of the filling element 20 can be achieved, which effectively prevents the carryover of flavors or filling product residues .

The technology presented here for fast and reliable filling of containers 200 by container and type also allows the filling product to be carbonated individually. The carbonation level can be adjusted in different ways:
According to a preferred embodiment, the desired carbonic acid content is determined by the content of CO ₂ in the container 200 before filling. This is possible because the container 200 is brought _{to the negative pressure P low before filling.} If the container 200 is _{flushed with CO 2} before evacuation, the carbon dioxide content can be set individually, in particular according to type and container, by setting P _low. So that a variation in the negative pressure P _low does not affect the duration of the filling process, the positive pressure with which the filling product is introduced into the container 200 can be adjusted accordingly. The overpressure is preferably selected such that the pressure difference between it and P _low remains approximately constant for different P _{low which determine the CO 2 content.}

The carbonic acid content can alternatively or additionally by direct introduction of CO ₂ into the metering space 22a and / or into the container 200 during filling or at the end of the Filling process in the head space of the container 200 can be set. For this purpose, the gas line 24 and the gas valve 25, a metering valve 27, 28 or another device of the filling element 20 can be set up to introduce the CO ₂ from a CO ₂ source into the filling product. Alternatively or additionally, the base liquid and / or one or more of the dosage components can be mixed with CO ₂ , so that the type-specific mixing of the components also leads to a type-specific CO ₂ content.

If the internal pressure of the treatment chamber 10 is generated by carbon dioxide or a gas containing carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide can also be added to the filling product in the container in this way after filling. By selecting the overpressure in the treatment _{chamber 10, the CO 2} content in the filling product can thus be adjusted by container and type.

In this way, almost any carbon dioxide content can be set individually, in particular according to type and / or by container. Different filling products with different carbonic acid contents can be filled at the same time. Almost any number of flavors can be filled in a highly flexible manner, individually for each container, without significant flavor carry-over or the like. A change in the basic liquid, such as an adjustment of the water quality, can be omitted when changing types, which means that any discharge quantities can be minimized. For example, water only has to be made available as a base liquid of one quality (e.g. still or carbonated). Several systems can also be supplied with the same water quality, regardless of which types are filled in them. In this case, it is not absolutely necessary to focus on the filling product with the lowest carbon dioxide content. In addition, still filling products can be filled in parallel to carbonated filling products. The high pressure difference in the system during the filling process optimizes the flushing of the filling element 20, as a result of which any product or aroma carry-over into subsequent containers is prevented or at least minimized. Since, in addition, no return gas has to be discharged from the container 200 during filling, no aroma can get into the system, in particular the product kettle, via this route either.

With regard to the metering, no container 200 has to be in contact with the filling element 20 during the metering phase, since the metering or mixing is not carried out during filling but in the metering space 22a. The time for dosing can be used synergistically for transporting the container. The concept presented here can thus be used both for linear indexing machines with one or more filling stations and for rotary machines. In the case of rotary machines, the containers 200 can leave the carousel again after only a small angle of rotation.

The flow meter 122 always has only the base liquid flowing through it, i.e. in most cases water. This means that the media properties do not change and the line system is not contaminated by different fluids in these areas.

The mechanical engineering effort to implement the device 100 is justifiable, since the line system can be implemented by pipes or hose lines with a few valves and only one single flow meter (per line). Complicated geometries do not have to be built in, as a result of which the device 100 is easy to clean and maintain. The risk of constipation is low. The device 100 is also suitable for metering highly viscous fluids.

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.

List of reference symbols

1

Filling device

2

Clasp

10

Treatment chamber

20th

Filling organ

21

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

100

Device for filling a container with a multi-component filling product

110

Base reservoir

120

Baseline

121

Base line

122

Flow meter

124

First dosage branch

124a

Dosage reservoir of the first dosage branch

124b

Dosing line of the first dosing branch

125

Second dosage branch

125a

Dosage reservoir of the second dosage branch

125b

Dosage line of the second dosage branch

200

container

Claims (15)

Filling device (1) for filling a container (200) with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant, comprising: a filling element (20), which has a gas line (24) _{to evacuate the container (200) to be filled to a negative pressure (P low} ), and a filling product line (22) to take a filling product from a base reservoir (110) under positive pressure to be introduced into the evacuated container (200); and at least one metering feed line, preferably metering valve (27, 28), which is set up to introduce a metering component from a metering reservoir (124a, 125a) into the filling product line (22). Filling device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a treatment chamber (10) is provided into which the container (200) to be filled can be at least partially introduced for evacuation and filling, which can be sealed from the external environment and has a gas supply which is set up to generate an overpressure in the treatment chamber (10). Filling device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the filling element (20) has an opening section (25) and is set up so that the opening section (25) for evacuating and filling the container in the treatment chamber (10) is sealed with it Fluid communication can be brought about, the filling member (20) being at least partially displaceable for this purpose. Filling device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a closure member (30) is provided which is designed to receive a closure (2) and the container (200) in the treatment chamber (10) after filling with the To close the closure (2). Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two metering feed lines, preferably metering valves (27, 28), are provided which are set up to introduce one metering component into the filling product line (22), the one metering feed line ( 27) with a dosage reservoir (124a) of a first dosage branch, which is set up to provide a first dosage component, is in fluid connection or can be brought, and the other dosage feed line (28) with a dosage reservoir (125a) of a second dosage branch, which is set up, a second To provide a dosage component, which preferably differs from the first dosage component, is in fluid connection or can be brought. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has means for introducing carbon dioxide into the filling product line (22) and / or into the container (200). Filling device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it is set up to flush the container (200) with carbon dioxide before evacuation, preferably via the gas line (24), and then to set the container (200) to a variable negative pressure (P _low ) in order to adjust the carbon dioxide content in the filled filling product. Filling device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it is set up to adapt the excess pressure with which the filling product is introduced into the container (200) to the negative pressure (P _low ), preferably so that the pressure difference between the Overpressure and the underpressure (P _low ) remains essentially constant. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a flow meter (122) which is arranged on the filling product line (22) and is set up to meter the amount of fluid passing through the flow meter (122) in the filling product line (22) determine; Device (100) for filling a container (200) with a filling product which has a base liquid and at least one dosage component, preferably in a beverage filling plant, the device (100) having: a base reservoir (110) configured to provide the base liquid; at least one filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims; a base line (120) with a base line (121) which brings the base reservoir (110) into fluid communication with the filling product line (22) of the filling element (20), a flow meter (122) connected to the base line (121) between the base reservoir ( 110) and the filling element (20) is arranged and set up to determine the amount of fluid passing through the flow meter (122) in the base line (121); and at least one metering branch (124) which is set up to introduce a metering component into the filling product line (22) via the metering feed line. A method for filling a container (200) with a filling product which has a base liquid and at least one dosage component, preferably in a beverage filling plant, the method comprising: Introducing the base liquid into a filling product line (22) of a filling element (20); Introducing at least one dosage component into the filling product line (22); Evacuating the container to be filled (200) to a negative pressure (P _low ); and Introducing the filling product from the base liquid and the dosage component under an overpressure from the filling product line (22) into the evacuated container (200). Method according to claim 11, characterized in that
the container (200) to be filled is at least partially introduced into a treatment chamber (10) for evacuation and filling;
the filling element (20) has an opening section (25) which, for evacuating and filling the container (200), is brought into sealing fluid communication therewith in the treatment chamber (10);
the treatment chamber (10) is sealed off from the external environment and is brought to an overpressure; and
the container (200) is closed with a closure (2), preferably in and under the excess pressure of the treatment chamber (10). Method according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that carbon dioxide is introduced into the filling product line (22) and / or into the container (200). Method according to claim 13, characterized in that
the container (200) is purged with carbon dioxide prior to evacuation; and then
the container (200) is _{evacuated to a negative pressure (P low} ), the negative pressure (P _low ) being variably adjustable in order to adjust the carbon dioxide content in the filled product, wherein
preferably the overpressure with which the filling product is introduced into the container (200) is _{adapted to the underpressure (P low} ), preferably so that the pressure difference between the overpressure and the underpressure (P _low ) remains essentially constant. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, carried out by means of an apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises: Providing the base liquid through the base reservoir (110); Introducing the base liquid from the base reservoir (110) into the filling product line (22); Introducing the metering component from the metering branch (124) into the filling product line (22), the flow meter (122) determining the amount of fluid passing through the flow meter (122) in the base line (121) for metering in the metering component; and Emptying the filling product line (22) into the container (200).

Images