WO2018137811A1

WO2018137811A1 - Filling system for filling containers with a liquid content

Info

Publication number: WO2018137811A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/080196
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath; Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch; Bernd Bruch
Original assignee: Khs Gmbh
Priority date: 2017-01-30
Filing date: 2017-11-23
Publication date: 2018-08-02
Also published as: DE102017101687A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling system for pressure-filling containers (2) with a liquid content. At least one first and second lifting device (HE1, HE2) are provided for the axial displaceability of the return gas pipe (10), said lifting devices being used to initiate a first and a second lifting and/or lowering movement (HB1, HB2) independently of each other onto the return gas pipe (10), which is received within a first and a second lifting and/or lowering section (HA1, HA2), and the return gas pipe (10) is received in the first and second lifting and/or lowering section (HA1, HA2) by at least one respective bellows (12, 13) so as to be surrounded in an air and/or liquid-tight manner.

Description

Filling system for filling containers with a liquid product

The present invention relates to a filling system for filling containers with a liquid product according to the preamble of claim 1.

In current filling machines or filling systems, which are used in particular for wine and sparkling wine and in which the filling height is adjusted according to the so-called Trinox method using each formed as a Trinox tube return gas tube to the filling elements, is currently for a manual or automatically adjustable filling height adjustment or formation required axial adjustment of the height adjustment of the designed as a Trinox tube return gas tube secured by a sterilizable shelter within the housing of the filling element used. Nevertheless, even with this training can not be avoided that moves in the height adjustment, the Trinox tube with an upper part length of an unsterile in a sterile area of the filling element, which in many cases already because of the risk of even alleged contamination of the contents with germs from the environment is not accepted. In principle, this problem could be solved by protecting the adjustment range of the Trinox tube, ie the part length of this return gas tube protruding upwards from the respective filling element, by a bellows surrounding this functional element or a bellows seal. But then there is the problem that bellows, whose length exceeds a certain amount, tend to buckle during movements. This behavior also occurs in particular when the relevant bellows seal is subjected to changing pressures, in particular negative pressure, in the interior. Bellows seals, which are optimally designed to withstand, for example, a negative pressure inside, usually have a certain dimensional ratio in relation to the inner diameter, the size of the extendable length change, the wall thickness, the maximum negative pressure, on the choice of material, etc. on. It follows that in the Manufacturers or operators of a device or machine for producing and / or treating containers a variety of different bellows seals would have to be stored, which would represent a significant cost. The object of the invention is to show a filling system for filling containers with a liquid product, which overcomes these disadvantages and allows over the prior art more flexible height adjustment of the return gas pipe. To solve this problem, a filling system according to the features of claim 1 is formed. The subclaims relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The essential aspect of the filling system is to be seen in that at least one first and one second lifting device are provided for axial displacement of the filling height determining return gas pipe, by means of which each independently a first and a second lifting and / or lowering movement to within a first and the second lifting and / or lowering portion recorded return gas pipe can be introduced, and that the return gas pipe in the first and second lifting and / or lowering portion of each at least one bellows air and / or liquid-tight is added. Particularly advantageous is the so that beyond the top of the Füllelementgehäuses protruding free end portion of the return gas pipe, by means of at least two bellows against the outside atmosphere protected.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the first and second lifting and / or lowering sections each extend vertically along a common filling element axis. In this case, preferably, the end of the return gas pipe facing away from a discharge opening can be accommodated firmly in the second lifting and / or lowering section. According to a preferred embodiment variant, the at least one first bellows of the first lifting and / or lowering section can be arranged in its longitudinal extent coaxially or substantially coaxially with respect to the filling element axis. Preferably, it can also be provided that the at least one second bellows of the second lifting and / or lowering section is arranged coaxially or substantially coaxially with respect to the filling element axis in its longitudinal extension. Again advantageously, a first carrier element can be provided between the first lifting and / or lowering section and the second lifting and / or lowering section. In this case, the at least one first bellows may preferably be provided in a sealed manner between the upper side of the filler element housing and the first carrier element, in such a way that the first bellows forms a first annular space sealed against the outer atmosphere between the first carrier element and the upper side of the filler element housing.

Preferably, it can also be provided that the second lifting and lowering section is provided between the first carrier element and a second carrier element, wherein the return gas tube is fixedly arranged on the second carrier element.

Advantageously, the at least one second bellows sealed between the first support member and the second support member may be provided, in such a way that the second bellows forms a second relative to the outer atmosphere sealed annulus between the first support member and second support member.

According to a preferred embodiment, it can also be provided that the second annular space of the second lifting and / or lowering section is gas- and / or liquid-tight with a third gas channel via a first gas channel formed in the first carrier element and an adjoining first line

Ring channel is connected. Advantageously, in this embodiment, moreover, the first annular space of the first lifting and / or lowering portion via a second line gas and / or liquid-tight with a, the second support member associated and provided in a local valve block control valve may be connected.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that a second annular channel via a third line gas and / or liquid-tight with one, the second support member associated and provided in a local valve block control valve is connected.

The first carrier element may also preferably have at least one opening for the vertical passage of a tube sleeve fixedly arranged on the filler element housing, wherein the tube sleeve may be arranged coaxially or substantially coaxially with respect to the filler element axis in its longitudinal extent.

Again advantageously, the first support member may have a coaxially extending around the opening in the direction of the second support member pipe section, which may be arranged coaxially in its longitudinal extension or substantially coaxially with the Füllelementachse.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the first carrier element is designed to be vertically displaceable by means of the first lifting device and / or the second carrier element can be displaced by means of the first and / or second lifting device.

Finally, it can also be provided that the second carrier element is designed to be relatively displaceable relative to the first carrier element by means of the second lifting device.

"Container" are in the context of the invention in particular cans, bottles, barrels, KEGs, tubes, pouches, each made of metal, glass and / or plastic, but also other packaging, which are suitable for filling liquid or viscous products.

"In sealing position with the treatment head or filling element befindlicher container" means in the context of the invention that the respective container in the manner known to those skilled with its container mouth tightly pressed against the treatment head or to the filling element or to a local seal.

The term "essentially" or "approximately" or "approx." In the context of the invention means deviations from the exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by + 1. 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of an embodiment. 1 shows a simplified representation and in section a filling element of a

Filling system according to the invention

Fig. 2 in a simplified representation and in section another

Embodiment of a filling element of a filling system according to the invention

Fig. 3 in a simplified representation and in section a filling element of a

Filling system according to the embodiment of Figure 2. In the figures, 1 denotes a filling element for filling containers 2, for example in the form of bottles, with which the individual containers 2 can be filled with a liquid filling material. The filling element 1 is provided in the manner known to the person skilled in the art together with a plurality of similar filling elements 1 on a rotor 3 of a filling machine or a filling system which can be driven circumferentially about a vertical machine axis MA and forms, inter alia, a liquid channel 4 in a filling element housing 1 .1 the container 2 communicates with a liquid space 5.1 of a common for all filling elements 1 liquid boiler 5 on the rotor 3 and which forms a discharge opening 6 on the underside of the filling element 1, via which, controlled by a Liquid valve 7, the liquid product is discharged into the in sealing position on the filling element 1 and standing on a container carrier, not shown, container 2 is discharged. For this purpose, the container 2 can bear tightly against the filling element 1 with its container mouth via a seal of a centering cone in the region of the dispensing opening 6, ie, in sealing position with the respective container carrier associated with the filling element 1. In the liquid channel 4, a liquid valve 7 formed by a valve body 7.1 is provided in the flow direction of the filling material in front of the discharge opening 6. The valve body 7.1, which cooperates with a valve surface in the liquid channel 4, is arranged on a gas pipe 18 which is arranged coaxially with the vertical filling element axis FA and acts as a valve tappet. The open towards both end face gas pipe 18 terminates with a first open end above the bottle mouth or protrudes through the discharge opening 6 on the underside of the filling element 1 and thus extends during the actual filling phase in the head space of the respective container 2, while the second open free end face opens into a gas space 18.1.

Furthermore, different gas paths or gas channel systems are formed in the Füllelementgehäuse 1 .1, which have a plurality of controlled gas paths with associated control valves 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3. These, in the illustrated embodiment pneumatically actuated control valves 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3, are part of a control valve assembly, which - as known in the art - for controlling different filling process or their process or filling phases are used. Namely also by controlled connection of gas paths of Gaswege- or gas duct system with three ring channels 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, namely a first annular channel 3.1, a second annular channel 3.2 and a third annular channel 3.3, which for the filling elements 1 .1 together on the rotor. 3 are provided and of which the second annular channel 3.2 is connected via a line, not shown, with a gas chamber 5.2 of the liquid vessel 5, so that the annular channel 3.2 also contains the contained in the gas chamber 5.2 Intertgas under pressure. In this case, it may in particular be provided that the first annular channel 3.1 as a vacuum channel, the second annular channel 3.2 as a clamping gas channel and the third annular channel 3.3 are designed as a relief channel. Each filling element 1 also comprises an in its axial direction, ie in a vertical Füllelementachse FA adjustable tubular return gas pipe 10, which in the embodiments shown in the figures is the filling height, ie the height of Füllgutspiegels in the container 2 at the end of the filling process determining tube. This return gas pipe 10 is arranged coaxially with the Füllelementachse FA and enclosed by the gas pipe 18 at a distance. The return gas pipe 10 is open at both ends and probe-shaped and extends during filling over the lower open end of the gas pipe 18 into the container opening of the arranged in sealing position on the filling element 1 container 2 in its interior. This split structure, with the division of the bellows in an upper area with lifting device for extending and retracting the return gas pipe and a lower area, for adjusting the filling level and the corresponding separating intermediate ring or support member 14, is also for a filling valve with a Trinox Function analogous executable and suitable.

The return gas pipe 10 is sealed, but axially displaceably passed through the Füllelementgehäuse 1 .1 and stands with a partial length 10.1 on a top 1 .2 of the Füllelementgehäuses 1 .1 addition. In other words, therefore, the return gas pipe 10 with the partial length 10.1 projects beyond the top side 1 .2 of the filler element housing 1 .1. In order to prevent that in a vertical height adjustment (double arrow A), ie a lifting and / or lowering movement of the return gas pipe 10 along the longitudinal extension of the Füllelementachse FA from the outer environment germs with the return gas pipe 10 into the interior of the Füllelementgehäuses 1 .1, ie In particular, get into local gas and liquid paths or spaces, which is between the Füllelementgehäuse 1 .1 and an upper valve block 1 1 extending part length 10.1 of the return gas pipe 10 air-tight and / or liquid-tight manner.

In this case, the invention provides that for the axial displacement of the return gas pipe 10 at least a first and a second lifting HE1, HE2 are provided, by means of which each independently a first and a second lifting and / or lowering HB1, HB2 within a first and second lifting and / or lowering section HA1, HA2 recorded return gas pipe 10 can be introduced. In this case, the return gas pipe 10 in the first and second lifting and / or lowering portion HA1, HA2, so at least over the top of the 1 .2 of the Füllelementgehäuses 1 .1 protruding part length 10.1, each of at least one bellows 12, 13 enclosed air and / or liquid-tight. At least one first bellows 12 is provided in the first lifting and / or lowering section HA1, which is arranged with its longitudinal extent coaxially or substantially coaxially with the filling element axis FA, while in the second lifting and / or lowering section HA2 at least one further, second bellows 13 is provided, which is also arranged with its longitudinal extent coaxially or substantially coaxially with the Füllelementachse FA.

The at least one first bellows 12 is arranged with its first free end side close to the top 1 .2 of the Füllelementgehäuses 1 .1, while this with its first free end opposite the second free end side tightly connected to a first support member 14 and fixed to this is arranged. In this case, the lower end of a fluid-tight annular space 19 formed by the first bellows 12 is in fluid-tight communication with the gas space 18.1 via a gas path with the second annular channel 3.2 or the control valve 8.2 assigned to this second annular channel 3.2. Furthermore, the first carrier element 14 is designed to be vertically displaceable by means of the first lifting device HE1, preferably along the filling element axis FA.

In this case, the first carrier element 14 has an opening 16 for the sealed vertical passage of a tube sleeve 15 and of the return gas tube 10 extending inside the tube sleeve 15, in particular its partial length 10.1. For this purpose, the tube sleeve 15 is guided through the opening 16 at a arranged in the region of the opening 16 seal 17, for example a sealing ring, sealingly through the opening 16. Furthermore, the carrier element 14 has a coaxially around the opening 16 in the direction of a second support member 20 extending tubular portion 14.1, which is provided in its longitudinal extent coaxially or substantially coaxially with the filling element axis FA.

The pipe section 14.1 can in particular be formed in one piece or in one piece with the first carrier element 14. Preferably, the inner diameter of the Pipe section 14.1 dimensioned such that the pipe section 14.1 encloses the outer diameter of the pipe sleeve 15 at a radial distance of a few, for example from 2 to 40mm. Particularly preferably, a coaxial structure with respect to the filling element axis FA thus arises between the return gas pipe 10, the pipe sleeve 15 and the pipe section 14.1 over the longitudinal extent of the pipe section 14.1.

The first bellows 12 forms in its interior the extending along the Füllelementachse FA and sealed against the outer atmosphere of the first annular space 19, in which the return gas pipe 10 is sealed with the tubular part enclosing over the partial length 10.1 tubular sleeve 15 received and in its longitudinal extent also coaxially or is arranged substantially coaxially with the filling element axis FA, so that the return gas pipe 10 and the pipe sleeve 15 thus form a coaxial structure within the first annular space 19. It may be advantageous that the tube sleeve 15, the return gas pipe 10 radially spaced, with a distance of a few, for example, from 2 to 40mm encloses.

The tubular sleeve 15 is connected with its first, the discharge opening 6 facing open free end fixed to the Füllelementgehäuse 1 .1, and arranged on this and provides on this open free end in particular a fluid connection via the gas space 18.1 with the gas pipe 18 ago. The length of the tube sleeve 15 is dimensioned such that it extends in the sealing position on the filling element 1 container 2 during the filling phase to over the opening 16 of the first support member 14 and only in the region of the pipe section 14.1 with its second open free end.

Furthermore, in the first carrier element 14, a first and second gas channel 14.2 and 14.3 are formed, or provided. The first gas channel 14.2 can connect the control valve 8.3 of the third annular channel 3.3 to a second lifting and / or lowering section HA2 associated second annular space 21 of the second bellows 13 gas and / or liquid-tight manner via a first flexible, fluid-tight line 41. Consequently, the second gas channel 14.3 can be gas-tight and / or liquid-tight, the first annulus 19 via a second flexible conduit 42 with one, the second support member 20 associated and provided in a local valve block 1 1, control valve 44 connect.

The first carrier element 14 is thereby by means of the first lifting device HE1 vertically displaceable, ie raised and / or lowered, formed. For example, the first and / or second lifting device HE1, HE2 can be designed as a linear drive, preferably as a retractable and extendable pneumatic cylinder device. In particular, the first lifting and / or lowering movement HB1, which can be generated by the first lifting device HE1 and indicated by a double arrow, runs along a first lifting axis H1, which is arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the filling element axis FA or machine axis MA. The first lifting device HE1, for example, between a fixedly provided on the rotor 3 component, in particular an annular channel, preferably the third annular channel 3.3, and the first support member 14 arranged, so be firmly connected, be. For example, designed as a pneumatic cylinder first lifting device HE1 with its piston rod fixed to a top of the third annular channel 3.3 and its cylinder tube directly or indirectly arranged on the first support member 14, so be firmly connected, be. At the top of the first support member 14, the at least one second bellows 13 is dense with its first free end, in particular the tube section 14.1 arranged centrically and spaced surrounding, while the second bellows 13 with its second free end side opposite the first free end side close to the Bottom of the arranged on the second support member 20 valve block 1 1 is attached. The second carrier element 20 is in this case by means of the first and / or second lifting device HE1; HE2 formed vertically displaceable, and preferably along the Füllelementachse FA. In particular, the second carrier element 20 by means of the second lifting device HE2 relatively vertically displaceable, ie liftable and / or lowered, formed to the first support member 14. For example, the second lifting device HE2 for this purpose as a linear drive, preferably as a retractable and extendable pneumatic cylinder device may be formed. In particular, the second lifting and / or lowering movement HB2, which can be generated by the second lifting device HE1 and indicated by a double arrow, runs along a second lifting axis H2 arranged parallel or substantially parallel to the filling element axis FA or machine axis MA and the first lifting axis H1. The second lifting device HB2 can, for example, be arranged between the first and the second carrier element 14 and 20, that is to say be fixedly connected to these components. For example, designed as a pneumatic cylinder device second lifting device HB2 with its piston rod fixed to the second support member 20 and its cylinder tube directly or indirectly arranged on the first support member 14, that is fixedly connected to the second support member 14, be. The second bellows 13 forms in its interior an extending along the Füllelementachse FA and sealed against the outer atmosphere second annulus 21, in which at least the return gas pipe 10 with this (pipe section 10) sleeve-like enclosing tubular portion 14.1 received sealed and in its longitudinal extent are also arranged coaxially or substantially coaxially with the filler element axis FA, so that the return gas pipe 10 and the pipe section 14.1 thus form a coaxial structure within the second annular space 21 along the Füllelementachse FA.

At the bottom of the formed as a valve block 1 1 second support member 20, the return gas pipe 10 is fixedly disposed, that is firmly connected to the underside of the valve block 1 1, so that the return gas pipe 10 via the first and / or second lifting HE1, HE2 lifting and is formed or lowered. Further, the underside of the valve block 1 1 and a Füllelementachse FA concentrically enclosing, preferably in diameter to the diameter of the pipe section 14.2 corresponding annular seal 45, which is the open free end of the pipe section 14.2 in the lowered state of the second lifting and / or lowering HA2 (shown in Figure 3) against the second annulus 21 seals. In this case, the valve block 1 1 associated open free end of the return gas pipe 10 via an intermediate throttle device in the control valve 44 open, which in turn guided in a design as Trinox valve in turn via a non-illustrated flexible conduit into the gas chamber 5.2 of the liquid vessel 5 fluid-tight is.

During the actual filling phase, the second lifting and / or lowering section HA2 is preferably in its lowered position (shown in FIG. 3), in which the annular seal 45 comes into contact with the open end side of the pipe section 14.1 in a sealing manner. Preferably, the first lifting device HE1 is adapted to set the level of contents in the container 2 and thus the exact filling material height of the liquid filling material in this container 2 via a first lifting and / or lowering HB1. Consequently, this takes place in that the relative distance between the second lifting and / or lowering section HA2 located in its lowered position HA2 and the discharge opening 6 is adjustable via the first lifting and / or lowering movement HB1 and thus ultimately determines how far the return gas pipe 10 in the head space of the voltage applied to the filling element 1 container 2 with lowered lifting and / or lowering HA2 ranges. In particular, this determines how far the return gas pipe 10 projects beyond the open free end of the gas pipe 18. In other words, therefore, the first lifting and / or lowering section HA1 forms a vertically adjustable stop for the lowered position of the second lifting and / or lowering section HA2 and thus determines how far the return gas pipe 10 is extended out of the gas pipe 18. Preferably prevails during the actual filling phase in the first and second annular space 19, 21 preferably a normal ambient pressure corresponding to or slightly above the normal ambient pressure lying pressure. In particular, the second annular space 21 is separated in the normal filling operation of gas paths, but filled with a sterile gas and / or vapor medium, particularly preferably with a clamping gas from the second annular channel 3.2. Furthermore, the filling element 1 but is designed so that both the first, and the second annulus 19, 21 during cleaning and disinfection of the filling machine and the filling elements 1, preferably in the so-called. CIP cleaning of the liquid cleaning and Traversed by the disinfection medium can. The provided in the valve block 1 1 control valve 43 is then open during normal filling operation when gas is to be discharged via the return gas pipe 10. In a design according to the Trinox principle, the control valve 43 provided in the valve block 11 is then opened during the normal filling operation, gas and / or filling material is to be discharged from the container 2 via the return gas pipe 10 and returned to the liquid vessel 5, for example, in the final adjustment of the filling level in the container 2 via the designed as Trinox tube return gas pipe 10th

During cleaning and / or disinfection of the filling machine and the filling elements 1 and in particular also of the respective annular spaces 19, 21 all control valves 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 and 43 are opened simultaneously or in alternating sequences, so that the liquid cleaning and / or disinfecting medium, for example enter the annular spaces 19, 21 via the gas paths formed in the filling element 1, flow through them and then can flow back. In particular, during cleaning and / or disinfection, the first and second annular spaces 19 and 21 are connected via the opening 16 of the first carrier element 14 for the cleaning and / or disinfecting medium. For this purpose, the first lifting and / or lowering HA1 is raised by means of the first lifting device HE1 in its cleaning position RP, in which the seal 17 is out of sealing engagement with the tube sleeve 15, that is pushed over the upper free end of the tube sleeve 15. The second lifting and lowering section HA2 is preferably extended to its maximum allowable stroke in the cleaning position RP, the at least one second bellows 13 so stretched so that all possible slats of the first and second annulus 19, 21 of the flowing cleaning and / or disinfecting medium. Thus, both the first and the second lifting device HE1, HE2 are in their extended position in the cleaning position RP.

Figures 2 and 3 show a further embodiment of a filling element 1a according to the invention in which, in contrast to the second flexible conduit 42 of the embodiment of Figure 1, a third flexible conduit 52 from the valve block 1 1 not in the second gas channel 14.3 of the first support member 14, but is guided in the second annular channel 3.2. In addition, the third annular channel 3.3 is formed without control valve 8.3 and opens directly via a gas channel in the first annular space 19 of the first bellows 12. In addition, the embodiment of the filling member 1 a of Figures 2 and 3, one formed in the first support member 14 and a control valve 50 switchable gas path 51, via which the first annular space 19 of the first lifting and lowering section HA1 with the second annular space 21 of the second lifting and lowering section HA2 is connectable. Furthermore, the second annular channel 3.2 is thus connected via the third fluid-tight, flexible conduit 52 gas- and / or liquid-tight with a, the second carrier element (20) associated and provided in a local valve block (1 1) control valve (44).

In general, the flexible conduits are made of or lined with a plastic material, ideally they are formed from or lined with a material which is very easy to sanitize, such as TPFE (Teflon).

The division into two lifting devices is due to the presence of two different functions. The fill level is adjusted by means of the first drive H1 by specifying the position of the lower end of the return gas tube at its maximum downward extended position (see FIG. 3). This is done by an annular element (14) is adjusted in its height via the drive H1, to which the devices for controlling the process gases and the recordings of the second lifting devices are mounted on the entire circumference. In order to achieve this, a total of three to new drive units H1 on the filler gyroscope are generally sufficient, depending on the size of the machine. This setting is made, before the beginning of the filling, to the required filling level and is not changed during the filling operation. The second drive H2 then serves to pull out the return gas pipe in the proper filling operation after completion of the respective filling process from the bottle so that the smallest possible bottle stroke sufficient to connect the bottle from the filling valve or to the filling valve. The advantage is that such a simple and inexpensive lifting devices for a short bottle lift can be used. The drive H2 is either a pneumatic drive, which can be moved into an upper or lower end position, or is an electric motor with which intermediate positions would be possible to shorten strokes and thus save time. The drive H2 is required once at each filling point.

The advantage of blocking the Faltenbalgraumes 21 via the seal 45 in the immersed in the bottle gas return tube is that thereby only a smaller space must be filled with CO2 during biasing and thus inert gas can be saved.

The invention has been described above by means of an embodiment. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without thereby departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 a filling element

1 .1 filler housing 1 .2 top

2 containers

3 rotor

3.1 first ring channel 3.2 second ring channel 3.3 third ring channel 4 liquid channel 5 liquid boiler

5.1 liquid space 5.2 gas space

6 discharge opening 7 liquid valve

7.1 Valve body

8.1 control valve

8.2 Control valve

8.3 control valve

10 return gas pipe

10.1 partial length

1 1 valve block

12 first bellows 13 second bellows 14 first support member 14.1 pipe section 14.2 first gas channel 14.3 second gas channel 15 tube sleeve

16 opening

17 seal

18 gas pipe 18.1 gas space

19 first annulus

20 second carrier element

21 second annulus

41 first line

42 second line

44 control valve

45 ring seal

50 control valve

51 gas path

52 third line FA filling element axis

H1 first stroke axis

H2 second stroke axis

HA1 first lifting and / or lowering section

HA2 second lifting and / or lowering HB1 first lifting and / or lowering

HB2 second lifting and / or lowering movement

HE1 first lifting device

HE2 second lifting device

MA machine axis

Claims

claims

1 . Filling system for filling containers (2) with a liquid filling material, comprising at least one liquid kettle (5) providing the filling material and at least one filling element (1) for the controlled delivery of the filling material into the container (2) arranged in sealing position on the filling element (1) in a filling phase of filling,

wherein the respective filling element (1) has an at least partially in a Füllelementgehäuse (1 .1) recorded and along a vertical Füllelementachse (FA) controlled axially displaceable return gas pipe (10) which at least with a partial length 10.1 on a top (1 .2) the Füllelementgehäuses (1 .1) protrudes,

wherein the return gas pipe (10) forms a flow path communicating with the container interior, via which gas and / or vapor medium displaced from the container (2) can be discharged as return gas, characterized

in that at least one first and one second lifting device (HE1, HE2) are provided for the axial displaceability of the return gas pipe (10) by means of which a first and a second lifting and / or lowering movement (HB1, HB2) are respectively independently of one another and second lifting and / or lowering portion (HA1, HA2) recorded return gas pipe (10) can be introduced, and that the return gas pipe (10) in the first and second lifting and / or lowering portion (HA1, HA2) of at least one bellows ( 12, 13) is enclosed air-tight and / or liquid-tight.

2. Filling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second lifting and / or lowering portion (HA1, HA2) each extend vertically along a common Füllelementachse (FA).

3. Filling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the one discharge opening (6) facing away from the end of the return gas pipe (15) is firmly received in the second lifting and / or lowering portion (HA2).

4. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first bellows (12) of the first lifting and / or lowering portion (HB1) is arranged in its longitudinal extension coaxially or substantially coaxially with the Füllelementachse (FA).

5. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second bellows (13) of the second lifting and / or lowering portion (HB2) is arranged in its longitudinal extension coaxially or substantially coaxially with the Füllelementachse (FA).

6. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the first lifting and / or lowering portion (HB1) and the second lifting and / or lowering portion (HB2), a first support member (14) is provided.

7. Filling system according to claim 6, characterized in that the first carrier element (14) by means of the first lifting device (HE1) is designed to be displaceable.

8. Filling system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least one first bellows (12) sealed between the top (1 .2) of the Füllelementgehäuses (1 .1) and the first support member (14) provided such that the first bellows (12) forms a first relative to the outer atmosphere sealed annular space (19) between the first support member (14) and the top (1 .2) of the Füllelementgehäuses (1 .1).

9. Filling system according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the second lifting and lowering portion (HB2) between the first support member (14) and a second support member (20) is provided, wherein on the second support member (20) Return gas pipe (15) is fixed.

10. Filling system according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the second carrier element (20) by means of the first and / or second lifting device (HE1, HE2) is designed to be displaceable.

1 1. Filling system according to claim 10, characterized in that the second carrier element (20) by means of the second lifting device (HE2) is designed to be relatively displaceable relative to the first carrier element (14).

12. Filling system according to one of claims 6 to 1 1, characterized in that the at least one second bellows (13) sealed between the first

Carrier element (14) and the second carrier element (20) are provided such that the second bellows (13) forms a second relative to the outer atmosphere sealed annular space (21) between the first carrier element (14) and second carrier element (20).

13. Filling system according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the second annular space (21) of the second lifting and / or lowering portion (HA2) via a in the first carrier element (14) formed first gas channel (14.2) and a adjoining first line (41) is gas- and / or liquid-tight with a third annular channel (3,3), and wherein the first line (41) is designed as a flexible hose.

14. Filling system according to one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the first annular space (19) of the first lifting and / or lowering portion (HA1) via a second line (42) gas and / or liquid-tight with one, the second Support member (20) associated and provided in a local valve block (1 1) control valve (44) is connected, and wherein the second conduit (42) is designed as a flexible hose.

15. Filling system according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that a second annular channel (3.2) via a third line (52) gas and / or liquid-tight with one, the second support member (20) associated and in a local valve block ( 1 1) provided control valve (44) is connected.

16. Filling system according to one of claims 6 to 15, characterized in that the first carrier element (14) has at least one opening (16) for vertically passing a on the Füllelementgehäuse (1 .1) fixedly arranged tube sleeve (15), wherein the tube sleeve (15) is arranged coaxially or substantially coaxially with respect to the filling element axis (FA) in its longitudinal extent.

17. Filling system according to one of claims 6 to 16, characterized in that the first carrier element (14) has a coaxially around the opening (16) in the direction of the second carrier element (20) extending tubular portion (14.1), the same axis in its longitudinal extent or is arranged substantially coaxially with the Füllelementachse (FA).