EP0979797A1 - Filling system - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

The invention relates to a filling system for filling bottles or the same container with a liquid filling material.

Filling systems of this type are known in a wide variety of designs, in particular are also systems for an unpressurized filling, systems for a filling and Back pressure according to the single-chamber principle and a filling under back pressure the three-chamber principle.

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

To achieve this object is a system according to claim 1 educated.

The system according to the invention enables pressure-free filling and permits continue with little additional effort, ultimately only by changing the Control program for a filling under counter pressure according to the one-chamber filling principle as well as a filling under counter pressure according to the three-chamber principle.

Developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

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

Fig. 2

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

Fig. 3

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

Fig. 4

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

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures using exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

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

Fig. 2

the filling element of Figure 1 in its use for an unpressurized filling;

Fig. 3

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

Fig. 4

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

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

On the circumference of the ring bowl 1 are at regular angular intervals Machine axis distributed filling elements 3 are provided, each together with a liftable and lowerable bottle carrier 4 form a filling point, for filling the each stand up with its bottom on the bottle carrier 4 and with it its mouth 5 against the filling element 3 bottles 6.

The filling elements 3 are designed as long tube filling elements and have an over the underside of the filler element housing 7 or via a formed there Centering element 8 with seal 9 protruding down filling tube 10, which at on the filling element 3 attached bottle 6 inside this bottle up to the vicinity of Bottom of the bottle is enough. In the housing 7, a liquid channel 11 is formed, the one end via a passage 12 with the interior 2 of the ring bowl 1 in Connection is established. The other end of the liquid channel is inside the Housing 7 with the upper end of the filling tube 10 open at both ends in connection. Furthermore, the liquid channel 11 is formed by a valve body with a tappet Liquid valve 13 is provided, which via the plunger by means of a pneumatic Actuating device 13 'can be actuated.

The housing 7 also includes a gas channel 14 is formed, which in a filling pipe 10th concentrically enclosing and open in the centering element 8 or on the seal 9 annular opening 15 merges. Via the opening 15, the gas channel 14 is at one sealed to the filling element 3 in the sealed position bottle 6 to the outside with the interior of the bottle.

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

Control valve 16

On the input side:

Via a channel 19 with the liquid channel 11, namely in Area between the liquid valve 13 and the filling pipe 10, i.e. in the flow direction of the filling material after the liquid valve 13.

Output side:

With one end of a channel 20, the other end in the Gas channel 14 opens.

Control valve 17

On the input side:

With one end of a channel 21, the other end with one formed in the ring bowl 1 and for all filling elements 3 common first ring channel 22 is connected.

Output side:

With the gas channel 14.

Control valve 18

On the input side:

With one end of a channel 23, which with its other Ends in the gas channel 14.

Output side:

With one end of a channel 24, which with its other End with a trained in the ring bowl 1 and for everyone Filling elements 3 of the filling machine common second ring channel 25 communicates.

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

Another channel 27 formed in the housing 7 connects the channel 24 to the Gas channel 14. A second throttle 28 and a are in series in channel 27 Pressure control valve 29 provided. The latter is also designed so that it is for a Closes flow from channel 24 into gas channel 14, a flow in reverse Direction allows as long as the pressure difference across the valve above a predetermined Threshold lies. Like the liquid valves 13, the control valves 16 are also - 18 computer controlled, i.e. these valves are dependent on the Control program of a central computer or a central control device of the Filling machine controlled. This control device is generally 46 in the figures designated.

As FIG. 1 also shows, the actuating device 13 'has one Limiting cylinder 13 '', which can be operated pneumatically and also individually is controlled by the central control device 46 of the filler. In FIG. 1 is this limiting cylinder in the non-activated state, so that at corresponding activation of the actuating device 13 'the liquid valve full can be opened. If the limiting cylinder 13 ″ is activated, it forms it a stop for the plunger of the liquid valve 13 in such a way that Liquid valve 13 with activated actuating device 13 'only with one restricted valve lift, i.e. only partially or with a reduced cross-section is open.

The filling system described consists of the filling elements 3 and the ring bowl 1 with the interior 2 and the ring channels 22 and 25 has u.a. the advantage that with various filling methods are possible, namely an unpressurized filling (Figure 2), a one-chamber pressure filling (Figure 3) and a three-chamber pressure filling, and that the switch between these individual filling processes without big effort essentially only by changing the control program for the control of the liquid valves 13 and control valves 16-18 of the filling element 3 is possible.

With the filling system you can choose between still drinks, but also for example Products containing CO2 are filled. There are different filling machines for this not necessary anymore.

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

The pneumatically actuated control valves 16 - 18 as well as the Actuators 13 'for the liquid valve are each via membranes perfectly sealed.

Another advantage of the filling system described is that Interior 2 of the ring bowl 1 completely during operation with the liquid Filling material is filled, so that it is particularly difficult to fill even when hot Removing deposits in the interior 2 of the ring bowl 1 are avoided as they in conventional filling systems in the ring bowl at the phase boundary between the liquid Fill material and the gas space above.

In the case described below in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3 Filling process is the interior 2 of the ring bowl 1 with an outer one separately the filling machine arranged reservoir 30 connected to the liquid filling material is filled up to a level N, which is clearly above the maximum Level of the product level in the bottle 6 lies on the filling element 3. Through a Level controller 31, which among other things a level meter 32 and a control valve 33 in one Has supply line 34 for the liquid filling material, the level N becomes constant held. The flawless constancy of the level N in the container 30 is also due to the ensures relatively large product surface in the container 30, even with very high product throughputs, as is the case with high-performance fillers.

For pressureless filling or filling under atmospheric conditions the constant level N also results in a very constant static pressure of the filling material in the interior 2 of the ring bowl and thus an even, reproducible filling speed in all filling phases and good filling qualities as well exact filling levels.

In the interior of the reservoir 30, spray heads are also provided, so that the Interior of the container 30 fully included in the CIP cleaning of the filler can be.

For single-chamber pressure filling, i.e. e.g. when filling with CO2 An additional pressure regulator 35 is provided on the container 30 for beverages under pressure, namely consisting essentially of a pressure gauge 36 for measuring the Gas pressure in the gas space above the level N and from one of the pressure gauge 36 regulated control valve 37 in a supply line 38 which in the gas space of Container 30 opens above the level N and with a source for a pressurized standing inert gas is connected, for example, CO2 gas.

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

The gas space of the boiler 30 formed above the level N is still above one separate channel 39 with the ring channel 22 in connection. Via this channel 39 e.g. prestressing the bottles 6 in the single-chamber pressure filling. At this The channel 39 is also filled with pressure, for example for the relief and for the Return gas discharge used during the ongoing filling, in particular for products containing CO2 that have high microbiological stability.

When filling silent, microbiologically perishable products the relief and the return gas discharge via channel 39 preferably only then, if an inert gas supply is provided during filling.

The following are first the unpressurized filling and the one-chamber pressure filling described in more detail, which are possible with the system of Figures 2 and 3.

1. Unpressurized filling under protective gas (low-germ filling).

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

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

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

This variant of the method, in which, according to FIG a pressure regulator 40 is connected to a source of a protective gas or inert gas and a slight protective gas overpressure is thus regulated in the ring channel 25 following process steps:

1.1. Lift the bottle up to the filling element and flush with protective gas

Immediately after the respective bottle 6 at the bottle inlet of the filling machine is positioned below the relevant filling element 3, it is e.g. against the bottle chest holder 41, which is provided at each filling position is contained and centered below its mouth. Not yet against that Filling element 3 raised, i.e. at with the mouth 5 from the bottom of the Filling element spaced bottle, but already in the interior of the Bottle 6 reaching filling tube 10 flows over the two opened Control valves 16 and 18 from the ring channel 25 via the channels 24, 26, 19 and 14 Flushing or protective gas both at the lower open end of the filling tube 10 (arrow A 2), as well as at the annular opening 15 (arrow B of FIG. 2).

When the bottle 6 is raised further and the bottle becomes increasingly deeper penetrating filling tube 10 becomes a large part of the contained inside the bottle 6 Air is replaced by the sterile purge gas and germs contained in the bottle 6 are displaced to the outside. This rinsing process continues until the bottle 6 is in its top position, i.e. with its mouth 5 from that of the centering element 8 formed bell-shaped protective space 8 'is included, with a small distance between mouth 5 and seal 9. The upper system for the Bottle forms holder 41. Bottle 6 remains in this position until completion the filling.

2.2. Slow filling

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

About the opened with the restricted valve lift liquid valve 13 and Filling tube 10 flows the filling material into the interior of the bottle at a reduced speed 6 and hits the bottom of the bottle gently. Until the immersion of the lower one The end of the filling tube 10 in the rising level of the product remains the slow one low turbulence filling exist. Actuation of the mouth 5 with protective gas is not necessary here, since the filling material coming in from the bottle 6 displaced gas prevents the ingress of outside air, especially since Bottle mouth 5 is received in the bell-like shelter 8 '.

1.3. Quick fill

The limiting cylinder 13 ″ is deactivated in a time-controlled manner, so that when it continues activated actuator 13 'fully opens the liquid valve 13 and thus the Filling the generally cylindrical, uncritical middle part of the bottle 6 with a high one Filling speed takes place. This results in a high overall Filling capacity. The duration of this quick fill phase is again time-controlled, namely through a bottle-related time specification.

1.4 Brake filling

In the narrowing bottle neck, the Filling speed to the value of slow filling (section 1.2.). To do this via the control, the limiting cylinder 13 '' is activated again, so that the Liquid valve 13 is in turn opened with the limited stroke.

During this brake filling, the product level rises with a uniform surface and without significant foam formation on the integrated in the filling tube 10 Level probe 10 'approach. Bubbles that e.g. can come from the quick fill rise to the surface.

The underlaying filling via the long filling tube 10 itself foam-intensive products ensure that at the end of the filling process no foam or only small amounts of foam are present on the product level. this makes possible also a very precise and reproducible determination of the fill level by the probe 10 'and thus excellent filling level accuracy. After the probe has responded 10 ', the liquid valve 13 is closed.

1.5. Filling and mouth with protective gas

With the closing of the liquid valve 13, the open bottle mouth also ends 5 protective gas flow from each bottle 6. To continue one Maintaining the protective function opens the immediately after filling Control valve 18, so that a via the gas channel 14 and the ring opening 15 Flushing gas flows into the protective space 8 'surrounding the mouth 5.

1.6. Lower the bottle and empty the filling tube

As soon as the bottle 6 is lowered through the bottle plate 4, the bottle is opened Control valve 18 also opens the control valve 16 so that throttled by the nozzle 26 in turn purge gas continues to emerge from the ring opening 15 on the one hand and on the other hand reaches the filling pipe 10 via the gas channel 14 and the channels 19 and 20, so that the Fill material remaining in the filling tube when lowering bottle 6 cleanly into this bottle expires. The gas for filling tube ventilation does not come from the surrounding area Atmosphere, but from the ring channel 25 supplied with the inert or protective gas.

1.7. Apply protective gas to the filling element

Flaschen anheben und mit Schutzgas spülen" (Ziffer 1.1.) aufrechterhalten.After the bottle 6 has been completely lowered from the filling element and guided away from the corresponding filling position at the bottle outlet of the filling machine, the filling tube 10 and the protective space 8 ', in particular also in the area of the ring opening 15 there, and the outer surface of the filling tube 10 in the area of the protective space 8 'continues to flow around with the protective or inert gas. For this purpose, the control valves 16 and 18 remain open. In order to ensure that all critical areas on the filling element 3 are completely shielded from ambient air and any germs present there, this state remains as a new method step even after a new bottle 6 has been introduced into the filling point formed by the filling element 3 in question

Lift bottles and flush with protective gas "(section 1.1.).

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

The method variant described above is also particularly suitable for Filling of still beverages in PET bottles or in other containers or bottles, the thin-walled for reasons of cost or to reduce the empty weight are executed and have a reduced resilience, in particular also none Allow pressing against a filling element with higher forces. It is also suitable this process variant described above, in particular for hot filling of beverages in PET bottles, their dimensional stability and thus axial resilience increasing temperature decreases. A firm pressure of the respective bottle 6 with its mouth 5 to the respective filling element is in the above Process variant described, in particular also by the training of Filling elements 3 as long tube filling elements are not required. The respective bottle 6 can stand freely on the bottle carrier 4 and is only by the holder 41st held. Due to the inert gas exposure described above, a Contamination in particular of the mouth area and the interior of the each bottle 6 effectively prevented by germs from the environment. Will the Holder 41 used, it is also ensured that it is during the entire filling process with no direct contact between the respective bottle 6 and the filling tube 10 and the centering element 8 or the surfaces there is coming.

2 pressure filling via container 30

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

This procedure is particularly suitable for

• Lemonades and soft drinks (e.g. cola drinks)
• carbonated mineral water
• carbonated fruit drinks.

According to FIG. 3, the gas space in the boiler 30 is in this variant of the method above the level N with a regulated overpressure, namely with e.g. CO2 gas or a CO2-air mixture. Furthermore, this Process variant of the ring channel 25 used as a relief channel and is with the Atmosphere connected.

This process variant comprises the following steps:

2.1. Press the bottle onto the filling element

After the bottle 6 is lifted by the bottle carrier 4, the mouth 5 seals gas-tight on the filling element 3. All control valves 16 - 18 and that Liquid valve 13 are closed.

2.2. Preload

The respective pretensioning takes place via the channel 39 and the ring channel 22 Bottle 6 from the gas space of the container 30 Control valve 17 opened for a predetermined period of time so that CO2 gas over the Channel 21, the opened control valve 17 and the gas channel 14 reaches the bottle 6. The duration of the opening of the control valve 17 depends on the volume the bottle 6 and the pressure in the container 30 chosen so that during this Preload time is a pressure equalization between the bottle 6 and the container 30.

2.3. Slow filling

When the control valves 16-18 are closed, the liquid valve 13 is not at activated limit cylinder 13 '' fully open. The liquid filling material flows with it reduced flow rate through the filling tube 10 into the bottle 6 and hits there again soft and low turbulence on the bottle bottom. The low one Filling speed is achieved in that the filling material flowing in from the interior of the bottle 6 displaced air-CO2 mixture via the throttle 28 and the pressure control valve 29 only throttled in the channel 24 and through this in the Relieving unpressurized, i.e. ring channel at atmospheric pressure 25 can flow. This slow filling phase is maintained until that the lower end of the filling tube 10 is immersed in the ascending level.

The slow filling is ended by a time specification.

2.4. Quick fill

The cylindrical middle part of the respective bottle 6 is made with a higher one Pouring capacity filled. For this, the control valves 16 and 18 are closed Control valve 17 opened so that an additional, unthrottled gas path in the as Tension gas channel serving and connected to the gas space of the container 30 Ring channel 22 is made. Furthermore, there is a throttle 28 and that Pressure control valve 29 a gas path to the ring channel 25.

The filling speed during the rapid filling phase essentially results from the static product height, which is set in the container 30. Under Taking into account the respective volume of bottle 6 or taking into account This type of bottle is filled with the bottle for a certain period of time is determined by a time limit.

2.5. Brake and correction fill

In the narrowing bottle neck, the filling speed is reduced to Value of the filling phase (section 2.3.) Withdrawn. For this, the control valve 17th closed, so that the air-gas mixture displaced from the bottle 6 in turn throttled by the throttle 28 and via the pressure control valve 29 into the ring channel 25 flows. Bubbles in the filling phase due to turbulence have now formed quickly rise to the surface of the filling material. The The product level finally reaches foam-free and with a smooth surface appearance the probe 10 '.

2.6. Filling and preliminary relief

As soon as the rising product level has reached the probe 10 ', this becomes the Closing the liquid valve 13 causing signal.

After closing the liquid valve 13 there is still a throttled Connection via the throttle 28 to the ring channel 25. That in series with the throttle 28 arranged pressure control valve 29 is set so that the pressure in the bottle neck degrades to a predetermined pressure level. This pressure level is there preferably noticeably below the CO2 saturation pressure of the filled product.

In this pre-relief and calming phase, all of the contents rise formed relief bubbles quickly to the surface. The one in the headspace of the Bottle 6 maintained by the valve 29 slight overpressure against the Atmosphere prevents significant foam formation.

Compared to conventional relief and calming methods, this offers controlled, pressure-controlled preloading the advantage that it is faster and runs more evenly and also an undesirable foam formation in the headspace Bottle is severely restricted. The relieving and calming down takes place again by a specified time period.

2.7 Residual relief

For this residual relief, the control valves 16 and 17 are closed Control valve 17 opened so that the head space of the bottle 6, i.e. the interior of the Bottle 6 above the product level via the throttle 26 with the ring channel 25 is connected. The throttle 26 ensures a gentle pressure reduction. Since the Outlet pressure for this residual relief is already well below the filling pressure and is preferably also below the CO2 saturation pressure, forms in the Remaining relief only to a small, negligible extent additional Foam in the headspace of the bottle. Spray losses are avoided.

2.8. Lower the bottle and empty the filling tube

Once the interior of the bottle is 6 atmospheric or near Has reached atmospheric pressure, and the bottle 6 with the bottle plate 4 lowered is, the control valve 16 is opened so that a gas connection between the Filler tube 10 and the annular opening 15 to the atmosphere is made and thus the filling material located in the filling tube can flow off the bottle 6 cleanly.

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

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

This process variant is particularly suitable for the following products:

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

In this variant of the method, the filling system is shown in FIG. 4 Shape used. Here, the ring channel 22 used as the clamping gas channel is over a pressure regulator 42 in the supply line 43 with a source for an under Pressurized fresh tension or inert gas, for example CO2 gas. In this variant of the method described in detail below, for Prestressing the respective bottle 6 so only fresh inert gas from the Ring channel 22 (span gas channel) removed. This is a high Inert gas concentration, for example CO2 concentration in the bottle 6 during guaranteed the filling process. The oxygen absorption in the product (beverage) is correspondingly low. It also ensures that no gas that is already in was a bottle 6, flows back in a gas space that is in contact with the contents stands. All gases displaced by the filling material flowing into a bottle 6 pass through the ring channel 22, which is directly connected to the atmosphere immediately into the atmosphere. Contamination from multiple uses Gas proportions can therefore be practically excluded.

The filling material is directly connected to the supply line 43 with pressure regulator 45 Interior 2 of the ring bowl 1 supplied, in such a way that this interior 2nd again is completely filled with the filling material and without a gas space. The pressure regulator 42 and 44 are set so that the filling pressure in the interior 2 is a small, constant value lies above the pressure in the ring channel 22 (clamping gas channel). For this are the two pressure regulators 42 and 44 together in the illustrated embodiment connected.

Specifically, this process variant comprises, in which the container 30 is not used the following process steps:

3.1. Press the bottle onto the filling element

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

3.2. Prestressing over the bottle neck

For this purpose, the control valve 17 is opened, so that from the ring channel 22 and through the Channels 21 and 14 a connection between the interior of the bottle 6 and the Channel 22 is established. The bottle 6 is with fresh inert gas on the regulated Biased pressure of the ring channel 22.

3.3. Slow filling

When the control valves 16-18 are closed, the liquid valve 13 is opened. The Limiting cylinder 13 '' is not activated, so that the liquid valve 13 is full is opened. About the constantly open, throttled connection that the Connection channel 27 is formed with the throttle 28 and the valve 29, which flows from the inflowing filling material from the bottle 6 into the annular channel 25 (Return gas duct). The pressure control valve 29 is practical in this process step without influence.

The filling material flows into the bottle through the filling pipe 10 at a reduced speed 6 and in turn hits the bottle bottom softly and with little turbulence. The flow or Filling speed in this filling phase is through the cross section of the Throttle 28 determined.

The filling phase with little turbulence and bubbles ends after immersing the filling pipe 10 in the ascending level, according to one bottle-related time specification.

3.4. Quick fill

To increase the filling speed in the uncritical and mostly cylindrical The central part of the bottle 6, the control valve 18 is opened, so that now over both Throttles 26 and 28 are connected to the ring channel 25 (gas channel). The duration the quick fill phase is in turn determined by a bottle-related time specification.

3.5. Brake filling

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

3.6. Filling and preliminary relief

After the liquid valve 13 is closed, the pressure in the bottle 6 builds up via the pressure control valve 29 to that set with this valve Pre-relief pressure. This pre-relief pressure is set so that it for example, is close to or even significantly below the CO2 saturation pressure underneath.

Bubbles that form in the filling material during pressure reduction then rise quickly on. The regulated, slight overpressure (pre-relief pressure) prevents one significant foam formation. This is used for sensitive drinks Pre-relief pressure according to a time specification for a preselectable time maintained to further soothe the drink and foam in Keep limits. This method is particularly advantageous if carbonated drinks can be filled at higher temperatures.

3.7. Relieve the rest

After completion of the pre-discharge, the control valve 18 is opened so that the Pressure in the bottle 6 via the throttle 26 to the pressure in the ring channel 25, i.e. on Reduced atmospheric pressure. Because of the low outlet pressure at This residual relief hardly forms even with sensitive drinks Foam. Spray losses are avoided.

3.8. Lower the bottle and empty the filling tube

For emptying the filling pipe 10, the control valve 16 is opened, with which one Connection to the filling pipe 10 via the gas channel 14 to the annular opening 15 and so that when the bottle 6 is lowered to the atmosphere. That in the filling pipe 10 still existing product thus flows immediately when the bottle 6 is lowered this off.

In all of the above-described process variants, brake filling is carried out after Responding to the probe 10 'for example by closing the liquid valve 13 a time delay, which is preferably also with a filling machine running over a corresponding input set and / or changed on an operator terminal can be, which then a correction of the level is possible.

As described above, the holder 41 is in the filling principle Pressureless filling under protective gas "so that it centers the respective bottle 6 with respect to the filling tube 10 or its axis and keeps the bottle 6 attached to the filling element 3 with its mouth at a distance from the seal 9, while with the filling principles One-chamber pressure filling "and Three-chamber pressure filling "the holder 41 serves to center the respective bottle 6, but this is pressed against the seal 9 of the filling element 3 when it is filled with its mouth 5 in a sealing position.

The filling system according to the invention has been described above for three very different ones Process variants explained. All process variants are, for example common that time specifications, in particular also bottle and / or product-related Time specifications on the operating unit of the filling machine or the control device 46 of this filling machine individually adjustable and / or in the control device 46 can be set by entering the bottle type and / or the type of product for example, taking into account a memory of the control device 46 stored data.

Reference list

1

Ring bowl

2nd

Ring boiler room

3rd

Filling element

4th

Bottle plate

5

Bottle mouth

6

bottle

7

Filler housing

8th

Centering element

8th'

Shelter

9

poetry

10th

Filling pipe

10 '

probe

11

Liquid channel

12th

Passage

13

Liquid valve

13 '

Actuator

13 ''

Limiting cylinder

14

Gas channel

15

opening

16-18

Control valve

19-21

channel

22

Ring channel

23, 24

channel

25th

Ring channel

26

Throttle or nozzle

27

channel

28

Throttle or nozzle

29

Pressure control valve

30th

container

31

Level control

32

Level meter

33

Control valve

34

supply line

35

Pressure regulator

36

Pressure gauge

37

Control valve

38

supply line

39

channel

40

Pressure regulator

41

holder

42

Pressure regulator

43, 44

supply line

45

Pressure regulator

46

Control device

Claims (31)

Filling system for filling bottles or similar containers (6) with a liquid filling material, with several filling elements (3), with a filling chamber (2) common to at least one group of filling elements (3), with a first and second gas chamber (22, 25) common to at least one group of filling elements (3), with a liquid channel (11) in a housing (7) of each filling element (3), which is connected to the filling chamber (2) and opens into a filling tube (10) forming a discharge opening for the filling material, which is connected to the filling element ( 3) projecting container system and / or centering (8, 9), with a liquid valve (13) in the liquid channel (11), which can be actuated individually via an actuating element (13 ') by a central control device (46) at least for a group of filling elements (3), specifically for opening in the filling phase and for closing at the end of the filling phase, with a gas channel (14) in the housing (7) of each filling element (3), which is connected to a gas channel opening (15) provided on the container system (9) and offset from the filling pipe (10) which is connected to the container interior when the container (6) is attached to the filling element (3) in the sealing position, and with at least one first, second and third control valve, each individually controllable by the control device (46), for controlling gas paths formed in the housing (7) of each filling element (3), A first control valve (16) is connected on the input side via a first gas path (19) to a region of the liquid channel (11) following the liquid valve (13) in the flow direction of the filling material, characterized in that the first control valve (16) is on the output side the gas channel (14) is connected such that a second control valve (17) is connected on the input side to a second gas path (21) leading to the first gas chamber (22) and on the output side to the gas channel (14) that a third control valve (18) on the input side to the gas channel (14) and on the output side to a third gas path (24) leading to the second gas chamber (25), that between the gas channel (14) and the third gas path (24) or the second gas chamber (25) A fourth gas path (27) is provided, which has a pressure control valve (29) which, when the differential pressure at the pressure control valve (29) exceeds a predetermined threshold value, for a St opens from the gas channel (14) into the third gas path (24) or into the second gas chamber (25). Filling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling chamber (2) the chamber of a rotating around a vertical machine axis and the Filling elements (3) having ring bowl (1). Filling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first Gas chamber and the second gas chamber are annular channels (22, 25) in one Rotor of a filling machine rotating design are formed. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the actuating element (13 ') of the liquid valve (13) can be controlled in such a way that the liquid valve (13) can assume at least three states, namely a first closed state for blocking the liquid channel (11), one second state, in which the liquid valve (13) with a reduced cross section is opened, and a third state in which the liquid valve (13) is fully open. Filling system according to claim 4, characterized in that the liquid valve (13) one in an axial direction, for example in the direction of one Filler element axis has displaceable valve body through which Actuator (13 ') is movable, and that the actuator (13 ') has a limiting element (13' '), which by the Control device (46) can be activated such that there is only one in the activated state allows limited movement of the valve body. Filling system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the Actuating element (13 ') a pneumatic actuating element, for example is a cylinder, and that the limiting element is also pneumatic actuatable limiting cylinder (13 ''). Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the control valves (16-18) pneumatically actuated valves, preferably valves that can be actuated by diaphragms or diaphragm valves. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the pneumatic actuator (13 ') and the pneumatic actuable control valves (16 - 18) each via electro-pneumatic valves from the control device (46) can be controlled. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a holder (41) on each filling element (3), which is attached to the filling element raised and attached container (6) with respect to the axis of the Filling element or the filling tube (10) centered. Filling system according to claim 9, characterized in that the holder (41) is such is controllable that he the container (6) with its mouth (5) at a distance from the container system (9) stops. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the respective filling element (3) is one with a long filling tube (10). Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that on the underside of the housing (7) of each filling element (3) a bell-like Element (8) is provided, which within a to the bottom of the Filling element (3) open protective space (8 ') forms the container system (9). Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the threshold value of the pressure control valve (29) on the difference between Relief pressure and atmospheric pressure is set. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that in the third gas path (24) a first throttle (26) to reduce the Flow cross section is provided. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that in the fourth gas path (27) in series with the pressure control valve (29) at least a second throttle (28) is provided to reduce the flow cross section is. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the product chamber (2) with an additional, preferably external Storage container (30) is connected to the liquid product up to one predetermined level (N) is filled, which is at least the same, but preferably is higher than the level of the top of the product chamber (2), above of the level (N) in the reservoir (30) a gas space is formed, and that the first gas chamber (22) via a fifth gas path (39) with the gas space in Storage container (30) is connected. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that on the reservoir (30) a level controller (31) for keeping the constant Levels of the product level is provided in this container. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that for a pressureless filling of the container (6) under protective gas, the second Gas chamber with a source of a protective gas with regulated (40) pressure connected is. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that in the connection between the second gas chamber (25) and the source for the pressurized protective gas is provided with a pressure regulator (40). Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that for a pressure-free filling of the container (6) under protective gas, the control valves (16 - 18) and the actuating element (13 ') of the liquid valve (13) through the Control device (6) can be controlled in such a way that for rinsing the container especially in the interior as well as in the area of the container mouth (5) and third control valve (16, 18) for an escape of the purge gas from the second Gas chamber (25) at the lower end of the filling tube (10) and at the Gas channel opening (15) are open. Filling system according to claim 20, characterized in that for a first slow filling, for a subsequent quick filling and a final one Brake filling at the container mouth from the container system (9) spaced Container (6) the control device (46) the actuating element (13 ') first for moving the liquid valve (13) into the second state (opening with reduced cross section), then for moving the liquid valve (13) in the third state (fully open), then for moving the Liquid valve (13) in the second state (opening with reduced Cross section) and then finally for moving the liquid valve (13) in controls the first state (closing the liquid valve) (first state). Filling system according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that for Empty the filling pipe with the liquid valve (13) closed the first and third control valve (16, 18) can be opened. Filling system according to one of claims 20 - 22, characterized in that by the control device (46) before pulling the container (6) from Filling element (3) by opening the third control valve (18) with the protective space (8 ') the protective gas from the second gas chamber (25) can be acted upon. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that for a filling of the container (6) under back pressure according to the one-chamber filling principle the gas space of the additional storage container (30) with a source is connected for a compressed gas. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that in the connection between the compressed gas source and the gas space of the Supply container (30) a pressure regulator (35) is provided. Filling system according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the second Gas chamber (25) is open to the atmosphere. Filling system according to one of claims 24-26, characterized in that the Control valves (16 - 1 8) and the actuating element (13 ') through the Control device (46) can be controlled in such a way that in a pretensioning phase Biasing the interior of the with the mouth (5) in a sealing position against the Filling element (3) adjacent container (6) to manufacture the second control valve opened a connection between the gas channel (14) and the second gas path is that for a slow filling with closed control valves (16 - 18) the liquid valve (13) is fully opened for subsequent connection Quickly fill the second control valve (17) to establish a connection between the gas channel (14) and the first gas chamber (21) is opened, and that for a subsequent brake filling and a preliminary relief all Control valves (16 -18) are closed and after the brake filling of the Liquid valve (13) for the subsequent preload on one Relief pressure is brought into the first state. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that for filling the container (6) under back pressure according to the three-chamber filling principle the product chamber (2) via a pressure regulator (45) with a source for a pressurized filling and the first gas chamber (22) over a further pressure regulator (42) with a source for a pressurized Tension gas are connected, the pressure regulators (42, 45) being set such that the filling pressure in the filling chamber (2) is equal to or preferably greater than the span gas pressure in the first gas chamber (22), and that the second gas chamber (25) serves as a relief chamber and preferably with the atmosphere connected is. Filling system according to claim 28, characterized in that the Actuating element (13 ') for the liquid valve (13) and the control valves (16 -18) can be controlled by the control device (46) in such a way that for the pretensioning of the container (6) brought into the sealing position with the filling element (3) second control valve (17) is opened for slow filling closed control valves (16-18) the liquid valve (13) is opened, that for the subsequent quick filling the third control valve (18) for manufacture an additional connection from the interior of the container to the second Gas chamber (25) is opened, and that then for a brake filling third control valve (18) closed and for preloading when closed Control valves (16-18) the liquid valve (13) is closed. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the closing of the liquid valve (13) after the response of a filling height determining probe (10 ') with a time delay takes place. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that in individual filling phases the opening and / or closing of the control valves (16 - 18) and / or the liquid valve (13) in each case by a predetermined time certain period of time takes place, and that the timing at the control device (46) are adjustable or set.

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