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EP3481765B1 - Method for filling containers - Google Patents

Method for filling containers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3481765B1
EP3481765B1 EP17730799.8A EP17730799A EP3481765B1 EP 3481765 B1 EP3481765 B1 EP 3481765B1 EP 17730799 A EP17730799 A EP 17730799A EP 3481765 B1 EP3481765 B1 EP 3481765B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filling
phase
container
sensor device
respective container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17730799.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3481765A1 (en
Inventor
Ludwig Clüsserath
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KHS GmbH
Original Assignee
KHS GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by KHS GmbH filed Critical KHS GmbH
Priority to SI201731357T priority Critical patent/SI3481765T1/en
Publication of EP3481765A1 publication Critical patent/EP3481765A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3481765B1 publication Critical patent/EP3481765B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/007—Applications of control, warning or safety devices in filling machinery
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/28—Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves
    • B67C3/282—Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves related to filling level control
    • B67C3/284—Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves related to filling level control using non-liquid contact sensing means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for filling containers with a liquid filling material using a filling machine with a plurality of filling positions each formed on a filling element with at least one filling valve.
  • Such methods for filling containers with a liquid filling material are known in different versions, in particular for pressure filling, whereby in these known methods the actual filling phase, which can consist, for example, of at least two partial phases in the form of a fast filling phase and at least one slow filling phase, has at least one Rinsing phase and / or prestressing phase precedes in which the interior of the container with a purge gas, d.
  • a purge gas d.
  • Inert gas flushed or with a tension gas (inert gas) is biased.
  • free-jet filling or “free-jet filling” is understood to mean a filling process in which the liquid filling material flows towards the container to be filled from the liquid valve in a free filling jet or filling material jet, with the flow of the filling material not being restricted by guide elements such as deflection screens, Swirl body, short or long filling tubes is influenced or changed. Jet filling can be done without pressure or under pressure.
  • the container In the case of pressureless free-jet filling, the container is at ambient pressure, with the container mouth or opening generally not lying against the filling element, but rather being at a distance from the filling element or from a discharge opening provided. If the container mouth is in contact with the filling element during pressureless free jet filling, a gas path establishes a connection between the interior of the container and the environment, which enables pressureless filling. Preferably, the gas contained in the container and displaced by the beverage flowing into the container also escapes into the environment via this gas path.
  • the container is pressed with its mouth against the filling element and sealed, the pressure in the interior of the container is adjusted to this pressure, which deviates from the ambient pressure, by applying a tension gas or by applying a negative pressure, which pressure can be both above and below the ambient pressure.
  • the respective container to be filled is filled in a sealing position against the filling element and is usually filled before the actual filling phase, i. H. before opening the liquid valve, via at least one controlled gas path in the filling element, with a pressurized tension gas (inert gas or CO2 gas), which is then increasingly displaced as return gas from the interior of the container during filling by the filling material flowing into the container, likewise via at least one controlled gas path formed in the filling element.
  • This prestressing phase is preceded by further treatment phases, namely the evacuation and/or flushing of the respective container interior with the inert gas, e.g. B. CO2 gas, in an evacuation phase and / or flushing phase.
  • each container can be filled with a predetermined volume of liquid filling material (volume filling) in the filling phase.
  • the empty bottle volume of glass bottles very often fluctuates over a wide range due to the manufacturing process, so that different filling heights can also occur when using glass bottles for the free-jet filling designed as a volume filling.
  • a method for filling containers has become known in which, during the filling phase, the respective container is first filled with a predetermined amount or with a predetermined volume (volume filling) and then refilled as a function of a sensor signal, so that the level of the liquid filling material in all containers corresponds to a specified filling level. Refilling takes place only if, after filling the volume, the predetermined filling level has not been reached or there is a deviation from a target filling level that exceeds a predetermined level.
  • a sensor device can be used which is provided in a stationary manner on a movement path on which the containers are moved after they have been filled to volume.
  • the filling machine is designed as a filling machine with a rotor revolving around a vertical axis and with a large number of filling positions provided on this rotor as a movement path, then the end point of the filling process is shifted in relation to the 360° rotor depending on the current performance (filled containers per hour) of the filling machine.
  • the liquid product always flows into the container to be filled at a constant volume flow (litres per hour).
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for filling containers with a liquid filling material, with which these disadvantages are avoided and with which the target filling level is reliably recorded independently of the current performance of the filling machine and the respective container with a sufficient quantity of liquid filling is filled.
  • This object is achieved with the features of patent claim 1.
  • the dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous developments of the invention.
  • the essential aspect of the present invention is to be seen in providing a method for filling containers with a liquid product using a filling machine with a plurality of filling positions each configured on a filling element with at least one filling valve, in which the respective container is received at a corresponding filling position and moves in the transport direction at least along a filling section between a filling section inlet and a filling section outlet at an adjustable conveying speed and at least in a filling phase with a constant volume flow of liquid filling is filled.
  • a regulated or controlled volume flow with the same filling times could also be provided.
  • the filling phase is started when the filling position reaches the filling section inlet, while at a conveying speed that falls below the maximum conveying speed, the starting time of the filling phase is delayed by a defined waiting time, which in the direction of transport occurs in terms of time and location after the filling section inlet has been passed through from the filling position is reached.
  • the start time of the filling phase is particularly advantageously delayed by a maximum waiting time at a minimum conveying speed.
  • the start time of the filling phase is set as a function of the constant volume flow of liquid filling material.
  • the start time of the filling phase can also be set as a function of a pressure profile over time in the respective container, which this has during a filling process with a rinsing and/or evacuation phase preceding the filling phase and a relief phase following.
  • the starting time of the filling phase can be set as a function of a flow rate profile over time of liquid filling material in the respective container during the actual filling phase.
  • the geometry and/or size of the respective container can also advantageously be detected with a second sensor device upstream of the rotor in the transport direction.
  • the starting time of the filling phase is set taking into account the geometry and/or size of the respective container detected by the second sensor device.
  • the first sensor device in the stationary detection area can preferably be used to record an actual fill level of the respective container and compare it with a target fill level, and any deviation between the actual and target fill level can be used to initiate the necessary filling of the respective container until its target fill level is reached.
  • the first sensor device can detect the target filling level of a plurality of containers at the same time.
  • image data of at least the target filling level of at least one container can be recorded in the stationary detection area of the first sensor device.
  • substantially in the context of the invention means deviations from the exact value by +/-10%, preferably by +/-5% and/or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.
  • the filling machine is used in particular for free-steel filling of containers 2 in the form of PET or glass bottles with a liquid product, in particular carbonated beverages such as beer or carbonated soft drinks, under a pressure that deviates from the ambient pressure.
  • the filling machine 1 shown in the figures is, by way of example, of a rotary type, with the filling machine 1 according to the invention naturally also being able to be designed as a linear type filling machine.
  • the filling machine 1 of the rotary design has a rotor 3 which, during the filling operation, is driven to rotate about a vertical machine axis MA at an adjustable conveying speed by means of a controllable drive device 3.1 (only indicated schematically), which is electrically connected via a control line 3.2 to a control and evaluation device 23 connected and can be controlled and/or regulated by means of this.
  • a plurality of filling positions FP are formed on the circumference of the rotor 3 , to which the containers 2 to be filled are fed via a container inlet 5 and from which the filled containers 2 are removed at a container outlet 6 .
  • the filling machine 1 is designed for counter-pressure filling of containers 2 in the form of bottles with a liquid product, the bottles being made of a translucent material, namely colored or uncolored glass and/or plastic.
  • the filling machine 1 On the circumference of the rotor 3 or on the circumference of the annular bowl 20 provided there, the filling machine 1 has a large number of filling positions FP or filling points, which are formed in a manner known per se from a filling element 4 with at least one controllable liquid valve 11 .
  • Each filling element 4 is assigned a container carrier 21 which, together with the filling element 4, forms a filling position FP and on which, in the illustrated embodiment, the containers 2 are held hanging with a flange (neck ring) provided below the container opening.
  • the containers 2 to be filled are fed to the filling machine 1 via a conveyor section 5.1 in the transport direction TR to the container inlet 5.
  • a second sensor device 22 may be provided on the conveyor section 5.1, on which the containers 2 already have a predetermined machine spacing, which corresponds to the spacing of the filling positions FP or the filling elements 4 on the circumference of the rotor 3 and also the spacing of the pockets of the container inlet 5, which is designed as an infeed star wheel.
  • the second sensor device 22 is preferably provided at a fixed position, so that it is also determined which position on the rotor 3 or which filling position FP each container 2 that has passed the second sensor device 22 and was detected by this second sensor device 22 , takes.
  • the second sensor device 22 is designed such that with this the geometry and / or size and thus in particular the internal volume respective container 2 passing this second sensor device 22 can be detected and the second sensor device 22 supplies a signal representing this data of the respective container 2 via a signal line 22.1 to the electronic control and evaluation device 23.
  • the second sensor device 22 can in particular be embodied as an optical detection device, for example as a video camera.
  • the second sensor device 22 can then generate a signal defining the geometry and/or size of the respective container 2 or a corresponding data set in the control and evaluation device 23 on the basis of the generated image of the container 2 .
  • the evaluation electronics can, for example, be part of the second sensor device 22 or preferably part or part of the electronic control and evaluation device 23 .
  • a first sensor device 26 is also provided, which is arranged in a stationary manner on the circumference of the rotor 3, but does not rotate with it.
  • the first sensor device 26 is arranged stationary on the circumference of the rotor 3 along a filling section FS between a filling section inlet 24 and a filling section outlet 25 in the region of the filling section outlet 25 .
  • the first sensor device 26 is designed as an optical sensor device, for example a video camera, and is also electrically connected to the electronic control and evaluation device 23 via a signal line 26.1.
  • the first sensor device 26 has a stationary detection area EB, preferably a stationary image detection area, by means of which the achievement of a target filling level SH along the filling section FS, in particular the target filling level SH of liquid filling material in the respective container 2 in the area of the filling section outlet 25, is detected can.
  • the detection range EB is set in such a way that the target fill level SH of several, for example four, containers 2 can be detected simultaneously.
  • the first sensor device 26 can be designed to detect an actual fill level IH of the respective container 2 and to compare it with a setpoint level SH stored there by means of evaluation electronics stored in the electronic control and evaluation device 23 and to generate a signal from any deviation, which the electronic control and evaluation device 23 feeds to the relevant filling position FP via a control line 4.1 , in order to cause the respective container 2 to be filled, as required by the deviation between the actual fill level IH and the setpoint fill level SH, until the setpoint fill level SH is reached.
  • the evaluation signal from the electronic control and evaluation device 23 is, for example, a signal which determines the duration and/or intensity of the filling of the respective container 2 .
  • at least the reaching of the target fill level SH in the stationary detection area EB along the filling section FS is optically detected by means of a first sensor device 26 .
  • each filling element 4 or each filling position FP is controlled individually, taking into account those signals that the first and/or second sensor device 22, 26 have detected for the respective container 2 or the respective filling position FP .
  • the respective filling element 4 includes, among other things, a filling element housing 7 in which a liquid channel 8 for the filling material is formed, which is connected at its upper end to the annular bowl 20 via a product channel 9 .
  • a product channel 9 which in the illustrated embodiment is oriented with its axis on the same axis as a vertical filling element axis FA and at the bottom of the ring bowl 20 opens into the interior of this bowl, a flow meter 10 is provided, which is designed, for example, as a magnetically inductive flow meter (MID). is and can be connected to the electronic control and evaluation device 23 via a signal line 10.1.
  • MID magnetically inductive flow meter
  • a liquid valve 11 is provided on the underside of the filling element housing 7 which, in the open state ( 2 ) Releases a release of the filling material at a lower filling material discharge opening 12, via which the liquid filling material flows in a free jet 13 through the upper container openings into the interior of the container 2 during each filling phase.
  • the liquid valve 11 has a valve for this controlled valve or closing element in the form of a closing membrane 14, which is formed like a funnel from a product-compatible elastic material, for example an elastomeric plastic, e.g. B.
  • a rod-shaped valve body 15 which is coaxial with the filling element axis FA in the interior of the liquid channel 8 and around which the liquid filling material can flow.
  • the lower, conically tapering end forms with its lateral surface a valve surface 15.2 which interacts with the closing membrane 14 and against which the closing membrane 14 bears with an inner surface when the liquid valve 11 is closed.
  • liquid valve 11 described is only one embodiment of a free jet filling system for which the filling level measurement can be used; further variants using the described filling level measurement are conceivable.
  • the 16 generally designates a hollow piston, which serves as an actuating element for the closing membrane 14 and has a cap-like or cup-like piston body 17 .
  • This encloses the filling element housing 7 and the filling element axis FA concentrically with an annular piston body section 17.1. Below the lower end of the filling element housing 7, the piston body section 17.1 transitions into a bottom section 17.2, which is provided with an opening in the area of the filling element axis FA, which opening corresponds to the filling material discharge opening 12. With the piston body section 17.1, the piston body 17 is displaceably guided in the direction of the filling element axis FA on the filling element housing 7.
  • two control chambers 18 and 19 are formed which are offset relative to one another in the direction of the filling element axis FA and which are sealed off from one another and from the outside by seals and which can each be pressurized with a pressure medium (e.g. compressed air) in a controlled manner are, so that the hollow piston 16 or its piston body 17 can be moved up and down in a controlled manner in the filling element axis FA in order to open and close the liquid valve 11 .
  • a pressure medium e.g. compressed air
  • an only schematically indicated pressure sensor 28 can be provided on the piston body 17, which is electrically connected to the electronic control and evaluation device 23 via a signal line 28.1.
  • the pressure sensor 28 is designed to detect an internal pressure of the container 2 arranged on the filling element 4 in a sealed position, ie a filling position pressed against the filling element 4 .
  • a respective filling position FP on the rotational angle range of the rotor 3 between the container inlet 5 and the container outlet 6, depending on the respective current rotational angle position of the rotor 3, runs through different route sections that follow one another in the transport direction TR and thus through different phases of the filling process, which includes at least the actual filling phase includes.
  • different positions I - V specified which each filling position FP or each filling element 4 occupies during a revolution of the rotation angle range on the rotor 3.
  • a rinsing phase and/or prestressing phase and/or the actual filling phase can also be provided temporally and locally upstream in the transport direction TR on the rotor 3 and a relief phase can be provided temporally and downstream in the transport direction TR on the rotor 3 .
  • This position mean: Item I: Beginning of flushing and/or prestressing of the respective container 2 that is in a sealed position with a filling element 4.
  • Item II End of the rinsing and/or prestressing and start time of the actual filling phase along the filling section FS at maximum conveying speed of the rotor 3, i.e. filling capacity (filled containers 2 per hour) of the filling machine 1, with Pos. II forming the filling section inlet 24 in particular.
  • the Pos. II also the beginning of a waiting time between the rinsing and / or prestressing and the start of the actual filling phase along the filling section FS at minimum conveying speed of the rotor 3, i.e. filling capacity (filled containers 2 per hour) of the filling machine 1.
  • Item III End of the waiting time and start time of the actual filling phase along the filling section FS at the minimum conveying speed of the rotor 3, i.e. filling capacity (containers 2 filled per hour) of the filling machine 1.
  • the respective container 2 is picked up at a corresponding filling position FP and is moved in the transport direction TR at least along a filling section FS between a filling section inlet 24 and a filling section outlet 25 at an adjustable conveying speed and is filled at least in a filling phase with a constant volume flow of liquid filling material by
  • a liquid valve 11 associated with a filling position FP between the filling section inlet 24 and the filling section outlet 25 is opened at an adjustable start time of the filling phase and is closed again after a setpoint level SH of liquid filling material has been reached.
  • the achievement of the target filling level SH in a stationary detection area EB on the outlet side along the filling section FS is optically detected by means of the first sensor device 26 and the start time of the filling phase is set at least as a function of the conveying speed in such a way that the target filling level SH of liquid filling material in the respective container 2 in exit-side stationary detection area EB is reached.
  • the volume flow could also be regulated or controlled.
  • the invention makes use of the knowledge that in the case of the filling machine 1 with a rotor 3 revolving around a vertical axis and with a large number of filling positions FP provided on this rotor 3, the end point of the actual filling phase depends on the current output (filled containers per hour) of the filling machine1, and in particular the conveying speed of the rotor 3, at a stationary, i.e. always the same, start time of the actual filling phase along the rotation angle of the rotor that has been passed. If the rotor 3 rotates at a lower current power, i.e.
  • the conveying speed of the Rotor 3 of the filling machine 1 is slower, the respective container 2 to be filled is already filled at a smaller relative angle of rotation at the respective filling position FP, while at a higher current power of the filling machine 1 the rotor 3 rotates faster in comparison and a respective Container 2 comparable volume is filled only at a larger relative angle of rotation.
  • the start time of the actual filling phase is no longer selected to be stationary, as in the prior art, but is selected or set at least as a function of the current conveying speed of the rotor 3 in such a way that the end of the filling phase is always in the stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device, namely at the end of the filling section FS in the area of the filling section outlet 25.
  • the achievement of the target filling level SH in the outlet-side, stationary detection area EB along the filling section FS can be detected optically by means of the first sensor device 26 independently of the conveying speed of the rotor 3 of the filling machine 1 that is currently being driven.
  • the start time of the filling phase is also preferably set as a function of the constant volume flow of liquid filling material in such a way that the target filling level SH of liquid filling material in the respective container 2 is reached in the outlet-side stationary detection area EB.
  • the filling section inlet 24 forms the start time of the filling phase at maximum conveying speed, at which point the liquid valve 11 is opened.
  • the start time of the filling phase is selected to be adapted to the maximum conveying speed of the rotor 3, i.e. filling capacity (filled containers 2 per hour) of the filling machine 1, in such a way that the container 2 assigned to the filling position FP, when sweeping the rotation angle between the positions II and IV is completely filled, i.e. up to its target filling level SH, specifically in the outlet-side, stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device 26.
  • the liquid valve 11 assigned to a filling position FP is only opened when position III is reached and the container 2 accommodated at the filling position FP is completely filled when the rotor 3 sweeps between positions III and IV.
  • the start time of the filling phase is shifted here to position III and thus, seen in the transport direction TR, to a position that is later in time and location along the filling section FS, since the respective container 2 already has liquid filling material at a constant volume flow (liters per time). is filled when passing through a smaller relative angle of rotation of the rotor 3, which is slower in comparison thereto.
  • the start time of the filling phase is shifted by a defined waiting time to a rotational angle position of the rotor 3, which is reached in the transport direction TR in terms of time and location after passing through the filling section inlet 24 from the filling position FP.
  • the waiting time until the start time is reached is preferably such adjusted so that the setpoint level SH of liquid filling material in the respective container 2 is reached in the outlet-side stationary detection area EB.
  • the waiting time is the entire distance of the filling position FP between positions II and III, and is therefore designed to be as long as possible.
  • figure 3 shows in a diagram the pressure curve p in bar over time t during the individual phases of a filling process with the filling phase preceding the flushing and/or evacuation phase and the relief phase following. Also marked in the diagram are the figure 3 the positions I - V on the rotor 3 of the filling machine 1, where the individual phases of the filling process take place locally.
  • the start time of the filling phase can be set as a function of a pressure profile over time p in the respective container 2 during the filling process, with the flushing and/or evacuation phase preceding the filling phase and the relief phase following in time, the conveying speed of the rotor 3 by means of the electronic control and evaluation device 23 that the target level SH is reached in the outlet-side stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device 26 .
  • the pressure profile p is recorded in particular via the pressure sensor 28, which is electrically connected to the electronic control and evaluation device 23 via a signal line 28.1.
  • the start time of the filling phase can be set by means of the electronic control and evaluation device 23 depending on the required filling time and the conveying speed of the rotor 3 in such a way that that the target fill level SH is reached in the outlet-side stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device 26 .
  • the start time of the filling phase can take place as a function of a time course of the actual filling phase via the flow meter 10, i.e. the actual filling time can be determined, and the conveying speed can be set by means of the electronic control and evaluation device 23 in such a way that the target filling level SH is reached in the stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device 26 on the outlet side.
  • the electronic control and evaluation device 23 preferably determines the filling time at least for the actual filling phase for the respective container 2, taking into account the geometry and/or size detected by the second sensor device 22 for this container 2 and thus the internal volume of the respective container 2 and sets the Conveying speed such that the reaching of the setpoint level SH in the outlet-side stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device 26 takes place.
  • the container 2 in the filling phase, can be filled to volume with liquid filling material.
  • the liquid valve 11 is opened at the start of the filling phase and then ended by closing the liquid valve 11 when a predetermined volume of liquid filling material has reached the container 2 accommodated at the respective filling position FP.
  • the volume filling can be controlled by means of the electronic control and evaluation device 23 on the basis of the quantity signal supplied by the flow meter 10 .
  • an actual level IH of the respective container 2 is recorded in the stationary detection area EB and compared with a setpoint level SH stored there by means of evaluation electronics stored in the electronic control and evaluation device 23 and a signal is generated from any deviation, which the electronic control and evaluation device 23 via a control line 4.1 to the relevant filling position FP, in order to cause the respective container 2 to be refilled, as required by the deviation between the actual filling level IH and the target filling level SH, until the target filling level SH is reached.
  • the evaluation signal of the electronic control and evaluation device 23 is, for example, a signal which determines the duration and/or intensity of the refilling of the respective container 2.
  • the electronic control and evaluation device 23 preferably determines the filling quantity required to reach the target filling level SH for the respective container 2 and in particular the start time of the actual filling phase, taking into account the geometry and/or size detected by the second sensor device 22 for this container 2 and thus the internal volume of the respective container 2 and adjusts the conveying speed in such a way that the target fill level SH is reached in the outlet-side stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device 26 .
  • the filling machine 1 For a calibration of the filling machine 1, for example at the start of production with a different internal volume of the container 2 to be filled or alternative liquid filling material, it can be provided for determining a time profile of the filling phase that preferably several unfilled containers 2 are moved into the detection area EB of the first sensor device 26, where the containers 2 of these filling positions FP are filled with liquid filling material when the rotor 3 is stationary, i.e. not driven, and the course of the filling phase is recorded via the pressure sensor 28 and/or via the flow meter 10 with the inclusion of the electronic control and evaluation device 23.
  • the electronic control and evaluation device 23 can use this data for later performance-related control of the filling process. This procedure is also useful if the filling speed is continuously regulated in a way that is adapted to the beverage and container 2 .

Landscapes

  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem flüssigen Füllgut unter Verwendung einer Füllmaschine mit mehreren jeweils an einem Füllelement mit wenigstens einem Füllventil ausgebildeten Füllpositionen.The invention relates to a method for filling containers with a liquid filling material using a filling machine with a plurality of filling positions each formed on a filling element with at least one filling valve.

Derartige Verfahren zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem flüssigen Füllgut sind in unterschiedlichen Ausführen bekannt, insbesondere auch zum Druckfüllen, wobei bei diesen bekannten Verfahren der eigentlichen Füllphase, die z.B. aus wenigstens zwei Teilphasen in Form einer Schnellfüllphase und wenigstens einer Langsamfüllphase bestehen kann, zeitlich wenigstens eine Spülphase und/oder Vorspannphase vorausgeht, in der der Innenraum der Behälter mit einem Spülgas, d. h. Inertgas, gespült bzw. mit einem Spanngas (Inertgas) vorgespannt wird.Such methods for filling containers with a liquid filling material are known in different versions, in particular for pressure filling, whereby in these known methods the actual filling phase, which can consist, for example, of at least two partial phases in the form of a fast filling phase and at least one slow filling phase, has at least one Rinsing phase and / or prestressing phase precedes in which the interior of the container with a purge gas, d. H. Inert gas, flushed or with a tension gas (inert gas) is biased.

Unter "Freistrahlfüllen" oder "Freistrahlbefüllung" wird im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung ein Füllverfahren verstanden, bei dem das flüssige Füllgut dem zu befüllenden Behälter ab dem Flüssigkeitsventil in einem freien Füllstrahl oder Füllgutstrahl zuströmt, wobei die Strömung des Füllgutes nicht durch Leitelemente wie z.B. Ableitschirme, Drallkörper, kurze oder lange Füllrohre beeinflusst oder verändert wird. Freistrahlfüllen kann sowohl drucklos, also auch unter Druck erfolgen.In the context of the present invention, "free-jet filling" or "free-jet filling" is understood to mean a filling process in which the liquid filling material flows towards the container to be filled from the liquid valve in a free filling jet or filling material jet, with the flow of the filling material not being restricted by guide elements such as deflection screens, Swirl body, short or long filling tubes is influenced or changed. Jet filling can be done without pressure or under pressure.

Bei der drucklosen Freistrahlfüllung weist der Behälter Umgebungsdruck auf, wobei der Behälter in der Regel mit seiner Behältermündung oder -öffnung nicht am Füllelement anliegt, sondern von dem Füllelement bzw. von einer vorgesehenen Abgabeöffnung beabstandet ist. Liegt der Behälter bei der drucklosen Freistrahlfüllung doch mit seiner Behältermündung am Füllelement an, so stellt ein Gasweg eine Verbindung zwischen dem Innenraum des Behälters und der Umgebung her, wodurch eine drucklose Füllung ermöglicht wird. Bevorzugt entweicht über diesen Gasweg auch das im Behälter enthaltene und durch das in den Behälter einströmende Getränk verdrängte Gas in die Umgebung.In the case of pressureless free-jet filling, the container is at ambient pressure, with the container mouth or opening generally not lying against the filling element, but rather being at a distance from the filling element or from a discharge opening provided. If the container mouth is in contact with the filling element during pressureless free jet filling, a gas path establishes a connection between the interior of the container and the environment, which enables pressureless filling. Preferably, the gas contained in the container and displaced by the beverage flowing into the container also escapes into the environment via this gas path.

Erfolgt die Freistrahlfüllung unter einem vom Umgebungsdruck abweichenden Druck, so wird der Behälter mit seiner Mündung gegen das Füllelement angepresst und abgedichtet, der Druck im Innenraum des Behälters wird durch Beaufschlagung mit einem Spanngas oder durch Beaufschlagung mit einem Unterdruck auf diesen, vom Umgebungsdruck abweichenden Druck eingestellt, welcher sowohl über, als auch unter dem Umgebungsdruck liegen kann.If the free-jet filling takes place under a pressure that deviates from the ambient pressure, the container is pressed with its mouth against the filling element and sealed, the pressure in the interior of the container is adjusted to this pressure, which deviates from the ambient pressure, by applying a tension gas or by applying a negative pressure, which pressure can be both above and below the ambient pressure.

In anderen Worten wird also bei einer "Freistahlfüllung" unter einem vom Umgebungsdruck abweichenden Druck der jeweils zu füllende Behälter in Dichtlage gegen das Füllelement anliegend gefüllt und in der Regel vor der eigentlichen Füllphase, d. h. vor dem Öffnen des Flüssigkeitsventils über wenigstens einen gesteuerten, im Füllelement ausgebildeten Gasweg mit einem unter Druck stehenden Spanngas (Inertgas bzw. CO2-Gas) vorgespannt, welches dann während des Füllens von dem dem Behälter zufließenden Füllgut zunehmend als Rückgas aus den Behälterinnenraum verdrängt wird, und zwar ebenfalls über wenigstens einen gesteuerten, im Füllelement ausgebildeten Gasweg. Dieser Vorspannphase gehen weitere Behandlungsphasen voraus, nämlich das Evakuieren und/oder Spülen des jeweiligen Behälterinnenraums mit dem Inertgas, z. B. CO2-Gas, in einer Evakuierungsphase und/oder Spülphase.In other words, in the case of a "free steel filling" under a pressure that deviates from the ambient pressure, the respective container to be filled is filled in a sealing position against the filling element and is usually filled before the actual filling phase, i. H. before opening the liquid valve, via at least one controlled gas path in the filling element, with a pressurized tension gas (inert gas or CO2 gas), which is then increasingly displaced as return gas from the interior of the container during filling by the filling material flowing into the container, likewise via at least one controlled gas path formed in the filling element. This prestressing phase is preceded by further treatment phases, namely the evacuation and/or flushing of the respective container interior with the inert gas, e.g. B. CO2 gas, in an evacuation phase and / or flushing phase.

Dabei kann bei der Freistahlfüllung von insbesondere karbonisierten Getränken wie beispielweise Bier oder kohlsäurehaltigen Softdrinks in PET- oder Glasflaschen in der Füllphase ein Füllen jedes Behälters mit einem vorgegebenen Volumen an flüssigem Füllgut (Volumenfüllung) erfolgen.In the case of the free steel filling of in particular carbonated drinks such as beer or carbonated soft drinks in PET or glass bottles, each container can be filled with a predetermined volume of liquid filling material (volume filling) in the filling phase.

Aus Umwelt-Gesichtspunkten, aber auch aus Kostengründen ist dabei angestrebt, derartige Kunststoffflaschen (PET-Flaschen) mehrfach zu benutzen. Hierfür ist es dann erforderlich, auch diese Flaschen aus Kunststoff in der üblichen Weise in Flaschenreinigungsmaschinen zu reinigen, was allerdings bei Flaschen aus Kunststoff bedingt durch die beim Reinigen notwendige Wärmebehandlung ein Schrumpfen zur Folge hat. Dieser Umstand bereitet u. a. beim Füllen Probleme, und zwar dahingehend, dass bei einem Füllen mit einem vorgegebenen Volumen sich in Abhängigkeit vom Grad der Schrumpfung unterschiedliche Füllhöhen ergeben. Dies kann zu Beanstandungen führen, und zwar wegen einer vermeindlichen Nichteinhaltung vorgeschriebener Mindestfüllmengen.From an environmental point of view, but also for cost reasons, the aim is to use such plastic bottles (PET bottles) several times. For this it is then necessary to also clean these plastic bottles in the usual way in bottle cleaning machines, which, however, results in shrinkage in the case of plastic bottles due to the heat treatment required during cleaning. This circumstance causes problems, among other things, when filling, to the extent that filling with a predetermined volume results in different fill heights depending on the degree of shrinkage. This can lead to complaints because of an alleged non-compliance with prescribed minimum filling quantities.

Hingegen schwanken die Leerflaschenvolumen von Glasflaschen herstellungsbedingt sehr häufig in einem recht großen Bereich, so dass es auch bei der Verwendung von Glasflaschen bei der als Volumenfüllung ausgebildeten Freistrahlfüllung zu unterschiedlichen Füllhöhen kommen kann.On the other hand, the empty bottle volume of glass bottles very often fluctuates over a wide range due to the manufacturing process, so that different filling heights can also occur when using glass bottles for the free-jet filling designed as a volume filling.

Aus der auf die Anmelderin zurückgehenden Druckschrift DE 42 39 954 A1 ist beispielsweise ein Verfahren zum Füllen von Behältern bekannt geworden, bei dem während der Füllphase zunächst ein Füllen des jeweiligen Behälters mit einer vorgegebenen Menge bzw. mit einem vorgegebenen Volumen (Volumenfüllung) und anschließend in Abhängigkeit von einem Sensor-Signal ein Nachfüllen erfolgt, so dass in sämtlichen Behältern der Spiegel des flüssigen Füllgutes einer vorgegebenen Füllhöhe entspricht. Das Nachfüllen erfolgt dabei nur dann, wenn nach der Volumenfüllung die vorgegebene Füllhöhe nicht erreicht ist bzw. eine über ein vorgegebenes Maß hinausgehende Abweichung von einer Soll- Füllhöhe besteht. Dabei kann eine Sensoreinrichtung verwendet werden, die ortsfest an einer Bewegungsbahn vorgesehen ist, auf der die Behälter nach der Volumen-Füllung bewegt werden.From the document originating from the applicant DE 42 39 954 A1 For example, a method for filling containers has become known in which, during the filling phase, the respective container is first filled with a predetermined amount or with a predetermined volume (volume filling) and then refilled as a function of a sensor signal, so that the level of the liquid filling material in all containers corresponds to a specified filling level. Refilling takes place only if, after filling the volume, the predetermined filling level has not been reached or there is a deviation from a target filling level that exceeds a predetermined level. In this case, a sensor device can be used which is provided in a stationary manner on a movement path on which the containers are moved after they have been filled to volume.

Aus der Druckschrift US 5,538,054 A ist ein rotierender Getränkefüller für durchsichtige Behälter mit einer Vielzahl von an auf seinem Umfang beabstandet umlaufenden Behälterplätzen mit Füllorganen bekannt geworden, deren den Getränkestrom steuernde Steuerorgane elektrisch ansteuerbar sind, und mit Einrichtungen zur Messung des Füllpegels in den Behältern im Bereich des Füllstopps durch Einblick von außen und zur Abgabe von Schließsignalen an die Steuerorgane bei Erreichen eines Stoppegels, der unter Berücksichtigung eines eventuellen Nachlaufes zu dem gewünschten Sollpegel führt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass wenigstens eine stationär angeordnete, im Bereich des Füllstopps den Durchlauf der Behälterplätze betrachtende Videokamera vorgesehen ist, mit Bildauswerteinrichtungen zur Messung des Füllpegels in erfassten Behältern sowie zur Ermittlung der jeweils zugeordneten Behälterplätze und zur Abgabe von Steuersignalen an Steuerorgane.From the pamphlet US 5,538,054A a rotating beverage filler for transparent containers has become known with a large number of container locations spaced apart around its circumference with filling elements whose control elements controlling the flow of beverages can be actuated electrically, and with devices for measuring the filling level in the containers in the area of the filling stop by looking from the outside and for sending closing signals to the control elements when a stop level is reached, which leads to the desired target level, taking into account any overrun, is characterized in that at least one stationary video camera is provided in the area of the filling stop, viewing the passage of the container locations, with image evaluation devices for measuring the filling level in recorded containers and for determining the assigned container locations and for sending control signals to control units.

Ist die Füllmaschine dabei als eine Füllmaschine mit einem um eine vertikale Achse umlaufenden Rotor und mit einer Vielzahl von an diesem Rotor vorgesehenen Füllpositionen als Bewegungsbahn ausgebildet, so verschiebt sich bezogen auf den 360° Grad Rotor der Endpunkt des Füllprozesses in Abhängigkeit der aktuell gefahrenen Leistung (befüllte Behälter je Stunde) der Füllmaschine. Dabei läuft das flüssige Füllgut stets mit einem konstanten Volumenstrom (Liter je Stunde) in den jeweils zu befüllenden Behälter ein. Dreht der Rotor bei geringerer aktuell gefahrener Leistung der Füllmaschine langsamer, so ist der jeweilige zu befüllende Behälter bereits bei einem kleineren Drehwinkel an der jeweiligen Füllposition gefüllt, während bei einer höheren aktuell gefahrenen Leistung der Füllmaschine der Rotor schneller dreht und ein jeweiliger Behälter vergleichbaren Volumens erst bei einem größeren Drehwinkel gefüllt ist. Damit kann es bei dem vorbekannten Verfahren der DE 42 39 954 A1 ortsfest an einer Bewegungsbahn vorgesehener Sensoreinrichtung passieren, dass das Füllende der Füllphase bei einem Betreiben der Füllmaschine mit Minderleistung außerhalb des Erfassungsbereiches der Sensoreinrichtung zur Ermittlung der Sollfüllstandhöhe liegt und damit nicht erfasst werden kann.If the filling machine is designed as a filling machine with a rotor revolving around a vertical axis and with a large number of filling positions provided on this rotor as a movement path, then the end point of the filling process is shifted in relation to the 360° rotor depending on the current performance ( filled containers per hour) of the filling machine. The liquid product always flows into the container to be filled at a constant volume flow (litres per hour). If the rotor rotates more slowly when the filling machine is currently operating at a lower output, the respective container to be filled is already filled at a smaller angle of rotation at the respective filling position, while the rotor rotates faster at a higher currently operated output of the filling machine and a respective container of comparable volume only is filled at a larger rotation angle. This can in the known method of DE 42 39 954 A1 Stationary sensor device provided on a path of movement happen that the filling end of the filling phase when the filling machine is operated at reduced power is outside the detection range of the sensor device for determining the target fill level and therefore cannot be detected.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es daher, ein Verfahren zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem flüssigen Füllgut aufzuzeigen, mit dem diese Nachteile vermieden werden und mit dem die Sollfüllstandshöhe unabhängig von der aktuell gefahrenen Leistung der Füllmaschine zuverlässig erfasst und der jeweilige Behälter mit einer ausreichenden Menge an flüssigem Füllgut gefüllt wird. Diese Aufgabe wird mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruches 1 gelöst. Die Unteransprüche betreffen dabei besonders vorteilhaft Weiterbildungen der Erfindung.The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for filling containers with a liquid filling material, with which these disadvantages are avoided and with which the target filling level is reliably recorded independently of the current performance of the filling machine and the respective container with a sufficient quantity of liquid filling is filled. This object is achieved with the features of patent claim 1. The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous developments of the invention.

Der wesentliche Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung ist darin zu sehen, ein Verfahren zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem flüssigen Füllgut unter Verwendung einer Füllmaschine mit mehreren jeweils an einem Füllelement mit wenigstens einem Füllventil ausgebildeten Füllpositionen vorzusehen, bei dem der jeweilige Behälter an einer entsprechenden Füllposition aufgenommen und in Transportrichtung zumindest entlang einer Füllstrecke zwischen einem Füllstreckeneinlauf und einem Füllstreckenauslauf mit einer einstellbaren Fördergeschwindigkeit bewegt und zumindest in einer Füllphase mit einem konstanten Volumenstrom an flüssigem Füllgut gefüllt wird. Alternativ könnte aber auch ein ein geregelter oder gesteuerter Volumenstrom mit gleichen Füllzeiten vorgesehen werden. Dies erfolgt, indem das einer Füllposition zugeordnete Flüssigkeitsventil zwischen dem Füllstreckeneinlauf und dem Füllstreckenauslauf zu einem einstellbaren Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase geöffnet und nach Erreichen einer Sollfüllstandshöhe an flüssigem Füllgut wieder geschlossen wird, wobei das Erreichen der Sollfüllstandshöhe in einem auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich entlang der Füllstrecke optisch mittels einer ersten Sensoreinrichtung erfasst und der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase zumindest in Abhängigkeit der Fördergeschwindigkeit derart eingestellt wird, dass die
Sollfüllstandshöhe an flüssigem Füllgut in dem jeweiligen Behälter im auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich erreicht wird. Damit findet das Ende der Füllphase unabhängig von der aktuellen Fördergeschwindigkeit und damit der Leistung der Füllmaschine immer im Erfassungsbereich der ersten Sensoreinrichtung statt, so dass damit eine zuverlässige Erfassung der Sollfüllstandshöhe an flüssigem Füllgut in dem jeweiligen Behälter ermöglich wird.The essential aspect of the present invention is to be seen in providing a method for filling containers with a liquid product using a filling machine with a plurality of filling positions each configured on a filling element with at least one filling valve, in which the respective container is received at a corresponding filling position and moves in the transport direction at least along a filling section between a filling section inlet and a filling section outlet at an adjustable conveying speed and at least in a filling phase with a constant volume flow of liquid filling is filled. Alternatively, however, a regulated or controlled volume flow with the same filling times could also be provided. This is done by opening the liquid valve assigned to a filling position between the filling line inlet and the filling line outlet at an adjustable start time of the filling phase and closing it again after a target filling level of liquid filling material has been reached, with the achievement of the target filling level in a stationary detection area on the outlet side along the filling line being optically detected by means of a First sensor device detected and the start time of the filling phase is set at least as a function of the conveying speed such that the
Desired filling level of liquid filling material is reached in the respective container in the outlet-side stationary detection area. The end of the filling phase thus always takes place in the detection range of the first sensor device, regardless of the current conveying speed and thus the output of the filling machine, so that reliable detection of the target level of liquid filling material in the respective container is made possible.

Vorteilhaft wird bei einer maximalen Fördergeschwindigkeit die Füllphase bei Erreichen des Füllstreckeneinlaufs durch die Füllposition gestartet, während bei einer die maximale Fördergeschwindigkeit unterschreitenden Fördergeschwindigkeit der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase um eine definierte Wartezeit verzögert wird, der in Transportrichtung zeitlich und örtlich nach dem Durchlaufen des Füllstreckeneinlaufs von der Füllposition erreicht wird. Dabei wird besonders vorteilhaft bei einer minimalen Fördergeschwindigkeit der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase um eine maximale Wartezeit verzögert.Advantageously, at a maximum conveying speed, the filling phase is started when the filling position reaches the filling section inlet, while at a conveying speed that falls below the maximum conveying speed, the starting time of the filling phase is delayed by a defined waiting time, which in the direction of transport occurs in terms of time and location after the filling section inlet has been passed through from the filling position is reached. In this case, the start time of the filling phase is particularly advantageously delayed by a maximum waiting time at a minimum conveying speed.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsvariante wird der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase in Abhängigkeit des konstanten Volumenstroms an flüssigem Füllgut eingestellt.In an advantageous embodiment, the start time of the filling phase is set as a function of the constant volume flow of liquid filling material.

Bevorzugt kann der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase auch in Abhängigkeit eines zeitlichen Druckverlaufes in dem jeweiligen Behälter eingestellt werden, den dieser während eines Füllprozesses mit einer der Füllphase zeitlich vorgelagerten Spül- und/oder Evakuierungsphase sowie zeitlich nachgelagerten Entlastungsphase aufweist.Preferably, the start time of the filling phase can also be set as a function of a pressure profile over time in the respective container, which this has during a filling process with a rinsing and/or evacuation phase preceding the filling phase and a relief phase following.

Weiterhin vorteilhaft kann der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase in Abhängigkeit eines zeitlichen Durchflussmengenverlaufs an flüssigem Füllgut in dem jeweiligen Behälter während der eigentlichen Füllphase eingestellt werden.Furthermore advantageously, the starting time of the filling phase can be set as a function of a flow rate profile over time of liquid filling material in the respective container during the actual filling phase.

Auch vorteilhaft kann in Transportrichtung dem Rotor vorgelagert die Geometrie und/oder Größe des jeweiligen Behälters mit einer zweiten Sensoreinrichtung erfasst werden.The geometry and/or size of the respective container can also advantageously be detected with a second sensor device upstream of the rotor in the transport direction.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsvariante kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase unter Einbeziehung der von der zweiten Sensoreinrichtung erfassten Geometrie und/oder Größe des jeweiligen Behälters eingestellt wird.In an advantageous embodiment variant, it can be provided that the starting time of the filling phase is set taking into account the geometry and/or size of the respective container detected by the second sensor device.

Überdies bevorzugt kann mittels der ersten Sensoreinrichtung im ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich eine Istfüllstandshöhe des jeweiligen Behälters erfasst und mit einer Sollfüllstandshöhe verglichen werden und aus einer eventuellen Abweichung zwischen der Ist- und der Sollfüllstandshöhe ein erforderliches Füllen des jeweiligen Behälters bis zum Erreichen seiner Sollfüllstandshöhe veranlasst werden.In addition, the first sensor device in the stationary detection area can preferably be used to record an actual fill level of the respective container and compare it with a target fill level, and any deviation between the actual and target fill level can be used to initiate the necessary filling of the respective container until its target fill level is reached.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsvariante kann von der ersten Sensoreinrichtung die Sollfüllstandshöhe von mehreren Behältern gleichzeitig erfasst werden.In an advantageous embodiment variant, the first sensor device can detect the target filling level of a plurality of containers at the same time.

Schließlich kann in einer nochmals weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsvariante vorgesehen sein, dass im ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich der ersten Sensoreinrichtung Bilddaten zumindest der Sollfüllstandhöhe von wenigstens einem Behälter erfasst werden.Finally, in yet another advantageous embodiment variant, image data of at least the target filling level of at least one container can be recorded in the stationary detection area of the first sensor device.

Der Ausdruck "im Wesentlichen" bedeutet im Sinne der Erfindung Abweichungen von jeweils exakten Wert um +/- 10%, bevorzugt um +/- 5% und/oder Abweichungen in Form von für die Funktion unbedeutenden Änderungen.The expression "substantially" in the context of the invention means deviations from the exact value by +/-10%, preferably by +/-5% and/or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

Weiterbildungen, Vorteile und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Erfindung ergeben sich auch aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen und aus den Figuren. Dabei sind alle beschriebenen und/oder bildlich dargestellten Merkmale für sich oder in beliebiger Kombination grundsätzlich Gegenstand der Erfindung, unabhängig von ihrer Zusammenfassung in den Ansprüchen oder deren Rückbeziehung. Auch wird der Inhalt der Ansprüche zu einem Bestandteil der Beschreibung gemacht.Further developments, advantages and possible applications of the invention also result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All of the features described and/or illustrated are fundamentally the subject matter of the invention, either alone or in any combination, regardless of how they are summarized in the claims or how they relate back to them. The content of the claims is also made part of the description.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand der Figuren an einem Ausführungsbeispiel näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
in schematischer Darstellung und in Draufsicht eine beispielhafte Ausführungsvariante einer erfindungsgemäßen Füllmaschine zum Füllen von Behälter mit einem flüssigen Füllgut,
Fig. 2
in vereinfachter seitlicher Schnittdarstellung eine beispielhafte Ausführungsvarianter eines Füllelementes einer erfindungsgemäßen Füllmaschine
Fig. 3
ein beispielhaftes Diagramm des Druckverlaufs über die Zeit während eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Füllen von Behältern.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures using an exemplary embodiment. Show it:
1
in a schematic representation and in a top view an exemplary embodiment variant of a filling machine according to the invention for filling containers with a liquid product,
2
in a simplified lateral sectional view, an exemplary embodiment variant of a filling element of a filling machine according to the invention
3
an exemplary diagram of the pressure profile over time during a method according to the invention for filling containers.

Die in den Figuren allgemein mit 1 bezeichnete Füllmaschine dient insbesondere zum Freistahlfüllen von Behältern 2 in Form von PET- oder Glasflaschen mit einem flüssigen Füllgut, insbesondere karbonisierten Getränken wie beispielweise Bier oder kohlsäurehaltigen Softdrinks, unter einem vom Umgebungsdruck abweichenden Druck. Die in den Figuren dargestellte Füllmaschine 1 ist beispielhafterweise eine solche umlaufender Bauart, wobei die Füllmaschine 1 gemäß der Erfindung natürlich ebenfalls als eine Füllmaschine linearer Bauart ausgebildet sein kann.The filling machine, generally designated 1 in the figures, is used in particular for free-steel filling of containers 2 in the form of PET or glass bottles with a liquid product, in particular carbonated beverages such as beer or carbonated soft drinks, under a pressure that deviates from the ambient pressure. The filling machine 1 shown in the figures is, by way of example, of a rotary type, with the filling machine 1 according to the invention naturally also being able to be designed as a linear type filling machine.

Die Füllmaschine 1 umlaufender Bauart weist einen Rotor 3 auf, der während des Füllbetriebes um eine vertikale Maschinenachse MA mit einer einstellbaren Fördergeschwindigkeit umlaufend mittels einer nur schematisch andeuteten, steuerbaren Antriebseinrichtung 3.1 angetrieben ist, welche über eine Steuerleitung 3.2 mit einer Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 elektrisch verbunden und mittels dieser steuer- und/oder regelbar ist. An dem Umfang des Rotors 3 sind eine Vielzahl von Füllpositionen FP ausbildet, denen die zu füllenden Behälter 2 über einen Behältereinlauf 5 zugeführt und denen die gefüllten Behälter 2 an einem Behälterauslauf 6 entnommen werden. Auf dem Winkelbereich der Drehbewegung (Pfeil A) des Rotors 3 zwischen dem Behältereinlauf 5 und dem Behälterauslauf 6 erfolgt zumindest das Füllen während einer Füllphase der Behälter 2 in Transportrichtung TR, die hierfür mit ihrer Behälterachse parallel zur Maschinenachse MA und achsgleich oder im wesentlichen achsgleich mit jeweils einer Achse FA der jeweiligen Füllposition FP angeordnet sind. Dieser Prozess ist nachstehend für rotative Füllmaschinen 1 beschrieben, funktioniert aber analog bei Linearfüllern.The filling machine 1 of the rotary design has a rotor 3 which, during the filling operation, is driven to rotate about a vertical machine axis MA at an adjustable conveying speed by means of a controllable drive device 3.1 (only indicated schematically), which is electrically connected via a control line 3.2 to a control and evaluation device 23 connected and can be controlled and/or regulated by means of this. A plurality of filling positions FP are formed on the circumference of the rotor 3 , to which the containers 2 to be filled are fed via a container inlet 5 and from which the filled containers 2 are removed at a container outlet 6 . In the angular range of the rotational movement (arrow A) of the rotor 3 between the container inlet 5 and the container outlet 6, at least the filling takes place during a filling phase of the container 2 in the transport direction TR, which for this purpose has its container axis parallel to the Machine axis MA and are arranged coaxially or substantially coaxially with an axis FA of the respective filling position FP. This process is described below for rotary filling machines 1, but works analogously for linear fillers.

Insbesondere ist die Füllmaschine 1 zum Gegendruck-Füllen von Behältern 2 in Form von Flaschen mit einem flüssigen Füllgut ausgebildet, wobei die Flaschen aus einem lichtdurchlässigen Material, nämlich eingefärbten oder uneingefärbten Glas und/oder Kunststoff gebildet sein können.In particular, the filling machine 1 is designed for counter-pressure filling of containers 2 in the form of bottles with a liquid product, the bottles being made of a translucent material, namely colored or uncolored glass and/or plastic.

Am Umfang des Rotors 3 bzw. am Umfang des dort vorgesehenen Ringkessels 20 weist die Füllmaschine 1 ein Vielzahl von Füllpositionen FP bzw. Füllstellen auf, die in an sich bekannter Weise aus einem Füllelement 4 mit zumindest einem steuerbaren Flüssigkeitsventil 11 gebildet sind. Jedem Füllelement 4 ist ein Behälterträger 21 zugeordnet, der zusammen mit dem Füllelement 4 eine Füllposition FP bildet und an dem bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform die Behälter 2 mit einem unterhalb der Behälteröffnung vorgesehenen Flansch (Neckring) hängend gehalten sind.On the circumference of the rotor 3 or on the circumference of the annular bowl 20 provided there, the filling machine 1 has a large number of filling positions FP or filling points, which are formed in a manner known per se from a filling element 4 with at least one controllable liquid valve 11 . Each filling element 4 is assigned a container carrier 21 which, together with the filling element 4, forms a filling position FP and on which, in the illustrated embodiment, the containers 2 are held hanging with a flange (neck ring) provided below the container opening.

Die zu füllenden Behälter 2 werden der Füllmaschine 1 dabei über eine Förderstrecke 5.1 in Transportrichtung TR dem Behältereinlauf 5 zugeführt. An der Förderstrecke 5.1, auf der die Behälter 2 bereits einen vorgegebenen Maschinenabstand aufweisen, der dem Abstand der Füllpositionen FP bzw. der Füllelemente 4 am Umfang des Rotors 3 sowie auch dem Abstand der Taschen des als Einlaufstern ausgebildeten Behältereinlaufs 5 entspricht, kann in Transportrichtung TR eine zweite Sensoreinrichtung 22 vorgesehen sein. Die zweite Sensoreinrichtung 22 ist bevorzugt an einer fest vorgegebenen Position vorgesehen, so dass damit auch festgelegt ist, welche Position am Rotor 3 bzw. welche Füllposition FP ein jeder Behälter 2, der die zweite Sensoreinrichtung 22 passiert hat und von dieser zweiten Sensoreinrichtung 22 erfasst wurde, einnimmt.The containers 2 to be filled are fed to the filling machine 1 via a conveyor section 5.1 in the transport direction TR to the container inlet 5. On the conveyor section 5.1, on which the containers 2 already have a predetermined machine spacing, which corresponds to the spacing of the filling positions FP or the filling elements 4 on the circumference of the rotor 3 and also the spacing of the pockets of the container inlet 5, which is designed as an infeed star wheel, in the transport direction TR a second sensor device 22 may be provided. The second sensor device 22 is preferably provided at a fixed position, so that it is also determined which position on the rotor 3 or which filling position FP each container 2 that has passed the second sensor device 22 and was detected by this second sensor device 22 , takes.

Die zweite Sensoreinrichtung 22 ist dabei derart ausgebildet, dass mit dieser die Geometrie und/oder Größe und damit insbesondere das Innenvolumen der jeweiligen, diese zweite Sensoreinrichtung 22 passierenden Behälter 2 erfasst werden kann und die zweite Sensoreinrichtung 22 ein diese Daten der jeweiligen Behälter 2 repräsentierendes Signal über eine Signalleitung 22.1 an die elektronische Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 liefert.The second sensor device 22 is designed such that with this the geometry and / or size and thus in particular the internal volume respective container 2 passing this second sensor device 22 can be detected and the second sensor device 22 supplies a signal representing this data of the respective container 2 via a signal line 22.1 to the electronic control and evaluation device 23.

Die zweite Sensoreinrichtung 22 kann insbesondere als optische Erfassungseinrichtung, beispielweise als Video-Kamera, ausgebildet sein. Hierbei kann die zweite Sensoreinrichtung 22 dann aufgrund des erzeugten Bildes des Behälters 2 in der Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 ein die Geometrie und/oder Größe des jeweiligen Behälters 2 definierendes Signal oder einen entsprechenden Datensatz erzeugen. Die Auswerteelektronik kann beispielsweise Bestandteil der zweiten Sensoreinrichtung 22 oder bevorzugt Teil oder Bestandteil der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 sein.The second sensor device 22 can in particular be embodied as an optical detection device, for example as a video camera. The second sensor device 22 can then generate a signal defining the geometry and/or size of the respective container 2 or a corresponding data set in the control and evaluation device 23 on the basis of the generated image of the container 2 . The evaluation electronics can, for example, be part of the second sensor device 22 or preferably part or part of the electronic control and evaluation device 23 .

Erfindungsgemäß ist zudem eine erste Sensoreinrichtung 26 vorgesehen, die ortsfest am Umfang des Rotors 3, jedoch mit diesem nicht umlaufend, angeordnet ist. Die erste Sensoreinrichtung 26 ist dabei entlang einer Füllstrecke FS zwischen einem Füllstreckeneinlauf 24 und einem Füllstreckenauslauf 25 im Bereich des Füllstreckenauslaufs 25, ortsfest am Umfang des Rotors 3 angeordnet.According to the invention, a first sensor device 26 is also provided, which is arranged in a stationary manner on the circumference of the rotor 3, but does not rotate with it. The first sensor device 26 is arranged stationary on the circumference of the rotor 3 along a filling section FS between a filling section inlet 24 and a filling section outlet 25 in the region of the filling section outlet 25 .

Die erste Sensoreinrichtung 26 ist dabei als optische Sensoreinrichtung, beispielweise Video-Kamera, ausbildet und über eine Signalleitung 26.1 ebenfalls elektrisch mit der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 verbunden. Dabei weist die erste Sensoreinrichtung 26 einen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB, vorzugsweise einen ortsfesten Bilderfassungsbereich, auf, mittels dem das Erreichen einer Sollfüllstandshöhe SH entlang der Füllstrecke FS, insbesondere die Sollfüllstandshöhe SH an flüssigem Füllgut in dem jeweiligen Behälter 2 im Bereich des Füllstreckenauslaufs 25, erfasst werden kann. Vorzugsweise ist dabei der Erfassungsbereich EB derart eingestellt, dass die Sollfüllstandshöhe SH von mehreren, beispielsweise vier, Behältern 2 gleichzeitig erfasst werden kann.The first sensor device 26 is designed as an optical sensor device, for example a video camera, and is also electrically connected to the electronic control and evaluation device 23 via a signal line 26.1. The first sensor device 26 has a stationary detection area EB, preferably a stationary image detection area, by means of which the achievement of a target filling level SH along the filling section FS, in particular the target filling level SH of liquid filling material in the respective container 2 in the area of the filling section outlet 25, is detected can. Preferably, the detection range EB is set in such a way that the target fill level SH of several, for example four, containers 2 can be detected simultaneously.

Insbesondere kann die erste Sensoreinrichtung 26 dazu ausgebildet sein, im ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB eine Istfüllstandhöhe IH des jeweiligen Behälters 2 zu erfassen und mittels einer in der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 hinterlegten Auswertelektronik mit einer dort gespeicherten Sollfüllstandshöhe SH zu vergleichen und aus einer eventuellen Abweichung ein Signal zu erzeugen, welches die elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 über eine Steuerleitung 4.1 der betreffenden Füllposition FP zuführt, um ein an die Abweichung zwischen der Istfüllstandhöhe IH und der Sollfüllstandhöhe SH erforderliches Füllen des jeweiligen Behälters 2 bis zum Erreichen der Sollfüllstandshöhe SH zu veranlassen. Das Auswertesignal der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 ist beispielweise ein Signal, welches die Zeitdauer und/oder Intensität des Füllens des jeweiligen Behälters 2 bestimmt. Erfindungsgemäß wird dabei wenigstens das Erreichen der Sollfüllstandshöhe SH in dem ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB entlang der Füllstrecke FS optisch mittels einer ersten Sensoreinrichtung 26 erfasst.In particular, the first sensor device 26 can be designed to detect an actual fill level IH of the respective container 2 and to compare it with a setpoint level SH stored there by means of evaluation electronics stored in the electronic control and evaluation device 23 and to generate a signal from any deviation, which the electronic control and evaluation device 23 feeds to the relevant filling position FP via a control line 4.1 , in order to cause the respective container 2 to be filled, as required by the deviation between the actual fill level IH and the setpoint fill level SH, until the setpoint fill level SH is reached. The evaluation signal from the electronic control and evaluation device 23 is, for example, a signal which determines the duration and/or intensity of the filling of the respective container 2 . According to the invention, at least the reaching of the target fill level SH in the stationary detection area EB along the filling section FS is optically detected by means of a first sensor device 26 .

Mit der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 wird jedes Füllelement 4 bzw. jede Füllposition FP individuell angesteuert, und zwar unter Berücksichtigung derjenigen Signale, die erste und/oder zweite Sensoreinrichtung 22, 26 für den jeweiligen Behälter 2 bzw. die jeweilige Füllposition FP erfasst haben.With the electronic control and evaluation device 23, each filling element 4 or each filling position FP is controlled individually, taking into account those signals that the first and/or second sensor device 22, 26 have detected for the respective container 2 or the respective filling position FP .

Das jeweilige Füllelement 4 umfasst u. a. ein Füllelementgehäuse 7, in welchem ein Flüssigkeitskanal 8 für das Füllgut ausgebildet ist, der an seinem oberen Ende über einen Produktkanal 9 mit dem Ringkessel 20 verbunden ist. In dem Produktkanal 9 , der bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform mit seiner Achse achsgleich mit einer vertikalen Füllelementachse FA orientiert ist und am Boden des Ringkessels 20 in den Innenraum dieses Kessels mündet, ist ein Durchflussmesser 10 vorgesehen, der beispielsweise als magnetisch induktiver Durchflussmesser (MID) ausgebildet ist und über eine Signalleitung 10.1 mit der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 sein kann. An der Unterseite des Füllelementgehäuses 7 ist ein Flüssigkeitsventil 11 vorgesehen, welches im geöffneten Zustand (Fig. 2) eine Abgabe des Füllgutes an einer unteren Füllgutabgabeöffnung 12 freigibt, über die während einer jeden Füllphase das flüssige Füllgut in einem freien Strahl 13 durch die oben liegenden Behälteröffnungen in den Innenraum der Behälter 2 strömt. Im geschlossenen Zustand des Flüssigkeitsventils 11 ist die Füllgutabgabe über die Füllgutabgabeöffnung 12 gesperrt. Hierfür weist das Flüssigkeitsventil 11 ein gesteuertes Ventil- oder Verschließelement in Form einer Schließmembrane 14 auf, die trichterartig ausgebildet aus einem produktverträglichen elastischen Material, beispielsweise aus einem elastomeren Kunststoff, z. B. PTFE besteht, und die mit einem achsgleich mit der Füllelementachse FA im Inneren des Flüssigkeitskanals 8 stationär angeordneten und von dem flüssigen Füllgut umströmbaren stabförmigen Ventilkörper 15 zusammenwirkt. Dieser stabförmige Ventilkörper 15, der im Bereich seines oberen Endes durch einen seitlich wegstehenden Ansatz 15.1 mit dem Füllelementgehäuse 7 verbunden und im Flüssigkeitskanal 8 gehalten ist, ist am oberen und am unteren Ende jeweils sich verjüngend ausgebildet. Das untere, sich kegelförmig verjüngende Ende bildet mit seiner Mantelfläche eine mit der Schließmembrane 14 zusammenwirkende Ventilfläche 15.2, gegen die die Schließmembrane 14 bei geschlossenem Flüssigkeitsventil 11 mit einer Innenfläche anliegt.The respective filling element 4 includes, among other things, a filling element housing 7 in which a liquid channel 8 for the filling material is formed, which is connected at its upper end to the annular bowl 20 via a product channel 9 . In the product channel 9 , which in the illustrated embodiment is oriented with its axis on the same axis as a vertical filling element axis FA and at the bottom of the ring bowl 20 opens into the interior of this bowl, a flow meter 10 is provided, which is designed, for example, as a magnetically inductive flow meter (MID). is and can be connected to the electronic control and evaluation device 23 via a signal line 10.1. A liquid valve 11 is provided on the underside of the filling element housing 7 which, in the open state ( 2 ) Releases a release of the filling material at a lower filling material discharge opening 12, via which the liquid filling material flows in a free jet 13 through the upper container openings into the interior of the container 2 during each filling phase. When the liquid valve 11 is in the closed state, the release of filling material via the filling material discharge opening 12 is blocked. The liquid valve 11 has a valve for this controlled valve or closing element in the form of a closing membrane 14, which is formed like a funnel from a product-compatible elastic material, for example an elastomeric plastic, e.g. B. PTFE, and which cooperates with a rod-shaped valve body 15 which is coaxial with the filling element axis FA in the interior of the liquid channel 8 and around which the liquid filling material can flow. This rod-shaped valve body 15, which is connected in the region of its upper end by a laterally protruding extension 15.1 to the filling element housing 7 and is held in the liquid channel 8, is designed to taper at the upper and lower ends. The lower, conically tapering end forms with its lateral surface a valve surface 15.2 which interacts with the closing membrane 14 and against which the closing membrane 14 bears with an inner surface when the liquid valve 11 is closed.

Insgesamt ist das beschriebene Flüssigkeitsventil 11 nur eine Ausgestaltungsform eines Freistrahlfüllsystems für die das Füllhöhenmessung einsetzbar ist, weitere Varianten unter Anwendung der beschriebenen Füllhöhenmessung sind denkbar.Overall, the liquid valve 11 described is only one embodiment of a free jet filling system for which the filling level measurement can be used; further variants using the described filling level measurement are conceivable.

Mit 16 ist allgemein ein Hohlkolben bezeichnet, der als Betätigungselement für die Schließmembrane 14 dient und einen kappen- oder napfartigen Kolbenkörper 17 aufweist. Dieser umschließt mit einem ringförmigen Kolbenkörperabschnitt 17.1 das Füllelementgehäuse 7 und die Füllelementachse FA konzentrisch. Unterhalb des unteren Endes des Füllelementgehäuses 7 geht der Kolbenkörperabschnitt 17.1 in einen Bodenabschnitt 17.2 über, der im Bereich der Füllelementachse FA mit einer Öffnung versehen ist, die der Füllgutabgabeöffnung 12 entspricht. Mit dem Kolbenkörperabschnitt 17.1 ist der Kolbenkörper 17 in Richtung der Füllelementachse FA am Füllelementgehäuse 7 verschiebbar geführt.16 generally designates a hollow piston, which serves as an actuating element for the closing membrane 14 and has a cap-like or cup-like piston body 17 . This encloses the filling element housing 7 and the filling element axis FA concentrically with an annular piston body section 17.1. Below the lower end of the filling element housing 7, the piston body section 17.1 transitions into a bottom section 17.2, which is provided with an opening in the area of the filling element axis FA, which opening corresponds to the filling material discharge opening 12. With the piston body section 17.1, the piston body 17 is displaceably guided in the direction of the filling element axis FA on the filling element housing 7.

Zwischen der Außenfläche des Füllelementgehäuses 7 und der Innenfläche des Kolbenkörperabschnitts 17.1 sind in Richtung der Füllelementachse FA gegeneinander versetzt zwei über Dichtungen gegeneinander und auch nach außen hin abgedichtete Steuerkammern 18 und 19 gebildet, die jeweils gesteuert mit einem Druckmedium (z. B. Druckluft) beaufschlagbar sind, so dass der Hohlkolben 16 bzw. dessen Kolbenkörper 17 zum Öffnen und Schließen des Flüssigkeitsventils 11 in der Füllelementachse FA gesteuert auf- und ab bewegbar ist.Between the outer surface of the filling element housing 7 and the inner surface of the piston body section 17.1, two control chambers 18 and 19 are formed which are offset relative to one another in the direction of the filling element axis FA and which are sealed off from one another and from the outside by seals and which can each be pressurized with a pressure medium (e.g. compressed air) in a controlled manner are, so that the hollow piston 16 or its piston body 17 can be moved up and down in a controlled manner in the filling element axis FA in order to open and close the liquid valve 11 .

Zudem kann an dem Kolbenkörper 17 ein nur schematisch angedeuteter Drucksensor 28 vorgesehen sein, der über eine Signalleitung 28.1 mit der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 elektrisch verbunden ist. Der Drucksensor 28 ist dabei dazu ausgebildet, einen Innendruck des jeweils an dem Füllelement 4 angeordneten Behälters 2 in Dichtlage, also einer an dem Füllelement 4 angepressten Füllposition, zu erfassen.In addition, an only schematically indicated pressure sensor 28 can be provided on the piston body 17, which is electrically connected to the electronic control and evaluation device 23 via a signal line 28.1. The pressure sensor 28 is designed to detect an internal pressure of the container 2 arranged on the filling element 4 in a sealed position, ie a filling position pressed against the filling element 4 .

Wie insbesondere in der Figur 1 dargestellt, durchläuft eine jeweilige Füllposition FP auf dem Drehwinkelbereich des Rotors 3 zwischen dem Behältereinlauf 5 und dem Behälterauslaufs 6 abhängig von der jeweiligen aktuellen Drehwinkelposition des Rotors 3 verschiedene, in Transportrichtung TR aufeinander folgende Streckenabschnitte und damit verschiedene Phasen des Füllprozesses, der wenigstens die eigentliche Füllphase umfasst. Insbesondere sind in der Figur 1 am Umfang des Rotors 3 zwischen dem Behältereinlauf 5 und dem Behälterauslauf 6 verschiedene Positionen I - V angegeben, die eine jede Füllposition FP bzw. ein jedes Füllelement 4 bei einem Umlauf des Drehwinkelbereichs am Rotor 3 einnimmt. Dabei können der eigentlichen Füllphase zeitlich sowie in Transportrichtung TR am Rotor 3 örtlich vorgelagert auch eine Spülphase und/oder Vorspannphase und/oder der eigentlichen Füllphase zeitlich sowie in Transportrichtung TR am Rotor 3 örtlich nachgelagert eine Entlastungsphase vorgesehen sein. Diese Position bedeuten: Pos. I: Beginn des Spülens und /oder Vorspannens des jeweiligen in Dichtlage mit einem Füllelement 4 befindlichen Behälters 2. Pos. II: Ende des Spülens und/oder Vorspannens und Startzeitpunkt der eigentlichen Füllphase entlang der Füllstrecke FS bei maximaler Fördergeschwindigkeit des Rotors 3, also Füllleistung (befüllte Behälter 2 pro Stunde) der Füllmaschine 1, wobei die Pos. II dabei insbesondere den Füllstreckeneinlauf 24 bildet. Gleichzeitig kann die Pos. II auch den Beginn einer Wartezeit zwischen dem Spülen und/oder Vorspannen und dem Startzeitpunkt der eigentlichen Füllphase entlang der Füllstrecke FS bei minimaler Fördergeschwindigkeit des Rotors 3, also Füllleistung (befüllte Behälter 2 pro Stunde) der Füllmaschine 1 ausbilden. Pos. III Ende der Wartezeit und Startzeitpunkt der eigentlichen Füllphase entlang der Füllstrecke FS bei minimaler Fördergeschwindigkeit des Rotors 3, also Füllleistung (befüllte Behälter 2 pro Stunde) der Füllmaschine 1. Pos. IV Ende der Füllphase sowohl bei maximaler als auch bei minimaler Fördergeschwindigkeit des Rotos 3 im ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB einer ersten Sensoreinrichtung 26 und Beginn einer Entlastung der gefüllten Behälter 2 auf Atmosphärendruck. Pos. V Ende der Entlastung der gefüllten Behälter 2. As in particular in the figure 1 shown, a respective filling position FP on the rotational angle range of the rotor 3 between the container inlet 5 and the container outlet 6, depending on the respective current rotational angle position of the rotor 3, runs through different route sections that follow one another in the transport direction TR and thus through different phases of the filling process, which includes at least the actual filling phase includes. In particular, in the figure 1 on the circumference of the rotor 3 between the container inlet 5 and the container outlet 6 different positions I - V specified, which each filling position FP or each filling element 4 occupies during a revolution of the rotation angle range on the rotor 3. A rinsing phase and/or prestressing phase and/or the actual filling phase can also be provided temporally and locally upstream in the transport direction TR on the rotor 3 and a relief phase can be provided temporally and downstream in the transport direction TR on the rotor 3 . This position mean: Item I: Beginning of flushing and/or prestressing of the respective container 2 that is in a sealed position with a filling element 4. Item II: End of the rinsing and/or prestressing and start time of the actual filling phase along the filling section FS at maximum conveying speed of the rotor 3, i.e. filling capacity (filled containers 2 per hour) of the filling machine 1, with Pos. II forming the filling section inlet 24 in particular. At the same time, the Pos. II also the beginning of a waiting time between the rinsing and / or prestressing and the start of the actual filling phase along the filling section FS at minimum conveying speed of the rotor 3, i.e. filling capacity (filled containers 2 per hour) of the filling machine 1. Item III End of the waiting time and start time of the actual filling phase along the filling section FS at the minimum conveying speed of the rotor 3, i.e. filling capacity (containers 2 filled per hour) of the filling machine 1. Item IV End of the filling phase both at the maximum and at the minimum conveying speed of the Rotos 3 in the stationary detection area EB of a first sensor device 26 and the beginning of a relief of the filled containers 2 to atmospheric pressure. Item V End of discharge of the filled containers 2.

Erfindungsgemäß wird der jeweilige Behälter 2 an einer entsprechenden Füllposition FP aufgenommen und in Transportrichtung TR zumindest entlang einer Füllstrecke FS zwischen einem Füllstreckeneinlauf 24 und einem Füllstreckenauslauf 25 mit einer einstellbaren Fördergeschwindigkeit bewegt und zumindest in einer Füllphase mit einem konstanten Volumenstrom an flüssigem Füllgut gefüllt, indem das einer Füllposition FP zugeordnete Flüssigkeitsventil 11 zwischen dem Füllstreckeneinlauf 24 und dem Füllstreckenauslauf 25 zu einem einstellbaren Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase geöffnet und nach Erreichen einer Sollfüllstandshöhe SH an flüssigem Füllgut wieder geschlossen wird. Dabei wird das Erreichen der Sollfüllstandshöhe SH in einem auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB entlang der Füllstrecke FS optisch mittels der ersten Sensoreinrichtung 26 erfasst und der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase zumindest in Abhängigkeit der Fördergeschwindigkeit derart eingestellt, dass die Sollfüllstandshöhe SH an flüssigem Füllgut in dem jeweiligen Behälter 2 im auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB erreicht wird. Wie vorstehend bereits angemerkt, könnte der Volumenstrom auch geregelt oder gesteuert verlaufen.According to the invention, the respective container 2 is picked up at a corresponding filling position FP and is moved in the transport direction TR at least along a filling section FS between a filling section inlet 24 and a filling section outlet 25 at an adjustable conveying speed and is filled at least in a filling phase with a constant volume flow of liquid filling material by A liquid valve 11 associated with a filling position FP between the filling section inlet 24 and the filling section outlet 25 is opened at an adjustable start time of the filling phase and is closed again after a setpoint level SH of liquid filling material has been reached. The achievement of the target filling level SH in a stationary detection area EB on the outlet side along the filling section FS is optically detected by means of the first sensor device 26 and the start time of the filling phase is set at least as a function of the conveying speed in such a way that the target filling level SH of liquid filling material in the respective container 2 in exit-side stationary detection area EB is reached. As above already mentioned, the volume flow could also be regulated or controlled.

Dabei macht sich die Erfindung die Erkenntnis zu nutzte, dass sich bei der Füllmaschine 1 mit einem um eine vertikale Achse umlaufenden Rotor 3 und mit einer Vielzahl von an diesem Rotor 3 vorgesehenen Füllpositionen FP der Endpunkt der eigentlichen Füllphase in Abhängigkeit der aktuell gefahrenen Leistung (befüllte Behälter je Stunde) der Füllmaschine1, und dabei insbesondere der Fördergeschwindigkeit des Rotors 3, bei einem ortsfesten, also immer gleichen, Startzeitpunkt der eigentlichen Füllphase entlang des durchlaufenen Drehwinkels des Rotors verschiebt.Dreht der Rotor 3 bei geringerer aktuell gefahrener Leistung, also insbesondere Fördergeschwindigkeit des Rotors 3, der Füllmaschine 1 langsamer, so ist der jeweilige zu befüllende Behälter 2 bereits bei einem kleineren relativen Drehwinkel an der jeweiligen Füllposition FP gefüllt, während bei einer höheren aktuell gefahrenen Leistung der Füllmaschine 1 der Rotor 3 im Vergleich dazu schneller dreht und ein jeweiliger Behälter 2 vergleichbaren Volumens erst bei einem größeren relativen Drehwinkel gefüllt ist. Erfindungsgemäß wird daher der Startzeitpunkt der eigentlichen Füllphase nicht mehr, wie im Stand der Technik ortsfest gewählt, sondern zumindest in Abhängigkeit der aktuellen Fördergeschwindigkeit des Rotors 3 derart gewählt, bzw. eingestellt, dass das Ende der Füllphase stets im ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB der ersten Sensoreinrichtung, nämlich am Ende der Füllstrecke FS im Bereich des Füllstreckenauslaufs 25, erfolgt. Damit kann das Erreichen der Sollfüllstandshöhe SH in dem auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB entlang der Füllstrecke FS optisch mittels der ersten Sensoreinrichtung 26 unabhängig von der aktuell gefahrenen Fördergeschwindigkeit des Rotors 3 der Füllmaschine 1 erfasst werden.The invention makes use of the knowledge that in the case of the filling machine 1 with a rotor 3 revolving around a vertical axis and with a large number of filling positions FP provided on this rotor 3, the end point of the actual filling phase depends on the current output (filled containers per hour) of the filling machine1, and in particular the conveying speed of the rotor 3, at a stationary, i.e. always the same, start time of the actual filling phase along the rotation angle of the rotor that has been passed. If the rotor 3 rotates at a lower current power, i.e. in particular the conveying speed of the Rotor 3 of the filling machine 1 is slower, the respective container 2 to be filled is already filled at a smaller relative angle of rotation at the respective filling position FP, while at a higher current power of the filling machine 1 the rotor 3 rotates faster in comparison and a respective Container 2 comparable volume is filled only at a larger relative angle of rotation. According to the invention, therefore, the start time of the actual filling phase is no longer selected to be stationary, as in the prior art, but is selected or set at least as a function of the current conveying speed of the rotor 3 in such a way that the end of the filling phase is always in the stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device, namely at the end of the filling section FS in the area of the filling section outlet 25. In this way, the achievement of the target filling level SH in the outlet-side, stationary detection area EB along the filling section FS can be detected optically by means of the first sensor device 26 independently of the conveying speed of the rotor 3 of the filling machine 1 that is currently being driven.

Weiterhin bevorzugt wird der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase zudem in Abhängigkeit des konstanten Volumenstroms an flüssigem Füllgut derart eingestellt, dass die Sollfüllstandshöhe SH an flüssigem Füllgut in dem jeweiligen Behälter 2 im auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB erreicht wird.The start time of the filling phase is also preferably set as a function of the constant volume flow of liquid filling material in such a way that the target filling level SH of liquid filling material in the respective container 2 is reached in the outlet-side stationary detection area EB.

Dabei kann vorgesehen sein, dass bei einer maximalen Fördergeschwindigkeit das einer Füllposition FP zugeordnete Flüssigkeitsventil 11 bei Erreichen des Füllstreckeneinlaufs 24, also der Position II, geöffnet wird. In anderen Worten bildet also der Füllstreckeneinlauf 24 bei maximaler Fördergeschwindigkeit den Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase, zu dem das Flüssigkeitsventil 11 geöffnet wird. Der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase ist dabei an die maximale Fördergeschwindigkeit des Rotors 3, also Füllleistung (befüllte Behälter 2 pro Stunde) der Füllmaschine 1, derart angepasst gewählt, dass der jeweils der Füllposition FP zugeordnete Behälter 2 bei überstreichen des Drehwinkels zwischen der Position II und IV vollständig, also bis zu seiner Sollfüllstandshöhe SH, gefüllt ist, und zwar in dem auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB der ersten Sensoreinrichtung 26.Provision can be made for the liquid valve 11 assigned to a filling position FP to be opened at a maximum conveying speed when the filling section inlet 24 is reached, ie position II. In other words, the filling section inlet 24 forms the start time of the filling phase at maximum conveying speed, at which point the liquid valve 11 is opened. The start time of the filling phase is selected to be adapted to the maximum conveying speed of the rotor 3, i.e. filling capacity (filled containers 2 per hour) of the filling machine 1, in such a way that the container 2 assigned to the filling position FP, when sweeping the rotation angle between the positions II and IV is completely filled, i.e. up to its target filling level SH, specifically in the outlet-side, stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device 26.

Weiterhin wird bei einem Betreiben der Füllmaschine 1 mit einer minimalen Fördergeschwindigkeit das einer Füllposition FP zugeordnete Flüssigkeitsventil 11 erst bei Erreichen der Position III geöffnet und der an der Füllposition FP aufgenommene Behälter 2 beim Überstreichen des Rotors 3 zwischen den Positionen III und IV vollständig gefüllt. Der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase ist hier also an die Position III und damit in Transportrichtung TR gesehen an eine entlang der Füllstrecke FS im Vergleich dazu zeitlich und örtlich nachgelagerte Position verschoben, da der jeweilige Behälter 2 bei konstantem Volumenstrom (Liter pro Zeit) an flüssigem Füllgut bereits bei Durchlaufen eines kleineren relativen Drehwinkels des im Vergleich dazu langsameren Rotors 3 gefüllt ist.Furthermore, when the filling machine 1 is operated at a minimum conveying speed, the liquid valve 11 assigned to a filling position FP is only opened when position III is reached and the container 2 accommodated at the filling position FP is completely filled when the rotor 3 sweeps between positions III and IV. The start time of the filling phase is shifted here to position III and thus, seen in the transport direction TR, to a position that is later in time and location along the filling section FS, since the respective container 2 already has liquid filling material at a constant volume flow (liters per time). is filled when passing through a smaller relative angle of rotation of the rotor 3, which is slower in comparison thereto.

Um das Erreichen der Sollfüllstandshöhe SH in dem auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB entlang der Füllstrecke FS optisch mittels der ersten Sensoreinrichtung 26 erfassen zu können, kann dabei vorgesehen sein, dass bei einem Betreiben der Füllmaschine 1 mit einer von der maximalen Fördergeschwindigkeit abweichenden Fördergeschwindigkeit, insbesondere einer im Vergleich dazu geringeren Fördergeschwindigkeit, der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase um eine definierte Wartezeit auf eine Drehwinkelposition des Rotors 3 verschoben wird, die in Transportrichtung TR zeitlich und örtlich nach dem Durchlaufen des Füllstreckeneinlaufs 24 von der Füllposition FP erreicht wird. Vorzugsweise wird die Wartezeit bis zum Erreichen des Startzeitpunktes derart eingestellt, dass die Sollfüllstandshöhe SH an flüssigem Füllgut in dem jeweiligen Behälter 2 im auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB erreicht wird. Bei minimaler Fördergeschwindigkeit beträgt die Wartezeit dabei die gesamte Wegstrecke der Füllposition FP zwischen der Position II und III, und ist damit maximal lang ausbildet.In order to be able to optically detect when the target fill level SH has been reached in the outlet-side, stationary detection area EB along the filling section FS using the first sensor device 26, it can be provided that when the filling machine 1 is operated at a conveying speed that deviates from the maximum conveying speed, in particular at an im Compared to this, lower conveying speed, the start time of the filling phase is shifted by a defined waiting time to a rotational angle position of the rotor 3, which is reached in the transport direction TR in terms of time and location after passing through the filling section inlet 24 from the filling position FP. The waiting time until the start time is reached is preferably such adjusted so that the setpoint level SH of liquid filling material in the respective container 2 is reached in the outlet-side stationary detection area EB. At a minimum conveying speed, the waiting time is the entire distance of the filling position FP between positions II and III, and is therefore designed to be as long as possible.

Figur 3 zeigt dabei in einem Diagramm den Druckverlauf p in bar über die Zeit t während der einzelnen Phasen eines Füllprozesses mit der Füllphase zeitlich vorgelagerter Spül- und/oder Evakuierungsphase sowie zeitlich nachgelagerter Entlastungsphase. Ebenfalls kenntlich gemacht sind in dem Diagramm der Figur 3 die Positionen I - V am Rotor 3 der Füllmaschine 1, an denen die einzelnen Phasen des Füllprozesses örtlich stattfinden. figure 3 shows in a diagram the pressure curve p in bar over time t during the individual phases of a filling process with the filling phase preceding the flushing and/or evacuation phase and the relief phase following. Also marked in the diagram are the figure 3 the positions I - V on the rotor 3 of the filling machine 1, where the individual phases of the filling process take place locally.

Insbesondere kann der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase in Abhängigkeit eines zeitlichen Druckverlaufes p in dem jeweiligen Behälter 2 während des Füllprozesses mit der Füllphase zeitlich vorgelagerter Spül- und/oder Evakuierungsphase sowie zeitlich nachgelagerter Entlastungsphase die Fördergeschwindigkeit des Rotors 3 mittels der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 derart eingestellt werden, dass das Erreichen der Sollfüllstandshöhe SH in dem auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB der ersten Sensoreinrichtung 26 stattfindet. Dabei erfolgt die Erfassung des Druckverlaufes p insbesondere über den Drucksensor 28, der über eine Signalleitung 28.1 mit der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 elektrisch verbunden ist.In particular, the start time of the filling phase can be set as a function of a pressure profile over time p in the respective container 2 during the filling process, with the flushing and/or evacuation phase preceding the filling phase and the relief phase following in time, the conveying speed of the rotor 3 by means of the electronic control and evaluation device 23 that the target level SH is reached in the outlet-side stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device 26 . The pressure profile p is recorded in particular via the pressure sensor 28, which is electrically connected to the electronic control and evaluation device 23 via a signal line 28.1.

Bei einem drucklosen Füllen der Behälter 2 mit flüssigem Füllgut, bei dem der Füllprozess nur aus der eigentlichen Füllphase besteht, kann der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase in Abhängigkeit der erforderlichen Fülldauer und der Fördergeschwindigkeit des Rotors 3 mittels der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 derart eingestellt werden, dass das Erreichen der Sollfüllstandshöhe SH in dem auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB der ersten Sensoreinrichtung 26 stattfindet.When the container 2 is filled with liquid material without pressure, in which case the filling process consists only of the actual filling phase, the start time of the filling phase can be set by means of the electronic control and evaluation device 23 depending on the required filling time and the conveying speed of the rotor 3 in such a way that that the target fill level SH is reached in the outlet-side stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device 26 .

Alternativ oder kumulativ kann der Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase in Abhängigkeit eines Zeitverlaufs der eigentlichen Füllphase über den Durchflussmesser 10 erfolgen, also die eigentliche Füllzeit ermittelt werden, und die Fördergeschwindigkeit mittels der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 derart eingestellt werden, dass das Erreichen der Sollfüllstandshöhe SH in dem auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB der ersten Sensoreinrichtung 26 stattfindet.Alternatively or cumulatively, the start time of the filling phase can take place as a function of a time course of the actual filling phase via the flow meter 10, i.e. the actual filling time can be determined, and the conveying speed can be set by means of the electronic control and evaluation device 23 in such a way that the target filling level SH is reached in the stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device 26 on the outlet side.

Bevorzugt ermittelt die elektronische Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 die Füllzeit zumindest für die eigentliche Füllphase für den jeweiligen Behälter 2 unter Einbeziehung der von der zweiten Sensoreinrichtung 22 für diesen Behälter 2 erfassten Geometrie und/oder Größe und damit dem Innenvolumen des jeweiligen Behälters 2 und stellt die Fördergeschwindigkeit derart ein, dass das Erreichen der Sollfüllstandshöhe SH in dem auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB der ersten Sensoreinrichtung 26 stattfindet.The electronic control and evaluation device 23 preferably determines the filling time at least for the actual filling phase for the respective container 2, taking into account the geometry and/or size detected by the second sensor device 22 for this container 2 and thus the internal volume of the respective container 2 and sets the Conveying speed such that the reaching of the setpoint level SH in the outlet-side stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device 26 takes place.

Beispielsweise kann in der Füllphase eine Volumen-Füllung des Behälters 2 an flüssigem Füllgut erfolgen. Hierfür wird das Flüssigkeitsventil 11 zum Startzeitpunkt der Füllphase geöffnet und dann durch ein Schließen des Flüssigkeitsventils 11 beendet, wenn in den an der jeweiligen Füllposition FP aufgenommen Behälter 2 ein vorgegebenes Volumen an flüssigen Füllgut gelangt ist. Die Volumen-Füllung kann aufgrund des von Durchflussmesser 10 gelieferten Mengen-Signals mittels der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 gesteuert werden. Insbesondere kann hierfür vorgesehen sein, dass im ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB eine Istfüllstandhöhe IH des jeweiligen Behälters 2 erfasst und mittels einer in der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 hinterlegten Auswertelektronik mit einer dort gespeicherten Sollfüllstandshöhe SH verglichen und aus einer eventuellen Abweichung ein Signal erzeugt wird, welches die elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 über eine Steuerleitung 4.1 der betreffenden Füllposition FP zuführt, um ein an die Abweichung zwischen der Istfüllstandhöhe IH und der Sollfüllstandhöhe SH erforderliches Nachfüllen des jeweiligen Behälters 2 bis zum Erreichen der Sollfüllstandshöhe SH zu veranlassen. Das Auswertesignal der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 ist beispielweise ein Signal, welches die Zeitdauer und/oder Intensität des Nachfüllens des jeweiligen Behälters 2 bestimmt.For example, in the filling phase, the container 2 can be filled to volume with liquid filling material. For this purpose, the liquid valve 11 is opened at the start of the filling phase and then ended by closing the liquid valve 11 when a predetermined volume of liquid filling material has reached the container 2 accommodated at the respective filling position FP. The volume filling can be controlled by means of the electronic control and evaluation device 23 on the basis of the quantity signal supplied by the flow meter 10 . In particular, it can be provided for this purpose that an actual level IH of the respective container 2 is recorded in the stationary detection area EB and compared with a setpoint level SH stored there by means of evaluation electronics stored in the electronic control and evaluation device 23 and a signal is generated from any deviation, which the electronic control and evaluation device 23 via a control line 4.1 to the relevant filling position FP, in order to cause the respective container 2 to be refilled, as required by the deviation between the actual filling level IH and the target filling level SH, until the target filling level SH is reached. The evaluation signal of the electronic control and evaluation device 23 is, for example, a signal which determines the duration and/or intensity of the refilling of the respective container 2.

Bevorzugt ermittelt jedoch die elektronische Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 die erforderliche Füllmenge bis zum Erreichen der Sollfüllstandhöhe SH für den jeweiligen Behälter 2 und dabei insbesondere den Startzeitpunkt der eigentlichen Füllphase unter Einbeziehung der von der zweiten Sensoreinrichtung 22 für diesen Behälter 2 erfassten Geometrie und/oder Größe und damit dem Innenvolumen des jeweiligen Behälters 2 und stellt die Fördergeschwindigkeit derart ein, dass das Erreichen der Sollfüllstandshöhe SH in dem auslaufseitigen ortsfesten Erfassungsbereich EB der ersten Sensoreinrichtung 26 stattfindet.However, the electronic control and evaluation device 23 preferably determines the filling quantity required to reach the target filling level SH for the respective container 2 and in particular the start time of the actual filling phase, taking into account the geometry and/or size detected by the second sensor device 22 for this container 2 and thus the internal volume of the respective container 2 and adjusts the conveying speed in such a way that the target fill level SH is reached in the outlet-side stationary detection area EB of the first sensor device 26 .

Für eine Kalibrierung der Füllmaschine 1 beispielsweise zum Produktionsstart mit einem anderweitigen Behälterinnenvolumen der zu füllenden Behälter 2 oder alternativen flüssigen Füllgut kann zur Ermittlung eines Zeitprofils der Füllphase vorgesehen sein, dass vorzugsweise mehrere noch ungefüllte Behälter 2 in den Erfassungsbereich EB der ersten Sensoreinrichtung 26 gefahren werden, dort die Behälter 2 dieser Füllpositionen FP bei stillstehendem, also nicht angetriebenen Rotor 3 mit flüssigem Füllgut gefüllt werden und Verlauf der Füllphase über den Drucksensor 28 und/oder über den Durchflussmesser 10 unter Einbeziehung der elektronischen Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 erfasst wird. Die elektronische Steuer- und Auswerteeinrichtung 23 kann diese Daten für die spätere leistungsbezogene Steuerung des Füllprozesses nutzen. Diese Vorgehensweise ist auch dann von Nutzen, wenn eine an Getränk und Behälter 2 angepasste kontinuierlicher Regelung der Füllgeschwindigkeit erfolgt.For a calibration of the filling machine 1, for example at the start of production with a different internal volume of the container 2 to be filled or alternative liquid filling material, it can be provided for determining a time profile of the filling phase that preferably several unfilled containers 2 are moved into the detection area EB of the first sensor device 26, where the containers 2 of these filling positions FP are filled with liquid filling material when the rotor 3 is stationary, i.e. not driven, and the course of the filling phase is recorded via the pressure sensor 28 and/or via the flow meter 10 with the inclusion of the electronic control and evaluation device 23. The electronic control and evaluation device 23 can use this data for later performance-related control of the filling process. This procedure is also useful if the filling speed is continuously regulated in a way that is adapted to the beverage and container 2 .

BezugszeichenlisteReference List

11
Füllmaschinefilling machine
22
Behältercontainer
33
Rotorrotor
3.13.1
Antriebseinrichtungdrive device
3.23.2
Steuerleitungcontrol line
44
Füllelementfilling element
55
Behältereinlaufcontainer inlet
5.15.1
Förderstreckeconveyor line
66
Behälterauslaufcontainer outlet
77
Füllelementgehäusefilling element housing
88th
Flüssigkeitskanalliquid channel
99
Produktleitungproduct line
1010
Durchflussmesserflow meter
10.110.1
Signalleitungsignal line
1111
Flüssigkeitsventilliquid valve
1212
Füllgutabgabeöffnungproduct discharge opening
1313
Füllgutstrahlproduct jet
1414
Schließmembranclosing membrane
1515
Ventilkörpervalve body
1616
Hohlkolbenhollow piston
1717
Kolbenkörperpiston body
18, 1918, 19
Steuerkammercontrol chamber
2020
Ringkesselring bowl
2121
Behälterträgercontainer carrier
2222
zweite Sensoreinrichtungsecond sensor device
22.122.1
Signalleitungsignal line
2323
Steuer- und AuswerteeinrichtungControl and evaluation device
2424
Füllstreckeneinlauffilling line inlet
2525
Füllstreckenauslauffilling section outlet
2626
erste Sensoreinrichtungfirst sensor device
26.126.1
Signalleitungsignal line
2828
Drucksensorpressure sensor
28.128.1
Signalleitungsignal line
MAMA
Mittelachsecentral axis
EBEB
Erfassungsbreichdetection area
FPFP
Füllpositionfilling position
TRTR
Transportrichtungtransport direction
FSFS
Füllstreckefilling line
FAFA
Achseaxis
SHSH
Sollfüllstandshöhetarget level

Claims (12)

  1. Method for filling containers (2) with a liquid filler, using a filling machine (1) having a plurality of filling positions (FP), each formed at a filling element (4) with a liquid valve (11), wherein the respective container (2) is received at a corresponding filling position (FP) and is moved at an adjustable conveying speed in a transport direction (TR) at least along a filling path (FS) between a filling path inlet (24) and a filling path outlet (25), and is filled in at least one filling phase with a constant volume flow of liquid filler, wherein the liquid valve (11) assigned to one filling position (FP) between the filling path inlet (24) and the filling path outlet (25) is opened at a selectable starting time of the filling phase and is closed again after a desired filling level (SH) of liquid filler is attained, wherein the attainment of the desired filling level (SH) is optically detected by means of at least one first sensor device (26) in a fixed position outlet-side detection region (EB) along the filling path (FS), characterised in that the starting time of the filling phase is adjusted, at least depending on the conveying speed, in such a way that the desired filling level (SH) of liquid filler in the respective container (2) is reached in the positionally fixed outlet-side detection region (EB).
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that, at a maximum conveying speed, the filling phase is started when the filling path inlet (24) is reached by the filling position (FP).
  3. Method according to claim 2, characterised in that, at a conveying speed which is less than the maximum conveying speed, the starting point of the filling phase and/or the starting point of the evacuation and/or prestressing is delayed by a defined waiting time, which is reached in the transport direction (TR) in time and space after the filling position (FP) has run through the filling path inlet (24).
  4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that, at a minimum conveying speed, the start time of the filling phase is delayed by a maximum waiting time.
  5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the starting time of the filling phase is adjusted as a dependency of the constant volume flow of liquid filler.
  6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the starting time of the filling phase is adjusted as a dependency of a temporal pressure curve (p) in the respective container (2), since, during a filling process, this comprises a flushing and/or evacuation phase which takes place before the filling phase, as well as a relaxation phase which follows it.
  7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the starting time of the filling phase is adjusted as a dependency of a temporal flow curve of liquid filler in the respective container (2) during the actual filling phase.
  8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that, in the transport direction (TR), the geometry and/or size of the respective container (2) are detected upstream of the rotor (3) by a second sensor device (22).
  9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the starting time of the filling phase is adjusted by making reference to the geometry and/or size of the respective container (2) as detected by the second sensor device (22).
  10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that, by means of the first sensor device (26) in the fixed-position detection region (EB), an actual filling level height (IH) of the respective container (2) is detected and compared with a reference filling level height (SH), and, from a possible deviation between the actual filling level height and the reference filling level height (IH; SH), a filling required for the respective container (2) is then arranged until the reference filling level height (SH) is reached.
  11. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the reference filling level height (SH) of several containers (2) is detected simultaneously by the first sensor device (26).
  12. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that, in the fixed-position detection region (EB) of the first sensor device (26), image data is detected of at least the reference filling level height (SH) of at least one container (2).
EP17730799.8A 2016-07-06 2017-06-19 Method for filling containers Active EP3481765B1 (en)

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DE102019110774A1 (en) * 2019-04-25 2020-10-29 Krones Ag Device and method for foaming a filling product filled into a container
JP7705865B2 (en) * 2020-07-22 2025-07-10 東洋製罐株式会社 Manufacturing System
DE102020132069A1 (en) * 2020-12-02 2022-06-02 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Method and device for filling containers with a filling product
CN113562679B (en) * 2021-07-16 2022-08-30 清远华新达饮品有限公司 Integrated production process of bottled purified water
DE102023108863A1 (en) * 2023-04-06 2024-10-10 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Device for filling containers and associated operating method

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SI3481765T1 (en) 2023-07-31
EP3481765A1 (en) 2019-05-15
DE102016112369A1 (en) 2018-01-11
US20200317495A1 (en) 2020-10-08
US10913646B2 (en) 2021-02-09

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