EP4008682B1 - Device and method for filling a container with a filling product - Google Patents

Description

technical field

The present invention relates to a device and a method for treating a container, comprising filling the container with a filling product, preferably a beverage in a beverage filling plant.

State of the art

In fluid filling in the food sector, filling devices of various designs are known. A distinction is made between the basic product types of non-carbonated (still) and carbonated (CSD) liquids. In the case of non-carbonated products, such as when filling still water, juice, etc., the liquid is usually filled into the container in a free jet. In contrast, when filling carbonated products, such as beer, sparkling water, soft drinks, etc., the liquid is usually guided into the container along the inside wall of the container in order to reduce outgassing and foam formation.

The flow of the filling product through the filling device and thus the introduction into a container is usually controlled by a filling valve, which comprises a valve cone that sits in a valve holder that is complementarily shaped to the valve cone. The filling process is started by lifting the valve cone out of the valve holder, and the filling process is ended again by subsequently lowering the valve cone onto the valve holder.

When filling carbonated products in particular, the container to be filled can be sealed against the filling device. In order to further reduce outgassing and foam formation, the container can be pressurized using the so-called counterpressure process so that the CO2 remains bound in the liquid phase. To do this, the container is pressed gas-tight against the filling device and pre-tensioned with a pressure gas, such as CO2, before filling begins. After pre-tensioning, filling begins. Instead of a valve cone as in the case of free-jet filling, the function of opening/closing the valve is taken over by a swirl body, which the flowing liquid is also set in rotation. If the swirl body is raised, the product flows through the annular gap into the pressed container via a contour optimized for wall filling. The centrifugal forces of the rotation drive the liquid outwards and then flow along the inner wall of the container, which is why this type of filling is also known as "wall filling". At the same time, the gas in the container can escape via a hole in the swirl body and a valve rod connected to it. When filling is complete, the annular gap is closed by pressing the swirl body against the outlet contour. The container is then relieved to ambient pressure and separated from the filling device.

The filling process can therefore comprise a series of steps, including the pressure-tight pressing of the container against the filling element, a gas exchange, particularly in the case of oxygen-sensitive filling products, an increase or decrease in pressure in the container, the introduction of the filling product and a relief of the container.

The filling devices are usually equipped with sensors to monitor one or more steps of the filling process. For example, the dosing of the filling product into the container can be monitored using a flow meter in the product inlet or an electric rod probe immersed in the container mouth. In contrast to free-jet filling, the weight of the container cannot be measured during wall filling because the container is pressed against the filling device. It is also known to integrate a pressure sensor into the gas path of the filling device in order to monitor the intended overpressure or underpressure in the container. Ultrasonic barriers are usually used to provide information about whether a container is properly positioned under the filling device. For cost reasons, these are not installed on the rotating carousel, but stationary at the inlet and possibly at a few additional locations.

The sensors described above monitor the filling of the container either indirectly, for example via the flow of the filling product into the container, or directly through an immersed probe. In both cases, however, a defective filling process can only be detected to a limited extent, since only the step of introducing the filling product into the container is monitored. The formation of foam, particularly in the case of carbonated drinks, in the steps of introducing the filling product into the container and releasing the pressure in the container cannot be monitored or can only be monitored inadequately. An additional pressure sensor in the filling device can monitor the steps of gas exchange in the container, pressure increase or evacuation, and relief; however, the pressure sensor is usually an additional sensor, installed in each filling device. The dosing of the filling product into the container cannot be satisfactorily monitored by a pressure sensor, so that a flow meter and/or a filling level probe are also required. The steps of inserting and removing the container are either not monitored or are monitored by additional sensors. In summary, the filling process is currently either monitored by using a large number of sensors, which leads to high costs, high maintenance requirements, etc., or a compromise is sought in which only the most necessary steps are monitored, which in turn is at the expense of reliability and quality.

The EP 0 237 823 A1 describes a filling element without a filling tube with a signal transmitter which detects the predetermined filling level in the vessel to be filled and which is arranged in a gas tube.

The DE7238306U describes a filling element with a swirl chamber with tangential inlet.

representation of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide an improved device and an improved method for treating a container, comprising filling the container with a filling product, in particular to improve the reliability of the filling process while simultaneously simplifying the mechanical engineering.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of the quasi-coordinate method claim. Advantageous further developments follow from the subclaims, the following presentation of the invention and the description of preferred embodiments.

The device and the method according to the invention serve for treating a container, preferably in a beverage filling plant. This includes at least filling the container with a filling product.

Products that can be filled include drinks, such as water, soft drinks, beer, mixed drinks and the like. Carbonated drinks are particularly preferred for filling.

In addition to the actual introduction of the filling product into the container, further steps may be useful or necessary depending on the filling product and/or process. For example, in a counterpressure or negative pressure process, it is necessary to press the container against the mouth of the filling device and to apply a corresponding negative pressure or positive pressure to the container. Furthermore, steps such as rinsing, cleaning, pre-tensioning, evacuation, unloading, etc. may be part of the filling process, collectively referred to herein as "treatment" of the container.

The device according to the invention, which is also referred to herein as a "filling element", comprises a valve base body with an outlet for introducing the filling product into the container and a swirl chamber which is in fluid communication with the outlet and is designed to swirl the filling product during introduction into the container. The valve base body has a main inlet which opens tangentially into the swirl chamber and is designed to introduce the filling product or a main component of the filling product into the swirl chamber in such a way that the filling product is swirled in the swirl chamber. The device also has a valve cone which is at least partially arranged in the valve body, defines an axial direction and preferably forms at least part of the wall of the swirl chamber. A gas channel penetrates the valve cone in the axial direction.

The valve cone preferably extends in the axial direction through the valve base body, whereby the wording "extends ... through" is not to be understood as meaning that the valve cone projects beyond the valve base body on both sides in the axial direction. In other words, the dimension of the valve cone in the axial direction can be smaller than that of the valve base body.

The valve cone is designed to be displaceable, preferably in the axial direction, to regulate the flow of the filling product through the outlet. For this purpose, the valve cone interacts, for example, with a valve seat, which can be part of the valve body.

The term "flow control" refers to a change in the flow rate by adjusting the valve cone, which includes a complete shutdown of the flow rate, i.e. a flow rate of zero. A binary switching on and off of the flow rate is therefore just as much a part of flow control as a gradual change in the volume flow rate. The valve cone is preferably adjustable in a translational manner along the axial direction determined by the valve cone and outlet. The valve cone can be gradually adjusted within a working path.

During filling, the container mouth is normally located directly below the outlet. For this purpose, the container mouth can rest against a mouth section of the valve body. Alternatively, the filling device can also be used as a free jet valve.

According to the invention, the device comprises a sensor device with a sensor head which is configured to detect at least one signal and is arranged in the gas channel.

Preferably, the sensor device is the only sensor of the filling element, i.e. the invention allows the filling element to have no further sensors, such as a flow meter or a level probe, since the sensor device set out herein is arranged and configured such that not only one but preferably several measured variables can be monitored during the treatment of the container.

The use of such a sensor device placed in the gas channel of the filling device with swirl chamber enables a simplification of the mechanical engineering, as previously used sensors, for example for flow, fill level, container detection (Flada) and pressure, are replaced and at the same time several or even all steps in the filling process can be continuously monitored with one sensor. This leads to less maintenance, improved reliability and cost savings due to fewer sensors and fewer variants.

In addition, steps or sequences during the filling process which could not previously be monitored or could only be monitored inadequately, for example concerning the process of positioning and/or pressing the container against the mouth section of the filling element, can be monitored by the sensor device.

The compact design of the filling device means that the sensor head can be positioned very close to the container mouth, which allows a large sensor field of view to be achieved. This is further supported by the twist of the filling product, which creates a stable "eye" during filling, through which the sensor head can "look through" without interference.

Since the filling device with the valve body can be used for wall filling as well as for free-jet filling or for products that are to be filled at atmospheric pressure, the number of filling device variants for different applications is reduced. This reduces the care and maintenance effort and the number of machine variants. Filling systems that are equipped with filling devices of the type described here can be used universally. They can be used to fill a wide variety of different drinks, container formats and materials (PET, glass, can, still, carbonated, etc.).

Preferably, the sensor head has a transmitting/receiving surface which is designed to transmit a transmitting signal in the direction of the container and to receive a receiving signal caused by the transmitting signal. The receiving signal caused by the transmitting signal can be, for example, a reflection of the transmitting signal or a signal induced by the transmitting signal. In other words, according to this embodiment, the sensor head transmits a transmitting signal into the container positioned at or below the outlet. The container, a A gas or fluid present causes or influences, for example, a reflection of the signal, which in turn is detected by the sensor head. From the attenuation, propagation delay, interference, etc., conclusions can be drawn about measured variables such as the distance to the container bottom, the filling level in the container, the foam content, the foam height, gas composition, gas pressure, structural properties of the container and the like.

The transmission signal is particularly preferably an ultrasonic signal. In other words, the sensor device is preferably designed as an ultrasonic reflex probe or ultrasonic sensor. In this case, the gas channel and the container wall form a resonance chamber for the ultrasonic signal. The container bottom or the liquid surface act as reflection surfaces. However, the sensor device can also use a different measuring principle or measuring method, such as an optical measurement or a measuring method based on radar waves or microwaves.

The device preferably has an evaluation device that is in communication with the sensor device and is set up to infer one or more measured variables from the signals detected by the sensor device. The desired measured variable can be calculated from the detected signals, for example, taken from a functional relationship or a database, or determined in another way. The following are particularly suitable measured variables: filling level of the filling product in the container; gas pressure, composition or concentration in the gas channel and container; foam quantity/height and/or foam properties in the container; container position; structural condition of the container, i.e., for example, whether the container is defective. Communication between the sensor device and the evaluation device can be analog or digital, wireless or wired. Furthermore, the sensor device and the evaluation device can be implemented integrally or by separate electronic components. For example, the evaluation device can be installed together with the sensor head in a single sensor housing.

Preferably, the device further comprises a filling element control which is in communication with the evaluation device and is set up to control and/or regulate the treatment of the container. The measured variables determined by the sensor device and evaluation device can thus be used for controlling or regulating the filling process. The treatment preferably comprises one or more of the following steps: positioning the container relative to the filling element; pressing the container pressure-tight against an opening section of the valve body; introducing a gas (for example CO2, clean air, nitrogen, etc.) through the gas channel into the container, for example in order to rinse the container, to cleaning and/or pre-pressurizing; withdrawing a gas from the container through the gas channel; generating an overpressure in the container; generating a negative pressure in the container; introducing the filling product into the container; relieving the pressure in the container; removing the container from the mouth section of the valve body.

The formulations "positioning the container relative to the filling element" and "pressure-tight pressing of the container against a mouth section of the valve body" not only include a movement of the container relative to the filling element, but alternatively or additionally the filling element itself can also be moved in order to achieve the desired relative position or location between the filling element and the container.

The terms "overpressure" and "underpressure" are primarily to be understood relative to each other, but they can also refer to normal pressure.

The evaluation device can be part of the filling device control or can communicate with such a device in order to control and/or regulate the filling process. Communication can be analogue or digital, wired or wireless. The evaluation device and filling device control can be implemented centrally or decentrally, as part of internet-based and/or cloud-based applications or in another way, and can access databases if necessary. The evaluation device and filling device control can be implemented, for example, with the support of software by a computing unit.

The swirl chamber preferably has a ring shape or, more specifically, the shape of a torus, the cross-sectional contour of which has a rounded shape in the direction of extension and perpendicular to the direction of extension. The swirl chamber preferably extends essentially axially symmetrically around the valve cone.

In other words, the swirl chamber wall is preferably geometrically essentially continuous and differentiable both along the ring axis and perpendicular to it. The wording "essentially" indicates, on the one hand, that corners, for example in the mouth areas of the main inlet and any secondary inlets described below, cannot always be avoided, and, on the other hand, that geometric terms such as "continuous,""differentiable,""cornerpoints," etc., cannot be interpreted in an ideal mathematical way. In this regard, it is important that the cross-sectional contours of the swirl chamber do not have a polygonal, for example rectangular, shape.

It should be noted that spatial information such as "under", "beneath", "above", "above" etc. refers to the installation position of the filling device, which is clearly determined by the direction of gravity. The axial direction of the filling device corresponds at least essentially to the direction of gravity when installed.

According to this design variant, the valve body does not require any swirl bodies, such as guide vanes or swirl channels, or additional flow guides and is therefore very compact, hygienic and tolerant of dispersed solid/liquid mixtures that contain, for example, pieces of fruit, slurry, fruit fibers or the like. Furthermore, the size of pieces in the flow is hardly limited due to the lack of swirl bodies. The valve body allows the valve interior to be completely flushed out with a minimal flushing quantity due to the high turbulence that can be achieved in the swirl chamber and a comparatively small surface. In addition, the swirl chamber has essentially no corners in which flavorings, pieces of fruit and the like could get caught. This also optimizes the flushability. For these reasons, the valve body is particularly suitable for flexible, container-by-container filling product changes, in particular by adding components.

Preferably, the swirl chamber has the shape of a torus, as mentioned above. The term "torus" does not only refer to a rotational body constructed from a circular contour, although this is preferred, but the rotational contour or surface can also be elliptical, oval or rounded in some other way, as long as polygonal corners and edges are avoided. Such a rotationally symmetrical structure further supports the formation of a uniform swirl and the ability to flush out.

The swirl chamber preferably extends essentially axially symmetrically around the valve cone. In this case, the valve cone penetrates the swirl chamber centrally, whereby the valve cone synergistically forms part of the wall that forms the swirl chamber. In this way, the valve body can be made even more compact, with the functionalities of the valve cone and the swirl chamber being structurally integrated.

The valve body has a main inlet which opens tangentially into the swirl chamber and is designed to introduce the filling product or a main component of the filling product into the swirl chamber in such a way that the filling product is swirled in the swirl chamber.

The term "tangential" does not require a geometrically perfect tangential connection of the main inlet. Rather, it can make structural sense to have the main inlet flow into the swirl chamber at a certain angle. It is important that the inflow direction in this case is essentially from the side and the wall, i.e. not from above or from the side and center, and thus leads directly to a swirl, i.e. annular flow, in the swirl chamber.

The tangential inflow of the filling product from the main inlet into the swirl chamber creates an optimal swirl, whereby the filling product is driven outwards by centrifugal force and flows downwards along the container wall in a spiral movement after exiting the outlet. The tapering or constriction of the swirl chamber towards the outlet results in a drop in pressure and thus a stabilization of the swirl. On the one hand, this leads to a uniform, well-defined swirl across the circumference and, on the other hand, is a key determining factor for the flow rate. The main inlet, which flows tangentially into the swirl chamber on the side, also creates space above the swirl chamber. The space is unobstructed and can be used to expand the valve body in a modular way, for example with the sensor device described above, so that the variant creation or differentiation of the filling element for specific applications can take place later, thereby saving costs and resources.

Preferably, at least the axial outer wall of the swirl chamber merges continuously and in a differentiable manner into the main inlet in order to optimize the swirl formation and flushability. For the same reasons, the main inlet in the area of the mouth into the swirl chamber preferably has essentially the same cross-sectional contour perpendicular to the direction of extension as the swirl chamber. Preferably, both contours are circular with essentially the same diameter. In this way, the tangential supply of the filling product merges optimally into the ring flow within the swirl chamber.

The outlet is preferably ring-shaped, with the swirl chamber, which is also ring-shaped, gradually tapering towards the outlet, whereby the filling product flows downwards in the container in a spiral movement after exiting the outlet. By means of a targeted acceleration of the filling product in the ring channel between the swirl chamber and the outlet, rapid and controlled filling can be achieved. The swirl chamber preferably has an axially symmetrical shape to the axis of the ring-shaped outlet.

Preferably, the valve body has a valve seat, wherein the valve cone and the valve seat are arranged such that the valve cone in a shut-off position for a complete Closing the outlet is in sealing contact with the valve seat. The integration of flow control and shut-off functions in the valve body allows a reduction in components and a simplification of the product path. This leads to lower pressure losses and contributes to gentler product treatment and less foam formation during the filling process.

Preferably, the valve cone has a conical outlet contour that tapers towards the outlet and extends at least partially into the swirl chamber. In this way, the design of the valve body is particularly compact.

The valve body preferably has one or more secondary inlets that open into the swirl chamber and are designed to introduce one or more additional components of the filling product into the swirl chamber in such a way that they mix with the main component. The secondary inlets allow any additional components to be mixed directly in the swirl chamber, which ensures that the valve body can be easily rinsed out and minimizes any aroma carryover. In addition, the filling device is therefore particularly suitable for applications in filling systems that are designed for flexible dosing and immediate product changes.

In this case, the filling product is made up of several components, a main component such as water or juice and at least one additional component such as syrup, mixed together directly in the swirl chamber of the filling device. During filling, the additional components of the filling product are introduced into the swirl chamber and introduced together into the container to be filled under swirl.

The additional component(s) can be introduced into the swirl chamber in such a way that the main component previously supplied through the main feed is displaced backwards. The displaced volume of the main component is determined, for example, using a flow meter, and the volume of the added component(s) is thus also known and controllable. When the filling product is subsequently filled into the container, the main component is completely flushed out of the filling device into the container together with the added components, whereby the total filling quantity can be determined at the same time using the same flow meter or sensor device. During the next filling cycle, the filling quantities and also the added component quantities can be re-determined. This enables highly flexible and hygienic filling of individualized beverages with essentially no changeover times.

The valve base body preferably has a valve housing which forms at least part of the wall delimiting the swirl chamber and the outlet, whereby the valve base body is structurally simplified and particularly reliable. The valve housing can be manufactured in one piece. The valve housing is preferably a cast body.

Preferably, at least one of the secondary inlets is formed by openings in the valve housing. By integrating the supply of dosing components into the valve housing, no hoses or additional lines are required. In this way, the ability to rinse out the valve body is optimized in a structurally simple and reliable manner and any aroma carryover is minimized.

The valve base body preferably has a membrane made of a deformable material, which forms part of the wall delimiting the swirl chamber, preferably in the upper area. The membrane is connected to the valve housing on an outer contour, which is preferably circular, and to the valve cone on an inner contour, which is also preferably circular. The main inlet, which opens tangentially into the swirl chamber, creates space above the swirl chamber in addition to the technical effects mentioned above, which can be used to mount the membrane, which seals the swirl chamber in the upper area.

The membrane is made of a deformable or flexible material, which means that it can follow the axial movement of the valve cone and at the same time ensures a hygienic seal. The working range of the valve cone also determines the degree of deformability that the material of the membrane has to provide. This functionality determines the terms "flexible", "deformable" etc. in relation to the membrane. The flexibility of the membrane and the material properties, especially in the case of Teflon, also support filling of the filling product with swirl even with very low filling flows. Any unintentional local maximum of the flow at the beginning of the filling process, before a uniform flow with swirl is established, can be counteracted by adjusting the valve cone or by using an upstream control valve.

The symmetry of the membrane also allows a design with a high number of load cycles, as is usually necessary for filling devices. The membrane preferably has an annular clamping section that is designed for attachment to the valve housing.

Preferably, the device has at least one gas path that opens laterally into the gas channel. For example, a gas supply line for supplying clamping gas, purge gas and/or The gas paths may include a gas outlet for supplying gas to the gas channel and a gas discharge for discharging gas from the container. The one or more gas paths are preferably designed as a flexible hose, whereby they can compensate for the axial movement of the valve cone.

One or more of the gas paths preferably open into the gas channel substantially directly below the sensor head. In this way, contamination of the sensor head can be prevented or at least reduced through the synergistic effect of the gas flows in the gas channel.

One or more of the gas paths can be guided tangentially into the central gas channel. Such a tangential arrangement of the gas paths leads to effective cleaning of the sensor head during cleaning, for example with water.

The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a method for treating a container, comprising filling the container with a filling product, preferably a beverage in a beverage filling plant, the method comprising: providing a device according to one of the embodiments set out above; introducing the filling product into the swirl chamber of the valve base body and causing the filling product to swirl in the swirl chamber; discharging the swirling filling product from the swirl chamber via the outlet of the valve base body into the container, whereby the filling product flows along the inner wall of the container into the container; and detecting at least one signal which propagates from the container through the gas channel by the sensor head of the sensor device.

The features, technical effects, advantages and embodiments described with respect to the device apply analogously to the method.

For the reasons stated above, one or more measured variables are preferably inferred from the signals detected by the sensor device, in particular a filling level of the filling product in the container and/or a gas pressure, composition or concentration in the gas channel and container and/or a foam quantity/height or foam quality in the container and/or a container position and/or a structural condition of the container.

Preferably, the treatment of the container for the reasons mentioned above comprises one or more of the following steps: positioning the container relative to the filling member; pressure-tight

Pressing the container against a mouth section of the valve base body; introducing a gas into the container through the gas channel; withdrawing a gas from the container through the gas channel; generating an overpressure in the container; generating a negative pressure in the container; introducing the filling product into the container; relieving the container; removing the container from the mouth section of the valve base body.

Further advantages and features of the present invention are apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described therein can be implemented alone or in combination with one or more of the features set out above, provided that the features do not contradict one another and the scope of protection of the invention, which is defined by the following claims, is not exceeded. The following description of preferred embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying figures.

Short description of the characters

Figur 1

einen schematischen Querschnitt eines Füllorgans mit einer Sensoreinrichtung, einer Auswerteeinrichtung und einer Füllorgansteuerung;

Figur 2

eine perspektivische Schnittansicht eines Ventilgrundkörpers des Füllorgans mit Drallkammer, Ventilkegel und Membran;

Figur 3

eine Querschnittsansicht des Ventilgrundkörpers der Figur 2;

Figur 4

eine Querschnittsansicht eines Ventilgrundkörpers mit Drallkammer, Ventilkegel und Membran gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel;

Figur 5

den Ventilgrundkörper der Figur 4 in einer Draufsicht.

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

Figure 1

a schematic cross-section of a filling device with a sensor device, an evaluation device and a filling device control;

Figure 2

a perspective sectional view of a valve base body of the filling element with swirl chamber, valve cone and membrane;

Figure 3

a cross-sectional view of the valve body of the Figure 2 ;

Figure 4

a cross-sectional view of a valve base body with swirl chamber, valve cone and membrane according to another embodiment;

Figure 5

the valve body of the Figure 4 in a top view.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar or equivalent elements in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted in order to avoid redundancy.

The Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device 1 for filling a container 100 with a filling product. The device 1 is also referred to herein as a "filling element" or comprises such a device. Products to be filled are in particular beverages, for example water, soft drinks, beer, mixed drinks and the like. Carbonated beverages are particularly preferably filled by the filling element 1.

The filling element 1 comprises a valve body 10. The Figure 2 is a perspective view of the valve body 10. The Figure 3 shows the valve body 10 in a cross-sectional view.

The valve body 10 has a swirl chamber 11 designed as a ring channel or torus. The valve body 10 also has a Figures 1 , 2 and 3 The main inlet 12 is not visible and opens tangentially or essentially tangentially into the swirl chamber 11. The main inlet 12 is derived from the embodiment of the Figures 4 and 5 out.

In the lower region of the valve base body 10, the swirl chamber 11 tapers to an annular outlet 13, from which the filling product emerges during filling and flows into a container 100 placed below the valve base body 10.

It should be noted that spatial information such as "under", "beneath", "above", "above" etc. refer to the installation position of the filling element 1, which is clearly determined by the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the filling element 1 or its valve base body 10 has a clearly defined axial direction due to the annular outlet 13, which in the installed state at least essentially corresponds to the direction of gravity.

The tangential supply of the filling product from the main inlet 12 into the swirl chamber 11 causes the filling product to swirl, whereby the filling product is driven outwards by centrifugal force and, after exiting the valve body 10, continues outwards and flows downwards along the container wall. The tapering or constriction of the swirl chamber 11 towards the outlet 13 leads to a uniform, well-defined swirl around the circumference and is also a key determining factor for the flow rate. If the degree of tapering, in particular the size of the annular gap at the outlet 13, is adjustable, an integrated flow control can be implemented, possibly up to and including shut-off.

The above mentioned flow control can be implemented as follows: According to the embodiment of the Figures 1 , 2 and 3 For this purpose, the valve body 10 has a valve cone 14 which has a cylindrical shape tapering towards the outlet 13. The The annular gap adjoining the swirl chamber 11 is formed on the inside, at least in sections, by the outer circumferential surface of the valve cone 14. On the outside, the annular gap is delimited or formed by a valve housing 15. According to the present embodiment, the valve cone 14 is designed to be movable in the axial direction, i.e. up and down. In this way, the annular gap at the outlet 13 can be enlarged and reduced. The height of the valve cone 14 is preferably continuously adjusted within a working range, i.e. between a fully open position and a closed position or a position of minimum flow. If the inner shape of the valve housing 15 forms a valve seat 16 which is in sealing contact with the valve cone 14 when the filling element 1 is in the closed position, the outlet 13 can be completely closed, thereby implementing a shut-off function.

The main inlet 12, which opens lateral, i.e. tangentially into the swirl chamber 11, creates space above the swirl chamber 11 in addition to the technical effects mentioned above. The space is unobstructed and can be used to install a membrane 17, which seals the swirl chamber 11 in the upper area.

The membrane 17 has a circular outer contour that is connected directly or indirectly to the valve housing 15 via a fastening means. The membrane 17 is attached radially on the inside of the valve cone 14. The membrane 17 is made of a flexible material, preferably Teflon, which allows it to follow the axial movement of the valve cone 14 and at the same time ensures a hygienic seal of the swirl chamber 11. The symmetry of the membrane 17 also allows a design with a high number of load cycles, as is usually necessary for filling elements 1.

The valve base body 10 also has a gas channel 18 that centrally penetrates the valve cone 14 in the axial direction. The gas channel 18 serves to introduce a gas, such as purge gas, pressure gas and the like, and at the same time functions as a return gas channel to remove any gas that is to be removed during a gas exchange and/or is displaced from the container 100 during filling. However, the gas channel 18 can also be implemented as a multi-channel construction, for example a pipe-in-pipe construction, for example to create separate supply and exhaust gas paths.

One or more gas paths 18a, 18b open into the gas channel at the side, for example a gas supply line 18a to supply the gas - span gas, purge gas, etc. - to the gas channel 18, and a gas discharge line 18b to discharge gas from the container 100. The gas paths 18a, 18b are preferably designed as a flexible hose, whereby they can compensate for the axial movement of the valve cone 14.

The valve cone 14 ends essentially directly below a throttle point, i.e. the narrowest point of the annular gap forming the outlet 13, whereby a defined change from a single-phase gap flow to a wall film flow in the container 100 is realized. In this way, a well-defined, constant separation edge of the liquid is formed, namely at the point with the highest flow velocity. Preferably, the valve seat 16, i.e. the shut-off point, is located in the immediate vicinity of the separation edge, whereby the surfaces that could lead to dripping are minimized.

The valve cone 14 is preferably made of Teflon, which improves the drainage behavior due to the low surface energy. If the valve housing 15 is also made of stainless steel, such a material pairing can ensure complete sealing even at high differential pressures.

Apart from the valve cone 14, the valve base body 10 requires neither swirl bodies, such as guide vanes or swirl channels, nor additional flow guides and is therefore very hygienic and tolerant of dispersed solid/liquid mixtures that contain, for example, fruit pieces, slurry, fruit fibers or the like. Furthermore, the size of pieces in the flow is hardly limited due to the lack of swirl bodies. To fill large pieces, for example with volumes of 5 x 5 x 5 mm or more, the valve cone stroke can be flexibly increased during the filling process.

The valve body 10 is particularly suitable for the wall filling described above, in which the filling product runs spirally down the inner wall of the container. However, a filling element 1 equipped with the valve body 10 can also be used as a free-jet valve. In this case, the valve body 10 can be used as a hygienic control valve by installing it in a corresponding filling product line with a subsequent calming section and, if necessary, a gas barrier at the outlet. If necessary, the swirl can be removed by a radial instead of tangential main inlet 12.

The valve body 10 allows a complete flushing of the valve interior, in particular the swirl chamber 11 and the outlet 13 adjoining it in the filling direction, with a minimal flushing quantity, due to the high turbulence that can be achieved in the swirl chamber 11 and a comparatively small surface. For this reason, the valve body 10 is designed for a frequent, for example up to container-wise, changes of the filling product, in particular of components that can be added, are particularly suitable. Due to the particularly good rinsability, the valve base body 10 can also be used in aseptic filling machines.

The integration of control and shut-off functions in the valve body 10 allows a reduction in the number of components and a simplification of the product path. This leads to lower pressure losses and contributes to gentler product treatment and less foam formation during the filling process.

The compact design of the valve body 10 also enables hygienic integration of the valve cone drive and, if necessary, other control functions in the valve head, i.e. above the swirl chamber 11, for example integration of gas valves for pre-pressurizing the containers 100, return gas lines, relief lines, solenoid valves for other separate control functions in the area of the filling element 1, such as raising and lowering the valve, dosing components and the like. Likewise, for example, a control board can be installed in the valve head to implement decentralized control architectures.

Since the filling device 1 with the valve base body 10 can be expanded in a modular manner and can also be used for wall filling as well as for free-jet filling or for products to be filled at atmospheric pressure, the number of filling device variants for different applications is reduced. This reduces the care and maintenance effort and the number of machine variants. Filling systems that are equipped with filling devices 1 of the type described here can be used universally. They can be used to fill a large variety of different drinks, container formats and materials (PET, glass, can, still, carbonated, etc.).

The Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a valve body 10 with swirl generation according to another embodiment. A top view of the valve body 10 is shown in the Figure 5 The basic structure and the associated technical functions are similar to the embodiment of the Figures 1 , 2 and 3 . The valve body 10 according to the Figures 4 and 5 However, it has an expanded range of functions compared to the versions described above.

The valve body 10 has two additional inlets, which are referred to herein as the first and second secondary inlets 12a, 12b. The number of two secondary inlets 12a, 12b is only an example and can vary depending on the application.

The secondary inlets 12a, 12b enable the supply of further components, which are also referred to herein as additional component(s), directly into the swirl chamber 11. In order to be able to dose the quantities of the additional components, the secondary inlets 12a, 12b can each be equipped with a dosing valve 19a. The dosing valve associated with the secondary inlet 12b is in the perspective of the Figure 4 not visible, but can be designed like the dosing valve 19a.

The secondary inlets 12a, 12b allow the addition of additional components directly in the swirl chamber 11, which ensures that the valve body 10 can be easily rinsed out and minimizes any aroma carryover. By integrating the supply of dosing components into the valve housing 15, no hoses or additional lines are required. In this way, the valve body 10 is particularly suitable for immediate product changes.

The valve base body 10 is modular in several respects and can thus be functionally expanded and adapted in a simple manner. The membrane 17 has a clamping section 17a which is designed for fastening in the valve housing 15. The clamping section 17a is an annular structure which can be an integral part of the membrane 17 or attached to it as a separate element. In the radially inner area, the membrane 17 is attached to the valve cone 14.

A material combination of Teflon is preferred for the valve cone 14 and the membrane 17. The flexibility of the membrane and the material properties support filling of the filling product with swirl even with very low filling flows. In addition, any unintended local maximum of the flow at the beginning of a filling process, before a uniform flow with swirl is established, is counteracted. In combination with a valve cone 14 made of Teflon, which optimizes the flow behavior due to low surface energy, a uniform, quiet and trouble-free filling with short filling times can be achieved.

The modular design allows different membranes 17 and/or valve cones 14 with different flow and filling properties to be used and combined without the entire valve body 10 having to be redesigned. The rest of the valve body 10, in particular the valve housing 15, can be an unchangeable, standardized component, while the valve properties are simply variable due to the structural unit of valve cone 14 and membrane 17. In this way, for example, the size of the swirl chamber 11, the shape of the valve cone 14, in particular its outlet contour, Preload position and preload force of the valve cone 14 by the diaphragm 17 and the like can be easily modified and adapted to the desired application environment.

Coming back to the Figures 1 and 4 a possible connection of a bottle-shaped container 100 to a mouth section 15c of the valve housing 15 is shown therein. The container 100 has a container mouth 101 which is in contact with the mouth section 15c in the wall filling mode, whereby the filling product, swirled by the swirl chamber 11 during filling, flows downwards on the container wall in a spiral movement under the influence of centrifugal force.

The tangential main inlet 12 described above leaves the top of the valve body 10 unobstructed in such a way that one or more modular valve components can be attached. In addition, due to the wall filling of the filling product, the space in the axis of the container 100 is only filled with gas, so that these central sections of the filling element 1 can be used for a sensor device 20, the structure and function of which will be described below with reference to the Figure 1 is set out.

The sensor device 20 has a sensor housing 21, which preferably extends centrally upwards in extension of the valve cone 14 or the gas channel 18. The sensor device 20 also has a sensor head 22 with a transmitting/receiving surface 22a.

The sensor device 20 is preferably designed as an ultrasonic reflex probe or ultrasonic sensor. In this case, the gas channel 18 and the container wall form a resonance chamber for the ultrasonic signal. The container bottom or the liquid surface act as reflection surfaces. However, the sensor device 20 can also implement a different measuring principle or measuring method, such as an optical measurement or a measuring method based on radar waves or microwaves.

Due to the compact design of the filling device 1, the sensor head 21 can be positioned at a very short distance from the container mouth 101, whereby a large sensor field of view S can be achieved. This is further supported by the swirl of the filling product, whereby a stable "eye" is formed during filling, through which the sensor head 21 can "look through" without interference. This makes two things possible: either the sensor device 20 can be used directly as a level sensor, which detects the distance of the liquid surface of the filling product in the container 100 from the sensor head 22, or an additional level sensor (not shown in the figures) can be installed.

One, several or all of the gas paths 18a, 18b preferably open into the gas channel 18 substantially directly below the sensor head 22. In this way, contamination of the transmitting/receiving surface 22a can be prevented or at least reduced by the synergistic effect of the gas flows in the gas channel 18.

One, several or all of the gas paths 18a, 18b can be guided tangentially into the central gas channel 18. Such a tangential arrangement of the gas paths 18a, 18b in front of the transmitting/receiving surface 22a leads to an effective cleaning of the transmitting/receiving surface 22a during a cleaning operation, for example with water. In addition, the sensor head 22 only comes into contact with gaseous media during normal operation without excessive foaming during filling, but not with liquids. In the event of a possible bursting of the container 100, the sensor head 22 is well protected from flying fragments such as broken glass by its placement in the gas channel 18.

The sensor device 20 allows monitoring of several or even all steps of the filling process. For this purpose, an evaluation device 30 is provided, which is in communication with the sensor device 20 and is set up to evaluate the analog or digital detection signals of the sensor device 20. The detection signals of the sensor device 20 can thus be used by the evaluation device 30, for example, to draw conclusions about one or more of the following measured variables: filling level of the filling product in the container 100; gas pressure in the gas channel 18 or container 100; foam quantity/height or foam quality in the container 100; container position relative to the mouth section 15c; structural condition of the container 100, i.e. whether the container 100 is intact or damaged.

The evaluation device 30 can be part of a filling device control 40 or can communicate with such a device in order to control and/or regulate the filling process. The communication can be analogue or digital, wired or wireless. The evaluation device 30 and filling device control 40 can be implemented centrally or decentrally, part of internet-based and/or cloud-based applications or in another way, and can access databases if necessary. The sensor device 20, evaluation device 30 and filling device control 40 can be implemented integrally or by separate electronic components. For example, the evaluation device 30 can, in contrast to the representation of the Figure 1 , be installed in the sensor housing 21, and the evaluation device 30 and filling device control 40 can be implemented, for example, with software support by a computing unit.

If the position of the container 100 is changed relative to the filling element 1, for example during the insertion, pressing and removal of the container 100, the signal received by the sensor device 20 also changes, whereby steps that are associated with a change in position or location of the container 100 can be monitored and controlled accordingly. In this way, for example, the filling process can be started automatically as soon as a container 100 is present and in the correct position.

Due to the dependence of the speed of sound on gas properties, such as composition, pressure, temperature, etc., steps of gas exchange, pressure increase or pressure reduction/evacuation can also be monitored by the sensor device 20 and controlled accordingly.

Likewise, any foam formation during filling and/or unloading of the container 100 can be monitored by the sensor device 20.

Monitoring and controlling the dosing of the filling product is possible for all containers 100. The increase in the filling speed can be used as a control variable.

Container defects, such as bottle bursts, can also be detected by the sensor device 20.

The scope of application of the sensor device 20 described above is given in the case of a measuring principle based on the emission and detection of ultrasonic waves. However, the scope of application can also be achieved completely or at least partially by other measuring methods such as optical measurements.

The use of such a sensor device 20 placed in the gas channel 18 of the filling element 1 with swirl chamber 11 enables a simplification in mechanical engineering, since previously used sensors, for example for flow, fill level, container detection (Flada) and pressure, can be replaced and at the same time several or even all steps in the filling process can be continuously monitored with a single sensor.

In addition, steps or sequences during the filling process which could not previously be monitored or could only be monitored inadequately, such as the process of positioning and/or pressing the container 100 against the mouth section 15c of the filling element 1, can be monitored by the sensor device 20.

The use of a single sensor device 20 in the filling device 1 results in less maintenance effort and cost savings due to fewer sensors and fewer variants. It is possible to use the sensor device 20 for PET bottles as well as for glass bottles, cans or other types of containers, thereby reducing sensor variants.

In contrast to electrical rod probes, filling products with low conductivities can also be measured without any problems.

The use of flow meters, such as costly Coriolis mass flow meters, is not necessary.

The necessary communication between the evaluation device 30, the filling device control 40 and/or a higher-level system control can be significantly reduced with decentralized control concepts. The requirement for the permitted transmission delay is also reduced because, for example, the start signal for the filling process no longer has to be transmitted.

list of reference symbols

1

Filling device/device for filling a container with a filling product

10

valve body

11

swirl chamber

12

main inlet

12a

first secondary inlet

12b

Second side inlet

13

outlet

14

valve cone

15

valve housing

15c

mouth section

16

valve seat

17

membrane

17a

clamping section

18

gas channel

18a

gas path

18b

gas path

19a

dosing valve

20

sensor device

21

sensor housing

22

sensor head

22a

transmitting/receiving area

30

evaluation device

40

filling device control

100

container

101

container mouth

S

field of vision

Claims (14)

1. Apparatus (1) for handling a container (100), comprising filling the container (100) with a filling product, preferably with a beverage in a beverage bottling plant, wherein the apparatus (1) has:

   a valve main body (10) with an outlet (13) for introducing the filling product into the container (100) and with a swirl chamber (11) which is fluidically connected to the outlet (13) and is configured to induce a swirling motion in the filling product as the latter is being introduced into the container (100), wherein the valve main body (10) has a main inlet (12) which opens tangentially into the swirl chamber (11) and is configured to introduce the filling product or a main component of the filling product into the swirl chamber (11) in such a manner that a swirling motion is induced in the filling product in the swirl chamber (11);

   a valve cone (14) which is at least partially arranged in the valve body (10), defines an axial direction and through which a gas duct (18) penetrates in the axial direction, wherein the valve cone (14) is preferably configured so as to be displaceable in the axial direction for flow control of the filling product through the outlet (13); and

   a sensor device (20) with a sensor head (22) which is configured to detect at least one signal and is arranged in the gas duct (18).
2. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sensor head (22) has a transmit/receive surface (22a) which is configured to emit a transmit signal in the direction of the container (100) and to receive a receive signal initiated by the transmit signal, wherein the transmit signal is preferably an ultrasonic signal, an optical signal, a radar wave or a microwave.
3. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said apparatus furthermore has an evaluation device (30) which communicates with the sensor device (20) and is configured to infer one or more measured variables from the signals detected by the sensor device (20), preferably a filling height of the filling product in the container (100) and/or a gas pressure, gas composition or gas concentration in the gas duct (18) and container (100) and/or a froth quantity/height and/or froth composition in the container (100) and/or a container position and/or a structural state of the container (100).
4. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that said apparatus furthermore has a filling member controller (40) which communicates with the evaluation device (30) and is configured to control and/or to regulate the handling of the container (100), wherein the handling preferably comprises one or more of the following steps: positioning the container (100); pressing the container (100) pressure-tightly against a mouth section (15c) of the valve main body (10); introducing a gas through the gas duct (18) into the container (100); drawing off a gas out of the container (100) through the gas duct (18); generating a positive pressure in the container (100); generating a negative pressure in the container (100); introducing the filling product into the container (100); relieving the container (100) of load; removing the container (100) from the mouth section (15c) of the valve main body (10).
5. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the swirl chamber (11) has an annular shape, preferably the shape of a torus, the cross-sectional contour of which has a round shape in the direction of extent and perpendicularly to the direction of extent, wherein the swirl chamber (11) preferably extends substantially axially symmetrically about the valve cone (14).
6. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the axial outer wall of the swirl chamber (11) merges continuously and differentiably into the main inlet (12), and/or the main inlet (12) in the region of the mouth leading into the swirl chamber (11) has substantially the same cross-sectional contour perpendicularly to the direction of extent as the swirl chamber (11).
7. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet (13) is annular and the swirl chamber (12) tapers gradually towards the outlet (13), as a result of which the filling product after exiting from the outlet (13) flows downwards in a spiral movement in the container (100).
8. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve main body (10) has a valve seat (16), wherein the valve cone (14) and the valve seat (16) are configured in such a manner that, in a shut-off position, the valve cone (14) is sealingly in contact with the valve seat (16) for completely sealing the outlet (13).
9. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve main body (10) has one or more secondary inlets (12a, 12b) which open into the swirl chamber (11) and are configured to correspondingly introduce one or more additional components of the filling product into the swirl chamber (11) in such a manner that said additional components are mixed therein with a main component of the filling product.
10. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve main body (10) has a valve housing (15), which forms at least part of the wall bounding the swirl chamber (11) and the outlet (13), and a membrane (17) made of a deformable material, the membrane forming a further part of the wall bounding the swirl chamber (11) and being attached at an outer contour to the valve housing (15).
11. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said apparatus has at least one gas path (18a, 18b), preferably in the form of a flexible hose, which opens laterally, preferably tangentially, into the gas duct (18), wherein the at least one gas path (18a, 18b) opens into the gas duct (18) preferably directly below the sensor head (22).
12. Method for handling a container (100), comprising the filling of the container (100) with a filling product, preferably with a beverage in a beverage bottling plant, wherein the method comprises:

    providing an apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims;

    introducing the filling product into the swirl chamber (11) of the valve main body (10) and inducing a swirling motion in the filling product in the swirl chamber (11);

    discharging the swirling filling product from the swirl chamber (11) via the outlet (13) of the valve main body (10) into the container (100), as a result of which the filling product flows along the container inner wall into the container (100); and

    detecting at least one signal which propagates from the container (100) through the gas duct (18) by the sensor head (22) of the sensor device (20).
13. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that one or more measured variables are inferred from the signals detected by the sensor device (20), preferably a filling height of the filling product in the container (100) and/or a gas pressure, gas composition or gas concentration in the gas duct (18) and container (100) and/or a froth quantity/height and/or froth composition in the container (100) and/or a container position and/or a structural state of the container (100).
14. Method according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the handling of the container (100) comprises one or more of the following steps: positioning the container (100); pressing the container (100) pressure-tightly against a mouth section (15c) of the valve main body (10); introducing a gas through the gas duct (18) into the container (100); drawing off a gas out of the container (100) through the gas duct (18); generating a positive pressure in the container (100); generating a negative pressure in the container (100); introducing the filling product into the container (100); relieving the container (100) of load; removing the container (100) from the mouth section (15c) of the valve main body (10).

Images