Feeding and filling systems and control methods thereof, computer-readable storage media

Abstract

A feeding and filling system and its control method are disclosed, and a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The feeding and filling system includes a feeding device, a transmission pipeline, and a first filling device and a second filling device. The transmission pipeline includes a first sub-pipeline, a second sub-pipeline, and a third sub-pipeline. The first sub-pipeline connects the feeding device and the first filling device; the second sub-pipeline connects the first filling device and the second filling device; and the third sub-pipeline, along its extension direction, includes a first end and a second end, the first end of which is connected to the second filling device. The feeding and filling system also includes a reversing valve, which connects the first sub-pipeline and the third sub-pipeline and is switchable between an open position and a closed position. When the reversing valve is in the open position, the first sub-pipeline and the third sub-pipeline are connected through the reversing valve; when the reversing valve is in the closed position, the first sub-pipeline and the third sub-pipeline are not connected through the reversing valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a feeding and filling system, a control method for the feeding and filling system, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, trade between countries and regions is very frequent, and various products typically require packaging for storage, transportation, and sale. For example, foods such as milk, beverages, vegetable purees, and broth need to be sealed in various containers, including boxes and bags. Feeding and filling systems are frequently used in the product packaging process to fill the products into containers. To improve production efficiency, these systems usually employ a single feeding device to supply raw materials to multiple filling devices. In this scenario, ensuring that the raw materials received by multiple simultaneously operating filling devices are uniform and consistent is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a feeding and filling system is provided. The feeding and filling system includes: a feeding device for providing raw materials; a transmission pipeline for conveying the raw materials provided by the feeding device; a first filling device and a second filling device for receiving the raw materials conveyed by the transmission pipeline; and a first flow regulating valve and a second flow regulating valve for regulating the flow rate of the raw materials entering the first filling device and the flow rate of the raw materials entering the second filling device, respectively. The transmission pipeline includes a first sub-pipeline, a second sub-pipeline, and a third sub-pipeline. The first sub-pipeline connects the feeding device and the first filling device, the second sub-pipeline connects the first filling device and the second filling device, and the third sub-pipeline includes a first end and a second end along its extension direction, with the first end connected to the second filling device. The feeding and filling system also includes a reversing valve, which connects the first sub-pipeline and the third sub-pipeline and is switchable between an open position and a closed position. When the reversing valve is in the open position, the first sub-pipeline and the third sub-pipeline are connected through the reversing valve; when the reversing valve is in the closed position, the first sub-pipeline and the third sub-pipeline are not connected through the reversing valve.

[0004] For example, when the reversing valve is in the closed position, the raw material reaches the first filling equipment through the first sub-pipeline, and reaches the second filling equipment through the first sub-pipeline and the second sub-pipeline; when the reversing valve is in the open position, the raw material reaches the first filling equipment through the first sub-pipeline, and reaches the second filling equipment through a portion of the first sub-pipeline and a portion of the third sub-pipeline.

[0005] For example, the length of the portion of the first sub-pipeline located between the connection point of the first sub-pipeline and the reversing valve and the first filling equipment is the first length; the length of the portion of the third sub-pipeline located between the connection point of the third sub-pipeline and the reversing valve and the second filling equipment is the second length; the first length is equal to the second length or the difference between the first length and the second length is less than or equal to 20%.

[0006] For example, at least a portion of the first sub-pipeline and at least a portion of the third sub-pipeline are parallel to each other, the connection point of the first sub-pipeline and the reversing valve is located at the at least a portion of the first sub-pipeline, and the connection point of the third sub-pipeline and the reversing valve is located at the at least a portion of the third sub-pipeline; relative to the ground, at least a portion of the first sub-pipeline and at least a portion of the third sub-pipeline are at the same height or at least a portion of the first sub-pipeline is above at least a portion of the third sub-pipeline.

[0007] For example, relative to the ground, at least a portion of the first sub-pipeline is located directly above at least a portion of the third sub-pipeline.

[0008] For example, the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes at least one third filling device and at least one third flow regulating valve, wherein the at least one third filling device is connected to the second sub-pipeline, and the at least one third flow regulating valve is used to regulate the flow rate of the raw material entering the at least one third filling device.

[0009] For example, the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of the third filling devices and a plurality of the third flow regulating valves corresponding to the plurality of the third filling devices, wherein the number of the plurality of the third filling devices is odd, and the plurality of the third filling devices are equally spaced between the first filling device and the second filling device; or the number of the plurality of the third filling devices is even, and the plurality of the third filling devices are equally spaced between the first filling device and the second filling device, or the plurality of the third filling devices are symmetrically arranged between the first filling device and the second filling device with respect to the midpoint of the second sub-pipeline.

[0010] For example, the second end of the third sub-pipeline is not connected to the feeding device.

[0011] For example, the second end of the third sub-pipeline is closed; the connection point between the third sub-pipeline and the reversing valve is located between the first end and the second end of the third sub-pipeline.

[0012] For example, the first sub-pipeline is not connected to any other filling equipment besides the first filling equipment; the third sub-pipeline is not connected to any other filling equipment besides the second filling equipment.

[0013] For example, during the filling process, when the reversing valve is in the closed position, the opening degree of the first flow regulating valve is less than that of the second flow regulating valve; during the filling process, when the reversing valve is in the open position, the opening degree of the first flow regulating valve and the opening degree of the second flow regulating valve are the same or the difference in opening degree does not exceed 10%.

[0014] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a control method for the feeding and filling system as described above is also provided. The control method for the feeding and filling system includes: controlling the reversing valve to a closed position, such that the raw material reaches the first filling device through the first sub-pipeline, and reaches the second filling device through the first sub-pipeline and the second sub-pipeline; and controlling the reversing valve to an open position, such that the raw material reaches the first filling device through the first sub-pipeline, and reaches the second filling device through a portion of the first sub-pipeline and a portion of the third sub-pipeline.

[0015] For example, the control method of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes: controlling the reversing valve to the open position when the raw material includes particulate matter.

[0016] For example, the control method of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes: when the raw material is a high-viscosity raw material, controlling the reversing valve to reach the open position, wherein the viscosity of the high-viscosity raw material is greater than or equal to 500 mPa·s.

[0017] For example, the control method for the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes: applying a cleaning flow and / or a sterilizing flow to the transmission pipeline; and controlling the reversing valve to switch back and forth between an open position and a closed position multiple times.

[0018] For example, the directional valve remains in the open position for a first time period, and the directional valve remains in the closed position for a second time period; and the first time period is shorter than the second time period.

[0019] For example, the first time period is a few seconds, and the second time period is several hundred seconds.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a feeding and filling system is provided. The feeding and filling system includes: a processor; a memory including one or more computer program modules; wherein the one or more computer program modules are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor, and the one or more computer program modules include instructions for implementing the method described above.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. This computer-readable storage medium is used to store non-transitory computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a computer, can implement the method described above. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a layout diagram of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 In this case, the reversing valve is closed;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a layout diagram of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Among them, the reversing valve is open;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a layout diagram of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 In this case, the reversing valve is closed;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a layout diagram of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 Among them, the reversing valve is open;

[0027] Figure 5A When the raw materials include particulate matter and are used Figure 1 A table of filling parameters for unidirectional filling;

[0028] Figure 5B When the raw materials include particulate matter and are used Figure 2 A table of filling parameters for bidirectional filling;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a computer-readable storage medium according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the described embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "inner," "outer," "upper," and "lower" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.

[0034] The accompanying drawings in this invention are not strictly drawn to scale, and the specific dimensions and quantity of each structure can be determined according to actual needs. The drawings described in this invention are merely structural schematic diagrams.

[0035] To improve production efficiency, in feeding and filling systems, a single feeding device typically supplies raw materials to multiple filling devices. Specifically, the filling devices are arranged sequentially along a transport pipeline, from closest to furthest from the feeding device. The raw materials supplied by the feeding device are then transported sequentially to each filling device. This feeding and filling method is suitable for raw materials that do not contain particulate matter or have appropriate viscosity. However, it presents the following problems for raw materials containing particulate matter or high viscosity. During pipeline transportation, raw materials experience pressure drops, resulting in higher pressure at the first filling equipment (hereinafter referred to as the "pre-filling equipment") and lower pressure at the second filling equipment (hereinafter referred to as the "post-filling equipment"). In this situation, to maintain a roughly consistent flow rate between the pre-filling and post-filling equipment, the flow control valves on the pre-filling equipment must be less open, while those on the post-filling equipment must be more open. A smaller opening results in fewer particles entering the container, while a larger opening results in more particles. This leads to containers filled with pre-filling equipment having lower particle content and containers filled with post-filling equipment having higher particle content, which is unacceptable to manufacturers. Furthermore, for high-viscosity raw materials, the pressure drops during transport may cause differences in the filling volume between containers filled with pre-filling and post-filling equipment, which is also unacceptable to manufacturers. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a feeding and filling system to solve the above problems, so that the raw materials received by multiple filling devices operating simultaneously are uniform and consistent, and the particulate matter content and filling volume are roughly similar, regardless of whether the containers are filled by the first filling device or the containers are filled by the last filling device.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a feeding and filling system is provided. Figure 1 This is a layout diagram of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The reversing valve 500 is closed. Figure 2 This is a layout diagram of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The reversing valve 500 is open. See also... Figure 1 and Figure 2The feeding and filling system according to the present invention includes: a feeding device 100 for providing raw material 110; a transmission pipeline for transmitting the raw material 110 provided by the feeding device 100; a first filling device 310 and a second filling device 320 for receiving the raw material 110 transported by the transmission pipeline; and a first flow regulating valve 410 and a second flow regulating valve 420 for regulating the flow rate of the raw material entering the first filling device 310 and the flow rate of the raw material entering the second filling device 320, respectively; wherein, the transmission pipeline includes a first sub-pipeline 210, a second sub-pipeline 220 and a third sub-pipeline 230, the first sub-pipeline 210 connecting the feeding device 100 and the first filling device 310, the second sub-pipeline 230, and the third sub-pipeline 230 connecting the feeding device 100 and the first filling device 310, the second sub-pipeline 230 connecting the feeding device 100 and the first filling device 310, the third ... Line 220 connects the first filling device 310 and the second filling device 320. The third sub-line 230 includes a first end 230E1 and a second end 230E2 along its extension direction. The first end 230E1 is connected to the second filling device 320. The feeding and filling system also includes a reversing valve 500, which connects the first sub-line 210 and the third sub-line 230 and is switchable between an open position and a closed position. When the reversing valve 500 is in the open position, the first sub-line 210 and the third sub-line 230 are connected through the reversing valve 500. When the reversing valve 500 is in the closed position, the first sub-line 210 and the third sub-line 230 are not connected through the reversing valve 500.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a reversing valve 500 is provided in the feeding and filling system. The reversing valve 500 is connected to a first sub-pipeline 210 and a third sub-pipeline 230 and is switchable between an open position and a closed position. See also Figure 1 With the reversing valve 500 in the closed position, the first sub-pipeline 210 and the third sub-pipeline 230 are not connected through the reversing valve 500. At this time, the raw material 110 from the feeding device 100 is transported through the first sub-pipeline 210 to the first filling device 310 and enters the first filling device 310 via the first flow regulating valve 410. The raw material 110 continues to be transported through the second sub-pipeline 220 to the second filling device 320 and enters the second filling device 320 via the second flow regulating valve 420. The raw material 110 continues to be transported through the third sub-pipeline 230 to the sealed end of the entire transmission pipeline (i.e., the second end 230E2 of the third sub-pipeline 230). During this process, the raw material 110 flows in a single direction, suitable for filling raw materials without particulate matter or raw materials of appropriate viscosity. For ease of description, ... Figure 1 This situation is called one-way filling. See also Figure 2With the reversing valve 500 in the open position, the first sub-pipeline 210 and the third sub-pipeline 230 are connected via the reversing valve 500. The raw material 110 from the feeding device 100 is split into two paths at the reversing valve 500. One path is transported through a portion of the first sub-pipeline 210 to the first filling device 310 and enters the first filling device 310 via the first flow regulating valve 410. The other path is transported through a portion of the third sub-pipeline 230 to the second filling device 320 and enters the second filling device 320 via the second flow regulating valve 420. During this process, the raw material 110 flows in two directions. For ease of description, ... Figure 2 This situation is called two-way filling. (And...) Figure 1 Compared to the one-way filling scenario, Figure 2 The pressure difference between the raw material at the first filling device 310 and the raw material at the second filling device 320 is reduced or even eliminated. When the raw material 110 includes particulate matter, due to the reduced or eliminated pressure difference, the opening degree of the first flow regulating valve 410 and the second flow regulating valve 420 are close to or even the same, making the particulate matter content in the container filled by the first filling device 310 close to or even the same as that in the container filled by the second filling device 320. When the raw material 110 is a high-viscosity raw material, due to the reduced or eliminated pressure difference, the filling volume of the container filled by the first filling device 310 is close to or even the same as that of the container filled by the second filling device 320.

[0038] Same; therefore, Figure 2 The illustrated bidirectional filling configuration is suitable for filling raw materials containing particulate matter or high-viscosity raw materials. According to an embodiment of the present invention, on one hand, through... Figure 2 The bidirectional filling shown refers to filling with particles...

[0039] When filling containers with granular raw materials using different filling equipment, the granular content is close to or even the same. Similarly, when filling high-viscosity raw materials, the filling volume of containers filled using different filling equipment is close to or even the same. Furthermore, by simply switching the reversing valve 500 on and off, one-way filling and...

[0040] It allows for flexible and repeatable switching between bidirectional filling; furthermore, it eliminates the need for time-consuming and laborious modifications to the transmission pipeline layout, requiring only the installation of directional valves 500 at appropriate locations.

[0041] The aforementioned beneficial effects are a result of ingenious design.

[0042] Figure 5A When the raw materials include particulate matter and are used Figure 1 A table of filling parameters for unidirectional filling;

[0043] Figure 5B When the raw materials include particulate matter and are used Figure 2 A table of filling parameters for bidirectional filling. (In the original...)

[0044] In the case where material 110 includes particulate matter, comparison Figure 5A and Figure 5B It can be seen that, using Figure 2 As shown in Figure 5, in the bidirectional filling process, the opening degree of the first flow regulating valve 410 corresponding to the first filling device 310 is related to the opening degree of the second filling device 310.

[0045] The opening degree of the second flow regulating valve 420 corresponding to the two filling equipment 320 is similar, and the average particulate matter content of the container filled by the first filling equipment 310 is also similar to that of the container filled by the second filling equipment 320. Figure 5A and Figure 5B All filling parameters were obtained on-site.

[0046] The actual test data proves that... Figure 2 The bidirectional filling scenario shown is suitable for filling raw materials containing particulate matter with zero fill.

[0047] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the feeding device 100 includes a stirrer disposed therein to stir the raw material 110 evenly. For example, the feeding device 100 includes an inlet and an outlet, the raw material 110 enters the feeding device 100 through the inlet and exits the feeding device 100 through the outlet and enters a transmission pipeline.

[0048] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, raw material 110 is a mixed raw material or a non-mixed solution with a single component. For example, raw material 110 includes multiple liquid raw materials of different types. For example, raw material 110 includes...

[0049] Liquid ingredients and particulate matter mixed in the liquid ingredients, such as fruit pieces, oat grains, coconut jelly, chewy tapioca balls, etc.

[0050] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the viscosity of the high-viscosity raw material is greater than or equal to 500 mPa·s;

[0051] Accordingly, the viscosity of a suitable raw material is less than 500 mPa·s. Further, for example, the viscosity of a high-viscosity raw material is greater than or equal to 700 mPa·s.

[0052] For example, the first sub-line 210 connecting the feeding device 100 and the first filling device 310 can be understood as the first sub-line 210 being connected between the feeding device 100 and the first filling device 310. Similarly, the second sub-line 220 connecting the first filling device 310 and the second filling device 320 can be understood as the second sub-line 220 being connected between the first filling device 310 and the second filling device 320.

[0053] It should be noted that, for ease of drawing, each of the first sub-pipeline 210, the second sub-pipeline 220, and the third sub-pipeline 230 shown in the figure only includes a straight line segment; however, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and each of the first sub-pipeline 210, the second sub-pipeline 220, and the third sub-pipeline 230 may include a curved segment.

[0054] It should be noted that each of the first sub-pipeline 210, the second sub-pipeline 220, and the third sub-pipeline 230 can be a single integrated pipeline or can be composed of multiple pipelines joined together.

[0055] For example, each of the first filling device 310 and the second filling device 320 includes an inlet and an outlet. Raw material 110 enters the filling device through the inlet and exits the filling device through the outlet, being filled into a container. For example, after the raw material 110 is filled into the container, the container is conveyed out of the filling station and into a sealing station, where the container is sealed. For example, a first flow regulating valve 410 and a second flow regulating valve 420 are respectively located at the inlet of the first filling device 310 and the second filling device 320.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, from Figure 1 It can be seen that when the reversing valve 500 is in the closed position, the raw material 110 reaches the first filling device 310 through the first sub-pipeline 210; the raw material 110 reaches the second filling device 320 through the first sub-pipeline 210 and the second sub-pipeline 220. The raw material 110 flows in one direction for unidirectional filling, and the direction of the unidirectional flow of the raw material 110 is... Figure 1 The arrowheads are used to indicate this. According to an embodiment of the present invention, from... Figure 2 As can be seen, when the reversing valve 500 is in the open position, the raw material 110 reaches the first filling device 310 through the first sub-pipeline 210; the raw material 110 reaches the second filling device 320 through a portion of the first sub-pipeline 210 (i.e., the portion of the first sub-pipeline 210 between the feeding device 100 and the reversing valve 500) and a portion of the third sub-pipeline 230 (i.e., the portion of the third sub-pipeline 230 between the reversing valve 500 and the second filling device 320). The raw material 110 flows bidirectionally for bidirectional filling, and the direction of the bidirectional flow of the raw material 110 is... Figure 2 The middle part is indicated by a straight arrow.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The length of the portion of the first sub-pipeline 210 located between the connection point C1 of the first sub-pipeline 210 and the reversing valve 500 and the first filling device 310 is the first length L1; the length of the portion of the third sub-pipeline 230 located between the connection point C2 of the third sub-pipeline 230 and the reversing valve 500 and the second filling device 320 is the second length L2; the first length L1 is equal to the second length L2, or the difference between the first length L1 and the second length L2 is less than or equal to 20%. When the first length L1 is equal to the second length L2, in Figure 2 In the bidirectional filling scenario shown, the pipeline length traversed by raw material 110 from reversing valve 500 to the first filling device 310 is equal to the pipeline length traversed by raw material 110 from reversing valve 500 to the second filling device 320. There is essentially no difference in raw material pressure between the first filling device 310 and the second filling device 320. When filling raw materials containing particulate matter, the particulate matter content in containers filled through different filling devices is essentially the same. When filling high-viscosity raw materials, the filling volume in containers filled through different filling devices is essentially the same. When the difference between the first length L1 and the second length L2 is less than or equal to 20%, in Figure 2 In the bidirectional filling scenario shown, the difference between the pipeline length traversed by raw material 110 from reversing valve 500 to the first filling device 310 and the pipeline length traversed by raw material 110 from reversing valve 500 to the second filling device 320 is small, and the difference between the raw material pressure at the first filling device 310 and the raw material pressure at the second filling device 320 is small. When filling raw materials containing particulate matter, the particulate matter content of containers filled by different filling devices is similar, and when filling high-viscosity raw materials, the filling volume of containers filled by different filling devices is similar. Obviously, it is desirable for the difference between the first length L1 and the second length L2 to be as small as possible; for example, the difference between the first length L1 and the second length L2 is less than or equal to 15%, less than or equal to 10%, less than or equal to 5%, or less than or equal to 3%. For example, the difference between the first length L1 and the second length L2 can be calculated as the ratio of the difference between L1 and L2 to the maximum value of the two.

[0058] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 and Figure 2In the diagram, the connection point C1 between the first sub-pipeline 210 and the reversing valve 500 is clearly separated from the connection point C2 between the third sub-pipeline 230 and the reversing valve 500. This is only for ease of illustration. In the actual filling site, the distance between the connection point C1 between the first sub-pipeline 210 and the reversing valve 500 and the connection point C2 between the third sub-pipeline 230 and the reversing valve 500 is very small and they are designed to overlap. Therefore, the distance between the connection point C1 between the first sub-pipeline 210 and the reversing valve 500 and the connection point C2 between the third sub-pipeline 230 and the reversing valve 500 can be ignored.

[0059] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 At least a portion P1 of the first sub-pipeline 210 and at least a portion P2 of the third sub-pipeline 230 are parallel to each other. The connection point C1 between the first sub-pipeline 210 and the reversing valve 500 is located at the at least portion P1 of the first sub-pipeline 210, and the connection point C2 between the third sub-pipeline 230 and the reversing valve 500 is located at the at least portion P2 of the third sub-pipeline 230. Relative to the ground, at least a portion P1 of the first sub-pipeline 210 and at least a portion P2 of the third sub-pipeline 230 are at the same height, or at least a portion P1 of the first sub-pipeline 210 is above the at least portion P2 of the third sub-pipeline 230. In this parallel and equal-height configuration, when the reversing valve 500 is opened, raw material 110 can quickly enter the third sub-pipeline 230 from the first sub-pipeline 310. At least a portion P1 of the first sub-pipeline 210 and at least a portion P2 of the third sub-pipeline 230 are parallel to each other, with at least a portion P1 of the first sub-pipeline 210 located above at least a portion P2 of the third sub-pipeline 230. When the reversing valve 500 is opened, the raw material 110 can enter the third sub-pipeline 230 more rapidly from the first sub-pipeline 310. Therefore, with the above arrangement, from... Figure 1 One-way filling switched to Figure 2 Two-way filling is very fast.

[0060] For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, at least portion P1 of the first sub-pipeline 210 is located directly above at least portion P2 of the third sub-pipeline 230 relative to the ground, which facilitates the rapid entry of raw material 110 from the first sub-pipeline 210 into the third sub-pipeline 230.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a layout diagram of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The directional valve 500 is closed, and the flow direction of raw material 110 is indicated by the straight arrow. Figure 4 This is a layout diagram of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4With directional valve 500 open, the flow direction of raw material 110 is indicated by the straight arrow. (See also...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the feeding and filling system further includes at least one third filling device 330 and at least one third flow regulating valve 430, wherein the at least one third filling device 330 is connected to the second sub-line 220, and the at least one third flow regulating valve 430 regulates the flow rate of the raw material 110 entering the at least one third filling device 330. Figure 3 Corresponding to Figure 1 For unidirectional filling; see [link / reference] Figure 3 With the reversing valve 500 in the closed position, the first sub-pipeline 210 and the third sub-pipeline 230 are not connected through the reversing valve 500. At this time, the raw material 110 from the feeding device 100 is transported to the first filling device 310 through the first sub-pipeline 210 and enters the first filling device 310 through the first flow regulating valve 410. The raw material 110 continues to be transported to the third filling device 330 through the second sub-pipeline 220 and enters the third filling device 330 through the third flow regulating valve 430. The raw material 110 continues to be transported to the second filling device 320 through the second sub-pipeline 220 and enters the second filling device 320 through the second flow regulating valve 420. The raw material 110 continues to be transported to the sealed end of the entire transmission pipeline (i.e., the second end 230E2 of the third sub-pipeline 230) through the third sub-pipeline 230. During this process, the raw material 110 flows in a single direction, which is suitable for filling raw materials that do not contain particulate matter or raw materials with appropriate viscosity. Figure 4 Corresponding to Figure 2 For two-way filling scenarios; see [link / reference] Figure 4 With the reversing valve 500 in the open position, the first sub-pipeline 210 and the third sub-pipeline 230 are connected via the reversing valve 500. The raw material 110 from the feeding device 100 is split into two streams at the reversing valve 500. One stream flows through a portion of the first sub-pipeline 210 to the first filling device 310 and enters the first filling device 310 via the first flow regulating valve 410, then continues through a portion of the second sub-pipeline 220 to the third filling device 330 and enters the third filling device 330 via the third flow regulating valve 430. The other stream flows through a portion of the third sub-pipeline 230 to the second filling device 320 and enters the second filling device 320 via the second flow regulating valve 420, then continues through another portion of the second sub-pipeline 220 to the third filling device 330 and enters the third filling device 330 via the third flow regulating valve 430. During this process, the raw material 110 flows in both directions. Figure 3 Compared to the one-way filling scenario, Figure 4The difference between the raw material pressure at the first filling device 310 and the raw material pressure at the second filling device 320 is reduced or even eliminated, making it suitable for filling raw materials containing particulate matter or highly viscous raw materials. By providing a third filling device 330, the overall production capacity of the feeding and filling system is increased. By configuring the third filling device 330 to be connected to the second sub-line 220 connecting the first filling device 310 and the second filling device 320, the distance between the third filling device 330 and each of the first and second filling devices 320 is appropriate, and the difference between the pressure of the raw material 110 at the third filling device 330 and the pressure of the raw material 110 at each of the first and second filling devices 310 is small. This results in the filling effect of the third filling device 330 (including, for example, the content of particulate matter in the container and / or the filling volume of the container) being close to that of the first and second filling devices. See, for example, [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The third filling device 330 is located at the midpoint of the second sub-pipeline 220.

[0062] As an example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 Only one third filling device 330 and one third flow regulating valve 430 are shown; however, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and the number of third filling devices 330 can be multiple, and correspondingly, the number of third flow regulating valves 430 can also be multiple. For example, the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes multiple third filling devices 330 and multiple third flow regulating valves 430 corresponding to the multiple third filling devices 330. In this case, if the number of multiple third filling devices 330 is odd, the multiple third filling devices 330 are arranged at equal intervals between the first filling device 310 and the second filling device 320; if the number of multiple third filling devices 330 is even, the multiple third filling devices 330 are arranged at equal intervals between the first filling device 310 and the second filling device 320, or the multiple third filling devices 330 are symmetrically arranged between the first filling device 310 and the second filling device 320 with respect to the midpoint of the second sub-pipeline 220. With the reversing valve 500 in the open position, the first sub-line 210 and the third sub-line 230 are connected through the reversing valve 500. The raw material 110 from the feeding device 100 is split into two paths at the position of the reversing valve 500. By arranging the multiple third filling devices 330 as described above, it is beneficial for each filling device through which one path of raw material 110 flows to have a similar or identical filling effect to the corresponding filling devices through which the other path of raw material 110 flows (the filling effect includes, for example, the content of particulate matter in the container and / or the filling volume of the container).

[0063] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, see Figures 1 to 4The second end 230E2 of the third sub-pipeline 230 is not connected to the feeding device 100. If the second end 230E2 of the third sub-pipeline 230 is connected to the feeding device 100, the raw material 110 will split into two paths after exiting the feeding device 100, which will prevent the material from being fed into the feeding device 100. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The diagram illustrates unidirectional filling. Since the second end 230E2 of the third sub-line 230 is not connected to the feeding device 100, a flexible switching between unidirectional and bidirectional filling as described above according to an embodiment of the present invention can be achieved by setting a reversing valve 500.

[0064] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, see Figures 1 to 4 The second end 230E2 of the third sub-pipeline 230 is closed; the connection point C2 between the third sub-pipeline 230 and the reversing valve 500 is located between the first end 230E1 and the second end 230E2 of the third sub-pipeline 230. In this way, once the reversing valve 500 is opened, it is beneficial for the raw material 110 to flow through the third sub-pipeline 230 toward the second filling device 320.

[0065] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, see Figures 1 to 4 The first sub-pipeline 210 is not connected to any filling equipment other than the first filling device 310; the third sub-pipeline 230 is not connected to any filling equipment other than the second filling device 320. Thus, in Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the bidirectional filling scenario shown, the difference between the raw material pressure at the first filling device 310 and the raw material pressure at the second filling device 320 can be well guaranteed to be small.

[0066] For example, during the filling process of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reversing valve 500 is in the closed position, and in this case, the raw material 110 flows in one direction. Due to the pressure drop of the raw material 110, the raw material pressure at the first filling device 310 is greater than the raw material pressure at the second filling device 320. In order to maintain the flow rate of the raw material entering the first filling device 310 and the flow rate of the raw material entering the second filling device being approximately the same, the opening degree of the first flow regulating valve 410 corresponding to the first filling device 310 is smaller, while the opening degree of the second flow regulating valve 420 corresponding to the second filling device 320 is larger. Therefore, the opening degree of the first flow regulating valve 410 is smaller than the opening degree of the second flow regulating valve 420.

[0067] For example, during the filling process according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reversing valve 500 is in the open position, and in this case, the raw material 110 flows bidirectionally; the difference between the raw material pressure at the first filling device 310 and the raw material pressure at the second filling device 320 is reduced or even eliminated, so that the opening degree of the first flow regulating valve 410 and the opening degree of the second flow regulating valve 420 are the same or the difference in opening degree does not exceed 10%. The closer the opening degree of the first flow regulating valve 410 and the opening degree of the second flow regulating valve 420 are, the more beneficial it is for filling raw materials containing particulate matter and filling high-viscosity raw materials. For example, the difference between the opening degree of the first flow regulating valve 410 and the opening degree of the second flow regulating valve 420 does not exceed 8%, 5%, or 3%. For example, the difference between the opening degree of the first flow regulating valve 410 and the opening degree of the second flow regulating valve 420 is calculated as the ratio of the difference between the two to the maximum value of the two.

[0068] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reversing valve 500 is a single-seat long-stroke valve, and the stroke of the reversing valve 500 is at least 5-100 mm. According to an embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the reversing valve 500 is configured to switch between unidirectional and bidirectional filling. The reversing valve 500 itself does not reverse direction; it only switches between an open position and a closed position. Therefore, the reversing valve 500 can be a single-seat valve, resulting in a simple structure. Furthermore, to facilitate the smooth passage of particles in the raw material 110 and to accommodate particles of different sizes, the reversing valve 500 is a long-stroke valve, for example, its stroke is at least in the range of 5-100 mm.

[0069] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a control method for the feeding and filling system as described above is also provided. The control method includes: controlling a reversing valve 500 to reach a closed position, so that raw material 110 reaches a first filling device 310 through a first sub-pipeline 210, and reaches a second filling device 320 through a first sub-pipeline 210 and a second sub-pipeline 220, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown; and controlling the reversing valve 500 to reach the open position so that the raw material 110 reaches the first filling device 310 through the first sub-line 210, and reaches the second filling device 320 through a portion of the first sub-line 210 (i.e., the portion of the first sub-line 210 between the feeding device 100 and the reversing valve 500) and a portion of the third sub-line 230 (i.e., the portion of the third sub-line 230 between the reversing valve 500 and the second filling device 320), as shown. Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown. That is, according to the control method of the feeding and filling system according to the embodiment of the present invention, unidirectional filling or bidirectional filling can be achieved by controlling the reversing valve 500 to reach the closed position or the open position. The control method of the feeding and filling system according to the embodiment of the present invention can achieve the same technical effects as the feeding and filling system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and will not be described again here.

[0070] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the feeding and filling system further includes: controlling the reversing valve 500 to the open position when the raw material 110 includes particulate matter. For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the feeding and filling system further includes: controlling the reversing valve 500 to the open position when the raw material 110 is a high-viscosity raw material 110, wherein the viscosity of the high-viscosity raw material 110 is greater than or equal to 500 mPa·s. Further, for example, the viscosity of the high-viscosity raw material 110 is greater than or equal to 700 mPa·s. That is, the control method of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention employs... Figure 2 or Figure 4 The bidirectional filling method shown is used to fill raw materials containing particulate matter or high viscosity raw materials.

[0071] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the feeding and filling system further includes: applying a cleaning flow and / or a sterilizing flow to the transmission pipeline; and controlling the reversing valve 500 to switch back and forth between the open and closed positions multiple times. The feeding and filling system requires cleaning and / or sterilizing the transmission pipeline before and after filling. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by cleverly utilizing the reversing valve 500 and controlling it to switch back and forth between the open and closed positions multiple times, the cleaning flow in the output pipeline can switch back and forth between unidirectional and bidirectional flow multiple times, thereby causing the cleaning flow to slosh and flush the transmission pipeline, achieving an excellent cleaning effect on the transmission pipeline. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by cleverly utilizing the reversing valve 500 and controlling it to switch back and forth between the open and closed positions multiple times, the sterilizing flow in the output pipeline can switch back and forth between unidirectional and bidirectional flow multiple times, thereby causing the sterilizing flow to slosh and flush the transmission pipeline, achieving an excellent sterilization effect on the transmission pipeline. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by setting a reversing valve 500 at a suitable location, not only can the various beneficial effects described above be achieved during the filling process, but the reversing valve 500 can also participate in the cleaning and sterilization of the transmission pipeline, improving the cleaning and sterilization effect of the transmission pipeline. This ingenious design achieves multiple benefits. For example, the cleaning flow is a liquid containing acidic or alkaline components, or room temperature water, or boiling water, or pressurized boiling water. For example, the sterilization flow is boiling water, pressurized boiling water, or hot steam. For example, switching back and forth between the open and closed positions is equivalent to... Figure 1 The state shown and Figure 2 Switching back and forth between the shown states. For example, switching back and forth between the open and closed positions is equivalent to... Figure 3 The state shown and Figure 4 Switching back and forth between the shown states.

[0072] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reversing valve 500 is in the open position for a first time period and in the closed position for a second time period, wherein the first time period is shorter than the second time period. This can further improve the cleaning effect of the transmission pipeline.

[0073] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first time period is a few seconds and the second time period is several hundred seconds, which makes the cleaning effect of the transmission pipeline better.

[0074] According to embodiments of the present invention, a feeding and filling system is also provided. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 See also Figure 6 The feeding and filling system 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a processor 710; and a memory 720, including one or more computer program modules; wherein the one or more computer program modules are stored in the memory 720 and configured to be executed by the processor 710, and the one or more computer program modules include instructions for implementing the control method of the feeding and filling system as described above. The working principle and technical effects of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention can be referred to the feeding and filling system and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0075] For example, memory 720 is used to store non-transitory computer-readable instructions (e.g., one or more computer program modules). Processor 710 is used to execute the non-transitory computer-readable instructions, which, when executed by processor 710, can perform one or more steps in the control method of the feeding and filling system described above. Memory 720 and processor 710 can be interconnected via a bus system and / or other forms of connection mechanism (not shown).

[0076] For example, processor 710 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or other form of processing unit with data processing and / or program execution capabilities. For instance, the CPU can be an x86 or ARM architecture. Processor 710 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, capable of controlling other components in the feeding and filling system 700 to perform desired functions.

[0077] For example, memory 720 may include any combination of one or more computer program products, which may include various forms of computer-readable storage media, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, for example, random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), USB memory, flash memory, etc. One or more computer program modules may be stored on the computer-readable storage medium, and processor 710 may run one or more computer program modules to implement various functions of the feeding and filling system 700. Various application programs and various data, as well as various data used and / or generated by the application programs, may also be stored in the computer-readable storage medium.

[0078] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding and filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 See also Figure 7 The feeding and filling system 800 is, for example, suitable for implementing the control method of the feeding and filling system provided in the embodiments of the present invention. The feeding and filling system 800 may be a terminal device, etc. It should be noted that the feeding and filling system 800 shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example and does not impose any limitation on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0079] like Figure 7 As shown, the feeding and filling system 800 may include a processing device (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processor, etc.) 810, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 820 or a program loaded from a storage device 880 into a random access memory (RAM) 830. The RAM 830 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the feeding and filling system 800. The processing device 810, ROM 820, and RAM 830 are interconnected via a bus 840. An input / output (I / O) interface 850 is also connected to the bus 840.

[0080] Typically, the following devices can be connected to I / O interface 850: input devices 860 including, for example, touchscreens, touchpads, keyboards, mice, cameras, microphones, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.; output devices 870 including, for example, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), speakers, vibrators, etc.; storage devices 880 including, for example, magnetic tapes, hard disks, etc.; and communication devices 890. Communication device 890 allows the feeding and filling system 800 to communicate wirelessly or wiredly with other devices to exchange data. Although Figure 7A feeding and filling system 800 with various devices is shown, but it should be understood that it is not required to implement or have all of the devices shown, and the feeding and filling system 800 may alternatively be implemented or have more or fewer devices.

[0081] For example, according to embodiments of the present invention, the control method of the above-described feeding and filling system can be implemented as a computer software program. For example, embodiments of the present invention include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the computer program including program code for performing the control method of the above-described feeding and filling system. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via a communication device 890, or installed from a storage device 880, or installed from a ROM 820. When the computer program is executed by the processing device 810, the functions defined in the filling control method provided by the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented.

[0082] According to embodiments of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a computer-readable storage medium according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also Figure 8 The computer-readable storage medium 900 provided in this embodiment of the invention is used to store non-transitory computer-readable instructions 910. When the non-transitory computer-readable instructions 910 are executed by a computer, the control method of the above-described feeding and filling system can be implemented. The working principle and technical effects of the computer-readable storage medium 900 can be referred to the feeding and filling system and its control method as described above, and will not be repeated here. For example, the storage medium 900 can be applied in the above-described feeding and filling system 700. For example, the storage medium 900 can be... Figure 6 The memory 720 in the feeding and filling system 700 shown.

[0083] For example, storage medium 900 may include a memory card of a smartphone, a storage component of a tablet computer, a hard disk of a personal computer, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), flash memory, or any combination of the above storage media, or other suitable storage media.

[0084] The above are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention, which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A feeding and filling system, comprising: a feeding device providing a raw material; a transfer line conveying the raw material provided by the feeding device; a first filling device and a second filling device receiving the raw material conveyed by the transfer line; and a first flow regulating valve and a second flow regulating valve respectively regulating a flow rate of the raw material into the first filling device and a flow rate of the raw material into the second filling device, wherein the transfer line comprises a first sub-line connecting the feeding device and the first filling device, a second sub-line connecting the first filling device and the second filling device, and a third sub-line comprising a first end and a second end along a direction of extension of the third sub-line, the first end connecting the second filling device; the feeding and filling system further comprises a diverter valve connected to the first sub-line and the third sub-line and switchable between an open position and a closed position, when the diverter valve is in the open position, the first sub-line and the third sub-line are in communication through the diverter valve, wherein the raw material reaches the first filling device through the first sub-line and reaches the second filling device through a portion of the first sub-line and a portion of the third sub-line, when the diverter valve is in the closed position, the first sub-line and the third sub-line are not in communication through the diverter valve, wherein the raw material reaches the first filling device through the first sub-line and reaches the second filling device through the first sub-line and the second sub-line.

2. The feeding and filling system according to claim 1, wherein a length of a portion of the first sub-line between a connection position of the first sub-line and the diverter valve and the first filling device is a first length, a length of a portion of the third sub-line between a connection position of the third sub-line and the diverter valve and the second filling device is a second length, the first length is equal to the second length or a difference between the first length and the second length is less than or equal to 20%.

3. The feeding and filling system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first sub-line and at least a portion of the third sub-line are parallel to each other, the connection position of the first sub-line and the diverter valve is located at the at least a portion of the first sub-line, and the connection position of the third sub-line and the diverter valve is located at the at least a portion of the third sub-line, the at least a portion of the first sub-line and the at least a portion of the third sub-line are at the same height relative to the ground or the at least a portion of the first sub-line is located above the at least a portion of the third sub-line.

4. The feeding and filling system according to claim 3, wherein the at least a portion of the first sub-line is located directly above the at least a portion of the third sub-line relative to the ground. at least one third filling device is connected to the second sub-line, and at least one third flow regulating valve is used to regulate a flow rate of the raw material into the at least one third filling device.

5. The feeding and filling system according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising at least one third filling device and at least one third flow regulating valve, wherein, ​ 6. The feeding and filling system of claim 5, comprising a plurality of the third filling devices and a plurality of the third flow regulating valves corresponding to the plurality of the third filling devices, wherein, the number of the plurality of the third filling devices is odd, and the plurality of the third filling devices are equally spaced between the first filling device and the second filling device; or the number of the plurality of the third filling devices is even, and the plurality of the third filling devices are equally spaced between the first filling device and the second filling device, or the plurality of the third filling devices are symmetrically disposed relative to the midpoint of the second sub-pipeline between the first filling device and the second filling device.

7. The feeding and filling system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, the second end of the third sub-pipeline is not connected to the feeding device.

8. The feeding and filling system of claim 7, wherein, the second end of the third sub-pipeline is closed; the connection position of the third sub-pipeline and the switching valve is located between the first end and the second end of the third sub-pipeline.

9. The feeding and filling system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, the first sub-pipeline is not connected to other filling devices except the first filling device; the third sub-pipeline is not connected to other filling devices except the second filling device.

10. The feeding and filling system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, during the filling operation, the switching valve is in the closed position, and the opening degree of the first flow regulating valve is less than the opening degree of the second flow regulating valve; during the filling operation, the switching valve is in the open position, and the opening degree of the first flow regulating valve is the same as or differs from the opening degree of the second flow regulating valve by no more than 9%.

11. A control method of the feeding and filling system of any one of claims 1-10, comprising: controlling the switching valve to the closed position, so that the raw material reaches the first filling device through the first sub-pipeline, and reaches the second filling device through the first sub-pipeline and the second sub-pipeline; and controlling the switching valve to the open position, so that the raw material reaches the first filling device through the first sub-pipeline, and reaches the second filling device through a part of the first sub-pipeline and a part of the third sub-pipeline.

12. The control method of the feeding and filling system of claim 11, further comprising: controlling the switching valve to the open position in the case that the raw material comprises particulate matter.

13. The control method of the feeding and filling system of claim 11, further comprising: controlling the switching valve to the open position in the case that the raw material is a high-viscosity raw material, the high-viscosity raw material having a viscosity greater than or equal to 500 mPa·s.

14. The control method of the feeding and filling system of claim 11, further comprising: applying a cleaning flow and / or a sterilization flow to the transfer pipeline; controlling the switching valve to switch back and forth between the open position and the closed position for a plurality of times. ​ 15. The control method of a feed and fill system of claim 14, wherein, the reversing valve is in the open position for a first time period, the reversing valve is in the closed position for a second time period; and the first time period is less than the second time period.

16. The control method of a feed and fill system of claim 15, wherein, the first time period is a few seconds, the second time period is a few hundred seconds.

17. A feed and fill system comprising: a processor; a memory including one or more computer program modules; wherein the one or more computer program modules are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor, the one or more computer program modules including instructions for implementing the method of any one of claims 11-16.

18. A computer readable storage medium for storing non-transitory computer readable instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the method of any one of claims 11-16.

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