Device for filling containers and method for operating the device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for filling a container. The device (10) has a filling valve (12) for discharging a filling substance into the container. The device (10) also has a throttle (18) for adjusting the flow rate of the filling substance. The throttle (18) has a valve part (20) for adjusting the flow cross section. The throttle (18) has a pneumatic actuator (28) which is operatively connected to the valve part (20) for moving the valve part (20), and an electric actuator (30) which is operatively connected to the valve part (20) for moving the valve part (20). Advantageously, the device (10) can combine the advantages of a pneumatic throttle control with the advantages of an electric throttle control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for filling containers, a filling machine having multiple filling devices, and a method for operating the filling devices. Background Technology

[0002] A filling apparatus for filling material into containers such as bottles may include a filling device for filling the containers. The filling device may have at least one filling station or a device for filling the containers. The device may have a throttle valve for adjusting the flow rate during filling, and a filling valve downstream of the throttle valve for feeding the material into the container. For example, the throttle valve may be pneumatically or electrically operated.

[0003] WO 2018 / 141558 A1 describes an apparatus for filling a package with a liquid or flowable contents, comprising a tank, a filling device having a filling valve, a conduit connecting the tank and the filling device, and a throttle valve disposed in the conduit between the tank and the filling device. The throttle valve has a variable flow cross-section. The throttle valve has an actuator for adjusting the flow cross-section. The actuator is used to change the valve position and may include, for example, a pneumatic actuation unit.

[0004] A disadvantage of pneumatic actuators for throttle valves may be that, in practical applications, they are limited to a finite number of actuation positions when precise and repeatable accuracy is required. Another disadvantage of pneumatic actuators may be that, due to the small valve component link or stroke, they are unsuitable for filling materials such as pulp and scrap, and they only close relatively slowly.

[0005] The object of this invention is to create an improved apparatus for filling containers, which preferably overcomes at least partially the aforementioned disadvantages. Preferably, the apparatus can fill both pulp-containing (fragmented / fiber-containing) liquids and pulp-free (fragment-free / fiber-free) liquids, such as still or carbonized liquids, without having to compromise on filling speed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This objective is achieved through the following features. Advantageous improvements are given in the solutions described later.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an apparatus for filling containers (e.g., a filling station for a filler). The apparatus has a filling valve for discharging (e.g., liquid or paste) a filling material (e.g., in a state where it is pressed against the container opening) into the container. The apparatus has a throttling valve for adjusting the flow rate of the filling material, wherein the throttling valve is located upstream of the filling valve. The throttling valve has a valve member for adjusting the flow cross-section of the throttling valve. The throttling valve has a pneumatic actuator effectively connected to the valve member for moving the valve member. The throttling valve also has an electric actuator effectively connected to the valve member for moving the valve member.

[0008] Advantageously, this device allows the advantages of electrically operated and pneumatically operated throttle valves to be combined. For example, an electric actuator can be used to regulate the flow rate of clear fillings or fillings free of pulp, fiber, or debris. However, a shut-off function throughout the entire stroke (e.g., complete or partial closure of the throttle valve), which may be necessary for fillings containing pulp, can be executed very quickly by a pneumatic actuator and can be performed independently of the speed of the electric actuator. A pneumatic actuator can be particularly advantageous for powering electric actuators, for example, for carbonized fillings with increased filling pressure. Therefore, it is advantageous to install a lower-power electric actuator, requiring less installation space and lower cost. Furthermore, lower current consumption can be particularly advantageous because, for example, less current can be transmitted to the rotating parts of a rotary filler, thus allowing for the provision of less structurally complex slip ring transformers or similar devices.

[0009] Preferably, the pneumatic actuator can be a cylinder-piston pneumatic actuator.

[0010] Preferably, the electric actuator can be an electromechanical, electric motor, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric actuator, such as a stepper motor.

[0011] In one embodiment, a pneumatic actuator (e.g., a piston and / or pressure chamber of a pneumatic actuator) is connected between the valve component and the electric actuator. Therefore, the pneumatic actuator can operate independently or in combination with an electric actuator to move the valve component.

[0012] In another embodiment, the pneumatic actuator and the electric actuator can be decoupled from each other and can be coupled to each other. Preferably, in the case of decoupling of the pneumatic actuator and the electric actuator, for example, for a shut-off function, the valve component can only move from the pneumatic actuator and not from the electric actuator. In the case of coupling, it is advantageous to allow the electric actuator and the pneumatic actuator to operate together, for example, to relieve the electric actuator.

[0013] In another embodiment, the pneumatic actuator has a pressure chamber that can be filled with compressed air and (e.g., one or more pieces) a piston that is effectively connected between the valve component and the pressure chamber. Preferably, the piston of the pneumatic actuator can confine the pressure chamber. Thus, a reliable implementation of the pneumatic actuator can be advantageously achieved, and the pneumatic actuator can be advantageously connected to an electric actuator to, for example, operate both actuators in combination or operate only the pneumatic actuator.

[0014] In another embodiment, the piston of the pneumatic actuator can move independently of the electric actuator. Thus, movement of the valve component can be advantageously achieved solely by operation of the pneumatic actuator. Alternatively or additionally, the piston of the pneumatic actuator can be pushed and / or supported by the electric actuator. Thus, movement of the valve component can be advantageously caused by the combined operation of the pneumatic and electric actuators or by a single operation of the electric actuator.

[0015] In one embodiment, the electric actuator has a piston that is preferably movable from the spindle nut of the electric actuator. Therefore, reliable operation of the electric actuator can be advantageously achieved, and the electric actuator can be advantageously connected to a pneumatic actuator to, for example, operate both actuators in combination or operate only the electric actuator.

[0016] In another embodiment, the piston of the electric actuator can be effectively connected to, preferably in physical contact with, the piston of the pneumatic actuator to push and / or support the piston of the pneumatic actuator. Alternatively or additionally, the pistons of the pneumatic actuator and the electric actuator have opposing contact surfaces that come into contact with each other. Alternatively or additionally, the valve component and the piston of the electric actuator are located at opposite ends of the piston of the pneumatic actuator. Thus, a reliable and simple structure can be provided for achieving the explained function.

[0017] In another embodiment, the piston of the pneumatic actuator can move independently of the piston of the electric actuator. Alternatively or additionally, the piston of the pneumatic actuator can be pushed and / or supported by the piston of the electric actuator. Alternatively or additionally, the piston of the electric actuator can move within a pressure chamber. Thus, a reliable and simple structure for achieving the explained function can also be provided.

[0018] In one implementation variant, the device further includes a control mechanism configured to operate the throttle valve in different operating modes. The operating modes may preferably include a pure pneumatic actuator operating mode, wherein only the pneumatic actuator is operated to move and / or hold the valve component in position, preferably for closing the throttle valve (e.g., occupying a closed or partially open position). Alternatively or additionally, the operating mode may preferably include a pure electric actuator operating mode, wherein only the electric actuator is operated to move and / or hold the valve component in position, preferably for fine-tuning the flow cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, the operating mode may preferably include a combined operating mode, wherein the pneumatic actuator and the electric actuator are preferably operated simultaneously to move and / or hold the valve component in position. Preferably, for the combined operating mode, the control pressure of the pneumatic actuator may be adjustable. For example, the control pressure is typically between 5 bar and 6 bar. For example, in the combined operating mode, the control pressure can be adjusted from 0 bar to a maximum value.

[0019] Preferably, the term "control device" can refer to electronic equipment (e.g., designed as a drive circuit or having a microprocessor and data memory) and / or mechanical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic controllers that, depending on their construction, can perform control and / or regulation and / or processing tasks. Although the term "control" is used herein, it may also suitably include or indicate "regulation" or "feedback control" and / or "processing".

[0020] In one implementation variation, the valve component has a channel (e.g., at low flow rates) for the passage of filler material (e.g., liquid containing pulp, fibers, or debris), preferably a notch, preferably in the partially open position of the throttle valve, wherein the throttle valve allows essentially only the passage to pass through. The advantage of this channel is that small pulps, fibers, etc., have a larger cross-section at low flow rates, thereby reducing the risk of clogging.

[0021] In another implementation variation, the valve component is screwed onto the piston of the pneumatic actuator.

[0022] In one embodiment, the throttle valve has a return spring that biases the valve component toward an open or closed position, and is preferably arranged coaxially with the piston of the pneumatic actuator. Alternatively or additionally, the throttle valve may have a bellows for sealing between the valve component and the valve body, which is preferably arranged coaxially with the piston of the pneumatic actuator.

[0023] In another embodiment, the throttle valve is designed as a slant-seat valve. A slant-seat valve can be a straight-through valve with relatively small flow resistance due to the deflection of the filling material. In this case, the slant-seat valve offers a good trade-off between flow characteristics requirements, valve sealing, and required installation space.

[0024] In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a static throttle valve positioned upstream of the throttle valve and / or a flow measurement device positioned upstream of the filling valve and upstream or downstream of the throttle valve. Unlike filling apparatuses that only fill pulp-free / debris-free / fiber-free materials and only have electrically driven throttle valves, the static throttle valve can provide the flow cross-section required for filling pulp-containing / debris-containing / fiber-containing materials. However, the flow cross-section provided by the static throttle valve can be designed to be relatively large, thus allowing for higher flow rates in non-critical (pulp-free / debris-free / fiber-free) materials. The flow rate of the material can be advantageously measured by the flow measurement device. Based on the measurement by the flow measurement device, for example, the control device can operate the throttle valve and / or the filling valve (e.g., open and / or close) and / or adjust the operation of the throttle valve and / or the filling valve (e.g., opening time and / or opening width).

[0025] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a filling device, preferably a rotary or linear filling device, having a plurality of filling elements as disclosed herein. The filling device can advantageously obtain the same advantages already explained with reference to the filling apparatus.

[0026] Preferably, the filler may be included in a container handling apparatus for manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, sealing, labeling, printing and / or packaging containers for liquid media, preferably beverages or liquid foods.

[0027] For example, containers can be made into bottles, jars, buckets, cardboard boxes, small glass bottles, etc.

[0028] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for operating an apparatus as disclosed herein, comprising at least one step:

[0029] - A device for filling liquid contents containing pulp, fibers, or debris into containers, wherein valve components are moved and / or held in a closed and / or partially open position only by a pneumatic actuator (in addition, the minimum stroke can be adjusted by an electric actuator to accommodate particles in the contents; this minimum stroke can be limited by control / adjustment);

[0030] - A device for filling pulp-free, fiber-free, and debris-free liquid fillers into containers, wherein the flow cross-section for fine-tuning the filling speed during filling is adjusted and / or maintained solely by an electric actuator, or jointly adjusted and / or maintained by an electric actuator and a pneumatic actuator via a moving valve assembly; and

[0031] - Supporting the electric actuator with a pneumatic actuator is preferably used to reduce the current consumption of the electric actuator.

[0032] The preferred embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined with each other as needed. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Other details and advantages of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for filling containers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the throttle valve of the example device in the closed position;

[0036] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the throttle valve of the example device in the intermediate or partially open position;

[0037] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the throttle valve of the example device in the open position; and

[0038] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for filling containers according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially corresponding, so similar or identical parts are given the same reference numerals. In order to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of other embodiments or figures for explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Figure 1 An apparatus 10 for filling containers is shown. Preferably, the apparatus 10 can fill the containers with liquids or pastes, and if necessary, with fragments, pulp, or fibers. For example, the filling can be a beverage.

[0041] Preferably, the filling device of the container handling equipment may have multiple devices 10. The filling device may be designed as a rotary filling device or a filling device conveyor with multiple devices 10 arranged around a circumference of the rotary filling device. Alternatively, the filling device may be designed as, for example, a linear filling device with multiple devices 10 arranged side by side and / or continuously. The filling device may preferably fill multiple containers simultaneously or with time overlap using multiple devices 10.

[0042] For example, a filling device may be located downstream of a cleaning apparatus for cleaning containers and / or a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing containers. A filling device may also be positioned upstream of a sealer for sealing the container.

[0043] The device 10 has a filling valve 12 and a throttle valve 18. Optionally, the device 10 may have a static throttle 14 and / or a flow measuring device 16.

[0044] The filling valve 12 is used to discharge the filling material from the device 10 into a container. The container is preferably located below the filling valve 12. The container can be pressed against the filling valve 12, for example, for aseptic filling and / or pressurized filling with its container opening. For example, pressing can be achieved by a lifting device that allows vertical movement of the filling valve 12 and / or the container.

[0045] The filling valve 12 may be the last or most downstream valve in the device 10 with respect to the flow direction of the filling material. The filling valve 12 may receive the filling material after it has flowed through or through the throttle valve 18 and optionally through the static throttle valve 14 and / or the flow measurement device 16. Fluid lines may connect the filling valve 12 and the flow measurement device 16 and / or the throttle valve 18 together.

[0046] The filling valve 12 can be operated in any manner. For example, the filling valve 12 can be pneumatically operated. Alternatively, the filling valve 12 can be hydraulically or electrically operated (e.g., electric, electromechanical, or piezoelectric).

[0047] The static throttle 14 can be located downstream of the filling tank (not shown). The static throttle 14 can also be located upstream of the throttle valve 18. Correspondingly, the static throttle 14 can also be located upstream of the flow measurement device 16 and the filling valve 12. A fluid line can connect the static throttle 14 and the throttle valve 18 together.

[0048] The static throttle 14 may have a narrowed cross-section for throttling the filling material flow toward the filling valve 12. With the help of the static throttle 14, the filling material can be pre-throttled before it reaches the throttle valve 18.

[0049] The flow measurement device 16 can measure the flow rate of the filled material passing through the flow measurement device 16. The flow measurement device 16 can apply any known measurement principle.

[0050] The flow measurement device 16 can be located upstream of the filling valve 12. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the flow measurement device 16 can be located downstream of the throttle valve 18. However, for example, the flow measurement device 16 may also be located upstream of the throttle valve 18. A fluid line can connect the flow measurement device 16 and the throttle valve 18 together.

[0051] The throttle valve 18 is used to adjust the flow rate of the filling material passing through the device 10 or during the filling process. See below for reference. Figures 1 to 4 The throttle valve 18 is described in detail.

[0052] Throttling valve 18 is located upstream of filling valve 12. Throttling valve 18 may be located downstream of optional static throttle valve 14. Throttling valve 18 may be located downstream of filling tank (not shown). Throttling valve 18 may be located upstream or downstream of optional flow measurement device 16.

[0053] The throttle valve 18 has a valve component 20, a pneumatic actuator 28, and an electric actuator 30. The throttle valve 18 may also optionally have a return spring 24 and / or a bellows 26. Particularly preferred is that the valve component 20 and the bellows 26 are inseparably connected together.

[0054] Valve component 20 is used to adjust the flow cross-section provided by throttle valve 18. For example, valve component 20 can be designed as a valve cone. For example, the valve cone can be blunt or pointed. The flow cross-section on the valve seat of throttle valve 18 can be defined, for example, by a gap such as a preferably uniform annular gap between valve component 20 and the inner passage wall of throttle valve 18. The flow cross-section can be further defined in conjunction with the passage 22 of valve component 20.

[0055] Valve component 20 can preferably be translated or slid. Valve component 20 can be moved by pneumatic actuator 28 and electric actuator 30.

[0056] Preferably, the throttle valve 18 is designed as a so-called slant-seat valve. Preferably, the moving axis of the valve component 20 can be at an angle to the outlet flow direction of the filler from the throttle valve 18, such as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown. Alternatively or additionally, the moving axis of valve component 20 may be at an angle to the inlet flow direction of the filling material entering throttle valve 18.

[0057] Preferably, the throttle valve 18 or valve component 20 can be moved to, for example... Figure 2 The closed position is shown. In the closed position, valve component 20 can block throttle valve 18. In the closed position, the flow cross-section through throttle valve 18 can be equal to zero. In the closed position, no filler material can pass through throttle valve 18. Preferably, valve component 20 can be moved to the closed position by pneumatic actuator 28. Particularly preferred is that valve component 20 can only be moved to the closed position by pneumatic actuator 28, that is, it cannot be moved by electric actuator 30.

[0058] Preferably, the throttle valve 18 or valve component 20 can be moved as follows: Figure 4 The open position is shown. In the open position, the flow cross-section defined by valve component 20 can be at its maximum. Preferably, valve component 20 can be moved from the electric actuator 30 to the open position, for example, opposite to the elastic bias and / or when the pneumatic actuator 28 is deactivated.

[0059] Preferably, the valve component 20 can be moved to at least one partially open position, such as... Figure 3As shown. In the partially open position, the filling material can pass through the throttle valve 18, but only through the channel 22 of the valve component 20. For example, the channel 22 can be designed as a notch. The channel 22 can be, for example, located in a corner or edge region of the valve component 20. The valve component 20 can be moved to the partially open position, for example, from the pneumatic actuator 28 and / or the electric actuator 30.

[0060] Preferably, valve component 20 may occupy another position, for example, between a partially open position and an open position. Preferably, valve component 20 may be steplessly adjustable, at least segmentally or completely, between the partially open position and the open position by an electric actuator 30.

[0061] The return spring 24 can elastically bias the valve component 20 to the open position. For example, the return spring 24 can be a compression spring. Alternatively, the return spring 24 can elastically bias the valve component 20 to, for example, the closed position (not shown in the figure).

[0062] The bellows 26 can provide a seal between the valve component 20 and the valve body of the throttle valve 18. An additional sealing element 25 may be provided between the valve component 20 and the valve body of the throttle valve 18. The bellows 26 can be compressible and stretchable along the moving axis of the valve component 20. For example, the bellows 26 can be made of plastic, such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), or metal. In the case of a plastic bellows, the force required to move the valve component 20 can be significantly reduced.

[0063] The pneumatic actuator 28 is effectively connected to the valve assembly 20 for moving the valve assembly 20. The pneumatic actuator 28 can be connected between the valve assembly 20 and the electric actuator 30.

[0064] The pneumatic actuator 28 may have a pressure chamber 32 and a piston 34.

[0065] The pneumatic actuator 28 can be disposed between the valve component 20 and the electric actuator 30. Specifically, the pressure chamber 32 and the piston 34 can be disposed between the valve component 20 and the electric actuator 30.

[0066] Pressure chamber 32 can be filled with compressed air. Pressure chamber 32 can receive compressed air from a compressed air source such as a compressor.

[0067] Piston 34 can effectively connect valve assembly 20 and pressure chamber 32. Piston 34 can be a single piece or multiple pieces. Piston 34 can confine pressure chamber 32. When compressed air is supplied to pressure chamber 32, piston 34 can be moved to move valve assembly 20, for example, toward or into the closed position. A sealing element, such as a sealing ring, can be provided between piston 34 and the valve body of throttle valve 18 to seal pressure chamber 32.

[0068] The piston 34 can be moved by elastic bias under the action of the pressure chamber 32 via the return spring 24. When compressed air is released from the pressure chamber 32, the return spring 24 can reset the piston 34 and the valve component 20. The return spring 24 can be supported on the valve body of the throttle valve 18 on one side and on the piston on the other. The return spring 24 can be arranged coaxially with the piston 34.

[0069] Preferably, the valve component 20 can be directly fixed to one end of the piston 34. For example, the valve component can be screwed to the end. The bellows 26 can be arranged coaxially with the piston 34. Preferably, the bellows 26 can be clamped by the valve component 20 and the piston 34.

[0070] The electric actuator 30 is also effectively connected to the valve component 20 for moving the valve component 20.

[0071] The electric actuator 30 may have a piston 36 and a drive unit 38, such as a stepper motor. The electric actuator 30 may also have a spindle 40 and a spindle nut 42.

[0072] Piston 36 can be moved by drive unit 38. A spindle 40 and spindle nut 42 can be disposed between piston 36 and drive unit 38. Spindle nut 42 can engage with spindle 40. Spindle 40 and spindle nut 42 together can convert the rotational movement of drive unit 38 into linear movement that can move piston 36. Piston 36 can be connected to spindle nut 42. Piston 36 can move from spindle nut 42. A sealing element, such as a sealing ring, can be disposed between piston 36 and valve body of throttle valve 18 to seal pressure chamber 32.

[0073] Pneumatic actuator 28 and electric actuator 30 can be coupled to each other. Piston 34 can be supported by piston 36. For example, piston 36 can be carried in effective connection with piston 34 for actuating piston 34. Effective connection can preferably exist in physical contact between pistons 34 and 36. For example, the end of piston 36 facing valve component 20 can contact the end of piston 34 facing valve component 20. Specifically, piston 36 can have a preferred end face contact surface 46 that can contact the preferred end face contact surface 44 of piston 34. For example, when piston 36 extends from electric actuator 30 and is positioned in pressure chamber 32, a contact can be established (see...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 Preferably, the pressure chamber can be an annular chamber when pistons 34 and 36 are in contact with each other or when electric actuator 30 and pneumatic actuator 28 are coupled together.

[0074] In the coupled state, movement of valve component 20 and / or holding of valve component 20 in one position can be achieved, for example, by operation of electric actuator 30 alone. In the coupled state, pistons 34 and 36, preferably their contact surfaces 44 and 46, can be in contact with each other or at least indirectly support each other.

[0075] Accordingly, the control unit of device 10 can operate the throttle valve 18 in a pure electric actuator operation mode, wherein only the electric actuator 30 is operated and the pneumatic actuator 28 is not operated (i.e., for example, compressed air is not introduced into the pressure chamber 32) in order to move the valve component 20 and / or maintain the position of the valve component 20. For example, in this operation mode, the flow cross-section can be finely adjusted, for example, when non-carbonized (silent) fillers are filled at, for example, a relatively low operating pressure.

[0076] In the coupled state, the movement of valve component 20 and / or the holding of one position of valve component 20 can preferably be caused by the combined operation of pneumatic actuator 28 and electric actuator 30.

[0077] Accordingly, the control unit of device 10 can operate the throttle valve 18 in a combined operation mode, wherein the pneumatic actuator 28 and the electric actuator 30 preferably operate simultaneously to move and / or maintain the position of the valve component 20. Here, the electric actuator 30 can be unloaded from the pneumatic actuator 28, thus, for example, reducing the current consumption of the electric actuator 30. This combined operation mode is also preferably used for fine-tuning of the flow cross-section, for example, when carbonized filler is filled at an operating pressure, for example, between 5 and 6 bar. The operating pressure of the pneumatic actuator 28 can be reduced relative to the normal operating pressure to support the electric actuator 30.

[0078] The pure pneumatic actuator operating mode and / or combined operating mode can be used, for example, to fill containers with pulp-free, fiber-free and / or debris-free liquid fillers in order to move and hold the valve component 20 in the desired position for fine-tuning the flow cross-section.

[0079] On the other hand, the pneumatic actuator 28 and the electric actuator 30 can be decoupled from each other. For example, pistons 34 and 36 can be positioned such that they do not contact or support each other. Contact surfaces 44 and 46 can preferably be separated from each other. This can be, for example, when piston 36 is completely outside the pressure chamber 32 and / or when the pneumatic actuator 28 operates independently of the electric actuator 30. Accordingly, piston 34 can move independently of both the electric actuator 30 and piston 36 to move valve component 20 when needed.

[0080] In the decoupled state, movement of valve component 20 and / or holding of one position of valve component 20 can preferably be caused by operation of pneumatic actuator 28 alone.

[0081] Accordingly, the control unit of device 10 can operate the throttle valve 18 in a pure pneumatic actuator operation mode, wherein only the pneumatic actuator 28 is operated and the electric actuator 30 is not operated (i.e., not by the drive unit 38, for example) in order to move and / or hold the valve component 20. This pure pneumatic actuator operation mode is preferably used to move or hold the valve component in the closed position and / or partially open position.

[0082] For example, the pure pneumatic actuator operating mode can be used to fill a container with pulp, fiber, or fragmented liquid filler so as to move and hold the valve component in the closed position and / or move around the valve component 20 and hold it in the partially open position when the filling is paused or finished.

[0083] Figure 5 A device 10' for filling containers is shown, which is relative to Figure 1 Modifications have been made. (And) Figure 1 The device 10 is the opposite, in Figure 5 In the device 10', the flow measurement device 16 is located upstream of the throttle valve 18.

[0084] This invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, numerous variations and modifications are possible, which also utilize the concepts of this invention and therefore fall within the scope of protection.

[0085] List of icon numbers

[0086] 10 Filling equipment

[0087] 12 Filling valves

[0088] 14 Static throttle

[0089] 16 Flow measurement device

[0090] 18 Throttle valve

[0091] 20 Valve components

[0092] 22 channels

[0093] 24. Return spring

[0094] 25 Sealing elements

[0095] 26 Corrugated Pipe

[0096] 28 Pneumatic actuator

[0097] 30 Electric actuators

[0098] 32 pressure chambers

[0099] 34 Pistons

[0100] 36 Pistons

[0101] 38 drive units

[0102] 40 spindle

[0103] 42 Spindle Nut

[0104] 44 Contact surface

[0105] 46 Contact surface

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for filling containers, comprising: A filling valve (12) is used to discharge the filling material into the container; Throttling valve (18) is used to adjust the flow rate of the filling material, wherein, The throttle valve (18) is located upstream of the filling valve (12) and has: - Valve component (20), used to adjust the flow cross-section of the throttle valve (18), - A pneumatic actuator (28), which is effectively connected to the valve component (20) for moving the valve component (20); and - An electric actuator (30), which is effectively connected to the valve component (20) for moving the valve component (20).

2. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pneumatic actuator (28) is connected between the valve component (20) and the electric actuator (30).

3. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The pneumatic actuator (28) and the electric actuator (30) can be decoupled from each other and can be coupled to each other.

4. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The pneumatic actuator (28) has a pressure chamber (32) that can be filled with compressed air and a piston (34) that is effectively connected between the valve component (20) and the pressure chamber (32).

5. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 4, characterized in that, The piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28) is capable of moving independently of the electric actuator (30); and / or The piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28) can be driven and / or supported by the electric actuator (30).

6. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electric actuator (30) has a piston (36).

7. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 6, characterized in that, The piston (36) of the electric actuator (30) can be effectively connected to the piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28) to push and / or support the piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28); and / or The piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28) and the piston (36) of the electric actuator (30) have mutually contacting opposing contact surfaces (44, 46); and / or The valve component (20) and the piston (36) of the electric actuator (30) are disposed at opposite ends of the piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28).

8. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 6, characterized in that, The piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28) is capable of moving independently of the piston (36) of the electric actuator (30); and / or The piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28) can be driven and / or supported by the piston (36) of the electric actuator (30); and / or The piston (36) of the electric actuator (30) is movable in the pressure chamber (32).

9. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: The control device configured to operate the throttle valve (18) in different operating modes has: - Pure pneumatic actuator operation mode, wherein only the pneumatic actuator (28) is operated to move the valve component (20) and / or maintain the position of the valve component (20); and / or - Pure electric actuator operation mode, wherein only the electric actuator (30) is operated to move the valve component (20) and / or maintain the position of the valve component (20); and / or - Combined operating mode, wherein the pneumatic actuator (28) and the electric actuator (30) are operated in order to move the valve component (20) and / or maintain the position of the valve component (20).

10. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The valve component (20) has a channel (22) for the passage of the filling material; and / or The valve component (20) is screwed onto the piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28).

11. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The throttle valve (18) has a return spring (24) that biases the valve component (20) toward the open or closed position; The throttle valve (18) has a bellows (26) for sealing between the valve component (20) and the valve body of the throttle valve (18).

12. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The throttle valve (18) is designed as a slant seat valve.

13. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: A static throttle (14) is disposed upstream of the throttle valve (18); and / or A flow measurement device (16) upstream of the filling valve (12) and upstream or downstream of the throttle valve (18).

14. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 4, characterized in that, The piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28) restricts the pressure chamber (32).

15. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 6, characterized in that, The spindle nut (42) of the electric actuator (30) enables the piston (36) to move.

16. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 7, characterized in that, The piston (36) of the electric actuator (30) can physically contact the piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28) to push and / or support the piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28).

17. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pure pneumatic actuator operating mode is used to close the throttle valve (18).

18. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pure electric actuator operating mode is used for fine-tuning the flow cross-section.

19. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the combined operation mode, the pneumatic actuator (28) and the electric actuator (30) are operated simultaneously in order to move the valve component (20) and / or maintain the position of the valve component (20).

20. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 10, characterized in that, The channel (22) is a notch.

21. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 10, characterized in that, The channel (22) is used to allow the filling material to pass through the throttle valve (18) in a partially open position, in which the filling material can only flow through the channel (22) through the throttle valve (18).

22. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 11, characterized in that, The return spring (24) is arranged coaxially with the piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28).

23. The apparatus (10) for filling containers according to claim 11, characterized in that, The bellows (26) is arranged coaxially with the piston (34) of the pneumatic actuator (28).

24. A filling device, comprising: Multiple devices (10) for filling containers according to any one of the preceding claims.

25. The filling device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The filling device is a rotary filling device or a linear filling device.

26. A method for operating the apparatus (10) for filling containers according to any one of claims 1 to 23, comprising at least one step: The liquid filling material containing fibers or debris is filled into the container by the device (10) for filling the container, wherein, The valve component (20) is moved and / or held in the closed and / or partially open position only by the pneumatic actuator (28); The device (10) for filling containers fills the container with a pulp-free, fiber-free, and debris-free liquid filling material, wherein the flow cross section for fine-tuning the filling speed during filling is adjusted and / or maintained solely by the electric actuator (30), or jointly adjusted and / or maintained by the electric actuator (30) and the pneumatic actuator (28) by moving the valve component (20); and The electric actuator (30) is supported by the pneumatic actuator (28).

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The electric actuator (30) is supported by the pneumatic actuator (28) to reduce the current consumption of the electric actuator (30).

28. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The pulp-containing liquid filler is filled into the container by means of the device (10) for filling the container.

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