Filling mechanism and device for filling container with filling product

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling device for filling a container with a filling product, comprising: a first product path having a first product connection for connection to a first product supply line, a first product outlet for introducing the filling product into the container, and a first product line, the first product pipeline enables the first product interface and the first product outlet to be in fluid communication; a second product path having a second product connection for connection to a second product feed line, a second product outlet for introducing a filling product into the container, and a second product line which fluidly connects the second product connection and the second product outlet, wherein the first product path is provided for introducing the filling product into the container via the first product outlet in a first filling product jet, and the second product path is provided for introducing the filling product into the container via the second product outlet in a second filling product jet, the second filling product jet being different from the first filling product jet.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with the application date of November 3, 2021, the national application number of 202111293159.3, and the invention title of "Filling Mechanism and Equipment for Filling Containers with Filling Products". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a filling mechanism and equipment for filling containers with filling products, preferably for use in beverage filling facilities. Background Art

[0003] In the fluid filling in the food field, filling valves of different structural types are known. Here, a distinction is made between the basic product types of non-carbonated (distilled) and carbonated (CSD) liquids. In the case of non-carbonated products, such as filling distilled water, fruit juice, etc., the liquid is usually filled into the container in the form of a free jet. In contrast, when filling carbonated products, such as beer, soda water, soft drinks, etc., the liquid usually enters the container along the inner wall of the container in order to reduce deflation and foaming.

[0004] The following will describe these two filling processes together with the basic structures of the corresponding filling valves in more detail, starting with the free jet filling of distilled products:

[0005] In free jet filling, the filling valve is filled with the product, and the valve is opened / closed via a valve cone at the filling valve outlet. The container to be filled is positioned at a defined distance below the filling valve without contact. To start the filling process, the valve cone is raised, and the product flows through the generated annular gap from the filling valve into the container in a free jet via a flow-optimized profile in as laminar a flow as possible.

[0006] When filling carbonated products, the filling valve is also filled with the product. As mentioned at the beginning, the carbonated product is introduced into the container via the inner wall of the container in order to reduce degassing and foaming. For the same reason, within the scope of the so-called counterpressure method, the container is under overpressure, so that CO2 remains bound in the liquid phase. For this purpose, the container is pressed airtight against the filling valve and pre-tensioned with a tension gas (such as CO2) before the filling begins. After pre-tensioning, the filling starts. Instead of a valve cone as in the case of free jet filling, the opening / closing function of the valve is assumed by a vortex body, which also sets the flowing liquid in rotation. If the vortex body is lifted, the product flows through an annular gap into the pressed container via a flow-optimized profile for wall filling. Due to the centrifugal force of the rotation, the liquid is pushed outwards and then flows along the inner wall of the container. Therefore, this type of filling is also referred to as "wall filling". At the same time, the gas in the container can escape through the holes in the vortex body and the valve stem connected thereto. At the end of the filling process, the annular gap is closed by pressing the vortex body against the outlet profile, the pressure of the container is released to ambient pressure and then separated from the filling valve.

[0007] The flow-optimized outlet profiles for free jet and wall filling are very different because in one case a laminar, narrow filling jet is to be generated, while in the other case a rotating, widening filling jet is to be generated. Therefore, a filling valve developed for free jet filling cannot be easily used for wall filling and vice versa. In particular, it is not possible to generate rotation of the filling product in a free jet valve in front of the valve cone and to discharge the filling product via the free jet outlet profile in the desired manner. In order to be able to generate an optimal outlet profile for each process, the two profiles need to be spatially separated.

[0008] In principle, non-carbonated as well as carbonated products can be filled with the aid of a filling valve for free jet filling or wall filling. However, in this case at least one product type is not filled optimally. Thus, a combination of the respective optimal filling processes is not possible. In addition, each filler, i.e. each filling facility, usually implements only one process. If carbonated products are filled in free jet form, only a lower filling speed can be achieved compared to wall filling. On the other hand, aseptic filling of non-carbonated products in the case of wall filling is not easily achievable. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to improve the filling of containers with a filling product, in particular to simplify the filling of different filling types in mechanical engineering, preferably free jet filling and wall filling.

[0010] The object is achieved by a filling mechanism according to the invention and a device according to the invention. Advantageous improvements are obtained from the following description of the invention and the description of the preferred embodiments.

[0011] The filling mechanism and device according to the present invention are used to fill containers with filling products. In particular, beverages such as water (distilled or carbonated), soft drinks, smoothies, dairy products, beer, wine, mixed beverages, etc. are considered as the products to be filled.

[0012] The filling mechanism includes: a first product path having a first product interface for connecting to a first product input pipeline, a first product outlet for introducing the filling product into the container, and a first product pipeline that places the first product interface and the first product outlet in fluid communication. The filling mechanism further includes a second product path having a second product interface for connecting to a second product input pipeline, a second product outlet for introducing the filling product into the container, and a second product pipeline that places the second product interface and the second product outlet in fluid communication.

[0013] The first product path is configured to introduce the filling product into the container in a first filling product jet via the first product outlet, and the second product path is configured to introduce the filling product into the container in a second filling product jet via the second product outlet, where the second filling product jet is different from the first filling product jet. In other words, the nature of the filling product jet introduced into the container by the first product path, such as geometry, bunching, stratification, rotation, etc. is different from the nature of the filling product jet introduced into the container by the second product path.

[0014] In this way, different filling types can be realized structurally compactly by means of the same filling mechanism without having to make quality-reducing compromises. Especially in the case of small filling volumes, it is no longer necessary to reserve multiple filling facilities for different products to be filled, such as carbonated and non-carbonated filling products, thus saving resources and costs. Product changeovers can be carried out quickly and easily. Thereby, production can respond quickly to changes in customer expectations or market situations.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the first product path is configured for free jet filling and / or the second product path is configured for wall filling. The expressions "free jet filling" and "wall filling" are known and customary in the art: In free jet filling, the container is usually positioned at a defined distance below the filling mechanism without contact, and the filling product flows from the corresponding product outlet of the filling mechanism into the container in an as-layered as possible geometrically defined flow. During wall filling, the container nozzle contacts the nozzle section of the filling mechanism, for example, is pressed airtight, and the filling product is usually rotated by means of a vortex body during filling, whereby the centrifugal force pushes the filling product outwards, causing the filling product on the inner wall of the container to flow downwards. Free jet filling is particularly suitable for non-carbonated filling products and / or aseptic filling, while wall filling is mainly used for filling carbonated filling products to reduce degassing and foaming.

[0016] Preferably, the filling mechanism has at least one gas channel which is arranged for introducing a tension gas (Spanngas) into the container and / or for discharging gas from the container. The return gas discharged during the filling of the container can be discharged via a gas line, for example. Alternatively or additionally, in the case of the backpressure method or the negative pressure method, the gas line can be used to relieve the pressure of the container, i.e., for pressure equalization. Thus, the gas line can fulfill multiple functions, or multiple gas lines, for example in a tube-in-tube structure, can be provided.

[0017] Preferably, the first product path in the first product line includes a movable valve cone and a valve seat which cooperates with the valve cone, wherein the valve cone can be brought into contact with the valve seat (e.g., can be lowered onto the valve seat) and can be moved away from the valve seat (e.g., can be lifted from the valve seat) via an actuator, such that the first product outlet can thereby be closed or opened accordingly. In this way, a free jet can be generated in a simple and reliable manner via the first product path. For this purpose, the valve cone, the valve seat, the first product line and the first product outlet can have a flow-optimized profile in order to generate the best possible laminar free jet.

[0018] Preferably, the gas channel extends through the valve cone and a possible valve stem which connects the valve cone to the actuator, whereby the above-described gas function which is primarily related to wall filling and the technical mechanism for free jet filling can be structurally and synergistically combined without having to make a compromise in terms of the quality of the two filling modes.

[0019] Preferably, the first product line has a cylindrical shape, wherein the second product line extends radially outside the first product line. The first product line is formed, for example, by the inner cavity of the cylindrical housing of the filling mechanism. The spatial separation of the product contact areas for the two filling modes, in particular free jet filling and wall filling, enables the use of respectively optimal geometries. By means of the second product line extending radially outside, preferably at least in sections concentrically with respect to the first product line, the corresponding product flow directed into the container can be easily rotated without making it difficult to generate the internal, laminar free jet passing through the first product path.

[0020] For the same reason, preferably the second product outlet is formed by an annular gap which radially and / or concentrically surrounds the first product outlet, preferably also an annular gap.

[0021] Preferably, the second product path includes a swirl profile such that the filling product is set in rotation when introduced into the container. The axis of rotation corresponds here to the jet direction pointing into the container, which jet direction also generally coincides with the direction of gravity. The filling mechanism generally has an elongated, cylindrical shape, whereby it defines a longitudinal direction. The filling mechanism is generally installed vertically, whereby the longitudinal direction coincides with the direction of gravity. Thereby, spatial terms such as "upper", "lower", "above", "below", etc. have a clear meaning.

[0022] Preferably, the second product line includes a plurality of shroud channels that extend radially outside the first product line and preferably branch off from a common section of the product line. In other words, according to this embodiment variant, the second product line divides into a plurality, preferably initially two channels, downstream of the second product interface, which channels are therefore referred to as "shroud channels" because they at least sectionally surround the first product line on the shroud surface or in the shroud area. By this division of the second product line, the product flow of the second product path can be modeled uniformly and appropriately.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the second product line first divides into two shroud channels, which also divide further downstream, for example at approximately half the distance, into two further shroud channels each. In this way, the same long path lengths of the individual shroud channels can be ensured during flow optimization, which reduces the risk of the formation of agglomerates and non-uniformly formed shields. In addition, the cross-section of each channel is preferably configured such that it further favors a uniform product distribution along the path length.

[0024] Preferably, the first and second product lines are not in fluid communication with each other. In other words, at least between the product interface and the product outlet, there is no fluid exchange between the two product paths in this case, such that the product jet directed into the container can be modeled without compromise according to the two filling modes.

[0025] Preferably, the filling mechanism has a housing for accommodating the first product path and the second product path. The housing is preferably of cylindrical shape, where this is not restricted to a perfect cylinder as such a restriction would be violated, for example, by interfaces, accessories, flanges, fastening mechanisms, etc. The second product path, in particular the second product line, preferably extends at least sectionally in, on, or is formed by the housing wall of the housing. Thus, the second product path and its possible shroud channels are at least sectionally integrated into or embedded in the housing, whereby a spatial separation of the product-contact areas for the two filling modes is achieved in a structurally compact manner.

[0026] Preferably, the housing and at least a section of the channel structure of the second product path are manufactured at least in part by 3D printing, preferably by selective laser melting, thereby enabling a complex channel structure that cannot or can hardly be produced by conventional subtractive methods such as turning, milling or laser cutting.

[0027] Preferably, the housing includes an upper valve section, a flange section and a lower valve section, wherein the upper valve section and the lower valve section are manufactured by 3D printing, for example by selective laser melting, and are additively formed on both sides of the flange section. The additive manufacturing method is useful due to the complexity of the desired channel geometry, because the overall manufacture of the filling mechanism cannot be achieved by conventional methods or can only be achieved with high expenditure. The channels can be optimally designed in terms of flow and offer the greatest design freedom for realizing geometries that are conventionally difficult to achieve. In addition, material savings can be achieved through additive or generative manufacturing, because only the required material is used, unlike subtractive manufacturing methods. The flange section can be manufactured by means of conventional methods, such as turning, milling, laser cutting, etc., thus enabling particularly economical manufacture.

[0028] The above object is also achieved by a device for filling containers with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling facility. The device has: at least one filling mechanism according to one of the above-described embodiment variants; a product reservoir for providing the filling product; a first product inlet, which is connected to the first product interface of the filling mechanism and is arranged to introduce the filling product from the product reservoir into the first product path; and a second product inlet, which is connected to the second product interface of the filling mechanism and is arranged to introduce the filling product from the product reservoir into the second product path.

[0029] The features, technical effects, advantages and embodiments described with reference to the filling mechanism similarly apply to the device.

[0030] The device can be realized as a turntable, wherein a plurality of filling mechanisms are mounted on the outer circumference of the turntable, and the turntable transports the filling mechanisms and the containers to be filled during filling along a circular track.

[0031] Preferably, the second product inlet includes a valve, in particular a switching valve, for controlling the flow of the filling product, in order to connect or disconnect the input line for the filling product into the second product path. In this way, the structural complexity of the filling mechanism can be kept small.

[0032] For the blocking of the second product path in front of the filling mechanism (i.e., upstream of the second product interface of the filling mechanism), alternatively or additionally, the blocking or regulation of the volume flow can be carried out within the filling mechanism, for example, at the second product outlet. Different solutions are possible for this: A blocking can be achieved at the second product outlet by means of a valve which is flipped by the housing of the filling mechanism at the end of filling and closes the second product opening. Alternatively, it is also possible to press a sealing surface against the second product outlet or against a central partition covered with a flexible material at the height of the second product outlet. Alternatively, a movable outlet sleeve can assume the sealing at the lower end of the filling mechanism.

[0033] Preferably, the ventilation line is provided with a ventilation valve which branches off from the second product input line. At the end of filling, the ventilation valve can be opened so that the passage can be emptied. Then, the container can be depressurized to ambient pressure via a possible switching valve and then transported out.

[0034] Other advantages and features of the invention are visible from the following description of the preferred embodiments. The features described therein can be implemented in isolation or in combination with one or more of the above features, as long as these features are not mutually contradictory. The following description of the preferred embodiments is made herein with reference to the drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0035] Other preferred embodiments of the invention are elaborated in detail by the following description of the drawings. Shown herein are:

[0036] Figure 1 A vertical cross-section of a filling mechanism according to an embodiment, the filling mechanism having a fluid path schematically shown outside the filling mechanism;

[0037] Figure 2 A side view of a filling mechanism with a connected product input line;

[0038] Figure 3 A front view of the filling mechanism;

[0039] Figure 4 A horizontal cross-section of the filling mechanism in the lower region. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0040] Below, the preferred embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. Herein, the same, similar or identically acting elements are provided with the same reference numerals in different drawings, and the repeated description of these elements is partially omitted in order to avoid redundancy.

[0041] Figure 1A vertical cross-section of a filling mechanism 10, also referred to herein as a "combination valve", according to an embodiment is shown, with a fluid path schematically shown outside the filling mechanism 10. The filling mechanism 10 is used to fill containers (not shown in the drawings) with a filling product, preferably beverages in a beverage filling facility. As the filling product to be filled, for example, water (distilled or carbonated), soft drinks, smoothies, dairy products, beer, wine, mixed beverages, etc. are considered.

[0042] The filling mechanism 10 has an elongated, cylindrical housing 20, the main extension of which defines a longitudinal direction. In the installed state, the longitudinal direction generally coincides with the direction of gravity.

[0043] The housing 20 can divide the filling mechanism 10 into three sections, an upper valve section 30, a flange section 40, and a lower valve section 50, which is, however, only exemplary. The three-part division of the filling mechanism 10 is basically for the economical manufacture of components. Thus, for example, the upper valve section 30 can be manufactured in a selective laser melting method (SLM) or other 3D printing methods and directly and seamlessly additively or generatively formed onto the flange section 40. The flange section 40 can be manufactured by means of conventional methods, such as turning, milling, laser cutting, etc., and thus manufactured particularly economically. The lower section 50 of the filling mechanism 10 is preferably also applied or printed onto the flange section 40 from the other side by means of an additive method, particularly a 3D printing method, such that the flange section 40 serves as a base or anchor for the structures on both sides, i.e., the upper valve section 30 and the lower valve section 50.

[0044] Additive manufacturing methods are useful due to the complexity of the following channel geometries, because the overall manufacture of the filling mechanism 10 cannot be achieved by means of conventional methods or can only be achieved with high effort. The channels can be optimally designed in terms of flow and offer the greatest design freedom for realizing geometries that are conventionally difficult to achieve. In addition, material savings can be achieved through additive or generative manufacturing, because only the required material is used, unlike subtractive manufacturing methods.

[0045] Different interfaces are installed in the upper valve section 30, including a first product interface 31 and a second product interface 32. It should be noted that the expressions "first", "second", etc. do not specify any rank or order and are only used for linguistic differentiation. The two product interfaces 31, 32 are arranged for connection to corresponding product input lines 131, 132 (also see Figure 2 ) and for introducing the filling product into different channels in the filling mechanism 10, as will be explained in more detail below. In Figure 1 , for clarity, the illustration of the first product input line 131 is omitted in the schematic diagram of the fluid path outside the filling mechanism 10. However, the first product input line can be seen from Figure 2 .

[0046] In addition, the upper valve section 30 includes at least one gas interface 33, which is configured to connect to a corresponding gas line 133. The gas line 133 is used, for example, to input tension gas and / or to discharge the reflux gas extruded from the container. For this purpose, the gas line 133, together with the gas interface 33 and the gas passage 36a connected thereto, can perform various functions, is a pipe-in-pipe structure, or can be provided with a plurality of gas interfaces 33, which have gas passages 36a for connecting to the corresponding gas lines.

[0047] In the upper valve section 30, there is also a first product line 34, which is fluidly connected to the first product interface 31 and is a product chamber surrounded by the housing 20 in this embodiment. In addition, the upper valve section 30 has a second product line 35, which is fluidly connected to the second product interface 32 and is divided into a plurality of shroud channels 35a, 35b in this embodiment, and the shroud channels extend in the region of the outer circumference of the housing 20 or the cylindrical shroud.

[0048] The product lines 34, 35, especially the second product line 35, can, as mentioned, have branches. In addition, the configuration (bending, orientation, diameter, cross-section, etc.) of the branches can be optimized in terms of the desired filling mode, especially in terms of free jet filling and wall filling. Generally, there is no fluid exchange between the first and second product lines 34, 35 within the filling mechanism 10, but in principle, it is not excluded. The possible structure and possible orientation of the second product line 35 with the shroud channels 35a, 35b can be best seen from Figure 2 and 3 and the extension of the second product line as the vortex profile 55 in the lower valve section 50 can be seen from the cross-section of Figure 4 .

[0049] A preferred shroud geometry is as follows: The product line 35 is first divided into two shroud channels 35a, which can be best seen from the perspective view of Figure 3 . The shroud channels 35a are also preferably each divided into two further shroud channels 35b approximately in the middle, which can be best seen from the perspective view of Figure 2 . It makes sense to guide the filling product in the middle first, so as to generate the same path length for each shroud channel 35a, which reduces or completely avoids the risk of forming aggregates and unevenly formed shields. In addition, the cross-section of each channel is preferably configured such that it further facilitates the uniform product distribution along the path length. This is ensured in this embodiment by ensuring that the sum of the cross-sections of each part at the inlet and at the outlet remains equal.

[0050] The upper valve section 30 also has a valve stem 36 which extends centrally and in the longitudinal direction through the housing 20. The valve stem 36 is connected at its upper end to an actuator 37 which is arranged to raise and lower the valve stem 36 and thus raise and lower the valve cone 51 located at the lower end. The actuator 37 can include a preloading mechanism 37a, such as a helical spring, which is arranged to preload the valve cone 51 into a position, such as a closed position.

[0051] The valve stem 36 includes a gas passage 36a which preferably extends centrally therein and in the longitudinal direction as a bore. A plurality of gas passages 36a can also be provided, for example to separate the gas input and the gas output from each other. In this case, the gas passages 36a can be configured as a tube-in-tube structure.

[0052] The sealing of the valve stem 36 and its translational support relative to the inner cavity of the housing 20, in particular relative to the first product line 34, can be effected via a bellows 38.

[0053] The lower valve section 50 is mounted on the upper valve section 30 via a flange section 40. In the lower valve section 50 there is the aforementioned valve cone 51 which can be lowered by the actuator 37 into and removed from the housing-side valve seat 52, such that the first product outlet 53a can thereby close and open the first product line 34, which is preferably configured as an annular gap or includes such an annular gap.

[0054] The lower valve section 50 includes a nozzle section 54 on which the container to be filled can be pressed airtight. In the region of the nozzle section 54, there is a swirl profile 55 next to the first product outlet 53a so that the filling product transported via the second path, i.e. via the second product line 35, is set into rotation when it is discharged from the filling mechanism 10. Before the filling product is introduced into the nozzle section 54 via the second product outlet 53b, the second product line 35, in the present embodiment in the form of a total of four jacket channels 35b, sets the filling product into rotation via the swirl profile 55, i.e. a defined flow curve, which is preferably configured as an annular gap or includes such an annular gap.

[0055] The first product outlet 53a and the second product outlet 53b introduce the filling product into a common nozzle section 54. From there, the filling product reaches the container below or in contact with the nozzle section 54.

[0056] The described combined filling valve combines two filling processes in a single filling mechanism 10, in particular free jet filling, which is particularly suitable for filling products of a still, and wall filling, which is particularly suitable for filling carbonated products, without deteriorating the quality of the respective other filling process. The product-contacting profiles inside the filling mechanism 10 include a first product line 34, a valve cone 51, a valve stem 36, and a bellows 38, and allow the generation of a first filling jet, in particular a free jet, by means of which the filling product is introduced into the container. The product-contacting profiles in the housing region of the filling mechanism 10 include a second product line 35, a housing channel 35a with a swirl profile 55 and allow the generation of a second filling jet, in particular a rotating filling jet for wall filling, by means of which the filling product is introduced into the container. The nature (shape, bunching, stratification, rotation, flow characteristics, etc.) of the first and second filling jets can be different, and these natures do not have to be generated by two separate filling valves.

[0057] The components guiding the product for the first filling process, in particular free jet filling, include a first product line 34 and a first product outlet 53a, and are also collectively referred to herein as the first product path W1. The components guiding the product for the second filling process, in particular wall filling, include a second product line 35 with housing channels 53a, 53b and a second product outlet 53b, and are also collectively referred to herein as the second product path W2.

[0058] The connection possibilities of the filling mechanism 10 in a filling facility are obtained from Figure 1 a schematic illustration of the fluid paths, valves, and reservoirs.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the filling product is provided via a product reservoir 110. The product reservoir 110 can be provided in the form of a central container or an annular container, which supplies the filling product to a plurality of filling mechanisms 10, which are, for example, arranged on the circumference of a filler turntable. For this purpose, the filling product is guided from the product reservoir 110 to the filling mechanism 10 via a first (see Figure 2 ) and a second product input line 131, 132. The first and second product input lines 131, 132 can branch off from a common product input line 130 connected to the product reservoir 110.

[0060] At least the second product input line 132 includes a switching valve 111 in order to be able to connect or disconnect the input line for the filling product into the second product path W2. Alternatively or additionally, a regulating valve is provided in order to regulate the volumetric flow of the filling product to the filling mechanism 10. In Figure 21 shows another embodiment in which the switching valve 111 can switch the filling product flow from the common product feed line 130 to the first product feed line 131 or the second product feed line 132, which is additional or alternative to completely blocking the inflow. A flow meter 112 can also be arranged in the product feed lines 131, 132 or the common product feed line 130, preferably upstream of the switching valve 111, in order to measure the volume flow passing through.

[0061] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the ventilation line 113 is further provided with a ventilation valve 114, which can be used to empty the line and the channel by opening the ventilation valve 114 at the end of filling.

[0062] In addition, the head space 110a of the product reservoir 110 is connected to the gas line 133 via the switching valve 115. In this way, the gas can be used as tension gas in the head space 110a of the product reservoir 110 and introduced into the container via the gas channel 36a. The gas line 133 is also connected to the environment via the switching valve 116, whereby the container can be depressurized to the ambient pressure.

[0063] Furthermore, the mode of operation of the filling device 10 and the two filling modes are described in more detail, wherein it is assumed by way of example that the first filling jet is designed for filling a still, ie non-carbonated filling product in a free jet and the second filling jet is designed for filling a carbonated filling product as a wall fill.

[0064] For filling with carbonated products, the container mouth of the container to be filled is pressed airtightly against the mouth section 54 of the filling device 10. This can be achieved by raising the container, lowering the filling device 10 or a combination of these two reciprocating movements.

[0065] The container is then pre-stressed with the aid of a tension gas, such as CO 2 , by opening the switching valve 115 . In the process, a pressure equalization occurs between the container and the head space 110 a of the product reservoir 110 .

[0066] After the preload is completed and the switching valve 115 is closed, the actual filling process can begin. To this end, the switching valve 111 is opened for the second product input line 132, so that the filling product flows from the product reservoir 110 into the second product line 35 and the outer cover channels 35a, 35b. Before the filling product is introduced into the mouth section 54 below the outlet profile of the free jet valve via the second product outlet 53b and then introduced into the container, the filling product is placed in rotation via the outer cover channels 35a, 35b and their swirl profile 55, wherein the filling product flows down the inner wall of the container. The return gas squeezed out in the container is led back to the product reservoir 110 via the gas channel 36a in the valve cone 51 and the valve stem 36 and the gas line 133.

[0067] At the end of filling, the vent valve 114 is opened so that the passage can be emptied. Subsequently, the container can be depressurized to ambient pressure via the switching valve 116 and then removed.

[0068] To fill a non-carbonated product, the container is placed below the nozzle section 54, and there does not have to be an airtight connection to the container nozzle. The filling product flows as a free jet into the container through the first product input line 131, the first product line 34, and the first product outlet 53a by raising the valve cone 51 from the product reservoir 110. If necessary, the switching valve 111 can be switched accordingly so that the first product path W1 is opened and the second product path W2 is closed. However, the switching valve 111 is not necessarily required for the first product path W1 because the flow rate is regulated via the valve cone 51.

[0069] The spatial separation of the product-contact areas for free-jet filling and wall filling, especially with respect to the outlet profile, enables the use of respectively optimal geometries without having to make quality-reducing compromises.

[0070] The embodiments described above can optionally be modified such that, alternatively or additionally to the blocking and venting means upstream of the filling mechanism 10 in the second product input line 132, a blocking means 53c is implemented at the second product outlet 53b. The optional blocking means 53c is schematically shown in Figure 1 FIG. For this purpose, different solutions can be implemented: A blocking means 53c can be implemented at the second product outlet 53b by means of a flap that is flipped by the housing 20 of the filling mechanism 10 at the end of filling and closes the second product outlet 53b. Alternatively, a sealing surface can also be pressed onto the second product outlet 53b or onto a central partition covered with a flexible material at the height of the second product outlet 53b. Alternatively, a movable outlet sleeve can assume the sealing at the lower end of the filling mechanism 10.

[0071] In these variants, it is advantageous to improve the empty running (Leerlaufen) after filling and the delay time between opening the blocking valve 111 and the filling product entering the container. If the sealing is only carried out below at the second product outlet 53b as described here, then there is also no need to provide a venting means outside the filling mechanism 10.

[0072] The blocking device 53c at the second product outlet 53b also allows for a change in the shroud channels 35a, 35b such that the shroud channels can be replaced by a full-volume, less branched space in the valve wall. The swirl section can be replaced by a lamella, as the equality of the total cross-sectional area does not apply in the case of the blocking device 53c at the second product outlet 53b. From a hygienic point of view, this change is advantageous because the full volume can be monitored more easily and the probability of blockage of a large cross-sectional area is lower than that of some channels, for example four channels. The dripping behavior is improved because the wetted area below the blocking device 53c is smaller in this case compared to the case of the blocking device upstream of the filling mechanism 10.

[0073] The aforementioned filling mechanism 10 allows for wall filling, in particular for carbonated filling products, and aseptic filling and / or free jet filling, in particular for distilled filling products. The basic idea is that the free jet filling valve or the valve wall of the filling mechanism 10 is used for the channels in which the carbonated product is set in rotation and can be filled by means of the swirl section. Thereby, the filling mechanism 10 can combine two processes without the product paths crossing.

[0074] Product changeovers can be carried out quickly and simply, whereby production can quickly react to changes in customer expectations or market conditions. Especially in the case of low filling volumes, it is no longer necessary to reserve multiple filling facilities for carbonated and non-carbonated filling products or for different filling types, thereby saving resources and costs.

[0075] For wall filling, the structure described here dispenses with the swirl body, thereby not only saving components but also eliminating the conventional gap between the swirl body and the inner wall of the filling valve. Thereby, possible bacterial formation can be minimized. This also applies to the components for raising / lowering the conventional swirl body, whereby there are fewer wearing parts and the filling mechanism 10 can carry out wall filling in a particularly reliable and low-maintenance manner.

[0076] As long as applicable, all individual features shown in the embodiments can be combined with one another and / or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0077] List of reference signs

[0078] 10 Filling mechanism

[0079] 20 Housing

[0080] 30 Upper valve section

[0081] 31 First product interface

[0082] 32 Second product interface

[0083] 33 Gas interface

[0084] 34 First product pipeline

[0085] 35 Second product pipeline

[0086] 35a Housing passage

[0087] 35b Housing passage

[0088] 35c Blocking device

[0089] 36 Valve stem

[0090] 36a Gas passage

[0091] 37 Actuator

[0092] 37a Preloading mechanism

[0093] 38 Bellows

[0094] 40 Flange section

[0095] 50 Lower valve section

[0096] 51 Valve cone

[0097] 52 Valve seat

[0098] 53a First product outlet

[0099] 53b Second product outlet

[0100] 54 Nozzle section

[0101] 55 Vortex profile

[0102] 110 Product reservoir

[0103] 110a Headspace

[0104] 111 Switching valve

[0105] 112 Flow meter

[0106] 113 Ventilation pipeline

[0107] 114 Ventilation valve

[0108] 115 Switching valve

[0109] 116 Switching valve

[0110] 130 Product input pipeline

[0111] 131 First product input pipeline

[0112] 132 Second product input pipeline

[0113] 133 Gas pipeline

[0114] W1 First product path

[0115] W2 Second product path

Claims

1. A filling mechanism (10) for filling containers with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling facility, wherein the filling mechanism (10) has: A first product path (W1) having a first product interface (31) for connection to a first product input line (131), a first product outlet (53a) for introducing the filling product into the container, and a first product line (34) that places the first product interface (31) and the first product outlet (53a) in fluid communication; A second product path (W2) having a second product interface (32) for connection to a second product input line (132), a second product outlet (53b) for introducing the filling product into the container, and a second product line (35) that places the second product interface (32) and the second product outlet (53b) in fluid communication; wherein The first product path (W1) is arranged to introduce the filling product into the container in a first filling product jet via the first product outlet (53a), and the second product path (W2) is arranged to introduce the filling product into the container in a second filling product jet via the second product outlet (53b), the second filling product jet being different from the first filling product jet, wherein the first product path (W1) is arranged for free jet filling and / or the second product path (W2) is arranged for wall filling.

2. The filling mechanism (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The filling mechanism (10) has at least one gas channel (36a) arranged to input tension gas into the container and / or to vent gas from the container.

3. The filling mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first product path (W1) includes a movable valve cone (51) in the first product line (34) and a valve seat (52) that cooperates with the valve cone, wherein the valve cone (51) can be brought into contact with the valve seat (52) via an actuator (37) and can be moved away from the valve seat, such that the first product outlet (53a) is thereby closed or opened.

4. The filling mechanism (10) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that, The gas channel (36a) extends through the valve cone (51), wherein the filling mechanism (10) preferably has a valve stem (36) that connects the valve cone (51) to the actuator (37), and the gas channel (36a) also extends through the valve stem (36).

5. The filling mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first product line (34) has a cylindrical shape and the second product line (35) extends radially outside the first product line (34), wherein the second product path (W2) preferably includes a vortex profile (55) such that the filling product of the second product path (W2) is set in rotation when introduced into the container.

6. The filling mechanism (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second product outlet (53b) is formed by an annular gap that radially and / or concentrically surrounds the first product outlet (53a), preferably also surrounding the annular gap.

7. The filling mechanism (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The second product line (35) includes a plurality of shroud channels (35a, 35b) that extend radially outside the first product line (34) and preferably branch off from a common section of the product line (35), where the second product line (35) is preferably divided into two shroud channels (35a), and the shroud channels (35a) are in turn each divided into two further shroud channels (35b).

8. The filling mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The first and second product lines (34, 35) are not in fluid communication with each other.

9. The filling mechanism (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A blocking device (53c) is provided at the second product outlet (53b), and the blocking device is arranged to open and close the second product outlet (53b) as required, where the blocking device (53c) preferably includes one or more valves.

10. A filling mechanism (10) for filling containers with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling facility, where the filling mechanism (10) has: A first product path (W1) having a first product interface (31) for connection to a first product input line (131), a first product outlet (53a) for introducing the filling product into the container, and a first product line (34) that puts the first product interface (31) and the first product outlet (53a) in fluid communication; A second product path (W2) having a second product interface (32) for connection to a second product input line (132), a second product outlet (53b) for introducing the filling product into the container, and a second product line (35) that puts the second product interface (32) and the second product outlet (53b) in fluid communication; where The first product path (W1) is arranged to introduce the filling product into the container in a first filling product jet via the first product outlet (53a), and the second product path (W2) is arranged to introduce the filling product into the container in a second filling product jet via the second product outlet (53b), and the second filling product jet is different from the first filling product jet. The filling mechanism (10) has a housing (20), preferably in a cylindrical shape, for accommodating the first product path (W1) and the second product path (W2), where the second product path (W2) extends at least partially in the housing wall, extends on or is formed by the housing wall, and the housing (20) is at least partially manufactured by 3D printing, preferably selective laser melting.

11. The filling mechanism (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The housing (20) includes an upper valve section (30), a flange section (40), and a lower valve section (50), where the upper valve section (30) and the lower valve section (50) are manufactured by 3D printing, preferably selective laser melting, and are additively formed on both sides of the flange section (40).

12. A device for filling containers with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling facility, where the device has: At least one filling mechanism (10) according to any one of the above claims; A product reservoir (110) for providing the filling product; A first product inlet (131) connected to the first product interface (31) of the filling mechanism (10) and configured to introduce the filling product from the product reservoir (110) into the first product path (W1); A second product inlet (132) connected to the second product interface (32) of the filling mechanism (10) and configured to introduce the filling product from the product reservoir (110) into the second product path (W2), wherein the second product inlet (132) preferably includes a valve configured to connect or disconnect an input line of the filling product to the second product path.

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that, A ventilation line (113) provided with a ventilation valve (114) branching off from the second product input line (132).

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