Device for filling containers and associated operating method

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a device (10) for filling containers (12) with a filling material. The device (10) has a filling material reservoir (18) and a supply line (20) connected to the filling material reservoir (18). The device (10) further comprises a filling element (44) with a filling valve (46) and a filling line (48) which connects the filling material reservoir (18) to the filling valve (46). The device (10) further has a further line (54) connected to the filling line (48) for discharging and / or supplying the medium, and a bypass line (62) connecting the filling material supply line (20) and the further line (54) to each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for filling containers with a filling material, preferably a rotary apparatus. The invention also relates to a method for operating the apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] In beverage filling equipment, when containers are filled with a liquid or paste-like filling material, gas bubbles, such as air bubbles, can be deposited in the filling element. These can occur, for example, when the filling valve is closed after filling the container and can be sucked into the filling element. Gas bubbles in the filling element can have a negative effect on the filling process. For example, the formation of a filling jet can be impaired and unwanted foam formation can occur. These effects can lead, for example, to poorer standard deviations of filling parameters and key indicators of filling and to poorer overall filling quality.

[0003] In order to reduce the number of gas bubbles in the filling element, the filling element can be vented.

[0004] For example, DE 10 2022 119 477 A1 discloses a buffer tank arranged above the filling element. The filling product guide between the filling element and the buffer tank is realized in a continuously rising manner. As a result, there is no siphon effect. This allows any gas that can be present in the filling element to continuously rise to the buffer tank and be discharged there.

[0005] This conventional technology is particularly effective in combination with standard filling valves and can be used with filling material throttles and large line diameters with a relatively large flow cross section. However, the disadvantage of this technology is that it hardly or not at all works in the case of filling material throttles and small line diameters with a relatively small flow cross section and small container filling valves, for example for filling high-quality alcohol. Gas bubbles then hardly or not at all rise on their own.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved technology for venting a filling element for expelling gas bubbles from the filling element. Preferably, the technology is particularly effective in filling material throttles / small line diameters / small container filling valves with a small flow cross section. SUMMARY

[0007] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are indicated in the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] One aspect relates to an apparatus for filling containers with a (e.g. liquid or paste-like) filling material, preferably a rotary apparatus. The apparatus has a filling material reservoir (e.g. a filling material tank or a filling material vessel, preferably a filling material ring container) for storing the filling material and a (e.g. main) supply line connected to the filling material reservoir for supplying the filling material to the filling material reservoir (e.g. directly). The apparatus further has a filling element with a filling valve for filling containers (e.g. located below the filling element) with the filling material and a filling line connecting the filling material reservoir and the filling valve to each other for supplying the filling material from the filling material reservoir to the filling valve. The apparatus further has a further line connected (e.g. directly) to the filling line for medium discharge and / or medium supply (e.g. of a liquid or gaseous medium). The apparatus further has a bypass line connecting the filling material supply line and the further line to each other for supplying the filling material from the supply line via the further line and the filling line to the filling material reservoir, preferably for venting the filling element (e.g. the filling line in the filling element and / or when the filling valve is closed).

[0009] Advantageously, the apparatus allows venting of the filling line in the filling element up to the filling valve. This allows venting advantageously within seconds. Gas bubbles can be transported in the direction of the filling material reservoir, wherein the filling element and the filling material reservoir are filled with the filling material in reverse (that is to say, contrary to the normal flow direction in the filling line when filling containers). Even if air is repeatedly introduced during filling, the reverse filling advantageously moves the air back towards the filling material reservoir. The technique advantageously does not require a collection tank located below the filling element, since the filling material is preferably not pushed forwards from the filling element, but backwards in the direction of the filling material reservoir. The technique is particularly advantageous for small container filling elements with a very small flow cross section, wherein conventional venting techniques only achieve unsatisfactory results. Advantageously, the reverse filling can be achieved by means of the bypass line, which allows the filling material to be supplied to the filling element via the further line. In this regard, the bypass line also advantageously allows the further line to be used for a different purpose in addition to the actual task of the further line (e.g. to discharge the filling material or a cleaning medium from the filling line at a desired time), the further line can also be used to vent the filling line adjacent to the filling valve during normal operation. In other words, the bypass line can be used to allocate an additional function to the further line for venting the filling line in the filling element.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the further line is a discharge line, which is connected to the filling line for discharging filling material and / or cleaning medium from the filling element. The discharge line, which has been provided in connection with the filling line in the filling element, can thus advantageously be used for venting the filling line in the filling element. It is thus advantageous to dispense with an additional separate line for venting only.

[0011] It will be understood that, alternatively, the further line can be intended for venting only or primarily.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further has a bypass valve arranged in the bypass line. This advantageously enables a safe and reliable use of the bypass line and an accurate venting.

[0013] In one embodiment, the filling element has a further valve, preferably a backflow valve, in the further line. Advantageously, on the one hand, the function actually intended for the further line (e.g. discharging filling material or cleaning medium from the filling element at a desired time) can be reliably implemented, and on the other hand, the venting function can be accurately controlled. Thus, the additional valve can advantageously be used for two completely different functions, saving costs and effort for other additional valve technology.

[0014] In another embodiment, the apparatus further has a control device, which is preferably used for venting the filling element (e.g. for venting the filling line in the filling element), which is configured to:

[0015] - open or keep open the bypass valve and / or open the further valve; and / or

[0016] - open or keep open the bypass valve and / or open the further valve, preferably within a predetermined period of time (e.g. between 1 s and 5 s) and / or within a predetermined processing angle (e.g. between 30° and 80°, preferably between 45° and 60°) of the apparatus, which is configured as a rotary apparatus, in a work cycle for filling a single container (e.g. after closing the filling valve).

[0017] This advantageously enables a particularly reliable and rapid venting.

[0018] Preferably, the term "control device" can refer to an electronic system (e.g. embodied as a driver circuit or having a microprocessor and a data memory) and / or a mechanical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic controller, which can take over open-loop control tasks and / or closed-loop control tasks and / or processing tasks depending on the configuration. Although the term "control" is used herein, this can also include or be understood as "closed-loop control" or "control with feedback" and / or appropriate "processing".

[0019] In one embodiment variant, the control device is configured to open the further valve and the bypass valve and / or to keep the further valve and the bypass valve open after the closing of the filling valve in the work cycle, simultaneously or at least in a temporally overlapping manner. This advantageously achieves a particularly reliable and rapid venting.

[0020] In a further variant embodiment, the filling element preferably has a static (e.g. annular or tubular) filling material throttle in the filling line. Preferably, the static filling material throttle can have a throttle diameter of < 5 mm or < 4 mm or < 3 mm. The venting technology presented here can thus advantageously be used in particular for small container filling elements.

[0021] For example, the static filling material throttle can have a (filling material) flow cross-section of < 20 mm2or < 13 mm2or < 8 mm2or < 7.5 mm2.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further has a filling material source for providing filling material. Preferably, a supply line can connect the filling material source and the filling material reservoir to one another (e.g. directly) for supplying filling material from the filling material source to the filling material reservoir. This advantageously provides a secure supply of filling material for filling the filling material reservoir and for venting the filling element.

[0023] In a further exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further has a check device. Preferably, a further line can connect the filling line and the backflow reservoir to one another (e.g. directly) for discharging filling material and / or cleaning medium from the filling element to the backflow reservoir. Advantageously, the medium to be discharged via the further line can thus be discharged to the backflow reservoir, which can for example enable further use or secure disposal of the discharged medium.

[0024] In one embodiment, the apparatus further has a return gas line which is arranged to discharge return gas through the filling element when filling a container. Advantageously, the function of discharging return gas via the return gas line required during filling can thus be provided separately from the venting function via the bypass line and the further line, and can thus be used directly after filling.

[0025] In a further embodiment, at least one of the following conditions is met:

[0026] - the supply line opens into the filling material reservoir and / or terminates in the filling material reservoir;

[0027] - the supply line extends completely outside the filling element; and

[0028] - a further line branches off from the portion of the filling line arranged in the filling element between the filling valve and the filling material reservoir.

[0029] In one embodiment variant, at least one of the following is met:

[0030] - the bypass line directly connects the supply line and the further line to each other;

[0031] - the bypass line is arranged completely outside the filling element;

[0032] - the bypass line is arranged in a stationary part of the device configured as a rotating device;

[0033] - the bypass line branches off from a portion of the supply line arranged upstream of a medium distributor of the device, preferably a rotating medium distributor, with respect to a filling material supply flow (e.g. from a filling material source); and

[0034] - the bypass line opens into and / or terminates in the further line, preferably in a portion arranged upstream of a medium distributor of the device, preferably a rotating medium distributor, with respect to a filling material supply flow (e.g. from a filling material source).

[0035] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a container handling facility (e.g. for temperature control, production, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, closing, pasteurizing, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking and / or packaging of containers of liquid or paste-like medium, preferably a beverage, a liquid food or a product of the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry). The container handling facility can have a device as disclosed herein.

[0036] For example, the container can be implemented as a bottle, a can, a cartridge, a carton, a vial, a tube, etc.

[0037] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for operating a device for filling a container with a filling material as disclosed herein. The method comprises the following:

[0038] - filling the container with the filling material from the filling material reservoir via the filling line and the open filling valve; and

[0039] - after the filling, venting the filling element (e.g. the filling line in the filling element) by supplying the filling material from the supply line to the bypass line, to the further line, to the filling line, to the filling material reservoir; and optionally

[0040] - after the venting, filling a further container with the filling material from the filling material reservoir via the filling line and the open filling valve.

[0041] Advantageously, the method can achieve the same advantages as already described with reference to the apparatus. The same applies to the preferred exemplary embodiments of the method described below.

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the following applies:

[0043] - venting the filling element comprises opening or keeping open a bypass valve in a bypass line and / or opening a further valve in another line, preferably in a part of the other line located in the filling element;

[0044] - closing the filling valve at the end of the filling, for example directly, before venting; and

[0045] - carrying out the filling and venting one after the other in a common work cycle of the apparatus, in which cycle a single container is filled.

[0046] In another exemplary embodiment, the method comprises at least one of the following:

[0047] - preferably directly supplying, preferably first supplying, the filling material to the filling material reservoir from a filling material source via a supply line;

[0048] - discharging return gas from the container via a return gas line of the apparatus during the filling;

[0049] - discharging the filling material from the filling line and / or the filling element via a further line, for example to a reflux reservoir and / or during a maintenance operation, a cleaning operation or a venting operation of the apparatus;

[0050] - discharging the cleaning medium from the filling line and / or the filling element via a further line, for example to a reflux reservoir and / or during a maintenance operation, a cleaning operation or a venting operation of the apparatus; and

[0051] - supplying or discharging the medium to or from the filling element via a further line, directly or during a maintenance operation, a cleaning operation or a venting operation of the apparatus.

[0052] The above-mentioned preferred embodiments and features of the application can be combined with one another as desired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] Further details and advantages of the application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0054] Figure 1 a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0055] Figure 2 Another schematic view of an exemplary apparatus is shown.

[0056] The embodiments shown in the drawings correspond at least partially, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference signs, and in order to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of other embodiments or drawings for their illustration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 An apparatus 10 for filling containers 12 with a filling material, preferably liquid or paste-like, is shown.

[0058] The apparatus 10 can be connected to an inlet conveyor 14. The apparatus 10 can receive containers 12 from the inlet conveyor 14. The inlet conveyor 14 can be, for example, an inlet star or a linear conveyor as shown.

[0059] The apparatus 10 can be connected to an outlet conveyor 16. The apparatus 10 can transfer filled containers 12 to the outlet conveyor 16 for removal. The outlet conveyor 16 can be, for example, an outlet star or a linear conveyor as shown.

[0060] The apparatus 10 has at least one filling element, as referred to herein with reference to Figure 2 are described by way of example. Preferably, the apparatus 10 has a plurality of filling elements 44 for filling a plurality of containers 12 simultaneously or in time overlap.

[0061] Preferably, the apparatus 10 is configured as a rotary filling apparatus. For example, the filling elements can be arranged around the circumference of a filler carousel of the rotary filling apparatus, preferably uniformly or equidistantly distributed. However, for example, the apparatus 10 can also be configured as a linear filling apparatus, for example having a plurality of filling elements arranged one after the other or next to each other.

[0062] The apparatus 10 can transport the containers 12 from an inlet of the apparatus 10, for example at a transfer location with the inlet conveyor 14, to an outlet of the apparatus 10, for example at a transfer location with the outlet conveyor 16, for example on a circular path, during filling.

[0063] For example, a closing apparatus for closing the containers 12 filled by the apparatus 10 can be arranged downstream of the apparatus 10. For example, the outlet conveyor 16 can transport the filled containers 12 in a direction towards the closing apparatus. Preferably, the closing apparatus can be configured as a rotary closing apparatus.

[0064] Figure 2 A portion of the apparatus 10 is shown schematically.

[0065] The device 10 has a filling material reservoir 18, a supply line 20, at least one filling element 44 with a filling valve 46, at least one filling line 48, at least one further line 54, and a bypass line 62, wherein, in Figure 2 For the sake of clarity, only one filling element 44, only one filling line 48, and only one further line 54 are shown in the middle. The device 10 can further comprise, for example, a media dispenser 68 and / or a control device 70.

[0066] The filling material reservoir 18 can store filling material. The filling material reservoir 18 is preferably a filling material tank or a filling material vessel, for example a filling material ring vessel.

[0067] Preferably, the filling material reservoir 18 is part of a filling carousel of the device 10, which is preferably configured as a rotating filling device. The filling material reservoir 18 can be rotated about a main rotation axis of the device 10 during operation of the device 10.

[0068] The (main) supply line 20 is connected to the filling material reservoir 18 for supplying filling material to the filling material reservoir 18. The supply line 20 is preferably arranged completely outside the filling element 44.

[0069] Preferably, the supply line 20 can connect a filling material source 22 and the filling material reservoir 18 to each other. Filling material can be supplied from the filling material source 22 via the supply line 20 directly to the filling material reservoir 18.

[0070] The filling material source 22 can provide filling material. For example, the filling material source 22 can be a tank filled with filling material. The filling material source 22 is preferably stationary. For example, the filling material source 22 can be arranged separately from a filling carousel of the device 10, which is preferably configured as a rotating filling device.

[0071] Preferably, the supply line 20 opens into or terminates at the filling material reservoir 18. For example, the supply line 20 can open into or terminate at a lower or bottom portion of the filling material reservoir 18. The supply line 20 can supply filling material from the filling material source 22 directly into the lower / bottom portion of the filling material reservoir 18.

[0072] Preferably, a supply valve 24 is arranged in the supply line 20. The supply valve 24 can selectively release or block or, alternatively, regulate the flow of filling material through the supply line 20 to the filling material reservoir 18. For example, the control device 70 can selectively operate the supply valve 24 to assume a release position or to assume a closed position, or, alternatively, to regulate the released flow cross section.

[0073] Preferably, the supply valve 24 can be arranged upstream of the media dispenser 68 with respect to a supply flow of the filling material from the filling material source 22.

[0074] Preferably, the (pressure) sensor 26 can detect a pressure in the supply line 20. The sensor 26 can send a signal indicative of the detected pressure to the control device 70.

[0075] The apparatus 10 can have a (different) line 28 connected to the supply line 20. For example, the line 28 can branch off from the supply line 20. The line 28 may, for example, be a service line or another supply line for the same filling product as from the filling material source 22 or for another filling product, for example from another filling material source. A valve 30 can be arranged in the line 28. The valve 30 may, for example, be a service valve. The valve 30 can selectively release or block a flow through the line 28 or, alternatively, adjust the flow. For example, the control device 70 can selectively operate the valve 30 to assume a release position or to assume a closed position or, alternatively, to adjust a released flow cross section.

[0076] Preferably, the apparatus 10 can have at least one sensor 32, 34 for monitoring the filling material reservoir 18.

[0077] For example, a filling level of the filling material in the filling material reservoir 18 can be detected by the (filling level) sensor 32. The sensor 32 can send a signal indicative of the detected filling level of the filling material in the filling material reservoir 18 to the control device 70.

[0078] For example, a temperature of the filling material in the filling material reservoir 18 can be detected by the (temperature) sensor 34. The sensor 34 can send a signal indicative of the detected temperature of the filling material in the filling material reservoir 18 to the control device 70.

[0079] The apparatus 10 can have a cleaning line 36. The cleaning line 36 can lead to the filling material reservoir 18. A cleaning medium can be supplied to the filling material reservoir 18 via the cleaning line 36 for cleaning the filling material reservoir 18. For example, the cleaning line 36 can be connected to a cleaning medium source (not shown in the figures) for receiving the cleaning medium from the cleaning medium source.

[0080] Preferably, the cleaning line 36 can be connected to a spray device, for example a spray cone device, in the filling material reservoir 18. The spray device can spray the cleaning medium supplied via the cleaning line 36 into the filling material reservoir 18 to clean the filling material reservoir 18.

[0081] The device 10 can have a pressure relief line 38. The pressure relief line 38 can be connected to the filling material reservoir 18, preferably to an upper portion of the filling material reservoir 18. Via the pressure relief line 38 an undesired high pressure, e.g. an overpressure, in the filling material reservoir 18 can be reduced.

[0082] For example, a valve 40 can be arranged in the pressure relief line 38 to selectively block or release the pressure relief line 38. The valve 40 can preferably be configured as an (e.g. spring-loaded) overpressure valve (also referred to as safety valve or pressure-limiting valve), e.g. with a valve element that is elastically preloaded in a closed position.

[0083] Preferably, a sensor 42 can be connected to the pressure relief line 38 for monitoring the pressure relief line 38. The sensor 42 can for example detect whether filling material is present in the pressure relief line 38. The sensor 42 can send a corresponding signal to the control device 70.

[0084] The containers 12 can be filled with filling material from the filling material reservoir 18 via the filling element 44. Preferably, during filling with filling material the filling element 44 and the containers 12 can be pressed against each other, preferably in a gas-tight manner. For example, a container mouth of the container 12 can be pressed against a centering cap of the filling element 44. For example, lifting devices can be included to press them together. The lifting devices can for example lower the filling element 44 at least partially onto the container mouth of the container 12 and / or lift a container holder (e.g. a clamp or support plate) supporting the container 12 below the filling element 44 into contact with the filling element 44.

[0085] The filling element 44 has a filling valve 46. The filling element 44 can further have a, for example, static, filling material throttle 52 and / or a further valve 58.

[0086] For example, the filling element 44 can be configured as a common structural unit of the components 46, 52 and / or 58. For example, the components 46, 52 and / or 58 can be arranged in a common housing of the filling element 44.

[0087] The containers 12 can be filled with filling material via the filling valve 46. The filling valve 46 can be opened in order to fill the containers 12. The filling valve 46 can be closed to block a flow of filling material through the filling valve 46. Optionally, a flow cross section of the filling valve 46 can be adjustable, for example to adjust a flow of filling material through the filling valve 46.

[0088] For example, the filling valve 46 can have a movable valve element. Preferably, the valve element can be lifted (e.g. in vertical direction) from a valve seat, which is preferably annular, in order to open the filling valve 46. The valve element can contact the valve seat in a sealing manner, thereby closing the filling valve 46. Preferably, the valve element can be configured as a valve cone or a valve cone portion.

[0089] The filling valve 46 can be actuated in any conceivable manner, e.g. mechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically, electromagnetically or electrically. For example, the control device 70 can selectively operate the filling valve 46 to assume a release position or to assume a closed position, or alternatively to adjust a released flow cross section.

[0090] The filling line 48 connects the filling material reservoir 18 and the filling valve 46 to each other for supplying filling material from the filling material reservoir 18 to the filling valve 46, preferably directly.

[0091] Preferably, the filling line 48 can be arranged partly outside the filling element 44 and partly inside the filling element. For example, a first portion of the filling line 48 can be arranged outside the filling element 44. Preferably, one end of the first portion of the filling line 48 can be adjacent to the filling material reservoir 18, e.g. adjacent to a lower / bottom region of the filling material reservoir. An opposite second end of the first portion of the filling line 48 can be adjacent to the filling element 44. A second portion of the filling line 48 can be arranged in the filling element 44. A first end of the second portion of the filling line 48 can be adjacent to the second end of the first portion of the filling line 48. An opposite second end of the second portion of the filling line 48 can be adjacent to the filling valve 46.

[0092] Preferably, a sensor 50 for detecting filling material can be connected in the filling line 48. For example, the sensor 50 can be arranged outside the filling element 44. For example, the sensor 50 for detecting filling material can be arranged in the first portion of the filling line 48.

[0093] For example, a flow (e.g. flow rate / volume flow) of filling material through the filling line 48 and / or a flow direction of filling material through the filling line 48 can be detected by the sensor 50. The sensor 50 can transmit a signal indicative of a detected flow rate and / or a detected flow direction of filling material in the filling line 48 to the control device 70.

[0094] A static filling material throttle 52 can be arranged in the filling element 44 for throttling the filling material flow. In particular, the static filling material throttle 52 can be arranged, preferably directly, in the second portion of the filling line 48, e.g. adjacent to the filling valve 46. The static filling material throttle 52 can be, for example, an orifice or an orifice tube.

[0095] The static filling material throttle 52 can preferably have a relatively small throttle diameter. For example, the static filling material throttle 52 can have a throttle diameter of < 5 mm or < 4 mm or < 3 mm.

[0096] For example, a filling material throttle, preferably pneumatic or motor-driven, can be arranged in the first portion of the filling line 48.

[0097] A further line 54 is connected to the filling line 48 for discharging and / or supplying a medium. The medium is preferably liquid, but can in principle also be gaseous.

[0098] It is particularly preferred that the further line 54 is a discharge line. The further line 54 can be connected to the filling line 48 for discharging filling material and / or cleaning medium from the filling element 44. For example, the further line 54 can connect the filling line 48 and the backflow reservoir 56 to each other.

[0099] Preferably, the further line 54 can be arranged partly outside and partly inside the filling element 44. For example, a first portion of the further line 54 can be arranged outside the filling element 44. Preferably, one end of the first portion of the further line 54 can be adjacent to the backflow reservoir 56. The opposite second end of the first portion of the further line 54 can be adjacent to the filling element 44. A second portion of the further line 54 can be arranged in the filling element 44. A first end of the second portion of the further line 54 can be adjacent to the second end of the first portion of the further line 54. The opposite second end of the second portion of the further line 54 can be adjacent to the filling line 48. Preferably, the further line 54 can branch off from the (second) portion of the filling line 48 arranged in the filling element 44.

[0100] At least one valve 58, 60 can be arranged in the further line 54. For example, a further valve 58 can be arranged in the filling element 44. Additionally or alternatively, a further valve 60 can be arranged outside the filling element. Preferably, the valve 58 and the valve 60 can be arranged on opposite sides of the medium distributor 68.

[0101] Preferably, the at least one valve 58, 60 is configured as a backflow valve. The backflow valve can enable backflow of filling material or cleaning medium from the filling element 44 to the backflow reservoir 56.

[0102] The valve 58 and / or the valve 60 can selectively release or block the flow through the further line 54, or optionally regulate the flow.

[0103] The bypass line 62 connects the supply line 20 and the further line 54 with each other, preferably directly. Via the bypass line 62, the filling material can be supplied from the supply line 20 to the further line 54 and then from the further line 54 to the filling line 48.

[0104] Preferably, the bypass line 64 can branch off from a portion of the supply line 20 which is located upstream of the supply valve 24 and / or the media distributor 68 with respect to the filling material supply flow from the filling material source 22.

[0105] Preferably, the bypass line 64 can lead to or end in the further line 54, preferably in a portion of the further line 54 which is located between the valves 58 and 60 and / or upstream of the media distributor 68 with respect to the filling material supply flow from the filling material source 22.

[0106] For example, the bypass line 62 can be arranged in a stationary / fixed portion of the apparatus 10. Preferably, the bypass line 62 can be arranged completely outside the filling element 44.

[0107] Preferably, a bypass valve 64 can be arranged in the bypass line 62. The bypass valve 64 can selectively release or block or, alternatively, regulate the flow of filling material through the bypass line 62. For example, the control device 70 can selectively operate the valve 64 to assume a release position or to assume a closed position or, alternatively, to regulate the released flow cross section.

[0108] The apparatus 10 can have additional valves and / or lines, such as a return gas line 66. The return gas line 66 is preferably arranged to discharge return gas through the filling element 44 when a container 12 is being filled. Via the return gas line 66, return gas can be discharged from the container 12 during filling of the container 12 with filling material. The return gas line 66 may, for example, have a first portion arranged in the filling element 44 and a second portion arranged outside the filling element 44.

[0109] For example, the filling line 48, the further line 54 and / or the return gas line 66 located within the filling element 44 can also have a buffer volume, as indicated by the boxes in the examples of the lines 54 and 66 in Figure 2 in the examples of the lines 54 and 66.

[0110] As already mentioned, the apparatus 10 can have a media distributor 68. The media distributor 68 can preferably be configured as a rotary distributor. The rotary distributor can connect at least one line portion of a stationary portion of the apparatus 10 with at least one line portion of a rotating portion of the apparatus 10, for example a filler carousel.

[0111] For example, the supply line 20, the cleaning line 36, the further line 54 and / or the return gas line 66 can pass through the medium distributor 68. Preferably, the medium distributor 68, which is configured as a rotary distributor, can connect a stationary portion of the supply line 20, the cleaning line 36, the further line 54 and / or the return gas line 66 with a portion of the supply line 20, the cleaning line 36, the further line 54 or the return gas line 66 that rotates together with the rotating portion of the apparatus 10.

[0112] A method for operating the apparatus 10 is explained below.

[0113] Preferably, the apparatus 10 can be operated by a control device 70. In particular, the control device 70 can, for example, operate the valves 24, 30, 46, 58, 60 and / or 64. Preferably, the control device 70 can receive signals from the sensors 26, 32, 34, 42 and / or 50.

[0114] The apparatus 10 is operated such that, by opening the filling valve 46, the container 12 is filled with filling material from the filling material reservoir 18. During filling, the container 12 is preferably positioned below the filling element 44 and / or the filling valve 46. For example, the control device 70 can operate the filling valve 46 to be open.

[0115] Before filling, the container 12 can be evacuated, rinsed and / or preloaded, for example by the filling element 44.

[0116] For example, filling can be stopped by closing the filling valve 46. For example, the control device 70 can operate the filling valve 46 to be closed in order to terminate filling.

[0117] Furthermore, the apparatus 10 is operated such that, after filling, the filling element 44 is vented by supplying filling material from the supply line 20 via the bypass line 62 to the further line 54, to the filling line 48, to the filling material reservoir 18. For this purpose, for example, the bypass valve 64 in the bypass line 62 and the valve 58 in the further line 54 can be opened, for example by the control device 70. Alternatively, for example, the bypass valve 64 can already be open and only the valve 58 in the further line 54 is opened.

[0118] In order to transport air bubbles from the portion of the filling line 48 that is located in the filling element 44, (partly) from the filling valve 46 and the static filling material throttle 52, filling material can thus be supplied to the filling line 48 via the bypass line 62 and the further line 54. The supplied filling material can flow (together with the transported air bubbles) into the filling material reservoir 18 and thus further fill this filling material reservoir.

[0119] During venting, the supply valve 24, the valve 30 and / or the valve 60 can preferably be closed.

[0120] However, first and also possibly during operation, the filling material reservoir 18 can be filled (mainly) directly with filling material via the supply line 20 leading to the filling material reservoir 18 by opening the supply valve 24, for example until a desired filling level of the filling material in the filling material reservoir 18 is reached, for example detected by the sensor 32.

[0121] Preferably, filling and venting are carried out in a common work cycle of the device 10, for example directly, one after the other, in which work cycle the individual containers 12 are filled.

[0122] For example, in this work cycle, after closing the filling valve 46, the bypass valve 64 and / or the valve 58 can preferably be opened for a predetermined period of time and / or for a predetermined processing angle of the device 10, which is configured as a rotary device. However, the valve 60 can be closed.

[0123] As Figure 1 As shown by way of example in Fig. 2, the work cycle can have a first part I and a second part II. In the first part I, the containers 12 can be filled with filling material and, for example, beforehand, the containers 12 can be evacuated, rinsed and / or preloaded. In the second part II, venting can be carried out.

[0124] The parts I and II can preferably directly adjoin one another.

[0125] Preferably, the period of time specified for the first part I and / or the processing angle specified for the first part I can be greater than the period of time specified for the second part II or the processing angle specified for the second part II.

[0126] For example, the processing angle for carrying out the filling (and possibly the preceding evacuation, rinsing and / or preloading) or for part I can be between 220° and 285°, for example between 250° and 260°.

[0127] For example, the processing angle for carrying out the venting or for part II can be between 30° and 80°, for example between 45° and 60°.

[0128] Preferably, the apparatus 10 can also be operated in a cleaning mode, such that a medium, e.g. a cleaning medium or a filling material, can be discharged from the filling element 44 via the further line 54, e.g. to a reflux reservoir. For example, the bypass valve 64 can be closed, and the valves 58 and / or 60 can be opened. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus 10 can also be further operated such that a medium, e.g. a cleaning medium, different from the filling material can be supplied to the filling line 48 via the further line 54.

[0129] The application is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Rather, likewise a multitude of variants and modifications of the inventive concept are possible and thus within the scope of protection. In particular, the application also claims the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, regardless of the claims they are cited in. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1, and for example independently of features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the filling material reservoir, the supply line, the filling element, the filling valve, the filling line, the further line and / or the bypass line of independent claim 1. All ranges specified herein are to be understood as being disclosed in such a way that all values falling within the relevant range are disclosed independently, for example also as relevant preferred narrower outer limit values of the relevant range.

[0130] List of reference signs

[0131] 10: apparatus

[0132] 12: container

[0133] 14: inlet conveyor

[0134] 16: outlet conveyor

[0135] 18: filling material reservoir

[0136] 20: supply line

[0137] 22: filling material source

[0138] 24: supply valve

[0139] 26: (e.g. pressure) sensor

[0140] 28: line

[0141] 30: valve

[0142] 32: (e.g. filling level) sensor

[0143] 34: (e.g. temperature) sensor

[0144] 36: cleaning line

[0145] 38: pressure relief line

[0146] 40: valve

[0147] 42: sensor

[0148] 44: filling element

[0149] 46: filling valve

[0150] 48: filling line

[0151] 50: (e.g. flow) sensor

[0152] 52: static filling material throttle

[0153] 54: further line

[0154] 56: return reservoir

[0155] 58: (further) valve

[0156] 60: valve

[0157] 62: bypass line

[0158] 64: bypass valve

[0159] 66: return gas line

[0160] 68: medium distributor

[0161] 70: control device

[0162] I: first part

[0163] II: second part

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for filling containers (12) with a filling material, preferably a rotary apparatus, wherein The device (10) comprises a filling material reservoir (18) for storing the filling material; a supply line (20) connected to the filling material reservoir (18) for supplying the filling material to the filling material reservoir (18); a filling element (44) with a filling valve (46) for filling the containers (12) with the filling material; a filling line (48) connecting the filling material reservoir (18) and the filling valve (46) to each other for supplying the filling material from the filling material reservoir (18) to the filling valve (46); a further line (54) connected to the filling line (48) for medium discharge and / or medium supply; and a bypass line (62) connecting the filling material supply line (20) and the further line (54) to each other for supplying the filling material from the supply line (20) to the filling material reservoir (18) via the further line (54) and the filling line (48), preferably for venting the filling element (44).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the further line (54) is a discharge line connected to the filling line (48) for discharging filling material and / or cleaning medium from the filling element (44).

3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further having a bypass valve (64) arranged in the bypass line (62).

4. The device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling element (44) has a further valve (58), preferably a backflow valve, in the further line (54).

5. The device (10) according to claim 3 and / or claim 4, further having a control device (70), preferably for venting the filling element, which is configured to - open or keep open the bypass valve (64) and / or open the further valve (58); and / or - open or keep open the bypass valve (64) and / or open the further valve (58) after closing the filling valve (46) in a work cycle for filling a single container (12), preferably within a predetermined time period and / or within a predetermined processing angle of the device (10) configured as a rotary device.

6. The device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the control device (70) is configured to open or keep open the further valve and the bypass valve simultaneously or at least in a temporally overlapping manner after closing the filling valve (46) in the work cycle.

7. The device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling element (44) has a static filling material throttle (52) in the filling line (48), wherein, preferably: the filling material throttle (52) is a valve. The static filling material throttle (52) has a throttle diameter of ≤ 5 mm or ≤ 4 mm or ≤ 3 mm.

8. The apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a filling material source (22) for providing the filling material, wherein: the supply line (20) connects the filling material source (22) and the filling material reservoir (18) to each other for supplying the filling material from the filling material source (22) to the filling material reservoir (18).

9. The apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a return flow reservoir (56), wherein: the further line (54) connects the filling line (48) and the return flow reservoir (56) for discharging filling material and / or cleaning medium from the filling element (44) to the return flow reservoir (56).

10. The apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a return gas line (66) arranged to discharge return gas through the filling element (44) when filling the container (12).

11. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the following conditions is met: the supply line (20) opens into or terminates at the filling material reservoir (18); the supply line (20) extends completely outside the filling element (44); and the further line (54) branches off from a portion of the filling line (48) arranged in the filling element (44) between the filling valve (46) and the filling material reservoir (18).

12. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the following conditions is met: the bypass line (62) directly connects the supply line (20) and the further line (54) to each other; the bypass line (62) is arranged completely outside the filling element (44); the bypass line (62) is arranged in a stationary portion of the apparatus (10) configured as a rotary apparatus; the bypass line (62) branches off from a portion of the supply line (20) arranged upstream of a medium distributor (68) of the apparatus (10) with respect to a filling material supply flow, the medium distributor preferably being a rotary medium distributor; and the bypass line (62) opens into and / or terminates at the further line (54), preferably in a portion arranged upstream of a medium distributor (68) of the apparatus (10) with respect to a filling material supply flow, the medium distributor preferably being a rotary medium distributor.

13. A method for operating an apparatus (10) for filling containers (12) with a filling material according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The method comprises: filling a container (12) with filling material from the filling material reservoir (18) via the filling line (48) and an open filling valve (46); and venting the filling element (44) after filling by supplying the filling material from the supply line (20) to the bypass line (62), to the further line (54), to the filling line (48), to the filling material reservoir (18).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, at least one of the following is fulfilled: Venting the filling element (44) comprises opening or keeping open a bypass valve (64) in the bypass line (62) and / or opening a further valve (58) in the further line (54), preferably in a portion of the further line (54) located in the filling element (44); Prior to venting, closing the filling valve (46) at the end of filling; and Filling and venting are performed, preferably directly one after the other, in a common work cycle of the apparatus (10), in which cycle a single container (12) is filled.

15. The method according to claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising at least one of the following: The filling material is supplied, preferably directly supplied, preferably first supplied, to the filling material reservoir (18) from a filling material source (22) via the supply line (20); Return gas is discharged from the container (12) during filling via a return gas line (66) of the apparatus (10); Filling material is discharged from the filling line (48) and / or the filling element (44) via the further line (54); Cleaning medium is discharged from the filling line (48) and / or the filling element (44) via the further line (54); and Medium is supplied to or removed from the filling element (44) via the further line (54).

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