DEVICE FOR FILLING A CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE DEVICE

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a device for filling a container, a filler with several filling devices and a method for operating a filling device. Technical background

[0002] Filling systems for filling a product into containers, such as bottles, may include a filler for filling the containers. The filler may have at least one filling station or device for filling the containers. The device may have a throttle valve for adjusting the flow rate during filling and a filling valve downstream of the throttle valve for dispensing the product into the container. The throttle valve can be controlled, for example, pneumatically or by an electric motor.

[0003] WO 2018 / 141558 A1 describes a device for filling liquid or flowable contents into packaging, comprising a tank, a filling device with a filling valve, a line connecting the tank to the filling device, and a throttle valve arranged in the line between the tank and the filling device. The throttle valve has a variable flow cross-section. The throttle valve has an actuator for adjusting the flow cross-section. The actuator serves to change the valve position and can, for example, comprise a pneumatic actuation unit.

[0004] EP 3581542 A1 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] A disadvantage of a pneumatic actuator for a throttle valve can be that, in practical applications, it is limited to a limited number of positions when precise, reproducible accuracy is required. An electric actuator can be disadvantageous in that, due to its short valve travel or stroke, it is unsuitable for products containing pulp, granules, etc., and it closes relatively slowly.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of creating an improved device for filling a container, with which the aforementioned disadvantages can preferably be at least partially overcome. Preferably, the device should be capable of filling both pulp-containing (piece-containing / fiber-containing) liquid filling materials and pulp-free (piece-free / fiber-free) liquid filling materials, e.g., still or carbonated, without having to compromise on filling speed. Summary of the invention

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for filling a container (e.g., a filling station for a filler). The device comprises a filling valve for discharging a (e.g., liquid or pasty) filling material into the container (e.g., in a state pressed against a container mouth of the container). The device comprises a throttle valve for adjusting a flow rate of the filling material, wherein the throttle valve is arranged upstream of the filling valve. The throttle valve comprises a valve member for adjusting a flow cross-section of the throttle valve. The throttle valve comprises a pneumatic drive operatively connected to the valve member for moving the valve member. The throttle valve comprises an electric drive operatively connected to the valve member for moving the valve member.

[0009] The device can advantageously combine the advantages of electrical control of the throttle valve with those of pneumatic control of the throttle valve. The electric drive can be used, for example, to adjust the flow rate for clear filling materials or products without pulp, fibers, or pieces. A closing function (e.g., to fully or partially close the throttle valve) over the entire stroke, which may be necessary for filling materials containing pulp, etc., can, however, be carried out very quickly by the pneumatic drive and independently of the speed of the electric drive. The pneumatic drive can be used particularly advantageously to power the electric drive, e.g., for carbonated filling materials with increased filling pressure.This advantageously allows for the installation of a less powerful electric drive, which requires less space and is more cost-effective. The lower power consumption can also be particularly advantageous, as it means, for example, less power needs to be transferred to a rotating part of a rotary filler, which also allows for a less complex slip ring transformer or similar device.

[0010] Preferably, the pneumatic drive can be a pneumatic cylinder-piston drive.

[0011] Preferably, the electric drive can be an electromechanical, electromotive, electromagnetic or piezoelectric drive, e.g. stepper motor.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pneumatic drive (e.g., a piston and / or a pressure chamber of the pneumatic drive) is connected between the valve member and the electric drive. Advantageously, the pneumatic drive can thus be operated either alone or in combination with the electric drive to move the valve member.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the pneumatic drive and the electric drive can be decoupled from one another and coupled to one another. Preferably, when the pneumatic drive is decoupled from the electric drive, the valve member can be moved only by the pneumatic drive and not by the electric drive, e.g., for the closing function. Advantageously, the coupling can enable joint operation of the electric drive and the pneumatic drive, e.g., to relieve the load on the electric drive.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the pneumatic actuator has a pressure chamber that can be pressurized with compressed air, and a piston (e.g., a single-piece or multi-piece piston) operatively connected between the valve member and the pressure chamber. Preferably, the piston of the pneumatic actuator can delimit the pressure chamber. This advantageously enables a reliable implementation of the pneumatic actuator, which can be advantageously combined with the electric drive, for example, to operate both drives in combination or to operate only the pneumatic drive.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the piston of the pneumatic drive is movable independently of the electric drive. In this way, movement of the valve member can advantageously be effected by operation of the pneumatic drive alone. Alternatively or additionally, the piston of the pneumatic drive can be pushed and / or supported by the electric drive. In this way, movement of the valve member can advantageously be effected by joint operation of the pneumatic drive and the electric drive or by operation of the electric drive alone.

[0016] In one embodiment, the electric drive has a piston, which is preferably movable by a spindle nut of the electric drive. This advantageously enables a reliable implementation of the electric drive, which can be advantageously combined with the pneumatic drive, for example, to operate both drives in combination or to operate only the electric drive.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the piston of the electric drive can be brought into operative connection, preferably into physical contact, with the piston of the pneumatic drive for pushing and / or supporting the piston of the pneumatic drive. Alternatively or additionally, the piston of the pneumatic drive and the piston of the electric drive have opposing contact surfaces for mutual contact. Alternatively or additionally, the valve member and the piston of the electric drive are arranged at opposite ends of the piston of the pneumatic drive. This advantageously provides a reliable and simple design for fulfilling the described functions.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the piston of the pneumatic drive is movable independently of the piston of the electric drive. Alternatively or additionally, the piston of the pneumatic drive can be pushed and / or supported by the piston of the electric drive. Alternatively or additionally, the piston of the electric drive is movable in the pressure chamber. This can also advantageously provide a reliable and simple design for fulfilling the described functions.

[0019] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a control device configured to operate the throttle valve in different operating modes. The operating modes can preferably comprise a purely pneumatic drive operating mode, in which only the pneumatic drive is operated to move the valve member and / or to maintain a position of the valve member, preferably to close the throttle valve (e.g., to assume the closed position or the partially open position). Alternatively or additionally, the operating modes can preferably comprise a purely electric drive operating mode, in which only the electric drive is operated to move the valve member and / or to maintain a position of the valve member, preferably for fine adjustment of the flow cross-section.Alternatively or additionally, the operating modes can preferably include a combination operating mode in which both the pneumatic actuator and the electric actuator are operated, preferably simultaneously, to move the valve member and / or to maintain a position of the valve member. Preferably, a control pressure of the pneumatic actuator can be adjustable for the combination operating mode. For example, the control pressure is typically 5-6 bar. In the combination operating mode, the control pressure can be adjustable, for example, from 0 bar to a maximum of 1 bar.

[0020] Preferably, the term "control device" can refer to electronics (e.g., implemented as a driver circuit or with microprocessors and data storage) and / or a mechanical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic control system, which, depending on its design, can perform control tasks and / or regulation tasks and / or processing tasks. Even if the term "control" is used herein, it can also appropriately include or mean "regulation" or "control with feedback" and / or "processing."

[0021] In one embodiment, the valve member has a passage channel, preferably a notch, for the passage of a filling material (e.g., a liquid containing pulp, fiber, or granules) (e.g., at low flow rates), preferably in a partially open position of the throttle valve, in which the throttle valve can essentially only be passed through the passage channel. The passage channel can have the advantage that small pulps, fibers, etc., have a larger cross-section available at low flow rates, thus reducing the risk of blockage.

[0022] In a further design variant, the valve element is screwed onto a piston of the pneumatic drive.

[0023] In one embodiment, the throttle valve has a return spring that biases the valve member toward an open or closed position and is preferably arranged coaxially with a piston of the pneumatic actuator. Alternatively or additionally, the throttle valve can have a bellows for sealing between the valve member and a valve housing of the throttle valve, which bellows is preferably arranged coaxially with a piston of the pneumatic actuator.

[0024] In another embodiment, the throttle valve is designed as an angle seat valve. Advantageously, the angle seat valve can be a comparatively low-flow-resistance straight-through valve with a comparatively low deflection of the filling material flow. In this case, the angle seat valve can offer a good compromise between the requirements for flow characteristics, valve tightness, and the required installation space.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the device further comprises a static throttle arranged upstream of the throttle valve and / or a flow measuring device arranged upstream of the filling valve and upstream or downstream of the throttle valve. In contrast to filling devices that only fill pulp-free / piece-free / fiber-free filling materials and only have an electrically driven throttle valve, the static throttle can provide a flow cross-section required for filling pulp-containing / piece-containing / fiber-containing filling materials. However, the flow cross-section provided by the static throttle can be designed to be comparatively large and thus allow higher flow velocities for non-critical (pulp-free / piece-free / fiber-free) filling materials. Advantageously, the flow measuring device can be used to measure the flow of the filling material.Depending on the measurement of the flow measuring device, a control device can, for example, operate the throttle valve and / or the filling valve (for example, opening and / or closing) and / or adjust an operation of the throttle valve and / or the filling valve (for example, opening duration and / or opening width).

[0026] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a filler, preferably a rotary filler or a linear filler, comprising a plurality of filling devices as disclosed herein. Advantageously, the same advantages as those already explained with reference to the filling device can be achieved with the filler.

[0027] Preferably, the filler can be included in a container treatment plant for producing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, closing, labeling, printing and / or packaging containers for liquid media, preferably beverages or liquid foodstuffs.

[0028] For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, flasks, etc.

[0029] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating a device as disclosed herein, comprising at least one of: Filling a pulp-containing, fiber-containing, or granular liquid filling material into a container by means of the device, wherein the valve member is moved and / or held into a closed position and / or a partially open position only by the pneumatic drive (additionally, control up to a minimum stroke adapted to the particles in the filling material can be possible via the electric drive; this minimum stroke can be limited by a control / regulation system); Filling a pulp-free, fiber-free, granular, and liquid filling material into a container by means of the device, wherein the flow cross-section for finely adjusting a filling speed during filling is adjusted and / or maintained only by the electric drive or jointly by the electric drive and the pneumatic drive by moving the valve member; and assisting the electric drive by the pneumatic drive, preferably to reduce the current consumption of the electric drive.

[0030] The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another as desired. Short description of the characters

[0031] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view through a device for filling a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view through a throttle valve of the exemplary device of Figure 1 in a closed position; Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view through a throttle valve of the exemplary device of Figure 1 in an intermediate position or a partially open position; Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view through a throttle valve of the exemplary device of Figure 1in an open position; and Figure 5 shows a schematic sectional view through a device for filling a container according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] The embodiments shown in the figures correspond at least partially, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and for their explanation reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0033] The Figure 1 shows a device 10 for filling a container. Preferably, the device 10 can fill the container with a liquid or pasty filling material, possibly with pieces, pulp, or fibers. For example, the filling material can be a beverage.

[0034] Preferably, a filler of a container treatment plant can have several of the devices 10. The filler can be designed as a rotary filler or a filler carousel with several devices 10 arranged around a circumference of the rotary filler. Alternatively, the filler can be designed, for example, as a linear filler with several devices 10 arranged side by side and / or one behind the other. Using the several devices 10, the filler can preferably fill several containers simultaneously or with temporal overlap.

[0035] For example, the filler can be arranged downstream of a cleaning device for cleaning the containers and / or a manufacturing device for manufacturing the containers. The filler can be arranged upstream of a closer for closing the containers.

[0036] The device 10 has a filling valve 12 and a throttle valve 18. Optionally, the device 10 can have a static throttle 14 and / or a flow measuring device 16.

[0037] The filling valve 12 serves to discharge the filling material from the device 10 into a container. The container is preferably positioned below the filling valve 12. The container can be pressed against the filling valve 12 with its container mouth, for example, for aseptic filling and / or pressure filling. The pressing can be achieved, for example, by a lifting device that enables vertical movement of the filling valve 12 and / or the container.

[0038] The filling valve 12 can be the last or most downstream valve of the device 10 with respect to the flow direction of the filling material. The filling valve 12 can receive the filling material after the filling material has flowed through or passed through the throttle valve 18 and optionally the static throttle 14 and / or the flow measuring device 16. A fluid line can connect the filling valve 12 and the flow measuring device 16 and / or the throttle valve 18.

[0039] The filling valve 12 can be actuated in any manner. For example, the filling valve 12 can be actuated pneumatically. Alternatively, the filling valve 12 can be actuated hydraulically or electrically (e.g., by an electric motor, electromechanically, or piezoelectrically).

[0040] The static throttle 14 can be arranged downstream of a filling material tank (not shown in the figures). The static throttle 14 can be arranged upstream of the throttle valve 18. Accordingly, the static throttle 14 can also be arranged upstream of the flow measuring device 16 and the filling valve 12. A fluid line can connect the static throttle 14 and the throttle valve 18.

[0041] The static throttle 14 can have a cross-sectional constriction for throttling a filling material flow toward the filling valve 12. The static throttle 14 can be used to pre-throttle the filling material before it reaches the throttle valve 18.

[0042] The flow measuring device 16 can measure the flow of a medium through the flow measuring device 16. The flow measuring device 16 can use any known measuring principle.

[0043] The flow measuring device 16 may be arranged upstream of the filling valve 12. As in Figure 1 As shown, the flow measuring device 16 can be arranged downstream of the throttle valve 18. However, it is also possible, for example, for the flow measuring device 16 to be arranged upstream of the throttle valve 18. A fluid line can connect the flow measuring device 16 and the throttle valve 18 to one another.

[0044] The throttle valve 18 is used to adjust the flow rate of the filling material through the device 10 or during filling. The throttle valve 18 is described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4 described in more detail.

[0045] The throttle valve 18 is located upstream of the filling valve 12. The throttle valve 18 can be located downstream of the optional static throttle 14. The throttle valve 18 can be located downstream of a filling material tank (not shown in the figures). The throttle valve 18 can be located upstream or downstream of the optional flow measuring device 16.

[0046] The throttle valve 18 comprises a valve member 20, a pneumatic actuator 28, and an electric actuator 30. The throttle valve 18 can optionally further comprise a return spring 24 and / or a bellows 26. Particularly preferably, the valve member 20 and the bellows 26 are inseparably connected to one another.

[0047] The valve member 20 serves to adjust a flow cross-section provided by the throttle valve 18. The valve member 20 can be designed, for example, as a valve cone. The valve cone can be blunt or pointed, for example. The flow cross-section at the valve seat of the throttle valve 18 can be predetermined, for example, by a gap, such as a preferably uniform annular gap, between the valve member 20 and an inner channel wall of the throttle valve 18. The flow cross-section can additionally be predetermined in combination with a passage channel 22 of the valve member 20.

[0048] The valve member 20 can preferably be translationally movable or displaceable. The valve member 20 can be moved by the pneumatic drive 28 and the electric drive 30.

[0049] Preferably, the throttle valve 18 is designed as a so-called angle seat valve. Preferably, a movement axis of the valve member 20 can run obliquely to an outflow flow direction of the filling material from the throttle valve 18, as shown in the Figures 1 to 4 Alternatively or additionally, the movement axis of the valve member 20 can run obliquely to an inlet flow direction of the filling material into the throttle valve 18.

[0050] Preferably, the throttle valve 18 or the valve member 20 can be moved into a closed position, as in Figure 2is shown. In the closed position, the valve member 20 can block the throttle valve 18. In the closed position, a flow cross-section through the throttle valve 18 can be zero. In the closed position, no filling material can pass through the throttle valve 18. Preferably, the valve member 20 can be moved into the closed position by the pneumatic drive 28. Particularly preferably, the valve member 20 can only be moved into the closed position by the pneumatic drive 28, i.e., not by the electric drive 30.

[0051] Preferably, the throttle valve 18 or the valve member 20 can be moved into an open position, as in Figure 4 is shown. In the open position, a flow cross-section predetermined by the valve member 20 can be maximal. Preferably, the valve member 20 can be moved into the open position by the electric drive 30, e.g., against an elastic preload and / or with the pneumatic drive 28 deactivated.

[0052] Preferably, the valve member 20 can be moved into (at least) a partially open position, as in Figure 3 is shown. In the partially open position, the filling material can pass through the throttle valve 18, but only through the passage channel 22 of the valve member 20. The passage channel 22 can be designed, for example, as a notch. The passage channel 22 can be arranged, for example, in a corner region or edge region of the valve member 20. The valve member 20 can be moved into the partially open position, for example, by the pneumatic drive 28 and / or the electric drive 30.

[0053] Preferably, the valve member 20 can assume additional positions, e.g., between the partially open position and the open position. Preferably, the valve member 20 can be continuously adjusted by the electric drive 30, at least partially or completely, between the partially open position and the open position.

[0054] The return spring 24 can elastically preload the valve member 20 toward the open position. The return spring 24 can be a compression spring, for example. Alternatively, the return spring 24 can elastically preload the valve member 20 toward the closed position, for example (not shown in the figures).

[0055] The bellows 26 can seal between the valve member 20 and a valve housing of the throttle valve 18. An additional sealing element 25 can be provided between the valve member 20 and a valve housing of the throttle valve 18. The bellows 26 can be compressible and expandable along a movement axis of the valve member 20. For example, the bellows 26 can be made of plastic, e.g., PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), or metal. The force required to move the valve member 20 can be significantly reduced with a bellows made of plastic.

[0056] The pneumatic drive 28 is operatively connected to the valve member 20 to move the valve member 20. The pneumatic drive 28 can be connected between the valve member 20 and the electric drive 30.

[0057] The pneumatic drive 28 can have a pressure chamber 32 and a piston 34.

[0058] The pneumatic actuator 28 can be arranged between the valve member 20 and the electric drive 30. Specifically, the pressure chamber 32 and the piston 34 can be arranged between the valve member 20 and the electric drive 30.

[0059] The pressure chamber 32 can be pressurized with compressed air. The pressure chamber 32 can receive the compressed air from a compressed air source, e.g., a compressor.

[0060] The piston 34 can be operatively connected between the valve member 20 and the pressure chamber 32. The piston 34 can be a single-piece or multi-piece. The piston 34 can delimit the pressure chamber 32. When compressed air is applied to the pressure chamber 32, the piston 34 can be moved to move the valve member 20, e.g., toward the closed position or into the closed position. A sealing element, e.g., a sealing ring, can be arranged between the piston 34 and a valve housing of the throttle valve 18 to seal the pressure chamber 32.

[0061] When the pressure chamber 32 is pressurized, the piston 34 can be moved against an elastic preload by the return spring 24. The return spring 24 can return the piston 34 and the valve member 20 when compressed air is released from the pressure chamber 32. The return spring 24 can be supported on the one hand on a valve housing of the throttle valve 18 and on the other hand on the piston 24. The return spring 24 can be arranged coaxially with the piston 34.

[0062] Preferably, the valve member 20 can be attached directly to one end of the piston 34. For example, the valve member can be screwed onto the end. The bellows 26 can be arranged coaxially with the piston 34. Preferably, the bellows 26 can be clamped between the valve member 20 and the piston 34.

[0063] The electric drive 30 is also operatively connected to the valve member 20 to move the valve member 20.

[0064] The electric drive 30 may include a piston 36 and a drive unit 38, e.g., a stepper motor. The electric drive 30 may further include a spindle 40 and a spindle nut 42.

[0065] The piston 36 can be moved by the drive unit 38. The spindle 40 and the spindle nut 42 can be arranged between the piston 36 and the drive unit 38. The spindle nut 42 can engage with the spindle 40. The spindle 40 and the spindle nut 42 can jointly convert a rotary movement of the drive unit 38 into a linear movement with which the piston 36 can be moved. The piston 36 can be connected to the spindle nut 42. The piston 36 can be movable by the spindle nut 42. A sealing element, e.g., a sealing ring, for sealing the pressure chamber 32 can be arranged between the piston 36 and a valve housing of the throttle valve 18.

[0066] The pneumatic drive 28 and the electric drive 30 can be coupled to one another. The piston 34 can be supported by the piston 36. For example, the piston 36 can be brought into operative connection with the piston 34 to push the piston 34. The operative connection can preferably consist of physical contact between the pistons 34 and 36. For example, an end of the piston 36 facing the valve member 20 can contact an end of the piston 34 facing away from the valve member 20. In detail, the piston 36 can have a preferably end-side contact surface 46 that can come into contact with a preferably end-side contact surface 44 of the piston 34. The contact can be established, for example, when the piston 36 is extended by the electric drive 30 so far that it is positioned in the pressure chamber 32 (see Figures 3 and 4). Preferably, the pressure chamber can be an annular chamber if the pistons 34 and 36 contact each other or the electric drive 30 and the pneumatic drive 28 are coupled to each other.

[0067] In the coupled state, a movement of the valve member 20 and / or a holding of a position of the valve member 20 can be effected, for example, by operating only the electric drive 30. In the coupled state, the pistons 34 and 36, preferably their contact surfaces 44 and 46, can abut one another or at least indirectly support one another.

[0068] Accordingly, a control device of the device 10 can operate the throttle valve 18 in a purely electric drive operating mode, in which only the electric drive 30 is operated to move the valve member 20 and / or to hold a position of the valve member 20, and the pneumatic drive 28 is not operated (i.e., for example, no pressurization of the pressure chamber 32 with compressed air). For example, in this operating mode, a fine adjustment of the flow cross-section can be performed, e.g., when a non-carbonated (still) filling material is being filled with, for example, a comparatively low working pressure.

[0069] In the coupled state, a movement of the valve member 20 and / or a holding of a position of the valve member 20 can preferably (also) be effected by a joint operation of the pneumatic drive 28 and the electric drive 30.

[0070] Accordingly, a control device of the device 10 can operate the throttle valve 18 in a combined operating mode in which both the pneumatic drive 28 and the electric drive 30 are operated, preferably simultaneously, to move the valve member 20 and / or to maintain a position of the valve member 20. The electric drive 30 can be relieved of the load by the pneumatic drive 28, so that, for example, the current consumption of the electric drive 30 can be reduced. This combined operating mode can preferably also be used to finely adjust the flow cross-section, e.g., when a carbonated filling material is filled with, for example, a working pressure between 5 bar and 6 bar. The working pressure of the pneumatic drive 28 can be reduced compared to the usual working pressure to support the electric drive 30.

[0071] The pure electric drive operating mode and / or the combination operating mode can be used, for example, when filling the containers with a pulp-free, fiber-free and / or lump-free liquid filling material in order to move the valve member 20 into a desired position for fine adjustment of the flow cross-section and to hold it therein.

[0072] On the other hand, the pneumatic drive 28 and the electric drive 30 can be decoupled from one another. For example, the pistons 34 and 36 can be positioned such that they do not contact each other or are supported on each other. The contact surfaces 44 and 46 can preferably be spaced apart from each other. This can be the case, for example, if the piston 36 is positioned completely outside the pressure chamber 32 and / or if the pneumatic drive 28 is operated independently of the electric drive 30. Accordingly, the piston 34 can be moved independently of the electric drive 30 or the piston 36 to move the valve member 20, if desired.

[0073] In the decoupled state, a movement of the valve member 20 and / or a holding of a position of the valve member 20 can preferably be effected by an operation of only the pneumatic drive 28.

[0074] Accordingly, a control device of the device 10 can operate the throttle valve 18 in a purely pneumatic drive operating mode, in which only the pneumatic drive 28 is operated to move the valve member 20 and / or to hold a position of the valve member 20, and the electric drive 30 is not operated (i.e., for example, no drive by the drive unit 38). This purely pneumatic drive operating mode can preferably be used to move or hold the valve member in the closed position and / or in the partially open position.

[0075] The pure pneumatic drive operating mode can be used, for example, when filling the containers with a liquid filling material containing pulp, fiber, or pieces, in order to move the valve member into the closed position during filling pauses or when filling is completed and to hold it therein and / or to move the valve member 20 into the partially open position and to hold it therein.

[0076] The Figure 5 shows a Figure 1 modified device 10' for filling a container. In contrast to the device 10 of Figure 1 is in the device 10' of Figure 5 the flow measuring device 16 is arranged upstream of the throttle valve 18. List of reference symbols

[0077] 10 Filling device 12 Filling valve 14 Static throttle 16 Flow measuring device 18 Throttle valve 20 Valve element 22 Passage channel 24 Return spring 25 Sealing element 26 Bellows 28 Pneumatic drive 30 Electric drive 32 Pressure chamber 34 Piston 36 Piston 38 Drive unit 40 Spindle 42 Spindle nut 44 Contact surface 46 Contact surface

Claims

1. A device (10) for filling a container, comprising: a filling valve (12) for discharging a filling material into the container; a throttle valve (18) for adjusting a flow rate of the filling material, wherein the throttle valve (18) is arranged upstream of the filling valve (12) and comprises: - a valve member (20) for adjusting a flow cross-section of the throttle valve (18), - an electric drive (30) that is operatively connected to the valve member (20) for moving the valve member (20), characterized in that the throttle valve (22) further comprises a pneumatic drive (28) that is operatively connected to the valve member (20) for moving the valve member (20).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: the pneumatic drive (28) is connected between the valve member (20) and the electric drive (30).

3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: the pneumatic drive (28) and the electric drive (30) can be decoupled from one another and coupled to one another.

4. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the pneumatic drive (28) comprises a pressure chamber (32) to which compressed air can be supplied, and a piston (34) in operative connection between the valve member (20) and the pressure chamber (32), wherein preferably the piston (34) of the pneumatic drive (28) limits the pressure chamber (32).

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, wherein: the piston (34) of the pneumatic drive (28) is movable independently of the electric drive (30); and / or the piston (34) of the pneumatic drive (28) can be pushed and / or supported by the electric drive (30).

6. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the electric drive (30) comprises a piston (36) which is preferably movable by a spindle nut (42) of the electric drive (30).

7. The device (10) according to claim 6, when dependent on claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: the piston (36) of the electric drive (30) can be brought into operative connection, preferably into physical contact, with the piston (34) of the pneumatic drive (28) for pushing and / or supporting the piston (34) of the pneumatic drive (28); and / or the piston (34) of the pneumatic drive (28) and the piston (36) of the electric drive (30) have contact surfaces (44, 46) opposite each other for mutual contacting; and / or the valve member (20) and the piston (36) of the electric drive (30) are arranged at opposite ends of the piston (34) of the pneumatic drive (28).

8. The device (10) according to claim 6 or claim 7, when dependent on claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: the piston (34) of the pneumatic drive (28) is movable independently of the piston (36) of the electric drive (30); and / or the piston (34) of the pneumatic drive (28) can be pushed and / or supported by the piston (36) of the electric drive (30); and / or the piston (36) of the electric drive (30) is movable in the pressure chamber (32).

9. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a control device which is configured to operate the throttle valve (18) in different operating modes, comprising: - a pure pneumatic drive operating mode, in which only the pneumatic drive (28) is operated for moving the valve member (20) and / or for holding a position of the valve member (20), preferably for closing the throttle valve (18); and / or - a pure electric drive operating mode in which only the electric drive (30) is operated for moving the valve member (20) and / or for holding a position of the valve member (20), preferably for fine-tuning the flow cross-section; and / or - a combined operating mode in which both the pneumatic drive (28) and the electric drive (30) are operated, preferably simultaneously, for moving the valve member (20) and / or for holding a position of the valve member (20).

10. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the valve member (20) has a passage channel (22), preferably a notch, for passing the filling material, preferably in a partially open position of the throttle valve (18), in which the throttle valve (18) can substantially only be passed through the passage channel (22); and / or the valve member (20) is screwed onto a piston (34) of the pneumatic drive (28).

11. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the throttle valve (18) has a return spring (24) which biases the valve member (20) in the direction toward an open position or a closed position and is preferably arranged coaxially to a piston (34) of the pneumatic drive (28); and / or the throttle valve (18) has a bellows (26) for sealing between the valve member (20) and a valve housing of the throttle valve (18), which bellows is preferably arranged coaxially to a piston (34) of the pneumatic drive (28).

12. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the throttle valve (18) is designed as an oblique seat valve.

13. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a static throttle (14) arranged upstream of the throttle valve (18); and / or a flow measuring device (16) arranged upstream of the filling valve (12) and upstream or downstream of the throttle valve (18).

14. A filler, preferably a rotary filler or linear filler, comprising: a plurality of devices (10) for filling according to any of the preceding claims.

15. A method for operating a device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 13, comprising at least one of: filling a pulpy, fibrous or lumpy liquid filling material into a container by means of the device (10), wherein the valve member (20) is moved and / or held only by the pneumatic drive (28) in a closed position and / or in a partially open position; filling a pulp-free, fiber-free, lump-free and liquid filling material into a container by means of the device (10), wherein the flow cross-section for fine-tuning a filling speed during filling is adjusted and / or held only by the electric drive (30) or by a combined action of the electric drive (30) and the pneumatic drive (28) by moving the valve member (20); and assisting the electric drive (30) by means of the pneumatic drive (28), preferably for reducing a current consumption of the electric drive (30).