Device and method for filling a container with a filling product

Abstract

Device (1) and method for treating a container (100), comprising filling the container (100) with a filling product, preferably a beverage in a beverage filling plant, wherein the device (1) comprises: a valve body (10) with an outlet (13) for introducing the filling product into the container (100) and a swirl chamber (11) which is in fluid communication with the outlet (13) and is configured to impart a swirl to the filling product during introduction into the container (100); a valve cone (14) which is at least partially arranged in the valve body (10), defines an axial direction and through which a gas channel (18) penetrates in an axial direction, wherein the valve cone (14) is preferably configured to be axially displaceable for flow control of the filling product through the outlet (13); and a sensor device (20) with a sensor head (22) which is designed to detect at least one signal and is arranged in the gas channel (18).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for treating a container, comprising filling the container with a filling product, preferably a beverage in a beverage filling plant. State of the art

[0002] In fluid filling in the food industry, various filling devices are known. A distinction is made between the basic product types of non-carbonated (still) and carbonated (CSD) liquids. In the case of non-carbonated products, such as still water, juice, etc., the liquid is usually filled into the container in a free jet. In contrast, when filling carbonated products, such as beer, sparkling water, soft drinks, etc., the liquid is usually directed along the inner wall of the container to prevent outgassing and foaming.

[0003] The flow of the filling product through the filling device and thus its introduction into a container is usually controlled by a filling valve, which comprises a valve cone that sits in a valve seat that is complementarily shaped to the valve cone. Lifting the valve cone out of the valve seat initiates the filling process, and subsequently lowering the valve cone onto the valve seat stops the filling process.

[0004] When filling carbonated products in particular, the container to be filled can be sealed against the filling device. To further reduce outgassing and foam formation, the container can be pressurized using the so-called counterpressure process so that the CO2 remains bound in the liquid phase. For this purpose, the container is pressed gas-tight against the filling device and pre-pressurized with a pressurizing gas, such as CO2, before filling begins. After pre-pressurization, filling begins. Instead of a valve cone, as in the case of free-jet filling, a swirl element takes over the function of opening / closing the valve, which also sets the flowing liquid in rotation. If the swirl element is lifted, the product flows through the annular gap into the pressed-in container via a contour optimized for wall filling.The centrifugal forces of the rotation force the liquid outward, where it then flows along the inner wall of the container, which is why this type of filling is also called "wall filling." At the same time, the gas in the container can escape through a hole in the swirl element and a valve rod connected to it. At the end of filling, the annular gap is closed by pressing the swirl element against the outlet contour. The container is then released to ambient pressure and separated from the filling device.

[0005] The filling process can therefore comprise a series of steps, including the pressure-tight pressing of the container against the filling element, a gas exchange, particularly in the case of oxygen-sensitive filling products, an increase or decrease in pressure in the container, the introduction of the filling product and a relief of the container.

[0006] The filling devices are usually equipped with sensors to monitor one or more steps of the filling process. For example, the dosing of the filling product into the container can be monitored using a flow meter in the product inlet or an electrical rod probe immersed in the container mouth. Unlike with free-jet filling, the container weight cannot be measured with wall filling because the container is pressed against the filling device. It is also known to integrate a pressure sensor into the gas path of the filling device in order to monitor the intended overpressure or underpressure in the container. To determine whether a container is properly positioned below the filling device, ultrasonic barriers are usually used. For cost reasons, these are not installed on the rotating carousel, but stationary at the inlet and, if necessary, at several additional locations.

[0007] The sensors described above monitor the filling of the container either indirectly, for example via the flow of the filling product into the container, or directly via an immersed probe. In both cases, however, a defective filling process can only be detected to a limited extent, since only the step of introducing the filling product into the container is monitored. The formation of foam, particularly in the case of carbonated beverages, during the steps of introducing the filling product into the container and depressurizing the container cannot be monitored or can only be monitored inadequately. An additional pressure sensor in the filling device can monitor the steps of gas exchange in the container, pressure increase or evacuation, and relief; however, the pressure sensor is usually an additional sensor, installed in each filling device.The dosing of the filling product into the container cannot be satisfactorily monitored by a pressure sensor, so a flow meter and / or a fill level probe are also required. The steps of inserting and removing the container are either not monitored or are monitored by additional sensors. In summary, the filling process is currently monitored either by using a large number of sensors, which leads to high costs, high maintenance effort, etc., or by a compromise in which only the most necessary steps are monitored, which in turn compromises reliability and quality.

[0008] EP 0 237 823 A1 describes a filling element without a filling tube with a signal transmitter which detects the predetermined filling level in the vessel to be filled and which is arranged in a gas tube.

[0009] DE7238306U describes a filling element with a swirl chamber with tangential inlet. Description of the invention

[0010] An object of the invention is to provide an improved device and an improved method for treating a container, comprising filling the container with a filling product, in particular to improve the reliability of the filling process while simultaneously simplifying the mechanical engineering.

[0011] The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of the quasi-coordinate method claim. Advantageous further developments follow from the subclaims, the following description of the invention, and the description of preferred embodiments.

[0012] The device and method according to the invention are used for treating a container, preferably in a beverage filling plant. This includes at least filling the container with a filling product.

[0013] Products that can be filled include beverages, such as water, soft drinks, beer, mixed drinks, and the like. Carbonated beverages are particularly preferred.

[0014] In addition to the actual introduction of the filling product into the container, further steps may be useful or necessary depending on the filling product and / or process. For example, in a counterpressure or vacuum process, it is necessary to press the container against the opening of the filling device and apply a corresponding negative or positive pressure to the container. Furthermore, steps such as rinsing, cleaning, pre-pressurizing, evacuating, relieving, etc., may be part of the filling process; these steps are collectively referred to herein as "treatment" of the container.

[0015] The device according to the invention, also referred to herein as a "filling device," comprises a valve body with an outlet for introducing the filling product into the container and a swirl chamber that is in fluid communication with the outlet and is configured to swirl the filling product during introduction into the container. The valve body has a main inlet that opens tangentially into the swirl chamber and is configured to introduce the filling product or a main component of the filling product into the swirl chamber in such a way that the filling product is swirled in the swirl chamber. Furthermore, the device has a valve cone that is at least partially arranged in the valve body, defines an axial direction, and preferably forms at least part of the wall of the swirl chamber. A gas channel penetrates the valve cone in the axial direction.

[0016] The valve cone preferably extends axially through the valve body, whereby the phrase "extends ... through" is not to be understood as meaning that the valve cone projects beyond the valve body on both sides in the axial direction. In other words, the axial dimension of the valve cone can be smaller than that of the valve body.

[0017] The valve cone is designed to be movable, preferably axially, to regulate the flow of the filling product through the outlet. For this purpose, the valve cone interacts, for example, with a valve seat, which may be part of the valve body.

[0018] The term "flow control" refers here to a change in flow by adjusting the valve cone, which includes a complete flow stop, i.e., a flow of zero. A binary switching of the flow on and off thus falls under flow control, as does a gradual change in the volumetric flow. The valve cone's adjustability is preferably translational along the axial direction determined by the valve cone and outlet. The valve cone can be gradually adjustable within a working travel.

[0019] During filling, the container mouth is usually located directly below the outlet. For this purpose, the container mouth can be positioned against a mouth section of the valve body. Alternatively, the filling device can also be used as a free-jet valve.

[0020] According to the invention, the device comprises a sensor device with a sensor head which is configured to detect at least one signal and is arranged in the gas channel.

[0021] Preferably, the sensor device is the only sensor of the filling element, ie the invention allows the filling element to have no further sensors, such as a flow meter or a level probe, since the sensor device set out herein is arranged and configured such that not only one but preferably several measured variables can be monitored during the treatment of the container.

[0022] The use of such a sensor device, located in the gas channel of the filling device with a swirl chamber, enables simplified mechanical engineering, as previously used sensors, such as those for flow, fill level, container detection (Flada), and pressure, can be replaced, while simultaneously continuously monitoring several or even all steps in the filling process with a single sensor. This leads to reduced maintenance effort, improved reliability, and cost savings due to fewer sensors and fewer variants.

[0023] In addition, steps or processes during the filling process which could not previously be monitored or could only be monitored inadequately, for example concerning the process of positioning and / or pressing the container against the mouth section of the filling device, can be monitored by the sensor device.

[0024] The compact design of the filling device allows the sensor head to be positioned very close to the container mouth, achieving a large sensor field of view. This is further supported by the swirl of the filling product, which creates a stable "eye" during filling, through which the sensor head can "see" unobstructed.

[0025] Since the filling device with the valve body can be used for both wall filling and free-jet filling, or for products that are to be filled at atmospheric pressure, the number of filling device variants for different applications is reduced. This reduces the care and maintenance effort and the number of machine variants. Filling systems equipped with filling devices of the type described here are universally applicable. They can be used to fill a wide variety of different beverages, container formats, and materials (PET, glass, can, still, carbonated, etc.).

[0026] Preferably, the sensor head has a transmitting / receiving surface configured to transmit a transmitted signal toward the container and to receive a received signal triggered by the transmitted signal. The received signal triggered by the transmitted signal can, for example, be a reflection of the transmitted signal or a signal induced by the transmitted signal. In other words, according to this embodiment, the sensor head transmits a transmitted signal into the container positioned at or below the outlet. The container, a gas or fluid located therein, causes or influences, for example, a reflection of the signal, which in turn is detected by the sensor head. Attenuation, propagation delay, interference, etc.Measurement variables such as the distance to the bottom of the container, the filling level in the container, the foam content, the foam height, gas composition, gas pressure, structural properties of the container and the like can now be determined.

[0027] The transmitted signal is particularly preferably an ultrasonic signal. In other words, the sensor device is preferably designed as an ultrasonic reflex probe or ultrasonic sensor. In this case, the gas channel and the container wall form a resonance chamber for the ultrasonic signal. The container bottom or the liquid surface act as reflection surfaces. However, the sensor device can also use a different measuring principle or method, such as an optical measurement or a measuring method based on radar waves or microwaves.

[0028] The device preferably has an evaluation device which is in communication with the sensor device and is configured to draw conclusions about one or more measured variables from the signals detected by the sensor device. The desired measured variable can, for example, be calculated from the detected signals, taken from a functional relationship or a database, or determined in some other way. Suitable measured variable(s) are particularly suitable: fill level of the filling product in the container; gas pressure, composition, or concentration in the gas channel and container; foam quantity / height and / or foam properties in the container; container position; structural condition of the container, e.g. whether the container is defective. Communication between the sensor device and the evaluation device can be analogue or digital, wireless or wired.Furthermore, the sensor device and the evaluation device can be implemented as an integral unit or as separate electronic components. For example, the evaluation device can be installed together with the sensor head in a single sensor housing.

[0029] Preferably, the device further comprises a filling device control, which communicates with the evaluation device and is configured to control and / or regulate the treatment of the container. The measured variables determined by the sensor device and evaluation device can thus be used to control or regulate the filling process. The treatment preferably comprises one or more of the following steps: positioning the container relative to the filling device; pressing the container pressure-tight against an opening section of the valve body; introducing a gas (e.g., CO2, clean air, nitrogen, etc.).) through the gas channel into the container, for example to flush, clean and / or pre-pressurize the container; withdrawing a gas through the gas channel from the container; generating an overpressure in the container; generating a negative pressure in the container; introducing the filling product into the container; relieving the pressure in the container; removing the container from the mouth section of the valve body.

[0030] The phrases "positioning the container relative to the filling element" and "pressure-tight pressing of the container against an orifice section of the valve body" include not only a movement of the container relative to the filling element, but alternatively or additionally, the filling element itself can also be moved in order to achieve the desired relative position or location between the filling element and the container.

[0031] The terms "overpressure" and "underpressure" are primarily to be understood relative to each other, but they can also refer to normal pressure.

[0032] The evaluation unit can be part of the filling device control system or communicate with it to control and / or regulate the filling process. Communication can be analog or digital, wired or wireless. The evaluation unit and filling device control system can be implemented centrally or decentrally, as part of internet-based and / or cloud-based applications, or in another way, and can access databases if necessary. The evaluation unit and filling device control system can be implemented, for example, with software support by a processing unit.

[0033] The swirl chamber preferably has a ring shape or, more specifically, the shape of a torus, whose cross-sectional contour has a rounded shape in the direction of extension and perpendicular to the direction of extension. The swirl chamber preferably extends substantially axially symmetrically around the valve cone.

[0034] In other words, the swirl chamber wall is preferably geometrically essentially continuous and differentiable both along its ring axis and perpendicular to it. The term "essentially" indicates, firstly, that corners, for example, in the outlet areas of the main inlet and any secondary inlets described below, are not always avoidable, and secondly, that geometric terms such as "continuous," "differentiable," "corners," etc., are not to be interpreted in an ideal mathematical manner. It is important in this regard that the aforementioned cross-sectional contours of the swirl chamber do not have a polygonal, such as a rectangular, shape.

[0035] It should be noted that spatial specifications such as "below," "beneath," "above," "above," etc., refer to the installation position of the filling device, which is uniquely determined by the direction of gravity. The axial direction of the filling device, when installed, essentially coincides with the direction of gravity.

[0036] According to this design variant, the valve body requires neither swirl elements, such as guide vanes or swirl channels, nor additional flow guides, making it very compact, hygienic, and tolerant of dispersed solid / liquid mixtures containing, for example, fruit pieces, slurry, fruit fibers, or the like. Furthermore, the size of particles in the flow is virtually unlimited due to the absence of swirl elements. The valve body allows complete flushing of the valve interior with minimal flushing volume due to the high turbulence achievable in the swirl chamber and a comparatively small surface area. Furthermore, the swirl chamber has essentially no corners in which flavorings, fruit pieces, and the like could become trapped. This also optimizes flushability.For these reasons, the valve body is particularly suitable for flexible, container-by-container filling product changes, especially through the addition of components.

[0037] Preferably, the swirl chamber, as mentioned above, has the shape of a torus. The term "torus" here does not only refer to a rotating body constructed from a circular contour, although this is preferred; rather, the rotating contour or surface can also be elliptical, oval, or otherwise rounded, as long as polygonal corners and edges are avoided. Such a rotationally symmetrical structure further supports the formation of a uniform swirl and flushability.

[0038] The swirl chamber preferably extends essentially axially symmetrically around the valve cone. In this case, the valve cone penetrates the swirl chamber centrally, whereby the valve cone synergistically forms part of the wall forming the swirl chamber. This allows the valve body to be designed even more compactly, with the functionalities of the valve cone and the swirl chamber structurally integrated.

[0039] The valve body has a main inlet which opens tangentially into the swirl chamber and is designed to introduce the filling product or a main component of the filling product into the swirl chamber in such a way that the filling product is swirled in the swirl chamber.

[0040] The term "tangential" does not require a geometrically perfect tangential connection of the main inlet. Rather, it may be structurally advantageous to have the main inlet flow into the swirl chamber at a certain angle. It is important that the inflow direction in this case is essentially lateral and wall-facing, i.e., not from above or side-centrally, thus directly creating a swirl, i.e., annular flow, in the swirl chamber.

[0041] The tangential inlet of the filling product from the main inlet into the swirl chamber creates an optimal swirl, whereby the filling product is driven outwards by centrifugal force and flows downwards along the vessel wall in a spiral movement after exiting the outlet. The tapering or constriction of the swirl chamber towards the outlet results in a pressure drop and thus a stabilization of the swirl. This leads to a uniform, well-defined swirl around the circumference and is also a key factor determining the flow rate. The lateral main inlet, which opens tangentially into the swirl chamber, also creates space above the swirl chamber. The space is unobstructed and can be used to expand the basic valve body in a modular way, for example with the sensor device described above, thus enabling the creation of variants orDifferentiation of the filling organ for specific applications can take place late, thus saving costs and resources.

[0042] Preferably, at least the axial outer wall of the swirl chamber transitions smoothly and distinctly into the main inlet to optimize swirl formation and flushability. For the same reasons, the main inlet in the area of ​​the opening into the swirl chamber preferably has essentially the same cross-sectional contour perpendicular to the direction of extension as the swirl chamber. Both contours are preferably circular with essentially the same diameter. In this way, the tangential feed of the filling product transitions optimally into the annular flow within the swirl chamber.

[0043] The outlet is preferably annular, with the also annular swirl chamber gradually tapering towards the outlet, causing the filling product to flow downwards in a spiral motion within the container after exiting the outlet. By specifically accelerating the filling product in the annular channel between the swirl chamber and the outlet, rapid and controlled filling is possible. The swirl chamber preferably has an axially symmetrical shape relative to the axis of the annular outlet.

[0044] Preferably, the valve body has a valve seat, with the valve cone and the valve seat being configured such that the valve cone is in sealing contact with the valve seat in a shut-off position to completely close the outlet. The integration of flow control and shut-off functions in the valve body allows for a reduction in components and a simplification of the product path. This leads to lower pressure losses and contributes to gentler product handling and reduced foam formation during the filling process.

[0045] Preferably, the valve cone has a conical outlet contour that tapers toward the outlet and extends at least partially into the swirl chamber. This makes the design of the valve body particularly compact.

[0046] The valve body preferably has one or more secondary inlets that open into the swirl chamber and are configured to introduce one or more additional components of the filling product into the swirl chamber so that they mix with the main component. The secondary inlets allow any additional components to be mixed directly in the swirl chamber, ensuring good rinsability of the valve body and minimizing any aroma carryover. Furthermore, the filling device is particularly suitable for applications in filling systems designed for flexible dosing and immediate product changeover.

[0047] In this case, the filling product is mixed directly in the swirl chamber of the filling device from several components: a main component such as water or juice and at least one additional component such as syrup. During filling, the additional components of the filling product are introduced into the swirl chamber and then introduced together into the container to be filled, creating a swirl.

[0048] The additional component(s) can be introduced into the swirl chamber in such a way that the main component previously supplied through the main feed is displaced backward. The displaced volume of the main component is determined, for example, using a flow meter, and thus the volume of the added component(s) is also known and controllable. During the subsequent filling of the filling product into the container, the main component, together with the added components, is completely flushed from the filling device into the container, whereby the total fill volume can be determined simultaneously using the same flow meter or sensor device. During the next filling cycle, the fill volumes and also the added component quantities can be redetermined. This enables highly flexible and hygienic filling of individualized beverages with essentially no changeover times.

[0049] The valve body preferably has a valve housing that forms at least part of the wall defining the swirl chamber and the outlet, thereby simplifying the valve body's construction and making it particularly reliable. The valve housing can be manufactured in one piece. The valve housing is preferably a cast body.

[0050] Preferably, at least one of the secondary inlets is formed by openings in the valve housing. By integrating the supply of dosage components into the valve housing, no hoses or additional lines are required. This optimizes the flushability of the valve body and minimizes any aroma carryover in a structurally simple and reliable manner.

[0051] The valve body preferably has a diaphragm made of a deformable material, which forms part of the wall delimiting the swirl chamber, preferably in the upper region. The diaphragm is connected to the valve housing at an outer contour, which is preferably circular, and to the valve cone at an inner contour, which is also preferably circular. The main inlet, which opens lateral, i.e., tangentially into the swirl chamber, creates space above the swirl chamber, in addition to the aforementioned technical effects, which can be used to mount the diaphragm, which seals the swirl chamber in the upper region.

[0052] The diaphragm is made of a deformable or flexible material, allowing it to follow the axial movement of the valve cone while ensuring a hygienic seal. The working range of the valve cone also determines the degree of deformability the diaphragm material must provide. This functionality defines the terms "flexible," "deformable," etc., in relation to the diaphragm. The flexibility of the diaphragm and the material properties, particularly in the case of Teflon, also support filling the filling product with swirl, even at very low filling flows. Any unintentional local maximum flow at the beginning of the filling process, before a uniform flow with swirl is established, can be counteracted by adjusting the valve cone or by using an upstream control valve.

[0053] The symmetry of the diaphragm also allows for a design with a high number of load cycles, which is usually required for filling devices. Preferably, the diaphragm has an annular clamping section designed for attachment to the valve housing.

[0054] The device preferably has at least one gas path that opens laterally into the gas channel. For example, a gas supply line for supplying clamping gas, purge gas, and / or the like to the gas channel, and a gas discharge line for discharging gas from the container, can be provided as gas paths. The one or more gas paths are preferably designed as flexible hoses, which can compensate for the axial movement of the valve cone.

[0055] One or more of the gas paths preferably open into the gas channel substantially directly below the sensor head. In this way, contamination of the sensor head can be prevented or at least reduced through the synergistic effect of the gas flows in the gas channel.

[0056] One or more of the gas paths can be routed tangentially into the central gas channel. Such a tangential arrangement of the gas paths leads to effective cleaning of the sensor head during cleaning, for example, with water.

[0057] The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a method for treating a container, comprising filling the container with a filling product, preferably a beverage in a beverage filling plant, the method comprising: providing a device according to one of the embodiments set out above; introducing the filling product into the swirl chamber of the valve base body and setting the filling product into a swirl in the swirl chamber; discharging the swirling filling product from the swirl chamber via the outlet of the valve base body into the container, whereby the filling product flows along the inner wall of the container into the container; and detecting at least one signal propagating from the container through the gas channel by the sensor head of the sensor device.

[0058] The features, technical effects, advantages and embodiments described with regard to the device apply analogously to the method.

[0059] For the reasons stated above, one or more measured variables are preferably inferred from the signals detected by the sensor device, in particular a filling level of the filling product in the container and / or a gas pressure, composition or concentration in the gas channel and container and / or a foam quantity / height or foam quality in the container and / or a container position and / or a structural condition of the container.

[0060] For the reasons stated above, the treatment of the container preferably comprises one or more of the following steps: positioning the container relative to the filling member; pressure-tight

[0061] Pressing the container against an opening section of the valve body; introducing a gas through the gas channel into the container; withdrawing a gas through the gas channel from the container; generating an overpressure in the container; generating a negative pressure in the container; introducing the filling product into the container; relieving the pressure on the container; removing the container from the opening section of the valve body.

[0062] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described therein can be implemented alone or in combination with one or more of the features set forth above, provided the features do not contradict one another and the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims, is not departed from. The following description of preferred embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying figures. Short description of the characters

[0063] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description of the figures. In the figures: Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section of a filling device with a sensor device, an evaluation device and a filling device control; Figure 2 shows a perspective sectional view of a valve body of the filling device with swirl chamber, valve cone and membrane; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve body of the Figure 2 ; Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a valve body with swirl chamber, valve cone and membrane according to another embodiment; Figure 5 the valve body of the Figure 4 in a top view. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0064] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements are provided with identical reference numerals in the figures, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0065] The Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device 1 for filling a container 100 with a filling product. The device 1 is also referred to herein as a "filling device" or comprises such a device. Products to be filled include, in particular, beverages, for example, water, soft drinks, beer, mixed drinks, and the like. Carbonated beverages are particularly preferably filled by the filling device 1.

[0066] The filling element 1 comprises a valve body 10. The Figure 2 is a perspective view of the valve body 10. The Figure 3shows the valve body 10 in a cross-sectional view.

[0067] The valve body 10 has a swirl chamber 11 designed as an annular channel or torus. The valve body 10 also has a Figures 1 , 2 and 3 not visible main inlet 12, which opens tangentially or essentially tangentially into the swirl chamber 11. The main inlet 12 is derived from the embodiment of the Figures 4 and 5 out.

[0068] In the lower area of ​​the valve body 10, the swirl chamber 11 tapers to an annular outlet 13, from which the filling product emerges during filling and flows into a container 100 placed below the valve body 10.

[0069] It should be noted that spatial specifications such as "below," "beneath," "above," "above," etc., refer to the installation position of the filling element 1, which is clearly determined by the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the filling element 1 or its valve base body 10 has a clearly defined axial direction due to the annular outlet 13, which, in the installed state, at least substantially coincides with the direction of gravity.

[0070] The tangential feed of the filling product from the main inlet 12 into the swirl chamber 11 imparts a swirl, which is driven outward by centrifugal force. After exiting the valve body 10, the filling product continues outward and flows downward along the vessel wall. The tapering or constriction of the swirl chamber 11 toward the outlet 13 results in a uniform, well-defined swirl across the circumference and is also a key determining factor for the flow rate. If the degree of tapering, particularly the dimension of the annular gap at the outlet 13, is adjustable, integrated flow control can be implemented, possibly even up to shutoff.

[0071] The above-mentioned flow control can be implemented as follows: According to the embodiment of the Figures 1 , 2 and 3For this purpose, the valve base body 10 has a valve cone 14 which has a cylindrical shape tapering towards the outlet 13. The annular gap adjoining the swirl chamber 11 is formed on the inside, at least in sections, by the outer circumferential surface of the valve cone 14. On the outside, the annular gap is delimited or formed by a valve housing 15. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the valve cone 14 is designed to be displaceable in the axial direction, i.e., upwards and downwards. In this way, the annular gap at the outlet 13 can be enlarged and reduced. The height of the valve cone 14 is preferably continuously adjusted within a working range, i.e., between a fully open position and a closed position or a position of minimum flow.If the inner shape of the valve housing 15 forms a valve seat 16 which is in sealing contact with the valve cone 14 in a closed position of the filling element 1, the outlet 13 can be completely closed, thereby realizing a shut-off function.

[0072] The main inlet 12, which opens lateral, i.e. tangentially into the swirl chamber 11, creates, in addition to the technical effects mentioned above, space above the swirl chamber 11. The space is unobstructed and can be used for the installation of a membrane 17, which seals the swirl chamber 11 in the upper area.

[0073] The diaphragm 17 has a circular outer contour, which is connected directly or indirectly via a fastening means to the valve housing 15. The diaphragm 17 is attached radially inward to the valve cone 14. The diaphragm 17 is made of a flexible material, preferably Teflon, which allows it to follow the axial movement of the valve cone 14 while simultaneously ensuring a hygienic seal of the swirl chamber 11. The symmetry of the diaphragm 17 also allows for a design with a high number of load cycles, as is usually necessary for filling devices 1.

[0074] The valve body 10 further includes a gas channel 18 that centrally penetrates the valve cone 14 in the axial direction. The gas channel 18 serves to introduce a gas, such as purge gas, pressure gas, and the like, and simultaneously functions as a return gas channel to remove any gas that needs to be removed during a gas exchange and / or is displaced from the container 100 during filling. However, the gas channel 18 can also be implemented as a multi-channel design, for example, a tube-in-tube design, for example to create separate supply and exhaust paths.

[0075] One or more gas paths 18a, 18b open laterally into the gas channel, for example, a gas supply line 18a to supply the gas—span gas, purge gas, etc.—to the gas channel 18, and a gas discharge line 18b to discharge gas from the container 100. The gas paths 18a, 18b are preferably each designed as a flexible hose, which allows them to compensate for the axial movement of the valve cone 14.

[0076] The valve cone 14 ends essentially directly below a throttle point, i.e., the narrowest point of the annular gap forming the outlet 13, thereby implementing a defined transition from a single-phase gap flow to a wall-film flow in the container 100. This creates a well-defined, consistent separation edge of the liquid, specifically at the point of highest flow velocity. Preferably, the valve seat 16, i.e., the shut-off point, is located in the immediate vicinity of the separation edge, thereby minimizing the surfaces that could lead to dripping.

[0077] The valve cone 14 is preferably made of Teflon, which improves drainage behavior due to its low surface energy. If the valve housing 15 is also made of stainless steel, such a material combination can ensure complete sealing even at high differential pressures.

[0078] Apart from the valve cone 14, the valve body 10 requires neither swirl elements, such as guide vanes or swirl channels, nor additional flow guides, making it highly hygienic and tolerant of dispersed solid / liquid mixtures containing, for example, fruit pieces, slurry, fruit fibers, or the like. Furthermore, the absence of swirl elements means that the size of the pieces in the flow is virtually unlimited. To fill large pieces, for example, with volumes of 5 x 5 x 5 mm or larger, the valve cone stroke can be flexibly increased during the filling process.

[0079] The valve body 10 is particularly suitable for the wall filling described above, in which the filling product spirals downwards along the inner container wall. However, a filling device 1 equipped with the valve body 10 can also be used as a free-jet valve. In this case, the valve body 10 can be used as a hygienic control valve by installing it in a suitable filling product line with a subsequent settling section and, if necessary, a gas barrier at the outlet. If necessary, the swirl can be removed by a radial instead of tangential main inlet 12.

[0080] The valve body 10 allows complete flushing of the valve interior, in particular the swirl chamber 11 and the outlet 13 adjoining it in the filling direction, with minimal flushing volume due to the high turbulence achievable in the swirl chamber 11 and a comparatively small surface area. For this reason, the valve body 10 is particularly suitable for frequent changes of the filling product, for example, up to container-by-container, especially of components that can be added. Due to its particularly good flushability, the valve body 10 can also be used in aseptic filling machines.

[0081] The integration of control and shut-off functions in the valve body 10 allows for a reduction in components and a simplification of the product path. This leads to lower pressure losses and contributes to gentler product handling and reduced foam formation during the filling process.

[0082] The compact design of the valve body 10 also enables hygienic integration of the valve cone drive and, if necessary, additional control functions in the valve head, i.e., above the swirl chamber 11. For example, integration of gas valves for prepressurizing the containers 100, return gas lines, relief lines, and solenoid valves for additional separate control functions in the area of ​​the filling device 1, such as raising and lowering the valve, dosing components, and the like. Likewise, a control board for implementing decentralized control architectures can be installed in the valve head.

[0083] Since the filling device 1 with the valve base body 10 is modularly expandable and can also be used for wall filling, free-jet filling, or for products to be filled at atmospheric pressure, the number of filling device variants for different applications is reduced. This reduces the care and maintenance effort and the number of machine variants. Filling systems equipped with filling devices 1 of the type described here are universally applicable. They can be used to fill a wide variety of different beverages, container formats, and materials (PET, glass, can, still, carbonated, etc.).

[0084] The Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a valve body 10 with swirl generation according to another embodiment. A top view of the valve body 10 is shown in Figure 5 The basic structure and the associated technical functions are similar to the embodiment of the Figures 1 , 2 and 3 . The valve body 10 according to the Figures 4 and 5 However, it has an expanded range of functions compared to the versions described above.

[0085] The valve body 10 thus has two additional inlets, referred to herein as the first and second secondary inlets 12a, 12b. The number of secondary inlets 12a, 12b is only an example and may vary depending on the application.

[0086] The secondary inlets 12a, 12b allow the supply of further components, which are also referred to herein as additional component(s), directly into the swirl chamber 11. In order to be able to dose the quantities of the additional components, the secondary inlets 12a, 12b can each be equipped with a dosing valve 19a. The dosing valve associated with the secondary inlet 12b is in the perspective of the Figure 4 not visible, but can be designed like the dosing valve 19a.

[0087] Through the secondary inlets 12a, 12b, the addition of additional components takes place directly in the swirl chamber 11, ensuring good rinsing of the valve body 10 and minimizing any possible aroma carryover. By integrating the supply of dosage components into the valve housing 15, no hoses or additional lines are required. This makes the valve body 10 particularly suitable for instant product changeovers.

[0088] The valve body 10 has a modular design in several respects, allowing for easy functional expansion and adaptation. The diaphragm 17 has a clamping section 17a designed for attachment to the valve housing 15. The clamping section 17a is an annular structure that can be an integral part of the diaphragm 17 or attached thereto as a separate element. In the radially inner region, the diaphragm 17 is attached to the valve cone 14.

[0089] A material combination of Teflon is preferred for the valve cone 14 and the diaphragm 17. The flexibility of the diaphragm and the material properties support the filling of the product with swirl, even at very low filling flows. Furthermore, any unintended local maximum flow at the beginning of a filling process, before a uniform flow with swirl is established, is counteracted. In combination with a valve cone 14 made of Teflon, which optimizes the discharge behavior due to its low surface energy, this enables consistent, quiet, and trouble-free filling with short filling times.

[0090] The modular design allows for the use and combination of various diaphragms 17 and / or valve cones 14 with different flow and filling properties without having to redesign the entire valve body 10. The remaining valve body 10, in particular the valve housing 15, can be a fixed, standardized component, while the valve properties are simply variable due to the structural unit consisting of the valve cone 14 and diaphragm 17. In this way, for example, the size of the swirl chamber 11, the shape of the valve cone 14, in particular its outlet contour, the preload position and preload force of the valve cone 14 by the diaphragm 17, and the like can be easily modified and adapted to the desired application environment.

[0091] Coming back to the Figures 1 and 4This shows a possible connection of a bottle-shaped container 100 to a mouth section 15c of the valve housing 15. The container 100 has a container mouth 101, which in wall-filling mode is in contact with the mouth section 15c, whereby the filling product, swirled by the swirl chamber 11 during filling, flows downwards along the container wall in a spiral motion under the influence of centrifugal force.

[0092] The tangential main inlet 12 described above leaves the top of the valve body 10 unobstructed in such a way that one or more modular valve components can be attached. Furthermore, due to the wall filling of the filling product, the space in the axis of the container 100 is filled only with gas, so that these central sections of the filling element 1 can be used for a sensor device 20, the structure and function of which will be described below with reference to Figure 1 is explained.

[0093] The sensor device 20 has a sensor housing 21, which preferably extends upwardly centrally as an extension of the valve cone 14 or the gas channel 18. The sensor device 20 further has a sensor head 22 with a transmitting / receiving surface 22a.

[0094] The sensor device 20 is preferably designed as an ultrasonic reflex probe or ultrasonic sensor. In this case, the gas channel 18 and the container wall form a resonance chamber for the ultrasonic signal. The container bottom or the liquid surface act as reflection surfaces. However, the sensor device 20 can also implement a different measuring principle or method, such as an optical measurement or a measuring method based on radar waves or microwaves.

[0095] Due to the compact design of the filling device 1, the sensor head 21 can be positioned at a very short distance from the container mouth 101, thus achieving a large sensor field of view S. This is further supported by the swirl of the filling product, which creates a stable "eye" during filling, through which the sensor head 21 can "see" unhindered. This allows two options: either using the sensor device 20 directly as a fill level sensor, which detects the distance of the liquid surface of the fill product in the container 100 from the sensor head 22, or additionally installing a fill level sensor (not shown in the figures).

[0096] One, several, or all of the gas paths 18a, 18b preferably open into the gas channel 18 substantially directly below the sensor head 22. In this way, contamination of the transmitting / receiving surface 22a can be prevented or at least reduced by the synergistic effect of the gas flows in the gas channel 18.

[0097] One, several, or all of the gas paths 18a, 18b can be guided tangentially into the central gas channel 18. Such a tangential arrangement of the gas paths 18a, 18b in front of the transmitting / receiving surface 22a leads to effective cleaning of the transmitting / receiving surface 22a during cleaning operations, for example, with water. Furthermore, during normal operation, the sensor head 22 only comes into contact with gaseous media, not with liquids, without excessive foaming during filling. In the event of a possible bursting of the container 100, the sensor head 22 is well protected from flying fragments such as broken glass by its placement in the gas channel 18.

[0098] The sensor device 20 allows monitoring of several or even all steps of the filling process. For this purpose, an evaluation device 30 is provided, which communicates with the sensor device 20 and is configured to evaluate the analog or digital detection signals of the sensor device 20. Thus, the detection signals of the sensor device 20 can be used by the evaluation device 30, for example, to determine one or more of the following measured variables: Fill level of the filling product in the container 100; Gas pressure in the gas channel 18 or container 100; Foam quantity / height or foam quality in the container 100; Container position relative to the mouth section 15c; Structural condition of the container 100, i.e., whether the container 100 is intact or damaged.

[0099] The evaluation device 30 can be part of a filling device control 40 or can communicate with such a device in order to control and / or regulate the filling process. The communication can be analog or digital, wired or wireless. The evaluation device 30 and filling device control 40 can be implemented centrally or decentrally, as part of internet-based and / or cloud-based applications, or in another way, and can optionally access databases. The sensor device 20, evaluation device 30 and filling device control 40 can be implemented integrally or by separate electronic components. For example, the evaluation device 30 can, in contrast to the representation of the Figure 1 , be installed in the sensor housing 21, and the evaluation device 30 and filling device control 40 can be implemented, for example, with software support by a computing unit.

[0100] If the position of the container 100 relative to the filling device 1 changes, for example, during the insertion, pressing, and removal of the container 100, the signal received by the sensor device 20 also changes, allowing steps associated with a change in the position or orientation of the container 100 to be monitored and controlled accordingly. In this way, for example, the filling process can be started automatically as soon as a container 100 is present and in the correct position.

[0101] Due to the dependence of the speed of sound on gas properties such as composition, pressure, temperature, etc., steps of gas exchange, pressure increase or pressure reduction / evacuation can also be monitored by the sensor device 20 and controlled accordingly.

[0102] Likewise, any foam formation during filling and / or unloading of the container 100 can be monitored by the sensor device 20.

[0103] Monitoring and controlling the dosing of the filling product is possible for all containers 100. The increase in filling speed can be used as a control variable.

[0104] Container defects, such as bottle bursts, can also be detected by the sensor device 20.

[0105] The scope of application of the sensor device 20 described above is given in the case of a measuring principle based on the transmission and detection of ultrasonic waves. However, the scope of application can also be achieved entirely or at least partially by other measuring methods, such as optical measurements.

[0106] The use of such a sensor device 20 placed in the gas channel 18 of the filling element 1 with swirl chamber 11 enables a simplification in mechanical engineering, since previously used sensors, for example for flow, fill level, container detection (Flada) and pressure, can be replaced and simultaneously several or even all steps in the filling process can be continuously monitored with a single sensor.

[0107] In addition, steps or processes during the filling process which could not previously be monitored or could only be monitored inadequately, such as the process of positioning and / or pressing the container 100 against the mouth section 15c of the filling element 1, can be monitored by the sensor device 20.

[0108] The use of a single sensor device 20 in the filling device 1 results in reduced maintenance effort and cost savings due to fewer sensors and fewer variants. The sensor device 20 can be used for both PET bottles and glass bottles, cans, or other container types, thus reducing the number of sensor variants.

[0109] In contrast to electrical rod probes, filling products with low conductivities can also be measured without any problems.

[0110] The use of flow meters, such as costly Coriolis mass flow meters, is not necessary.

[0111] The necessary communication between the evaluation device 30, the filling device controller 40, and / or a higher-level system controller can be significantly reduced with decentralized control concepts. The requirement for the permissible transmission delay is also reduced, since, for example, the start signal for the filling process no longer needs to be transmitted. List of reference symbols

[0112] 1 Filling device / device for filling a container with a filling product 10 Valve body 11 Swirl chamber 12 Main inlet 12a First secondary inlet 12b Second secondary inlet 13 Outlet 14 Valve cone 15 Valve housing 15c Outlet section 16 Valve seat 17 Diaphragm 17a Clamping section 18 Gas channel 18a Gas path 18b Gas path 19a Dosing valve 20 Sensor device 21 Sensor housing 22 Sensor head 22a Transmitting / receiving surface 30 Evaluation device 40 Filling device control 100Container 101Container mouth Field of view

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for handling a container (100), comprising filling the container (100) with a filling product, preferably with a beverage in a beverage bottling plant, wherein the apparatus (1) has: a valve main body (10) with an outlet (13) for introducing the filling product into the container (100) and with a swirl chamber (11) which is fluidically connected to the outlet (13) and is configured to induce a swirling motion in the filling product as the latter is being introduced into the container (100), wherein the valve main body (10) has a main inlet (12) which opens tangentially into the swirl chamber (11) and is configured to introduce the filling product or a main component of the filling product into the swirl chamber (11) in such a manner that a swirling motion is induced in the filling product in the swirl chamber (11); a valve cone (14) which is at least partially arranged in the valve body (10), defines an axial direction and through which a gas duct (18) penetrates in the axial direction, wherein the valve cone (14) is preferably configured so as to be displaceable in the axial direction for flow control of the filling product through the outlet (13); and a sensor device (20) with a sensor head (22) which is configured to detect at least one signal and is arranged in the gas duct (18).

2. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sensor head (22) has a transmit / receive surface (22a) which is configured to emit a transmit signal in the direction of the container (100) and to receive a receive signal initiated by the transmit signal, wherein the transmit signal is preferably an ultrasonic signal, an optical signal, a radar wave or a microwave.

3. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said apparatus furthermore has an evaluation device (30) which communicates with the sensor device (20) and is configured to infer one or more measured variables from the signals detected by the sensor device (20), preferably a filling height of the filling product in the container (100) and / or a gas pressure, gas composition or gas concentration in the gas duct (18) and container (100) and / or a froth quantity / height and / or froth composition in the container (100) and / or a container position and / or a structural state of the container (100).

4. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that said apparatus furthermore has a filling member controller (40) which communicates with the evaluation device (30) and is configured to control and / or to regulate the handling of the container (100), wherein the handling preferably comprises one or more of the following steps: positioning the container (100); pressing the container (100) pressure-tightly against a mouth section (15c) of the valve main body (10); introducing a gas through the gas duct (18) into the container (100); drawing off a gas out of the container (100) through the gas duct (18); generating a positive pressure in the container (100); generating a negative pressure in the container (100); introducing the filling product into the container (100); relieving the container (100) of load; removing the container (100) from the mouth section (15c) of the valve main body (10).

5. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the swirl chamber (11) has an annular shape, preferably the shape of a torus, the cross-sectional contour of which has a round shape in the direction of extent and perpendicularly to the direction of extent, wherein the swirl chamber (11) preferably extends substantially axially symmetrically about the valve cone (14).

6. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the axial outer wall of the swirl chamber (11) merges continuously and differentiably into the main inlet (12), and / or the main inlet (12) in the region of the mouth leading into the swirl chamber (11) has substantially the same cross-sectional contour perpendicularly to the direction of extent as the swirl chamber (11).

7. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet (13) is annular and the swirl chamber (12) tapers gradually towards the outlet (13), as a result of which the filling product after exiting from the outlet (13) flows downwards in a spiral movement in the container (100).

8. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve main body (10) has a valve seat (16), wherein the valve cone (14) and the valve seat (16) are configured in such a manner that, in a shut-off position, the valve cone (14) is sealingly in contact with the valve seat (16) for completely sealing the outlet (13).

9. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve main body (10) has one or more secondary inlets (12a, 12b) which open into the swirl chamber (11) and are configured to correspondingly introduce one or more additional components of the filling product into the swirl chamber (11) in such a manner that said additional components are mixed therein with a main component of the filling product.

10. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve main body (10) has a valve housing (15), which forms at least part of the wall bounding the swirl chamber (11) and the outlet (13), and a membrane (17) made of a deformable material, the membrane forming a further part of the wall bounding the swirl chamber (11) and being attached at an outer contour to the valve housing (15).

11. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said apparatus has at least one gas path (18a, 18b), preferably in the form of a flexible hose, which opens laterally, preferably tangentially, into the gas duct (18), wherein the at least one gas path (18a, 18b) opens into the gas duct (18) preferably directly below the sensor head (22).

12. Method for handling a container (100), comprising the filling of the container (100) with a filling product, preferably with a beverage in a beverage bottling plant, wherein the method comprises: providing an apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims; introducing the filling product into the swirl chamber (11) of the valve main body (10) and inducing a swirling motion in the filling product in the swirl chamber (11); discharging the swirling filling product from the swirl chamber (11) via the outlet (13) of the valve main body (10) into the container (100), as a result of which the filling product flows along the container inner wall into the container (100); and detecting at least one signal which propagates from the container (100) through the gas duct (18) by the sensor head (22) of the sensor device (20).

13. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that one or more measured variables are inferred from the signals detected by the sensor device (20), preferably a filling height of the filling product in the container (100) and / or a gas pressure, gas composition or gas concentration in the gas duct (18) and container (100) and / or a froth quantity / height and / or froth composition in the container (100) and / or a container position and / or a structural state of the container (100).

14. Method according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the handling of the container (100) comprises one or more of the following steps: positioning the container (100); pressing the container (100) pressure-tightly against a mouth section (15c) of the valve main body (10); introducing a gas through the gas duct (18) into the container (100); drawing off a gas out of the container (100) through the gas duct (18); generating a positive pressure in the container (100); generating a negative pressure in the container (100); introducing the filling product into the container (100); relieving the container (100) of load; removing the container (100) from the mouth section (15c) of the valve main body (10).

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