Filling of a container in free jet method

Abstract

Apparatus and method for filling a container with a filling product, preferably a beverage, using a free jet method, wherein the method comprises: transporting the container along a partial circle by means of a filler carousel (10) rotating about a rotation axis (11); during the transport of the container, introducing the filling product into the container via a product channel (22) of a filling element (20), wherein the filling product leaves the product channel (22) at an outlet section (21) of the filling element (20) with an exit velocity (V0), bridges a free jet area (Fb) and thereby experiences a jet deflection (8) in the free jet area (Fb) due to the rotation of the filler carousel (10);During the introduction of the filling product into the container, the volume flow rate of the filling product in the product channel (22) is changed by means of a control valve (28) of the filling device (20) and, concurrently, a filling valve (30) arranged downstream of the control valve (28) is actuated, so that it counteracts the change in the outlet velocity (V0) of the filling product caused by the change in volume flow rate.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for filling a container with a filling product, preferably a beverage, using a free jet method. State of the art

[0002] Devices and methods for free-jet filling of beverages are known, in which a volumetric flow of the filling product is enabled and interrupted by opening and closing a filling valve. A container to be filled is located below the filling valve, spaced apart from a filling product outlet, so that when the filling valve is open, the filling product enters the container in a free jet through a container opening. Once the container is filled with the filling product, the filling valve is closed, thereby interrupting the flow of the filling product.

[0003] It is also known to regulate the volume flow of the product to the filling valve by means of a control valve located upstream of the filling valve. In this way, different filling profiles or filling curves can be implemented depending, for example, on the product being filled and the container being filled.

[0004] Devices and methods for free jet filling with a control valve for adjusting the volume flow are described in DE 10 2017 130 034 A1 and DE 10 2020 129 217 A1.

[0005] Filling devices of this type are typically designed as rotary units, featuring a filling carousel that rotates around a pivot axis. A multitude of filling valves and corresponding container holding devices are installed around the outer circumference of the filling carousel. The containers to be filled are held by these devices and transported along a circular trajectory by the rotation of the filling carousel during the filling process.

[0006] At high rotational speeds of the filler carousel, essentially the entire operating angle of the machine can be used for the filling process. However, at high speeds, the exit velocity of the product from the filling valve decreases significantly, which in turn affects the centrifugal deflection of the jet outwards. If the exit velocity is too low, the free jet of product may miss the container opening. Description of the invention

[0007] One object of the invention is to provide an improved device and an improved method for filling a container with a filling product, preferably a beverage, using a free jet method, in particular to improve the productivity of the filling process.

[0008] The problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of the dependent method claim. Advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims, the following description of the invention, and the description of preferred embodiments.

[0009] The device is designed for filling a container with a product using a free-jet process. The device is particularly well-suited for use in beverage bottling plants, for example, for bottling water (still or sparkling), soft drinks, smoothies, juices, beer, wine, dairy products, mixed drinks, and the like.

[0010] The device features a filler carousel that rotates around a pivot axis and is designed to transport the container to be filled along a partial circle. The device is therefore of a rotary design.

[0011] The device comprises at least one filling element installed on the filling carousel, particularly on its outer circumference. It should be noted that typically several, even multiple, filling elements are provided on the outer circumference of the filling carousel to enable a continuous flow of containers to be filled. The use of the singular terms "container," "filling element," etc., therefore serves primarily for linguistic clarity. The filling of multiple containers via multiple filling elements is included here and is generally preferred.

[0012] The filling device has a product channel for transporting and introducing the product into the container. The product exits the product channel at an outlet section of the filling device with a certain velocity, bridges a free jet area, and experiences jet deflection in this free jet area due to the rotation of the filling carousel. This jet deflection depends in particular on the rotational speed of the filling carousel and the exit velocity of the product from the outlet section of the filling device.

[0013] The filling device includes a control valve. The function of the control valve is to adjust the desired flow rate of the product being filled, i.e., the volume of product to be introduced into the container per unit of time. The switching position of the control valve is preferably known and reproducibly adjustable, for example, by using a stepper motor to actuate the control valve.

[0014] The filling device further comprises a filling valve, which is arranged downstream of the control valve and configured to open and close the product channel, with the filling valve allowing for multiple opening positions. In other words, the filling device is not a shut-off valve that can only be switched between an open and a closed position, but rather the filling valve allows for multiple opening positions. Preferably, the filling valve enables gradual, non-discrete opening positions. The filling valve is thus capable of realizing multiple opening cross-sections of the product channel – either discretely or, preferably, continuously. Preferably, the filling valve is arranged in the region of the outlet section of the filling device.

[0015] The device has a control unit that communicates with the control valve and the filling valve and is set up to change the volume flow of the product in the product channel during a filling process by means of the control valve and to control the filling valve in such a way as to counteract the change in the exit velocity of the product caused by the change in volume flow.

[0016] The compensation of the change in the outlet velocity of the product caused by the change in volume flow by the filling valve can be complete or partial.

[0017] In this context, the term "accompanying" means that the control of the regulating valve and the filling valve by the control unit is coordinated. Strict simultaneity or synchronization is possible, but not absolutely necessary, as long as sufficient compensation of the outlet velocity is ensured.

[0018] By regulating the exit velocity of the product from the nozzle section of the filling device, as described herein, depending on the volume flow rate specified by the control valve, high rotational speeds of the filler carousel can be achieved without resulting in unfavorable jet deflection. In this way, the entire treatment angle of the filler carousel can be utilized, since special consideration no longer needs to be given to jet deflection. Thus, the productivity of the free-jet filling process can be improved.

[0019] Preferably, the control device is configured to actuate the filling valve during changes in the volume flow rate in the product channel, caused by the control valve, in such a way that the exit velocity of the product remains essentially constant. In this way, a change in volume flow rate along the filling curve does not lead to any or only a negligible change in the jet deflection, ensuring that the product is reliably introduced into the container throughout the entire filling process, even at high angular velocities of the filler carousel.

[0020] Preferably, the control device is configured to close the control valve to end the filling process, particularly gradually, and to close the filling valve simultaneously, preferably synchronously. In this way, the filling process is terminated safely and reliably.

[0021] Preferably, the control device is configured such that the volume flow in the product channel is determined solely by the control valve, and not by the filling valve. The filling valve therefore does not act as a throttle with respect to the volume flow, but serves only to adjust the outlet velocity, which in turn influences the jet deflection.

[0022] Preferably, the control device is configured to adjust the discharge velocity by actuating the filling valve so that a desired impact point of the product in the container is achieved. Regulating the discharge velocity of the product by adjusting the filling valve, and thus controlling the jet deflection, allows for optimization of the product's impact point in the container. This can be used, for example, to minimize any foaming that may occur when the product is introduced into the container. The optimal impact point, i.e., the optimal jet deflection, can be determined in advance through experiments or obtained by observing the foam, for example, using a camera.

[0023] Preferably, the filling valve and / or the control valve is a proportional valve, which makes it possible to reliably adjust the desired degree of opening in a steady or continuous manner, and thus allows for particularly precise coordinated regulation of the filling valve and the control valve.

[0024] Preferably, the filling valve comprises a movable valve cone arranged in the product channel, which forms an annular gap with an associated valve seat, and a linear actuator connected to the valve cone for moving the valve cone. A movement of the valve cone by the linear actuator causes a change in the cross-section of the annular gap, thus resulting in a (local) change in the cross-section of the product channel. Such a valve cone / valve seat arrangement, in conjunction with a linear actuator that allows control of multiple opening positions of the valve cone, represents a mechanically simple and reliable implementation of the filling valve. If necessary, filling valves originally designed, for example, as pneumatically actuated shut-off valves, can be easily and cost-effectively converted by replacing the actuator.

[0025] When using the above-described implementation of the filling valve, the control device is preferably configured to change the volume flow of the filling product in the product channel by means of the control valve during the filling process and to control the linear actuator in such a way that the resulting change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the annular gap counteracts the change in the exit velocity of the filling product caused by the change in volume flow.

[0026] Preferably, the linear actuator is configured to move the valve cone gradually between a fully open and a fully closed position, thereby enabling particularly fine adjustment of the product's discharge velocity. The linear actuator is preferably an electric linear motor. However, other drives are also suitable, such as a stepper or servo motor in conjunction with a corresponding gearbox to convert the rotary motion into a linear motion.

[0027] The above-mentioned problem is further solved by a method for filling a container with a filling product, preferably a beverage, using a free jet method.The method comprises: transporting the container along a partial circle by means of a filling carousel rotating about a rotary axis; during transport of the container, introducing the filling product into the container via a product channel of a filling device, wherein the filling product leaves the product channel at an outlet section of the filling device with an exit velocity, bridges a free jet area and thereby experiences a jet deflection in the free jet area due to the rotation of the filling carousel; during the introduction of the filling product into the container, changing the volume flow of the filling product in the product channel by means of a control valve of the filling device and, concurrently, controlling a filling valve arranged downstream of the control valve, so that it counteracts the change in the exit velocity of the filling product caused by the change in volume flow.

[0028] The features, technical effects, advantages and embodiments described in relation to the device apply analogously to the method.

[0029] For the reasons mentioned above, the filling valve is preferably controlled during the change in volume flow in the product channel in such a way that the exit velocity of the filling product remains essentially constant.

[0030] For the reasons mentioned above, the control valve is preferably closed to end the filling process, in particular gradually, with the filling valve being closed concurrently, preferably synchronously.

[0031] Preferably, for the reasons mentioned above, the volume flow in the product channel is determined solely by the control valve, but not by the filling valve.

[0032] Preferably, for the reasons mentioned above, the discharge velocity is adjusted by controlling the filling valve so that a desired impact point of the filling product in the container is achieved.

[0033] Preferably, for the reasons mentioned above, the filling valve comprises a movable valve cone arranged in the product channel, which forms an annular gap with an associated valve seat, and a linear actuator connected to the valve cone for moving the valve cone, wherein a movement of the valve cone by the linear actuator causes a change in the cross-section of the annular gap.

[0034] When using the above-described implementation of the filling valve, while the volume flow of the filling product in the product channel is changed by means of the control valve, the linear actuator is controlled in such a way that the resulting change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the annular gap counteracts the change in the exit velocity of the filling product caused by the change in volume flow.

[0035] 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 individually or in combination with one or more of the features set out above, provided that the features do not contradict each other. The following description of preferred embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the characters

[0036] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. These show: Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a rotary device for filling containers with a product; and Figure 2 shows a schematic filling device for free jet filling of the product according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0037] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the figures are designated with identical reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are sometimes omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0038] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a device 1 for filling containers (not shown in the figures) with a filling product. The device 1 is particularly preferably used in beverage bottling, for example, for bottling water (still or carbonated), beer, juice, soft drinks, smoothies, dairy products, mixed drinks, and the like. The containers to be filled can be glass bottles, PET bottles, cans, cartons, or suitable containers of other materials that can be filled with a liquid filling product, in particular a beverage.

[0039] The device 1 is designed in a rotary configuration, comprising a filler carousel 10 and, by way of example, an inlet star 100 and an outlet star 200.

[0040] First, the containers to be filled are transferred via the infeed star wheel 100, which is also a rotary transport device for containers, to the filling carousel 10. The filling carousel 10 can be rotated about a rotary axis 11.

[0041] The filler carousel 10 has a plurality of filling elements 20 around its circumference (cf. Figure 2 ) which are set up for filling the containers with the product. The filling of the containers can occupy essentially the entire circumference of the filler carousel 10, except for a small angular segment between the two transport stars 100, 200, which is also referred to as the "filler dead angle", before the containers are transferred to the discharge star 200 for transport of the filled containers after filling.

[0042] Other suitable transfer devices, such as linear transport devices, can replace the transport stars 100, 200, in order to supply the containers to be filled to the filler carousel 10 and to transport the filled containers away.

[0043] The transport path that the containers travel through device 1 is described in the Figure 1 represented by a thick line along the circumferences of the rotary runners, i.e. the inlet star 100, the filler carousel 10 and the outlet star 200.

[0044] The Figure 2 Figure 20 shows a filling device for introducing the product into a container to be filled. The filling device 20 is designed for free-jet filling, i.e., filling takes place without pressure and without contact between the filling device 20 and the container. In particular, the container is not pressed against an outlet section 21 of the filling device 20 for filling, nor is it pre-pressurized with a pressurizing gas.

[0045] The filling device 20 has a product channel 22 which extends at least partially in a valve housing 23 to the outlet section 21 and is designed to transport the filling product to the outlet section 21, from where the filling product can flow into the container after bridging a free jet area Fb.

[0046] The filling device 20 has a filling valve 30 which is configured to open and close the product channel 22 at the outlet side, whereby several opening positions, i.e., several opening cross-sections of the product channel 22, can be realized by the filling valve 30. Preferably, the filling valve 30 is a control valve and / or proportional valve that allows a continuous or gradual transition of the valve opening positions.

[0047] The Figure 2Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the filling valve 30, in which a valve cone 24 is arranged at the outlet side of the product channel 22. The valve cone 24 has a cylindrical shape that tapers towards the outlet section 21. The valve cone 24 and an associated valve seat 25 form an annular gap 26, which is formed at least partially on the inside by the outer circumferential surface of the valve cone 24. On the outside, the annular gap 26 is bounded by the valve seat 25, which can be formed by a corresponding shape of the valve housing 23.

[0048] The valve cone 24 is axially displaceable, i.e., upwards and downwards. In this way, the annular gap 26 can be increased and decreased. The height adjustment of the valve cone 24 is carried out within a working range, preferably between a fully open position and a closed position, preferably steplessly, by means of a suitable linear actuator 27.

[0049] The linear actuator 27 is characterized by its ability to selectively move the valve cone 24 into multiple opening positions. In other words, the linear actuator 27 and the valve cone 24 do not constitute a shut-off valve that can only be switched between an open and a closed position, as would normally be the case with a pneumatically actuated valve cone 24, but rather the linear actuator 27 provides multiple opening positions, preferably a gradual switching of the valve or a gradual opening position of the annular gap 26. The linear actuator 27 is particularly preferably an (electric) linear motor. Preferably, the linear actuator 27 and the valve cone 24, in conjunction with the valve seat 25, form a proportional valve.

[0050] The filling device 20 further comprises a control valve 28, which is preferably implemented as a proportional valve. The function of the control valve 28 is to adjust the desired volumetric flow rate of the product being filled, i.e., the volume of product to be introduced into the container per unit of time. The control valve 28 is located upstream of the filling valve 30, in particular upstream of the valve cone 24, i.e., upstream of the valve cone 24. The switching position of the control valve 28 is known and reproducibly adjustable, for example, by using a stepper motor to actuate the control valve 28.

[0051] The control valve 28 can be used to define one or more properties of the filling curve, such as the end of filling when a desired filling level is reached, or the filling curve as a whole.

[0052] The filling device 20 receives the product to be filled from a suitable product feed, which includes, for example, a product reservoir (not shown in the figures) in the form of a central or ring vessel for intermediate storage and provision of the product.

[0053] Upstream of the control valve 28, a flow meter (not shown in the figures) can be installed to control or regulate the flow of the product being filled. This flow meter is designed to detect the amount of fluid or the volumetric flow rate of the product flowing through the product channel 22. The flow meter can also be used to determine the amount of product being filled into the container, for example, by integrating or summing the measured volumetric flow rate. In this way, once a desired product level has been reached in the container being filled, the filling process can be stopped by closing the control valve 28 and the annular gap 26. Alternatively, other sensors, such as load cells and short-circuit probes, can be used instead of a flow meter. Alternatively, a sensor can be omitted if a time-based filling process is used, for example, one that uses computational models to determine the volumetric flow rate.

[0054] The control and / or regulation of the filling valve 30, in particular the linear actuator 27, as well as the control valve 28, is handled by a control unit 40. The control unit 40 is connected via signal transmission to the components of the filling device 20 to be controlled, regulated, and / or read, and thus in particular to the linear actuator 27, the control valve 28, and any flow meter.

[0055] Communication between the control unit 40 and the components to be controlled, regulated, and / or read can be wired or wireless, digital or analog. The control unit 40 can accordingly receive and / or send signals (control signals, data, etc.), whereby both unidirectional and bidirectional signal transmission fall under the term "communication" in this context. The control unit 40 does not necessarily have to be implemented by a central computer or electronic control system; rather, it includes decentralized and / or multi-stage systems, control networks, cloud systems, and the like. The control unit 40 can also be an integral part of a higher-level plant control system or communicate with such a system.

[0056] The rotation of the filler carousel 10 leads to a jet deflection O of the filling product in the free jet area Fb. The jet deflection O depends on the rotational speed ω of the filler carousel 10 and the exit velocity V0 of the filling product from the orifice section 21 of the filling organ 20.

[0057] The control device 40 is configured to change the volumetric flow rate of the product during the filling process by means of (i.e., actuating) the control valve 28 and, concurrently, to actuate the filling valve 30, in particular the annular gap 26, by means of (i.e., actuating) the linear actuator 27, so that it counteracts the change in the outlet velocity V0 of the product caused by the change in volumetric flow rate. In other words, the outlet velocity V0 of the product should remain within a predetermined interval, preferably constant or substantially constant, during the change in volumetric flow rate. In this way, the product can be reliably introduced into the container even at high rotational speeds ω of the filling carousel 10 throughout the entire filling process.

[0058] The control valve 28 and the linear actuator 27 are thus actuated in relation to each other, in particular synchronously, by the control unit 40. The volumetric flow rate of the product is adjusted via the control valve 28, while the outlet velocity V0 is regulated via the annular gap 26. The annular gap 26 therefore does not act as a throttling mechanism with respect to the volumetric flow rate, but rather serves to adjust the outlet velocity V0, which in turn influences the jet deflection O.

[0059] In general, the filling process follows a filling curve that specifies the volumetric flow rate as a function of time. For example, the filling curve might comprise three sections, with the control system configured to introduce the product into the container with an increasing volumetric flow rate during the first section, maintain a constant volumetric flow rate during the second section, and gradually reduce the volumetric flow rate to zero to complete the filling process.

[0060] If, for example, the control valve 28 is closed to end the filling process, the annular gap 26 is simultaneously or slightly offset and gradually reduced via the linear actuator 27 so that the outlet velocity V0 is not modified or only minimally modified at the reduced volume flow rate. The opening of the control valve 28 at the beginning of the filling process can be accompanied analogously by a gradual opening of the annular gap 26 in order to keep the outlet velocity V0 and thus the jet deflection O constant or to change it only minimally.

[0061] By regulating the exit velocity V0 of the product from the outlet section 21 of the filling device 20, as described herein, depending on the volume flow rate specified by the control valve 28, high rotational speeds ω of the filler carousel 10 can be operated without resulting in an unfavorable jet deflection O. In this way, the entire treatment angle of the filler carousel 10 can be utilized, since special consideration no longer needs to be given to the jet deflection O.

[0062] Regulating the exit velocity V0 by adjusting the annular gap 26, and thus controlling the jet deflection O, also allows for optimization of the impact point of the product in the container. This can be used, for example, to minimize any foam formation when introducing the product into the container. The optimal impact point, i.e., the optimal jet deflection O, can be determined in advance through experiments or obtained by observing the foam, for example, using a camera. The optimal jet deflection O can certainly be a function of time, fill level, the product, the position in the filling curve, etc.

[0063] It should be noted that designations of spatial relationships, for example "between", "vertical", "horizontal", "above", "below", "upstream", "downstream", "in front of", "behind", etc., are clearly determined by the design and intended use of the device 1.

[0064] Where applicable, all individual features shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined and / or exchanged without leaving the scope of the invention. Reference symbol list

[0065] 1 Device for filling a container with a product 10 Filler carousel 11 Rotary axis 20 Filling element 21 Discharge section 22 Product channel 23 Housing 24 Valve cone 25 Valve seat 26 Annular gap 27 Linear actuator 28 Control valve 30 Filling valve 40 Control device 100 Inlet star 200 Outlet star FbFree jet area O Beam deflection V0 Exit velocity ω Rotational speed of the filler carousel

Claims

1. Device (1) for filling a container with a filling product, preferably a beverage, using the free jet method, the device (1) comprising: a filler carousel (10) rotatable about a rotation axis (11) and designed to transport the container to be filled along a partial circle;at least one filling element (20) provided on the filler carousel (10), comprising a product channel (22) for transporting and introducing the filling product into the container, wherein the filling product leaves the product channel (22) at an outlet section (21) of the filling element (20) at an exit speed (V0), bridges a free jet region (Fb) and, as a result of the rotation of the filler carousel (10), experiences a jet deflection (O) in the free jet region (Fb), a control valve (28) which is designed to adjust the volume flow of the filling product in the product channel (22), and a filling valve (30) which is arranged downstream of the control valve (28) and is designed to open and close the product channel (22), wherein a plurality of opening positions can be realized by the filling valve (30);and a control device (40) which is in communication with the control valve (28) and the filling valve (30) and is configured to change the volume flow of the filling product in the product channel (22) by means of the control valve (28) during a filling process and to simultaneously control the filling valve (30) in such a way that it counteracts the change in the outlet velocity (V0) of the filling product caused by the change in the volume flow; 2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (40) is designed to control the filling valve (30) during the volume flow change of the filling product in the product channel (22) caused by the control valve (28) in such a way that the outlet speed (V0) of the filling product remains substantially constant.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe control device (30) is arranged to close the control valve (28) to terminate the filling process and to close the filling valve (30) concomitantly, preferably synchronously.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (40) is arranged such that the volume flow in the product channel (22) is determined solely by the control valve (28), but not by the filling valve (30).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (40) is designed to adjust the outlet speed (V0) of the filling product by controlling the filling valve (30) so that a desired point of impact of the filling product in the container is achieved.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling valve (30) and / or the control valve (28) is a proportional valve.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe filling valve (30) has a displaceable valve cone (24) arranged in the product channel (22), which forms an annular gap (26) with an associated valve seat (25), and a linear actuator (27) connected to the valve cone (24) for displacing the valve cone (24), wherein a displacement of the valve cone (24) by the linear actuator (27) causes a cross-sectional change of the annular gap (26), wherein the linear actuator (27) is preferably designed to move the valve cone (24) gradually between a fully open position and a fully closed position, wherein the linear actuator (27) is preferably an electric linear motor.

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in thatthe control device (40) is designed to change the volume flow of the filling product in the product channel (22) by means of the control valve (28) during the filling process and to control the linear actuator (27) in such a way that the resulting change in the cross-section of the annular gap (26) counteracts the change in the outlet speed (V0) of the filling product caused by the change in the volume flow.

9. A method for filling a container with a filling product, preferably a beverage, using the free jet method, the method comprising: transporting the container along a partial circle by means of a filler carousel (10) rotating about a rotation axis (11); during the transport of the container, introducing the filling product into the container via a product channel (22) of a filling element (20), wherein the filling product leaves the product channel (22) at an outlet section (21) of the filling element (20) at an exit speed (V0), bridges a free jet region (Fb) and, as a result of the rotation of the filler carousel (10), experiences a jet deflection (8) in the free jet region (Fb);during the introduction of the filling product into the container, changing the volume flow of the filling product in the product channel (22) by means of a control valve (28) of the filling element (20) and, concomitantly therewith, controlling a filling valve (30) arranged downstream of the control valve (28) so that it counteracts the change in the outlet velocity (V0) of the filling product caused by the change in volume flow; 10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the filling valve (30) is controlled during the volume flow change in the product channel (22) such that the outlet velocity (V0) of the filling product remains substantially constant.

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that To terminate the filling process, the control valve (28) is closed and the filling valve (30) is closed concomitantly, preferably synchronously.

12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in thatthe volume flow in the product channel (22) is determined solely by the control valve (28), but not by the filling valve (30).

13. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the outlet speed (V0) is adjusted by controlling the filling valve (30) so that a desired point of impact of the filling product in the container is achieved.

14. Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in thatthe filling valve (30) has a displaceable valve cone (24) arranged in the product channel (22), which forms an annular gap (26) with an associated valve seat (25), and a linear actuator (27) connected to the valve cone (24) for displacing the valve cone (24), wherein a displacement of the valve cone (24) by the linear actuator (27) causes a cross-sectional change of the annular gap (26), wherein the linear actuator (27) moves the valve cone (24) preferably gradually between a fully open position and a fully closed position.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that, while the volume flow of the filling product in the product channel (22) is changed by means of the control valve (28), the linear actuator (27) is controlled such that the resulting cross-sectional change of the annular gap (26) counteracts the change in the outlet velocity (V0) of the filling product caused by the volume flow change.

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