Filling device and method for filling containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling device (1) for filling containers with a liquid filling material, in particular by means of a free-jet filling method. The filling device (1) has at least one filling element (2) with a filling valve (3), wherein the filling valve (3) has a filling valve channel (12) and a filling material valve stem (4) that is axially displaceable therein. The filling material valve stem (4) can be moved in a controlled manner at least between a closed position, an open position, and an intermediate position. The filling device (1) further has a filling material supply line (10) fluidly connected to the filling element (2).According to the invention, the filling device (1) comprises a switching device (5) with at least one first and at least one second filling material switching channel (SK1, SK2) for the filling material, wherein a first switching valve (6) is assigned to the first filling material switching channel (SK1) and a second switching valve (7) is assigned to the second filling material switching channel (SK2), and wherein the switching valves (6, 7) are designed to switch the filling material switching channels (SK1, SK2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a filling device for filling containers with a liquid filling material, in particular by means of a free-jet filling method. The invention further relates to a method for filling containers with a liquid filling material, in particular using a corresponding filling device.

[0002] Filling devices for filling containers, such as bottles, with a liquid filling material, in particular filling devices for filling bottles with beverages, are known in various designs.

[0003] Filling devices of this type are generally installed on filling machines, particularly rotary-type filling machines, which have a plurality of treatment stations or positions, which can also be referred to as filling stations or filling positions. At each filling station of the filling machine, a filling element or filling device is provided with a filling valve or liquid valve, through whose discharge opening the liquid filling material is discharged into the container.

[0004] In these filling machines or in each of the filling devices, the filling elements or filling devices are fluidically connected to a storage container or a source of the liquid filling material (e.g., a filling material vessel) via appropriate fluid lines, namely via filling material feeds or filling material lines. The filling material is usually dispensed into the containers by a correspondingly controlled opening and closing of the filling valve. For example, the filling material can be dispensed into the containers using a so-called "free-jet filling" process.

[0005] In the context of the present invention, "free-jet filling" or "free-jet filling" refers to a filling process in which the liquid filling material flows from the liquid valve into the container to be filled in a free filling jet or filling material jet. Free-jet filling can be carried out both pressureless and under pressure. In pressureless free-jet filling, the container is at ambient pressure within its interior, whereby the container mouth or opening is generally not in contact with the filling element, but rather is spaced apart from the filling element or a designated discharge opening.

[0006] Containers are generally filled with a product at a predetermined filling rate. Filling devices and methods are also known in which a changeover valve can be used to set two different filling rates during the filling process, namely while the container is being filled. In such known filling devices, the changeover valve has a permanently open bypass bore and a switchable bore or switching bore. Switching the changeover valve thus results in two filling rates: one, resulting from the flow through the permanently open bypass bore, with the switching bore closed, and another, resulting from the flow through the bypass bore and the switching bore, with the switching bore open.

[0007] Particularly in filling processes and filling devices for free-jet filling, it is common and sometimes necessary to prevent the liquid filling material from dripping from the at least one discharge opening after filling a container when the filling material valve is closed. For example, it is known to form an annular gap at the outlet of the filling valve, which acts as a gas barrier preventing the filling material from dripping. However, when filling containers, it is crucial that any air contained in the filling valve, particularly in the area of the outlet of the filling valve, is completely and safely removed from the system and that the outlet area is filled with filling material before the filling valve is opened to discharge the filling material into the container.

[0008] In conventional filling devices known from the state of the art, venting or filling the filling valve occurs by releasing the contents "into the open air" or into a collecting tray. This is disadvantageously associated with contents loss and also carries the risk of contamination or soiling of the filling device and / or container.

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide a filling device for filling containers with a liquid filling material, in which the filling of the containers is improved and, in particular, is possible with different filling speeds and in a filling material-saving, sustainable manner.

[0010] The present invention provides a filling device for filling containers with a liquid filling material, in particular for filling containers using a free-jet filling method. The filling device has at least one filling element with a filling valve, wherein the filling valve comprises a filling valve channel and a filling material valve stem which is axially displaceable therein and which can be moved in a controlled manner at least between a closed position, an open position, and an intermediate position. The filling device further has a filling material supply line fluidly connected to the filling element. According to the invention, the filling device comprises a switching device with at least one first and at least one second filling material switching channel for the filling material. A first switching valve is assigned to the first filling material switching channel, and a second switching valve is assigned to the second filling material switching channel.The switching valves are designed to switch the filling material switching channels.

[0011] In the understanding of the present invention, the filling element, with a housing or filling element housing, for example, a multi-part housing, forms a fluid or product path in the form of a filling valve channel for the liquid filling material. The filling valve channel is designed, in particular, to be rotationally symmetrical to a vertical filling element axis and, at an upper portion, is connected to the filling material supply line for supplying the liquid filling material. On the underside of the filling element, the filling valve channel forms a discharge opening from which a filling jet of the filling material is discharged during filling, i.e., when the filling valve is open.

[0012] The product valve plunger, which is arranged axially displaceably in the filling valve channel, can be moved axially within the filling valve channel by means of controlled lifting / lowering movements to open and close the filling element, i.e. for the controlled release of the product during the filling process. Due to this axial displacement of the product valve plunger within the filling valve channel, the product valve plunger is movable at least between its positions, namely the closed position, the open position, and the intermediate position. The intermediate position of the product valve plunger is located between its closed position and the open position and is therefore equivalent to an intermediate position of the product valve plunger, which it can assume in addition to a closed position and an open position.In the closed position, the filling valve plunger is in a position that completely closes the filling valve channel. In contrast, the filling valve channel is completely open when the filling valve plunger is in the open position. An annular gap is formed in the intermediate position.

[0013] The present filling device offers particular advantages in that the two switching valves can be switched by means of the provided switching device, in particular in such a way that both filling material switching channels can be closed and opened individually and independently of one another. Thus, the present filling device makes it possible to select or set different, in particular three different, filling speeds or volume flows by appropriately switching the filling material switching channels, for example, a lower first filling speed (compared to a medium second filling speed) for slow filling, a medium second filling speed, and a higher third filling speed (compared to the medium second filling speed) for fast filling.

[0014] In contrast to the known prior art, the present filling device does not have permanently open bypass holes on the switching valve. However, due to the design and configuration of the switching device, the switching valves and the filling material switching channels, in particular all channels and holes in the switching device, can be closed by appropriate switching, thereby completely blocking the flow of the filling material through the switching device and the supply path to the filling element.

[0015] In combination with the present switching device, the filling material valve plunger in the present filling device can also assume three positions, namely the open position, the closed position and the intermediate position, which ultimately ensures that the containers can be filled in a particularly splash-free and drip-free manner and at the same time so precisely and safely that the desired, predetermined filling volume is always maintained and fluctuations or losses in the filling volume can be avoided.

[0016] With this filling device, the opening position of the filling valve plunger is selected and adjusted during the actual filling process. The intermediate position of the filling valve plunger is used to ensure splash-free filling, in particular a splash-free completion and termination of each filling process, and to prevent splashes from spilling over the containers. This ensures that when the filling valve plunger transitions from its open position to the intermediate position, the filling material is gently, evenly, and, in particular, splash- and / or drip-freely expelled from the lower sections of the filling valve channel. Any splashing of the filling material that might be caused by a complete, particularly rapid, closure of the filling valve at the end of the filling process can be effectively prevented with this filling device.

[0017] The closed position of the filling valve stem is ultimately used in this filling device to completely fill the filling valve channel of the filling valve with filling material before the filling material is delivered to the container. This filling of the filling valve channel ensures that the correct filling volume is always filled and that volume losses or volume fluctuations in the containers are avoided. To fill the filling valve channel when the filling valve stem is in the closed position, the switching valves of the switching device are switched so that both filling material switching channels are open. This advantageously has the effect that the air displaced from the filling valve channel by the filling material can escape from the filling valve as quickly as possible, in particular upwards towards the filling material supply line and via this into the filling material vessel.

[0018] The present filling device offers the following advantages over conventional filling devices known from the prior art: firstly, effective emptying as well as rapid, efficient venting of the filling valve and the switching device with its switching valves and filling material switching channels is possible, in particular due to the design and configuration of the switching device with the filling material switching channels formed therein. Secondly, the present filling device also makes it advantageous to completely close or interrupt the flow of filling material, which not least prevents dripping. And finally, thirdly, the filling valve channel can be completely filled with filling material, thereby completely displacing air or gas before the filling material is released into the container, advantageously without any leakage "to the outside" or "to the atmosphere".filling material has to be dispensed into a waste tray, as is disadvantageously the case in the state of the art.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the first filling material switching channel has a first minimum diameter, and the second filling material switching channel has a second minimum diameter. The first minimum diameter is different from the second minimum diameter.

[0020] The minimum diameter of a respective product switching channel is understood here to be the smallest diameter of the respective product switching channel over its extension or longitudinal extension or over its course or longitudinal course. The minimum diameter refers in particular to an inner diameter of the respective product switching channel, namely to a channel diameter or to a diameter of the lumen of the product switching channel. The minimum diameter of a respective product switching channel is thus synonymous with the diameter of the product switching channel at its narrowest point and can also be synonymously referred to as the bottleneck diameter or constriction diameter of the respective product switching channel. This is particularly important in cases in which one or both of the respective product switching channels do not extend with a constant diameter over their entire length.

[0021] Due to the different minimum diameters of the respective filling material switching channels, the flow velocity of the filling material can be changed or influenced particularly effectively by switching the filling material switching channels accordingly using the switching valves.

[0022] The flow rate of the filling material can also be understood in this case as the volume flow or the filling speed. By switching the filling material switching channels accordingly, the filling material is guided through the switching device along different "paths." This means that the filling material passes through different switching channel paths, which – due to the different minimum diameters of the filling material switching channels – have correspondingly different channel diameters, whereby the volume flow or the filling speed – depending on the switching state – assumes different values.

[0023] The first minimum diameter is particularly preferably larger than the second minimum diameter. The first minimum diameter is very particularly preferably in a range from 6 mm to 10 mm, preferably in a range from 7 mm to 9 mm, and particularly preferably approximately 8 mm. The second minimum diameter is very particularly preferably in a range from 4 mm to 8 mm, preferably in a range from 6 mm to 7 mm, and particularly preferably approximately 6.5 mm.

[0024] Advantages of the present filling device further arise from the fact that the switching device further comprises at least one bypass channel connecting the first and second filling material switching channel, preferably a plurality of bypass channels.

[0025] In these preferred embodiments with at least one bypass channel, the at least one bypass channel has a bypass channel diameter that is larger than the first and / or second minimum diameter of the respective filling material switching channels, wherein the bypass channel diameter is in particular 8 mm or more than 8 mm. In principle, it is also possible for the bypass channel diameter and the first minimum diameter to be the same or approximately the same.

[0026] Another advantageous feature is that the switching device is formed by a valve block that includes the product switching channels and the switching valves. This design variant offers the advantage of a particularly compact, space-saving, and hygienic design.

[0027] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switching device is arranged in the filling material supply line. This proves to be structurally advantageous and is optimal for effectively adjusting or influencing the filling material flow on its way to the filling element. However, other arrangements are also conceivable; for example, the switching device can also be provided in the immediate vicinity of the filling element or on the filling element.

[0028] The switching valves are particularly preferably formed by switching valves, each of which can be switched between a closed position and an open position. In particular, the respective switching valves advantageously have exactly two switching positions, namely the open position and the closed position. This allows each of the product switching channels to be opened and closed expediently, effectively, and especially quickly, with simple switching operations, namely in the sense of "open / closed." It is also particularly advantageous that the switching valves can be switched individually and / or independently of one another.

[0029] This allows each of the two product switching channels to be opened and / or closed independently, allowing a wide variety of paths through the switching device—that is, flow paths for the product—to be easily opened. For example, both product switching channels can be closed simultaneously, blocking all flow paths through the switching device. If the first or second product switching channel is closed while the other is open, a respective flow path is opened by the switching device via the first or second product switching channel. Finally, if both product switching channels are open simultaneously, the flow path runs via both product switching channels. The "flow path" can also be understood here as a flow path or product flow.

[0030] Particular advantages also arise from the fact that at least one of the two switching valves, preferably each of the two switching valves, is designed as a diaphragm valve. Particularly advantageous in these preferred embodiments is the arrangement of the switching valves relative to one another with respect to the orientation of their respective diaphragms such that the diaphragm of the first switching valve faces the diaphragm of the second switching valve. The diaphragms of the diaphragm valves can be moved between their respective closed and open positions via corresponding actuating movements, which are carried out by means of controllable actuators provided for this purpose, for example, cylinders, in particular working or lifting cylinders.

[0031] The present filling device preferably also includes a control device, wherein the switching device and the filling valve are communicatively connected to the control device. In particular, the switching valves of the switching device as well as the movement of the filling material valve plunger can be controlled by the control device.

[0032] Particularly preferably, the present filling device is also equipped with a volume flow meter, in particular a flow meter, such as a magnetic inductive flow meter (MID). The volume flow meter is preferably connected upstream of the switching device. This can advantageously be used to perform additional volume control to maintain the filling volume.

[0033] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the switching device is designed such that, in the closed position of the first and second switching valves, a feed path for feeding the filling material to the filling element is completely closed, such that the feed of filling material to the filling element is completely interrupted.

[0034] According to a further preferred embodiment, the filling valve comprises a filling valve seat, wherein the filling material valve stem, which is arranged axially movable in the filling valve channel, interacts with the filling valve seat such that an annular gap is formed in the filling valve channel in the intermediate position. In the present case, this is to be understood in particular as meaning that the annular gap is delimited by the filling valve seat and the filling material valve stem and thus extends over an annular gap width between the filling valve seat and the filling material valve stem, in particular between a surface or seat or sealing surface of the filling valve seat and an outer circumferential surface of the filling material valve stem. The intermediate position of the filling material valve stem can therefore also be referred to as the annular gap position.

[0035] The filling valve seat and the filling material valve plunger are preferably coordinated and adapted to one another in terms of their geometry and dimensions in such a way that the annular gap formed by the interaction of the filling valve seat and the filling material valve plunger is dimensioned in the intermediate position of the filling material valve plunger such that the filling material cannot escape from the filling valve via the annular gap. The geometry and dimensions, in particular of the filling material valve plunger, in adaptation to the filling valve seat are determined, for example, by the overall design of the filling device or of a filling machine comprising the filling device, in particular, for example, by the hydrostatic pressure of the filling material on the filling material valve plunger, which pressure can also arise, for example, due to the design. The annular gap preferably has a width or annular gap width of 0.7 to 1.3 mm.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the filling valve plunger has, in the region of its end interacting with the filling valve seat, a plurality of sections adjoining one another along a filling valve axis. In particular, the filling valve plunger has at least one conical opening section tapering towards a free end of the filling valve plunger, at least one cylindrical annular gap section adjoining the conical end section in the axial direction, and at least one conical closing section adjoining the cylindrical annular gap section in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the annular gap is delimited in the intermediate position of the filling valve plunger by the filling valve seat and by the outer surface of the cylindrical annular gap section.

[0037] The present invention also provides a filling machine with a filling material vessel and a plurality of filling positions, wherein at least one, preferably several, in particular each of the filling positions has at least one filling device as described above. The filling material supply line of the respective filling device is fluidly connected to the filling material vessel.

[0038] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for filling containers with a liquid filling material using a filling device for filling containers as described above. In the method, at least one of the two switching valves of the filling device is switched to change the filling rate of the filling material.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, to fill a container at a first filling rate, the second switching valve is opened and the first switching valve is closed. To fill a container at a second filling rate, the first switching valve is opened and the second switching valve is closed, and to fill a container at a third filling rate, both switching valves are opened.

[0040] Furthermore, the container is preferably filled with the filling material first at the first filling speed, then at the second filling speed and subsequently at the third filling speed, wherein the first filling speed is lower than the second filling speed and the second filling speed is lower than the third filling speed.

[0041] Depending on the filling process, it may be feasible and practical to fill a container first at the first filling speed, then at the third filling speed, and finally at the second filling speed. This allows for a three-stage or three-phase filling process with an initial slow filling phase, a subsequent rapid filling phase, and a subsequent deceleration or refilling phase.

[0042] As already explained above in connection with the filling device, the filling speed is to be understood as the volume flow of the filling material and can, for example, also refer to the flow rate of the filling material per unit of time or to the flow rate per unit of time.

[0043] The present method is preferably a free-jet filling method, in which, in particular, the respective container is arranged with its container opening below the filling element and at a distance from it, and the liquid filling material is supplied to the container as a free filling jet during filling. The containers to be filled or filled by means of the present method and using the present filling device are preferably bottles, in particular plastic bottles, such as PET bottles, wherein the liquid filling material to be filled or filled is preferably a beverage.

[0044] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. They show: Fig. 1 schematically and in section a view of an embodiment of the filling device in an operating state with the filling valve open; Fig. 2 schematically and in section a view of the filling device according toFigure 1 in an operating state with the filling valve closed; Fig. 2a an enlarged section of the Figure 2 in the area of a discharge opening of the filling element; Fig. 3 shows a rough schematic and partial view of the area of the discharge opening of the filling element in the intermediate position of the filling material valve plunger; Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the switching device; Figs. 5a to 5d show schematic sectional views of various switching states of the switching device; Fig. 6 shows a further view of the filling device of the Figure 1 with additionally drawn filling material flow during filling and Fig. 7 another view of the filling device of the Figure 2 with additionally drawn air flow when venting the filling valve channel.

[0045] The Figure 1 and 2show a view—illustrated as a sectional drawing—of an embodiment of the present filling device 1 for filling containers, for example, PET bottles, with a liquid filling material, in particular with a beverage. The filling device 1 illustrated is, in particular, part of a filling machine, which in turn may, for example, be part of a beverage filling or processing plant and which is designed, for example, as a rotating filling machine and comprises a plurality of filling positions arranged circumferentially around a machine rotor, wherein each of the filling positions may have a filling device 1 shown.

[0046] The filling device 1 shown in the examples of the figures is designed in particular for a free-jet filling process in which the liquid filling material is supplied to the container as a free filling jet.

[0047] The filling device 1 comprises a filling element 2 and a filling material supply line 10 connected thereto, which is fluidically connected to a filling material vessel (not shown in the figures) and connects to the filling element 2 via a supply path 11 designed to supply the filling material to the filling element 2. The filling element 2 has a filling valve 3 in which a filling valve channel 12 is formed. The filling valve channel 12 forms a liquid or product path for the liquid filling material and is delimited, for example, by a housing 2.1, in particular a multi-part housing, which can also be referred to as a filling element housing.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the filling valve channel 12 has a circular cross-section, at least in sections, and is designed to be rotationally symmetrical to a vertical filling element axis FA, at least in sections. At its upper end or region, the filling valve channel 12 is connected to the supply path 11 for supplying the liquid filling material. At its opposite lower end, the filling valve channel 12 opens outward at a discharge opening of the filling element 2, whereby the liquid filling material can flow into the container to be filled via the discharge opening.

[0049] The filling device 1 further comprises a switching device 5, arranged in the filling material supply line 10 in the example shown, for varying a filling rate or a volume flow of the filling material. Through corresponding switching or switching processes, which can be performed by means of the switching device 5, the filling material can be supplied to the container at different filling rates. In the example shown in the figures, a volume flow meter 14 is also provided, which is also arranged in the filling material supply line 10 and is connected upstream of the switching device 5.

[0050] The switching device 5 comprises at least one first filling material switching channel SK1, in which a first switching valve 6 is arranged, and at least one second filling material switching channel SK2, in which a second switching valve 7 is arranged. The switching valves 6, 7 are formed by simple switching valves for switching the filling material switching channels SK1, SK2 and are in particular individually and independently switchable between a closed position and an open position. The switching device 5 and the switching valves 6, 7 are described below with reference to the Figure 4 and 5a to 5d described in even more detail.

[0051] In the filling element 2 of the present filling device 1, a filling material valve piston 4 is arranged in the filling valve channel 12, which is axially displaceable in the direction of the filling element axis FA and which can be moved up and down in the vertical direction over a predetermined stroke by means of an adjusting device by means of a corresponding lifting / lowering movement HS. The filling material valve piston 4 interacts with a filling valve seat 13 of the filling valve 3, which is formed in the filling element 2, preferably by the housing 2.1, and is arranged at least between a Figure 2 shown closed position, one in Figure 1 shown open position and an intermediate position.

[0052] In the closed position (see Figure 2), the filling material valve piston 4 is lowered or moved downwards as far as possible in the direction of the filling element axis FA and sits sealingly or tightly closing in or on the filling valve seat 13, so that the filling valve channel 12 is tightly closed on the underside and no filling material can escape via the discharge opening of the filling element 2. In the open position (cf. Figure 1 ) the filling material valve piston 4 is moved completely upwards in the direction of the filling element axis FA, so that the filling valve channel 12 is open at the bottom and the filling material flows out via the discharge opening of the filling element 2.

[0053] The Figure 2ashows in an enlarged partial view the filling valve plunger 4 in the closed position and interacting with the filling valve seat 13, specifically in a region of its free end 4' interacting with the filling valve seat 13. The filling valve plunger 4 has several sections adjoining one another along the filling valve axis FA. With a conical opening section 4.1 or end section, the filling valve plunger 4 tapers towards the free end 4'. In the axial direction adjoining the conical opening section 4.1 or end section, the filling valve plunger 4 has a cylindrical annular gap section 4.2. In the axial direction opposite the free end 4', the cylindrical annular gap section 4.2 is in turn adjoined by a conical closing section 4.3, which in the Figure 2a shown closed position with its peripheral surface sealingly against the filling valve seat 13.

[0054] In the intermediate position of the filling valve plunger 4, an annular gap 15 is formed in the filling valve channel 12, which is formed or limited by the filling valve seat 13 and by a lateral surface of the annular gap section 4.2 of the filling valve plunger 4. The intermediate position of the filling valve plunger 4 is in the Figure 3 illustrated by a partial representation of the filling valve plunger 4 interacting with the filling valve seat 13. The annular gap 15, in particular an annular gap width, is dimensioned such that the filling material cannot escape from the filling valve channel 12 of the filling valve 3 via the annular gap 15.

[0055] With reference to the Figure 4 and 5a to 5dThe switching device 5 and the switching valves 6, 7 will now be described in more detail. In the examples shown, the switching device 5 is formed by a valve block that includes the filling material switching channels SK1, SK2 and the switching valves 6, 7. In addition to the filling material switching channels SK1, SK2, bypass channels 8, 9 are also formed in the switching device 5, which, for example, connect the filling material switching channels SK1, SK2.

[0056] The first filling material switching channel SK1 has a first minimum diameter, which can also be understood as the diameter of the first filling material switching channel SK1 at its narrowest point. Likewise, the second filling material switching channel SK2 has a second minimum diameter, which in turn can be understood as the diameter of the second filling material switching channel SK2 at its narrowest point. In the example of the figures, the first minimum diameter of the first filling material switching channel SK1 is greater than the second minimum diameter of the second filling material switching channel SK2, so that the first filling material switching channel SK1 essentially defines a large bore in the switching device 5 designed as a valve block, and the second filling material switching channel SK2 correspondingly defines a small bore in the switching device 5 designed as a valve block.

[0057] The switching valves 6, 7 are designed as diaphragm valves, for example, and are arranged relative to one another in the switching device 5 with respect to the orientation of their respective diaphragms 6.1, 7.1 such that the diaphragm 6.1 of the first switching valve 6 faces the diaphragm 7.1 of the second switching valve 7, as can be seen from the enlarged view of the Figure 4 is illustrated.

[0058] Each switching valve 6, 7, namely each diaphragm valve 6, 7, is switchable between a closed position and an open position, wherein for switching the diaphragm valves 6, 7, the diaphragm 6.1, 7.1 of the respective diaphragm valve 6, 7 is moved by means of a respectively provided actuator 6.2, 7.2, for example by means of a cylinder, in particular a working or lifting cylinder, in the direction of a respective actuating movement S1, S2. The actuators 6.2, 7.2, in particular cylinders, can be controlled individually and independently of one another in order to move the diaphragms 6.1, 7.1 with the respective actuating movement S1, S2 between the closed and open positions. In the closed position (as in Figure 4In the open position (shown), the respective diaphragm 6.1, 7.1 rests sealingly against a respective sealing web 6.3, 7.3 of the diaphragm valves 6, 7, thereby closing the associated product switching channel SK1, SK2. In the open position, the diaphragm 6.1, 7.1 of the respective diaphragm valve 6, 7 is retracted and spaced from the corresponding sealing web 6.3, 7.3, so that the respective associated product switching channel SK1, SK2 is open.

[0059] The Figures 5a to 5d illustrate different switching states of the switching valves 6, 7. In the illustration of the Figure 5aBoth switching valves 6, 7 are in the closed position, so that both filling material switching channels SK1, SK2, namely the large and small bores in the switching device 5, as well as the bypass channels 8, 9, are closed. In this switching state with both switching valves 6, 7 in the closed position (switching state: "closed / closed"), no filling material flows through the switching device 5, and the feed path 11 for feeding the filling material to the filling element 2 is completely closed, in such a way that the supply of filling material to the filling element 2 is completely interrupted.

[0060] In the presentation of the Figure 5bThe first switching valve 6 is closed and in the closed position, whereas the second switching valve 7 is open and thus in the open position. Thus, only the second product switching channel SK2 is open, so that a flow path or throughflow path for the product is only released via the small bore in the switching device 5, as indicated by the arrows 16 (which indicate the product flow or flow path). In this switching state (switching state: "closed / open"), the product is fed via the feed path 11 at a low speed or with a low volume flow, and the container is filled accordingly at a first, lower filling speed, known as "slow filling."

[0061] In the presentation of the Figure 5cThe first switching valve 6 is open and in the open position, whereas the second switching valve 7 is closed and in the closed position. Thus, only the first product switching channel SK1 is open, so that a flow path or throughput path for the product is only available via the large bore in the switching device 5, as again indicated by the arrows 16 (which indicate the product flow or flow path). In this switching state (switching state: "open / closed"), the product is supplied via the supply path 11 at a medium speed or with a medium volume flow, and the container is filled accordingly at a second, medium filling speed.

[0062] In the presentation of the Figure 5dBoth switching valves 6, 7 are open and in the open position. This also opens both filling material switching channels SK1, SK2, so that a flow path for the filling material is released via the large and small bores in the switching device 5, as again indicated by the arrows 16 (which indicate the filling material flow or flow path). In this switching state (switching state: "open / open"), the filling material is supplied via the supply path 11 at a higher, in particular maximum, speed or with a higher, in particular maximum, volume flow, and the container is filled accordingly at a third, high or maximum filling speed, known as "rapid filling."

[0063] The present filling device 1 offers particular advantages in that, thanks to the provided switching device 5, the two switching valves 6, 7 can be controlled and switched individually, individually, and independently of one another, in particular via the individually, individually, and independently controllable actuators 6.2, 7.2. This also allows both filling material switching channels SK1, SK2, namely the large and small bores, to be closed and opened individually and independently of one another. If both switching valves 6, 7 are in the closed position, no bore - including none of the bypass channels 8, 9 - is open, so that the feed path 11 is completely closed and the supply of filling material to the filling element 2 is completely interrupted. As described above, the individual switchability of the switching valves 6, 7 also advantageously means that three different filling speeds or volume flows are possible.

[0064] Since, in combination with the present switching device 5, the filling valve plunger 4 can also assume three positions, namely the open position, the closed position and the intermediate position, three positions are also possible for the filling valve 3, namely open, closed and the annular gap position.

[0065] The opening position of the filling valve plunger 4, i.e. the "open" position of the filling valve 3, is selected and adjusted during the actual filling process for filling the container when the filling material is introduced or flows in. With reference to the Figure 6 the opening position of the filling valve piston 4 is combined with the switching state of the changeover valves 6, 7 as in Figure 5d (Switching state: "open / open") is shown again, with the filling material flow indicated by arrows 16. This state can also be referred to as "running empty."

[0066] The intermediate position of the filling valve plunger 4, i.e., the "annular gap position" of the filling valve 3, in which the annular gap 15 is formed, is used towards or at the end of the filling process to ensure splash-free filling and to prevent splashes from spilling over the containers. As described above, the filling valve plunger 4 and the filling valve seat 13 are coordinated or adapted to one another in terms of their geometry and size so that the annular gap 15 formed by the interaction of the filling valve plunger 4 with the filling valve seat 13 is dimensioned such that as little filling material as possible escapes from the filling valve 3 via the annular gap 15.

[0067] At the same time, splashing of the filling material is effectively prevented due to the "annular gap position." Due to the geometry of the filling material valve plunger 4, a gentle, uniform, and, in particular, splash- and / or drip-free displacement of the filling material from the lower sections of the filling valve channel 12 is ensured when the filling material valve plunger 4 transitions from its open position to its intermediate position—namely, when the filling valve 3 transitions from the open position to the annular gap position. This prevents splashing of the filling material when the filling valve 3 closes.

[0068] The closed position of the filling valve plunger 4, i.e. the "closed" position of the filling valve 3, is used to completely fill the filling valve channel 12 of the filling valve 3 with filling material before the filling material is delivered to the container.

[0069] This filling of the filling valve channel 12 is carried out in particular to expel or remove air from the system and to ensure that the correct filling volume is always filled. Volume losses or volume fluctuations in the containers are thus avoided. Such volume losses or volume fluctuations can occur, for example, if the filling valve channel 12 contains air at the start of the actual filling process or when the filling material flows into the container – for example, due to dripping, splashing, or the like – and is therefore no longer completely full, but partially empty, so that this volume difference is ultimately missing in the container. Venting is therefore necessary.

[0070] For example, this venting of the filling valve channel 12 or the filling of the filling valve channel 12 with filling material can generally take place before the filling material is dispensed into the container, but also at the beginning of the filling process or filling and / or also as part of starting up the filling device, restarting it or starting filling after a break in operation.

[0071] To vent the filling valve channel 12 or to fill the filling valve channel 12 with filling material when the filling material valve piston 4 is in the closed position, both switching valves 8, 7 of the switching device 5 are moved to the open position so that both filling material switching channels SK1, SK2 - and thus the large and small bores of the switching device 5 - are open. This state is in the Figure 7 shown again, with the air flow drawn in, which causes the "venting" and in Figure 7 indicated by the arrows 17.

[0072] A bore guide in the switching device 5, that is to say the course of the respective filling material switching channels SK1, SK2 and also the bypass channels 8, 9 within the switching device 5, is selected such that the air displaced by the filling material from the filling valve channel 12 can escape from the filling valve 3 as quickly as possible, in particular upwards via the feed path 11 and the filling material feed line 10 into the filling material vessel. List of reference symbols

[0073] 1 Filling device 2 Filling element 2.1 Housing 3 Filling valve 4 Filling valve stem 4 Free end of the filling valve stem 4.1 Conical opening section of the filling valve stem 4.2 Cylindrical annular gap section of the filling valve stem 4.3 Conical closing section of the filling valve stem 5 Switching device 6, 7 First and second switching valve 6.1, 7.1 Diaphragm of the first and second switching valves 6.2, 7.2 Actuator of the first and second switching valves 6.3, 7.3 Sealing web of the first and second switching valves 8, 9 Bypass channels 0 Filling material feed line 11 Feed path for feeding the filling material to the filling element 12 Filling valve channel 13 Filling valve seat 14 Volumetric flow meter or flowmeter 15 Annular gap 16 Filling material flow 17Air flow during venting FAFilling element axis HSLifting / lowering movement of the filling material valve piston S1, S2Adjusting movement SK1First filling material switching channel SK2Second filling material switching channel

Claims

1. Filling device (1) for filling containers with a liquid filling material, in particular by means of a free-jet filling method, comprising at least one filling element (2) with a filling valve (3), wherein the filling valve (3) has a filling valve channel (12) and a filling material valve plunger (4) which is axially displaceable therein and which is movable in a controlled manner at least between a closed position, an open position and an intermediate position, further comprising a filling material supply line (10) fluidically connected to the filling element (2), characterized in that the filling device (1) comprises a switching device (5) with at least one first and at least one second filling material switching channel (SK1, SK2) for the filling material, wherein a first switching valve (6) is assigned to the first filling material switching channel (SK1) and a second switching valve (7) is assigned to the second filling material switching channel (SK2), and wherein the switching valves (6, 7) are designed to switch the filling material switching channels (SK1, SK2).

2. Filling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first filling material switching channel (SK1) has a first minimum diameter and the second filling material switching channel (SK2) has a second minimum diameter, wherein the first minimum diameter is different from the second minimum diameter.

3. Filling device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first minimum diameter is larger than the second minimum diameter.

4. Filling device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first minimum diameter is in a range of 6 mm to 10 mm, preferably in a range of 7 mm to 9 mm and particularly preferably 8 mm.

5. Filling device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the second minimum diameter is in a range of 4 mm to 8 mm, preferably in a range of 6 mm to 7 mm and particularly preferably 6.5 mm.

6. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching device (5) further comprises at least one bypass channel (8, 9), preferably a plurality of bypass channels (8, 9), connecting the first and second filling material switching channels (Sk1, SK2).

7. Filling device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5 and claim 6, characterized in that the at least one bypass channel (8, 9) has a bypass channel diameter which is larger than the first and / or the second minimum diameter and in particular is at least 8 mm.

8. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching device (5) is formed by a valve block which comprises the filling material switching channels (SK1, SK2) and the switching valves (6, 7).

9. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching device (5) is arranged in the filling material supply line (10).

10. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe changeover valves (6, 7) are formed by switching valves which can each be switched between a closed position and an open position and which can in particular be switched individually and / or independently of one another.

11. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that furthermore, a control device is provided, wherein the switching device (5) and the filling valve (3) are communicatively connected to the control device.

12. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching device (5) is designed such that in the closed position of the first and second switching valves (6, 7) a feed path (11) for feeding the filling material to the filling element (2) is completely closed, such that the feed of filling material to the filling element (2) is completely interrupted.

13. Filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe filling valve (3) comprises a filling valve seat (13) and that the filling material valve plunger (4) arranged to be axially movable in the filling valve channel (12) cooperates with the filling valve seat (13) in such a way that an annular gap (15) is formed in the filling valve channel (12) in the intermediate position.

14. Filling device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the filling material valve plunger (4) has, in the region of its end which interacts with the filling valve seat (13), a plurality of sections which adjoin one another along a filling valve axis (FA), wherein the filling material valve plunger (4) has, in particular, at least one conical opening section (4.1) which tapers towards a free end (4') of the filling material valve plunger (4), at least one cylindrical annular gap section (4.2) which adjoins the conical end section (4.1) in the axial direction, and at least one conical closing section (4.3) which adjoins the cylindrical annular gap section (4.2) in the axial direction.

15. Filling machine with a filling material vessel and a plurality of filling positions, wherein at least one, preferably a plurality, in particular each of the filling positions has at least one filling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling material supply line (10) of the respective filling device (1) is fluidically connected to the filling material vessel.

16. A method for filling containers with a liquid filling material using a filling device (1) for filling containers according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the two changeover valves (6, 7) of the filling device (1) is switched to change a filling speed of the filling material.

17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in thatto fill a container with a first filling speed, the second switching valve (7) is opened and the first switching valve (6) is closed, to fill a container with a second filling speed, the first switching valve (6) is opened and the second switching valve (7) is closed and to fill a container with a third filling speed, both switching valves (6, 7) are opened.

18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the container is first filled with the filling material at the first filling speed, then at the second filling speed and finally at the third filling speed, whereby the first filling speed is lower than the second filling speed and the second filling speed is lower than the third filling speed.

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