Device for filling containers and associated operating method

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (10) for filling containers (12) with a fill material. The device (10) comprises a fill material reservoir (18) and a feed line (20) connected to the fill material reservoir (18). The device (10) further comprises a filling element (44) with a filling valve (46) and a filling line (48) connecting the fill material reservoir (18) and the filling valve (46). The device (10) also comprises a further line (54) connected to the filling line (48) for media discharge and / or media supply, and a bypass line (62) connecting the fill material feed line (20) and the further line (54).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device, preferably a rotary device, for filling containers with a material. The invention further relates to a method for operating the device. Technical background

[0002] In beverage bottling plants, gas bubbles, such as air bubbles, can form in the filling nozzle when containers are filled with liquid or pasty materials. These bubbles can occur, for example, when the filling valve is closed after a container has been filled and are drawn into the nozzle. The gas bubbles in the nozzle can negatively affect the filling process. For example, the formation of the filling stream can be impaired, and unwanted foaming can occur. These effects can lead to a deterioration in the standard deviation of filling parameters and key performance indicators, and ultimately to a lower filling quality.

[0003] To reduce the number of gas bubbles in the filling device, the filling device can be vented.

[0004] For example, DE 10 2022 119 477 A1 discloses that a buffer tank is arranged above the filling devices. The product guide located between the filling devices and the buffer tank is designed to be continuously upwards. Accordingly, no siphon effect occurs. This allows any gas that may be present in the filling device to rise continuously towards the buffer tank and be vented into it.

[0005] This conventional technique is particularly effective when used with standard filling valves and with large pipe diameters and filling restrictors with a comparatively large flow cross-section. However, a disadvantage of this technique is that it hardly works, or not at all, with small container filling valves (e.g., for bottling high-quality spirits) and small pipe diameters and filling restrictors with a comparatively small flow cross-section. In these cases, the gas bubbles barely rise, or not at all, on their own.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of creating an improved technique for venting a filling device to remove gas bubbles within the filling device. The technique is preferably intended to be effectively applicable, in particular, to small container filling valves / small pipe diameters / filling material throttles with small flow cross-sections. Summary of the invention

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

[0008] One aspect concerns a device, preferably a rotary device, for filling containers with a material (e.g., liquid or pasty). The device comprises a material reservoir (e.g., a material tank or container, preferably a ring-shaped container) for storing the material and a feed line (e.g., a main line) connected to the material reservoir for supplying the material to the reservoir (e.g., directly). The device further comprises a filling element with a filling valve for filling the container (e.g., positioned below the filling element) with the material and a filling line connecting the material reservoir and the filling valve for supplying the material from the reservoir to the filling valve (e.g., directly). The device also has an additional line which is connected (e.g. directly) to the filling line for media discharge and / or media supply (e.g. a liquid or gaseous medium).The device further comprises a bypass line that connects the fill material supply line and the additional line (e.g. directly) to each other, for supplying the fill material from the supply line via the additional line and the filling line to the fill material reservoir, preferably for venting the filling device (e.g. the filling line in the filling device and / or with the filling valve closed).

[0009] Advantageously, the device allows for venting of the filling line within the filling device, right up to the filling valve. This enables venting to be completed within seconds. The gas bubbles can be conveyed towards the product reservoir, effectively filling the filling device and the product reservoir backwards, i.e., against the normal flow direction in the filling line when filling containers. Even if air is repeatedly introduced during the filling process, this backward filling method advantageously removes it back towards the product reservoir. The technique also eliminates the need for a drip tray below the filling device, as the product is preferably not pushed forwards out of the filling device, but backwards towards the product reservoir.This technique is particularly advantageous for small container filling devices with very small flow cross-sections, where conventional venting techniques achieve only inadequate results. Back-filling is facilitated by the bypass line, which allows the material to be fed through the additional line to the filling device. In this context, the bypass line also allows for the alternative use of the additional line. Besides its primary function, such as removing material or cleaning medium from the filling line at a desired time, it can also be used to vent the filling line adjacent to the filling valve during normal operation. In other words, the bypass line allows the additional line to be assigned the additional function of venting the filling line within the filling device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the additional line is a drain line connected to the filling line for removing the contents and / or cleaning medium from the filling device (e.g., directly). Advantageously, the drain line, which already provides a connection to the filling line within the filling device, can be used to vent the filling line. Therefore, an additional, separate line solely for venting is advantageously unnecessary.

[0011] It goes without saying that, alternatively, there is the possibility that the additional pipe is intended solely or primarily for venting.

[0012] In another embodiment, the device further comprises a bypass valve arranged in the bypass line. This advantageously enables safe and reliable use of the bypass line as well as precise venting.

[0013] In one embodiment, the filling device has an additional valve, preferably a return valve, in the secondary line. Advantageously, this allows the secondary line to reliably perform its intended function (e.g., draining the filling material or cleaning medium from the filling device at a desired time) while simultaneously enabling precise control of the venting function. The secondary valve can thus be advantageously used for two completely different functions, saving the costs and effort of otherwise requiring additional valve technology.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the device also has a control unit which is configured, preferably for venting the filling element (e.g., for venting the filling line in the filling element): to open or keep open the bypass valve and / or to open the further valve; and / or in a work cycle in which a single container is filled (e.g. after closing the filling valve) to open or keep open the bypass valve and / or to open the further valve, preferably for a predetermined duration (e.g. between 1 s and 5 s) and / or over a predetermined treatment angle (e.g. between 30° and 80°, preferably between 45° and 60°) of the rotary device.

[0015] This allows for particularly reliable and rapid venting, which is advantageous.

[0016] Preferably, the term "control device" can refer to electronics (e.g., implemented as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data storage) and / or mechanical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic control systems, which, depending on their design, can perform control tasks, regulation tasks, and / or processing tasks. Although the term "control" is used here, it can also appropriately encompass or refer to "regulation" or "feedback control" and / or "processing."

[0017] In one version, the control unit is configured to open and / or keep open the other valve and the bypass valve simultaneously or at least overlapping in time during the operating cycle after the filling valve has closed. This advantageously enables particularly reliable and rapid venting.

[0018] In another embodiment, the filling device has a static (e.g., annular or tubular) material flow restrictor, preferably located in the filling line. Preferably, the static material flow restrictor can have a flow diameter of ≤ 5 mm, ≤ 4 mm, or ≤ 3 mm. The venting technology proposed herein is therefore particularly advantageous for use with filling devices in small containers.

[0019] For example, the static filling material throttle can have a (filling material) flow cross-section ≤ 20 mm 2< or ≤ 13 mm 2< or ≤ 8 mm 2< or ≤ 7.5 mm 2<.

[0020] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a fill material source for supplying the fill material. Preferably, the supply line can connect the fill material source and the fill material reservoir for supplying the fill material from the fill material source to the fill material reservoir (e.g., directly). Advantageously, this ensures a reliable supply of fill material for filling the fill material reservoir and for venting the filling device.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the device also includes a return reservoir. Preferably, the additional line can connect the filling line and the return reservoir for conveying the filling material and / or cleaning medium from the filling device to the return reservoir (e.g., directly). Advantageously, this allows a medium to be conveyed via the additional line to the return reservoir, thus enabling, for example, further use or safe disposal of the conveyed medium.

[0022] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a return gas line, which is arranged for venting back gas through the filling device during the filling of the container. Advantageously, the function of venting the back gas via the return gas line, which is required during filling, can thus be provided separately from the venting function via the bypass and the additional line, which can therefore be used directly after filling.

[0023] In another embodiment, at least one of the following is fulfilled: The feed line opens into the filling material reservoir and / or ends in the filling material reservoir; the feed line runs completely outside the filling device; and the further line branches off from a section of the filling line arranged in the filling device between the filling valve and the filling material reservoir.

[0024] In one version, at least one of the following is fulfilled: The bypass line connects the feed line and the further line directly to each other; the bypass line is arranged completely outside of the filling device; the bypass line is arranged in a stationary part of the rotary device; the bypass line branches off from a section of the feed line which is arranged upstream of a media distributor, preferably a rotary distributor, of the device with respect to a material feed flow (e.g. from the material source); and the bypass line opens into and / or terminates in the further line, preferably in a section which is arranged upstream of a media distributor, preferably a rotary distributor, of the device with respect to a material feed flow (e.g. from the material source).

[0025] Another aspect concerns a container handling system (e.g., for tempering, manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, sealing, pasteurizing, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking, and / or packaging containers for liquid or pasty media, preferably beverages, liquid food products, or products from the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries). The container handling system may include the device as disclosed herein. For example, the containers may be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, vials, tubes, etc.

[0026] Another aspect concerns a method for operating a device as disclosed herein for filling containers with a filling material. The method comprises: Filling a container with the fill material from the fill material reservoir via the filling line and the open filling valve; and venting the filling device (e.g., the filling line in the filling device) (e.g., directly) after filling by feeding the fill material from the feed line to the bypass line to the further line to the filling line to the fill material reservoir; and optionally filling another container with the fill material from the fill material reservoir via the filling line and the open filling valve (e.g., directly) after venting.

[0027] Advantageously, the same advantages can be achieved with this method as have already been described with reference to the apparatus. The same applies to the preferred embodiments of the method described below.

[0028] In one embodiment, at least one of the following is fulfilled: The venting of the filling device comprises opening or holding open a bypass valve in the bypass line and / or opening a further valve in the further line, preferably in a section of the further line in the filling device; (e.g.) directly before venting, the filling valve is closed at the end of the filling; and the filling and venting take place, preferably directly, one after the other in a common working cycle of the device in which a single container is filled.

[0029] In another embodiment, the method comprises at least one of the following: Feeding, preferably initial feeding, of the filling material via the feed line directly to the filling material reservoir, preferably from a filling material source; discharge of return gas from the container by means of a return gas line of the device during filling; discharge of filling material from the filling line and / or the filling device via the further line (e.g. to a return reservoir and / or during a service operation, cleaning operation or draining operation of the device); discharge of cleaning medium from the filling line and / or the filling device via the further line (e.g. to a return reservoir and / or during a service operation, cleaning operation or draining operation of the device); and supplying or discharging a medium via the further line (e.g. directly) to or from the filling device (e.g. during a service operation, cleaning operation or draining operation of the device).

[0030] The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another in any way. Brief description of the characters

[0031] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 2 is a further schematic representation of the exemplary device.

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

[0033] The Figure 1shows a device 10 for filling containers 12 with a filling material, preferably liquid or pasty.

[0034] The device 10 can be connected to an infeed conveyor 14. The device 10 can receive containers 12 from the infeed conveyor 14. The infeed conveyor 14 can be, for example, an infeed star conveyor, as shown, or a linear conveyor.

[0035] The device 10 can be connected to a discharge conveyor 16. The device 10 can transfer filled containers 12 to the discharge conveyor 16 for removal. The discharge conveyor 16 can be, for example, a star-shaped discharge conveyor, as shown, or a linear conveyor.

[0036] The device 10 has at least one filling element, as further illustrated herein by way of example with reference to Figure 2 The device 10 preferably has several filling elements 44 for the simultaneous or overlapping filling of several containers 12.

[0037] Preferably, the device 10 is designed as a rotary filling device. For example, the filling elements can be arranged, preferably evenly or equidistantly, distributed around the circumference of a filling carousel of the rotary filling device. However, it is also possible, for example, for the device 10 to be designed as a linear filling device with, for example, several filling elements arranged one behind the other or side by side.

[0038] The device 10 can transport the containers 12 during filling from an inlet of the device 10, for example at a transfer position with the inlet conveyor 14, to an outlet of the device 10, for example at a transfer position with the outlet conveyor 16, for example on a circular path.

[0039] Downstream of the device 10, a sealing device for closing the containers 12 filled by the device 10 can be arranged. For example, the discharge conveyor 16 can transport the filled containers 12 towards the sealing device. Preferably, the sealing device can be designed as a rotary sealing device.

[0040] The Figure 2 schematically shows a section of device 10.

[0041] The device 10 comprises a filling material reservoir 18, a feed line 20, at least one filling element 44 with a filling valve 46, at least one filling line 48, at least one further line 54 and a bypass line 62, wherein in Figure 2For clarity, only one filling element 44, one filling line 48, and one further line 54 are shown. The device 10 may also include, for example, a media distributor 68 and / or a control unit 70.

[0042] The material reservoir 18 stores the material within itself. The material reservoir 18 is preferably a material tank or a material vessel, e.g. a ring vessel.

[0043] Preferably, the filling material reservoir 18 is part of a filling carousel of the device 10, which is preferably designed as a rotary filling device. The filling material reservoir 18 can rotate about a main axis of rotation of the device 10 during operation.

[0044] The (main) feed line 20 is connected to the filling material reservoir 18 for supplying the filling material to the filling material reservoir 18. The feed line 20 is preferably arranged completely outside of the filling device 44.

[0045] Preferably, the feed line 20 connects a material source 22 and the material reservoir 18. The material can be fed directly from the material source 22 to the material reservoir 18 via the feed line 20.

[0046] The material source 22 can provide the material. For example, the material source 22 can be a tank filled with the material. The material source 22 is preferably stationary. For example, the material source 22 can be arranged separately from a filling carousel of the device 10, which is preferably designed as a rotary filling device.

[0047] Preferably, the feed line 20 opens into or terminates in the material reservoir 18. For example, the feed line 20 can open into or terminate in a lower section or bottom section of the material reservoir 18. The feed line 20 can supply the material directly from the material source 22 into the lower section / bottom section of the material reservoir 18.

[0048] A feed valve 24 is preferably arranged in the feed line 20. The feed valve 24 can selectively enable or block the flow of material through the feed line 20 to the material reservoir 18, or optionally adjust it. For example, the control device 70 can selectively operate the feed valve 24 to assume an enabling position, a closed position, or optionally to adjust an enabled flow cross-section.

[0049] Preferably, the feed valve 24 can be arranged upstream of the media distributor 68 with respect to a fill material feed flow from the fill material source 22.

[0050] Preferably, a (pressure) sensor 26 can detect a pressure in the supply line 20. The sensor 26 can send a signal indicating the detected pressure to the control unit 70.

[0051] It is possible that the device 10 has a (different) line 28 that is connected to the supply line 20. For example, line 28 can branch off from the supply line 20. Line 28 can be, for example, a service line or another supply line for the same product as from the source 22, or for another product, for example, from another source. A valve 30 can be arranged in line 28. The valve 30 can be, for example, a service valve. The valve 30 can selectively enable or block the flow through line 28, or optionally adjust it. For example, the control device 70 can selectively operate the valve 30 to assume an enabling position, to assume a closed position, or optionally to adjust an enabled flow cross-section.

[0052] Preferably, the device 10 can have at least one sensor 32, 34 for monitoring the filling material reservoir 18.

[0053] For example, a (level) sensor 32 can be used to detect the fill level of the material in the reservoir 18. The sensor 32 can send a signal indicating the detected fill level in the reservoir 18 to the control unit 70.

[0054] For example, a temperature sensor 34 can be used to detect the temperature of the contents in the reservoir 18. The sensor 34 can send a signal indicating the detected temperature of the contents in the reservoir 18 to the control unit 70.

[0055] It is possible that the device 10 has a cleaning line 36. The cleaning line 36 can open into the material reservoir 18. A cleaning medium can be supplied to the material reservoir 18 via the cleaning line 36 for cleaning the material reservoir 18. For example, the cleaning line 36 can be connected to a cleaning medium source (not shown in the figures) for receiving a cleaning medium from the cleaning medium source.

[0056] Preferably, the cleaning line 36 can be connected to a spray device, e.g., a spray cone device, in the material reservoir 18. The spray device can spray cleaning medium supplied via the cleaning line 36 into the material reservoir 18 to clean the material reservoir 18.

[0057] It is also possible that the device 10 has a pressure relief line 38. The pressure relief line 38 can be connected to the filling material reservoir 18, preferably to an upper section of the filling material reservoir 18. An undesirably high (e.g., over-)pressure in the filling material reservoir 18 can be reduced via the pressure relief line 38.

[0058] A valve 40 can be arranged in the pressure relief line 38 for selectively blocking or releasing the pressure relief line 38. The valve 40 can preferably be designed as a (e.g., spring-loaded) pressure relief valve (also called a safety valve or pressure limiting valve), for example, with a valve element elastically pre-tensioned in a closed position. Preferably, a sensor 42 can be connected to the pressure relief line 38 for monitoring the pressure relief line 38. The sensor 42 can, for example, detect whether there is material in the pressure relief line 38. The sensor 42 can send a corresponding signal to the control unit 70.

[0059] The container 12 can be filled with the material from the reservoir 18 via the filling element 44. Preferably, the filling element 44 and the container 12 can be pressed together, preferably airtight, during filling. For example, a container opening of the container 12 can be pressed against a centering bell of the filling element 44. A lifting device can be included for pressing the two containers together. The lifting device can, for example, lower the filling element 44, at least partially, onto a container opening of the container 12 and / or raise a container support (e.g., a clamp or support plate) that supports the container 12 below the filling element 44, so that it can be positioned against the filling element 44.

[0060] The filling element 44 includes the filling valve 46. The filling element 44 may also include, for example, a static filling material throttle 52 and / or another valve 58.

[0061] For example, the filling element 44 can be designed as a single assembly consisting of components 46, 52 and / or 58. For example, components 46, 52 and / or 58 can be arranged in a common housing of the filling element 44.

[0062] The container 12 can be filled with the material via the filling valve 46. The filling valve 46 can be opened to fill the container 12. The filling valve 46 can be closed to block the flow of the material through the filling valve 46. Optionally, the flow cross-section of the filling valve 46 can be adjusted, for example, to regulate the flow of the material through the filling valve 46.

[0063] For example, the filling valve 46 can have a movable valve element. Preferably, the valve element can be lifted off a valve seat (e.g., in a vertical direction), preferably annular, to open the filling valve 46. The valve element can make sealing contact with the valve seat, so that the filling valve 46 is closed. Preferably, the valve element can be designed as a valve cone or a valve cone segment.

[0064] The filling valve 46 can be actuated in any conceivable way, for example mechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically, electromagnetically, or electrically. For example, the control device 70 can selectively operate the filling valve 46 to assume a release position, a closed position, or optionally to adjust a released flow cross-section.

[0065] A filling line 48 connects the filling material reservoir 18 and the filling valve 46 for supplying the filling material from the filling material reservoir 18 to the filling valve 46, preferably directly.

[0066] Preferably, the filling line 48 can be arranged partially outside and partially inside the filling element 44. For example, a first section of the filling line 48 can be arranged outside the filling element 44. Preferably, one end of the first section of the filling line 48 can be adjacent to the filling material reservoir 18, e.g., to a lower / bottom area thereof. A second, opposite end of the first section of the filling line 48 can be adjacent to the filling element 44. A second section of the filling line 48 can be arranged inside the filling element 44. A first end of the second section of the filling line 48 can be adjacent to the second end of the first section of the filling line 48. A second, opposite end of the second section of the filling line 48 can be adjacent to the filling valve 46.

[0067] Preferably, a sensor 50 for detecting the contents can be connected in the filling line 48. For example, the sensor 50 can be arranged outside of the filling device 44. For example, the sensor 50 for detecting the contents can be arranged in the first section of the filling line 48.

[0068] For example, a sensor 50 can be used to detect the flow rate (e.g., flow quantity / volume flow) of the material through the filling line 48 and / or the flow direction of the material through the filling line 48. The sensor 50 can send a signal indicating a detected flow rate and / or flow direction of the material in the filling line 48 to the control unit 70.

[0069] The static material flow restrictor 52 can be arranged in the filling device 44 to restrict the flow of the material. Specifically, the static material flow restrictor 52 can preferably be arranged in the second section of the filling line 48, e.g., directly adjacent to the filling valve 46. The static material flow restrictor 52 can, for example, be an orifice or an orifice tube.

[0070] The static material flow restrictor 52 may preferably have a comparatively small restrictor diameter. For example, the static material flow restrictor 52 may have a restrictor diameter of ≤ 5 mm, ≤ 4 mm, or ≤ 3 mm.

[0071] It is possible, for example, that in the first section of the filling line 48 an adjustable filling material throttle, preferably pneumatically or motor-driven, is arranged.

[0072] The further line 54 is connected to the filling line 48 for the discharge and / or supply of a medium. The medium is preferably liquid, but could in principle also be gaseous.

[0073] Particularly preferred is the additional line 54, which is a discharge line. The additional line 54 can be connected to the filling line 48 for the discharge of filling material and / or cleaning medium from the filling device 44. For example, the additional line 54 can connect the filling line 48 and a return reservoir 56.

[0074] Preferably, the additional line 54 can be arranged partially outside and partially inside the filling element 44. For example, a first section of the additional line 54 can be arranged outside the filling element 44. Preferably, one end of the first section of the additional line 54 can be adjacent to the return reservoir 56. A second, opposite end of the first section of the additional line 54 can be adjacent to the filling element 44. A second section of the additional line 54 can be arranged inside the filling element 44. A first end of the second section of the additional line 54 can be adjacent to the second end of the first section of the additional line 54. A second, opposite end of the second section of the additional line 54 can be adjacent to the filling line 48. Preferably, the additional line 54 can branch off from a (second) section of the filling line 48 arranged inside the filling element 44.

[0075] At least one valve 58, 60 can be arranged in the further line 54. For example, the further valve 58 can be arranged in the filling element 44. Alternatively or additionally, the further valve 60 can be arranged outside of the filling element. Preferably, the valve 58 and the valve 60 can be arranged on opposite sides of the media distributor 68.

[0076] Preferably, the at least one valve 58, 60 is designed as a return valve. The return valve can enable the return of filling material or cleaning medium from the filling element 44 to the return reservoir 56.

[0077] The valve 58 and / or 60 can selectively allow or block the flow of media through the further line 54 or optionally adjust it.

[0078] The bypass line 62 connects the feed line 20 and the further line 54, preferably directly. By means of the bypass line 62, material can be fed from the feed line 20 to the further line 54 and then from the further line 54 to the filling line 48. Preferably, the bypass line 62 can branch off from a section of the feed line 20 that is located upstream of the feed valve 24 and / or the media distributor 68 with respect to a material feed flow from the material source 22.

[0079] Preferably, the bypass line 64 can lead into or terminate in the further line 54, preferably in a section of the further line 54 between the valves 58 and 60 and / or with respect to a filling material supply flow from the filling material source 22 upstream of the media distributor 68.

[0080] For example, the bypass line 62 can be arranged in a stationary / fixed part of the device 10, which is preferably designed as a rotary device. Preferably, the bypass line 62 can be arranged completely outside of the filling element 44.

[0081] Preferably, a bypass valve 64 can be arranged in the bypass line 62. The bypass valve 64 can selectively enable or block the flow of material through the bypass line 62, or optionally adjust it. For example, the control device 70 can selectively operate the bypass valve 64 to assume an enabling position, a closed position, or optionally to adjust an enabled flow cross-section.

[0082] The device may have 10 additional valves and / or lines, such as a return gas line 66. The return gas line 66 is preferably arranged to discharge return gas through the filling device 44 during the filling of the container 12. Return gas can be discharged from the container 12 by means of the return gas line 66 during the filling of the container 12 with the material. The return gas line 66 may, for example, have a first section that is arranged in the filling device 44 and a second section that is arranged outside of the filling device 44.

[0083] It is also possible that, for example, the filling line 48, further line 54 and / or the return gas line 66 have a buffer volume within the filling device 44, as shown in Figure 2 This is indicated, for example, by a box in each of the respective lines 54 and 66, for lines 54 and 66 respectively.

[0084] As already mentioned, the device 10 may include the media distributor 68. Preferably, the media distributor 68 can be designed as a rotary distributor. The rotary distributor can connect at least one line section of a stationary part of the device 10 with at least one line section of a rotating part (e.g., filler carousel) of the device 10.

[0085] For example, the supply line 20, the cleaning line 36, the additional line 54 and / or the return gas line 66 can pass through the media distributor 68. Preferably, the media distributor 68, which is designed as a rotary distributor, can connect a stationary section of the supply line 20, the cleaning line 36, the additional line 54 and / or the return gas line 66 with a section of the supply line 20, the cleaning line 36, the additional line 54 and / or the return gas line 66 that rotates with the rotating part of the device 10.

[0086] The following describes a procedure for operating the device 10.

[0087] Preferably, the device 10 can be operated by the control unit 70. Specifically, the control unit 70 can, for example, operate the valve 24, 30, 46, 58, 60 and / or 64. Preferably, the control unit 70 can receive a signal from the sensor 26, 32, 34, 42 and / or 50.

[0088] The device 10 is operated such that a container 12 is filled with the fill material from the fill material reservoir 18 by opening the filling valve 46. During filling, the container 12 is preferably positioned below the filling element 44 and / or the filling valve 46. For example, the control device 70 can operate the filling valve 46 to open it.

[0089] It is possible that the container 12 is evacuated, rinsed and / or pre-tensioned before filling, e.g. by means of the filling device 44.

[0090] The filling process can be stopped, for example, by closing the filling valve 46. For instance, the control unit 70 can operate the filling valve 46 to close it in order to stop the filling process.

[0091] The device 10 is further operated such that the filling element 44 is vented after filling by supplying the material from the feed line 20 via the bypass line 62 to the further line 54 to the filling line 48 to the material reservoir 18. For this purpose, for example, the bypass valve 64 in the bypass line 62 and the valve 58 in the further line 54 can be opened, e.g., operated by the control unit 70. Alternatively, for example, the bypass valve 64 can already be open and only the valve 58 in the further line 54 needs to be opened.

[0092] To remove air bubbles from the section of filling line 48 in the filling device 44, (partially) from the filling valve 46 and from the static filling material throttle 52, filling material can be supplied to filling line 48 via the bypass line 62 and the further line 54. The supplied filling material (together with the conveyed air bubbles) can flow into the filling material reservoir 18 and thus further fill it.

[0093] During venting, the supply valve 24, the valve 30 and / or the valve 60 may preferably be closed.

[0094] Initially and possibly also during operation, the filling material reservoir 18 can be filled (mainly) directly via the feed line 20 leading into the filling material reservoir 18 through the open feed valve 24, e.g. up to a desired fill level of the filling material in the filling material reservoir 18, e.g. detected by means of the sensor 32.

[0095] Preferably, the filling and venting, e.g. directly, take place one after the other in a common work cycle of the device 10, wherein a single container 12 is filled in the work cycle.

[0096] For example, in the work cycle, after the filling valve 46 has closed, the bypass valve 64 and / or the valve 58 can be opened, preferably for a predetermined duration and / or over a predetermined treatment angle of the rotary device 10. The valve 60, on the other hand, can be closed.

[0097] As exemplified in Figure 1 As illustrated, a work cycle can have a first section I and a second section II. In the first section I, the container 12 can be filled with the material, and, for example, evacuated, rinsed and / or pre-pressurized beforehand. In the second section II, venting can take place.

[0098] Sections I and II can preferably be directly adjacent to each other.

[0099] Preferably, a specified duration and / or treatment angle for the first section I can be greater than a specified duration or treatment angle for the second section II.

[0100] For example, a treatment angle for filling (and possibly prior evacuation, rinsing and / or pre-tensioning) or for section I can be between 220° and 285°, e.g. between 250° and 260°.

[0101] For example, a treatment angle for venting or for section II can be between 30° and 80°, e.g. between 45° and 60°.

[0102] The device 10 can preferably also be operated, for example, in a cleaning mode such that a medium (e.g., cleaning medium or fill material) can be discharged from the filling element 44 via the additional line 54, e.g., to the return reservoir. In this case, for example, the bypass valve 64 can be closed and the valves 58 and / or 60 can be open. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible that the device 10 can be operated such that a medium different from the fill material (e.g., cleaning medium) can be supplied to the filling line 48 via the additional line 54.

[0103] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the filling reservoir, the feed line, the filling device, the filling valve, the filling line, the further line, and / or the bypass line of independent claim 1.All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way that all values ​​falling within the respective range are individually disclosed, e.g., also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range. Reference symbol list 10 device 44 Filling organ 12 container 46 Filling valve 14 Inlet conveyor 48 Filling line 16 discharge conveyor 50 (e.g. flow) sensor 18 Filling material reservoir 52 static filling material throttle 20 Supply line 54 (further) line 22 Source of filling material 56 Return reservoir 24 feed valve 58 (another) valve 26 (e.g. pressure) sensor 60 valve 28 Line 62 Bypass line 30 valve 64 Bypass valve 32 (e.g. level) sensor 66 Return line 34 (e.g. temperature) sensor 68 Media distribution list 36 Cleaning line 70 Control unit 38 Pressure relief line 40 valve I first section 42 sensor II second section

Claims

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

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

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a bypass valve (64) arranged in the bypass line (62).

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

5. Device (10) according to claim 3 and / or claim 4, further comprising: a control device (70) which, preferably for venting the filling element, is configured to: - open or keep open the bypass valve (64) and / or open the further valve (58); and / or - in a work cycle in which a single container (12) is filled, after closing the filling valve (46), to open or keep open the bypass valve (64) and / or to open the further valve (58), preferably for a predetermined duration and / or over a predetermined treatment angle of the rotary device (10).

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, wherein: the control device (70) is configured to open and / or keep open the further valve (58) and the bypass valve simultaneously or at least overlapping in time during the operating cycle after the filling valve (46) has closed.

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

8. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a fill material source (22) for providing the fill material, wherein: the feed line (20) connects the fill material source (22) and the fill material reservoir (18) for supplying the fill material from the fill material source (22) to the fill material reservoir (18).

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

10. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a return gas line (66) which is arranged for diverting return gas through the filling device (44) when filling the container (12).

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

12. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the bypass line (62) connects the feed line (20) and the further line (54) directly to each other; the bypass line (62) is arranged completely outside of the filling element (44); the bypass line (62) is arranged in a stationary part of the rotary device (10); the bypass line (62) branches off from a section of the feed line (20) which is arranged upstream of a media distributor (68), preferably a rotary distributor, of the device (10) with respect to a material feed flow; and the bypass line (62) opens into and / or terminates in the further line (54), preferably in a section which is arranged upstream of a media distributor (68), preferably a rotary distributor, of the device (10) with respect to a material feed flow.

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

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the venting of the filling device (44) comprises opening or holding open a bypass valve (64) in the bypass line (62) and / or opening a further valve (58) in the further line (54), preferably in a section of the further line (54) in the filling device (44); before venting, the filling valve (46) is closed at the end of the filling; and the filling and venting take place, preferably directly, one after the other in a common working cycle of the device (10) in which a single container (12) is filled.

15. Method according to claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising at least one of: supplying, preferably initial supply, the filling material via the supply line (20) directly to the filling material reservoir (18), preferably from a filling material source (22); draining return gas from the container (12) by means of a return gas line (66) of the device (10) during filling; draining filling material from the filling line (48) and / or the filling element (44) via the further line (54); draining cleaning medium from the filling line (48) and / or the filling element (44) via the further line (54); and supplying or draining a medium via the further line (54) to or from the filling element (44).

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