Device and method for filling containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for filling containers with a filling product comprising at least one liquid phase and at least one solid and / or concentrate phase, wherein the device (1) for filling the containers comprises at least one filling element (2) with a filling valve (3), wherein the at least one filling element (2) is connected via a first filling line (10) to a first storage container (11) of the device (1) providing the liquid phase, wherein a flow measuring device (12) is arranged in the first filling line (10), and wherein the at least one filling element (2) is connected via a second filling line (20) to a second storage container (21) of the device (1) providing the solid and / or concentrate phase.and wherein a metering vessel (40) with a displacement element (41) is arranged in the second filling line (20) for the controlled and / or regulated metering of the solid and / or concentrate phase.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for filling containers with a filling product comprising at least one liquid phase and at least one solid and / or concentrate phase. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for filling containers with a filling product comprising at least one liquid phase and at least one solid and / or concentrate phase.

[0002] Devices and methods for filling containers with a liquid filling product consisting of at least two components that are introduced into the respective container separately in a volume- and / or quantity-controlled manner have long been known to those skilled in the art.

[0003] In particular, such devices for filling fruit juices as a filling product are known, wherein one component is, for example, liquid and homogeneous, and another component has, for example, a high proportion of solids, e.g., fruit pulp and / or fruit fiber. This is therefore a filling product comprising at least one liquid phase and at least one solid and / or concentrate phase.

[0004] For volume- or quantity-controlled filling, volume or quantity measuring devices or flow meters are often used, in particular non-contact electronic flow meters, for example magnetic inductive flow meters, which are very suitable for electrically conductive liquid and homogeneous components and provide exact measurement signals dependent on the respective volume flow, but are not suitable or only conditionally suitable for inhomogeneous components, especially those containing solids in high concentrations.

[0005] For volume- or quantity-controlled filling of a product consisting of two components, the German patent application DE 10 2009 049 583 A1 already proposes providing a separate liquid path for each component to be introduced into the respective container one after the other, connected to a storage container for the respective component, and arranging a flow meter only in one of the liquid paths, namely in the liquid path for a first liquid and homogeneous component, with which the quantity of this component introduced into the respective container during filling is measured directly and the quantity of a second component introduced into the respective container is measured indirectly.The latter is achieved by introducing the second component into a section of the liquid channel containing the first component before it is introduced into the container. In this section, the first component is displaced and flows back through the flow meter into a vessel containing the first component. This backflow of the first component is measured by the flow meter.

[0006] The introduction of the second component into the container does not occur immediately during the measurement, but rather in a subsequent process step. A certain disadvantage is that the components can mix in the first liquid channel or within that section, and that the flow meter is subjected to opposite flow directions during the quantity measurements of the first and second components, which can lead to measurement errors.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a device for filling containers with a filling product comprising at least one liquid phase and at least one solid and / or concentrate phase, which enables precise filling of the filling product, particularly with regard to a predetermined ratio of liquid phase and solid and / or concentrate phase.

[0008] This problem is solved by a device for filling containers with a filling product comprising at least one liquid phase and at least one solid and / or concentrate phase, according to the features of independent claim 1. A method for filling containers with a filling product comprising at least one liquid phase and at least one solid and / or concentrate phase is the subject of independent claim 17. The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for filling containers with a filling product comprising at least one liquid phase and at least one solid and / or concentrate phase.

[0010] The filling product may be, in particular, juice or the like, or more generally, liquids containing particles such as pieces of fruit and / or powder.

[0011] The term "solid and / or concentrate phase" refers to flowable media, particularly those containing particles such as fruit pulp. The solid and / or concentrate phase can be formed primarily by the proportion of fruit pulp and / or fruit fibers in the filler product. For example, the solid and / or concentrate phase may contain solid particles up to 10 mm x 10 mm x 10 mm and / or fruit fibers up to 25 mm in length.

[0012] For the purposes of this invention, "containers" are in particular cans, bottles, barrels, including kegs, each made of metal, glass and / or plastic, preferably PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Advantageously, the containers are those which have a ring or flange (neck ring) at the neck forming the container opening.

[0013] Furthermore, the device according to the invention for filling the containers has at least one filling element with a filling valve, wherein the at least one filling element is connected via a first filling line to a first storage container of the device providing the liquid phase, wherein a flow measuring device is arranged in the first filling line, wherein the at least one filling element is connected via a second filling line to a second storage container of the device providing the solid and / or concentrate phase, wherein a metering vessel with a displacement element is arranged in the second filling line for controlled and / or regulated metering of the solid and / or concentrate phase.

[0014] The displacement element can form or have a free interior space that is fluid-tightly separated from the receiving space of the dosing vessel. The solid and / or concentrate phase of the product can be introduced into this receiving space from the second storage container via the second product line and stored there, at least temporarily. The free interior space of the displacement element is, in contrast, free of the solid and / or concentrate phase of the product. In particular, the free interior space of the displacement element can be fluid-tightly separated from the receiving space by means of a bellows. Alternatively, the displacement element itself can be designed as a bellows.

[0015] By routing the liquid phase and the solid and / or concentrate phase separately in different lines and combining them only at the filling valve, mixing of the components in the first filling line is avoided. This reduces the risk of deposits and blockages in the lines and ensures more precise dosing of both phases. Furthermore, the flow meter in the first filling line ensures that the quantity of the liquid phase is measured accurately, without backflow or mixing with the solid and / or concentrate phase affecting the measurement. This significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of the volumetric measurement.

[0016] The dosing vessel integrated into the second filling line, featuring a displacement element, enables precise and controlled addition of the solid and / or concentrate phase. This ensures that the solid components are added in the correct quantity and at the correct time, resulting in a uniform and consistent product quality. The system is therefore capable of handling various filling products with different proportions of liquid and solid and / or concentrate phases.

[0017] The device according to the invention thus enables the precise and controlled filling of containers with filling products that contain a liquid phase and a solid and / or concentrate phase. This is particularly facilitated by the separate handling of the two phases, the precise measurement of the quantities, and the controlled addition of the solid and / or concentrate phase, thereby improving product quality and the efficiency of the filling process.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the first filling line and / or the second filling line are directly connected to the filling element. In other words, the first filling line and / or the second filling line can terminate in the filling element on the outlet side.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the dosing vessel with the displacement element can be designed as a piston-cylinder system. A piston-cylinder system advantageously enables very precise dosing of the solid and / or concentrate phase. In particular, the volume of the solid and / or concentrate phase to be dosed can be precisely controlled and / or regulated by a linear drive movement of the piston, resulting in high dosing accuracy. Advantageously, the drive movement for the piston-cylinder system can be generated by a mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive, especially a linear drive or a spindle drive. This controllability allows for precise adjustment of the dosing process.

[0020] To control the drive and / or various other components of the device, it advantageously has a control unit. The control unit enables precise monitoring and control of the entire filling process.

[0021] Such drives, particularly electric linear or spindle drives, ensure high reproducibility in dosing for the piston-cylinder system. This guarantees that the same quantity of solid and / or concentrate phase is added in every filling process, thus improving the consistency and quality of the final product. Furthermore, the piston-cylinder system can be adapted to varying quantity requirements for the solid and / or concentrate phase. This can be achieved either by adjusting the stroke volume of the piston in the dosing vessel or by setting the length of the piston's actuating movement, allowing for different dosing quantities of the solid and / or concentrate phase, thereby increasing the flexibility of the device.

[0022] The mechanical movement of the piston actively forces the solid and / or concentrate phase out of the cylinder. This minimizes the risk of blockages that can occur with other dosing systems, especially when handling media containing solids. The piston-cylinder dosing vessel offers numerous technical advantages, resulting in more precise, reliable, and hygienic dosing of the solid and / or concentrate phase, while simultaneously increasing the flexibility and efficiency of the filling process.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the displacement element can be designed as a diaphragm or a bellows. The piston-cylinder system is thus advantageously designed for easy cleaning, as diaphragms and bellows are easier to clean than rigid mechanical systems. Furthermore, the diaphragms and bellows can be made of easily sterilizable materials, which is particularly beneficial in the food and beverage industry for ensuring high hygiene standards. Easy cleaning prevents contamination and ensures product safety. Additionally, diaphragms and bellows enable uniform and gentle displacement of the solid and / or concentrate phase. This is especially advantageous for sensitive or fragile particles in the solid and / or concentrate phase that should not be damaged during dosing.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a first switching and / or control valve is arranged in the second filling line between the second storage container and the metering vessel, and a second switching and / or control valve is arranged between the metering vessel and the filling element.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, a switching and / or control valve can be arranged in the first filling line between the flow meter and the filling element. Advantageously, the filling speed of the material to be filled can be influenced, and in particular adjusted, by the switching and / or control valve between the flow meter and the filling element. Furthermore, the control device can advantageously be connected to all switching and / or control valves and configured to actuate them.In particular, in a first step, a predetermined quantity of solid and / or concentrate phase can be dosed into the dosing vessel, before, after the solid and / or concentrate dosage, the required quantity of liquid phase is determined, in particular calculated, by means of the control device to fill the container to nominal volume, and is measured by means of the flow meter during filling into the container.

[0026] The first switching and / or control valve, located between the second storage container and the dosing vessel, allows for precise control of the feed of the solid and / or concentrate phase to the dosing vessel. This ensures that only the desired quantity of solid and / or concentrate phase enters the dosing vessel, thereby increasing dosing accuracy. The second switching and / or control valve, located between the dosing vessel and the filling element, prevents backflow of the product and minimizes the risk of cross-contamination between different filling operations. Furthermore, the first and second switching and / or control valves allow for flexible adjustment of the dosing process. For example, the second switching and / or control valve can remain closed while the dosing vessel is being filled and then opened to direct the solid and / or concentrate phase to the filling element. This flexibility enables more precise control of the entire filling process.The first switching and / or control valve prevents too much solid and / or concentrate phase from entering the dosing vessel during solid and / or concentrate dosing, while the second switching and / or control valve ensures that solid and / or concentrate phase only enters the filling element during solid and / or concentrate dosing.

[0027] Furthermore, the pressure in the second filling line can be optimally controlled using the first and second switching and / or control valves. This reduces pressure losses and ensures a uniform and continuous flow of the solid and / or concentrate phase. The arrangement and use of switching and / or control valves in the second filling line thus enables more precise control, increased safety, better automation options, and generally improved efficiency and flexibility of the filling process.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second storage container can be equipped with a pressure control circuit for pressurizing the solid and / or concentrate phase. Advantageously, the first storage container can also be equipped with a pressure control circuit for pressurizing the liquid phase. The overpressure in the first and second storage containers ensures a uniform and controlled material flow. This results in a constant supply of the solid and liquid phases, which increases dosing accuracy and minimizes fluctuations in the actual filling process. Furthermore, overpressure in the second storage container, which provides the solid and / or concentrate phase, helps to prevent blockages in the second filling line.The continuous pressure maintained by the pressure control circuit ensures that the liquid phase flows smoothly through the second filling line to the dosing vessel or filling element. Furthermore, the overpressure maintained by the pressure control circuit in the first and second storage tanks also contributes to a constant flow rate of the solid and liquid phases to the tank. This improves dosing accuracy, as the flow rate remains stable and predictable. Equipping the first and second storage tanks with a pressure control circuit for pressurization offers advantages that result in a more efficient, precise, and hygienic filling process.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the filling valve may have a filling valve housing with a filling valve channel and a filling valve plunger that is axially displaceable within the filling valve channel and is movable in a controlled manner at least between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the filling valve plunger or a sealing element arranged on the filling valve plunger abuts a valve seat of the filling valve channel. Such a filling valve, in conjunction with the control device, enables precise control and / or regulation of the opening and closing process of the filling valve. This allows for precise metering of the liquid phase and solid and / or concentrate phase into the container.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the second filling line can be arranged to open into the filling valve channel of the filling valve housing above the valve seat. When the second filling line opens above the valve seat, the liquid and solid and / or concentrate phases can mix more efficiently in the filling valve channel before entering the container. This ensures a uniform distribution of the solid and / or concentrate phase within the liquid phase. Furthermore, arranging the second filling line above the valve seat minimizes the risk of blockages in the valve seat area. Because the second filling line opens into the filling valve channel above the valve seat, the filling process can respond quickly to control commands. This enables more precise and faster filling, as the filling valve can be opened and closed more efficiently.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second filling line can be arranged to open into the filling valve channel of the filling valve housing below the valve seat. The arrangement of the second filling line below the valve seat can be designed to keep the solid and liquid phases separate until the very last moment. This can be particularly advantageous when precise dosing of the solid and / or concentrate phase is required, independent of the liquid phase. By introducing the solid and / or concentrate phase separately below the valve seat, the quantity of solid particles can be dosed and controlled more precisely, independent of the liquid phase entering through the filling valve. This improves the dosing accuracy and flexibility of the filling process.Introducing the solid and / or concentrate phase below the valve seat also reduces the risk of solid particles blocking—i.e., clogging—the valve seat or settling in the filling valve channel. This contributes to trouble-free operation and a longer service life for the valve components by reducing the risk of blockages at the filling element's valve seat. Furthermore, positioning the line below the valve seat helps minimize backflow of the solid and / or concentrate phase, as the pressure above the valve seat forces the particles downwards. This prevents the solids from flowing back into the liquid phase and causing mixing problems. Positioning the second filling line below the valve seat in the filling valve channel of the filling valve body offers particular advantages, resulting in more efficient, hygienic, and precise filling.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the flow meter and the dosing vessel with the displacement element can be connected to the control unit via communication. Through continuous communication between the control unit, the flow meter, and the dosing vessel, the control unit can use real-time data to precisely regulate the dosing of the liquid phase and the solid and / or concentrate phase. Automation and real-time monitoring by the control unit contribute to consistent product quality and enable flexible adaptation to varying production requirements.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, the displacement element of the dosing vessel can be driven, and in particular moved, by means of a linear or spindle drive. Specifically, the linear or spindle drive can also be connected to the control unit and controlled by the control unit based on measured values ​​from the flow meter. Initiating movement of the displacement element by means of a linear or spindle drive enables highly precise control of the displacement element's movement. This results in accurate dosing of the solid and / or concentrate phase, as the drive can precisely control and / or regulate the position and speed of the displacement element. The precise control of the drive ensures repeatable movements of the displacement element.This guarantees consistent dosing from batch to batch, improving the quality of the filled product. Furthermore, the use of a linear or spindle drive allows for flexible adjustment of the dosing quantities. The drive can be quickly and easily adjusted to different dosing requirements, increasing the adaptability of the device. Linear and spindle drives also provide smooth and controlled movement of the displacement element. This reduces mechanical stress and wear, extending the service life of the system and minimizing maintenance.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the displacement element of the metering vessel is fluidically driven, in particular movable.

[0035] The fluidic drive of the displacement element is advantageously designed as a hydraulic drive, thus enabling very precise control of the displacement element's movement. This results in exact metering of the solid and / or concentrate phase. Furthermore, the fluidic drive ensures smooth and uniform movement, minimizing mechanical shocks and jerks. This is particularly important for ensuring consistent filling. The fluidic drive is also designed to transmit high forces, which is especially beneficial when viscous or solids-rich media need to be metered as the solid and / or concentrate phase. This expands the device's application possibilities to a wide variety of filling products.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment, the dosing vessel may be provided with a stop element, and the displacement element may be movable between a first and a second position, with the displacement element bearing against the stop element in its first position. The stop element may be arranged within an interior space of the dosing vessel and is preferably rod-shaped. Alternatively, the stop element may be telescopic, allowing its length to be adjusted. The stop element serves as a mechanical endpoint for the movement of the displacement element. This ensures precise limitation of the displacement element's range of motion and prevents it from moving beyond its intended positions.The defined stop element ensures that the displacement element always returns to exactly the same starting position (first position). This enables reproducible dosing, as the starting point of the dosing movement is always the same.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment, a branch line can be provided from the first filling line for the fluidic actuation of the displacement element using the liquid phase. Advantageously, a switching and / or control valve can be provided in the branch line. The branch line opens, in particular, into a free interior space of the displacement element of the metering vessel. The branch line can be located between the flow meter and the filling element and branch off from the first filling line. By using the existing liquid phase for the fluidic actuation of the displacement element, the need for a separate drive system is avoided, which saves costs and reduces the complexity of the device.Integrating the branch line into the existing primary liquid phase line simplifies the design and construction of the device, as fewer components are required compared to a separate actuator. In this configuration, the liquid phase is used for both filling and actuating the displacement element. Integrating a switching and / or control valve into the branch line enables precise control of the liquid phase used to actuate the displacement element. This allows for precise control and / or regulation of the dosing of the solid and / or concentrate phase, with the dosing quantity being measured by the flow meter in the primary line. For this purpose, the switching and / or control valve can be connected to the control unit.

[0038] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device may include a fluid line decoupled from the first filling line for the fluidic actuation of the displacement element, wherein, in particular, a further flow measuring device is provided in the fluid line. The fluid line opens, in particular, into the free interior of the displacement element of the metering vessel. The fluid line may be connected to a water supply by means of which it can be pressurized with water. Advantageously, a switching and / or control valve may be provided in the fluid line between the further flow measuring device and the metering vessel. By using a separate, preferably sterile, fluid line for actuating the displacement element, the control system is independent of the first filling line.This enables precise and independent control of the displacement element's movements without affecting the liquid phase filling process. The additional flow meter in the liquid line allows for accurate monitoring and control of the water quantity used. This results in more precise control of the displacement element's movements and thus more accurate dosing of the solid and / or concentrate phase. A decoupled liquid line ensures a stable and consistent water supply to the displacement element, independent of fluctuations or variations in the primary filling line. This improves the reliability of the entire filling process.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment, the filling element may include a funnel element that can be pivoted, in particular laterally, beneath a dispensing opening of the filling element. The funnel element allows the solid and / or concentrate phase of the product to be introduced into the container to be filled in a controlled manner. The funnel element can be mounted on an actuating mechanism that can be driven, in particular pivoted, so that the funnel element is ultimately configured to rotate between the container opening and the dispensing opening of the filling element.

[0040] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for filling containers with a filling product comprising at least one liquid phase and at least one solid and / or concentrate phase by means of a device for filling the containers comprising at least one filling element with a filling valve, wherein the at least one filling element is connected via a first filling line in which a flow measuring device is arranged to a first storage container of the device providing the liquid phase, and wherein the at least one filling element is connected via a second filling line to a second storage container of the device providing the solid and / or concentrate phase, wherein in the method the liquid phase is supplied to the filling element via the first filling line and the solid and / or concentrate phase is supplied to the filling element via the second filling line.wherein the quantity of liquid phase supplied to the filling element is determined by means of the flow measuring device and wherein the solid and / or concentrate phase is metered to the filling element via a metering vessel with a displacement element arranged in the second filling line.

[0041] Further developments, advantages and application possibilities of the invention also result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures.

[0042] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic functional representation of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for filling containers; Fig. 2 shows an exemplary preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic functional representation; and Fig. 3 shows an exemplary further embodiment of the device according to the invention in a schematic functional representation.

[0043] For identical or similarly acting elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used in the figures, where appropriate. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference numerals necessary or useful for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The invention is also presented in the figures only as a schematic view to illustrate its operation. In particular, the representations in the figures serve only to explain the fundamental principle of the invention.

[0044] The device generally designated by reference numeral 1 in the figures, hereinafter also referred to as filling device 1, is designed for filling containers such as PET bottles.

[0045] The filling device 1 shown is part of a filling machine, which in turn can be, for example, a component of a beverage filling or beverage processing plant and which is designed, for example, as a continuously rotating filling machine and comprises a plurality of filling positions arranged circumferentially around a machine rotor, each of which can have a filling device 1 shown.

[0046] The filling device 1 is designed for filling containers with a filling product comprising at least one liquid phase and at least one solid and / or concentrate phase. For this purpose, the filling device 1 has at least one filling element 2 with a filling valve 3, wherein the at least one filling element 2 is connected via a first filling line 10 to a first storage container 11 of the filling device 1 which provides the liquid phase.

[0047] The first storage container 11 has an upper gas space 11.1 and a lower liquid space 11.2 for the liquid phase of the product. The gas space 11.1 of the first storage container 11 can be pressurized with an inert gas at filling pressure via a pressure control circuit RK1.

[0048] In more detail, the pressure control loop RK1 of the first storage container 11 can be configured to pressurize the liquid phase. The pressure control loop RK1 can include a pressure sensor DS1 for detecting the pressure in the gas space 11.1, at least one control valve RV1, and a control unit RS1. This control unit RS1 is connected to the control device 50, in particular wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0049] Furthermore, a flow measuring device 12 is arranged in the first filling line 10, which is designed to detect the quantity of liquid phase flowing through the first filling line 10. The flow measuring device 12 can be configured to detect the flow of the liquid phase in both directions, i.e., from the first storage container 11 towards the filling element 2 and also from the filling element 2 towards the first storage container 11.

[0050] The filling element 2 has a filling valve 3 in which a filling valve channel 7 is formed. The filling valve channel 7 forms a liquid or product path for the filling product and is delimited, for example, by a filling valve housing 5, which may also be referred to as a filling element housing and may consist of multiple parts.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the filling valve channel 7 has a circular cross-section at least in sections and is rotationally symmetrical about a vertical filling element axis FA, at least in sections. At its upper end, the filling valve channel 7 is connected to the first filling line 10 for supplying the liquid phase from the first storage container 11. At its opposite lower end, the filling valve channel 7 opens to the outside at a discharge opening 8 of the filling element 2, allowing the filling product to flow into the container to be filled via the discharge opening 8.

[0052] Furthermore, the filling valve housing 5 with a filling valve channel 7 also includes a filling valve plunger 4 that is axially displaceable in the filling valve channel 7 and is movable in a controlled manner at least between a closed position and an open position. It may be provided that the filling valve plunger 4 or a sealing element arranged on the filling valve plunger 4 bears against a valve seat 9 of the filling valve channel 7 in a sealing manner when in the closed position.

[0053] Therefore, at least one filling element 3 of the filling device 1 is connected via a second filling line 20 to a second storage container 21 that provides the solid and / or concentrate phase. As described in the embodiment of the Figure 1As shown, the second filling line 20 can open into the filling valve channel 7 of the filling valve housing 5 below the valve seat 9. According to an embodiment not shown in detail in the figures, it can also be provided that the second filling line 20 opens into the filling valve channel 7 of the filling valve housing 5 above the valve seat 9.

[0054] The second storage container 21 has an upper gas space 21.1 and a lower storage space 21.2 for the solid and / or concentrate phase of the filling product. The gas space 21.1 of the second storage container 21 can be pressurized with an inert gas at overpressure via a pressure control circuit RK2.

[0055] In more detail, the pressure control circuit RK2 of the second storage container 21 can be configured to pressurize the liquid phase. The pressure control circuit RK2 can include a pressure sensor DS2 for detecting the pressure in the gas space 21.1, at least one control valve RV2, and a control unit RS2. This control unit RS2 is connected to the control device 50 via communication, in particular wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0056] Furthermore, a metering vessel 40 with a displacement element 41 is arranged in the second filling line 20 for the controlled and / or regulated dosing of the solid and / or concentrate phase. The displacement element 41 can form or have a free interior space 42, which is fluid-tightly separated from a receiving space 43 of the metering vessel 40. The solid and / or concentrate phase of the filling material can be introduced into the receiving space 43 from the second storage container 21 via the second filling line 20 and stored there, at least temporarily. The free interior space 42 of the displacement element 41 is free of the solid and / or concentrate phase of the filling product. In particular, the free interior space 42 of the displacement element 41 can be fluid-tightly separated from the receiving space 43 by means of a bellows 44.

[0057] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows one embodiment in which the displacement element 41 is designed as a piston-cylinder system, while the embodiment of the Figures 2 or 3 The displacement element 41 is designed as a bellows. According to an embodiment not shown, the displacement element 41 can also be designed as a membrane.

[0058] The displacement element 41 of the metering vessel 40 can be driven, and in particular moved, by means of a linear or spindle drive 45. For this purpose, the control device 50 can be communicatively connected to the flow measuring device 12 and to the displacement element 41 of the metering vessel 40, in particular to the linear or spindle drive 45 of the displacement element 41.

[0059] As also shown, for example, in the Figure 1As can be seen, a first switching and / or control valve V1 is arranged in the second filling line 20 between the second storage container 21 and the metering vessel 40, and a second switching and / or control valve V2 is arranged between the metering vessel 40 and the filling element 3. Both the first switching and / or control valve V1 and the second switching and / or control valve V2 are connected to a control unit 50, in particular wirelessly or via a wired connection. Furthermore, a switching and / or control valve V3 is also arranged in the first filling line 10 between the flow measuring device 12 and the filling element 3, and this valve is likewise connected to the control unit 50, in particular wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0060] For a filling process, the solids and liquid phases can be supplied to the filling element 3 via separate storage containers, namely the first storage container 11 and the second storage container 21, and the corresponding filling lines, namely the first filling line 10 and the second filling line 20. In a first step, a predetermined quantity of solid and / or concentrate phase is dosed into the dosing vessel 40. The quantity is measured by means of the displacement stroke of the displacement element 41 of the dosing vessel 40. The quantity of liquid phase required to fill the container to its nominal volume after the solid and / or concentrate dosage is calculated by the control unit 50 and measured by means of the flow meter 12.

[0061] Figure 2 This shows another embodiment of the filling device 1, of which, however, only the differences compared to the embodiment of the following will be discussed. Figure 1will be explained. Figure 2 The figure shows a very roughly schematic representation of a filling valve 3, which may be preceded by a throttle 60 in the first filling line 10. The throttle 60 can be arranged between the flow measuring device 12 and the filling valve 3 in the first filling line 10.

[0062] The displacement element 41 is in the version of the Figure 2 The dosing vessel 40 is designed as a bellows, which is movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. In more detail, the dosing vessel 40 has a stop element 47 and the displacer element 41, designed as a bellows, is movable between the first and a second position P1, P2, wherein the displacer element 41 rests against the stop element 47 in its first position P1.

[0063] The movement of the displacement element 41 can be initiated fluidically by designing the displacement element 41 of the metering vessel 40 to be fluidically actuated. For this purpose, a branch line 30 diverts from the first filling line 10 to fluidically actuate the displacement element 41 using the liquid phase. The branch line 30 includes a switching and / or control valve V4 for this purpose. Furthermore, the branch line 30 opens into the free interior space 42 of the displacement element 41, which is designed as a bellows.

[0064] It can be provided that the first and second storage containers 11, 21 are each pressurized slightly by means of the corresponding pressure control circuits RK1, RK2. In particular, the overpressure in the second storage container 21 for the solid and / or concentrate phase is higher than the overpressure in the first storage container 11 for the liquid phase. In this embodiment as well, the solid and / or concentrate phase is fed into the receiving chamber 43 of the metering vessel 41, i.e., outside the bellows. The liquid phase, on the other hand, is filled into the free interior space 42 of the displacer element 41, which is designed as a bellows. The metering vessel 41 is filled by opening the path of the solid and / or concentrate phase, i.e., in particular the switching and / or control valve V1. Advantageously, the metering vessel 41 is filled when the filling element 2 is located within the loss angle of the device.The displacer element 41, designed as a bellows, is pressed against the lower stop element 47. The displaced liquid phase flows back into the first liquid phase reservoir 11. For monitoring purposes, the amount of liquid phase returned can be measured by the flow meter 12, and the switching and / or control valve V2 can be closed when the amount calculated by the control unit 50 is reached. Subsequently, the amount of liquid phase calculated by the control unit 50 is added by opening the filling valve 3, which is measured by the flow meter 12.

[0065] Finally, the Figure 3 yet another further embodiment of the filling device 1, which differs from that of the Figure 2The filling device 1 differs in particular in that it has a liquid line 32, decoupled from the first filling line 10, for the fluidic actuation of the displacement element 41, wherein a further flow measuring device 33 is provided in the liquid line 32. In addition, the decoupled liquid line 32 is connected to the water supply 34 and has a switching and / or control valve V5 and V6 respectively before and after the further flow measuring device 33.

[0066] The invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous modifications or adaptations are possible without departing from the underlying inventive concept. Reference symbol list

[0067] 1 Filling device 2 Filling element 3 Filling valve 4 Filling material valve plunger 5 Filling valve housing 7 Filling valve channel 8 Dispensing opening 9 Valve seat 10 First filling material line 11 First storage container 11.1 Gas space 11.2 Liquid space 12 Flow measuring device 20 Second filling line 21 Second storage container 21.1 Gas space 21.2 Storage space 30 Branch line 32 Liquid line 33 Flow measuring device 34 Water supply 40 Dosing vessel 41 Displacement element 42 Free interior space 43 Receiving space 44 Bellows 45 Linear or spindle drive 47 Stop element 50 Control device 60 Throttle FA Filling element axis DS1, DS2 Pressure sensor RS1, RS2 Control unit V1...V6 Switching and / or control valve RK1, RK2 Pressure control circuit P1 First position P2 Second position

Claims

1. Device (1) for filling containers with a filling product comprising at least one liquid phase and at least one solid and / or concentrate phase, wherein the device (1) for filling the containers comprises at least one filling element (2) with a filling valve (3), wherein the at least one filling element (2) is connected via a first filling line (10) to a first storage container (11) of the device (1) providing the liquid phase, wherein a flow measuring device (12) is arranged in the first filling line (10), wherein the at least one filling element (2) is connected via a second filling line (20) to a second storage container (21) of the device (1) providing the solid and / or concentrate phase, and wherein a metering vessel (40) with a displacement element (41) is arranged in the second filling line (20) for controlled and / or regulated metering of the solid and / or concentrate phase.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the dosing vessel (40) with the displacement element (41) is designed as a piston-cylinder system.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the displacement element (41) is designed as a membrane or as a bellows.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a first switching and / or control valve (V1) is arranged in the second filling line (20) between the second storage container (21) and the metering vessel (40), and a second switching and / or control valve (V2) is arranged between the metering vessel (40) and the filling element (2).

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that A switching and / or control valve (V3) is arranged in the first filling line (10) between the flow measuring device (12) and the filling element (2).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe second storage container (21) is equipped with a pressure control circuit (RK2) for pressurizing the solid and / or concentrate phase.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first storage container (11) is equipped with a pressure control circuit (RK1) for pressurizing the liquid phase.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the filling valve (3) has a filling valve housing (5) with a filling valve channel (7) and a filling valve plunger (4) which is axially displaceable in the filling valve channel (7) and which is controllably movable at least between a closed position and an open position, wherein the filling valve plunger (4) or a sealing element arranged on the filling valve plunger (4) in the closed position bears against a valve seat (9) of the filling valve channel (7).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact thatthe second filling line (20) opens above the valve seat (9) into the filling valve channel (7) of the filling valve housing (5).

10. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the second filling line (20) opens below the valve seat (9) into the filling valve channel (7) of the filling valve housing (5).

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control device (50) wherein the flow measuring device (12) and the metering vessel (40) are connected to the displacement element (41) in a communicating manner with the control device (50).

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the displacement element (41) of the dosing vessel (40) can be driven by means of a linear or spindle drive (45).

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that the displacement element (41) of the dosing vessel (40) is fluidically driven.

14. Device (1) according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the dosing vessel (40) has a stop element (47) and the displacement element (41) is movable between a first and a second position (P1, P2), wherein the displacement element (41) rests against the stop element (47) in its first position (P1).

15. Device (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by the fact that a branch line (30) branches off from the first filling line (10) for the fluidic actuation of the displacement element (41) by means of the liquid phase.

16. Device (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by a liquid line (32) decoupled from the first filling line (10) for the fluidic actuation of the displacement element (41), wherein in particular a further flow measuring device (33) is provided in the liquid line (32).

17. Method for filling containers with a filling product comprising at least one liquid phase and at least one solid and / or concentrate phase by means of a device (1) for filling the containers comprising at least one filling element (2) with a filling valve (3), wherein the at least one filling element (2) is connected via a first filling line (10) in which a flow measuring device (12) is arranged to a first storage container (11) of the device (1) providing the liquid phase, and wherein the at least one filling element (2) is connected via a second filling line (20) to a second storage container (21) of the device (1) providing the solid and / or concentrate phase, wherein in the method the liquid phase is supplied to the filling element (2) via the first filling line (10) and the solid and / or concentrate phase is supplied to the filling element (2) via the second filling line (20).wherein the quantity of liquid phase supplied to the filling element (2) is determined by means of the flow measuring device (12) and wherein the solid and / or concentrate phase is metered to the filling element (2) via a metering vessel (40) arranged in the second filling line (20) with a displacement element (41) in a controlled and / or regulated manner.

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