Method and device for filling containers

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a method for filling containers (12) with a fill material. The outer shape of a container (12) is detected by means of a container detection device (24), and an outer volume (A) of the container (12) is determined based on the detected outer shape. The weight of the container (12) is detected by means of a weighing device (30). A filling volume (F) is determined based on the determined outer volume (A) and the detected weight. The container (12) is filled with the fill material according to the determined filling volume (F) by means of a filling device (34).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for filling containers. The invention further relates to a device for filling containers. Technical background

[0002] When filling containers such as glass bottles with products like beer or carbonated beverages, a constant fill level is often required as a quality criterion. The fill levels of the filled containers are influenced by various effects and parameters in different filling systems. In a return-air tube filler, the fill level is maintained by the liquid covering the connection between the container and the tank at the correct height, thus preventing gas from escaping. In a probe filler, however, the rising fill level in the container creates an electrical short circuit at the probe, thereby closing the filling valve.

[0003] Return air tube fillers and probe fillers each require lifting devices to insert the return air tubes or short-circuit probes into the containers. For example, the containers can be lifted using lifting cylinders after they have been transferred to the respective filler at conveyor belt height.

[0004] A disadvantage of these filling systems is that they require comparatively complex and therefore expensive technology for implementing the lifting devices, and meeting high hygiene standards is also very difficult. For example, the short-circuit probe can increase the stroke of the container before it is pressed against the filling device. A longer stroke can increase the process angle and / or process time, which in turn can reduce the filler's output. Implementing a stroke curve, possibly including height adjustment, as well as a long lifting rod and a centering bell, can be complex and expensive. Furthermore, it can result in increased torque on the filler carousel. Additionally, germs, contaminants, bacteria, etc., can be introduced into the containers through immersion of the probe or the return air tube.An automatic CIP (cleaning-in-place) system can be cumbersome and not feasible for every division. For example, the CIP cap must be dimensioned to accommodate the probe / return air duct. Adjusting the probe or return air duct may be impossible or extremely difficult to implement hygienically. The probe or return air duct can also block installation space that could be used, for example, to implement an improved CO2 purge process.

[0005] WO 2007 / 058838 A2 discloses a filling device and a filling method comprising a carrier for transporting containers and a plurality of valves. Each valve is opened for a specific, individual time period to control the flow of liquid into the respective containers as they are transported through the carrier. The device includes an inlet feed path that guides the containers to the carrier and at least one auxiliary sensor positioned alongside the inlet feed path to monitor the containers while they are on the inlet feed path. The auxiliary sensor serves to determine the volumetric capacity of the containers before they are placed on the carrier for filling. The device and method do not require sensors for volumetric or mass flow control at each individual valve.According to WO 2007 / 058838 A2, such flow or mass flow sensors assigned to each valve are expensive and can be replaced by a valve that opens and closes on the basis of a schedule.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of creating an improved technique for filling containers to a certain height. 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 method for filling containers with a material, preferably liquid or pasty. The method comprises: Capturing the external shape of a container using a container detection device, preferably camera-based, and determining the external volume of the container depending on the captured external shape (e.g., using a processing device); capturing the weight of the container (e.g., empty) using a weighing device (e.g., load cell); determining the filling volume depending on the determined external volume and the captured weight (e.g., using the processing device); and filling the container with the contents according to the determined filling volume using a filling device, preferably a rotary filling device.

[0009] The method advantageously enables the level filling of containers based on a volume calculation for each individual container. This allows for precise level filling even in containers with relatively large fluctuations in internal volume, such as glass bottles with a variation of up to ± 10 ml. Furthermore, the method overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages, simplifying the design and configuration and improving hygiene. The elimination of a filling probe or return air duct system also allows for a wider process angle during the actual filling. For example, this simplifies the design of a CIP cap and eliminates the need for a lifting device for the containers. Bottle breakage detection would also be more readily available.The elimination of the aforementioned components offers the advantage of being able to adjust and improve the purge gas and vacuum paths, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions and improved oxygen levels. Performance can also be increased. Furthermore, the filling process can be optimized both before and during filling by measuring the external shape, weight, and filling volume. This allows for much more precise achievement of a target fill height or a headspace height that should remain unfilled, as the actual fill height is directly proportional to the calculated filling volume. Height tolerances, wall thickness tolerances, and other variations in the containers can thus be compensated for.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method further includes (e.g., explicit or implicit) determining the material volume of the container based on the measured weight and a density of the container material specified (e.g., via a user interface) (e.g., by means of a processing device). Preferably, the filling volume can be determined based on the measured material volume. Advantageously, this improves the accuracy of the filling volume determination by taking into account the specific material from which the container is made.

[0011] In a further embodiment, determining the filling volume also depends on at least one of the following: a head volume, preferably specified or calculated (e.g., via a user interface); a headspace height, preferably specified (e.g., via a user interface); and / or a headspace diameter, preferably specified (e.g., via a user interface). Optionally, the head volume, headspace height, and / or headspace diameter remain empty during the filling process. Containers subject to certain manufacturing tolerances, such as those made of [example missing in original text], are advantageous in this respect.Glass bottles, relatively uniform in the area of ​​the container opening, so that taking the head volume into account ensures that the determined filling volume fills the containers to a fill level that has essentially the same distance to the container opening for all containers, since the same head volume is taken into account for all containers.

[0012] In one embodiment, the filling volume is determined as the difference between the calculated external volume and the calculated material volume, minus the head volume. Advantageously, this allows for a high degree of accuracy in the height of the fill.

[0013] In another embodiment, the container is a glass container, preferably a glass bottle, or the container is a PET container, preferably a PET bottle. Advantageously, the method can thus be used in different application scenarios, but especially with glass containers that are subject to a comparatively large manufacturing tolerance.

[0014] In one embodiment, the container is rotated by a rotary system to capture its outer shape, preferably around a vertical axis. This advantageously allows, for example, a three-dimensional outer shape of the container to be captured more easily.

[0015] In a further embodiment, when capturing the outer shape, a surface of the container, preferably three-dimensional, is detected, preferably by means of a three-dimensional scan of the container using the container detection device. Preferably, the external volume can be determined as the volume of a contour of the container defined by the detected surface. Advantageously, the external volume of the container can be determined very accurately in this way.

[0016] In one embodiment, when the outer shape is detected, a two-dimensional image, preferably a side view, of the container is captured using the container detection device, and contour recognition is performed to identify an (e.g., two-dimensional) outer contour of the container in the image. Preferably, the outer volume can be determined as the volume of a hull contour of the container defined by the detected outer contour. Advantageously, the outer volume of the container can be determined very accurately and with comparatively little effort in this way.

[0017] In another embodiment, at least one of the following is fulfilled: The external shape of the container is detected upstream of or within the filling device; the weight is detected upstream of or within the filling device; the detection of the external shape of the container and the detection of the weight are performed simultaneously, overlapping in time, or sequentially; and the container detection device and the weighing device are integrated in a common inspection device, preferably within a common housing.

[0018] This offers the advantage of great flexibility regarding the integration of the container detection device and the weighing device, in particular the possibility of completing all measurements before reaching the filling device in order to achieve the full performance of the filling device without loss of process angle for detection and determination.

[0019] In one embodiment, the material being filled is measured during the filling process by means of a flow meter in the filling system to ensure compliance with the determined filling volume (e.g., one flow meter per filling station of the filling system). Advantageously, the flow meter ensures that the container is filled only with the determined volume. Therefore, the flow meter can advantageously eliminate the need for a probe or return air duct.

[0020] In another embodiment, the process is carried out individually for each container to be filled. Advantageously, this allows manufacturing tolerances between the containers, e.g., within a batch, to be taken into account, thus improving the filling process and the filling accuracy for each individual container.

[0021] In one version, at least one of the following is fulfilled: The filling device is free of filling probes to be positioned in the containers to be filled; the filling device is free of return air pipes to be positioned in the containers to be filled; the filling device is free of lifting devices for raising the containers to press them against a respective filling valve of the filling device; and pressing a respective filling valve of the filling device against the container to be filled during filling is only carried out by lowering the filling valve onto the respective container.

[0022] As explained in detail at the beginning, this approach offers the advantage of saving on unnecessary equipment, significantly simplifying the setup of the filling system, and improving hygiene.

[0023] Another aspect relates to a device for filling containers with a filling material, preferably liquid or pasty, preferably according to a method as disclosed herein. The device comprises a container detection device for detecting the outer shape of the containers, a weighing device for detecting the weight of the containers, and a filling device, preferably a rotary filling device, for filling the containers. The device further comprises a processing device configured to: to determine, preferably container-specific, the external volume of the containers depending on a signal output from the container detection device (e.g., regarding the detected external shape); to determine, preferably container-specific, the filling volume of the containers depending on the determined external volume and a signal output from the weighing device (e.g., regarding the detected (e.g., empty) weight); and to operate the filling device to fill the containers according to the filling volume determined, preferably for each individual container.

[0024] Advantageously, the same benefits can be achieved with this device as have already been explained with reference to the method. The same applies to the preferred embodiments of the device described below.

[0025] In one embodiment, the processing unit is configured as follows: to determine a material volume of the containers, preferably container-specific, depending on the signal output of the weighing device and a density of the material of the containers specified (e.g. by means of a user interface); and to determine the filling volume depending on the determined material volume; and optionally to determine the filling volume as a difference between the determined external volume minus the determined material volume and a head volume specified or calculated (e.g. by means of a user interface).

[0026] In another embodiment, at least one of the following is fulfilled: The filling device has at least one flow detection device for detecting the material being filled during filling; the filling device is free of filling probes to be positioned in the containers to be filled; the filling device is free of return air pipes to be positioned in the containers to be filled; and the filling device is free of lifting devices for lifting the containers to press them against a respective filling valve of the filling device.

[0027] Another aspect concerns a container handling system (e.g., for tempering, manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, sealing, pasteurizing, decorating, 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. The container handling system may, for example, be a beverage bottling plant.

[0028] For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, vials, tubes, etc.

[0029] Preferably, the term "processing unit" can refer to electronics (e.g., implemented as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data storage) that, depending on its 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." The processing unit can, for example, be a central processing unit or comprise several decentralized or distributed processing units.

[0030] It is understood that all features disclosed herein with reference to the method are also disclosed and claimable in connection with the device, individually or in any combination. The same applies conversely to all features disclosed herein with reference to the device, individually or in any combination.

[0031] The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another in any way. Brief description of the characters

[0032] 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 for filling containers according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a filling station of the exemplary device; Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view through a filled container; and Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a method for filling containers according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] 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

[0034] The Figure 1Figure 10 shows a device 10 for filling containers 12. Preferably, the containers are glass containers, such as glass bottles. PET containers, especially reusable PET containers, are also possible. For clarity, the following are shown in Figure 12: Figure 1 Only some containers 12 are shown, of which only some are provided with their own reference symbol. In Figure 2 An example of a filling station 32 of the device 10 is shown.

[0035] The device 10 comprises a container detection device 24, a weighing device 30, a filling device 34, and a processing device 48. Optionally, the device 10 may additionally include, for example, a container conveyor 14, a (further) container conveyor 20, and / or a user interface 46.

[0036] The container conveyor 14 can be arranged upstream of the filling device 34 or the filling stations 32. For example, the container conveyor 14 can have an inlet star wheel 16 and / or a conveying section 18.

[0037] The infeed star 16 can transfer the containers 12 to the filling stations 32, preferably individually or in individual transport.

[0038] The conveying section 18 can preferably be single-track and / or designed for the individual transport of the containers 12. The conveying section 18 can, for example, be arranged upstream of the infeed star wheel 16. At one end of the conveying section 18, the containers 12 can be transferred to the infeed star wheel 16, preferably individually or in single transport. The conveying section 18 can, for example, be a conveying section of a linear conveyor.

[0039] The container conveyor 20 can be arranged downstream of the filling device 34 or the filling stations 32. For example, the container conveyor 20 can have a discharge star wheel 22. The discharge star wheel 22 can receive filled containers 12 from the filling stations 32, preferably individually or in single-unit transport. Preferably, the container conveyor 20 can transport the containers 12, for example, in a single lane and / or in single-unit transport.

[0040] Preferably, the containers 12 can be sealed after filling. For example, the container conveyor 20 can convey the filled containers 12 to a sealing device, e.g., a capping carousel.

[0041] The container detection device 24 can be arranged upstream of the filling stations 32 or the filling device 34. For example, the container detection device 24 can be arranged on the container conveyor 14. For example, the conveying section 18 can extend through or along the container detection device 24. Alternatively, it is possible, for example, that the container detection device 24 is integrated into the filling device 34 or that the filling device 34 includes the container detection device 24, preferably in or directly adjacent to a container inlet area of ​​the filling device 34.

[0042] The container detection device 24 is designed to detect the external shape of the containers 12. The container detection device 24 can include any sensor technology suitable for detecting the external shape of the containers 12. For example, the container detection device 24 can include at least one camera, a stereo camera, a 3D scanner, a computed tomography scanner, or another inspection system.

[0043] To capture the respective external shape of the containers 12, the container detection device 24 can, for example, capture a surface of the container 12. This can be done, for example, by means of a three-dimensional scan of the respective container 12. Alternatively or additionally, the container detection device 24 can, for example, capture a two-dimensional image, e.g., a side view, of the container 12 to capture its respective external shape. Contour recognition can then preferably be applied to this image to detect the outer contour of the container 12.

[0044] The container detection device 24 can, for example, have a housing 26, at least one sensor 28 and, for example, a rotary system.

[0045] The housing 26 can have a container inlet and a container outlet. The container inlet and the container outlet can preferably be arranged on opposite sides of the housing 26. The housing 26 can, for example, be box-shaped. Inside the housing 26, for example, the at least one sensor 28 and optionally the rotary system can be arranged.

[0046] The at least one sensor 28 can be, for example, an image sensor, e.g. a silicon sensor (such as CCD or CMOS) or an X-ray sensor.

[0047] For example, the container detection device 24 can detect the containers 12 from different angles and / or from different sides. For example, the container detection device 24 can have several sensors 28 that are distributed and / or arranged in different orientations. The sensors 28 can, for example, be arranged inside the housing 26.

[0048] The rotary system can rotate one or more containers 12, preferably about a vertical axis. This allows, for example, the containers 12 to be detected by the container detection device 24 or by its at least one sensor 28 from different directions and from different sides. The at least one sensor 28 can preferably be directed towards an area within which the rotary system can rotate the at least one container 12.

[0049] The container detection device 24 can communicate with the processing device 48 to transmit the detected external shape (e.g., detected surface area or inset / outer contour) to the processing device 48. The processing device 48 and / or the container detection device 24 can assign the detected external shape of a container 12 to a respective filling station 32 and / or a respective filling valve 40 that will fill the container 12. This assignment can be made, for example, by a known relationship between a filling time at the respective filling station 32 and a detection time by the container detection device 24 and / or by a known sequence of the detected containers 12 and a known sequence of the filling stations 32 or filling valves 40.

[0050] The weighing device 30 can be arranged upstream of the filling stations 32 or the filling device 34. For example, the weighing device 30 can be arranged on the container conveyor 14. For example, the weighing device 30 can be integrated into the conveyor section 18.

[0051] Preferably, the weighing device 30 and the container detection device 24 can be integrated into a common inspection device, as in Figure 1 This is illustrated by way of example. For instance, the at least one sensor 28 of the container detection device 24 and the weighing device 30 can be arranged in the housing 26. For instance, the weighing device 30 can be arranged in or on a rotary table of the rotary system.

[0052] Alternatively, for example, the weighing device 30 is integrated into the filling device 34, or the filling device 34 has the weighing device 30, preferably in or directly adjacent to a container inlet area of ​​the filling device 34.

[0053] The weighing device 30 is designed to weigh the containers 12 or to determine the weight of the containers 12. The weighing device 30 can utilize any suitable weighing technology for this purpose. For example, the weighing device 30 can include a load cell and / or at least one strain gauge. A mass can be determined from the measured weight or weight force, e.g., from the weighing device 30. Within the scope of this disclosure, the term "weight" is to be understood broadly, such that its meaning encompasses weight force and / or mass.

[0054] The weighing device 30 can communicate with the processing device 48 to transmit the recorded weight to the processing device 48. The processing device 48 and / or the weighing device 30 can assign the recorded weight of a container 12 to a respective filling station 32 and / or a respective filling valve 40 that will fill the container 12. This assignment can be made, for example, by a known relationship between a filling time at the respective filling station 32 and a recording time by the weighing device 30 and / or by a known sequence of the recorded containers 12 and a known sequence of the filling stations 32 or filling valves 40.

[0055] The filling device 34 can have at least one filling station 32. The filling device 34, or its filling stations 32, can fill the containers 12 with a filling material, preferably liquid or pasty. The filling material can be, for example, carbonated or still.

[0056] It is possible that the containers 12 in the filling stations 32 can also be evacuated, pre-pressurized and / or flushed. Accordingly, the filling stations 32 can each have an evacuation channel, a pre-pressurization channel and / or one or more flushing channels, each with different pressures.

[0057] The filling device 34 is preferably designed as a rotary filling device or a filling carousel. For example, the filling stations 32 can be arranged distributed around the circumference of the filling device 34. For the sake of clarity, the following are shown in the Figure 1 Only some of the filling stations 32 are marked with their own reference symbol.

[0058] The method disclosed herein for filling the containers 12 allows the filling device 34 to fill the containers 12 using a volumetric or mass flow-based filling method. However, the filling device 34 can be free of filling probes (fill level probes) and return air pipes that need to be positioned in the containers 12. The elimination of filling probes and return air pipes also eliminates the need for a large stroke between the filling valve 40 and the container 12. For example, the filling device 34 can also be free of lifting devices for raising the containers 12 to press them against a respective filling valve.

[0059] The filling stations 32 can each, for example, have a receiving chamber 36, a filling valve 40 and optionally a flow detection device 44, as shown in the example in Figure 2 is shown.

[0060] In the receiving chamber 36, one container 12 can be received or positioned for filling.

[0061] The container 12 can be supported in the receiving space 36 by means of a container support 38 of the respective filling station 32. The container support 38 can, for example, have a base plate for supporting the respective container 12 from below. Alternatively or additionally, the container support 38 can, for example, support the container 12 at its shell, its neck, or its neck ring.

[0062] The receiving space 36 can be limited on the upper side by the filling valve 40 of the respective filling station 32. The receiving space 36 can be limited on the lower side by the base plate of the container support 38 of the respective filling station 32.

[0063] The filling valve 40 can discharge the filling material into the container 12, which is positioned in the receiving chamber 36 of the respective filling station 32.

[0064] For example, the filling valve 40 can be configured to selectively open or close a filling channel 42 of the respective filling station 32. The filling channel 42 can connect the filling valve 40 and a filling tank.

[0065] The filling valve 40 can be actuated, for example, electrically, electromagnetically, pneumatically, hydraulically, or mechanically. Operation of the filling valve 40 can be controlled by the processing unit 48.

[0066] Preferably, the filling valve 40 can have a movable, preferably displaceable, valve element for opening and closing the filling valve 40. The valve element can preferably have a conical, particularly preferably frustoconical, section that can be lifted from a valve seat of the filling valve 40 to open the filling valve 40.

[0067] The filling valve 40 can preferably be positioned in several opening positions with different flow cross-sections. It is also possible for the filling valve 40 to be continuously adjustable or openable.

[0068] For example, the filling valve 40 can be positioned in a first open position with a first flow cross-section and a second open position with a second flow cross-section. The second flow cross-section can be larger than the first flow cross-section.

[0069] It is possible that an outlet of the filling valve 40 and a container opening of the container 12 can be pressed together in the respective receiving chamber 36 for filling. For this purpose, the filling station 32 can have an adjustment device, preferably vertical (not shown separately in the figures). The adjustment device can move the filling valve 40 towards and away from the container support 38 (or the supported container 12). Preferably, pressing a respective filling valve 40 against the container 12 to be filled during filling can only be achieved by lowering the filling valve 40 onto the respective container 12. The adjustment device can be operated, for example, electrically, electromagnetically, pneumatically, hydraulically, or mechanically, e.g., by the processing unit 48. The adjustment device can, for example, be extended and retracted under control by the processing unit 48.

[0070] The flow detection device 44 can be configured to detect the flow of material to the filling valve 40 of the respective filling station 32. For example, the flow detection device 44 can detect a flow through the material channel 42. For example, the flow detection device 44 can measure the flow, e.g., in terms of quantity and / or volume. The flow detection device 44 can output a measurement signal indicating the detected flow, e.g., to the processing device 48.

[0071] The flow sensing device 44 can incorporate any suitable flow measurement principle for detecting the flow rate. Particularly preferably, the flow sensing device 44 can be a magnetic-inductive flow sensing device, an ultrasonic flow sensing device, or a mass flow meter.

[0072] The user interface 46 can include an output device and / or an input device.

[0073] The output device can be, for example, acoustic, visual, and / or haptic. Information can be conveyed to a user via the output device. The output interface can include, for example, a display (e.g., touch-sensitive), a speaker, and / or at least one indicator light.

[0074] The input device can be, for example, an acoustic, visual, and / or tactile input device. Information, preferably input commands for the processing device 48, can be entered by a user via the input device. The input device can, for example, include a touch-sensitive display, a keyboard, at least one button or switch, a camera, and / or a microphone.

[0075] Using the user interface 46 or the input device, for example, the material density of a material in the containers 12, the headspace height of the containers 12, the headspace diameter of the containers 12, and / or the head volume of the containers 12 can be specified and optionally changed. The information regarding the material density and / or the headspace height and / or the head volume can, for example, be stored in a data memory of the processing device 48.

[0076] The processing unit 48 can operate or control the operation of the device 10. Specifically, the processing unit 48 can, for example, control the operation of the filling stations 32, the operation of the filling valves 40, and / or the operation of the user interface 46.

[0077] To improve understanding regarding the operation of the device 10 or the method disclosed herein, the following is provided. Figure 3 Reference made to.

[0078] In Figure 3 A filled container 12 is shown schematically.

[0079] Container 12 has a container height B. The container height B extends between the underside of a bottom of container 12 and a container opening of container 12.

[0080] Container 12 should preferably be filled to a headroom height S from one of the filling stations 32. The headroom height S extends, for example, from the container opening of container 12. As mentioned, the headroom height S can be specified, for example, via the user interface 46.

[0081] The headroom height S can divide the interior of container 12 into two areas.

[0082] A head section of the container 12 can be positioned above the headspace height S. The head section can extend between a container opening of the container 12 and the headspace height S. The head section can have a volume K, which can also be referred to as the head volume or headspace. Figure 3 The head volume K is represented by a dotted line. The head volume K can have a head chamber diameter and extend along the head chamber height S.

[0083] A (desired) filling area of ​​the container 12 can be positioned below the headspace height S. The filling area of ​​the container 12 can extend between the headspace height S and a base of the container 12. The filling area can have a volume F, which can also be referred to as the filling volume. Figure 3 The filling volume F is shown hatched.

[0084] The head area and the filling area together can form the total interior space of container 12. The total interior space can have a volume that can also be referred to as the total interior volume. The total interior volume can be the sum of the head volume K and the filling volume F.

[0085] Container 12 also has an external volume A and a material volume M.

[0086] The external volume A can be the sum of the total internal volume plus the wall volume (side wall volume and bottom wall volume) or the material volume M. The external volume A can be the volume of a shell structure or an envelope of the container 12. The external volume A is the volume of a solid body, since it includes the top volume K and the filling volume F.

[0087] The material volume M is the volume of container 12 occupied by the container material. The material volume M can therefore be formed from the side wall volume and the bottom wall volume. The material volume M can also be referred to as the wall volume of container 12. The material volume M is the volume of a hollow body, since the top volume K and the filling volume F are not included.

[0088] The Figure 4 shows an exemplary method for filling containers 12, which preferably uses the method described in the Figures 1 and 2 The device 10 described above can be used. Preferably, the method is carried out individually for each container 12 to be filled.

[0089] In process step S10, the external shape of a container 12 is detected by means of the container detection device 24. Depending on the detected external shape, an external volume A of the respective container 12 is determined, e.g. by the processing device 48.

[0090] For example, the outer shape can be captured as a surface area of ​​the container 12. For example, a three-dimensional scan of the container 12 can be performed using the container detection device 24. Preferably, the container 12 can be rotated about a vertical axis using the rotation system. The outer volume A can then be determined as the volume of a contour of the container 12 defined by the captured surface area, e.g., by the processing device 48.

[0091] For example, the outer shape can be captured as a two-dimensional image of the container 12, e.g., a side view of the container 12. Contour recognition can then be applied to this image to detect a two-dimensional outer contour of the container 12. The outer volume A can then be determined as the volume of a hull contour of the container 12 defined by the detected outer contour. For example, a solid of revolution can be generated by rotating the detected outer contour about a central vertical axis, and its outer volume A can be determined, e.g., by the processing unit 48.

[0092] In process step S12, the weight of the container 12 is recorded using the weighing device 30.

[0093] For example, steps S10 and S12 can be performed simultaneously or at least overlapping in time, e.g., in the shared inspection facility. Alternatively, it is possible, for example, that process steps S10 and S12 are performed sequentially, i.e., S10 before S12 or S12 before S10.

[0094] In a process step S14, the filling volume F of the container 12 is determined depending on the determined external volume A and the recorded weight, e.g. by the processing unit 48.

[0095] Preferably, as an intermediate step, the material volume M of the container 12 can be determined depending on the measured weight and a predetermined density of a material within the container 12, e.g., using the processing device 48. For example, the material can be glass, preferably soda-lime glass. The predetermined density can be, for example, 2.5 g / cm³. From the measured weight (or the mass determined therefrom) and the predetermined density, the material volume M of the container 12 can be determined, e.g., as the quotient of mass and density.

[0096] Preferably, using this intermediate step and a given head volume K (and / or a given headspace height S) of the container 12, the filling volume F of the container 12 can be determined. For example, the filling volume F can be determined as the difference between the determined external volume A minus the determined material volume M and the given head volume K.

[0097] However, it is also possible, for example, to use an algorithm or, more generally, a mapping where the material volume M is not explicitly determined, but rather the filling volume F is directly calculated based on the recorded weight (and thus the mass) of container 12 and the determined external volume. For instance, the filling volume F can be calculated as the difference between the determined external volume A, the specified head volume K, and a quotient of the container mass and the specified material density. Other algorithms / mappings are also conceivable.

[0098] In process step S16, the container 12 is filled with the material according to the determined filling volume F by means of the filling device 34, preferably a filling station 32 of the filling device 34. This allows the headspace volume K to remain empty. The headspace height S can be maintained, and is essentially constant across all containers 12.

[0099] Preferably, the filling material is detected (monitored) during the filling of the container 12 by means of the flow detection device 44 of the filling device 34 or the filling station 32 to ensure compliance with the determined filling volume F.

[0100] For example, the processing unit 48 can operate the respective filling valve 40 depending on the determined filling volume F of the container 12 positioned in the receiving chamber 36 of the respective filling station 32 and the flow of filling material to the respective filling valve 40 detected by the flow detection unit 44.

[0101] Preferably, the respective filling valve 40 can be operated in such a way that the respective container 12 is filled with exactly or at least as much filling material as the determined filling volume F.

[0102] 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. All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way that all values ​​falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, e.g., also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range. Reference symbol list

[0103] 10 Device for filling containers 12 Container 14 Container conveyor 16 Inlet star wheel 18 Conveyor section 20 Container conveyor 22 Outlet star wheel 24 Container detection device 26 Housing 28 Sensor 30 Weighing device 32 Filling station 34 Filling device 36 Receiving chamber 38 Container support 40 Filling valve 42 Material channel 44 Flow detection device 46 User interface 48 Processing device AOuter volume BContainer height FFilling volume KHead space / head volume MMaterial volume SHead space height S10-S16 process steps

Claims

1. A method for filling containers (12) with a filling material, preferably liquid or pasty, wherein the method comprises: detecting the outer shape of a container (12) by means of a container detection device (24), preferably camera-based, and determining an outer volume (A) of the container (12) depending on the detected outer shape; detecting the weight of the container (12) by means of a weighing device (30); determining a filling volume (F) depending on the determined outer volume (A) and the detected weight; and filling the container (12) with the filling material according to the determined filling volume (F) by means of a filling device (34), preferably a rotary filling device.

2. Method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining a material volume (M) of the container (12) depending on the measured weight and a predetermined density of a material of the container (12), wherein: the filling volume (F) is determined depending on the determined material volume (M).

3. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: the determination of the filling volume (F) is further dependent on at least one of a preferably predetermined or calculated head volume (K), a preferably predetermined headspace height (S) and a preferably predetermined headspace diameter of the container (12); and optionally, during filling, the head volume (K) and / or the headspace height (S) and / or the headspace diameter remains unfilled.

4. Method according to claim 2 and claim 3, wherein: the filling volume (F) is determined as a difference between the determined external volume (A) and the determined material volume (M) and the head volume (K).

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the container (12) is a glass container, preferably a glass bottle; or the container (12) is a PET container, preferably a PET bottle.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the container (12) is rotated by a rotary system to capture the outer shape, preferably about a vertical axis.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: in detecting the outer shape, a, preferably three-dimensional, surface of the container (12) is detected, preferably by means of a three-dimensional scan of the container (12) using the container detection device (24); and the outer volume (A) is determined as a volume of a contour of the container (12) defined by the detected surface.

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: in the detection of the outer shape, a two-dimensional image, preferably a side image, of the container (12) is taken by means of the container detection device (24) and contour recognition is performed to detect an outer contour of the container (12) in the image; and the outer volume (A) is determined as a volume of a shell contour of the container (12) defined by the detected outer contour.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the detection of the outer shape of the container (12) takes place upstream of the filling device (34) or in the filling device (34); the detection of the weight takes place upstream of the filling device (34) or in the filling device (34); the detection of the outer shape of the container (12) and the detection of the weight take place simultaneously, overlapping in time or sequentially; and the container detection device (24) and the weighing device (30) are integrated in a common inspection device, preferably within a common housing (26).

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the filling material is detected during the filling of the container (12) by means of a flow detection device (44) of the filling device (34) to maintain the determined filling volume (F).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the method is carried out container-specifically for each container (12) to be filled.

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the filling device (34) is free of filling probes to be positioned in the containers (12) to be filled; the filling device (34) is free of return air pipes to be positioned in the containers (12) to be filled; the filling device (34) is free of lifting devices for raising the containers (12) to press against a respective filling valve (40) of the filling device (34); and pressing a respective filling valve (40) of the filling device (34) against the container (12) to be filled during filling is only carried out by lowering the filling valve (40) onto the respective container (12).

13. Device (10) for filling containers (12) with a filling material, preferably liquid or pasty, preferably according to a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) comprises: a container detection device (24) for detecting the external shape of the containers (12); a weighing device (30) for detecting the weight of the containers (12); a filling device (34), preferably a rotary filling device, for filling the containers (12); and a processing device (48) configured to: - determine an external volume (A), preferably container-specific, of the containers (12) depending on a signal output from the container detection device (24); - determine a filling volume (F), preferably container-specific, of the containers (12) depending on the determined external volume (A) and a signal output from the weighing device (30);and - to operate the filling device (34) for filling the containers (12) according to the filling volume (F) determined, preferably individually for each container.

14. Device (10) according to claim 13, wherein: the processing device (48) is configured to: - determine a material volume of the containers (12), preferably container-specific, depending on the signal output of the weighing device (30) and a predetermined density of a material of the containers (12); and - determine the filling volume (F) depending on the determined material volume; and optionally - determine the filling volume (F) as a difference between the determined external volume (A) minus the determined material volume (M) and a head volume (K).

15. Device (10) according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the filling device (34) has at least one flow detection device (44) for detecting the filling material during filling; the filling device (34) is free of filling probes to be positioned in the containers (12) to be filled; the filling device (34) is free of return air pipes to be positioned in the containers (12) to be filled; and the filling device (34) is free of lifting devices for lifting the containers (12) to press them against a respective filling valve (40) of the filling device (34).

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