Equipment for filling containers with filled products

Abstract

To provide a device for filling a filling product in a container, preferably in a beverage bottling factory.SOLUTION: The device comprises: a plurality of filling components (20) each having a filling product line for supplying the filling product into a suitable container; and at least one distribution line (131) to which the filling product line of the plurality of filling components (20) is linked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for filling containers with a filled product, preferably a beverage such as beer, soft drink, mixed drink, juice or carbonated drink. [Background technology]

[0002] For mixing and bottling a multi-component filled product, various techniques for dosing the individual components are known and are briefly described below.

[0003] It is known that in the bottling of carbon-acid-containing beverages, such as CSD products (CSD stands for "carbonated soft drinks"), the beverage is prepared from syrup and water in a mixer and carbonated in the mixer. The beverage is then transported to a filling element, which fills the containers uniformly. If product changes are frequent, a significant amount of product loss can occur, for example, in the pipeline from the mixer to the filling element. Also, bottling plants for small quantities, such as up to 10,000 bottles, are hardly profitable. This type of bottling plant is not very flexible, even if measures are taken to reduce changeover times. For example, in small production runs, it is not easily possible to fill half of the bottles with lemonade and the other half with orangeade.

[0004] To avoid mass production of products in a mixer, the desired components can be individually dosed and bottled, for example, via separate dosing stations, as is known from US Pat. No. 5,623,999. However, using separate dosing stations for multiple components complicates the plant structure and process flow, since the filling of each container must be distributed among several separate dosing / bottling stations, at which the containers must be positioned for each dosing time. In principle, it is possible to simultaneously dose multiple components into containers via separate lines and distribute the openings at a common bottling station, but this is limited by the size of the bottle or container mouth.

[0005] Alternatively, it may be possible to collect the components in a common filling valve (see, for example, US Pat. No. 5,629,999 and US Pat. No. 5,629,999), in which the dosing of the components to be added to the base fluid occurs prior to the filling valve outlet, where the desired amount can be metered out, for example by volumetric measurement with a flow meter (US Pat. No. 5,629,999) or by using another volumetric dosing technique, for example a dosing piston and / or a diaphragm pump (US Pat. No. 5,629,999).

[0006] High accuracy of dosing can be achieved by flow meter-assisted dispensing, which measures the volume to be administered or the mass to be administered and closes a shutoff valve in the administration line once a threshold is reached. Other volume administration methods, such as the use of pumps or time / pressure filling, are often uncertain and tend to be more sensitive to changes in the administration medium (e.g., pressure, temperature, or composition). This results in frequent calibrations when changing the administration medium. Gravimetric measurement of the dose is nearly impractical due to the large difference between the dose weight and the container weight for very small volumes (μl).

[0007] The above-mentioned techniques are distinguished by the fact that the components are mixed at a later stage (i.e. during or immediately before bottling). However, late mixing also entails technical difficulties. Therefore, the time optimization of the bottling operation is not easily possible, since the dosing operation, for example using a flow meter, cannot be accelerated according to requirements. The residence time of the container under the dosing point is directly proportional to the output of the bottling line. If it is necessary to increase the output, the dosing time and therefore the dosing range must be reduced or a second parallel dosing line must be built. The possible dosing range depends on the available dosing time and therefore on the line capacity.

[0008] In addition to this, the later blending actually entails considerable structural complexity. In the case of small container mouths, it is possible, but difficult, to fill a moving container with a fixed dosing head. Therefore, the dosing head must either move together with the container (e.g., as a rotating unit) or the container must be held under the dosing head during the dosing and bottling operation (e.g., in the case of linear moving machines). Now, if it is intended that several different dosage components be available simultaneously, both of these solutions are complex from a mechanical engineering point of view, costly, maintenance-intensive, and require a considerable amount of installation space, due to the multiple filling points and / or dosage components at the filling valves.

[0009] These dosing techniques, which simultaneously determine the volume and deliver the medium using, for example, a pump or piston-type dosing device, have the disadvantage that they do not provide feedback to the control system regarding the volume actually dispensed into the container. This is equally true for time / pressure filling. If a valve does not open or a line is blocked, the system does not immediately recognize this. If multiple components are filled individually, subsequent quality control of the filled container may not be possible or is very difficult, so feedback from the dosing system regarding the amount actually dispensed is desirable, if not absolutely necessary.

[0010] Due to the above-mentioned technical problems, improvements have been made to the dosing / bottling process, as can be seen, for example, in Patent Documents 4 and 5. In these patent documents, the components of the filled product are dosed using a flow meter directly in the bottling operation and fed together into the container to be filled. In the dosing operation, the main component of the added components is transferred backward. The amount of the transferred main component is measured by the flow meter, and therefore the amount of the added component is known and controllable. When the filled product is subsequently filled into the container, the main component, together with the added component, is completely flushed into the container from the filling valve, and at the same time, the total filling volume can be measured by the same flow meter. In the next bottling cycle, the filling volume and the amount of the added component can also be reconsidered. In this way, flexible bottling of individualized beverages is possible without changeover times.

[0011] When changing types, residues from the previous filled product may remain in the filling valve, specifically, any dosage components. Aroma substances, small pieces of fruit pulp, and the like may be entrained and contaminate the next bottling operation. To minimize the amount of residues remaining in the filling valve that could contaminate the filled product in the next filling operation, the amounts and bottling of the main components must be adjusted so that the main components leave no residues from the previous bottling in the filling valve. The degree of cleaning depends, among other things, on how quickly and at what pressure the filling valve is flushed when dispensing the filled product into the container. However, for many reasons, the flushing of the filling valve cannot be accelerated as required. Therefore, excessive foaming can easily occur when bottling carbon dioxide-containing beverages. Similarly, the movement of the atmosphere present in the container during bottling hinders the bottling process.

[0012] A further difficulty with flexible bottling by dosing ingredients into a fill valve is that the carbon dioxide content of the filled product cannot be easily adjusted, i.e., on a container-wise and / or variety-wise basis. The main component of a filled product, e.g., water, typically has a fixed carbon dioxide content. The dosed components, e.g., fruit syrup, have a fixed Brix content. The carbon dioxide content and Brix content define the mixing ratio. For various filled products, the carbon dioxide content of the main component can be adjusted so that the desired content is contained in the container after mixing and bottling. If only one type of filled product is bottled on a filling machine at any one time, the carbon dioxide content of the main component can be adjusted on a variety-specific basis for the next variety. However, if two or more varieties are bottled one after the other or simultaneously through multiple interconnected fill valves (which is possible in principle by adding the dosed components individually), the carbon dioxide content of the bottled filled product can no longer be adjusted on a variety-specific basis. This is because the content is determined by the main component.

[0013] An additional difficulty is that the exhaustion of the atmosphere (mostly air) from the container during the filling operation results in aromas being entrained from the product through the return gas duct into the product vessel, which also adversely affects variety-pure bottling (liquid- and gas-bound components) when changing varieties from container to container.

[0014] For the supply and dispensing of the main and / or dosage components to the filling element, it is connected to fluid lines which draw the respective components from reservoirs and for this purpose are equipped with valves, flow meters, etc. If this is provided in several filling elements, for example as rotary machines, the structural complexity of the plant increases considerably. Furthermore, the complex fluid linkages of the filling elements make handling and cleaning of the filling elements even more difficult and can have a negative impact on reliability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0271809 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 0775668 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2009 / 1114121 Brochure [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 2272790 [Patent Document 5] German Patent Application Publication No. 102009049583 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve bottling flexibility, in particular to enable container-wise or container-group-wise and / or variety-specific bottling, while reducing structural complexity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous refinements result from the dependent claims, the following description of the invention and the description of preferred exemplary embodiments.

[0018] The device according to the invention serves to fill containers with a filled product. The filled product may be a multi-component filled product consisting of at least two components, one of which is referred to herein as the "base liquid" or "main component" for linguistic reasons. Any further components are referred to as "dosage component(s)." In the case of a multi-component product, the device is configured to collect and, if necessary, at least partially mix the components in addition to bottling the filled product, and in this respect performs at least part of the manufacturing process of the filled product to be bottled. The base liquid is, for example, water (still or carbonated) or beer. The dosage component(s) may include syrup, fruit pulp-containing liquid, fruit pulp, aromas, etc. If the filled product consists only of the main component and does not have dosage component(s), the terms "main component" and "filled product" are used synonymously. The device is particularly preferably used in beverage bottling plants. Carbon dioxide (the addition of which is also possible via the filling process described herein) is not included in the term "dosage component."

[0019] The apparatus comprises a plurality of filling members, each having a filled product line for supplying the filled product into an appropriate container (i.e., a container temporarily assigned to the filling member for bottling and typically located below the filling member), and the apparatus further comprises at least one dispensing line to which the filled product lines of the plurality of filling members are linked (fluid-injecting) so that the dispensing line is arranged to supply the fluid disposed therein into the filled product lines of the plurality of filling members.

[0020] That is, the filled product lines of the associated filling members are not individually connected to one or more reservoirs, but rather are connected via a common connecting line. The filled product lines may branch off from the connecting line, or the connecting line may have multiple sections, each of which opens at its end into the filled product line of the filling member. Thus, the filled product line of the filling member may first be fluidly connected to the filled product line of an adjacent filling member, for example, which in turn is preferably fluidly connected to the filled product line of a second adjacent filling member, and so on. The term "fluidic connection" means that fluid can flow between the fluidly connected components. This does not exclude the presence of components (e.g., valves) that may prevent fluid transport.

[0021] This type of "serial connection" (including "ring circuit") of fluids reduces the mechanical complexity of the device. Individual linkages of the filler member to the base reservoir and / or dosage reservoir can be avoided, thereby eliminating the use of fluid-carrying components (e.g., lines, valves, etc.). This goes hand in hand with increased reliability of the device and reduced maintenance and cleaning efforts.

[0022] As already mentioned above, the filling product lines of the plurality of filling elements preferably branch off from the distribution line via branch lines. The branch lines allow the filling elements to be easily linked to the distribution lines, thereby forming a modular, easily installable, and easily adaptable arrangement of the filling elements. It should be noted that, as will be explained in more detail below, the distribution lines can be arranged to provide and transport the filling product or its components (e.g., base liquid or dosage components). In particular, a plurality of the distribution lines can be provided, which can transport various components of the filling product via appropriate branch lines and supply these components into the respective filling product lines. Of course, valves can be provided on the branch lines and / or at other suitable locations, thereby regulating (specifically allowing and blocking) the supply of the appropriate component(s) into the filling product line(s).

[0023] Preferably, the distribution line is a ring line, which allows for a particularly reliable and uniform transport of the filled product or the appropriate ingredients to the multiple filled product lines, and such a topology is particularly suitable for rotary machines.

[0024] Preferably, the distribution line is fluidly connected to a distributor (which is a fluid reservoir) via at least one supply line. The distributor may be a main reservoir or an intermediate reservoir, for example, fluidly connected to the main reservoir. The distributor is preferably located above the filling member, thereby providing a structurally simple static pressure for the feed-in of the appropriate components. Preferably, one or more of the branch lines and / or one or more sections of the distribution line are fluidly connected to a distributor via one or more supply lines to draw the appropriate components from the distributor.

[0025] It will be pointed out that spatial specifications such as "under", "below", "over", "above" relate to the installation position of the device, which position is clearly defined by the bottling in the direction of gravity.

[0026] Preferably, the supply line has a flexible structure in at least some sections. Alternatively or additionally, the distribution line has a flexible structure in at least some sections. For the sake of simplicity of language, when the supply line or the distribution line is used in the singular herein, the design variations apply analogously to the case of a plurality of supply or distribution lines. The flexibility can be achieved by a suitable choice of material, preferably Teflon, and / or by mechanical structures, such as one (or more) bellows, joint(s), rotary distributor(s), etc. It should be pointed out that the above-mentioned Teflon is a preferred material for some or all of the fluid transport components (e.g., lines, valves, etc.), since the transport behavior of the fluid can be improved by its low surface energy. Likewise, Teflon very well prevents any migration of aromatic substances.

[0027] Preferably, a base reservoir is provided, the base reservoir being fluidly connected to the filled product line of the filling member and arranged to provide a base liquid. Furthermore, the filling members preferably each have one or more, preferably two or more, dosage supply lines, e.g. dosage valves, each arranged to supply a dosage component from an appropriate dosage reservoir into the filled product line. Herein, a dispensing line is fluidly connected to the base reservoir and arranged to supply the filled product line with the base liquid. Alternatively or additionally, at least one dispensing line is fluidly connected to one of the dosage reservoirs and arranged to supply the filled product line with an appropriate dosage component.

[0028] In this way, any selected number of flavors can be bottled individually into the specific group of containers in a very flexible manner. In the case of a change in type, the base liquid does not need to be changed (e.g., adapting the water type), thereby minimizing any waste liquid volume. Thus, only one type of water (e.g., still water) needs to be provided as the base liquid. Furthermore, the same type of water can be supplied to multiple plants, regardless of which type is being bottled. Regarding blending, no containers are present on the filling element during the dosing stage, since the dosing or blending does not take place during the bottling operation, but in the filling product line. Blending time is used in conjunction with the container transport. Therefore, the concept presented here is applicable to both linear moving machines with one or more filling points and rotary machines. In the case of rotary machines, the containers can rotate a small angle before leaving the carousel again.

[0029] The section of the filled product line into which the dosage component(s) is / are delivered is also referred to herein as the "dosing space". The one or more dosage valves are a preferred version of the dosage delivery line. That is, the dosage valves can optionally be omitted in certain embodiments in which the delivery of the dosage component(s) into the dosing space and all measuring-off is achieved by means external to the filling member. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that the approximate or complete mixing of the components does not necessarily have to take place in the dosing space. The actual mixing can take place during bottling or later in the container. Rather, the dosing space primarily serves to deliver one or more dosage components to the main component.

[0030] Preferably, the dosage component is provided at a higher pressure than the base component, so that the dosage component can be applied by rearward displacement of the base liquid.

[0031] Preferably, the device comprises at least one flow meter, which is arranged between the base reservoir and the filler member, preferably between the base reservoir and the distribution line, and which is arranged to measure the amount of fluid passing through it. Each of the filler members may be assigned a flow meter. However, the inventive structure allows for the installation of only one flow meter for a group of or all of the filler members, thereby further reducing the structural complexity.

[0032] By the "backflow measurement" thus realized (i.e. measurement of the volume of the base liquid that has moved backward out of the dosing space of the fed-in dosage components), the mixing ratio can be determined mechanically simple, compact and reliably. During the dosing step, the container does not have to be present on the filling element at all, since the dosing or the blending does not take place during the bottling operation but in the dosing space. The blending time is used in conjunction with the container transport. Furthermore, the flow meter is always flowed through only by the base liquid (often water). Therefore, the medium properties do not change and the line system is not contaminated by various fluids in these areas.

[0033] Preferably, the device is configured as a rotary machine having a carousel for transporting the containers and for filling them with the filling members. A fluid "serial connection" or "ring circuit" of a plurality of the filling members is particularly preferably used in rotary machines, since in this case the supply of fluid to the filling members can be particularly easily integrated structurally in this way. Furthermore, the time for blending any dosage components can be used in conjunction with the container transport, so that the containers can be rotated only by a small angle before leaving the carousel.

[0034] Preferably, the filling members each apply a negative pressure P low and the filling member is preferably arranged to deliver the filled product under positive pressure into the evacuated container.

[0035] The terms "underpressure" and "overpressure" are to be understood primarily with respect to their differences. However, the negative pressure P low is preferably lower than atmospheric pressure (=reference pressure). The positive pressure of the filled product when bottling takes place may be equal to atmospheric pressure, but is preferably higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0036] Thus, the container before feeding in the filled product is preferably under negative pressure P low The pressure is reduced to an absolute pressure of 0.5 bar to 0.05 bar, preferably 0.3 bar to 0.1 bar, particularly preferably, for example, 0.1 bar. Preferably, the positive pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure, for example, an absolute pressure of 1.1 bar to 6 bar. The container is thus reduced in pressure, so that almost no gas is displaced by the product during filling, and therefore no gas must be evacuated from the container. Rather, the entire cross section of the container mouth can be used for feeding in the product. That is, during the filling operation, only a flow of product is directed into the container, and no reverse fluid flow occurs.

[0037] In addition to the rapid bottling due to the pressure difference, in fact, in this way any number of flavors can be bottled individually into the specific group of containers in a very flexible manner without significant entrainment of aromas, etc., because the high pressure difference in the system during bottling optimizes flushing of the filling elements, thereby preventing or minimizing the entrainment of any product or aromas into subsequent containers. Furthermore, since there is no return gas to be evacuated from the containers during filling, aromas are also prevented from entering the system, and in particular into the product vessels, via this route.

[0038] Preferably, each filling element is provided with a treatment chamber into which the container to be filled can be at least partially introduced for depressurization and filling, the container being sealed from the external environment, and the treatment chamber has a gas supply arranged to generate a positive pressure within the treatment chamber. In this way, excessive foaming after the filling operation, particularly after the filling element is removed from the container opening, can be avoided. Preferably, the positive pressure within the treatment chamber is equal to the positive pressure at which the filled product is supplied into the container. In the case of a carbon dioxide-containing product, the positive pressure within the treatment chamber is preferably equal to the filling pressure or the carbon dioxide saturation pressure, thereby effectively preventing foaming or excessive foaming of the filled product after the filling process is completed. If the internal pressure of the treatment chamber is generated by carbon dioxide or a gas containing carbon dioxide, additional carbon dioxide can be added to the filled product in the container after the filling operation. By selecting the positive pressure within the treatment chamber, the CO2 content in the filled product can be adjusted on a container group-by-container and type-by-type basis.

[0039] Preferably, each of the filling members has a mouth section, and in this case, the filling members are arranged so that the mouth section is sealed and in fluid communication with the container for depressurizing and filling the container in the processing chamber, and for this purpose, the filling members are at least partially operable. Here, the operableness may be considered to be related to the processing chamber. In this way, the depressurization and filling of the container can be carried out quickly and reliably, while preventing foreign matter from entering the container interior. To ensure a secure fit of the mouth section to the container mouth, the mouth section may have a centering bell with a seal (e.g., a rubber contact seal of an appropriate shape).

[0040] Preferably, each filling section is provided with a closure element arranged to receive a cap and, after filling, to close the container with the cap in a suitable processing chamber. The closure is particularly preferably achieved in the processing chamber under the positive pressure established therein. For this purpose, the closure element has a capping head that protrudes into the processing chamber and is operable in a substantially vertical direction. The transfer of the cap to the capping head can be achieved in various ways. For example, for each filling / closing cycle, the cap (e.g., by a sorting mechanism and a feed chute) is introduced into the processing chamber in a first step and transferred to the capping head. As a result of the closure immediately after filling under the positive pressure in the processing chamber, the bottling process is significantly facilitated, since a settling step of the filled product (even if carbonated) is virtually unnecessary.

[0041] Preferably, the apparatus includes means for introducing carbon dioxide into the filled product line and / or into the container. This allows practically any selected carbonation content to be set on a container-by-container (or container group-by-container) and type-specific basis. Thus, only one type of possible main component, e.g., water (e.g., still or partially carbonated), should be available as the base liquid. Also, multiple plants can be supplied with the same type of water, regardless of which type is being bottled. In this regard, alignment to the filled product with the lowest carbonation content is not strictly necessary. Also, still-water filled products can be bottled alongside carbonated filled products.

[0042] Preferably, the apparatus is adapted to flush the container with carbon dioxide by the filling member (preferably via a gas line of the filling member) before depressurizing, and thereafter to subject the container to a variable negative pressure P low The container is arranged to reduce the pressure to a level close to a complete vacuum, thus setting the carbon dioxide content in the filled product to be bottled. In this way, the depressurization of the container, and thus rapid bottling, is synergistically combined with the individual carbonation of the filled product. Thus, the term "evacuation" and the like, as used herein, does not necessarily mean that the negative pressure within the container approaches a complete vacuum.

[0043] Preferably, the filling device adjusts the positive pressure when the filled product is supplied into the container to the negative pressure P low Preferably, the positive pressure and the negative pressure P low The negative pressure P low Variations in pressure differential do not necessarily affect the speed of bottling and therefore the duration of the bottling process. The pressure differential may be selected such that the control system of the filling process (e.g., clock speed, cycle duration, etc.) is not affected by the type-specific carbonation of the container unit.

[0044] Further advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments. The described features may be realized alone or in combination with one or more of the above-mentioned features, provided that these features are not mutually inconsistent. A description of preferred exemplary embodiments will now be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Further preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing details of the filling device. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for filling containers with a multi-component filled product. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of multiple filler members in a rotary machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a filler member linked to a distributor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Preferred exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which identical, similar, or functionally similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are partially omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0048] FIG. 1 shows in detail a filling device 1 for filling containers (not shown in FIG. 1) with a filling product and closing the containers with caps 2 in a beverage bottling plant.

[0049] The filling apparatus 1 includes a filling member 20 that protrudes into the processing chamber 10 during the process stage shown in Figure 1. The filling member 20 contains a filling member housing 21, a filling product line 22, a filling valve 23 located at the lower end (i.e., the downstream end) of the filling product line 22, a gas line 24, and a gas valve 25 located at the lower end of the gas line 24.

[0050] Via gas line 24 and gas valve 25, the vessel can be flushed and / or pretensioned with a gas (e.g., inert gas, nitrogen and / or carbon dioxide), which in turn allows a desired pressure to be set (e.g., depressurized) inside the vessel. It should be noted that gas line 24 may be a multi-channel structure, e.g., a pipe-in-pipe structure, which may include several gas lines in sequence, thereby allowing physical separation of one or more gases into and / or draining from the vessel, as required.

[0051] The gas valve 25 includes, for example, a gas valve cone and a gas valve seat arranged to regulate the gas flow, for which purpose the gas valve cone is switchable via an actuator (not shown).

[0052] The filling product line 22 is preferably designed as a ring line extending approximately concentrically with the gas line 24. The filling valve 23 includes, for example, a filling valve cone and a filling valve seat, which are arranged to regulate the flow of the filling product. The filling valve 23 is arranged to allow complete shutoff of the flow of the filling product. In the simplest case, the filling valve 23 has two settings: an open setting and a fully closed setting. For this purpose, the filling valve 23 can be switched via an actuator (not shown).

[0053] The actuation of the gas valve 25 and the actuation of the filling valve 23 are performed via actuators (not described in detail). It will be pointed out that the gas valve 25 and the filling valve 23 can be operatively connected to each other, thus for example arranging the actuators in a joint application, thereby simplifying the structure of the filling member 20 and increasing its reliability.

[0054] The filling member 20 has a mouth section 26 at the outlet end of the medium. The mouth section 26 is arranged so that the mouth of the container is in close contact with the mouth section 26. For this purpose, the mouth section 26 preferably has a centering bell with a suitably shaped rubber contact seal. The filling member 20 with the mouth section 26 is arranged for so-called wall filling, in which the filled product flows downward on the container wall after leaving the mouth section 26. Preferably, the filled product line 22 and the mouth section 26 are of a nature or have suitable means for spinning the filled product during the bottling operation, so that the filled product is pushed outward by centrifugal force and flows downward in a spiral motion after leaving the mouth section 26.

[0055] To enable a rapid changeover of the type of product to be filled with almost no changeover time, the filling member 20 has one or more, preferably at least two, dosage valves 27, 28 opening into the dosing space 22a. As a result, the product to be bottled can be changed over in multiple rounds, i.e., in one round the filling member 20 fills, for example, orangeade, and in the next round, for example, lemonade. Furthermore, by providing multiple dosage valves 27, 28, a dosage train can be cleaned, for example by flushing with water, while another dosage train is used for bottling. In this way, the bottling process and any cleaning of machine parts can be jointly combined by simultaneous or overlapping execution, thereby increasing productivity.

[0056] The dose valves 27, 28 are preferably some versions or embodiments of the dose supply lines, i.e. in some embodiments where the supply of the dose component(s) to the dose space 22a and all measuring-out is achieved by means external to the filling member 20, the dose valves 27, 28 can optionally be omitted, so that, for example, only the appropriate dose lines or dose ducts are opened to the dose space 22a.

[0057] The dosing space 22a can be a section or suitably shaped part of the filled product line 22. One or more dosage components, such as syrup, pulp, aromas, etc., are added to the main component, such as water or beer, which is already fed to the dosing space 22a via the filled product line 22, via dosing valves 27, 28 to which appropriate dosage lines are linked. The method of metering in the metered feed-in of the dosage components is explained below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0058] The filling member 20 is arranged so as to be at least partially operable, i.e., the arm-like section of the filling member 20 shown in Figure 1 can be stored in the processing chamber 10 and retracted into the processing chamber 10, or partially or completely withdrawn from the processing chamber 10. This allows the mouth of a container to be pressed against the mouth section 26 of the filling member 20 for a bottling operation, and subsequently, after completion of the bottling process, the filling member 20 can be withdrawn until the container in the processing chamber 10 can be closed.

[0059] Sealing means (not shown in FIG. 1 ) are provided to ensure operability of the filler member 20 without exposing the atmosphere of the processing chamber 10 to uncontrolled external influences. For example, the processing chamber pressure may be greater than the pressure of the external environment (which in this case is not necessarily atmospheric pressure) after the bottling operation is completed, thereby virtually eliminating the ingress of impurities into the processing chamber 10. Alternatively or additionally, the processing chamber 10 may be located in a clean room or may resemble a clean room.

[0060] In this exemplary embodiment, the filling device 1 further includes a closure member 30 for closing the container. The closure member 30 includes a capping head 31 that protrudes into the processing chamber 10 and, in this exemplary embodiment, is operable in a substantially vertical direction. Like the filling member 20, the closure member 30 is sealed against the wall of the processing chamber 10, thereby preventing the atmosphere inside the processing chamber 10 from being contaminated or subjected to uncontrolled disturbances due to external influences.

[0061] The closure member 30 is constructed and arranged to receive and hold the cap 2 on the capping head 31. For this purpose, the capping head 31 has a magnet, whereby the cap 2 (especially if it is a metal crown cap) can be centered and received in a structurally simple manner and then lowered onto the container mouth for closure of the container. Alternatively, the cap 2 can be grasped, held and applied to the container mouth by suitable gripping or clamping means, whereby the concepts presented herein are also applicable to plastic closures, screw caps, etc.

[0062] The capping head 31 is configured to be operable in the vertical direction, and is disposed substantially coaxially with the mouth of the container in order to securely apply the cap 2 to the container.

[0063] The transfer of the caps 2 to the capping head 31 can be realized in various ways. For example, for each filling / closing cycle, the caps 2 can be introduced into the processing chamber 10 in a first step by a sorting mechanism and a feed chute. For this purpose, the processing chamber 10 can be part of the closure member 30 and can perform a relative movement with respect to the closure feed (e.g. a feed chute or a moving arm), and the capping head 31 picks up the caps 2 from the closure feed and holds them.

[0064] It should be pointed out that the closure of the container can be achieved in other ways, particularly in the case of carbonated filled products, where closure is preferably carried out immediately after filling and under positive pressure in the processing chamber 10, as will be explained below.

[0065] To fill the container, it is raised and the container mouth is introduced into the processing chamber 10 and sealed to the processing chamber 10. The container mouth is sealingly pressed against the mouth section 26 of the filling member 20, which is extended in the filling position. The mouth section 26 of the filling member 20 thus marks the end position of the container stroke. The capping head 31 receives the cap 2 and draws it into the processing chamber 10. Sealing of the processing chamber 10 from the external environment and sealing of the container or container mouth area can be achieved by expansion of one or more seals. The processing chamber 10 itself preferably does not undergo any upward movement.

[0066] During the filling operation, gas is preferably supplied into the treatment chamber 10. This parallel operation allows the entire process to be optimized. During the filling process, the treatment chamber 10 is sealed on all sides, so that an appropriate internal pressure is built up in the treatment chamber 10. In the case of carbonated filled products, this internal pressure is preferably equal to the filling pressure or the saturation pressure of the carbon dioxide, thereby effectively preventing foaming or over-foaming of the filled product after the filling process is completed.

[0067] The gas supply can be realized by means of a valve (not shown in FIG. 1 ) in the wall of the processing chamber 10. Alternatively or additionally, the gas supply can be at least partially integrated into the filling member 20. Thus, according to this exemplary embodiment, the filling member 20 has a processing chamber gas line 29 for this purpose. The processing chamber gas line 29 (specifically, its outlet into the processing chamber 10) can be arranged so that an existing gas jet impinges on the bottom side of the cap 2 when the filling member 20 is in the filling position. In this way, cleaning of the cap 2 is carried out simultaneously during the filling operation. Carbon dioxide is preferably used as the gas, but a different medium, for example, sterile air, can also be used.

[0068] Once the container is filled in this manner and the interior of the processing chamber 10 reaches a desired pressure, the filling member 20 is withdrawn and the capping head 31 continues to move downward until it reaches the container mouth and closes the container mouth.

[0069] A preferred process for rapidly filling and closing a container with a filled product is as follows: a) Apply negative pressure P low Reduce pressure to b) filling the filled product into the container, preferably under positive pressure; c) creating a positive pressure P within the processing chamber 10 (and, if necessary, within the headspace of the vessel) high , thereby avoiding foaming or over-foaming of the filled product when the filling member 20 is released from the container mouth. d) applying the cap 2 to the container opening without depressurizing the pressure to the external environment in advance to close the container; f) The processing chamber 10 is evacuated and the container is removed for further processing (e.g., labeling, packaging, etc.).

[0070] The terms "underpressure" and "overpressure" will be understood primarily in terms of their differences. However, the underpressure P after the reduction in pressure in step a) lowis preferably lower than atmospheric pressure (=reference pressure). The positive pressure P generated in step c) high may be equal to atmospheric pressure, but is preferably higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0071] Thus, the container before the filling product is fed in is preferably under negative pressure P low The pressure is reduced to an absolute pressure of 0.5 bar to 0.05 bar, preferably 0.3 bar to 0.1 bar, particularly preferably 0.1 bar. Preferably, the positive pressure P high is higher than atmospheric pressure, for example, an absolute pressure of 1.1 bar to 6 bar. The container is thus depressurized, so that during filling with the product, almost no gas is displaced by the product, and therefore no gas must be expelled from the container. Rather, the entire cross section of the container's mouth can be used for feeding in the product. That is, during the filling operation, only a directed flow of the product occurs within the container, and no reverse fluid flow occurs.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus 100 for filling a container 200 with a multi-component filled product.

[0073] The apparatus 100 comprises a base reservoir 110 for a base liquid (which may also be referred to as a main product) and a filling device 1 with a filling member 20 according to the above description. For clarity of illustration, the filling device 1 shown in Figure 2 is shown only diagrammatically, and the processing chamber 10 and closure member 30 are not specifically shown.

[0074] A base liquid and all dosage components, which may be mixed using the fluid system described below, are provided to the container 200 via the filler member 20. The base liquid may be, for example, water or beer. The dosage components may consist of, for example, syrup, fruit pulp-containing liquid, fruit pulp, aromas, etc.

[0075] The device 100 has a base line 120 arranged to supply the base liquid to the filling member 20, to which the dosage components may also be supplied. A further line (not shown in this figure), referred to as a "second line", may also be provided to mix various amounts and / or further dosage components.

[0076] For this purpose, the base line 120 has a base conduit 121 extending from the base reservoir 110 to the filler member 20. The base conduit 121 is provided with a flow meter 122. The flow meter 122 is preferably a non-contact, e.g., inductive, measuring device for measuring the liquid flow rate, volumetric flow rate, etc., of the amount of liquid being transported through the flow meter 122.

[0077] The section of the base conduit 121 located between the flow meter 122 and the fill valve 23 is referred to as the dosing space 22a (or including such a space). As will be explained below, the dosing space 22a is arranged to meter out the dosage components to be delivered by rearward movement.

[0078] According to this exemplary embodiment, two dose branches 124, 125 open into the dosing space 22a. Each of the two dose branches 124, 125 comprises a dose reservoir 124a, 125a, a dose line 124b, 125b fluidly connected thereto, and a dose valve 27, 28 switchably fluidly connecting the associated dose line 124b, 125b to the dosing space 22a.

[0079] By providing multiple dosage branches 124, 125, the product to be bottled can be switched in multiple rounds, i.e., in one round the filling member 20 fills, for example, orangeade and in the next round, for example, lemonade. Also, a dosage branch 124, 125 can be cleaned, for example by rinsing it with water, while another dosage branch 124, 125 is used for bottling. In this way, the bottling process and any cleaning of machine parts can be combined or carried out simultaneously, which can increase productivity.

[0080] Selection of the nominal width of the dosing space 22 a , flow meter 122 , and / or dose branches 124 , 125 fixes the dosing range relative to the baseline 120 .

[0081] The dosing and bottling process will now be described with reference to the device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG.

[0082] At the start of each fill cycle, the baseline 120 is flushed with base liquid, thereby filling the associated dosing space 22a with base liquid while the fill member 20 is closed. As the dosing space fills, an associated flow meter 122 can measure the forward (i.e., filling direction) flow of base liquid. In this way, the desired total fill volume of the dosing space 22a can be determined and adjusted.

[0083] The dosage components are then supplied to the dosing space 22a by opening the appropriate dosage valves 27, 28. The dosage components may be supplied simultaneously or sequentially. The feeding of the dosage components causes a portion of the base liquid to be displaced backward (reversely) from the dosing space 22a. The backward flow is detected here by a flow meter 122. The dosage valves 27, 28, which may be designed as pure shut-off valves or as controllable shut-off valves, remain open until the desired amount of dosage component(s) has been supplied to the dosing space 22a. For this purpose, the flow meter 122 and the valves of the device 100 are communicatively connected to a control device (not shown). This control device determines the opening / closing times (or, generally, the switching action of the components involved) based on the detection results of the flow meter 122. It should be noted that if the various dosage components of the line are supplied sequentially, the amount of each individual dosage component can be accurately determined with just one flow meter 122.

[0084] In the next bottling step, described above with reference to FIG. 1, the dosing space 22a into the container 200 is emptied, thereby completely flushing the lines.

[0085] The reservoirs 110, 124a, 125a for the base liquid and dosage components are gas pressurized separately or jointly to ensure the pressure differential required for proper fluid delivery in the headspace. Alternatively or additionally, the static heights of the reservoirs 110, 124a, 125a can be selected so that the pressure differential allows the dosage components to be delivered into the base liquid.

[0086] By feeding in and metering out the dosage component(s) in this way via a backward movement, accurate dosing can be achieved. As a result of the pressure difference between the container 200 under negative pressure and the filled product under positive pressure, not only is the filling operation expedited, but also an optimal flushing of the filling element 20 is achieved, which effectively prevents entrainment of aromas or residues of the filled product.

[0087] Additionally, the techniques presented herein for fast and reliable filling of containers 200 by container and by type allow for filled products to be individually carbonated. Carbonation content can be adjusted in a variety of ways.

[0088] According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the desired carbonation content is defined by the amount of CO2 present in the container 200 prior to bottling. This is because the container 200 is under a negative pressure P low If the vessel 200 is flushed with CO2 before depressurization, P low By adjusting the negative pressure P, the carbonation content can be individually set (specifically on a type-specific basis and on a container-by-container basis). low To prevent fluctuations in P from affecting the duration of the bottling process, the positive pressure at which the filled product is supplied into the container 200 can be adapted accordingly. Preferably, the positive pressure is low The pressure difference between the two determines the CO2 content. low is chosen to remain approximately constant for

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, the carbonation content may be adjusted by supplying CO2 directly into the dosing space 22a and / or into the headspace of the container 200 during or at the end of the filling operation. To this end, the gas line 24, gas valve 25, dosage valves 27, 28, or another device in the filling member 20 may be arranged to introduce CO2 from a CO2 source into the filled product. Alternatively or additionally, CO2 may be added to one or more of the base liquid and / or dosage components, so that a type-specific mix of components will have a type-specific CO2 content as well.

[0090] If the internal pressure of the treatment chamber 10 is generated by carbon dioxide or a gas containing carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide can also be added to the filled product in the container after filling. By selecting a positive pressure in the treatment chamber 10, the CO content in the filled product container can be set on a per-container and per-type basis.

[0091] Thus, any selected carbonation content can be individually set, specifically on a variety-specific and / or container-specific basis. At the same time, various filled products can be bottled with various carbonation contents. In fact, any selected number of flavors can be bottled in a very flexible manner on a container-specific basis without significant aroma entrainment. A change in base liquid, e.g., an adaptation of the water type, is not required when changing varieties, thereby minimizing any emissions. Thus, only one type of water (e.g., still or carbonated) needs to be provided as the base liquid. Furthermore, multiple plants can be supplied with the same type of water, regardless of which variety is being bottled. In this case, alignment to the filled product with the lowest carbonation content is not absolutely necessary. Furthermore, still-filled products can be bottled in parallel with carbonated products. Due to the high pressure differential in the system during bottling, flushing of the filling element 20 is optimized, thereby preventing or at least minimizing any product or aroma entrainment into subsequent containers. Furthermore, since there is no return gas that must be vented from the container 200 during the filling operation, this path also prevents aromas from entering the system, specifically the product vessel.

[0092] Regarding dosing, none of the containers 200 need to be supported by the filling member 20 during the dosing stage, since the dosing or blending does not occur during bottling, but rather in the dosing space 22a. The dosing time can be used in conjunction with the transport of the containers. Thus, the concepts presented herein are applicable to both linear moving machines and rotary machines with one or more filling points.

[0093] The base liquid (i.e., water in most cases) passes through the flow meter 122. Therefore, the properties of the medium do not change and the line system does not become contaminated with a different fluid in these areas.

[0094] The mechanical complexity of implementing the device 100 may be justified, since the line system can be realized with pipes or hose lines with only a few valves and a single flow meter (per line). No complex geometries need to be incorporated, making the device 100 easy to clean and maintain. The risk of clogging is low. Furthermore, the device 100 is suitable for dispensing highly viscous fluids.

[0095] 1 and 2 relate to a filling device 1 and a device 100 for rapid filling and closing of containers, the depressurization of the container before feeding in the filled product, the installation of a processing chamber 10, the installation of a closure member 30 and / or other components may be omitted if necessary (as long as these elements are not necessary for the linkage of multiple filling members 20), which will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0096] In the case of multiple filling members 20, to avoid individually linking the filling members 20 to dedicated base reservoirs 110 and / or dedicated dosage reservoirs 124a, 125a, the multiple filling members 20 can be connected in series with each other, as is evident from the schematic top view of Figure 3.

[0097] For this purpose, the filled product lines 22 of the filling elements 20 or their dosing spaces 22a are fluidly connected to one or more distribution lines 131 (preferably realized as ring lines) via respective branch lines 130. That is, the filled product lines 22 of the filling elements 20 are not individually connected to one or more reservoirs but are connected via one or more common distribution lines 131 from which the filled product lines 22 branch off. The branch lines 130 can also be realized in such a way that sections of the distribution lines 131 are directly linked to the filled product lines 22. In this way, the filled product lines 22 of a filling element 20 are first fluidly connected to the filled product line 22 of, for example, an adjacent filling element 20, and this distribution line 131 is then fluidly connected to the filled product line 22 of a second adjacent filling element 20, and so on.

[0098] One or more of the branch lines 130 and / or one or more sections of the distribution line(s) are fluidly connected to a distributor 133 via a supply line 132 and draw the appropriate components from the distributor 133. Such a "serial connection" or "ring circuit" of multiple packing members 20 is particularly preferred for use in rotary machines having a carousel for transporting and processing containers 200.

[0099] When the base liquid is provided via a distribution line 131, the filled product line 22, the base conduit 121, or the dosing space 22a branches off from the distribution line 131. In this case, the distribution line 131 is referred to as a "base liquid-distribution line." The distribution line 131 is then fluidly connected to a distributor 133 via one or more supply lines 132. In this case, the distributor 133 is referred to as a "base liquid-distributor." The base liquid distributor may be the base reservoir 110 or an intermediate reservoir, such as a vessel, fluidly connected to the base reservoir 110. Preferably, the base liquid distributor 133 is located above the filler member 20, as shown schematically in FIG. 4.

[0100] Figure 4 further shows a flow meter 122 and a shut-off valve 134 in the supply line 132, which illustrates that in the case of a "series connection" of multiple filling elements 20, a flow meter 122 does not necessarily have to be assigned to and installed in each filling element 20, which can further reduce the structural complexity of the device 100.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the dosage components may be provided via a common distribution line 131, with the appropriate dosage lines 124b, 125b or dosage valves 27, 28 branching off from the distribution line 131. In this case, the distribution line 131 will be referred to as a "dosage component distribution line." Again, the distribution line 131 is then fluidly connected to a distributor 133 via one or more supply lines 132. In this case, the distributor 133 will be referred to as a "dosage component distributor." The dosage component distributor may be a dosage reservoir 124a, 125b or an intermediate reservoir, e.g., a vessel, fluidly connected to the dosage reservoirs 124a, 125b. Preferably, the dosage component distributor is located above the filler member 20.

[0102] The supply of dosage component(s) into the dosing space 22a is preferably achieved at a pressure higher than that of the supply of base liquid, thereby enabling or at least facilitating the aforementioned dosing by backward movement. To this end, the dosage component distributor has a higher pressure level than the base reservoir 110 or the base liquid distributor, e.g., due to its rest height and / or higher pressure.

[0103] The dispensing line 131 can consist of several sections linked to the branch line 130 or the filled product line 22. The dispensing line 131 can be of rigid structure, but is preferably flexible in at least some sections, thereby allowing or at least simplifying manipulation of the filling member 20. A flexible structure of the dispensing line 131, in at least some sections, is particularly advantageous when the filling member 20 is designed for a lifting movement for movement from above onto the container 200. Flexibility can be achieved by a suitable choice of material, preferably Teflon, and / or by the use of mechanical structures, for example one (or more) bellows, joints, rotary distributors, etc.

[0104] Likewise, the supply line 132 is preferably of flexible construction in at least some sections, thereby allowing or at least simplifying any maneuverability (in particular lifting movements) of the filler member 20. Flexibility can be achieved by a suitable choice of material, preferably Teflon, and / or by the use of mechanical structures, for example one (or more) bellows, joints, rotary distributors, etc.

[0105] It should be pointed out that the above-mentioned Teflon® is the preferred material for some or all of the fluid-carrying components (e.g., lines, valves, etc.) because the transport behavior of the fluid is improved by its low surface energy. Likewise, Teflon® prevents very well any migration of aromatic substances.

[0106] The above-mentioned "serial connection" including the "ring circuit" provides a mechanically simple, reliable and low-maintenance implementation of the device 100, and furthermore, the containers 200 can be bottled virtually individually, in particular on a type-specific basis and / or on a container group basis. Handling of the individual filling elements 20 is facilitated, particularly when the distribution line(s) 131 and / or the supply line(s) 132 are of flexible construction, at least in some sections.

[0107] Where applicable, all of the individual features shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another and / or substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Filling device 2 Caps 10 Processing Chamber 20 Filler material 21 Filler member housing 22 Filled Product Lines 22a Administration space 23 Filling valve 24 Gas Line 25 Gas valve 26 Mouth Section 27 Dosage valve 28 Dosage valve 29 Processing chamber gas line 30 Closure member 31 Capping head 100 Apparatus for filling containers with a multi-component product 110 Base Reservoir 120 Baseline 121 Base Conduit 122 Flow meter 124 First Dosage Branch 124a Dose reservoir of first dose branch 124b Dose Line for First Dose Branch 125 Second Dosage Branch 125a Dose reservoir of second dose branch 125b Dose Line for Second Dose Branch 130 Branch Line 131 Distribution Line 132 Supply Line 133 Distributor 134 Shut-off valve 200 containers

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for filling containers (200) with a filled product in a beverage bottling plant, comprising: a plurality of filling members (20) each having a filled product line (22) for delivering said filled product into a suitable container (200); and at least one distribution line (131) to which the filled product lines (22) of the plurality of filling members (20) are linked; a base reservoir (110) fluidly connected to the filled product line (22) of the filling member (20) and arranged to provide a base liquid; said filling members (20) each having one or more dose supply lines, each of said dose supply lines arranged to supply a dose component from an appropriate dose reservoir (124a, 125a) into said filled product line (22); a dispensing line (131) fluidly connected to the base reservoir (110) and arranged to supply the base liquid to the filled product line (22), and / or a dispensing line (131) fluidly connected to one of the dosage reservoirs (124a, 125a) and arranged to supply the appropriate dosage component to the filled product line (22); the dosage component is provided at a pressure higher than the base liquid and is configured to be fed into the filled product line (22), the dosage component being applied by the backward movement of the base liquid; The apparatus includes at least one flow meter (122), the flow meter (122) being positioned between the base reservoir (110) and the filling member (20) and being arranged to measure the amount of fluid passing through the flow meter (122), and the flow meter (122) being configured to detect rearward flow.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the filled product line (22) of the plurality of filling members (20) branches off from the distribution line (131) via a branch line (130).

3. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the distribution line (131) is a ring line.

4. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distribution line (131) is fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir, a distributor (133), via at least one supply line (132), the distributor (133) being arranged above the filling member (20).

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the supply line (132) is of flexible construction in at least some sections.

6. The device described in claim 5, characterized in that the supply line (132) is at least partially made of Teflon (registered trademark) and / or has at least one bellows, and / or at least one joint and / or has at least one rotary distributor.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution line (131) is of flexible construction in at least some sections.

8. The device described in Claim 7, characterized in that the distribution line (131) is at least partially made of Teflon (registered trademark) and / or has at least one bellows, and / or at least one joint, and / or at least one rotary distributor.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is configured as a rotary machine having a carousel for transporting the containers (200) and filling them with the filling element (20).

10. The filling members (20) each apply a negative pressure (P ｌｏｗ 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a gas line (24) for reducing the pressure to a pressure of 1000 psi.

11. An apparatus as described in Claim 10, characterized in that the filling member (20) is arranged to supply the filled product into the evacuated container (200) under positive pressure.

12. 11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that each of the filling members (20) is provided with a processing chamber (10) into which the container (200) to be filled can be at least partially introduced for decompression and filling, and the processing chamber (10) can be sealed against the external environment and has a gas supply arranged to generate a positive pressure in the processing chamber (10).

13. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of the filling members (20) has a mouth section (25), the filling members (20) are arranged so that the mouth section (25) can be in sealing fluid communication with the container for depressurizing and filling the container within the processing chamber (10), and the filling members (20) are at least partially operable.

14. 14. The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that each of the filling members (20) is provided with a closure member (30), which is arranged to receive a cap (2) and to close the container (200) with the cap (2) in the appropriate processing chamber (10) after the filling.

15. The device has means for introducing carbon dioxide into the filling product line (22) and / or into the container (200), so that the container (200) is flushed with carbon dioxide using the filling member (20) before the depressurization, and thereafter the container (200) is subjected to a variable negative pressure (P ｌｏｗ 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus is arranged to reduce the pressure to a pressure of 0.5 to 1000 psi, thereby setting the carbon dioxide content in the filled product to be bottled.

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