CN116062665A

CN116062665A - Device and method for filling containers

Info

Publication number: CN116062665A
Application number: CN202211363445.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 托马斯·克尼特尔; 克里斯蒂安·布里; 迈克尔·彼得; 乌多·多豪瑟; 于尔根·索尔纳; 莱纳·格洛茨尔
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2021-11-04
Filing date: 2022-11-02
Publication date: 2023-05-05
Also published as: DE102021128681A1; EP4177215A1; JP2023071603A

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a device (10A to 10D) for filling containers (12), preferably for a filling turret, comprising: a filling valve (14) for delivering liquid to the container (12); and a switching unit (16) positionable below the filling valve (14) and having a liquid filling channel (30) for receiving liquid from the filling valve (14) and outputting liquid to the container (12) and at least one gas channel (32) for evacuating the container (12) and/or for pre-pressurizing the container (12) and/or for conducting back gas from the container (12).

Description

Device and method for filling containers

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for filling containers and to a method for operating a device for filling containers.

Background

For filling containers, different techniques can be used in the filling device, such as a filler carousel. For example, a full-jet filling system or a free-jet filling system or a squeeze filling system, such as a wall filling system, may be used.

In a full-jet filling system, for example, a stationary beverage may be filled with a full-jet/free-jet filling valve. In this case, the bottle does not need to be pressed onto the filling valve. The return air may flow from the container to the peripheral space. If, for example, a carbonated beverage or a carbonated beverage is being filled with a full-jet system, the container may be pressed onto the filling valve. The necessary gas guides for introducing pressurized gas and return gas from the filling mechanism to the container or back from the container are integrated in the filling valve. The return air path is arranged in the filling valve laterally to the filling jet outlet.

In wall filling systems, the container is pressed onto a filling valve for wall filling both in the case of a still or non-carbonated beverage and in the case of a carbonated beverage. The filling valve is designed in particular to be able to carry out wall filling, so that the filling jet, when entering the container, contacts the inner circumferential wall of the container. The necessary gas guides for introducing pressurized gas and return gas from the filling mechanism to the container or back from the container are integrated in the filling valve.

In known filling valves or filling mechanisms, the supply of pressurized gas into the individual containers and the removal of return gas from the individual containers is achieved by means of a controlled gas path formed in the filling valve with a plurality of gas channels in which one or more control valves are arranged. The control valve is thus, for example, a component of a pneumatic control valve device and is controlled by a machine control of the filling machine via at least one electrically controllable switching valve. In particular, the return air duct is sometimes subjected to high loads of bacteria and/or contaminants in the filling element devices known from the prior art.

DE102014109589A1 relates to a filling system for filling containers, having a plurality of filling elements, each having a filling material channel provided in a filling element housing, said channel having a filling material outlet, through which liquid filling material flows in a controlled manner through a liquid valve to a respective container arranged with its container opening below the filling material outlet during filling, having a vertically movable container holder assigned to the respective filling element for holding and producing at least one indirect sealing layer of the respective container relative to the filling element, and having a flushing hood to be arranged on the filling material outlet for cleaning and/or sterilizing the filling element. Each filling element is provided with an extension piece which can be arranged in a sealing position on the filling material outlet and which has a filling material passage, so that an extension of the filling material channel of the filling element is achieved in the extension piece arranged on the filling material outlet.

DE102016115891A1 relates to a filling device for filling containers with a filling product, comprising a filling device for filling containers with a filling product, wherein a deflection device having an electrostatic field is provided for deflecting the filling product relative to the containers.

A filling element arrangement for free jet filling with liquid filling material without pressurization or pressure loading is also known from EP3286130B 1.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved technique which enables filling containers in various modes, such as free jet filling and wall filling, in a simple manner.

Disclosure of Invention

The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are given in the dependent claims and the description.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for filling containers, preferably for a filler carousel, having a filling valve (e.g., a full-jet filling valve) for outputting liquid to the containers. The device further comprises a switching unit (e.g. selectively) positionable below the filling valve and having a liquid filling channel for receiving liquid from the filling valve and outputting the liquid to the container and at least one gas channel for evacuating the container and/or for pre-pressurizing the container and/or for conducting return air from the container.

The device advantageously enables filling of containers in various modes in a simple and hygienic manner, that is to say with or without a liquid filling channel of an intermediate plug-in switching unit in the flow path of the liquid from the filling valve to the container. The device advantageously enables the stationary product to be filled by a free jet (liquid filling channel without intermediate plug-in conversion unit) at a correspondingly high power of the free jet system and the carbonic acid product to be filled by a pressure filling (e.g. filling by wall filling) at a correspondingly high power of the wall filling system (liquid filling channel with intermediate plug-in conversion unit). In this case, for example, a fully automatic changeover between free jet and wall filling is also possible. In the case of wall filling, strongly foamed products can be filled with a much higher power than in the case of free jet filling.

The gas guide in the form of the at least one gas channel in the device is advantageously no longer integrated in the filling means or the filling valve, but in the switching unit, for example, for evacuating the container or for delivering pressurized gas to the container or for discharging return gas from the container. This can be very advantageous, for example, in the field of sterility, since the gas channels do not have to be integrated and monitored in the filling system at any cost. Purely exemplary, reference is made here to a sterile plant which is filled with a weakly acidic product, wherein the container is not pressed onto the filling valve. The gas channel in the filling system must be configured and monitored as required by the aseptic device, even if the aseptic device is only temporarily used. This means that the effort for designing the components increases. Furthermore, monitoring of cleaning and sterilization requires more sensing devices (temperature monitoring).

Preferably, the switching unit can be configured separately from the filling valve.

Preferably, the at least one gas channel may be configured separately from the liquid filling channel.

For example, the at least one gas passage may have a vacuum-pumping passage, a pressurized gas passage, and/or a return gas passage. It is possible that the evacuation channel, the pressurized gas channel and/or the return gas channel are configured separately from each other or that at least two of the channels (from a total of two or three channels) are integrated with each other, for example the pressurized gas channel and the return gas channel.

Preferably, the at least one gas channel may have exactly one gas channel (e.g., a pressurized gas channel, a return gas channel, or a vacuum channel), exactly two gas channels (e.g., a pressurized gas channel and a return gas channel or a pressurized gas channel and a vacuum channel or a vacuum channel and a return gas channel), or exactly three gas channels (e.g., a pressurized gas channel and a return gas channel and a vacuum channel).

In one embodiment, the (outlet) section of the liquid filling channel and the (end) section of the at least one gas channel extend side by side or coaxially, wherein preferably the section of the liquid filling channel surrounds the section of the at least one gas channel coaxially, particularly preferably helically. This may be particularly advantageous for reasons of installation space, wherein the at least one gas channel may particularly preferably be arranged proficiently within the installation space that is present in the interior of the liquid filling channel.

In another embodiment, the device further has a source of pressurized gas connected or connectable to the at least one gas channel (e.g. the pressurized gas channel of the at least one gas channel) for delivering pressurized gas. Advantageously, the container can thus be pre-pressurized through the at least one gas channel prior to filling.

In a further embodiment, the device further has a return gas outlet connected or connectable to the at least one gas channel (for example a return gas channel of the at least one gas channel) for outlet of return gas. Advantageously, return air can thus be led out of the container via the at least one gas channel during filling of the container.

In another embodiment, the device further has a vacuum source connected or connectable to the at least one gas channel (e.g., a vacuum channel of the at least one gas channel) for evacuating the container. Advantageously, the container can thus be evacuated via the at least one gas channel before filling and, if necessary, before pre-pressurizing.

In another embodiment, the liquid filling channel is configured to convert (or divert) liquid received by the filling valve into a filling jet for wall filling and to output the filling jet for wall filling to the container.

In one embodiment, the liquid filling channel has a (for example spiral-shaped) swirl generating section, a guide element and/or a flow body widening in the flow direction, preferably a baffle (abletitscherm). Preferably, the swirl generating section, the guide element and/or the flow body can particularly preferably enclose the section of the at least one gas channel coaxially. Advantageously, this makes it possible to achieve wall filling of the container particularly advantageously in a very space-saving manner.

In a further embodiment, the switching unit can be moved vertically, preferably by means of an actuator and/or independently of the filling valve. Advantageously, the switching unit can thus be pressed onto the container and/or onto the filling valve.

In a further embodiment, the switching unit can be pressed onto the filling valve, preferably by means of a vertical movement of the filling valve (for example caused by an actuator) and/or the switching unit (for example caused by an actuator). Alternatively or additionally, the conversion unit may be pressed onto the container preferably by means of a vertical movement of the conversion unit and/or of the container holder of the container.

Preferably, the switching unit can have a preferably annular (for example metallic or nonmetallic) upper sealing surface for pressing onto the filling valve.

Preferably, the switching unit can have a preferably annular (for example metallic or non-metallic) lower sealing surface for pressing onto the container.

Preferably, the filling valve can have a preferably annular sealing surface (for example metallic or non-metallic) for pressing onto the switching unit.

In one embodiment variant, the filling valve has a movable valve member, preferably with a valve cone, which preferably protrudes into the switching unit (e.g. a liquid filling channel of the switching unit) in the closed position of the filling valve when the switching unit is positioned below the filling valve. Preferably, the switching unit may have a recess for the front end of the movable valve member, which recess particularly preferably adapts to the shape of the front end. Advantageously, this enables a particularly flat construction of the conversion unit.

In a further embodiment variant, the switching unit is movable, pivotable and/or rotatable for positioning under the filling valve, preferably guided and/or guided by means of an actuator.

In a further embodiment variant, the filling valve can be moved vertically, preferably for pressing onto the switching unit, and/or the device has a container holder for holding the container, which can be moved vertically, preferably for pressing onto the switching unit.

In a further embodiment, the device can be operated in a first operating mode, preferably a free-jet operating mode, in which the filling valve outputs liquid as a free jet for filling the container preferably directly (e.g. without a liquid filling channel of the intermediate plug-in conversion unit). Alternatively or additionally, the device may be operated in a second mode of operation, preferably a wall-fill shipping mode, in which the switching unit is positioned below the filling valve, the liquid filling channel receives liquid from the filling valve and outputs it to the container for filling, preferably a wall-fill container, and the at least one gas channel sucks gas from the container for evacuating the container, and/or the at least one gas channel delivers pressurized gas to the container for pre-pressurizing the container prior to filling the container, and/or the at least one gas channel receives return gas from the container during filling and outputs it.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for operating a device for filling containers, preferably as disclosed in this respect, wherein the method comprises: the device is operated in a first operating mode in which the free jet from the filling valve preferably flows directly (e.g. without a liquid filling channel of the intermediate plug-in switching unit) into the container below the filling valve. The method comprises the following steps: the device is operated in a second operating mode in which the switching unit is positioned below the filling valve, the liquid filling channel of the switching unit receiving liquid from the filling valve and outputting liquid to the container, preferably such that wall filling of the container is achieved, and the switching unit has at least one gas channel through which gas is evacuated from the container before filling the container and/or through which pressurized gas is introduced into the container before filling the container for pre-pressurizing the container and/or through which return gas is led out of the container during filling the container. Advantageously, the same advantages can be achieved with this method, which have been described for the device.

In one embodiment, the container is positioned spaced apart from the filling valve in the first mode of operation (e.g. without an intermediate plug-in switching unit and/or liquid filling channel) and/or the container and switching unit and filling valve are pressed against each other in the second mode of operation.

In a further embodiment, the carbonic acid-free (or stationary) liquid is filled into the container in the first mode of operation and/or the carbonic acid liquid is filled into the container in the second mode of operation.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises: the switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode takes place by moving, preferably moving, pivoting and/or rotating the switching unit or the liquid filling channel of the switching unit, preferably by means of an actuator, under the filling valve.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises: the switching from the second operating mode to the first operating mode takes place by moving, preferably moving, pivoting and/or rotating the switching unit or the liquid filling channel of the switching unit away from the filling valve, preferably by means of an actuator.

Preferably, in the second operating mode, the liquid filling channel of the switching unit switches the liquid received by the filling valve into a filling jet for filling the container by means of a (for example spiral-shaped) swirl generating section of the liquid filling channel, a guide element and/or a flow body widening in the flow direction, preferably a baffle plate.

In the context of the present disclosure, "free jet filling" is understood to mean a filling method in which the filling material of the liquid flows from the liquid valve into the container to be filled in a free jet or jet of filling material, wherein the flow of the filling material is not influenced or altered by a guide element (for example a deflector, a cyclone, a short or long filling tube). The free jet filling can be carried out not only unpressurized but also under pressure. In the case of unpressurized free jet filling, the container can have an ambient pressure, wherein the container usually does not rest with its container inlet or opening on the filling valve, but is spaced apart from the filling valve or from the provided feed opening. However, if the container is to be filled with a free jet without pressurization with its container inlet against the filling valve, the gas path can establish a connection between the interior space of the container and the surroundings, so that unpressurized filling can be achieved. Preferably, the gas contained in the container and expelled through the beverage flowing into the container is escaping into the surrounding environment through said gas path. If the free jet filling is carried out at a pressure different from the ambient pressure, which pressure can be both higher and lower than the ambient pressure, the container can be pressed with its inlet onto the filling valve and sealed, and then the pressure in the interior space of the container can be regulated by the application of a pressurized gas or by the application of a negative pressure.

In contrast to the free jet filling described above, a filling method is preferred in which the liquid filling material can flow from the liquid valve into the container to be filled, for example for wall filling, by means of guide elements such as guide baffles and/or swirlers and/or short or long filling lines, while influencing the flow of the filling material. The filling process can also be carried out not only unpressurized but also under pressure.

The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention may be combined with one another at will.

Drawings

Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for filling in a first mode of operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section of the device of fig. 1 in a second mode of operation;

fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for filling in a first mode of operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-section of the device of fig. 3 in a second mode of operation;

fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for filling in a first mode of operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic cross-section of the device of fig. 5 in a second mode of operation; and

fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for filling in a second mode of operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The embodiments shown in the drawings are at least partially identical and thus similar or identical parts are given the same reference numerals, and reference is made to the description of other embodiments or drawings when they are described, in order to avoid repetition.

List of reference numerals

10A to 10D device for filling

12. Container

14. Filling valve

16. Conversion unit

18. Support structure

20. Container holder

22. Actuator with a spring

24. Valve member

26. Valve seat

28. Sealing surface

30. Liquid filling channel

32. Gas channel

34. Gas pipeline

36. Upper sealing surface

38. Lower sealing surface

40. Concave part

42. Fluid body

44. Pressurized gas source

46. Return air leading-out part

48. Vacuum source

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate an apparatus 10A for filling a container 12 (only the container neck of the container 12 is shown) in different modes of operation.

The apparatus 10A (and the apparatuses 10B to 10D of fig. 3 to 7) may be included in a filling apparatus of a container handling device. The filling device is preferably embodied as a filling turret. The filling device may have means 10A to 10D for simultaneously filling a plurality of containers. For example, the devices 10A to 10D may be arranged on the periphery of a filling device embodied as a filler carousel.

The device 10A has a filling valve 14 and a switching unit 16. Additionally, the device 10A may have a support structure 18, a container holder 20, and an actuator 22.

Filling valve 14 may output a liquid (e.g., a beverage) for filling container 12. The liquid can be delivered as a free jet by the filling valve 14 itself. Filling valve 14 may have a movable valve member 24 and a valve seat 26.

The valve member 24 may, for example, have a front valve cone for pressing against the valve seat 26 and lifting the valve seat 26. The valve seat 26 may be implemented as conical or frustoconical. The valve member 24 is movable, preferably movable, by an actuator (not shown) between a closed position (not shown) and an open position (not shown). In the closed position, the valve member 24 rests against the valve seat 26. In the open position, the valve member 24 is spaced from the valve seat 26. In the open position, the free jet flows out of the filling valve 14, which can be formed in the gap between the filling valve 24 and the valve seat 26.

The actuator of the filling valve 14 and all other actuators disclosed herein may be implemented in any manner, such as electromagnetically, pneumatically or hydraulically.

The filling valve 14 may be supported by the support structure 18. It is possible that the filling valve 14 can be moved vertically, for example by means of an actuator (not shown). By means of the vertical mobility, the filling valve 14 can be pressed, for example, onto the switching unit 16 or onto the container 12 or the distance from the container 12 can be reduced without pressing the filling valve 14 onto the container 12. Alternatively, the filling valve 14 may be mounted fixedly or immovably, for example on the support structure 18.

Filling valve 14 may have a sealing surface 28. The sealing surface 28 may be metallic or non-metallic, for example made of plastic. Preferably, the sealing surface 28 surrounds the outlet of the filling valve 14. The sealing surface 28 is preferably annular. The sealing surface 28 can be embodied preferably as a circumferential flange section or as a circumferential flange. When the filling valve 14 and the switching unit 16 are pressed against each other, the sealing surface 28 may seal between the filling valve 14 and the switching unit 16.

The switching unit 16 has a liquid filling channel 30 and at least one gas channel 32.

Liquid fill channel 30 may receive liquid from fill valve 14 and output the liquid to container 12. The liquid filling channel 30 can preferably convert the received liquid into a filling jet for the wall-filling container 12. When the switching unit 16 or the liquid filling channel 30 is positioned below the filling valve 14, the liquid may be received by the filling valve 14. The liquid filling channel 30 may have an upper inlet for receiving liquid and for positioning below the filling valve 14. The liquid filling channel 30 can output a filling jet for the wall-type filling container 12 through a lower inlet of the liquid filling channel 30.

In order to convert the received liquid into a filling jet for wall filling, the liquid filling channel 30 may have, for example, a vortex generating section. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the vortex generating section may be, for example, helical or spiral-shaped. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid filling channel 30 may, for example, have guide elements and/or flow bodies (not shown in fig. 1 and 2) which widen in the flow direction or toward the container 12, for example in the form of a screen. The guide elements and/or the flow body can divert a liquid which is applied to the interior of the container 12, i.e. to the wall-filled container. The flow body may preferably coaxially surround a section of the at least one gas channel 32.

A section, preferably an outlet section, of the liquid filling channel 30 is preferably arranged coaxially with a section, preferably an end section, of the at least one gas channel 32. It is particularly preferred that a section of the liquid filling channel 30 coaxially surrounds said section of the at least one gas channel 32. The section of the liquid filling channel 30 may preferably be an outlet section, which is adjacent to the outlet of the liquid filling channel 30. The section of the at least one gas channel 32 may preferably be an end section, which adjoins an opening of the at least one gas channel 32, which opening may be pressed onto the container 12 or at least towards the container 12 when the switching unit 16 is positioned below the filling valve 14 for filling the container 12.

The at least one gas passage 32 may have a pressurized gas passage for receiving pressurized gas that is connected or connectable with a pressurized gas source 44 (shown for clarity reasons only in fig. 1 by way of example). The received pressurized gas may be output from the at least one gas passage 32 or a lower opening of the pressurized gas passage into the container 12 for pre-pressurizing the container 12. It is also possible that the vessel 12 utilizes pressurized gas or process gas (e.g., CO) through the pressurized gas channel or the at least one gas channel 32 ₂ ) Flushing is performed prior to filling.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one gas channel 32 may have a return gas channel, which is connected or connectable to a return gas outlet 46 (for reasons which are shown for clarity only in fig. 1 by way of example). By means of the lower opening of the at least one gas channel 32 or the return gas channel, return gas can flow directly from the container 12 into the at least one gas channel 32 or the return gas channel during filling of the container 12 (for example via filling of the liquid filling channel 30). The at least one gas passage 32 or return gas passage may direct the incoming return gas to the return gas derivation portion 46.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one gas channel 32 may have a vacuum channel which is connected or connectable to a vacuum source 48 (for reasons which are shown only in fig. 1 for example). The vacuum source 48 may be implemented, for example, as a vacuum pump. By means of the lower opening of the at least one gas channel 32 or vacuum channel, gas can be introduced directly from the container 12 into the at least one gas channel 32 or vacuum channel or sucked into it before filling and, if appropriate, pre-pressurizing the container 12 (for example, filling via the liquid filling channel 30). The at least one gas channel 32 or evacuation channel may direct gas to the vacuum source 48.

It is possible that the pressurized gas channel, the return gas channel and the evacuation channel may be configured separately from each other. It is also possible that only one of the channels is configured separately and the other two channels form a common channel. It is also possible to include only gas channels 32 which perform the function of a pressurized gas channel, a return gas channel and/or a vacuum channel.

It is possible that the device 10A has at least one gas conduit 34 for conducting gas out for evacuating the container 12, for conveying pressurized gas and/or for conducting back gas. The at least one gas conduit 34 may be connected to the at least one gas channel 32. The at least one gas conduit 34 may be supported by the support structure 18. Particularly preferably, the at least one gas conduit 34 may extend through an adjustment member of the actuator 22.

The at least one gas passage 32 may be controlled using one or more control valves (not shown in the figures), which may, for example, block or unblock the at least one gas passage 32 and/or may connect the at least one gas passage 32 with a pressurized gas source 44, a return gas derivation 46, and/or a vacuum source 48. The at least one control valve may be controlled by a machine control of the filling device (which has the device 10A), for example pneumatically or electromagnetically.

The conversion unit 16 may be supported by a support structure 18. The support structure 18 may also support the actuator 22.

The switching unit 16 may be positioned below the filling valve 14. The switching unit 16 can be moved to a position below the filling valve 14 and can be moved away from a position below the filling valve 14. The movement may include, for example, rotation, pivoting, and/or movement of the conversion unit 16. Accordingly, the conversion unit 16 may be movably, pivotably and/or rotatably supported. Preferably, the movement may comprise a vertical movement and/or a horizontal movement. The movability of the switching unit 16 can be independent of the optionally present movability of the filling valve 14.

Preferably, the switching unit 16 can be moved by means of the actuator 22 to a position below the filling valve 14 and away from a position below the filling valve 14, for example to a stop position. However, it is also possible that the switching unit 16 can also be positioned below the filling valve 14 or moved if desired, for example by a robotic device (not shown).

The switching unit 16 can be pressed onto the filling valve 14 from below. The compression can be effected, for example, by means of a vertical movement of the filling valve 14 and/or a vertical movement of the switching unit 16.

The conversion unit 16 can be pressed onto the container 12 from above. The compression can be effected, for example, by means of a vertical movement of the switching unit 16 and/or a vertical movement of the container 12, for example, by means of the container holder 20.

The conversion unit 16 may have an upper sealing surface 36. The upper sealing surface 36 may be metallic or non-metallic, such as made of plastic. Preferably, the upper sealing surface 36 surrounds the outlet of the liquid filling channel 30. The upper sealing surface 36 is preferably annular. The upper sealing surface 36 is preferably embodied as a circumferential flange section or as a circumferential flange. The upper sealing surface 36 may seal between the filling valve 14 and the switching unit 16 when the filling valve 14 and the switching unit 16 are pressed against each other.

The conversion unit 16 may have a lower sealing surface 38. The lower sealing surface 38 may be metallic or non-metallic, such as made of plastic. Preferably, the lower sealing surface 38 surrounds the outlet of the liquid filling channel 30 and the opening of the at least one gas channel 32. The lower sealing surface 38 is preferably annular. The lower sealing surface 38 is preferably embodied as a circumferential flange section or as a circumferential flange. Preferably, the lower sealing surface 38 is conically shaped. The lower sealing surface 38 may seal between the transfer unit 16 and the container 12 when the transfer unit 16 and the container 12 are pressed against each other.

It is possible that when the switching unit 16 is positioned below the filling valve 14, the front end of the valve element 24 of the filling valve 14 (for example a valve cone) protrudes into the switching unit 16 in the closed position of the filling valve 14. Preferably, the conversion unit 16 may have a recess 40 for the front end of the valve member 24 (indicated only in fig. 1 by reference numerals for reasons of better clarity). The shape of the recess 40 may be adapted to the shape of the front end of the valve member 24. For example, the recess 40 may be tapered for the valve cone of the valve member 24.

The container holder 20 is configured to hold the container 12. For example, the container holder 20 may hold the container 12 on the container neck. Accordingly, the container holder 20 may be embodied, for example, as a container neck holder. Instead of or in addition to holding the container 12 on its neck, the container holder 20 can hold the container 12, for example, on its container body or container torso or support the container 12 from below or from the bottom side.

The container holder 20 may hold the container 12, for example, by means of a clip or gripper. The container holder may be passive and, for example, resiliently pre-pressurized to a closed position to hold the container 12. Alternatively, the container holder 20 may be active and can be opened and/or closed, for example, by means of an actuator. It is also possible that the actuator may open the container holder 20 that is resiliently pre-pressurized to effect closing, or may close the container holder 20 that is resiliently pre-pressurized to effect opening.

It is possible that the container holder 20 can be moved vertically, for example by means of an actuator. By means of this vertical mobility, the container holder 20 is pressed from below onto the switching unit 16 and, if necessary, onto the filling valve 14 without intermediate plug-in switching unit 16.

Fig. 1 shows the device 10A in a first mode of operation, preferably in a full jet or free jet mode of operation. In the first operating mode, the container 12 can be filled with a free spray by the filling valve 14 in the open position. The free jet can flow from the filling valve 14 directly into the container 12. The switching unit 16 may be positioned in the stop position. In the parking position, the switching unit 16 can be positioned such that it is no longer positioned below the filling valve 14. However, it is also conceivable, for example, for the switching unit 16 to have a flow channel which is separate from the liquid filling channel 30. In the first operating mode, the through-flow channel can be positioned below the filling valve 14. The through-flow channel can pass through the free jet from the filling valve 14 and allow it to flow into the container 12, for example, without significant impact.

In the first mode of operation, the filling valve 14 is preferably positioned spaced apart from the container 12. In the first mode of operation, preferably a carbonated or non-carbonated liquid may be filled from the filling valve 14 into the container 12 (e.g., directly or via a through passage of the switching unit 16).

Fig. 2 shows the device 10A in a second operating mode, preferably a non-free-jet operating mode or a pressure filling operating mode, particularly preferably for a wall-filling container 12. In the second mode of operation, the switching unit 16 and the liquid filling channel 30 may be positioned below the filling valve 14. The switching unit 16 may receive liquid from the filling valve 14 at an inlet of the liquid filling channel 30. In the liquid filling channel 30, the liquid can preferably be converted or diverted into a filling jet for wall filling. The filling jet for wall filling may leave the conversion unit 16 from the outlet of the liquid filling channel 30 and flow into the container 12.

In the second operating mode, the switching unit 16 can be pressed from below onto the filling valve 14 or its outlet. Such a compression can be achieved when switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode of the device 10A by the switching unit 16 first pivoting under the filling valve 14 by means of the actuator 22. Subsequently, the switching unit 16 can be moved vertically upwards by means of the actuator 22 in order to press the switching unit 16 against the filling valve 14.

In the second operating mode, the container 12 can be pressed onto the switching unit 16 from below. Such a pressing can be achieved in the second operating mode of the device 10A in that, after the switching unit 16 has been pressed onto the filling valve 14 from below, the container 12 is moved vertically upwards by means of the container holder 20 and pressed onto the switching unit 16 or onto the outlet of the liquid filling channel 30.

During (e.g., wall-type) filling of the container 12 in the second mode of operation, return air from the container 12 may flow into the at least one gas channel 32 and may be directed to the return air outlet 46. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the container 12 is pre-pressurized with pressurized gas in the second mode of operation before (e.g. wall) filling the container 12. The pressurized gas may flow from the pressurized gas source 44 through the at least one gas passage 32 into the container 12.

It is possible that the at least one gas channel 32 may be used, for example, for evacuating the container 12, if desired. To this end, the at least one gas channel 32 may be connected or connectable with a vacuum source 48.

In one embodiment, the at least one gas channel 32 may, for example, have (e.g., for CO as pressurized gas/purge gas) separate from each other ₂ ) A vacuum pumping channel and a pressurized gas channel. In this embodiment, the compacted container 12 may be first evacuated, for example, through an evacuation channel, in order to reduce the air in the container 12 (and thus the oxygen contained therein). Next, CO ₂ Through which pressurized gas channels can be introduced into the evacuated container 12 and the container is thus flushed or pre-pressurized.

It is also possible for the control valve assigned to the vacuum source 48 and, for example, to the pressurized gas to be assignedThe pressurized gas valve/purge gas valve of the body source 44 is opened simultaneously or only slightly later so that the vacuum source 48 can assist in the production of gas (e.g., CO ₂ ) Flows through the vessel 12.

In the second operating mode, the filling valve 14, the switching unit 16 and the container 12 are preferably pressed against one another. In the second operating mode, carbonic acid-containing or carbonic acid-containing liquid can preferably be filled from the filling valve 14 into the container 12 via the liquid filling channel 30 of the switching unit 16.

To switch from the second operating mode (fig. 2) to the first operating mode (fig. 1), the switching unit 16 can be moved vertically downwards by means of the actuator 22. The switching unit 16 is decoupled from the filling valve 14. The switching unit 16, or at least the inlet of the liquid filling channel 30, can now be moved away from the filling valve 14 or its outlet by means of the actuator 22.

Fig. 3 and 4 show a device 10B similar to device 10A. In the device 10B, the filling valve 14 can be moved vertically, for example by means of an actuator (not shown). The vertical mobility may be used, for example, to reduce the distance between the filling valve 14 and the container 12 in the first mode of operation (see fig. 3) without the filling valve 14 contacting the container 12. The vertical mobility can be used, for example, in a second operating mode (see fig. 4) to press the filling valve 14 together with the switching unit 16 onto the container 12 from above. It is therefore not necessary, but it is still possible, that the container holder 20 can move the container 12 vertically.

Fig. 5 and 6 illustrate a device 10C similar to

devices

10A and 10B. In the device 10C, the switching unit 16 can be moved below the filling valve 14 by means of the actuator 22 for the second operating mode (see fig. 6) and moved out of position below the filling valve 14 by means of the actuator 22 for the first operating mode (see fig. 5). The filling valve 14 can in turn be moved vertically in order to press the filling valve 14 onto the switching unit 16 from above in the second operating mode (see fig. 6). Likewise, the container holder 20 can be moved vertically in order to press the container 12 from below onto the switching unit 16 in the second operating mode (see fig. 6).

Fig. 7 shows a device 10D similar to device 10A. One difference between the

devices

10A and 10D is that the liquid filling channel 30 of the switching unit 16 of the device 10D has a flow body 42 instead of a spiral channel section. The flow body 42 can divert the liquid received by the filling valve 14 such that a filling jet for the wall-type filling container 12 is produced. Preferably, the flow body 42 widens in the flow direction or in the direction towards the container 12. The flow body 42 is preferably embodied as a baffle plate as shown. The flow body 42 may preferably be arranged in the center of the liquid filling channel 30. The end section of the at least one gas channel 32 may extend through the flow body 42.

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, there are numerous variations and modifications which likewise make use of the inventive concept and which thus fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims the subject matter and features of the dependent claims independent of the cited claims. In particular, the individual features of the independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. The features of the dependent claims are additionally also disclosed independently of all features of the independent claim 1, for example independently of the features of the independent claim 1 regarding the presence and/or the configuration of the filling valve and/or the switching unit.

Claims

1. Device (10A to 10D) for filling containers (12), preferably for a filling turret, comprising:

a filling valve (14) for delivering liquid to the container (12); and

a switching unit (16) positionable below the filling valve (14) and having a liquid filling channel (30) for receiving liquid from the filling valve (14) and outputting liquid to the container (12) and at least one gas channel (32) for evacuating the container (12) and/or for pre-pressurizing the container (12) and/or for conducting return gas from the container (12).

2. The device (10A to 10D) according to claim 1, wherein,

the section of the liquid filling channel (30) and the section of the at least one gas channel (32) extend side by side or coaxially, wherein preferably the section of the liquid filling channel (30) encloses the section of the at least one gas channel (32) coaxially, particularly preferably helically.

3. The device (10A to 10D) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further having:

a pressurized gas source (44) connected or connectable to the at least one gas channel (32) for delivering pressurized gas; and/or

A return gas outlet (46) which is connected or connectable to the at least one gas duct (32) for outlet of return gas; and/or

A vacuum source connected or connectable to the at least one gas passage (32) for evacuating the container (12).

4. The device (10A to 10D) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein,

the liquid filling channel (30) is designed to convert the liquid received by the filling valve (14) into a filling jet for wall filling and to output the filling jet for wall filling to the container (12).

5. The device (10A to 10D) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein,

the liquid filling channel (30) has a swirl generating section, guide elements and/or flow bodies (42), preferably guide baffles, which widen in the flow direction,

wherein the swirl generating section, the guide element and/or the flow body (42) particularly preferably enclose the section of the at least one gas channel (32) coaxially.

6. The device (10A to 10D) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein,

the switching unit (16) can be moved vertically, preferably by means of an actuator (22) and/or independently of the filling valve (14).

7. The device (10A to 10D) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein,

the switching unit (16) can be pressed onto the filling valve (14), preferably by means of a vertical movement of the filling valve (14) and/or the switching unit (16); and/or

The switching unit (16) can be pressed onto the container (12) preferably by means of a vertical movement of the switching unit (16) and/or a container holder (20) of the container (12).

8. The device (10A to 10D) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein,

the filling valve (14) has a movable valve member (24), preferably with a valve cone, which protrudes into the switching unit (16) in the closed position of the filling valve (14) when the switching unit (16) is positioned below the filling valve (14),

Wherein preferably the switching unit (16) has a recess (40) for the front end of the movable valve member (24), which recess is particularly preferably adapted to the shape of the front end.

9. The device (10A to 10D) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein,

the switching unit (16) is movable, pivotable and/or rotatable for positioning below the filling valve (14), preferably guided and/or guided by means of an actuator (22).

10. The device (10A to 10D) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein,

the filling valve (14) can be moved vertically, preferably for pressing onto the switching unit (16); and/or

The device (10A to 10D) has a container holder (20) for holding the container (12), which is vertically movable, preferably for pressing onto the switching unit (16).

11. The device (10A to 10D) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein,

the device (10A to 10D) can be operated in a first operating mode, preferably a free jet operating mode, in which the filling valve (14) outputs liquid as a free jet for preferably directly filling the container (12); and/or

The device (10A to 10D) can be operated in a second operating mode, preferably a wall-fill operating mode, in which:

said switching unit (16) being positioned below said filling valve (14),

-the liquid filling channel (30) receives liquid from the filling valve (14) and outputs liquid to the container (12) for filling, preferably wall filling, the container (12), and

-the at least one gas channel (32) sucks gas out of the container (12) for evacuating the container (12), and/or the at least one gas channel (32) delivers pressurized gas to the container (12) for pre-pressurizing the container (12) prior to filling the container (12), and/or the at least one gas channel (32) receives return gas from the container (12) and leads out during filling.

12. Method for operating a device (10A to 10D) for filling a container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises:

operating the device (10A to 10D) in a first operating mode in which the free jet from the filling valve (14) preferably flows directly into the container (12) below the filling valve (14); and is also provided with

-operating the device (10A to 10D) in a second operating mode, in which:

a switching unit (16) is positioned below the filling valve (14),

-a liquid filling channel (30) of the conversion unit (16) receives liquid from the filling valve (14) and outputs liquid to the container (12), preferably such that wall filling of the container (12) is achieved, and

-the conversion unit (16) has at least one gas channel (32) through which gas is evacuated from the container (12) before filling the container (12), and/or through which pressurized gas is introduced into the container (12) before filling the container (12) for pre-pressurizing the container (12), and/or through which return gas is led out of the container (12) during filling the container (12).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein,

the container (12) is positioned at a distance from the filling valve (14) in a first operating mode; and/or

The container (12) and the switching unit (16) and the filling valve (14) are pressed against one another in a second operating mode.

14. The method of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein,

Filling a carbonic acid-free liquid into the container (12) in a first operating mode, and/or

In a second operating mode, carbonated liquid is filled into the container (12).

15. The method of any of claims 12 to 14, further comprising:

changing from a first operating mode to a second operating mode by moving, preferably moving, pivoting and/or rotating the switching unit (16) or a liquid filling channel (30) of the switching unit (16) under the filling valve (14), preferably by means of an actuator (22); and/or

The switching from the second operating mode to the first operating mode takes place by moving, preferably moving, pivoting and/or rotating the switching unit (16) or a liquid filling channel (30) of the switching unit (16) away from the filling valve (14), preferably by means of an actuator (22).