EP3031774B1 - Filling valve for filling a container with a filling product - Google Patents
Filling valve for filling a container with a filling product Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3031774B1 EP3031774B1 EP15198375.6A EP15198375A EP3031774B1 EP 3031774 B1 EP3031774 B1 EP 3031774B1 EP 15198375 A EP15198375 A EP 15198375A EP 3031774 B1 EP3031774 B1 EP 3031774B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- filling
- valve seat
- product
- cone
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000005429 filling process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000021056 liquid food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000015094 jam Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000015110 jellies Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008274 jelly Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011837 pasties Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013618 yogurt Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
- B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
- B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
- B67C3/22—Details
- B67C3/28—Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a filling valve for filling a container to be filled with a filling product which is suitable for filling a plurality of product types, in particular high- and low-viscosity filling products.
- Filling valves which are used in bottling plants for bottling beverages or other liquid foods, are known in different designs. These filling valves usually have a valve seat and a valve cone complementary thereto and received in the valve seat. If the valve plug is received in the valve seat, the valve cone and the valve seat form an annular seal and the valve is closed, so that the filling product can not flow through the valve. When the valve plug is lifted out of the valve seat, the valve is opened and the filling product can flow through the annular gap which forms between the valve seat and the valve cone.
- the dimensions of the annular gap can be varied by a variation of the stroke of the valve cone relative to the valve seat with a corresponding geometric configuration of the valve seat and the valve plug, so that the volume flow flowing through the valve can be varied and in this way the filling speed can be adjusted.
- the filling valves are designed for specific filling products or product groups. It is demanding to fill filling products of different nature, such as different viscosity, exactly with one and the same filling valve, since the geometric configuration of the annular gap and the opening and closing character of the valve is optimized for a certain viscosity or a certain viscosity range of the respective filling product out.
- a not exactly controlled after-run can also have a negative effect on the filling result to the extent that filling product can drip uncontrollably on the outside of the filled container or of a container still to be filled or on components of the filling device.
- a sieve is provided as a gas barrier in the product outlet to prevent dripping when closing the valve.
- a sieve is often not required. Whether with or without sieve, it is not always possible to reliably prevent or control dripping. This will be explained in more detail below:
- the filling product may leak out of the filling valve until the valve cone bears sealingly against the valve seat.
- the region below the annular seal formed by the valve seat and the valve cone accommodated therein also remains filled with the product volume of the filling product until the filling product outlet is actually closed during the closing of the filling valve.
- the filling product is held in this region until ambient air or the gas present in the filling system flows in. If this subsequent flow of the gas takes place, then a sudden emptying of the filling product volume takes place in the area below.
- This tail can be controlled by the provision of a sieve as a gas barrier to avoid a subsequent flow of gas and the associated sudden emptying of the filling product volume below the filling valve.
- the retention force is generated here by the surface tension of the filling product.
- dripping of the filling product is prevented.
- This volume change of the filling product inevitably leads to dripping, since the sieve can no longer completely retain the filling product. This is among other things an impurity connected to the underlying container or the bottle mouths.
- the filling of fiber or highly pulpy filling products using a sieve is difficult or even impossible.
- a filling valve which is provided for filling two different types of filling product in a container and this has two product outlets, goes out of the DE 10 2011 007 684 A1 out.
- the EP 0 262 258 A1 and EP 0 450 377 A1 each describe a device for filling containers.
- the WO 2011/154220 A1 describes a trickle-free filling valve with the features of the preamble of claim 1 for a filling machine, in particular for use with viscous liquids.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a filling valve for filling a container with liquid filling product, which provides an improved structure.
- the object is achieved with a filling valve with the features of claim 1.
- Advantageous developments follow from the subclaims, the following description of the invention and the description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, a filling valve for filling a container to be filled with a filling product is proposed, with a product outlet opening for dispensing a filling product in a container to be filled and with a valve seat in a first valve sealingly receivable valve cone for switching the Grehrsstroms by moving the valve cone in the first valve seat in Direction of the directed to the product outlet opening Bignestrom.
- a second valve seat is provided for sealingly receiving the valve cone for switching the filling product flow by moving the valve cone into the valve seat counter to the direction of the product flow of product.
- the first valve seat is preferably arranged close to the product outlet opening, so that leakage of low-viscosity filling products, which leak out in any case, can be ensured.
- the filling valve is suitable for filling different product types, in particular low-viscosity and high-viscosity filling products.
- droplet formation can preferably be kept low in the case of low-viscosity filling products.
- Highly viscous filling products are preferably filled with valve cone closing backwards, ie against the flow of the filling product, against the second valve seat.
- the valve cone is movably arranged between the first valve seat and the second valve seat.
- the valve cone is particularly preferably provided movably between three working positions.
- the three working positions are referred to as first closing position, second closing position and filling position.
- first closing position the valve cone is sealingly received in the first valve seat, that is to say the valve cone is in contact with the first valve seat in such a way that it forms a ring seal therewith, the flow path is closed and no filling product can flow through the product outlet sleeve to the product outlet opening.
- the valve cone In the second closed position, the valve cone is received in the second valve seat, that is, the valve cone is in contact with the second valve seat so as to form a ring seal therewith, the flow path is closed and no filling product can flow to the product outlet opening.
- the first valve seat is preferably closer to the product outlet opening than the second valve seat.
- the third working position is the filling position in which the flow path between the valve cone and the product outlet sleeve is opened, through which the filling product can thus flow into the container to be filled.
- the filling position seen along the stroke of the valve cone, between the two closing positions.
- the order of the three working positions in the general form of the valve is open and can be suitably selected.
- the valve cone preferably has, on its surface facing the first valve seat, a contour complementary to the first valve seat and a contour complementary to the second valve seat on its surface facing the second valve seat.
- the contour complementary to the first valve seat and / or the second valve seat is particularly preferably formed by a sealing body, preferably by a sealing body made of an elastomer or thermoplastic.
- the product outlet opening can be designed in different cross sections.
- the valve cone is preferably accommodated displaceably in a product outlet sleeve, wherein an annular gap is formed between the product outlet sleeve and the valve cone, which forms the flow channel through which the filling product flows to the product outlet opening.
- the product outlet sleeve and the valve cone are cylindrical in the broadest sense. It should be noted at this point explicitly that the product outlet sleeve must not be provided in one piece or in one piece. This also applies analogously to other components of the valve.
- the filling valve preferably has an additional suction device, by the closing operation in the first closed position and / or the second closed position, a further or stronger negative pressure is generated.
- an additional suction device may be provided. This can be designed active or passive.
- a suction channel can be provided, through which the filling product and / or the atmosphere in the filling valve or parts thereof is sucked in before and / or at and / or after the closing time.
- the suction by means of the suction device is passive, such that the suction device has a cylindrical portion on the valve cone and a hollow cylindrical portion on the product outlet sleeve.
- the terms “cylindrical” and “hollow cylindrical” are to be understood generally and are not limited to circular cylindrical geometries.
- the cylindrical portion on the poppet, also referred to as the suction portion, and the hollow cylindrical portion on the product outlet sleeve are provided relative to each other so that the cylindrical portion enters the hollow cylindrical portion during the closing operation and correspondingly exerts a piston action on the underlying filling product. This creates a fairly significant negative pressure in the product outlet sleeve or parts thereof.
- the closing direction is that closing direction which is directed against the flow direction of the filling product; that is, in a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical portion on the poppet travels to the first closed position in the hollow cylindrical portion on the product discharge sleeve during the closing operation. It is important that the cylindrical section at the beginning of the closing process completely or at least partially outside the hollow cylindrical portion or the radii of both portions are provided so that at the beginning of the closing operation, a large flow cross-section is present, which gradually decreases during the closing operation and optimally at the end of the closing operation is substantially zero. In this sense, a directed delay of the closing process takes place.
- the valve cone is preferably infinitely positionable in its position between the first valve seat and the second valve seat.
- stepless adjustability is particularly advantageous if the valve cone and the product outlet sleeve are designed so relative to each other that not only closing and opening of the flow path can be effected with the displacement of the valve cone, but also the cross section of the flow path is adjustable. As a result, the flow rate of the filling product can be adjusted.
- the cross section of the product outlet sleeve can be provided changeable.
- the valve plug is driven pneumatically and / or electrically and / or mechanically. It is important that the drive works reliably and requires little maintenance.
- a return spring may be provided, whereby the active drive takes place only in one direction, while the return of the valve is automatically carried out in an initial position by means of the spring.
- no sieve is provided in the flow path. Due to the fact that no more sieve is needed, it is also possible to fill fibrous or highly pulpy filling products.
- low-viscosity fillers are filled with the forward-closing poppet, since the formation of droplets or product accumulation can be kept low on the poppet.
- High-viscosity fill products are preferably filled with the reverse-closing valve cone. Dripping of highly viscous filling products can be prevented by sucking back at the end of the filling process. The filling product may even expand somewhat between the filling operations without droplets forming at the product outlet opening. The fact that you can dispense with a sieve, the product space hygienic and thus low-maintenance and be designed to be cleaner. It is also possible to fill fibrous and highly pulpy filling products.
- the filling product which can be filled with the valves described comprises both low-viscosity and high-viscosity and pasty liquids, as well as multiphase liquids and those with particles. Beverages of all kinds are included as well as yoghurt, jam, jelly and other liquid foods.
- filling valve is shown in cross-section and has a bottom piece 1 of the filling valve, a product outlet sleeve 2 and a poppet 3.
- the in the broadest sense cylindrical poppet 3 is located in a cavity of the product outlet sleeve 2 and forms with this an annular gap 4 through which the filling product flows with open valve position to the product outlet opening 5.
- the annular gap 4 thus forms the flow path for the filling product through the filling valve.
- the valve cone 3 In the region of the product outlet opening 5, ie its lower portion, the valve cone 3 has a sealing contour 6, which is received in the closed state in a corresponding complementary contour of a lower valve seat 7, which together form a ring seal in this way, so that no filling product the annular gap 4 can flow to the product outlet opening 5.
- the ring seal is formed metallic and the corresponding metallic contour of the valve plug 3 is received directly in the metallic valve seat 7.
- the sealing of the filling valve takes place in this case in " forward direction ", that is, the valve cone 3 lowers into the lower valve seat 7 along the flow direction of the filling product.
- the valve plug 3 moves in the direction of the product flow in order to assume a first closed state.
- FIG. 3 It can be seen that the filling valve can still assume a second closed state.
- the valve cone 3 In this second closed state, the valve cone 3 is sealingly received in an upper valve seat 8 with a sealing disk 9 made of an elastomer provided on its upper region.
- the upper valve seat 8 is formed in the illustrated embodiment in the bottom piece 1.
- Sealing disk 9 and upper valve seat 8 cooperate in a direction opposite to the product flow, that is, the closed state at the upper valve seat 8 is reached when the valve cone 3 is moved back to the upper valve seat 8 until the sealing disk 9 is acted upon.
- a ring seal between the elastomeric sealing disc 9 is provided to the metallic valve seat 8, by means of which the sealing takes place.
- the seal is made in the " backward direction ", that is, the valve plug 3 closes against the direction of the product flow.
- the filling valve shown thus combines a forward closing valve and a reverse closing valve, wherein the valve in the FIG. 1 is in a first closed position while the valve is in the FIG. 3 located in a second closed position.
- the drive of the valve cone 3 is in the FIGS. 1 to 3 not explicitly shown, but may for example be performed pneumatically, electrically or in other ways.
- the adjustment of the Position of the valve plug 3 can be made stepless, stepped or only between an open and closed positions.
- the cross section of the product outlet sleeve 2 itself can be provided changeable or the product outlet sleeve 2 is exchangeable to specify different dimensions of the annular gap 4 formed between the valve cone 3 and the product outlet sleeve 2.
- the drive comprises a return spring (not shown), which returns the valve plug 3 in the non-driven state in an open position.
- a drive (not shown) is provided, which can move the valve cone 3 in two opposite directions, ie in the direction of the two valve seats 7, 8.
- the return spring, the valve cone 3 in the upper valve seat 8 sealingly returns.
- the return spring, the valve cone 3 in the lower valve seat 7 sealingly returns.
- valve cone 3 does not have to be formed in one piece. This also applies to the product outlet sleeve 2, which, as in the present case, a part (the lower portion) of the bottom piece 1 mitumzujant.
- the annular gap 4 has an upper portion 10 which has an approximately constant cross-section over a certain distance.
- a corresponding portion 11 of the valve cone 3 which is referred to as a suction section, a.
- suction portion is used because, by entering into the upper portion 10 of the annular gap 4, a negative pressure in the lower region of the annular gap 4, that is in the region which faces the product outlet opening 5 is generated.
- This effect can be depending on the viscosity and surface tension of the filled filling product by a corresponding adjustment of the cross section and cross-sectional profile of the annular gap. 4 optimize, which in turn can be varied over a correspondingly over the selection of the product outlet sleeve 2.
- filling valve shown thus realized a combination of the backward-closing filling valve, such as high-viscosity filling products, and the forward-closing filling valve, such as low-viscosity filling products.
- the filling valve dispenses with a sieve, since the dripping tendency inherent in filling highly viscous filling products can be reduced by the negative pressure generated during reverse closing.
- the proposed filling valve and fibrous or highly pulpy filling products can be filled.
- the valve plug 3 can be moved into the above-mentioned two closing positions, that is, into the upper valve seat 8 and the lower valve seat 7.
- the part of the bottom piece 1, which forms the upper valve seat 8, still belongs to the product outlet sleeve 2.
- the seal in the two valve seats 7, 8 can be performed with different material combinations, for example metallic, by means of elastomers and / or by means of thermoplastics and / or combinations thereof ,
- the two valve seats 7, 8 can of course be designed with different materials and different geometries, whereby the valve is optionally more universally applicable.
- FIGS. 1 to 3 The following filling phases are in the FIGS. 1 to 3 shown:
- the poppet 3 is closed forward.
- the valve cone 3 is in this case in the lower position and is sealingly received in the lower valve seat 7.
- the sealing takes place via the lower valve seat 7, which is provided in or subsequent to the product outlet sleeve 2.
- FIG. 2 shows the valve plug 3 in filling position. Therein, the poppet 3 is in a middle position.
- the filling product flows outside the valve cone 3 over and correspondingly through the annular gap 4 formed between the valve cone 3 and the product outlet sleeve 2.
- FIG. 3 the poppet 3 is in a reverse closed position.
- the seal is made via the upper valve seat 8.
- the filling product is easily sucked back by a defined volume.
- This sucking back is achieved by a negative pressure or vacuum is generated in the annular gap 4 between the product outlet opening 5 and the upper valve seat 8.
- This negative pressure is generated by the fact that the suction portion 11 of the valve cone 3, before it is completely closed backwards, enters the defined upper portion 10 of the annular gap 4.
- a different cross section of the annular gap 4 can be achieved by the interaction of the upper valve seat 8 or the annular gap 4 with the valve cone 3, depending on the stroke position of the valve cone 3.
- a corresponding drive such as a drive controlled by a stepping motor, is particularly suitable for being able to approach certain stroke positions in a reproducible manner in order to achieve a given filling product flow.
Landscapes
- Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
- Lift Valve (AREA)
- Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
Description
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Füllventil zum Befüllen eines zu befüllenden Behälters mit einem Füllprodukt, das zur Abfüllung mehrerer Produktarten, insbesondere hoch- und niedrigviskoser Füllprodukte, geeignet ist.The present invention relates to a filling valve for filling a container to be filled with a filling product which is suitable for filling a plurality of product types, in particular high- and low-viscosity filling products.
Füllventile, die in Abfüllanlagen zur Abfüllung von Getränken oder anderen flüssigen Lebensmitteln verwendet werden, sind in unterschiedlichen Ausführungen bekannt. Diese Füllventile weisen üblicherweise einen Ventilsitz und einen dazu komplementären und in dem Ventilsitz aufgenommenen Ventilkegel auf. Ist der Ventilkegel in dem Ventilsitz aufgenommen, so bilden der Ventilkegel und der Ventilsitz eine Ringdichtung aus und das Ventil ist geschlossen, so dass das Füllprodukt nicht durch das Ventil hindurch strömen kann. Wird der Ventilkegel aus dem Ventilsitz herausgehoben, so ist das Ventil geöffnet und das Füllprodukt kann durch den sich zwischen dem Ventilsitz und dem Ventilkegel ausbildenden Ringspalt strömen. In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführung können durch eine Variation des Hubes des Ventilkegels gegenüber dem Ventilsitz bei einer entsprechenden geometrischen Ausbildung des Ventilsitzes und des Ventilkegels die Dimensionen des Ringspalts variiert werden, so dass auch der das Ventil durchfließende Volumenstrom variiert werden kann und auf diese Weise die Abfüllgeschwindigkeit eingestellt werden kann. In den herkömmlichen Füllventilen ist es auch bekannt, den Ventilkegel lediglich zwischen der geöffneten und der geschlossenen Position hin und her zu schalten.Filling valves, which are used in bottling plants for bottling beverages or other liquid foods, are known in different designs. These filling valves usually have a valve seat and a valve cone complementary thereto and received in the valve seat. If the valve plug is received in the valve seat, the valve cone and the valve seat form an annular seal and the valve is closed, so that the filling product can not flow through the valve. When the valve plug is lifted out of the valve seat, the valve is opened and the filling product can flow through the annular gap which forms between the valve seat and the valve cone. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the annular gap can be varied by a variation of the stroke of the valve cone relative to the valve seat with a corresponding geometric configuration of the valve seat and the valve plug, so that the volume flow flowing through the valve can be varied and in this way the filling speed can be adjusted. In the conventional filling valves, it is also known to switch the poppet only between the open and the closed position back and forth.
Die Füllventile sind für bestimmte Füllprodukte oder Produktgruppen ausgelegt. Es ist anspruchsvoll, Füllprodukte unterschiedlicher Beschaffenheit, etwa unterschiedlicher Viskosität, mit ein und demselben Füllventil exakt abzufüllen, da die geometrische Ausbildung des Ringspalts sowie der Öffnungs- und Schließcharakter des Ventils auf eine bestimmte Viskosität beziehungsweise einen bestimmten Viskositätsbereich der jeweiligen Füllprodukts hin optimiert ist.The filling valves are designed for specific filling products or product groups. It is demanding to fill filling products of different nature, such as different viscosity, exactly with one and the same filling valve, since the geometric configuration of the annular gap and the opening and closing character of the valve is optimized for a certain viscosity or a certain viscosity range of the respective filling product out.
Dies gilt insbesondere auch für die Reduzierung, Verhinderung oder Kontrolle des Nachlaufs des Füllventils nach dem Schließen. Um eine exakte Abfüllung eines gewünschten Füllvolumens in einen zu befüllenden Behälter zu erreichen, ist nämlich nicht nur ausschlaggebend, während des eigentlichen Füllvorgangs ein exaktes Füllvolumen abzufüllen, sondern es ist ebenso wichtig, auch nach dem Schließen des Füllventils einen Nachlauf des Füllprodukts genau zu kontrollieren, um ein für alle befüllten Behälter konsistentes Füllergebnis zu erreichen. Ist der Nachlauf, also das nach dem Schließen des Füllventils noch auslaufende Füllprodukt, nicht für jeden Füllvorgang gleich, so resultieren unterschiedliche Füllvolumina in den Behältern. Weiterhin kann sich ein nicht genau kontrollierter Nachlauf auch dahingehend negativ auf das Füllergebnis auswirken, als dass Füllprodukt unkontrolliert auf die Außenseite des befüllten Behälters oder eines noch zu befüllenden Behälters oder aber auf Komponenten der Abfüllvorrichtung tropfen kann. Hierzu ist beispielsweise für bestimmte Füllprodukte ein Sieb als Gassperre in dem Produktauslauf vorgesehen, um das Nachtropfen beim Schließen des Ventils zu verhindern. Für andere Füllprodukte ist ein solches Sieb oftmals nicht erforderlich. Ob mit oder ohne Sieb, nicht immer kann ein Nachtropfen zuverlässig verhindert oder kontrolliert werden. Das soll im Folgenden genauer dargelegt werden:
Das Füllprodukt kann solange aus dem Füllventil auslaufen, bis der Ventilkegel dichtend gegen den Ventilsitz anliegt. Dadurch bleibt auch während des Schließens des Füllventils der Bereich unterhalb der durch den Ventilsitz und den darin aufgenommenen Ventilkegel ausgebildeten Ringdichtung bis zum eigentlichen Füllproduktauslauf mit dem Füllproduktvolumen gefüllt. Je nach Viskosität und Oberflächenspannung des Füllprodukts sowie je nach Geometrie des unterhalb der Ringdichtung vorliegenden Volumens wird das Füllprodukt in diesem Bereich gehalten, bis Umgebungsluft oder das in der Füllanlage vorliegende Gas nachströmt. Findet dieses Nachströmen des Gases statt, so findet eine schlagartige Entleerung des Füllproduktvolumens in den darunter liegenden Bereich statt.This is especially true for the reduction, prevention or control of the wake of the filling valve after closing. In order to achieve an exact filling of a desired filling volume in a container to be filled, namely not only is crucial to fill during the actual filling an exact filling volume, but it is also important to control even after closing the filling valve a wake of the filling product, to achieve a consistent filling result for all filled containers. If the caster, that is, the filling product still leaking after the filling valve has been closed, is not the same for every filling operation, different filling volumes result in the containers. Furthermore, a not exactly controlled after-run can also have a negative effect on the filling result to the extent that filling product can drip uncontrollably on the outside of the filled container or of a container still to be filled or on components of the filling device. For this purpose, for example, for certain filling products, a sieve is provided as a gas barrier in the product outlet to prevent dripping when closing the valve. For other filling products such a sieve is often not required. Whether with or without sieve, it is not always possible to reliably prevent or control dripping. This will be explained in more detail below:
The filling product may leak out of the filling valve until the valve cone bears sealingly against the valve seat. As a result, the region below the annular seal formed by the valve seat and the valve cone accommodated therein also remains filled with the product volume of the filling product until the filling product outlet is actually closed during the closing of the filling valve. Depending on the viscosity and surface tension of the filling product and depending on the geometry of the volume present below the ring seal, the filling product is held in this region until ambient air or the gas present in the filling system flows in. If this subsequent flow of the gas takes place, then a sudden emptying of the filling product volume takes place in the area below.
Dieser Nachlauf kann durch das Vorsehen eines Siebs als Gassperre kontrolliert werden, um ein Nachströmen von Gas und das damit verbundene schlagartige Entleeren des Füllproduktvolumens unterhalb des Füllventils zu vermeiden. Die Rückhaltekraft wird hierbei von der Oberflächenspannung des Füllprodukts erzeugt. Somit wird im Idealfall ein Nachtropfen des Füllprodukts verhindert. Es kann aber aufgrund einer Temperaturerhöhung bei einem Stillstand der Produktion dazu kommen, dass sich das Füllproduktvolumen ausdehnt. Durch diese Volumenänderung des Füllprodukts kommt es dann unweigerlich zum Tropfen, da das Sieb das Füllprodukt nicht mehr vollständig zurückhalten kann. Damit ist unter anderem eine Verunreinigung der darunter angeordneten Behälter beziehungsweise der Flaschenmündungen verbunden. Außerdem ist das Abfüllen von Faser- oder stark pulpehaltigen Füllprodukten bei Anwendung eines Siebs schwierig oder sogar unmöglich.This tail can be controlled by the provision of a sieve as a gas barrier to avoid a subsequent flow of gas and the associated sudden emptying of the filling product volume below the filling valve. The retention force is generated here by the surface tension of the filling product. Thus, in the ideal case, dripping of the filling product is prevented. However, it may happen due to an increase in temperature at a standstill of production that the filling product volume expands. This volume change of the filling product inevitably leads to dripping, since the sieve can no longer completely retain the filling product. This is among other things an impurity connected to the underlying container or the bottle mouths. In addition, the filling of fiber or highly pulpy filling products using a sieve is difficult or even impossible.
Ein Füllventil, das zur Abfüllung von zwei verschiedenen Sorten von Füllprodukt in einen Behälter vorgesehen ist und dazu zwei Produktausläufe aufweist, geht aus der
Die
Eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, ein Füllventil zum Befüllen eines Behälters mit flüssigem Füllprodukt anzugeben, das einen verbesserten Aufbau bereitstellt.
Gelöst wird die Aufgabe mit einem Füllventil mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen folgen aus den Unteransprüchen, der folgenden Darstellung der Erfindung sowie der Beschreibung bevorzugter Ausführungsbeispiele.
Entsprechend wird ein Füllventil zum Befüllen eines zu befüllenden Behälters mit einem Füllprodukt vorgeschlagen, mit einer Produktauslauföffnung zum Ausgeben eines Füllprodukts in einen zu befüllenden Behälter und mit einem in einem ersten Ventilsitz dichtend aufnehmbaren Ventilkegel zum Schalten des Füllproduktstroms durch Bewegen des Ventilkegels in den ersten Ventilsitz in Richtung des auf die Produktauslauföffnung zu gerichteten Füllproduktstroms. Erfindungsgemäß ist ein zweiter Ventilsitz zum dichtenden Aufnehmen des Ventilkegels zum Schalten des Füllproduktstroms durch Bewegen des Ventilkegels in den Ventilsitz entgegen der Richtung des Füllproduktstroms vorgesehen.
Dies hat zur Folge, dass durch die zur Strömungsrichtung entgegengesetzte Schließrichtung des Ventilkegels eine der Strömungsrichtung entgegengesetzte Schließbewegung erfolgt, wodurch beim Schließvorgang, spätestens kurz vor der Beaufschlagung des Ventilkegels mit dem Ventilsitz, ein Unterdruck im Bereich zwischen Produktauslauföffnung und erstem Ventilsitz erzeugt werden kann. Damit wird das sich unterhalb des Ventilsitzes beziehungsweise des Bereiches der Ringdichtung vorliegende Füllprodukt zurückgesaugt. Ein Nachtropfen, insbesondere bei hochviskosen Füllprodukten, wird durch eben dieses Zurücksaugen am Ende des Füllvorgangs reduziert oder gar ganz verhindert. Das Füllprodukt kann sich je nach Rücksaugvolumen zwischen den Füllvorgängen sogar etwas ausdehnen, ohne dass sich ein Tropfen an der Produktauslauföffnung bildet.An object of the present invention is to provide a filling valve for filling a container with liquid filling product, which provides an improved structure.
The object is achieved with a filling valve with the features of
Accordingly, a filling valve for filling a container to be filled with a filling product is proposed, with a product outlet opening for dispensing a filling product in a container to be filled and with a valve seat in a first valve sealingly receivable valve cone for switching the Füllproduktstroms by moving the valve cone in the first valve seat in Direction of the directed to the product outlet opening Füllzeugstrom. According to the invention, a second valve seat is provided for sealingly receiving the valve cone for switching the filling product flow by moving the valve cone into the valve seat counter to the direction of the product flow of product.
This has the consequence that by the direction opposite to the flow direction closing direction of the valve plug a flow direction opposite closing movement takes place, whereby a negative pressure in the region between the product outlet opening and the first valve seat can be generated during closing, at the latest shortly before the application of the valve cone with the valve seat. Thus, the present under the valve seat or the region of the ring seal filling product is sucked back. A dripping, especially in highly viscous filling products, is reduced or even completely prevented by just this sucking back at the end of the filling process. The filling product may vary depending on the Rücksaugvolumen between even slightly expand the filling operations without a drop forming at the product outlet opening.
Durch die Schließbewegung des Ventilkegels in Flussrichtung des Füllprodukts wird ein Schließen des Füllventils bevorzugt für niedrigviskose Füllprodukte erreicht. Der erste Ventilsitz ist bevorzugt nahe der Produktauslauföffnung angeordnet, so dass ein Auslaufen niedrigviskoser Füllprodukte, welche ohnehin schwallartig auslaufen, sichergestellt werden kann.Due to the closing movement of the valve cone in the flow direction of the filling product, closing of the filling valve is preferably achieved for low-viscosity filling products. The first valve seat is preferably arranged close to the product outlet opening, so that leakage of low-viscosity filling products, which leak out in any case, can be ensured.
Aufgrund dieser beiden Ausbildungen ist das Füllventil dazu geeignet, verschiedene Produktsorten, insbesondere niedrigviskose und hochviskose Füllprodukte, abzufüllen. Mit dem gegen den ersten Ventilsitz vorwärts - also in Produktlaufrichtung - schließendem Ventilkegel kann die Tropfenbildung vorzugsweise bei niedrigviskosen Füllprodukten gering gehalten werden. Hochviskose Füllprodukte werden vorzugsweise mit rückwärts - also gegen den Strom des Füllprodukts - gegen den zweiten Ventilsitz schließendem Ventilkegel gefüllt. Gegenüber herkömmlichen Füllventilen verkompliziert sich der Aufbau des kombinierten Füllventils nicht oder nur unerheblich, wodurch die oben dargelegte Kombination mit einfachen konstruktiven Mitteln, kostengünstig und wartungsarm realisiert wird.Due to these two embodiments, the filling valve is suitable for filling different product types, in particular low-viscosity and high-viscosity filling products. With the valve cone closing forwards against the first valve seat, ie in the direction of product flow, droplet formation can preferably be kept low in the case of low-viscosity filling products. Highly viscous filling products are preferably filled with valve cone closing backwards, ie against the flow of the filling product, against the second valve seat. Compared to conventional filling valves, the structure of the combined filling valve is not complicated or only insignificant, so that the above-mentioned combination is realized with simple design means, cost and low maintenance.
Durch das Zurücksaugen und die damit verringerte Tropfneigung auch bei hochviskosen Füllprodukten kann erreicht werden, dass auf ein Sieb beziehungsweise auf eine Gassperre zum Verhindern des Nachtropfens verzichtet werden kann. Dies ermöglicht es, mit dem vorgeschlagenen Füllventil auch faser- und pulpehaltige Füllprodukte abzufüllen.By sucking back and thus reduced tendency to drip even with highly viscous filling products can be achieved that can be dispensed with a sieve or a gas barrier to prevent dripping. This makes it possible to fill with the proposed filling valve and fibrous and pulp-containing filling products.
Damit ergibt sich ein Füllventil, welches besonders vielfältig einsetzbar ist und mittels welchem eine große Bandbreite an Füllprodukten bei guter Qualität des Füllvorgangs - besonders bezüglich der Tropfneigung - abfüllbar ist, nämlich von niedrigviskosen Füllprodukten über hochviskose Füllprodukte bis hin zu faser- und pulpehaltigen Füllprodukten.This results in a filling valve, which is particularly versatile and by means of which a wide range of filling products with good quality of the filling process - especially with respect to the tendency to drip - can be filled, namely low-viscosity fillers on high-viscosity fillers to fiber and pulp-containing filling products.
Bevorzugt ist der Ventilkegel zwischen dem ersten Ventilsitz und dem zweiten Ventilsitz bewegbar angeordnet. Dabei ist besonders bevorzugt der Ventilkegel zwischen drei Arbeitspositionen bewegbar vorgesehen. Die drei Arbeitspositionen werden als erste Schließposition, zweite Schließposition und Füllposition bezeichnet. In der ersten Schließposition ist der Ventilkegel in dem ersten Ventilsitz dichtend aufgenommen, das heißt der Ventilkegel steht so mit dem ersten Ventilsitz in Kontakt, dass er mit diesem eine Ringdichtung ausbildet, der Strömungsweg geschlossen ist und kein Füllprodukt durch die Produktauslaufhülse zur Produktauslauföffnung fließen kann. In der zweiten Schließposition ist der Ventilkegel in dem zweiten Ventilsitz aufgenommen, das heißt der Ventilkegel steht so mit dem zweiten Ventilsitz in Kontakt, dass er mit diesem eine Ringdichtung ausbildet, der Strömungsweg geschlossen ist und kein Füllprodukt zur Produktauslauföffnung fließen kann. Der erste Ventilsitz liegt bevorzugt näher an der Produktauslauföffnung, als der zweite Ventilsitz.Preferably, the valve cone is movably arranged between the first valve seat and the second valve seat. In this case, the valve cone is particularly preferably provided movably between three working positions. The three working positions are referred to as first closing position, second closing position and filling position. In the first closed position, the valve cone is sealingly received in the first valve seat, that is to say the valve cone is in contact with the first valve seat in such a way that it forms a ring seal therewith, the flow path is closed and no filling product can flow through the product outlet sleeve to the product outlet opening. In the second closed position, the valve cone is received in the second valve seat, that is, the valve cone is in contact with the second valve seat so as to form a ring seal therewith, the flow path is closed and no filling product can flow to the product outlet opening. The first valve seat is preferably closer to the product outlet opening than the second valve seat.
Die dritte Arbeitsposition ist die Füllposition, in der der Strömungsweg zwischen Ventilkegel und Produktauslaufhülse geöffnet ist, durch welchen das Füllprodukt somit in den zu befüllenden Behälter fließen kann. Vorzugsweise liegt die Füllposition, entlang des Hubwegs des Ventilkegels gesehen, zwischen den beiden Schließpositionen. Andererseits ist die Reihenfolge der drei Arbeitspositionen in der allgemeinen Form des Ventils offen und kann geeignet gewählt werden.The third working position is the filling position in which the flow path between the valve cone and the product outlet sleeve is opened, through which the filling product can thus flow into the container to be filled. Preferably, the filling position, seen along the stroke of the valve cone, between the two closing positions. On the other hand, the order of the three working positions in the general form of the valve is open and can be suitably selected.
Zur Ausbildung der Ringdichtungen weist der Ventilkegel an seiner dem ersten Ventilsitz zugewendeten Oberfläche bevorzugt eine zum ersten Ventilsitz komplementäre Kontur zur Ausbildung auf und an seiner dem zweiten Ventilsitz zugewendeten Oberfläche eine zum zweiten Ventilsitz komplementäre Kontur. Dabei ist besonders bevorzugt die zum ersten Ventilsitz und/oder die zum zweiten Ventilsitz komplementäre Kontur durch einen Dichtkörper ausgebildet, bevorzugt durch einen Dichtkörper aus einem Elastomer oder Thermoplast.To form the annular seals, the valve cone preferably has, on its surface facing the first valve seat, a contour complementary to the first valve seat and a contour complementary to the second valve seat on its surface facing the second valve seat. In this case, the contour complementary to the first valve seat and / or the second valve seat is particularly preferably formed by a sealing body, preferably by a sealing body made of an elastomer or thermoplastic.
Die Produktauslauföffnung kann je nach Füllprodukt beziehungsweise Produktkombination in verschiedenen Querschnitten ausgeführt sein.Depending on the filling product or product combination, the product outlet opening can be designed in different cross sections.
Der Ventilkegel ist bevorzugt verschiebbar in einer Produktauslaufhülse aufgenommen, wobei sich zwischen der Produktauslaufhülse und dem Ventilkegel ein Ringspalt ausbildet, welcher den Strömungskanal ausbildet, durch welchen das Füllprodukt zur Produktauslauföffnung fließt. Vorzugsweise sind die Produktauslaufhülse und der Ventilkegel im weitesten Sinne zylindrisch ausgebildet. Es sei an dieser Stelle explizit darauf hingewiesen, dass die Produktauslaufhülse nicht einstückig oder einteilig vorgesehen sein muss. Dies gilt analog auch für andere Komponenten des Ventils.The valve cone is preferably accommodated displaceably in a product outlet sleeve, wherein an annular gap is formed between the product outlet sleeve and the valve cone, which forms the flow channel through which the filling product flows to the product outlet opening. Preferably, the product outlet sleeve and the valve cone are cylindrical in the broadest sense. It should be noted at this point explicitly that the product outlet sleeve must not be provided in one piece or in one piece. This also applies analogously to other components of the valve.
Die Tropfneigung beziehungsweise Produktansammlung am Ventilkegel ist bei niedrigviskosen Füllprodukten tendenziell geringer als bei hochviskosen Füllprodukten, da niedrigviskose Flüssigkeiten schwallartig aus dem Füllventil austreten. Aus diesem Grund kann für solche Füllprodukte das Schließen in Vorwärtsrichtung, das heißt in Strömungsrichtung, und außerdem näher an der Produktauslauföffnung erfolgen. Indem gleichzeitig auch ein Schließen des Ventilkegels entgegen der Strömungsrichtung zum Schalten von Füllvorgängen für hochviskose Füllprodukte vorgesehen ist, ist ein einfacher und eleganter Aufbau des Füllventils möglich.The tendency to drip or product accumulation at the valve cone tends to be lower in the case of low-viscosity filling products than in the case of highly viscous filling products, since low-viscosity liquids emerge as a gush from the filling valve. For that reason, for such Fill products closing in the forward direction, that is in the flow direction, and also take place closer to the product outlet opening. By simultaneously closing the valve cone against the flow direction is provided for switching filling operations for high-viscosity filling products, a simple and elegant construction of the filling valve is possible.
Neben dem Saugeffekt, der sich aufgrund der Rückwärtsbewegung des Ventilkegels relativ zur Produktauslauföffnung ergibt, weist das Füllventil vorzugsweise eine zusätzliche Saugeinrichtung auf, durch die beim Schließvorgang in die erste Schließposition und/oder die zweite Schließposition ein weiterer beziehungsweise stärkerer Unterdruck erzeugt wird. Ob der durch die Schließbewegung induzierte Unterdruck genügt, um eine Tropfenbildung zu verhindern, hängt von den verwendeten Füllprodukten, der Zeit, in der im Produktzyklus kein Füllprodukt zugeführt wird, und anderen Parametern, insbesondere auch geometrischen Details des Ventils sowie den verwendeten Materialien beziehungsweise der Oberflächenbeschaffenheit der produktberührten Oberflächen ab. Um das Füllventil in dieser Hinsicht noch universeller einsetzbar zu machen, kann eine zusätzliche Saugeinrichtung vorgesehen sein. Diese kann aktiv oder passiv ausgelegt sein. Beispielsweise kann ein Saugkanal vorgesehen sein, durch den das Füllprodukt und/oder die Atmosphäre in dem Füllventil oder Teilen davon vor dem und/oder bei dem und/oder nach dem Schließzeitpunkt angesaugt wird.In addition to the suction effect, which results due to the backward movement of the valve cone relative to the product outlet opening, the filling valve preferably has an additional suction device, by the closing operation in the first closed position and / or the second closed position, a further or stronger negative pressure is generated. Whether the negative pressure induced by the closing movement is sufficient to prevent droplet formation depends on the filling products used, the time during which no filling product is supplied in the product cycle, and other parameters, in particular geometric details of the valve and the materials used or the surface finish of product-contacting surfaces. In order to make the filling valve even more universal in this regard, an additional suction device may be provided. This can be designed active or passive. For example, a suction channel can be provided, through which the filling product and / or the atmosphere in the filling valve or parts thereof is sucked in before and / or at and / or after the closing time.
Gemäß einem besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel erfolgt das Ansaugen mittels der Saugeinrichtung passiv, derart, dass die Saugeinrichtung einen zylindrischen Abschnitt am Ventilkegel und einen hohlzylindrischen Abschnitt an der Produktauslaufhülse aufweist. Es versteht sich, dass die Bezeichnungen "zylindrisch" und "hohlzylindrisch" allgemein zu verstehen sind und sich nicht auf kreiszylindrische Geometrien beschränken. Der zylindrische Abschnitt am Ventilkegel, der auch als Saugabschnitt bezeichnet wird, und der hohlzylindrische Abschnitt an der Produktauslaufhülse sind so relativ zueinander vorgesehen, dass der zylindrische Abschnitt beim Schließvorgang in den hohlzylindrischen Abschnitt einfährt und entsprechend eine Kolbenwirkung auf das darunterliegende Füllprodukt ausübt. Dadurch entsteht ein recht erheblicher Unterdruck in der Produktauslaufhülse oder Teilen davon. Dieser Effekt kommt dann ganz besonders zum Tragen, wenn es sich bei der Schließrichtung um jene Schließrichtung handelt, die entgegen der Strömungsrichtung des Füllprodukts gerichtet ist; das heißt, gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel fährt der zylindrische Abschnitt am Ventilkegel während des Schließvorgangs in die erste Schließposition in den hohlzylindrischen Abschnitt an der Produktauslaufhülse ein. Wichtig hierbei ist, dass sich der zylindrische Abschnitt zu Beginn des Schließvorgangs vollständig oder wenigstens teilweise außerhalb des hohlzylindrischen Abschnitts befindet oder die Radien beider Abschnitte so vorgesehen sind, dass zu Beginn des Schließvorgangs ein großer Strömungsquerschnitt vorhanden ist, der sich während des Schließvorgangs allmählich verkleinert und optimaler Weise am Ende des Schließvorgangs im Wesentlichen Null beträgt. In diesem Sinne findet eine gerichtete Verzögerung des Schließvorgangs statt.According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the suction by means of the suction device is passive, such that the suction device has a cylindrical portion on the valve cone and a hollow cylindrical portion on the product outlet sleeve. It is understood that the terms "cylindrical" and "hollow cylindrical" are to be understood generally and are not limited to circular cylindrical geometries. The cylindrical portion on the poppet, also referred to as the suction portion, and the hollow cylindrical portion on the product outlet sleeve are provided relative to each other so that the cylindrical portion enters the hollow cylindrical portion during the closing operation and correspondingly exerts a piston action on the underlying filling product. This creates a fairly significant negative pressure in the product outlet sleeve or parts thereof. This effect is particularly useful when the closing direction is that closing direction which is directed against the flow direction of the filling product; that is, in a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical portion on the poppet travels to the first closed position in the hollow cylindrical portion on the product discharge sleeve during the closing operation. It is important that the cylindrical section at the beginning of the closing process completely or at least partially outside the hollow cylindrical portion or the radii of both portions are provided so that at the beginning of the closing operation, a large flow cross-section is present, which gradually decreases during the closing operation and optimally at the end of the closing operation is substantially zero. In this sense, a directed delay of the closing process takes place.
Bevorzugt ist der Ventilkegel zur Variation des aus der Produktauslauföffnung strömenden Füllproduktstroms stufenlos in seiner Position zwischen dem ersten Ventilsitz und dem zweiten Ventilsitz positionierbar. Eine solche stufenlose Verstellbarkeit ist insbesondere dann von Vorteil, wenn der Ventilkegel und die Produktauslaufhülse so relativ zueinander gestaltet sind, dass sich mit der Verschiebung des Ventilkegels nicht nur ein Schließen und Öffnen des Strömungswegs bewirken lässt, sondern außerdem der Querschnitt des Strömungswegs verstellbar ist. Dadurch lässt sich die Fließgeschwindigkeit des Füllprodukts einstellen. Darüber hinaus kann zum gleichen Zweck der Querschnitt der Produktauslaufhülse veränderbar vorgesehen sein.In order to vary the filling product flow flowing out of the product outlet opening, the valve cone is preferably infinitely positionable in its position between the first valve seat and the second valve seat. Such stepless adjustability is particularly advantageous if the valve cone and the product outlet sleeve are designed so relative to each other that not only closing and opening of the flow path can be effected with the displacement of the valve cone, but also the cross section of the flow path is adjustable. As a result, the flow rate of the filling product can be adjusted. In addition, for the same purpose, the cross section of the product outlet sleeve can be provided changeable.
Vorzugsweise wird der Ventilkegel pneumatisch und/oder elektrisch und/oder mechanisch angetrieben. Wichtig ist, dass der Antrieb zuverlässig und wartungsarm funktioniert. Gegebenenfalls kann eine Rückstellfeder vorgesehen sein, wodurch der aktive Antrieb nur in eine Richtung erfolgt, während die Rückstellung des Ventils in eine Ausgangsposition automatisch mittels der Feder durchgeführt wird.Preferably, the valve plug is driven pneumatically and / or electrically and / or mechanically. It is important that the drive works reliably and requires little maintenance. Optionally, a return spring may be provided, whereby the active drive takes place only in one direction, while the return of the valve is automatically carried out in an initial position by means of the spring.
Vorzugsweise ist im Strömungsweg kein Sieb vorgesehen. Dadurch, dass kein Sieb mehr benötigt wird, können auch faser- oder stark pulpehaltige Füllprodukte abgefüllt werden.Preferably, no sieve is provided in the flow path. Due to the fact that no more sieve is needed, it is also possible to fill fibrous or highly pulpy filling products.
Die oben dargelegten Füllventile und ihre Abwandlungen erlauben das Abfüllen verschiedener Produkttypen, insbesondere hochviskoser und niedrigviskoser Füllprodukte. Vorzugsweise werden niedrigviskose Füllprodukte mit dem vorwärts schließenden Ventilkegel gefüllt, da die Tropfenbildung beziehungsweise Produktansammlung am Ventilkegel gering gehalten werden kann. Hochviskose Füllprodukte werden vorzugsweise mit dem rückwärts schließenden Ventilkegel gefüllt. Ein Nachtropfen hochviskoser Füllprodukte kann durch das Zurücksaugen am Ende des Füllvorgangs verhindert werden. Das Füllprodukt kann sich zwischen den Füllvorgängen sogar etwas ausdehnen, ohne dass sich Tropfen an der Produktauslauföffnung bilden. Dadurch, dass auf ein Sieb verzichtet werden kann, kann der Produktraum hygienischer und somit wartungsärmer und reinigungsfreundlicher gestaltet werden. Es können auch faser- und stark pulpehaltige Füllprodukte abgefüllt werden.The above-described filling valves and their modifications allow the filling of various types of products, especially high-viscosity and low-viscosity filling products. Preferably, low-viscosity fillers are filled with the forward-closing poppet, since the formation of droplets or product accumulation can be kept low on the poppet. High-viscosity fill products are preferably filled with the reverse-closing valve cone. Dripping of highly viscous filling products can be prevented by sucking back at the end of the filling process. The filling product may even expand somewhat between the filling operations without droplets forming at the product outlet opening. The fact that you can dispense with a sieve, the product space hygienic and thus low-maintenance and be designed to be cleaner. It is also possible to fill fibrous and highly pulpy filling products.
Das mit den beschriebenen Ventilen abfüllbare Füllprodukt umfasst sowohl niedrig- als auch hochviskose und pastöse Flüssigkeiten, außerdem mehrphasige Flüssigkeiten und solche mit Partikeln. Getränke aller Art sind ebenso einbezogen wie Joghurt, Konfitüre, Gelee und andere flüssige Lebensmittel.The filling product which can be filled with the valves described comprises both low-viscosity and high-viscosity and pasty liquids, as well as multiphase liquids and those with particles. Beverages of all kinds are included as well as yoghurt, jam, jelly and other liquid foods.
Bevorzugte weitere Ausführungsformen der Erfindung werden durch die nachfolgende Beschreibung der Figuren näher erläutert. Dabei zeigen:
Figur 1- einen Querschnitt durch einen unteren Bereich eines Füllventils in einem vorwärts geschlossenen Zustand,
Figur 2- das Füllventil der
Figur 1 in einem Füllzustand, und Figur 3- das Füllventil der
Figur 1 in einem rückwärts geschlossenen Zustand.
- FIG. 1
- a cross section through a lower portion of a filling valve in a closed state,
- FIG. 2
- the filling valve of
FIG. 1 in a state of filling, and - FIG. 3
- the filling valve of
FIG. 1 in a reverse closed state.
Im Folgenden werden bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele anhand der Figuren beschrieben. Dabei werden gleiche, ähnliche oder gleichwirkende Elemente in den unterschiedlichen Figuren mit identischen Bezugszeichen versehen, und auf eine wiederholte Beschreibung dieser Elemente wird teilweise verzichtet, um Redundanzen zu vermeiden.In the following, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the figures. In this case, identical, similar or equivalent elements in the different figures are provided with identical reference numerals, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted in order to avoid redundancies.
Das in der
Im Bereich der Produktauslauföffnung 5, also seinem unteren Bereich, weist der Ventilkegel 3 eine Dichtkontur 6 auf, die im geschlossenen Zustand in einer entsprechenden komplementären Kontur eines unteren Ventilsitzes 7 aufgenommen ist, die gemeinsam auf diese Weise eine Ringdichtung ausbilden, so dass kein Füllprodukt durch den Ringspalt 4 zu der Produktauslauföffnung 5 fließen kann. In dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel ist die Ringdichtung metallisch ausgebildet und die entsprechende metallische Kontur des Ventilkegels 3 ist direkt in dem metallischen Ventilsitz 7 aufgenommen.In the region of the
Die Abdichtung des Füllventils erfolgt in diesem Fall in "Vorwärtsrichtung", das heißt der Ventilkegel 3 senkt sich in den unteren Ventilsitz 7 entlang der Strömungsrichtung des Füllprodukts. Mit anderen Worten bewegt sich zum Abdichten des Füllventils am unteren Ventilsitz 7 der Ventilkegel 3 in Richtung des Produktstroms, um einen ersten geschlossenen Zustand einzunehmen.The sealing of the filling valve takes place in this case in " forward direction ", that is, the
Aus
Dichtscheibe 9 und oberer Ventilsitz 8 wirken in einer Richtung entgegengesetzt zum Produktstrom zusammen, das heißt der Schließzustand am oberen Ventilsitz 8 ist erreicht, wenn der Ventilkegel 3 bis zur Beaufschlagung der Dichtscheibe 9 gegen den oberen Ventilsitz 8 zurückbewegt ist. Auf diese Weise wird eine Ringdichtung zwischen der ein Elastomer aufweisenden Dichtscheibe 9 dem metallischen Ventilsitz 8 bereitgestellt, mittels welcher die Abdichtung stattfindet. Mit anderen Worten erfolgt in diesem Fall die Abdichtung in "Rückwärtsrichtung", also schließt der Ventilkegel 3 entgegen der Richtung des Produktstroms.
Das in den
Der Antrieb des Ventilkegels 3 ist in den
In dem vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel umfasst der Antrieb eine Rückstellfeder (nicht gezeigt), welche den Ventilkegel 3 im nicht angetriebenen Zustand in eine geöffnete Position zurückführt. Dabei ist ein Antrieb (nicht gezeigt) vorhanden, der den Ventilkegel 3 in zwei entgegengesetzte Richtungen, also in Richtung der beiden Ventilsitze 7, 8 bewegen kann. Alternativ ist es möglich, dass die Rückstellfeder den Ventilkegel 3 in den oberen Ventilsitz 8 dichtend zurückführt. Weiterhin ist alternativ möglich, dass die Rückstellfeder den Ventilkegel 3 in den unteren Ventilsitz 7 dichtend zurückführt.In the present embodiment, the drive comprises a return spring (not shown), which returns the
Aus den Figuren ist ersichtlich, dass der Ventilkegel 3 nicht einteilig ausgebildet sein muss. Dies gilt ebenso für die Produktauslaufhülse 2, die, wie im vorliegenden Fall, einen Teil (den unteren Bereich) des Bodenstücks 1 mitumfasst.From the figures it can be seen that the
Der Ringspalt 4 weist einen oberen Abschnitt 10 auf, der über eine bestimmte Strecke einen ungefähr konstanten Querschnitt hat. In diesen oberen Abschnitt 10 des Ringspalts 4 fährt bei der Rückwärtsbewegung, das heißt während des Schließvorgangs in die zweite Schließposition, ein entsprechender Abschnitt 11 des Ventilkegels 3, der als Saugabschnitt bezeichnet wird, ein. Die Bezeichnung "Saugabschnitt" wird verwendet, weil, indem dieser in den oberen Abschnitt 10 des Ringspalts 4 einfährt, ein Unterdruck im unteren Bereich des Ringspalts 4, das heißt in dem Bereich, welcher der Produktauslauföffnung 5 zugewandt ist, erzeugt wird. Damit wird beim Schließen des Füllventils in die zweite Schließposition das sich unterhalb der durch die elastomere Dichtscheibe 9 und den oberen Ventilsitz 8 gebildeten Ventilsitzes noch im Ringspalt 4 vorliegende Füllprodukt nach oben gesaugt. Dadurch kann die Tropfneigung des Ventils beim Schließen in Rückwärtsrichtung erheblich vermindert werden.The
Dieser Effekt lässt sich je nach Viskosität und Oberflächenspannung des abgefüllten Füllprodukts durch eine entsprechende Anpassung des Querschnitts und Querschnittverlaufs des Ringspalts 4 optimieren, der wiederum über eine entsprechend über die Auswahl der Produktauslaufhülse 2 variiert werden kann.This effect can be depending on the viscosity and surface tension of the filled filling product by a corresponding adjustment of the cross section and cross-sectional profile of the annular gap. 4 optimize, which in turn can be varied over a correspondingly over the selection of the
Das in den
Damit ergibt sich ein Füllventil, welches besonders vielfältig einsetzbar ist und mittels welchem eine große Bandbreite an Füllprodukten abfüllbar ist-von niedrigviskosen Füllprodukten über hochviskose Füllprodukte bis hin zu faser- und pulpehaltigen Füllprodukten.This results in a filling valve, which is particularly versatile and by means of which a wide range of filling products can be filled - from low-viscosity fillers over high-viscosity filling products to fiber and pulp-containing filling products.
Der Ventilkegel 3 kann in die oben genannten zwei Schließpositionen, das heißt in den oberen Ventilsitz 8 und den unteren Ventilsitz 7, gefahren werden. Der Teil des Bodenstücks 1, der den oberen Ventilsitz 8 ausbildet, gehört noch zur Produktauslaufhülse 2. Die Abdichtung in den beiden Ventilsitzen 7, 8 kann mit verschiedenen Werkstoffkombinationen ausgeführt werden, beispielsweise metallisch, mittels Elastomeren und/oder mittels Thermoplasten und/oder Kombinationen davon. Die beiden Ventilsitze 7, 8 können selbstverständlich mit unterschiedlichen Materialien und unterschiedlichen Geometrien ausgeführt sein, wodurch das Ventil gegebenenfalls noch universeller einsetzbar ist.The
Folgende Füllphasen sind in den
Die
In
In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung kann durch die Wechselwirkung des oberen Ventilsitzes 8 beziehungsweise des Ringspalts 4 mit dem Ventilkegel 3 auch je nach Hubposition des Ventilkegels 3 ein unterschiedlicher Querschnitt des Ringspalts 4 erreicht werden. Damit ergibt sich, dass durch eine Variation der Hubposition des Ventilkegels 3 eine Variation des Füllproduktstroms in den zu befüllenden Behälter erreicht werden kann. Dies ist besonders von Bedeutung für die Abfüllung niedrigviskoser Füllprodukte mit vorwärtsschließendem Ventil, da hier der Füllproduktstrom besonders effektiv durch die Variation der Hubposition des Ventilkegels 3 variiert werden kann. Für die Variation der Hubposition des Ventilkegels 3 eignet sich daher ein entsprechender Antrieb wie beispielsweise ein über einen Schrittmotor angesteuerter Antrieb besonders, um hier bestimmte Hubpositionen zur Erreichung eines vorgegebenen Füllproduktstroms reproduzierbar anfahren zu können.In an advantageous development, a different cross section of the
- 11
- Bodenstückbreech
- 22
- ProduktauslaufhülseProduct outlet sleeve
- 33
- Ventilkegelshuttle
- 44
- Ringspaltannular gap
- 55
- ProduktauslauföffnungProduct outlet opening
- 66
- Dichtkontursealing contour
- 77
- Unterer VentilsitzLower valve seat
- 88th
- Oberer VentilsitzUpper valve seat
- 99
- Dichtscheibesealing washer
- 1010
- oberer Abschnitt des Ringspaltsupper section of the annular gap
- 1111
- Saugabschnittsuction section
- 1212
- RückstellfederReturn spring
Claims (9)
- Fill-valve for filling a container with a filling product, with a product outlet opening (5) for expelling a filling product into a container and with a valve cone (3) which is sealingly receivable in a first valve seat (7) for switching the filling product flow by moving the valve cone (3) into the first valve seat (7) in the direction of the filling product flow which is to be directed towards the product outlet opening (5), characterised by a second valve seat (8) for the reception in a sealing manner of the valve cone (3) for switching the filling product flow by moving the valve cone (3) into the valve seat (8) against the direction of the filling product flow, wherein no filling product can flow to the product outlet opening (5) when the valve cone (3) has been received sealingly in the second valve seat (8).
- Fill-valve according to claim 1, characterised in that the valve cone (3) is disposed movingly between the first valve seat (7) and the second valve seat (8).
- Fill-valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the valve cone (3) has at its surface which is turned towards the first valve seat (7) a contour which compliments the first valve seat (7) for the formation of a first ring seal, and has at its surface which is turned towards the second valve seat (8) a contour which compliments the second valve seat (8) for the formation of a second ring seal.
- Fill-valve according to claim 3, characterised in that the contour which compliments the first valve seat (7) and/or the second valve seat (8) is formed by a sealing body (9), preferably by a sealing body (9) made from an elastomer or thermoplastic.
- Fill-valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first valve seat (7) has a lesser distance from the product outlet opening (5) than the second valve seat (8).
- Fill-valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a suction device (10, 11) is provided, which, when the valve cone (3) moves into the first valve seat (7) and/or into the second valve seat (8), creates a negative pressure at least between the respective valve seat (7, 8) and the product outlet opening (5).
- Fill-valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valve cone (3) in order to vary the filling product flow flowing out of the product outlet opening (5) can be positioned steplessly in its position between the first valve seat (7) and the second valve seat (8).
- Fill-valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valve cone (3) is driven pneumatically and/or electrically and/or mechanically.
- Fill-valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valve cone (3) is disposed in a product outlet sleeve (2), which, in order to set varying flow speeds of the filling product, can be varied in its cross-section and/or exchanged.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SI201530336T SI3031774T1 (en) | 2014-12-08 | 2015-12-08 | Filling valve for filling a container with a filling product |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102014118094.1A DE102014118094A1 (en) | 2014-12-08 | 2014-12-08 | Filling valve for filling a container to be filled with a filling product |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3031774A1 EP3031774A1 (en) | 2016-06-15 |
EP3031774B1 true EP3031774B1 (en) | 2018-07-18 |
Family
ID=54834726
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15198375.6A Active EP3031774B1 (en) | 2014-12-08 | 2015-12-08 | Filling valve for filling a container with a filling product |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3031774B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105668490B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102014118094A1 (en) |
SI (1) | SI3031774T1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3053672B1 (en) * | 2016-07-05 | 2018-08-10 | Serac Group | FILLING NOZZLE WITH LEAK LIMITATION |
GB2569364B (en) * | 2017-12-15 | 2022-11-30 | Elopak Gmbh | Improved filling device |
EP3543205B1 (en) * | 2018-03-20 | 2022-11-23 | Sidel Participations | Filling valve, filling machine and method for filling receptacles |
CN108584850A (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2018-09-28 | 江苏星A包装机械集团有限公司 | Based on the Quantified filling mechanism weighed or flow detecting signal controls |
CN108583952A (en) * | 2018-07-09 | 2018-09-28 | 江苏星A包装机械集团有限公司 | Valve nozzle structure for auto-filling |
PT4065508T (en) | 2019-11-29 | 2024-01-26 | Elaflex Hiby Gmbh & Co Kg | Filling valve with leakage protection device |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IT1200221B (en) * | 1986-10-03 | 1989-01-05 | Simonazzi Spa A & L | EQUIPMENT FOR PREDETERMINATION, SIMULTANEOUS ADJUSTMENT AND INDIVIDUAL MICROMETRIC CALIBRATION OF EXACT QUANTITIES OF LIQUID TO DISPENSE IN GRAVITY FILLING PROCESSES |
DE4010413A1 (en) * | 1990-03-31 | 1991-10-02 | Alfill Getraenketechnik | DEVICE FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH A LIQUID |
US5137187A (en) * | 1991-02-20 | 1992-08-11 | H.G. Kalish | Anti-spray fluid dispensing nozzle |
JP2001278388A (en) * | 2000-03-31 | 2001-10-10 | Toyo Jidoki Co Ltd | Rotary continuous filling device |
JP2003237895A (en) * | 2002-02-20 | 2003-08-27 | Toyo Jidoki Co Ltd | Liquid filling nozzle and liquid filling apparatus |
CN101402441A (en) * | 2008-09-11 | 2009-04-08 | 江苏星A包装机械集团有限公司 | Negative pressure loading valve |
CN201678436U (en) * | 2010-05-04 | 2010-12-22 | 泸州江旭机械制造有限责任公司 | Filling valve |
ITMI20101063A1 (en) * | 2010-06-11 | 2011-12-12 | Weightpack S P A | ANTI-SLIP TAP ON THE MACHINE FILLING PARTICULARLY FOR VISCOUS LIQUID. |
DE102010033168A1 (en) * | 2010-08-03 | 2012-02-09 | Khs Gmbh | Filling element and filling system or filling machine |
CN101941665A (en) * | 2010-09-30 | 2011-01-12 | 江苏星A包装机械集团有限公司 | Dual-flow rate foam suppression filling valve |
DE102011007684A1 (en) | 2011-04-19 | 2012-10-25 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Filling valve for filling machine for filling two different types of filling materials in containers, has housing with two product outlets, where product outlets have common product space with common product supply line |
DE102012211926A1 (en) * | 2012-07-09 | 2014-01-09 | Krones Ag | Valve comprising valve plunger and valve housing and a filler |
-
2014
- 2014-12-08 DE DE102014118094.1A patent/DE102014118094A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2015
- 2015-12-08 EP EP15198375.6A patent/EP3031774B1/en active Active
- 2015-12-08 SI SI201530336T patent/SI3031774T1/en unknown
- 2015-12-08 CN CN201510896852.8A patent/CN105668490B/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3031774A1 (en) | 2016-06-15 |
SI3031774T1 (en) | 2018-09-28 |
CN105668490A (en) | 2016-06-15 |
CN105668490B (en) | 2018-11-27 |
DE102014118094A1 (en) | 2016-06-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP3031774B1 (en) | Filling valve for filling a container with a filling product | |
EP1580160B1 (en) | Filling head for counter pressure filling and free jet filling | |
EP2146922B1 (en) | Filling system and method for controlling a filling system | |
DE102004017205A1 (en) | Filling machine of rotating design | |
EP2285728B1 (en) | Device for filling containers | |
WO2014019642A1 (en) | Filling element and filling machine | |
EP2996980A1 (en) | Filling system and filling machine for filling containers | |
EP3016902A1 (en) | Filling element and filling machine | |
EP2601130B1 (en) | Filling element, and filling system or filling machine | |
EP3481765B1 (en) | Method for filling containers | |
WO2014166617A1 (en) | Filling element, filling system and method for filling containers | |
DE102013101419A1 (en) | Filling element and filling system | |
DE4231114A1 (en) | Device for filling bottles or similar containers | |
DE69708410T2 (en) | Filling system with resilient filler neck to reduce mixing of a product and air while filling a container | |
EP0540944B1 (en) | Metering pump for viscous products | |
EP1744834B1 (en) | Pump, dispenser and corresponding process for dispensing a liquid or viscous mass | |
EP2813462B1 (en) | Device and method for filling a container with a filling product | |
DE102016105552A1 (en) | Filling valve for filling a container with a filling product | |
EP3670433A1 (en) | Device for filling a fill product | |
DE3638601A1 (en) | FOAMING DEVICE FOR DISPLACING THE REMAINING AIR VOLUME FROM CONTAINERS FILLED WITH A FOAMABLE LIQUID, IN PARTICULAR BOTTLES | |
DE4309429A1 (en) | Filling machine | |
EP3194326B1 (en) | Filling valve | |
DE2947035B1 (en) | Filling element for counter pressure vessel filling machine | |
WO2015022088A1 (en) | Two-cylinder thick matter pump having a transfer tube | |
DE10129155A1 (en) | Filling device for container filling machines |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20161215 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20170516 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20180207 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: NOT ENGLISH |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1019116 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20180815 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 502015005114 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20180718 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20181018 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20181019 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20181118 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20181018 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 502015005114 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20190423 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20181208 Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20181231 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20181208 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20181231 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20181231 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20181231 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180718 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20151208 Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180718 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20191208 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20191208 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MM01 Ref document number: 1019116 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20201208 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201208 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230523 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Payment date: 20231117 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20231110 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20231108 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20231031 Year of fee payment: 9 |