EP3052387B1 - Apparatus for changing the flow of a flowable material - Google Patents

Apparatus for changing the flow of a flowable material Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3052387B1
EP3052387B1 EP14755812.6A EP14755812A EP3052387B1 EP 3052387 B1 EP3052387 B1 EP 3052387B1 EP 14755812 A EP14755812 A EP 14755812A EP 3052387 B1 EP3052387 B1 EP 3052387B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cross
channels
filling
central axis
exit
Prior art date
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Application number
EP14755812.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3052387A1 (en
Inventor
Johannes Hortmanns
Christian Rabe
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SIG Combibloc Services AG
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SIG Technology AG
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Priority to PL14755812T priority Critical patent/PL3052387T3/en
Publication of EP3052387A1 publication Critical patent/EP3052387A1/en
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Publication of EP3052387B1 publication Critical patent/EP3052387B1/en
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/08—Jet regulators or jet guides, e.g. anti-splash devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/22—Defoaming liquids in connection with filling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • 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
    • B67C3/26—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
    • B67C3/2608—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks comprising anti-dripping means
    • 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
    • B67C3/281—Profiled valve bodies for smoothing the flow at the outlet of the filling nozzle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
    • B65B2039/009—Multiple outlets

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for changing the jet shape of flowable products, in particular of foods, according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to the use of such a device for filling food, in particular for the aseptic filling of food.
  • the flowable products may be, for example, foods such as milk, fruit juice, sauces or yoghurt.
  • the flowable products may be, for example, foods such as milk, fruit juice, sauces or yoghurt.
  • composite packaging with layers of cardboard and plastic can be used as packaging.
  • An important step in the filling of the packaging is to fill the flowable products as quickly as possible in the packaging in order to achieve a fast timing and thus high volumes can.
  • the filling should be done largely without spattering and foaming in order to meet the hygienic requirements and to avoid contamination on the packaging or the filling machine.
  • Particularly high hygienic requirements occur in foods that are filled under sterile, ie germ-free conditions.
  • the high requirements can only be met if the filling process is adapted to individual factors such as the properties of the product to be filled and the volume and shape of the packaging.
  • the Adjustment includes a regular adjustment of the flow rate and the flow rate.
  • the filling nozzle is adapted to the product to be filled and the packaging and optionally replaced. Because the filling nozzle significantly determines the shape and the velocity profile of the filling jet.
  • the filling nozzle is responsible for a drip-free filling. For this purpose, the volume flow before exiting the filling nozzle is often divided into several partial flows, which are passed through individual channels.
  • the known filling nozzles have a housing with a round cross-sectional area.
  • both the inlet surface and the outlet surface of known filling nozzles are often round in shape. Due to the round housing, the filling nozzles can be easily inserted in any arbitrary rotated position in known filling machines. Through the round inlet and outlet surfaces, a filling jet is generated whose cross section is also round.
  • a filling nozzle for filling food for example, from the EP 2 078 678 A1 known.
  • the filling nozzle shown there has an exchangeable, round and thus rotationally symmetric plate with numerous holes.
  • the holes are cylindrically shaped and run parallel to each other in order to produce with the plate a particularly straight filling jet ("flow straightening plate"). While the inlets of the holes lie in a plane, the outlets of the holes are arranged on a curved surface, so that the holes - viewed in the direction of flow - have different lengths.
  • the flow velocity should be influenced. In particular, the flow velocity in the middle of the filling jet should be slowed down more by longer holes and the consequent higher friction than in the edge regions of the filling jet.
  • the from the EP 2 078 678 A1 known filling nozzle has several disadvantages.
  • Another disadvantage is the different length of the holes. Because a curved exit region of the plate causes the partial flows of the product to be filled at different times detach from the underside of the plate and are also exposed to a different size drop height to the bottom of the package. Those partial streams that are passed through shorter holes and earlier detach from the underside of the plate, are earlier exposed to a fall acceleration than those partial streams, which are still in the longer holes at this time.
  • round filling jets are also considered to be advantageous in terms of spattering.
  • many packages have non-rotationally symmetrical, for example rectangular bases.
  • a round filling jet can lead to problems. Because a circular filling jet has geometry due to the filling of packaging with a rectangular base to two of the side walls a much smaller distance than the other two side walls. This leads to an uneven shielding of spatters occurring: The two side walls lying close to the jet shield quite well at a steep angle and prevent their escape from the packaging. However, the two sidewalls further away from the beam can no longer shield splashes that move upward at an equally steep angle.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object to design the above-mentioned and previously described device in such a way and further that reduces the formation of spatter during the filling of packages with non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section.
  • a device characterized in that the number of channels is in the range between 30 and 50, that the central axes of the off-center channels are arranged inclined relative to the central axis of the device by an inclination angle, and that the inclination angle the off-center channels increase with increasing distance of the channels to the central axis of the device.
  • a device is initially characterized by an inlet region for the entry of the flowable products and by an outlet region for the outlet of the flowable products. Between the inlet region and the outlet region a plurality of channels for the passage of the flowable products are arranged. Each of the channels has an inlet associated with the entrance area. In addition, each of the channels has an outlet associated with the exit area. The inlets together form an inlet surface located in the inlet region and the outlets together form an outlet surface located in the outlet region.
  • the device according to the invention may for example be made of metal, in particular of steel, preferably stainless steel.
  • the exit surface is non-rotationally symmetrical.
  • the symmetry is considered with respect to the central axis of the device.
  • the shape of the exit surface has a significant influence on the shape of the cross-sectional area of the outgoing filler jet.
  • the invention accordingly provides for a departure from known, rotationally symmetrical cross sections.
  • an exit surface is selected that is non-rotationally symmetric and in particular non-circular.
  • the exit surface may be quadrangular, in particular rectangular or square shaped.
  • the entrance surface may be quadrangular, in particular rectangular or square shaped.
  • the shape of the entrance surface determines the shape of the filler jet less than the shape of the exit surface.
  • a correspondingly shaped entrance surface has the advantage that the shape of the - connecting the entrance surface with the exit surface - channels can be made simpler and the flowing through the channels partial flows must be less deflected.
  • a filler jet is generated, whose cross-sectional area is also non-rotationally symmetrical, but for example, quadrangular shaped.
  • the cross-sectional area changes due to the surface tension again in the direction of a round cross-section.
  • the invention is therefore based on the principle to adapt the geometry of the filling jet to the base of the packaging to be filled.
  • the height of the exit surface is greater than its width. According to this embodiment, therefore, an exit surface is selected whose size is different in the two mutually perpendicular main directions.
  • the exit surface may be shaped approximately rectangular, for example.
  • the height of the Exit surface at least 1.3 times, in particular at least 1.4 times greater than their width.
  • the height of the entrance surface may be greater than its width.
  • the height of the entrance surface is preferably at least 1.3 times, in particular at least 1.4 times greater than its width.
  • a development of the invention provides that the inlets and / or the outlets of the channels are arranged in one plane.
  • the arrangement of the inlets in a plane has the advantage that all inlets can be sealed at the same time safely by a particularly simple-shaped, in particular by a flat sealing element.
  • the arrangement of the outlets in a plane has the advantage that all partial flows simultaneously detach from the underside of the device and thus at the same time be exposed to the acceleration of gravity.
  • the plane in which the inlets of the channels are arranged is parallel to the plane in which the outlets of the channels are arranged. This has - at least in straight channels - the advantage that the channels are the same length and thus the friction-induced slowing down of the partial flows in all channels is about the same size.
  • the inlets and / or the outlets of the off-center channels are arranged in a circle on rings around the central axis of the device.
  • an off-center channel is meant any channel which does not run along the central axis of the device.
  • several channels can be arranged so that their inlets and / or their outlets are equidistant from the central axis. In this way, a uniformly shaped filling jet can be produced.
  • An embodiment of the invention provides that the inlets and / or the outlets are arranged on the outermost ring in two opposite and separate groups. In other words, the outermost ring is not fully occupied by inlets / outlets.
  • an entrance surface and / or an exit surface is made possible, whose width and height are different.
  • a ring-shaped arrangement of the inlets and / or outlets it is thus also possible for a ring-shaped arrangement of the inlets and / or outlets to form a non-rotationally symmetrical inlet surface and / or a non-rotationally symmetrical outlet surface.
  • the number of channels is at least 30 and lies in the range between 30 and 50.
  • the total flow is to be divided according to this training in a particularly high number of partial flows.
  • This has the advantage that the speed and direction of this partial flow can be set individually for each partial flow, so that even complex shapes and velocity profiles of the filler jet can be achieved.
  • a high number of channels leads to a larger contact area between the flow and the channel, which reduces the risk of dripping if the filling is interrupted due to the capillary action.
  • the center axes of the off-center channels are arranged inclined with respect to the central axis of the device by an inclination angle. Due to the inclination of the off-center channels, the partial flows in these channels can also receive a horizontal pulse in addition to a vertical pulse. This allows a particularly variable design of the shape of the filling jet.
  • the affected channels may be inclined outwards or inwards, viewed in the flow direction. An outward inclination spreads or divides the filling jet and directs it laterally against the walls of the packaging. In this way, the packaging is particularly gentle and largely filled without foaming. An inward inclination, however, allows a particularly sharp, concentrated filling jet.
  • the inclination angle is in the range between 1 ° and 6 °.
  • the angle of inclination is the angle that is between the central axis of the device and the central axis of the corresponding channel.
  • the specified range may in turn relate to an outward inclination or an inward inclination.
  • the inclination angle of the off-center channels increases with increasing distance of the channels to the central axis of the device, in particular increases steadily or monotonically.
  • the inclination of the channels should therefore be the greater the further out the channel is arranged.
  • the stronger inclination of the outer channels is particularly advantageous when tilting inwards, since in this way a particularly slender, concentrated filling jet can be achieved.
  • each inlet of a channel has a first cross-sectional area and each outlet of a channel has a second cross-sectional area, and that the second cross-sectional area of at least one channel is greater than the first cross-sectional area of this channel.
  • the second cross-sectional area of each channel is greater than the first cross-sectional area of that channel.
  • the cross-sectional area of the channels increases in the flow direction, ie from the inlet in the direction of the outlet.
  • the enlargement of the cross-sectional area can be uniform and continuous or monotonous. According to the laws of fluid mechanics, in particular the law of Bernoulli, an increase in the cross-sectional area leads to a proportional decrease in the flow velocity.
  • the quotient of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area is therefore always smaller than one and represents a measure of the degree of deceleration. This quotient can therefore also be referred to as a "deceleration factor”; its reciprocal can be referred to as "acceleration factor”.
  • the quotient of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area in each channel is in the range between 0.35 and 0.75. This means that the cross-sectional area at the inlet each channel is only about 35% to 75% of the cross-sectional area at the outlet of that channel. Each individual channel should therefore contribute to a significant increase in the cross-sectional area and consequent slowing down of the flow, which lies within the stated range. It may be provided that the quotient of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area-that is, the deceleration factor-is identical for each channel; alternatively, the quotients may also vary within said range between the channels, so that the slowing of the flow for each channel may be individually adjusted.
  • Another teaching of the invention finally provides that the off-center channels have a distance from the central axis of the device and that the quotient of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area decreases with increasing distance of the off-center channels to the central axis of the device, in particular decreases steadily or monotonically.
  • This teaching therefore provides that the quotient of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area-that is, the deceleration factor-is smaller for the outer channels than for the further inner channels.
  • the flow should therefore be slowed down more in the outer channels than in the more inward channels.
  • the further down the channel the lower the deceleration factor.
  • the device described above can be used in all the illustrated embodiments particularly well for filling food, in particular for the aseptic filling of food.
  • the foods may be, for example, milk, fruit juice, sauces or yoghurt.
  • a filling nozzle 1 known from the prior art is shown in cross-section.
  • the filling nozzle 1 comprises a body 2 and a round plate 3 for shaping the flow.
  • the plate 3 can be exchangeably inserted into the body 2 by fitting a circumferential flange 4 provided on the plate 3 on a projection 5 provided on the body 2.
  • the plate 3 has several holes 6, the one - in Fig. 1a schematically represented by arrows - allow flow through the filling nozzle 1 with flowable products. After emerging from the filling nozzle 1, the flowable products form a jet 7 whose outer contour in Fig. 1 is shown.
  • a central axis eighth Through the body 2 and the plate 3 centrally extends a central axis eighth
  • Fig. 1b shows an enlarged section of the plate 3 of the filling nozzle 1 from Fig. 1a in cross section.
  • the plate 3 has an upper side 9 for the entry of the flowable products and a lower side 10 for the outlet of the flowable products.
  • the top 9 is connected through the holes 6 with the bottom 10.
  • Each of the holes 6 has an inlet 11 and an outlet 12, wherein the inlets 11 of the holes 6 are associated with the top 9 and wherein the outlets 12 of the holes 6 are associated with the bottom 10.
  • Plate 3 shown all run holes 6 parallel to the central axis 8 of the plate 3 and thus have no inclination.
  • the cross-sectional area of all the holes 6 is identical and does not change in the flow direction, that is, from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12.
  • the top 9 is formed by a plane in which the inlets 11 of the holes 6 are located.
  • the bottom 10 is formed by a curved surface in which the outlets 12 of the holes 6 are located.
  • the underside 10 is curved in such a way that those holes 6 which lie in the vicinity of the central axis 8 are longer than those holes 6 which lie in the edge region of the plate 3.
  • At the edges of the outlets 12 circumferential chamfers 13 may be provided.
  • Fig. 1c is the plate 3 of the filling nozzle 1 from Fig. 1a along the in Fig. 1a drawn cutting plane Ic-Ic, so viewed from the bottom, shown. Also in Fig. 1c are already related to Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b described areas of the plate 3 provided with corresponding reference numerals. For the sake of clarity, was in Fig. 1c dispensed with a representation of the body 2. Fig. 1c illustrates that a plurality of holes 6 are arranged close to each other and thereby almost the entire surface of the plate. 3 taking. In the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b and Fig. 1c shown filling nozzle 1 largely corresponds to that of the EP 2 078 678 A1 known filling nozzle.
  • Fig. 2a shows a device 14 according to the invention for changing the jet shape of flowable products in cross section.
  • the device 14 has an integrally formed housing 15, which comprises an inlet region 16 for the entry of the flowable products and an outlet region 17 for the outlet of the flowable products. Between the inlet region 16 and the outlet region 17, a plurality of channels 18 for the passage of the flowable products in the housing 15 are arranged.
  • the channels 18 each have an inlet 19 assigned to the inlet region 16 and an outlet 20 associated with the outlet region 17.
  • the device 14 has on its upper side a circumferential flange 21, in which a plurality of bores 22 are introduced. About the holes 22, the device 14 can be connected, for example, with a filling machine.
  • a valve rod 23 is shown with a sealing element 24. Although these components are not part of the device 14, but serve to explain their operation.
  • the valve rod 23 is lowered, so that the sealing element 24 is pressed onto the inlet region 16 and closes the inlets 19 of the channels 18 arranged there.
  • the sealing element 24 and the device 14 centrally extends a central axis 25th
  • the channel 18 may be divided into a central channel 18 'and a plurality of off-center channels 18 ", the central axis of the central channel 18' corresponding to the central axis 25 of the device, the central channel 18 'being straight down and standing
  • the central axes of the off-center channels 18 " are, however, inclined relative to the central axis 25 of the device 14 by an angle of inclination .alpha ..
  • the angle of inclination ⁇ of the off-center channels 18" increases with increasing distance of the channels 18 In other words, those eccentric channels 18 "with the greatest distance to the central axis 18" - ie the radially outer channels 18 "- the most inclined.
  • the channels 18 of in Fig. 2a The device 14 shown by way of example has a first cross-sectional area 26 and a second cross-sectional area 27, the first cross-sectional area 26 being measured at the inlets 19 and the second cross-sectional area 27 being measured at the outlets 20.
  • the channels 18 of in Fig. 2a The device 14 shown is characterized in that the second cross-sectional area 27 of each channel 18 is greater than the first cross-sectional area 26 of this channel 18. This affects both the central channel 18 'and the off-center channels 18 ". In other words, the cross-sectional area increases the channels 18 seen in the flow direction from their inlets 19 to their outlets 20th
  • Fig. 2b shows the device 14 from Fig. 2a in cross-section along the in Fig. 2a Plotted sectional plane IIb-IIb.
  • Fig. 2b Accordingly, a view of the inlet region 16 of the device 14 is shown.
  • Fig. 2b provided with corresponding reference numerals.
  • Fig. 2b it can be seen that the device 14 has a circular cross-section.
  • the circular area of the entrance area 16 may be at the in Fig. 2b are exemplified device 14 divided into sealing regions 28 and four inlet regions 29, each of which covers approximately a range of 90 °.
  • the sealing areas 28 are for sealing installation of - in Fig.
  • the second ring has eighteen channels 18 "(two inlet regions 29 each with four channels 18" and two inlet regions 29 with five channels 18 ") and the third - not completely occupied - ring has twelve channels 18" (four inlet regions 29 with three channels 18 "each) .Therefore, there are forty-one channels 18 in total.
  • the inlet 19 is formed by lines or curve, which include all the inlets 19 and thus affect the edges of the outer inlets 19.
  • the twelve inlets 19 on the outermost ring are arranged in two opposite and separate groups, so that the height H of the entrance surface 30 is substantially greater than its width B.
  • the shape of the entrance surface 30 is approximately rectangular.
  • Fig. 2c shows the device 14 from Fig. 2a in cross-section along the in Fig. 2a Plotted section plane IIc-IIc.
  • Fig. 2c Accordingly, a look at the exit region 17 of the device 14 is shown.
  • Fig. 2c provided with corresponding reference numerals.
  • the surface of the outlet region 17 is no longer subdivided into sealing regions 28 and inlet regions 29, since firstly there is no need for a surface to abut the sealing element 24 and secondly more surface area for in this region enlarged channel cross sections is needed.
  • the channels 18 in the plane of the exit region 17 only separated by very narrow webs 31 from each other. Also in the exit region 17, the off-center channels 18 "are arranged on three concentric rings around the central channel 18 ', of which the outermost ring is not completely occupied.
  • the outlets 20 together form an outlet surface 32 lying in the exit region 17 and having a width B 'and a height H'.
  • the exit surface 32 is formed by lines or curves that enclose all the outlets 20 and thus tangent the edges of the outer outlets 20.
  • the twelve outlets 20 on the outermost ring are arranged in two opposite and separate groups, so that the height H 'of the exit surface 32 is substantially greater than its width B'.
  • the shape of the exit surface 32 is therefore approximately rectangular.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Veränderung der Strahlform von fließfähigen Produkten, insbesondere von Nahrungsmitteln, nach dem Oberbegriff von Patentanspruch 1.The invention relates to a device for changing the jet shape of flowable products, in particular of foods, according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Die Erfindung betrifft zudem die Verwendung einer derartigen Vorrichtung zur Abfüllung von Nahrungsmitteln, insbesondere zur aseptischen Abfüllung von Nahrungsmitteln.The invention also relates to the use of such a device for filling food, in particular for the aseptic filling of food.

Auf dem Gebiet der Verpackungstechnik sind zahlreiche Möglichkeiten bekannt, fließfähige Produkte in die dafür vorgesehenen Verpackungen zu füllen. Bei den fließfähigen Produkten kann es sich beispielsweise um Nahrungsmittel wie etwa Milch, Fruchtsaft, Saucen oder Joghurt handeln. Als Verpackungen können beispielsweise Verbundverpackungen mit Lagen aus Pappe und Kunststoff eingesetzt werden.Numerous possibilities are known in the field of packaging technology for filling flowable products into the packaging provided for this purpose. The flowable products may be, for example, foods such as milk, fruit juice, sauces or yoghurt. For example, composite packaging with layers of cardboard and plastic can be used as packaging.

Ein wichtiger Schritt bei der Befüllung der Verpackungen besteht darin, die fließfähigen Produkte möglichst schnell in die Verpackungen zu füllen, um eine schnelle Taktung und somit hohe Stückzahlen erreichen zu können. Trotz der hohen Strömungsgeschwindigkeit soll die Befüllung jedoch weitgehend ohne Spritzer und Schaumbildung erfolgen, um die hygienischen Anforderungen erfüllen zu können und Verunreinigungen an der Verpackung oder der Abfüllmaschine zu vermeiden. Besonders hohe hygienische Anforderungen treten bei Nahrungsmitteln auf, die unter sterilen, also keimfreien Bedingungen abgefüllt werden.An important step in the filling of the packaging is to fill the flowable products as quickly as possible in the packaging in order to achieve a fast timing and thus high volumes can. Despite the high flow rate, however, the filling should be done largely without spattering and foaming in order to meet the hygienic requirements and to avoid contamination on the packaging or the filling machine. Particularly high hygienic requirements occur in foods that are filled under sterile, ie germ-free conditions.

Den hohen Anforderungen kann nur genügt werden, wenn der Befüllvorgang an individuelle Faktoren wie beispielsweise die Eigenschaften des abzufüllenden Produkts und das Volumen sowie die Form der Verpackung angepasst wird. Die Anpassung beinhaltet regelmäßig eine Einstellung der Durchflussmenge und der Durchflussgeschwindigkeit. Darüber hinaus wird oftmals auch die Fülldüse an das abzufüllende Produkt und die Verpackung angepasst und gegebenenfalls ausgetauscht. Denn die Fülldüse bestimmt maßgeblich die Form und das Geschwindigkeitsprofil des Füllstrahls. Zudem ist die Fülldüse für eine tropfenfreie Befüllung verantwortlich. Hierzu wird der Volumenstrom vor dem Austritt aus der Fülldüse häufig in mehrere Teilströme aufgeteilt, die durch einzelne Kanäle geleitet werden. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass das abzufüllende Produkt mit einer größeren Wandfläche in Berührung kommt, wodurch bei einer Unterbrechung der Befüllung die Restmenge des abzufüllenden Produkts sicher in den Kanälen gehalten wird und nicht unkontrolliert auf die Verpackung oder die Abfüllmaschine tropft ("Kapillarwirkung").The high requirements can only be met if the filling process is adapted to individual factors such as the properties of the product to be filled and the volume and shape of the packaging. The Adjustment includes a regular adjustment of the flow rate and the flow rate. In addition, often the filling nozzle is adapted to the product to be filled and the packaging and optionally replaced. Because the filling nozzle significantly determines the shape and the velocity profile of the filling jet. In addition, the filling nozzle is responsible for a drip-free filling. For this purpose, the volume flow before exiting the filling nozzle is often divided into several partial flows, which are passed through individual channels. This has the advantage that the product to be filled comes into contact with a larger wall surface, whereby the rest of the product to be filled is held securely in the channels at an interruption of the filling and does not drip uncontrollably on the packaging or the filling machine ("capillary action").

Viele der bekannten Fülldüsen haben ein Gehäuse mit einer runden Querschnittsfläche. Zudem sind sowohl die Eintrittsfläche als auch die Austrittsfläche bekannter Fülldüsen oftmals rund geformt. Durch das runde Gehäuse können die Fülldüsen in jeder beliebig gedrehten Stellung einfach in bekannten Abfüllmaschinen eingesetzt werden. Durch die runden Eintritts- und Austrittsflächen wird ein Füllstrahl erzeugt, dessen Querschnitt ebenfalls rund ist.Many of the known filling nozzles have a housing with a round cross-sectional area. In addition, both the inlet surface and the outlet surface of known filling nozzles are often round in shape. Due to the round housing, the filling nozzles can be easily inserted in any arbitrary rotated position in known filling machines. Through the round inlet and outlet surfaces, a filling jet is generated whose cross section is also round.

Eine Fülldüse für die Abfüllung von Nahrungsmitteln ist beispielsweise aus der EP 2 078 678 A1 bekannt. Zur Aufteilung des Volumenstromes weist die dort gezeigte Fülldüse eine austauschbare, runde und somit rotationssymmetrische Platte mit zahlreichen Löchern auf. Die Löcher sind zylindrisch geformt und verlaufen parallel zueinander, um mit der Platte einen besonders geraden Füllstrahl zu erzeugen ("flow straightening plate"). Während die Einlässe der Löcher in einer Ebene liegen, sind die Auslässe der Löcher auf einer gekrümmten Fläche angeordnet, so dass die Löcher - in Strömungsrichtung betrachtet - unterschiedlich lang sind. Durch die Variation der Länge der Löcher soll die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit beeinflusst werden. Insbesondere soll die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit in der Mitte des Füllstrahls durch längere Löcher und die dadurch bedingte höhere Reibung stärker verlangsamt werden als in den Randbereichen des Füllstrahls.A filling nozzle for filling food, for example, from the EP 2 078 678 A1 known. To divide the volume flow, the filling nozzle shown there has an exchangeable, round and thus rotationally symmetric plate with numerous holes. The holes are cylindrically shaped and run parallel to each other in order to produce with the plate a particularly straight filling jet ("flow straightening plate"). While the inlets of the holes lie in a plane, the outlets of the holes are arranged on a curved surface, so that the holes - viewed in the direction of flow - have different lengths. By varying the length of the holes, the flow velocity should be influenced. In particular, the flow velocity in the middle of the filling jet should be slowed down more by longer holes and the consequent higher friction than in the edge regions of the filling jet.

Die aus der EP 2 078 678 A1 bekannte Fülldüse hat mehrere Nachteile. Zunächst muss aufgrund der zweiteiligen Konstruktion die Platte gegenüber dem Körper der Fülldüse abgedichtet werden. In dem abzudichtenden Spalt zwischen Platte und Körper können sich Produktreste ablagern, was hygienisch problematisch ist. Ein weiterer Nachteil liegt in der unterschiedlichen Länge der Löcher. Denn ein gekrümmter Austrittsbereich der Platte führt dazu, dass sich die Teilströme des abzufüllenden Produkts zu unterschiedlichen Zeitpunkten von der Unterseite der Platte ablösen und zudem einer unterschiedlich großen Fallhöhe bis zum Boden der Verpackung ausgesetzt werden. Diejenigen Teilströme, die durch kürzere Löcher geführt werden und sich früher von der Unterseite der Platte ablösen, werden früher einer Fallbeschleunigung ausgesetzt als diejenigen Teilströme, die sich zu diesem Zeitpunkt noch in den längeren Löchern befinden. Aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Fallhöhen der Teilströme werden diese im freien Fall auch unterschiedlich lange beschleunigt und erreichen einen unterschiedlich großen Geschwindigkeitszuwachs. Dies hat zur Folge, dass das an der Unterseite der Platte eingestellte Geschwindigkeitsprofil im freien Fall wieder verändert wird. Das für die Spritzerbildung maßgebliche Geschwindigkeitsprofil beim Aufprall des Füllstrahls auf den Boden der Verpackung lässt sich daher mit der vorgeschlagenen Lösung nur sehr unpräzise einstellen.The from the EP 2 078 678 A1 known filling nozzle has several disadvantages. First, due to the two-part construction, the plate must be sealed against the body of the filling nozzle. In the gap to be sealed between the plate and the body product residues can deposit, which is hygienically problematic. Another disadvantage is the different length of the holes. Because a curved exit region of the plate causes the partial flows of the product to be filled at different times detach from the underside of the plate and are also exposed to a different size drop height to the bottom of the package. Those partial streams that are passed through shorter holes and earlier detach from the underside of the plate, are earlier exposed to a fall acceleration than those partial streams, which are still in the longer holes at this time. Due to the different fall heights of the partial flows they are accelerated in free fall for different lengths and reach a different rate of increase in speed. This has the consequence that the speed profile set on the underside of the plate is changed again in free fall. The speed profile relevant to the formation of spatter upon impact of the filling jet with the bottom of the package can therefore only be adjusted very imprecisely with the proposed solution.

Ein weiterer Nachteil der aus der EP 2 078 678 A1 bekannten Fülldüse - und anderer vergleichbarer Fülldüsen - liegt darin, dass diese Fülldüsen ausschließlich Füllstrahlen mit einer runden Querschnittsfläche erzeugen können. Dies liegt insbesondere an der Anordnung der Löcher in einer runden Platte. Runde Füllstrahlen werden in vielen Fällen auch angestrebt. Zunächst ist die runde Form diejenige Form, die sich im freien Fall des Strahls aufgrund der Oberflächenspannung (Kohäsion) in dem fließfähigen Produkt ohnehin ausbildet. Hinzu kommt die Tatsache, dass die Gehäuse der meisten Fülldüsen rund geformt sind, um in die - üblicherweise ebenfalls runden - Aufnahmen bekannter Füllmaschinen eingesetzt werden zu können. Schließlich stellen runde Querschnitte die strömungstechnisch optimale Form dar, weil sie die geringste Oberfläche und somit den geringsten Strömungswiderstand bezogen auf die Größe der Querschnittsfläche bieten.Another disadvantage of the EP 2 078 678 A1 known filling nozzle - and other comparable filling nozzles - is that these filling nozzles can produce only filling jets with a circular cross-sectional area. This is due in particular to the arrangement of the holes in a round plate. Round fill rays are also sought in many cases. First, the round shape is the shape that forms in the free fall of the jet due to the surface tension (cohesion) in the flowable product anyway. In addition, the fact that the housing of most filling nozzles are round shaped to be used in the - usually also round - shots known filling machines can. Finally, round cross-sections represent the aerodynamically optimal shape, because they offer the least surface and thus the lowest flow resistance relative to the size of the cross-sectional area.

Bei Verpackungen mit einer runden Grundfläche, beispielsweise Flaschen, sind runde Füllstrahlen auch im Hinblick auf die Spritzerbildung als vorteilhaft anzusehen. Viele Verpackungen weisen jedoch nicht-rotationssymmetrische, beispielsweise rechteckige Grundflächen auf. Bei diesen Verpackungen kann ein runder Füllstrahl zu Problemen führen. Denn ein runder Füllstrahl weist geometrisch bedingt bei der Befüllung von Verpackungen mit rechteckiger Grundfläche zu zwei der Seitewände einen wesentlich geringeren Abstand auf als zu den anderen beiden Seitenwänden. Dies führt zu einer ungleichmäßigen Abschirmung von auftretenden Spritzern: Die beiden dicht an dem Strahl liegenden Seitenwände schirmen in einem steilen Winkel auftretende Spritzer recht gut ab und verhindern ihren Austritt aus der Verpackung. Die beiden weiter von dem Strahl entfernt liegenden Seitenwände können jedoch Spritzer, die sich in einem genauso steilen Winkel nach oben bewegen, nicht mehr abschirmen. Es besteht daher die Gefahr, dass diese Spritzer aus der Verpackung austreten und die Verpackung oder die Abfüllmaschine verunreinigen. Dies kann zur Folge haben, dass die Verpackung, beispielsweise eine Karton/Kunststoff-Verbundverpackung, in demjenigen Bereich verunreinigt wird, in dem sie später durch Schweißverfahren verschlossen werden soll. Im Bereich der Verunreinigung kann jedoch keine zuverlässige Schweißverbindung mehr erzeugt werden, so dass die Verpackung nicht mehr dicht verschlossen werden kann und aussortiert werden muss. Wenn die Undichtigkeit nicht sofort erkannt wird, kann die undichte Verpackung bei weiteren Verarbeitungsschritten oder beim Transport Teile der Abfüllmaschine oder andere Verpackungen verunreinigen. Da viele Lebensmittel unter sterilen, also keimfreien Bedingungen abgefüllt werden müssen, können derartige Verunreinigungen der Abfüllmaschine eine aufwändige Reinigung sowie eine erneute Sterilisation der gesamten Abfüllmaschine erforderlich machen. Während dieser Zeit kann keine Abfüllung erfolgen, so dass es zu Produktionsausfällen kommt. Eine Verunreinigung anderer Verpackungen kann demgegenüber dazu führen, dass größere Einheiten oder Paletten von Verpackungen unverkäuflich werden. Bereits einzelne aus der Verpackung austretende Spritzer können daher erhebliche Probleme verursachen.For packages with a round base, such as bottles, round filling jets are also considered to be advantageous in terms of spattering. However, many packages have non-rotationally symmetrical, for example rectangular bases. With these packages, a round filling jet can lead to problems. Because a circular filling jet has geometry due to the filling of packaging with a rectangular base to two of the side walls a much smaller distance than the other two side walls. This leads to an uneven shielding of spatters occurring: The two side walls lying close to the jet shield quite well at a steep angle and prevent their escape from the packaging. However, the two sidewalls further away from the beam can no longer shield splashes that move upward at an equally steep angle. There is therefore a risk that these splashes leak out of the packaging and contaminate the packaging or the filling machine. This can result in that the packaging, for example a cardboard / plastic composite packaging, is contaminated in the area in which it is to be closed later by welding. In the area of contamination, however, no reliable welded connection can be generated, so that the packaging can no longer be tightly sealed and must be sorted out. If the leak is not detected immediately, the leaking packaging may contaminate parts of the filling machine or other packaging during further processing or transportation. Since many foods must be filled under sterile, ie germ-free conditions, such contamination of the filling machine can make a complicated cleaning and re-sterilization of the entire filling machine required. During this time no filling can take place, so that it comes to production losses. In contrast, contamination of other packaging can lead to larger units or pallets of packaging become unsaleable. Even single leaking from the packaging splashes can therefore cause significant problems.

Weitere Vorrichtungen zur Veränderung der Strahlform von fließfähigen Produkten sind aus der DE 33 20 753 A1 , der FR 2 511 971 A1 und der FR 2 905 121 A1 bekannt.Other devices for changing the jet shape of flowable products are from the DE 33 20 753 A1 , the FR 2 511 971 A1 and the FR 2 905 121 A1 known.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, die eingangs genannte und zuvor näher beschriebene Vorrichtung derart auszugestalten und weiterzubilden, dass sich die Spritzerbildung bei der Befüllung von Verpackungen mit nichtrotationssymmetrischem Querschnitt verringert.The invention is therefore based on the object to design the above-mentioned and previously described device in such a way and further that reduces the formation of spatter during the filling of packages with non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einer Vorrichtung nach dem Oberbegriff von Patentanspruch 1 dadurch gelöst, dass die Anzahl der Kanäle im Bereich zwischen 30 und 50 liegt, dass die Mittelachsen der außermittigen Kanäle gegenüber der Mittelachse der Vorrichtung um einen Neigungswinkel geneigt angeordnet sind, und dass der Neigungswinkel der außermittigen Kanäle mit steigendem Abstand der Kanäle zur Mittelachse der Vorrichtung ansteigt.This object is achieved in a device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the number of channels is in the range between 30 and 50, that the central axes of the off-center channels are arranged inclined relative to the central axis of the device by an inclination angle, and that the inclination angle the off-center channels increase with increasing distance of the channels to the central axis of the device.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zeichnet sich zunächst durch einen Eintrittsbereich zum Eintritt der fließfähigen Produkte sowie durch einen Austrittsbereich zum Austritt der fließfähigen Produkte aus. Zwischen dem Eintrittsbereich und dem Austrittsbereich sind mehrere Kanäle zur Durchleitung der fließfähigen Produkte angeordnet. Jeder der Kanäle weist einen Einlass auf, der dem Eintrittsbereich zugeordnet ist. Zudem weist jeder der Kanäle einen Auslass aus, der dem Austrittsbereich zugeordnet ist. Die Einlässe bilden gemeinsam eine im Eintrittsbereich liegende Eintrittsfläche und die Auslässe bilden gemeinsam eine im Austrittsbereich liegende Austrittsfläche. Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann beispielsweise aus Metall, insbesondere aus Stahl, vorzugsweise Edelstahl, hergestellt sein.A device according to the invention is initially characterized by an inlet region for the entry of the flowable products and by an outlet region for the outlet of the flowable products. Between the inlet region and the outlet region a plurality of channels for the passage of the flowable products are arranged. Each of the channels has an inlet associated with the entrance area. In addition, each of the channels has an outlet associated with the exit area. The inlets together form an inlet surface located in the inlet region and the outlets together form an outlet surface located in the outlet region. The device according to the invention may for example be made of metal, in particular of steel, preferably stainless steel.

Gemäß der Erfindung ist die Austrittsfläche nicht-rotationssymmetrisch. Die Symmetrie wird in Bezug auf die Mittelachse der Vorrichtung betrachtet. Die Form der Austrittsfläche hat einen wesentlichen Einfluss auf die Form der Querschnittsfläche des austretenden Füllstrahls. Die Erfindung sieht demnach eine Abkehr von bekannten, rotationssymmetrischen Querschnitten vor. Stattdessen wird eine Austrittsfläche gewählt, die nicht-rotationssymmetrisch und insbesondere nicht kreisförmig ist. Die Austrittsfläche kann viereckig, insbesondere rechteckig oder quadratisch geformt sein. Ebenso kann die Eintrittsfläche viereckig, insbesondere rechteckig oder quadratisch geformt sein. Die Form der Eintrittsfläche bestimmt die Form des Füllstrahls zwar weniger stark als die Form der Austrittsfläche. Jedoch hat eine entsprechend geformte Eintrittsfläche den Vorteil, dass die Form der - die Eintrittsfläche mit der Austrittsfläche verbindenden - Kanäle einfacher gestaltet sein kann und die durch die Kanäle fließenden Teilströmungen weniger stark umgelenkt werden müssen.According to the invention, the exit surface is non-rotationally symmetrical. The symmetry is considered with respect to the central axis of the device. The shape of the exit surface has a significant influence on the shape of the cross-sectional area of the outgoing filler jet. The invention accordingly provides for a departure from known, rotationally symmetrical cross sections. Instead, an exit surface is selected that is non-rotationally symmetric and in particular non-circular. The exit surface may be quadrangular, in particular rectangular or square shaped. Likewise, the entrance surface may be quadrangular, in particular rectangular or square shaped. Although the shape of the entrance surface determines the shape of the filler jet less than the shape of the exit surface. However, a correspondingly shaped entrance surface has the advantage that the shape of the - connecting the entrance surface with the exit surface - channels can be made simpler and the flowing through the channels partial flows must be less deflected.

Durch die erfindungsgemäße Ausbildung der Austritts- und/oder Eintrittsfläche wird ein Füllstrahl erzeugt, dessen Querschnittsfläche ebenfalls nicht-rotationssymmetrisch, sondern beispielsweise viereckig geformt ist. Im freien Fall verändert sich die Querschnittsfläche aufgrund der Oberflächenspannung zwar wieder in Richtung eines runden Querschnitts. Es hat sich jedoch überraschend gezeigt, dass bei relativ kurzen Fallhöhen - wie sie bei den meisten Verpackungen üblich sind - die nicht-rotationssymmetrische Querschnittsfläche des Füllstrahls zumindest teilweise erhalten bleibt. Der Erfindung liegt also das Prinzip zugrunde, die Geometrie des Füllstrahls an die Grundfläche der zu befüllenden Verpackung anzupassen.The inventive design of the exit and / or entrance surface, a filler jet is generated, whose cross-sectional area is also non-rotationally symmetrical, but for example, quadrangular shaped. In free fall, the cross-sectional area changes due to the surface tension again in the direction of a round cross-section. However, it has surprisingly been found that at relatively short heads - as they are common in most packaging - the non-rotationally symmetric cross-sectional area of the filling jet is at least partially maintained. The invention is therefore based on the principle to adapt the geometry of the filling jet to the base of the packaging to be filled.

Nach einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Höhe der Austrittsfläche größer ist als ihre Breite. Nach dieser Ausgestaltung wird also eine Austrittsfläche gewählt, dessen Größe in den beiden senkrecht zueinander verlaufenden Hauptrichtungen unterschiedlich ist. Die Austrittsfläche kann beispielsweise etwa rechteckig geformt sein. Vorzugsweise ist die Höhe der Austrittsfläche wenigstens 1,3 mal, insbesondere wenigstens 1,4 mal größer als ihre Breite.According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the height of the exit surface is greater than its width. According to this embodiment, therefore, an exit surface is selected whose size is different in the two mutually perpendicular main directions. The exit surface may be shaped approximately rectangular, for example. Preferably, the height of the Exit surface at least 1.3 times, in particular at least 1.4 times greater than their width.

In entsprechender Weise kann auch die Höhe der Eintrittsfläche größer sein als ihre Breite. Auch die Hohe der Eintrittsfläche ist vorzugsweise wenigstens 1,3 mal, insbesondere wenigstens 1,4 mal größer als ihre Breite.Similarly, the height of the entrance surface may be greater than its width. The height of the entrance surface is preferably at least 1.3 times, in particular at least 1.4 times greater than its width.

Eine Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Einlässe und/oder die Auslässe der Kanäle in einer Ebene angeordnet sind. Die Anordnung der Einlässe in einer Ebene hat den Vorteil, dass alle Einlässe gleichzeitig durch ein besonders einfach geformtes, insbesondere durch ein ebenes Dichtelement sicher abgedichtet werden können. Die Anordnung der Auslässe in einer Ebene hat den Vorteil, dass sämtliche Teilströmungen sich gleichzeitig von der Unterseite der Vorrichtung ablösen und somit gleichzeitig der Fallbeschleunigung ausgesetzt werden. Vorzugsweise ist die Ebene, in der die Einlässe der Kanäle angeordnet sind, parallel zu der Ebene, in der die Auslässe der Kanäle angeordnet sind. Dies hat - jedenfalls bei gerade verlaufenden Kanälen - den Vorteil, dass die Kanäle gleich lang sind und somit die reibungsbedingte Verlangsamung der Teilströmungen in allen Kanälen etwa gleich groß ist.A development of the invention provides that the inlets and / or the outlets of the channels are arranged in one plane. The arrangement of the inlets in a plane has the advantage that all inlets can be sealed at the same time safely by a particularly simple-shaped, in particular by a flat sealing element. The arrangement of the outlets in a plane has the advantage that all partial flows simultaneously detach from the underside of the device and thus at the same time be exposed to the acceleration of gravity. Preferably, the plane in which the inlets of the channels are arranged is parallel to the plane in which the outlets of the channels are arranged. This has - at least in straight channels - the advantage that the channels are the same length and thus the friction-induced slowing down of the partial flows in all channels is about the same size.

Nach einer weiteren Lehre der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Einlässe und/oder die Auslässe der außermittigen Kanäle kreisförmig auf Ringen um die Mittelachse der Vorrichtung angeordnet sind. Unter einem außermittigen Kanal wird jeder Kanal verstanden, der nicht entlang der Mittelachse der Vorrichtung verläuft. Nach dieser Lehre können mehrere Kanäle derart angeordnet werden, dass ihre Einlässe und/oder ihre Auslässe gleich weit von der Mittelachse entfernt sind. Auf diese Weise lässt sich ein gleichmäßig geformter Füllstrahl erzeugen.According to a further teaching of the invention it is provided that the inlets and / or the outlets of the off-center channels are arranged in a circle on rings around the central axis of the device. By an off-center channel is meant any channel which does not run along the central axis of the device. According to this teaching several channels can be arranged so that their inlets and / or their outlets are equidistant from the central axis. In this way, a uniformly shaped filling jet can be produced.

Eine Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Einlässe und/oder die Auslässe auf dem äußersten Ring in zwei gegenüberliegenden und voneinander getrennten Gruppen angeordnet sind. Mit anderen Worten ist der äußerste Ring nicht vollständig mit Einlässen/Auslässen besetzt. Durch diese Ausgestaltung wird erreicht, dass trotz der grundsätzlich ringförmigen Anordnung der Einlässe und/oder Auslässe eine Eintrittsfläche und/oder eine Austrittsfläche ermöglicht wird, deren Breite und Höhe unterschiedlich groß sind. Durch diese Ausgestaltung kann also auch bei ringförmiger Anordnung der Einlässe und/oder Auslässe eine nicht-rotationssymmetrische Eintrittsfläche und/oder eine nicht-rotationssymmetrische Austrittsfläche gebildet werden.An embodiment of the invention provides that the inlets and / or the outlets are arranged on the outermost ring in two opposite and separate groups. In other words, the outermost ring is not fully occupied by inlets / outlets. By this configuration is achieved that despite the basically annular arrangement of the inlets and / or outlets an entrance surface and / or an exit surface is made possible, whose width and height are different. As a result of this embodiment, it is thus also possible for a ring-shaped arrangement of the inlets and / or outlets to form a non-rotationally symmetrical inlet surface and / or a non-rotationally symmetrical outlet surface.

Erfindungsgemäß ist zudem vorgesehen, dass die Anzahl der Kanäle wenigstens 30 beträgt und im Bereich zwischen 30 und 50 liegt. Die Gesamtströmung soll nach dieser Ausbildung in eine besonders hohe Anzahl von Teilströmungen aufgeteilt werden. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass für jede Teilströmung die Geschwindigkeit und Richtung dieser Teilströmung individuell eingestellt werden kann, so dass sich auch komplexe Formen und Geschwindigkeitsprofile des Füllstrahls erzielen lassen. Zudem führt eine hohe Anzahl von Kanälen zu einer größeren Kontaktfläche zwischen Strömung und Kanal, was aufgrund der Kapillarwirkung die Tropfgefahr bei einer Unterbrechung der Befüllung verringert.According to the invention, it is additionally provided that the number of channels is at least 30 and lies in the range between 30 and 50. The total flow is to be divided according to this training in a particularly high number of partial flows. This has the advantage that the speed and direction of this partial flow can be set individually for each partial flow, so that even complex shapes and velocity profiles of the filler jet can be achieved. In addition, a high number of channels leads to a larger contact area between the flow and the channel, which reduces the risk of dripping if the filling is interrupted due to the capillary action.

Erfindungsgemäß ist zudem vorgesehen, dass die Mittelachsen der außermittigen Kanäle gegenüber der Mittelachse der Vorrichtung um einen Neigungswinkel geneigt angeordnet sind. Durch die Neigung der außermittigen Kanäle können die Teilströmungen in diesen Kanälen neben einem vertikalen Impuls auch einen horizontalen Impuls erhalten. Dies erlaubt eine besonders variable Gestaltung der Form des Füllstrahls. Die betroffenen Kanäle können - in Strömungsrichtung gesehen - nach außen oder nach innen geneigt sein. Eine Neigung nach außen spreizt oder teilt den Füllstrahl und lenkt ihn seitlich an die Wände der Verpackung. Auf diese Weise wird die Verpackung besonders schonend und weitgehend ohne Schaumbildung befüllt. Eine Neigung nach innen ermöglicht hingegen einen besonders spitzen, konzentrierten Füllstrahl.According to the invention, it is also provided that the center axes of the off-center channels are arranged inclined with respect to the central axis of the device by an inclination angle. Due to the inclination of the off-center channels, the partial flows in these channels can also receive a horizontal pulse in addition to a vertical pulse. This allows a particularly variable design of the shape of the filling jet. The affected channels may be inclined outwards or inwards, viewed in the flow direction. An outward inclination spreads or divides the filling jet and directs it laterally against the walls of the packaging. In this way, the packaging is particularly gentle and largely filled without foaming. An inward inclination, however, allows a particularly sharp, concentrated filling jet.

Zu dieser Ausgestaltung wird weiter vorgeschlagen, dass der Neigungswinkel im Bereich zwischen 1° und 6° liegt. Der Neigungswinkel ist derjenige Winkel, der sich zwischen der Mittelachse der Vorrichtung und der Mittelachse des entsprechenden Kanals einstellt. Der angegebene Bereich kann wiederum eine Neigung nach außen oder eine Neigung nach innen betreffen.For this embodiment, it is further proposed that the inclination angle is in the range between 1 ° and 6 °. The angle of inclination is the angle that is between the central axis of the device and the central axis of the corresponding channel. The specified range may in turn relate to an outward inclination or an inward inclination.

Erfindungsgemäß ist zudem vorgesehen, dass der Neigungswinkel der außermittigen Kanäle mit steigendem Abstand der Kanäle zur Mittelachse der Vorrichtung ansteigt, insbesondere stetig oder monoton ansteigt. Die Neigung der Kanäle soll also umso größer sein, je weiter außen der Kanal angeordnet ist. Die stärkere Neigung der äußeren Kanäle ist insbesondere bei einer Neigung nach innen vorteilhaft, da auf diese Weise ein besonders schlanker, konzentrierter Füllstrahl erreicht werden kann.According to the invention it is also provided that the inclination angle of the off-center channels increases with increasing distance of the channels to the central axis of the device, in particular increases steadily or monotonically. The inclination of the channels should therefore be the greater the further out the channel is arranged. The stronger inclination of the outer channels is particularly advantageous when tilting inwards, since in this way a particularly slender, concentrated filling jet can be achieved.

Erfindungsgemäß ist zudem vorgesehen, dass jeder Einlass eines Kanals eine erste Querschnittsfläche aufweist und jeder Auslass eines Kanals eine zweite Querschnittsfläche aufweist, und dass die zweite Querschnittsfläche wenigstens eines Kanals größer ist als die erste Querschnittsfläche dieses Kanals. Vorzugsweise ist die zweite Querschnittsfläche jedes Kanals größer ist als die erste Querschnittsfläche dieses Kanals. Mit anderen Worten vergrößert sich die Querschnittsfläche der Kanäle in Strömungsrichtung, also von dem Einlass in Richtung des Auslasses. Die Vergrößerung der Querschnittsfläche kann gleichmäßig und stetig oder monoton erfolgen. Nach den Gesetzen der Strömungsmechanik, insbesondere dem Gesetz von Bernoulli führt eine Vergrößerung der Querschnittsfläche zu einer proportionalen Abnahme der Strömungsgeschwindigkeit. Diese Ausbildung der Kanäle führt demnach zu einer Verlangsamung der in dem Kanal fließenden Teilströmung. Der Quotient aus der ersten Querschnittsfläche und der zweiten Querschnittsfläche ist daher stets kleiner als eins und stellt ein Maß für den Grad der Verlangsamung dar. Dieser Quotient kann daher auch als "Verlangsamungsfaktor" bezeichnet werden; sein Kehrwert kann demgegenüber als "Beschleunigungsfaktor" bezeichnet werden.According to the invention, it is additionally provided that each inlet of a channel has a first cross-sectional area and each outlet of a channel has a second cross-sectional area, and that the second cross-sectional area of at least one channel is greater than the first cross-sectional area of this channel. Preferably, the second cross-sectional area of each channel is greater than the first cross-sectional area of that channel. In other words, the cross-sectional area of the channels increases in the flow direction, ie from the inlet in the direction of the outlet. The enlargement of the cross-sectional area can be uniform and continuous or monotonous. According to the laws of fluid mechanics, in particular the law of Bernoulli, an increase in the cross-sectional area leads to a proportional decrease in the flow velocity. This formation of the channels thus leads to a slowing down of the flowing part of the channel flow. The quotient of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area is therefore always smaller than one and represents a measure of the degree of deceleration. This quotient can therefore also be referred to as a "deceleration factor"; its reciprocal can be referred to as "acceleration factor".

Zu dieser Ausbildung wird weiter vorgeschlagen, dass der Quotient aus der ersten Querschnittsfläche und der zweiten Querschnittsfläche bei jedem Kanal im Bereich zwischen 0,35 und 0,75 liegt. Dies bedeutet, dass die Querschnittsfläche am Einlass jedes einzelnen Kanals nur etwa 35% bis 75% der Querschnittsfläche am Auslass dieses Kanals beträgt. Jeder einzelne Kanal soll demnach zu einer deutlichen Vergrößerung der Querschnittsfläche und daraus folgenden Verlangsamung der Strömung beitragen, die innerhalb des genannten Bereiches liegt. Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Quotient aus der ersten Querschnittsfläche und der zweiten Querschnittsfläche - also der Verlangsamungsfaktor - bei jedem Kanal identisch ist; alternativ können die Quotienten auch innerhalb des genannten Bereiches zwischen den Kanälen variieren, so dass die Verlangsamung der Strömung für jeden Kanal individuell angepasst werden kann.For this embodiment, it is further proposed that the quotient of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area in each channel is in the range between 0.35 and 0.75. This means that the cross-sectional area at the inlet each channel is only about 35% to 75% of the cross-sectional area at the outlet of that channel. Each individual channel should therefore contribute to a significant increase in the cross-sectional area and consequent slowing down of the flow, which lies within the stated range. It may be provided that the quotient of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area-that is, the deceleration factor-is identical for each channel; alternatively, the quotients may also vary within said range between the channels, so that the slowing of the flow for each channel may be individually adjusted.

Eine weitere Lehre der Erfindung sieht schließlich vor, dass die außermittigen Kanäle einen Abstand zur Mittelachse der Vorrichtung aufweisen und dass der Quotient aus der ersten Querschnittsfläche und der zweiten Querschnittsfläche mit steigendem Abstand der außermittigen Kanäle zur Mittelachse der Vorrichtung sinkt, insbesondere stetig oder monoton sinkt. Diese Lehre sieht also vor, dass der Quotient aus der ersten Querschnittsfläche und der zweiten Querschnittsfläche - also der Verlangsamungsfaktor - bei den außen liegenden Kanälen kleiner ist als bei den weiter innen liegenden Kanälen. Die Strömung soll also bei den außen liegenden Kanälen stärker verlangsamt werden als bei den weiter innen liegenden Kanälen. Vorzugsweise ist der Verlangsamungsfaktor umso kleiner, je weiter außen der Kanal angeordnet ist.Another teaching of the invention finally provides that the off-center channels have a distance from the central axis of the device and that the quotient of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area decreases with increasing distance of the off-center channels to the central axis of the device, in particular decreases steadily or monotonically. This teaching therefore provides that the quotient of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area-that is, the deceleration factor-is smaller for the outer channels than for the further inner channels. The flow should therefore be slowed down more in the outer channels than in the more inward channels. Preferably, the further down the channel the lower the deceleration factor.

Die zuvor beschriebene Vorrichtung kann in allen dargestellten Ausgestaltungen besonders gut zur Abfüllung von Nahrungsmitteln, insbesondere zur aseptischen Abfüllung von Nahrungsmitteln verwendet werden. Bei den Nahrungsmitteln kann es sich beispielsweise um Milch, Fruchtsaft, Saucen oder Joghurt handeln.The device described above can be used in all the illustrated embodiments particularly well for filling food, in particular for the aseptic filling of food. The foods may be, for example, milk, fruit juice, sauces or yoghurt.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand einer lediglich ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel darstellenden Zeichnung näher erläutert. In der Zeichnung zeigen:

Fig. 1a
eine aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Fülldüse,
Fig. 1b
einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Platte der Fülldüse aus Fig. 1a im Querschnitt,
Fig. 1c
die Platte der Fülldüse aus Fig. 1a entlang der in Fig. 1a eingezeichneten Schnittebene Ic-Ic,
Fig. 2a
eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Veränderung der Strahlform von fließfähigen Produkten im Querschnitt,
Fig. 2b
die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 2a im Querschnitt entlang der in Fig. 2a eingezeichneten Schnittebene IIb-IIb, und
Fig. 2c
die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 2a im Querschnitt entlang der in Fig. 2a eingezeichneten Schnittebene IIc-IIc.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only a preferred embodiment. In the drawing show:
Fig. 1a
a filling nozzle known from the prior art,
Fig. 1b
an enlarged section of the plate of the filling nozzle Fig. 1a in cross section,
Fig. 1c
the plate of the filling nozzle Fig. 1a along the in Fig. 1a Plotted section plane Ic-Ic,
Fig. 2a
a device according to the invention for changing the jet shape of flowable products in cross section,
Fig. 2b
the device off Fig. 2a in cross-section along the in Fig. 2a Plotted sectional plane IIb-IIb, and
Fig. 2c
the device off Fig. 2a in cross-section along the in Fig. 2a Plotted section plane IIc-IIc.

In Fig. 1 ist eine aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Fülldüse 1 im Querschnitt dargestellt. Die Fülldüse 1 umfasst einen Körper 2 und eine runde Platte 3 zur Formung der Strömung. Die Platte 3 kann austauschbar in den Körper 2 eingesetzt werden, indem ein umlaufender Flansch 4, der an der Platte 3 vorgesehen ist, auf einen Vorsprung 5, der an dem Körper 2 vorgesehen ist, aufgesetzt wird. Die Platte 3 weist mehrere Löcher 6 auf, die eine - in Fig. 1a schematisch mit Pfeilen dargestellte - Durchströmung der Fülldüse 1 mit fließfähigen Produkten erlauben. Nach dem Austritt aus der Fülldüse 1 bilden die fließfähigen Produkte einen Strahl 7, dessen äußere Kontur in Fig. 1 gezeigt ist. Durch den Körper 2 und die Platte 3 verläuft zentral eine Mittelachse 8.In Fig. 1 a filling nozzle 1 known from the prior art is shown in cross-section. The filling nozzle 1 comprises a body 2 and a round plate 3 for shaping the flow. The plate 3 can be exchangeably inserted into the body 2 by fitting a circumferential flange 4 provided on the plate 3 on a projection 5 provided on the body 2. The plate 3 has several holes 6, the one - in Fig. 1a schematically represented by arrows - allow flow through the filling nozzle 1 with flowable products. After emerging from the filling nozzle 1, the flowable products form a jet 7 whose outer contour in Fig. 1 is shown. Through the body 2 and the plate 3 centrally extends a central axis eighth

Fig. 1b zeigt einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Platte 3 der Fülldüse 1 aus Fig. 1a im Querschnitt. Die bereits im Zusammenhang mit Fig. 1a beschriebenen Bereiche der Platte 3 sind in Fig. 1b mit entsprechenden Bezugszeichen versehen. Die Platte 3 weist eine Oberseite 9 zum Eintritt der fließfähigen Produkte und eine Unterseite 10 zum Austritt der fließfähigen Produkte auf. Die Oberseite 9 ist durch die Löcher 6 mit der Unterseite 10 verbunden. Jedes der Löcher 6 weist einen Einlass 11 und einen Auslass 12 auf, wobei die Einlässe 11 der Löcher 6 der Oberseite 9 zugeordnet sind und wobei die Auslässe 12 der Löcher 6 der Unterseite 10 zugeordnet sind. Bei der in Fig. 1b dargestellten Platte 3 verlaufen alle Löcher 6 parallel zur Mittelachse 8 der Platte 3 und weisen somit keine Neigung auf. Zudem ist die Querschnittsfläche aller Löcher 6 identisch und verändert sich in Strömungsrichtung, also von dem Einlass 11 zu dem Auslass 12, nicht. Die Oberseite 9 wird durch eine Ebene gebildet, in der die Einlässe 11 der Löcher 6 liegen. Demgegenüber wird die Unterseite 10 durch eine gekrümmte Fläche gebildet, in der die Auslässe 12 der Löcher 6 liegen. Die Unterseite 10 ist derart gekrümmt, dass diejenigen Löcher 6, die in der Nähe der Mittelachse 8 liegen, länger sind, als diejenigen Löcher 6, die im Randbereich der Platte 3 liegen. An den Rändern der Auslässe 12 können umlaufende Fasen 13 vorgesehen sein. Fig. 1b shows an enlarged section of the plate 3 of the filling nozzle 1 from Fig. 1a in cross section. Already related to Fig. 1a described areas of the plate 3 are in Fig. 1b provided with corresponding reference numerals. The plate 3 has an upper side 9 for the entry of the flowable products and a lower side 10 for the outlet of the flowable products. The top 9 is connected through the holes 6 with the bottom 10. Each of the holes 6 has an inlet 11 and an outlet 12, wherein the inlets 11 of the holes 6 are associated with the top 9 and wherein the outlets 12 of the holes 6 are associated with the bottom 10. At the in Fig. 1b Plate 3 shown all run holes 6 parallel to the central axis 8 of the plate 3 and thus have no inclination. In addition, the cross-sectional area of all the holes 6 is identical and does not change in the flow direction, that is, from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12. The top 9 is formed by a plane in which the inlets 11 of the holes 6 are located. In contrast, the bottom 10 is formed by a curved surface in which the outlets 12 of the holes 6 are located. The underside 10 is curved in such a way that those holes 6 which lie in the vicinity of the central axis 8 are longer than those holes 6 which lie in the edge region of the plate 3. At the edges of the outlets 12 circumferential chamfers 13 may be provided.

In Fig. 1c ist die Platte 3 der Fülldüse 1 aus Fig. 1a entlang der in Fig. 1a eingezeichneten Schnittebene Ic-Ic, also von der Unterseite betrachtet, dargestellt. Auch in Fig. 1c sind die bereits im Zusammenhang mit Fig. 1a und Fig. 1b beschriebenen Bereiche der Platte 3 mit entsprechenden Bezugszeichen versehen. Aus Gründen der besseren Übersichtlichkeit wurde in Fig. 1c auf eine Darstellung des Körpers 2 verzichtet. Fig. 1c verdeutlicht, dass eine Vielzahl von Löchern 6 dicht nebeneinander angeordnet sind und dabei nahezu die gesamte Fläche der Platte 3 einnehmen. Die in Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b und Fig. 1c dargestellte Fülldüse 1 entspricht weitgehend der aus der EP 2 078 678 A1 bekannten Fülldüse.In Fig. 1c is the plate 3 of the filling nozzle 1 from Fig. 1a along the in Fig. 1a drawn cutting plane Ic-Ic, so viewed from the bottom, shown. Also in Fig. 1c are already related to Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b described areas of the plate 3 provided with corresponding reference numerals. For the sake of clarity, was in Fig. 1c dispensed with a representation of the body 2. Fig. 1c illustrates that a plurality of holes 6 are arranged close to each other and thereby almost the entire surface of the plate. 3 taking. In the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b and Fig. 1c shown filling nozzle 1 largely corresponds to that of the EP 2 078 678 A1 known filling nozzle.

Fig. 2a zeigt eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 14 zur Veränderung der Strahlform von fließfähigen Produkten im Querschnitt. Die Vorrichtung 14 weist ein einteilig ausgebildetes Gehäuse 15 auf, das einen Eintrittsbereich 16 zum Eintritt der fließfähigen Produkte und einen Austrittsbereich 17 zum Austritt der fließfähigen Produkte umfasst. Zwischen dem Eintrittsbereich 16 und dem Austrittsbereich 17 sind eine Vielzahl von Kanälen 18 zur Durchleitung der fließfähigen Produkte in dem Gehäuse 15 angeordnet. Die Kanäle 18 weisen jeweils einen dem Eintrittsbereich 16 zugeordneten Einlass 19 und eine dem Austrittsbereich 17 zugeordneten Auslass 20 auf. Bei der in Fig. 2a gezeigten Vorrichtung 14 sind sowohl der Eintrittsbereich 16 - und somit auch die Einlässe 19 - als auch der Austrittsbereich 17 - und somit auch die Auslässe 20 - in einer Ebene angeordnet, wobei die beiden Ebenen parallel zueinander liegen. Schließlich weist die Vorrichtung 14 an ihrer Oberseite einen umlaufenden Flansch 21 auf, in den mehrere Bohrungen 22 eingebracht sind. Über die Bohrungen 22 kann die Vorrichtung 14 beispielsweise mit einer Abfüllmaschine verbunden werden. Fig. 2a shows a device 14 according to the invention for changing the jet shape of flowable products in cross section. The device 14 has an integrally formed housing 15, which comprises an inlet region 16 for the entry of the flowable products and an outlet region 17 for the outlet of the flowable products. Between the inlet region 16 and the outlet region 17, a plurality of channels 18 for the passage of the flowable products in the housing 15 are arranged. The channels 18 each have an inlet 19 assigned to the inlet region 16 and an outlet 20 associated with the outlet region 17. At the in Fig. 2a shown device 14 are both the inlet region 16 - and thus also the inlets 19 - and the outlet region 17 - and thus also the outlets 20 - arranged in a plane, wherein the two planes are parallel to each other. Finally, the device 14 has on its upper side a circumferential flange 21, in which a plurality of bores 22 are introduced. About the holes 22, the device 14 can be connected, for example, with a filling machine.

In Fig. 2a ist weiterhin eine Ventilstange 23 mit einem Dichtelement 24 dargestellt. Diese Bauteile gehören zwar nicht zur Vorrichtung 14, dienen jedoch der Erläuterung ihrer Funktionsweise. Um die - in Fig. 2a schematisch mit Pfeilen dargestellte - Durchströmung der Vorrichtung 14 zu unterbrechen, wird die Ventilstange 23 abgesenkt, so dass das Dichtelement 24 auf den Eintrittsbereich 16 gedrückt wird und die dort angeordneten Einlässe 19 der Kanäle 18 verschließt. Durch die Ventilstange 23, das Dichtelement 24 und die Vorrichtung 14 verläuft zentral eine Mittelachse 25.In Fig. 2a Furthermore, a valve rod 23 is shown with a sealing element 24. Although these components are not part of the device 14, but serve to explain their operation. To the - in Fig. 2a schematically illustrated by arrows - to interrupt flow through the device 14, the valve rod 23 is lowered, so that the sealing element 24 is pressed onto the inlet region 16 and closes the inlets 19 of the channels 18 arranged there. Through the valve rod 23, the sealing element 24 and the device 14 centrally extends a central axis 25th

Bei der in Fig. 2a beispielhaft dargestellten Vorrichtung 14 können die Kanäle 18 in einen zentralen Kanal 18' und in mehrere außermittige Kanäle 18" unterteilt werden, Die Mittelachse des zentralen Kanals 18' entspricht der Mittelachse 25 der Vorrichtung; der zentrale Kanal 18' verläuft also gerade nach unten und steht senkrecht auf den beiden Ebenen des Eintrittsbereiches 16 und des Austrittsbereiches 17. Die Mittelachsen der außermittigen Kanäle 18" sind hingegen gegenüber der Mittelachse 25 der Vorrichtung 14 um einen Neigungswinkel α geneigt. Der Neigungswinkel α der außermittigen Kanäle 18" steigt mit steigendem Abstand der Kanäle 18" zur Mittelachse 25 der Vorrichtung 14 stetig oder monoton an. Mit anderen Worten sind diejenigen außermittigen Kanäle 18" mit dem größten Abstand zur Mittelachse 18" - also die radial außen liegenden Kanäle 18" - am stärksten geneigt. Die außermittigen Kanäle 18" sind in Strömungsrichtung gesehen in Richtung der Mittelachse 25 geneigt, so dass die Auslässe 20 der Kanäle 18" näher an der Mittelachse 25 liegen als die Einlässe 19 der Kanäle 18".At the in Fig. 2a By way of example, the channel 18 may be divided into a central channel 18 'and a plurality of off-center channels 18 ", the central axis of the central channel 18' corresponding to the central axis 25 of the device, the central channel 18 'being straight down and standing The central axes of the off-center channels 18 "are, however, inclined relative to the central axis 25 of the device 14 by an angle of inclination .alpha .. The angle of inclination α of the off-center channels 18" increases with increasing distance of the channels 18 In other words, those eccentric channels 18 "with the greatest distance to the central axis 18" - ie the radially outer channels 18 "- the most inclined. The off-center channels 18 "are inclined in the direction of the central axis 25 as seen in the flow direction, so that the outlets 20 of the channels 18" are closer to the central axis 25 than the inlets 19 of the channels 18 ".

Die Kanäle 18 der in Fig. 2a beispielhaft dargestellten Vorrichtung 14 weisen eine erste Querschnittsfläche 26 und eine zweite Querschnittsfläche 27 auf, wobei die erste Querschnittsfläche 26 an den Einlässen 19 gemessen wird und wobei die zweite Querschnittsfläche 27 an den Auslässen 20 gemessen wird. Die Kanäle 18 der in Fig. 2a gezeigten Vorrichtung 14 zeichnen sich dadurch aus, dass die zweite Querschnittsfläche 27 jedes Kanals 18 größer ist als die erste Querschnittsfläche 26 dieses Kanals 18. Dies betrifft sowohl den zentralen Kanal 18' als auch die außermittigen Kanäle 18". Mit anderen Worten vergrößert sich die Querschnittsfläche der Kanäle 18 in Strömungsrichtung gesehen von ihren Einlässen 19 zu ihren Auslässen 20.The channels 18 of in Fig. 2a The device 14 shown by way of example has a first cross-sectional area 26 and a second cross-sectional area 27, the first cross-sectional area 26 being measured at the inlets 19 and the second cross-sectional area 27 being measured at the outlets 20. The channels 18 of in Fig. 2a The device 14 shown is characterized in that the second cross-sectional area 27 of each channel 18 is greater than the first cross-sectional area 26 of this channel 18. This affects both the central channel 18 'and the off-center channels 18 ". In other words, the cross-sectional area increases the channels 18 seen in the flow direction from their inlets 19 to their outlets 20th

Fig. 2b zeigt die Vorrichtung 14 aus Fig. 2a im Querschnitt entlang der in Fig. 2a eingezeichneten Schnittebene IIb-IIb. In Fig. 2b ist demnach ein Blick auf den Eintrittsbereich 16 der Vorrichtung 14 dargestellt. Die bereits im Zusammenhang mit Fig. 2a beschriebenen Bereiche der Vorrichtung 14 sind in Fig. 2b mit entsprechenden Bezugszeichen versehen. In Fig. 2b ist erkennbar, dass die Vorrichtung 14 einen kreisförmigen Querschnitt aufweist. Die kreisförmige Fläche des Eintrittsbereiches 16 kann bei der in Fig. 2b beispielhaft dargestellten Vorrichtung 14 in Dichtbereiche 28 und in vier Einlaufbereiche 29 unterteilt werden, von denen jeder etwa einen Bereich von 90° abdeckt. Die Dichtbereiche 28 sind zur abdichtenden Anlage des - in Fig. 2b nicht gezeigten - Dichtelements 24 bestimmt. In zwei der vier Einlaufbereiche 29 sind neun außermittige Kanäle 18" angeordnet, in den anderen beiden Einlaufbereichen 29 sind elf außermittige Kanäle 18" angeordnet. In allen Einlaufbereichen 29 sind die Einlässe 19 der Kanäle 18" erkennbar. In der Mitte des Eintrittsbereiches 16 liegt der zentrale Kanal 18'. Die Einlässe 19 der Kanäle 18 der in Fig. 2b dargestellten Vorrichtung 14 weisen ein bestimmtes Muster auf: Um den zentralen Kanal 18' herum sind die außermittigen Kanäle 18" kreisförmig auf drei konzentrischen Ringen angeordnet. Der erste, innerste Ring weist zehn Kanäle 18" auf (zwei Einlaufbereiche 29 mit je zwei Kanälen 18" und zwei Einlaufbereiche 29 mit je drei Kanälen 18"). Der zweite Ring weist achtzehn Kanäle 18" auf (zwei Einlaufbereiche 29 mit je vier Kanälen 18" und zwei Einlaufbereiche 29 mit je fünf Kanälen 18") und der dritte - nicht vollständig besetzte - Ring weist zwölf Kanäle 18" auf (vier Einlaufbereiche 29 mit je drei Kanälen 18"). Insgesamt sind also einundvierzig Kanäle 18 vorhanden. Fig. 2b shows the device 14 from Fig. 2a in cross-section along the in Fig. 2a Plotted sectional plane IIb-IIb. In Fig. 2b Accordingly, a view of the inlet region 16 of the device 14 is shown. Already related to Fig. 2a described areas of the device 14 are in Fig. 2b provided with corresponding reference numerals. In Fig. 2b it can be seen that the device 14 has a circular cross-section. The circular area of the entrance area 16 may be at the in Fig. 2b are exemplified device 14 divided into sealing regions 28 and four inlet regions 29, each of which covers approximately a range of 90 °. The sealing areas 28 are for sealing installation of - in Fig. 2b not shown - sealing element 24 determined. In two of the four inlet regions 29 nine off-center channels 18 "are arranged, in the other two inlet regions 29 eleven eccentric channels 18" are arranged. The inlets 19 of the channels 18 "can be seen in all the inlet regions 29. The central channel 18 'lies in the middle of the inlet region 16. The inlets 19 of the channels 18 of the channels 18" in FIG Fig. 2b The eccentric channels 18 "are arranged in a circle around three concentric rings around the central channel 18 ', and the first innermost ring has ten channels 18" (two inlet regions 29 with two channels 18 "each). and two inlet regions 29, each with three channels 18 "). The second ring has eighteen channels 18 "(two inlet regions 29 each with four channels 18" and two inlet regions 29 with five channels 18 ") and the third - not completely occupied - ring has twelve channels 18" (four inlet regions 29 with three channels 18 "each) .Therefore, there are forty-one channels 18 in total.

Bei der in Fig. 2b beispielhaft dargestellten Vorrichtung 14 bilden die Einlässe 19 gemeinsam eine im Eintrittsbereich 16 liegende Eintrittsfläche 30 mit einer Breite B und einer Höhe H. Die Eintrittsfläche 30 wird durch Linien oder Kurve gebildet, die alle Einlässe 19 einschließen und somit die Ränder der äußeren Einlässe 19 tangieren. Die zwölf Einlässe 19 auf dem äußersten Ring sind in zwei gegenüberliegenden und voneinander getrennten Gruppen angeordnet, so dass die Höhe H der Eintrittsfläche 30 wesentlich größer ist als ihre Breite B. Die Form der Eintrittsfläche 30 ist etwa rechteckig.At the in Fig. 2b The inlet 19 is formed by lines or curve, which include all the inlets 19 and thus affect the edges of the outer inlets 19. The twelve inlets 19 on the outermost ring are arranged in two opposite and separate groups, so that the height H of the entrance surface 30 is substantially greater than its width B. The shape of the entrance surface 30 is approximately rectangular.

Fig. 2c zeigt die Vorrichtung 14 aus Fig. 2a im Querschnitt entlang der in Fig. 2a eingezeichneten Schnittebene IIc-IIc. In Fig. 2c ist demnach ein Blick auf den Austrittsbereich 17 der Vorrichtung 14 dargestellt. Die bereits im Zusammenhang mit Fig. 2a oder Fig. 2b beschriebenen Bereiche der Vorrichtung 14 sind in Fig. 2c mit entsprechenden Bezugszeichen versehen. Die Fläche des Austrittsbereiches 17 ist im Gegensatz zur Fläche des Eintrittsbereiches 16 nicht mehr in Dichtbereiche 28 und Einlaufbereiche 29 unterteilt, da dort erstens keine Fläche zur Anlage des Dichtelements 24 benötigt wird und zweitens mehr Fläche für die in diesem Bereich vergrößerten Kanalquerschnitte benötigt wird. Daher sind die Kanäle 18 in der Ebene des Austrittsbereiches 17 nur noch durch sehr schmale Stege 31 voneinander getrennt. Auch im Austrittsbereich 17 sind die außermittigen Kanäle 18" auf drei konzentrischen Ringen um den zentralen Kanal 18' herum angeordnet, von denen der äußerste Ring nicht vollständig besetzt ist. Fig. 2c shows the device 14 from Fig. 2a in cross-section along the in Fig. 2a Plotted section plane IIc-IIc. In Fig. 2c Accordingly, a look at the exit region 17 of the device 14 is shown. Already related to Fig. 2a or Fig. 2b described areas of the device 14 are in Fig. 2c provided with corresponding reference numerals. In contrast to the surface of the inlet region 16, the surface of the outlet region 17 is no longer subdivided into sealing regions 28 and inlet regions 29, since firstly there is no need for a surface to abut the sealing element 24 and secondly more surface area for in this region enlarged channel cross sections is needed. Therefore, the channels 18 in the plane of the exit region 17 only separated by very narrow webs 31 from each other. Also in the exit region 17, the off-center channels 18 "are arranged on three concentric rings around the central channel 18 ', of which the outermost ring is not completely occupied.

Bei der in Fig. 2c beispielhaft dargestellten Vorrichtung 14 bilden die Auslässe 20 gemeinsam eine im Austrittsbereich 17 liegende Austrittsfläche 32 mit einer Breite B' und einer Höhe H'. Die Austrittsfläche 32 wird durch Linien oder Kurve gebildet, die alle Auslässe 20 einschließen und somit die Ränder der äußeren Auslässe 20 tangieren. Die zwölf Auslässe 20 auf dem äußersten Ring sind in zwei gegenüberliegenden und voneinander getrennten Gruppen angeordnet, so dass die Höhe H' der Austrittsfläche 32 wesentlich größer ist als ihre Breite B'. Auch die Form der Austrittsfläche 32 ist daher etwa rechteckig.At the in Fig. 2c By way of example, the outlets 20 together form an outlet surface 32 lying in the exit region 17 and having a width B 'and a height H'. The exit surface 32 is formed by lines or curves that enclose all the outlets 20 and thus tangent the edges of the outer outlets 20. The twelve outlets 20 on the outermost ring are arranged in two opposite and separate groups, so that the height H 'of the exit surface 32 is substantially greater than its width B'. The shape of the exit surface 32 is therefore approximately rectangular.

Bezugszeichenliste:LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1:1:
Fülldüsefilling nozzle
2:2:
Körperbody
3:3:
Platteplate
4:4:
Flanschflange
5:5:
Vorsprunghead Start
6:6:
Lochhole
7:7:
Strahlbeam
8:8th:
Mittelachsecentral axis
9:9:
Oberseitetop
10:10:
Unterseitebottom
11:11:
Einlassinlet
12:12:
Auslassoutlet
13:13:
Fasechamfer
14:14:
Vorrichtungdevice
15:15:
Gehäusecasing
16:16:
Eintrittsbereichentry area
17:17:
Austrittsbereichexit area
18, 18', 18":18, 18 ', 18 ":
Kanalchannel
19:19:
Einlassinlet
20:20:
Auslassoutlet
21:21:
Flanschflange
22:22:
Bohrungdrilling
23:23:
Ventilstangevalve rod
24:24:
Dichtelementsealing element
25:25:
Mittelachsecentral axis
26:26:
erste Querschnittsflächefirst cross-sectional area
27:27:
zweite Querschnittsflächesecond cross-sectional area
28:28:
Dichtbereichsealing area
29:29:
Einlaufbereichintake area
30:30:
Eintrittsflächeentry surface
31:31:
Stegweb
32:32:
Austrittsflächeexit area
H, H':H, H ':
Höheheight
B, B':B, B ':
Breitewidth

Claims (12)

  1. Device (14) for altering the jet shape of free-flowing products, in particular of foodstuffs, comprising:
    - an entry region (16) for the entry of the free-flowing products,
    - an exit region (17) for the exit of the free-flowing products, and
    - several ducts (18) for conveying the free-flowing products,
    - wherein each duct (18) has an inlet (19) associated with the entry region (16) and an outlet (20) associated with the exit region (17),
    - wherein the inlets (19) together form an entry surface (30) with a width (B) and a height (H) located in the entry region (16), and
    - wherein the outlets (20) together form an exit surface (32) with a width (B') and a height (H') located in the exit region (17),
    - wherein each inlet (19) of a duct (18) has a first cross-section surface (26) and each outlet (20) of a duct (18) has a second cross-section surface (27),
    - wherein the second cross-section surface (27) of at least one duct (18) is larger than the first cross-section area (26) of this duct, and
    - wherein the exit surface (32) is not rotationally symmetric,
    characterised in that
    the number of ducts (18) is in the range of 30 to 50, in that the central axes of the eccentric ducts (18") are arranged inclined at an angle of inclination (α) to the central axis (25) of the device (14), and in that the angle of inclination (α) of the eccentric ducts (18") increases as the distance of the ducts (18") from the central axis (25) of the device (14) increases.
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the height (H') of the exit surface (32) is greater than its width (B').
  3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the height (H') of the exit surface (32) is at least 1.3 times, in particular at least 1.4 times greater than its width (B').
  4. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the height (H) of the entry surface (30) is greater than its width (B).
  5. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the height (H) of the entry surface (30) is at least 1.3 times, in particular at least 1.4 times greater than its width (B).
  6. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the inlets (19) and/or the outlets (20) of the ducts are arranged in a single plane.
  7. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the inlets (19) and/or the outlets (20) of the eccentric ducts (18") are arranged in a circular manner in rings around the central axis (25) of the device (14).
  8. Device according to Claim 7, characterised in that the inlets (19) and/or the outlets (20) on the outermost ring are arranged in two groups opposing and separate from each other.
  9. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the angle of inclination (α) is in the range of 1° to 6°.
  10. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the quotient of the first cross-section surface (26) and the second cross-section surface (27) for each duct (18) is in the range of 0.35 to 0.75.
  11. Device according to either of Claims 1 or 10, characterised in that the eccentric channels (18") have a distance from the central axis (25) of the device (14) and in that the quotient of the first cross-section surface (26) and the second cross-section surface (27) decreases as the distance of the eccentric channels (18") from the central axis of the device (14) increases.
  12. Use of a device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, for the filing of foodstuffs, in particular for aseptic filling of foodstuffs.
EP14755812.6A 2013-09-30 2014-08-26 Apparatus for changing the flow of a flowable material Active EP3052387B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL14755812T PL3052387T3 (en) 2013-09-30 2014-08-26 Apparatus for changing the flow of a flowable material

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE201310110774 DE102013110774A1 (en) 2013-09-30 2013-09-30 Device for changing the jet shape of flowable products
PCT/EP2014/068049 WO2015043854A1 (en) 2013-09-30 2014-08-26 Device for changing the jet shape of flowable products

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EP3052387A1 EP3052387A1 (en) 2016-08-10
EP3052387B1 true EP3052387B1 (en) 2019-02-13

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US (1) US9909290B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3052387B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6408589B2 (en)
CN (1) CN105593122B (en)
AU (1) AU2014327639A1 (en)
BR (1) BR112016006529A2 (en)
DE (1) DE102013110774A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2715886T3 (en)
MX (1) MX2016003930A (en)
PL (1) PL3052387T3 (en)
RU (1) RU2016116989A (en)
TR (1) TR201904051T4 (en)
WO (1) WO2015043854A1 (en)

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GB2524841B (en) * 2014-04-04 2016-09-07 Browne-Wilkinson Oliver Drinking liquid dispensing device
CN104828769A (en) * 2015-04-24 2015-08-12 江苏新美星包装机械股份有限公司 Flow restraining device on filling valve
DE102016009208A1 (en) * 2016-07-29 2018-02-01 Khs Corpoplast Gmbh Forming and filling station of a plant for producing filled containers from preforms by introduced under pressure into the preform contents
DE202017101435U1 (en) * 2017-03-13 2018-06-14 Neoperl Gmbh Sanitary insert unit
CN107165233B (en) * 2017-06-15 2022-09-09 开平市汇金卫浴科技有限公司 Jet regulator
EP3679279A1 (en) * 2017-09-08 2020-07-15 The Procter and Gamble Company Side shutoff piston valve assembly
GB2569364B (en) * 2017-12-15 2022-11-30 Elopak Gmbh Improved filling device
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DE102020131081B3 (en) 2020-11-24 2021-11-11 ventUP GmbH Method for emptying viscous material from a cartridge that is open on both sides, as well as a suitable emptying device
US11752509B2 (en) * 2021-06-17 2023-09-12 Upside Foods, Inc. Fluid dispenser for recovering material from a surface

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Publication number Publication date
CN105593122B (en) 2018-09-21
EP3052387A1 (en) 2016-08-10
TR201904051T4 (en) 2019-05-21
CN105593122A (en) 2016-05-18
PL3052387T3 (en) 2019-06-28
RU2016116989A (en) 2017-11-10
DE102013110774A1 (en) 2015-04-02
US20160236924A1 (en) 2016-08-18
BR112016006529A2 (en) 2017-08-01
AU2014327639A1 (en) 2016-03-31
WO2015043854A1 (en) 2015-04-02
US9909290B2 (en) 2018-03-06
MX2016003930A (en) 2016-06-17
JP6408589B2 (en) 2018-10-17
WO2015043854A9 (en) 2015-06-25
JP2016536232A (en) 2016-11-24
ES2715886T3 (en) 2019-06-06

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