EP3390268B1 - Filling device - Google Patents
Filling device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3390268B1 EP3390268B1 EP16797506.9A EP16797506A EP3390268B1 EP 3390268 B1 EP3390268 B1 EP 3390268B1 EP 16797506 A EP16797506 A EP 16797506A EP 3390268 B1 EP3390268 B1 EP 3390268B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- filling
- regulating valve
- valve seat
- filling device
- valve
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 28
- 238000005429 filling process Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 13
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 5
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003670 easy-to-clean Effects 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 244000052616 bacterial pathogen Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003746 feather Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006911 nucleation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010899 nucleation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
- B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
- B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
- B67C3/04—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus without applying pressure
-
- 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
- B67C3/20—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus with provision for metering the liquids to be introduced, e.g. when adding syrups
- B67C3/206—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus with provision for metering the liquids to be introduced, e.g. when adding syrups using arrangements of cylinders and pistons
-
- 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
- B67C3/04—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus without applying pressure
- B67C3/045—Apparatus specially adapted for filling bottles with hot liquids
-
- 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
- B67C3/06—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus using counterpressure, i.e. filling while the container is under pressure
-
- 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
- B67C3/20—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus with provision for metering the liquids to be introduced, e.g. when adding syrups
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B67C3/286—Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves related to flow rate control, i.e. controlling slow and fast filling phases
-
- 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
- B67C3/001—Cleaning of filling devices
-
- 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
- B67C3/06—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus using counterpressure, i.e. filling while the container is under pressure
- B67C3/14—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus using counterpressure, i.e. filling while the container is under pressure specially adapted for filling with hot liquids
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a filling device for filling liquids, in particular drinks, including drinks containing CO 2 .
- the filling device comprises a product feed, for example a collecting container and a valve arrangement downstream of the product feed, which contains a control valve and a filling valve downstream in the direction of flow of the product and an elongate actuating element common to both valves.
- actuating element is, for example, a valve rod or a valve tappet.
- the filling device furthermore has a product channel running in the longitudinal direction of the actuating element, which extends from the product feed to a discharge opening of the filling device, the valve arrangement being arranged in the product channel.
- the container to be filled e.g. a bottle, arranged.
- the control valve has an actuator-side control valve element, e.g. a control valve cone or cone that interacts with a control valve seat to control the amount of product to be filled.
- the fill valve has an actuator-side fill valve element, e.g. a fill valve cone or cone that interacts with a fill valve seat to open and close the fill valve to define the length of a fill.
- the filling device also has at least one adjusting element driven by the filling device or by an overriding filling machine, in order to change the position of the actuating element, in particular in the axial direction, relative to the control valve seat and filling valve seat in the course of a filling process.
- Such an actuating element can be formed in the simplest manner by the upper end of the actuating element, which is then deflected by a control ramp of the filling machine.
- a separate motor drive can also act on an actuating element, for example on the actuating element.
- Such a generic filling device is for example in the DE 33 25 338 and / or the EP 2 915 774 A1 disclosed.
- a length-adjustable element e.g. be a telescopic sleeve, but is preferably formed by a bellows because this has a smooth, easy-to-clean surface compared to the product, so that no gap, e.g. occurs with a telescopic sleeve towards the product space, in which germs can accumulate.
- the two length-adjustable elements thus allow the control valve seat to be axially adjustable, and at the same time being arranged hygienically and tightly in the product channel.
- the distance between the control valve seat and the filling valve seat can be adjusted by means of an actuator. In this way, the filling speed and the filling quantity can be set in a simple manner.
- the design of the filling device according to the invention thus allows the filling speed to be regulated and the valve outlet (filling valve) to be opened and closed in the simplest manner in an integrated arrangement.
- the filling device preferably has a flow meter, which is preferably arranged in connection with the product channel, and a control for the actuator, which is designed to actuate the actuator depending on the signal of the flow meter.
- This preferred embodiment of the invention therefore also enables a volumetric measurement in the regulation of the Filling quantity and filling speed possible.
- the flow meter is preferably formed by a magnetic inductive flow meter, which preferably surrounds the product channel. In this way, a very efficient and compact integrated arrangement is created, which enables a volumetric measurement to regulate the filling speed and filling quantity, as well as optionally to open and close the filling valve.
- the product channel is preferably formed by an annular space surrounding the actuating element.
- Such a design of the product channel is easy to manufacture, e.g. to realize by turning and leads to little turbulence with high product sales, e.g. in comparison with a channel running on one side on the actuating element.
- the two length-adjustable elements are designed as bellows on both sides of the control valve seat, this preferably forms a wall of the product channel. In this way, an absolutely tight, length-adjustable wall of the product channel is created, which does not create any space for germ formation and contamination of the product.
- the first and second bellows are preferably made of Teflon, which is also easy to clean and effectively prevents buildup and nucleation. When using telescopic sleeves, a film would have to be arranged on the inside for hygienic reasons, which would then ultimately also form a bellows.
- the bellows or the two bellows can also be made from another suitable, easy-to-clean material, in particular also from a stainless steel.
- the actuating element is formed by a valve rod or a valve tappet.
- a valve rod is easy to actuate in the axial direction, for example at its end, by means of the guide link of a filling machine.
- control valve element and / or filling valve element are each formed by a valve cone or cone section or cone formed on the actuating element, which cooperates with a wall or edge of the corresponding valve seat in order to ensure a defined opening and closing as well as an unimpeded product flow ensure that the valve is open.
- control valve seat with the control valve element, i. with its conical section, are actuated in the axial direction, which allows the control valve and its actuator to be used as an actuating element for axially actuating the actuating element.
- the product feed contains a collecting container, which is preferably arranged at the upper end of the product channel, and a sealing sleeve for connecting the delivery opening to a container opening of a container to be filled, for example a bottle, is arranged at the discharge opening at the lower end of the product channel.
- This sealing sleeve encloses a sealed filling area, from which at least one return gas duct extends to the collecting container and possibly a vacuum duct to a vacuum source.
- control valve seat is prestressed by means of a spring onto a stop in a rest position in which the filling valve is open.
- the control valve seat can then be moved in the direction of the filling valve by actuating the actuating element by means of the control valve element.
- the actuating element for axially actuating the actuating element also forms the actuator for axially adjusting the control valve seat relative to the filler valve seat against the force of the spring.
- the control valve in cooperation with its actuator, forms the actuating element in order to move the actuating element axially by the interaction of the control valve element and the control valve seat.
- no separate actuating element is required for the axial movement of the actuating element, since it is actuated via the actuating drive of the control valve seat when it engages with the control valve element. It is therefore only necessary to actuate the control valve seat in order to set both the filling speed and the filling quantity, and to realize the opening and closing of the filling valve.
- the actuating element is pretensioned by means of a spring in a rest position in which the filling valve is open and the regulating valve element is arranged axially on the actuating element between the regulating valve seat and the filling valve seat.
- the actuating element can then be moved in the closed position of the filling valve by means of the engagement of the control valve seat on the control valve element.
- the filling speed and filling quantity can thus be adjusted by the axial adjustment of the control valve seat in the direction of the product supply, and the opening and closing of the filling valve can be realized by axial adjustment in the direction of the filling valve seat.
- control valve element is arranged axially on the actuating element between the product feed and the control valve seat. Furthermore, the control valve seat is biased against the control valve element by means of a spring when the actuating element is in a rest position in which the filling valve is open. The actuating element can then be moved by means of the actuating element to the product feed into a control position in which the product flow is controlled via the degree of opening of the control valve and to the discharge opening in a closed position in which the filling valve closes.
- the filling quantity and the filling speed can thus be set, whereas, on the other hand, opening and closing by actuating the Actuator is controlled in the direction of the discharge opening.
- This embodiment of the invention thus also allows, in a highly simple and integrated manner, the volumetric measurement and the regulation of the filling quantity and filling speed in accordance with the volumetric measurement, as well as the opening and closing of the filling valve for controlling the filling process.
- An essential aspect of the invention is that the two valve elements, in particular the valve cone of the filling valve and the control valve, are located on one actuating element.
- the position of the control valve seat can follow the movement of the filling valve element via its actuator without losing its control function.
- the invention thus enables a filling valve with a high pouring capacity and a very simple construction to be implemented.
- the principle also works with the pressure filling system. In this case, the bottle is pressed against a filling element and sealed. In this case, of course, controlled connection bores from the adapter to the bottle opening to the required gas channels must be provided.
- the filling valve is open and the control valve is working, i.e. the position of the control valve seat relative to the control valve element controls the filling speed.
- the preselected filling quantity which is preferably determined via MID
- the filling valve must close quickly. For this purpose, the closing force must be so great that the control valve element is also moved downwards against the control valve seat.
- Different fluid connections are preferably connectable, preferably at the lower end of the product channel, through which cleaning liquids or hot water can be fed to the product channel, through which the filling device can be cleaned or kept at a hot filling temperature in the event of filling interruptions.
- a lower housing part is held vertically movable on guides of the housing of the filling device.
- This lower housing part can be supported by compression springs on the housing or the guides of the housing of the filling device, so that the in the lower Filling valve seat arranged in the housing part cushions slightly downwards when the filling valve is closed, which enables the filling valve to be closed more quickly and at the same time more gently.
- the lower housing part carries the fill valve seat and preferably also the discharge opening and / or a (MID) flow meter.
- the invention can also be used without MID in the beverage flow, for example on a weighing filler.
- Fig. 1 shows a filling device 10 with a vertical mounting frame 11, on which a product feed 12 is held at the top, which comprises a collecting container 15, into which a product feed line 17 opens.
- a product channel 14 extends downward from the product feed 12 and opens into a delivery opening 16 at its lower end.
- An actuating element 20 in the form of a valve rod is axially adjustable in the product channel 14 by means of an adjusting element 18. At the top, the valve rod 20 is sealed off from the collecting container 15 by an upper bellows 22.
- a control valve 24 is arranged in the product channel 14 below the product feed 12, which is followed by a filling valve 26 at the lower end of the product channel 14 in the direction of flow of the product to be filled.
- the control valve 24 consists of a control valve seat 28 which is actuated by an actuator 30 in the direction of the arrow, i.e. is adjustable in the axial direction of the actuating element 20.
- the control valve seat 28 is essentially ring-shaped and surrounds the actuating element 20, where it interacts with a control valve element 32 which is designed as a valve cone.
- the control valve seat 28 is arranged in the product channel 14 so that it can be adjusted upwards by a first bellows 34 and downwards by a second bellows 36. These two bellows 34, 36 form part of the product channel 14, the inside of which faces the product in the adjustment region of the control valve seat 28 forming a surface which is smooth and easy to handle in terms of hygiene for the product.
- the filling valve 26 at the lower end of the product channel 14 is formed by a filling valve seat 38 in the manner of an annular plate, which interacts with a filling valve element 40 designed as a filling valve cone.
- a magnetically inductive flow meter (MID) 42 is also arranged between the control valve 24 and the filling valve 26, with which the volume flow in the product channel 14 can be measured.
- the output signal of the MID is used to control the actuator 30 of the Control valve seat 28 and thus to control the product flow with the filling valve 26 open by means of a control, not shown.
- a container to be filled e.g. a beverage bottle 44 may be arranged.
- the filling device works as follows: The axial movement of the valve rod 20 is controlled by the adjusting element 18, preferably by means of a guide link of the filling machine (not shown). The amount of product dispensed during each filling process is recorded via the MID 42. This detected product quantity is compared in a control with a setpoint value, a control signal being generated which controls the actuator 30, with which the position of the control valve seat and thus the size of the passage between the control valve cone 32 and the control valve seat 28 is controlled. As a result, the product flow can be set with the filling valve 26 open. In this way, the filling quantity can always be optimally adjusted to a target value.
- the opening and closing of the filling valve i.e.
- the timing of the filling process is specified here by the filling machine solely via the actuating element 18, whereas the quantity of product dispensed during each filling process is precisely regulated by means of the MID, the associated control and the actuator 30 controlled by the control. In this way, a simple valve structure with a high pouring rate and very precise filling quantity control is realized.
- Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention.
- the actuating element ie the valve rod 52 of this embodiment is not controlled by a separate control element 18.
- the valve rod 52 is biased by a spring 54 against an upper stop 56.
- the spring 54 is supported on the bottom of the collecting container 15 of the product feed 12 and acts on a driver 58 arranged on the valve rod 52 Fig. 2 shown rest position of the filling device 50, the filling valve cone 40 is spaced from the filling valve seat 38, so that the filling valve 26 is open for a filling process.
- the control valve element that is, the control valve cone 60 is arranged below the control valve seat 28, so that it can be pressed down by the actuator 30 by means of the control valve seat 28, whereby the filling valve 26 is closed.
- actuation ie axial adjustment of the control valve seat 28 by means of the actuator 30 by moving the control valve seat upward, not only adjusts the amount of product, but also causes the filling valve 26 to close by moving the control valve seat downward.
- both the product quantity and the duration of the filling process are controlled via the setting of the control valve seat 28, and in fact without a separate actuating element for the valve rod 52.
- the volumetric measurement by means of the MID 42 can thus be used in this exemplary embodiment, not just the flow rate in a filling process, but also to regulate the duration of the filling process. This embodiment does not require a guide link for the filling machine.
- Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention.
- the control valve seat 28 is prestressed in the direction of an upper annular stop 74 by means of a compression spring element 72.
- the compression spring element 72 is clamped between the control valve seat 28 and the MID 28.
- the filling quantity can be adjusted upwards by the deflection of the valve rod 20 by means of the adjusting element 18, while the filling valve 26 is closed by actuating the valve rod 14 downwards, the filling valve cone 40 pressing on the filling valve seat 38 and closing it ,
- This embodiment is characterized in that no separate actuator is required for adjusting the distance between control valve seat 28 and fill valve seat 38, but rather the axial adjustment of the control valve seat takes place by means of the actuating element 18 against the force of the compression spring element 72.
- Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a filling device 76, which largely corresponds to Fig. 2 is.
- valve rod 78 is slightly modified in this embodiment. So the spring 54 and the driver 58 are not arranged in the collecting container 15, but above. Otherwise, this embodiment of the filling device is functionally identical to that of Fig. 2 ,
- Fig. 5 shows a filling device 80, which is specially designed for pressure filling of CO 2 -containing beverages.
- This embodiment is largely identical to that of Fig. 4 educated.
- a sealing sleeve 82 is arranged below the discharge opening 16, the lower sealing flange 84 of which can be moved axially to the valve rod 78, ie vertically, by means of an actuating lever 86, a push rod 88 and a guide roller 90 by means of a guide link 92 of the filling machine.
- the lower sealing flange 84 of the sealing sleeve 82 can be placed tightly on the bottle mouth 94 of a bottle 44 to be filled.
- the mounting frame 11 of the filling device 80 has a lower reinforced ring plate 96, in which a return gas channel 98 is formed, which is connected to the upper part 102 of the collecting container 15 via a return gas line 100.
- the filling space surrounded by the sealing sleeve 82 can be connected to a vacuum source 106 via a vacuum channel 104, so that gas escaping from the bottle 44 during filling, as well as CO 2 escaping during filling, can be intercepted by the vacuum source 106.
- the filling device is controlled in the same way as in Fig. 4 shown filling device.
- the sixth embodiment 110 of FIG Fig. 6 is largely identical to the third embodiment according to Fig. 3 ,
- the sixth embodiment has a fluid connection 112, comprising a - possibly pressurized - fluid source 114, a fluid line 116 between the fluid source 114 and the product channel 14 as well as a control valve 118 arranged in the fluid line 116.
- a control valve 118 can be used, for example in the event of filling interruptions, to supply a cleaning liquid from the fluid source 114, or even only hot water, in order to keep the apparatus in the area of the filling valve at temperature during hot filling.
- several such fluid connections 112 for different fluids for example: cleaning fluid and hot water, can be arranged in the filling device.
- FIG. 7 a seventh embodiment 120, which is largely identical to the fourth embodiment of FIG Fig. 4 is.
- a lower receiving the product channel 14 Housing part 122, which carries the MID flow meter 42 and the filling valve seat 38 as well as the discharge opening 16, is held on guides 124 of the filling device 120 so as to be vertically movable via guides 124.
- the lower housing part is supported by compression springs 128 on receiving plates 130, which are fastened to the lower end of the guide rods 126.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
Description
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Fülleinrichtung zum Abfüllen von Flüssigkeiten, insbesondere Getränken, auch von CO2-haltigen Getränken. Die Fülleinrichtung umfasst eine Produktzufuhr, z.B. einen Sammelbehälter und eine der Produktzufuhr nachgeordnete Ventilanordnung, welche ein Regelventil und ein in Fließrichtung des Produkts nachgeordnetes Füllventil und ein beiden Ventilen gemeinsames längliches Betätigungselement enthält. Ein derartiges Betätigungselement ist zum Beispiel eine Ventilstange oder ein Ventilstößel.The present invention relates to a filling device for filling liquids, in particular drinks, including drinks containing CO 2 . The filling device comprises a product feed, for example a collecting container and a valve arrangement downstream of the product feed, which contains a control valve and a filling valve downstream in the direction of flow of the product and an elongate actuating element common to both valves. Such an actuating element is, for example, a valve rod or a valve tappet.
Die Fülleinrichtung hat weiterhin einen in Längsrichtung des Betätigungselements verlaufenden Produktkanal, der sich von der Produktzufuhr zu einer Abgabeöffnung der Fülleinrichtung erstreckt, wobei die Ventilanordnung in dem Produktkanal angeordnet ist. Unter der Abgabeöffnung wird im Rahmen einer Befüllung der zu füllende Behälter, z.B. eine Flasche, angeordnet. Das Regelventil hat ein Betätigungselement-seitiges Regelventilelement, z.B. einen Regelventilkegel oder - konus, das mit einem Regelventilsitz zum Steuern der abzufüllenden Produktmenge zusammenwirkt. Das Füllventil hat ein Betätigungselement-seitiges Füllventilelement, z.B. einen Füllventilkegel oder -konus, das mit einem Füllventilsitz zum Öffnen und Schließen des Füllventils zusammenwirkt, um die Länge eines Füllvorgangs zu definieren.The filling device furthermore has a product channel running in the longitudinal direction of the actuating element, which extends from the product feed to a discharge opening of the filling device, the valve arrangement being arranged in the product channel. The container to be filled, e.g. a bottle, arranged. The control valve has an actuator-side control valve element, e.g. a control valve cone or cone that interacts with a control valve seat to control the amount of product to be filled. The fill valve has an actuator-side fill valve element, e.g. a fill valve cone or cone that interacts with a fill valve seat to open and close the fill valve to define the length of a fill.
Sowohl das Regelventilelement als auch das Füllventilelement sind an dem Betätigungselement angeordnet. Die Fülleinrichtung hat des Weiteren wenigstens ein von der Fülleinrichtung oder einer von der übergeordneten Füllmaschine angetriebenes Stellelement, um die Position des Betätigungselements insbesondere in axialer Richtung relativ zum Regelventilsitz und Füllventilsitz im Rahmen eines Füllvorganges zu verändern. Ein derartiges Stellelement kann in einfachster Weise durch das obere Ende des Betätigungselements gebildet sein, das dann durch eine Steuerrampe der Füllmaschine ausgelenkt wird. Es kann jedoch auch ein eigener motorischer Antrieb auf ein Stellelement, z.B. auf das Betätigungselement wirken.Both the control valve element and the filling valve element are arranged on the actuating element. The filling device also has at least one adjusting element driven by the filling device or by an overriding filling machine, in order to change the position of the actuating element, in particular in the axial direction, relative to the control valve seat and filling valve seat in the course of a filling process. Such an actuating element can be formed in the simplest manner by the upper end of the actuating element, which is then deflected by a control ramp of the filling machine. However, a separate motor drive can also act on an actuating element, for example on the actuating element.
Eine derartige gattungsgemäße Fülleinrichtung ist beispielsweise in der
Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Fülleinrichtung anzugeben, bei der die Regelung der Füllgeschwindigkeit und das Öffnen und Schließen des Füllventils und gegebenenfalls eine volumetrische Messung einfach und integriert realisiert sind.It is an object of the invention to provide a filling device in which the regulation of the filling speed and the opening and closing of the filling valve and optionally a volumetric measurement are implemented simply and in an integrated manner.
Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch eine Fülleinrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1 und durch eine Füllmaschine mit mehreren Fülleinrichtungen gemäß Anspruch 17 realisiert. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der zugeordneten abhängigen Ansprüche.This object is achieved according to the invention by a filling device according to claim 1 and by a filling machine with several filling devices according to
Erfindungsgemäß ist in der o.g. Fülleinrichtung der Regelventilsitz über wenigstens ein erstes und zweites längenverstellbares Element, die sich an einander abgewandten Seiten des Regelventilsitzes befinden, in dem Flüssigkeitskanal angeordnet. Ein derartiges, längenverstellbares Element kann z.B. eine Teleskophülse sein, ist jedoch vorzugsweise durch einen Faltenbalg gebildet, weil dieser gegenüber dem Produkt eine glatte leicht zu reinigende Oberfläche aufweist, so dass kein Spalt, wie z.B. bei einer Teleskophülse, zum Produktraum hin auftritt, in welchem sich Keime ansammeln können. Die beiden längenverstellbaren Elemente, nachfolgend "Faltenbalge", erlauben es somit, dass der Regelventilsitz axial verstellbar, und dabei hygienisch und dicht in dem Produktkanal angeordnet ist. Der Abstand des Regelventilsitzes zum Füllventilsitz ist dabei mittels eines Stellantriebs einstellbar. Auf diese Weise lässt sich die Füllgeschwindigkeit als auch die Füllmenge auf einfache Weise einstellen. Die erfindungsgemäße Ausbildung der Fülleinrichtung erlaubt damit eine Regelung der Füllgeschwindigkeit als auch das Öffnen und Schließen des Ventilauslaufs (Füllventils) auf einfachste Weise in einer integrierten Anordnung.According to the invention in the above. Filling device of the control valve seat via at least a first and second length-adjustable element, which are located on opposite sides of the control valve seat, arranged in the liquid channel. Such a length-adjustable element can e.g. be a telescopic sleeve, but is preferably formed by a bellows because this has a smooth, easy-to-clean surface compared to the product, so that no gap, e.g. occurs with a telescopic sleeve towards the product space, in which germs can accumulate. The two length-adjustable elements, hereinafter "bellows", thus allow the control valve seat to be axially adjustable, and at the same time being arranged hygienically and tightly in the product channel. The distance between the control valve seat and the filling valve seat can be adjusted by means of an actuator. In this way, the filling speed and the filling quantity can be set in a simple manner. The design of the filling device according to the invention thus allows the filling speed to be regulated and the valve outlet (filling valve) to be opened and closed in the simplest manner in an integrated arrangement.
Vorzugsweise hat die Fülleinrichtung einen Durchflussmesser, der vorzugsweise in Verbindung mit dem Produktkanal angeordnet ist und eine Steuerung für den Stellantrieb, die dazu konzipiert ist, den Stellantrieb in Abhängigkeit vom Signal des Durchflussmessers zu betätigen. Durch diese bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist somit auch noch eine volumetrische Messung bei der Regelung der Füllmenge und Füllgeschwindigkeit realisierbar. Vorzugsweise ist in diesem Fall der Durchflussmesser durch einen magnetisch induktiven Durchflussmesser gebildet, der vorzugsweise den Produktkanal umgibt. Auf diese Weise wird eine sehr effiziente und kompakte integrierte Anordnung geschaffen, die eine volumetrische Messung zur Regelung der Füllgeschwindigkeit und Füllmenge, als auch gegebenenfalls zum Öffnen und Schließen des Füllventils ermöglicht.The filling device preferably has a flow meter, which is preferably arranged in connection with the product channel, and a control for the actuator, which is designed to actuate the actuator depending on the signal of the flow meter. This preferred embodiment of the invention therefore also enables a volumetric measurement in the regulation of the Filling quantity and filling speed possible. In this case, the flow meter is preferably formed by a magnetic inductive flow meter, which preferably surrounds the product channel. In this way, a very efficient and compact integrated arrangement is created, which enables a volumetric measurement to regulate the filling speed and filling quantity, as well as optionally to open and close the filling valve.
Vorzugsweise ist der Produktkanal durch einen das Betätigungselement umgebenden Ringraum gebildet. Eine derartige Ausbildung des Produktkanals ist herstellungstechnisch leicht, z.B. durch Drehen zu realisieren und führt bei hohen Produktumsätzen zu wenig Verwirbelungen, z.B. im Vergleich mit einem einseitig an dem Betätigungselement verlaufenden Kanal.The product channel is preferably formed by an annular space surrounding the actuating element. Such a design of the product channel is easy to manufacture, e.g. to realize by turning and leads to little turbulence with high product sales, e.g. in comparison with a channel running on one side on the actuating element.
Im Fall die beiden längenverstellbaren Elemente beidseitig des Regelventilsitzes als Faltenbalg ausgebildet sind, bildet dieser vorzugsweise eine Wand des Produktkanals. Auf diese Weise wird eine absolut dichte, längenverstellbare Wand des Produktkanals geschaffen, die keinen Raum für Keimbildung und Verschmutzung des Produktes bildet. Vorzugsweise besteht der erste und zweite Faltenbalg aus Teflon, was überdies leicht zu reinigen ist und Anhaftungen und Keimbildung wirksam verhindert. Bei Verwendung von Teleskophülsen müsste aus hygienischen Gründen innenseitig noch eine Folie angeordnet werden, die dann letztlich auch einen Faltenbalg bilden würde. Alternativ kann der Faltenbalg bzw. die beiden Faltenbalge aber auch aus einem anderen geeigneten, gut zu reinigenden Material hergestellt sein, insb. auch aus einem Edelstahl.If the two length-adjustable elements are designed as bellows on both sides of the control valve seat, this preferably forms a wall of the product channel. In this way, an absolutely tight, length-adjustable wall of the product channel is created, which does not create any space for germ formation and contamination of the product. The first and second bellows are preferably made of Teflon, which is also easy to clean and effectively prevents buildup and nucleation. When using telescopic sleeves, a film would have to be arranged on the inside for hygienic reasons, which would then ultimately also form a bellows. Alternatively, the bellows or the two bellows can also be made from another suitable, easy-to-clean material, in particular also from a stainless steel.
In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist das Betätigungselement durch eine Ventilstange bzw. einen Ventilstößel gebildet. Eine derartige Ausbildung des Betätigungselements ist leicht herstellbar und führt in Verbindung mit einem Ringraum als Produktkanal zu einem homogenen Fluss des Produktes durch den Produktkanal mit wenig Verwirbelungen. Weiterhin ist eine Ventilstange leicht, z.B. an ihrem Ende mittels der Führungskulisse einer Füllmaschine in axialer Richtung betätigbar.In an advantageous development of the invention, the actuating element is formed by a valve rod or a valve tappet. Such a design of the actuating element is easy to manufacture and, in conjunction with an annular space as the product channel, leads to a homogeneous flow of the product through the product channel with little turbulence. Furthermore, a valve rod is easy to actuate in the axial direction, for example at its end, by means of the guide link of a filling machine.
Vorzugsweise ist das Regelventilelement und/oder Füllventilelement jeweils durch einen an dem Betätigungselement ausgebildeten Ventilkegel bzw. -kegelabschnitt bzw. -konus gebildet, der mit einer Wand oder Kante des entsprechenden Ventilsitzes zusammenwirkt, um ein definiertes Öffnen und Schließen als auch einen möglichst unbeeinträchtigten Produktfluss bei geöffnetem Ventil sicherzustellen. Des Weiteren kann das Betätigungselement durch ein Zusammenwirken des Regelventilsitzes mit dem Regelventilelement, d.h. mit dessen Kegelabschnitt, in axialer Richtung betätigt werden, was es erlaubt, das Regelventil und dessen Stellantrieb als Stellelement zur axialen Betätigung des Betätigungselementes zu verwenden.Preferably, the control valve element and / or filling valve element are each formed by a valve cone or cone section or cone formed on the actuating element, which cooperates with a wall or edge of the corresponding valve seat in order to ensure a defined opening and closing as well as an unimpeded product flow ensure that the valve is open. Furthermore, by an interaction of the control valve seat with the control valve element, i. with its conical section, are actuated in the axial direction, which allows the control valve and its actuator to be used as an actuating element for axially actuating the actuating element.
In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung enthält die Produktzufuhr einen Sammelbehälter, der vorzugsweise am oberen Ende des Produktkanals angeordnet ist, und an der Abgabeöffnung am unteren Ende des Produktkanals ist eine Dichtmanschette zum Verbinden der Abgabeöffnung mit einer Behälteröffnung eines zu füllenden Behälters, z.B. Flasche angeordnet. Diese Dichtmanschette umschließt einen abgedichteten Füllbereich, von welchem aus sich wenigstens ein Rückgaskanal zum Sammelbehälter erstreckt und ggf. ein Vakuumkanal zu einer Vakuumquelle. Auf diese Weise kann insbesondere bei CO2-haltigen Getränken die Abluft, die beim Füllen des Behälters entsteht, in vorteilhafter und einfacher Weise abgeführt werden, so dass ein schneller ungestörter Füllvorgang möglich ist.In an advantageous development of the invention, the product feed contains a collecting container, which is preferably arranged at the upper end of the product channel, and a sealing sleeve for connecting the delivery opening to a container opening of a container to be filled, for example a bottle, is arranged at the discharge opening at the lower end of the product channel. This sealing sleeve encloses a sealed filling area, from which at least one return gas duct extends to the collecting container and possibly a vacuum duct to a vacuum source. In this way, in particular in the case of beverages containing CO 2, the exhaust air which arises when the container is being filled can be removed in an advantageous and simple manner, so that a quick, undisturbed filling process is possible.
In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist der Regelventilsitz mittels einer Feder auf einen Anschlag in eine Ruheposition vorgespannt, in welcher das Füllventil geöffnet ist. Der Regelventilsitz ist dann über die Betätigung des Betätigungselements mittels des Regelventilelements in Richtung auf das Füllventil bewegbar. In dieser Ausführungsform der Erfindung bildet das Stellelement zur axialen Betätigung des Betätigungselementes auch den Stellantrieb zur axialen Verstellung des Regelventilsitzes relativ zum Füllventilsitz gegen die Kraft der Feder. Diese Ausführungsform der Fülleinrichtung realisiert somit in einfacher Weise, nämlich ohne einen separaten Stellantrieb für den Regelventilsitz, die Einstellung der Füllmenge und Füllgeschwindigkeit, als auch das Öffnen und Schließen des Füllventils.In an advantageous development of the invention, the control valve seat is prestressed by means of a spring onto a stop in a rest position in which the filling valve is open. The control valve seat can then be moved in the direction of the filling valve by actuating the actuating element by means of the control valve element. In this embodiment of the invention, the actuating element for axially actuating the actuating element also forms the actuator for axially adjusting the control valve seat relative to the filler valve seat against the force of the spring. This embodiment of the filling device thus realizes the adjustment of the filling quantity and filling speed as well as the opening and closing of the filling valve in a simple manner, namely without a separate actuator for the control valve seat.
In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung bildet das Regelventil in Zusammenwirken mit seinem Stellantrieb das Stellelement, um das Betätigungselement durch das Zusammenwirken von Regelventilelement und Regelventilsitz axial zu bewegen. In dieser bevorzugten Ausführungsform wird kein separates Stellelement zur axialen Bewegung des Betätigungselements benötigt, da dieses über den Stellantrieb des Regelventilsitzes betätigt wird, wenn dieser mit dem Regelventilelement in Eingriff tritt. Es ist somit nur der Stellantrieb des Regelventilsitzes notwendig, um sowohl die Füllgeschwindigkeit und Füllmenge einzustellen, als auch das Öffnen und Schließen des Füllventils zu realisieren.In an advantageous development of the invention, the control valve, in cooperation with its actuator, forms the actuating element in order to move the actuating element axially by the interaction of the control valve element and the control valve seat. In this preferred embodiment, no separate actuating element is required for the axial movement of the actuating element, since it is actuated via the actuating drive of the control valve seat when it engages with the control valve element. It is therefore only necessary to actuate the control valve seat in order to set both the filling speed and the filling quantity, and to realize the opening and closing of the filling valve.
In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausbildungsform der Erfindung ist das Betätigungselement mittels einer Feder in einer Ruhelage vorgespannt, in welcher das Füllventil geöffnet ist und das Regelventilelement ist axial an dem Betätigungselement zwischen dem Regelventilsitz und dem Füllventilsitz angeordnet. Das Betätigungselement ist dann mittels des Eingriffs des Regelventilsitzes an dem Regelventilelement in Schließstellung des Füllventils bewegbar. Durch die axiale Verstellung des Regelventilsitzes in Richtung der Produktzufuhr kann somit die Füllgeschwindigkeit und Füllmenge eingestellt werden und durch axiale Verstellung in Richtung des Füllventilsitzes das Öffnen und Schließen des Füllventils realisiert werden. Diese Ausführungsform der Erfindung bildet somit eine höchst integrierte Anordnung, die nur einen einzigen Stellantrieb zur Realisierung aller Funktionen benötigt.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is pretensioned by means of a spring in a rest position in which the filling valve is open and the regulating valve element is arranged axially on the actuating element between the regulating valve seat and the filling valve seat. The actuating element can then be moved in the closed position of the filling valve by means of the engagement of the control valve seat on the control valve element. The filling speed and filling quantity can thus be adjusted by the axial adjustment of the control valve seat in the direction of the product supply, and the opening and closing of the filling valve can be realized by axial adjustment in the direction of the filling valve seat. This embodiment of the invention thus forms a highly integrated arrangement that only requires a single actuator to implement all functions.
In einer hierzu alternativen Ausführungsform ist das Regelventilelement axial an dem Betätigungselement zwischen der Produktzufuhr und dem Regelventilsitz angeordnet. Weiterhin ist der Regelventilsitz mittels einer Feder gegen das Regelventilelement vorgespannt, wenn sich das Betätigungselement in einer Ruheposition befindet, in welcher das Füllventil geöffnet ist. Das Betätigungselement ist dann mittels des Stellelements zur Produktzufuhr hin in eine Regelstellung bewegbar, in welcher der Produktfluss über den Öffnungsgrad des Regelventils gesteuert wird und zur Abgabeöffnung hin in eine Schließstellung bewegbar, in welcher das Füllventil schließt. Durch die Verstellung des Betätigungselements weg von der Abgabeöffnung kann somit die Füllmenge und die Füllgeschwindigkeit eingestellt werden, wo hingegen das Öffnen und Schließen durch die Betätigung des Betätigungselements in Richtung auf die Abgabeöffnung gesteuert wird. Auch diese Ausführungsform der Erfindung erlaubt somit auf eine höchst einfache und integrierte Weise die volumetrische Messung und die Regelung der Füllmenge und Füllgeschwindigkeit entsprechend der volumetrischen Messung, wie auch das Öffnen und Schließen des Füllventils zur Steuerung des Füllvorgangs.In an alternative embodiment, the control valve element is arranged axially on the actuating element between the product feed and the control valve seat. Furthermore, the control valve seat is biased against the control valve element by means of a spring when the actuating element is in a rest position in which the filling valve is open. The actuating element can then be moved by means of the actuating element to the product feed into a control position in which the product flow is controlled via the degree of opening of the control valve and to the discharge opening in a closed position in which the filling valve closes. By adjusting the actuating element away from the dispensing opening, the filling quantity and the filling speed can thus be set, whereas, on the other hand, opening and closing by actuating the Actuator is controlled in the direction of the discharge opening. This embodiment of the invention thus also allows, in a highly simple and integrated manner, the volumetric measurement and the regulation of the filling quantity and filling speed in accordance with the volumetric measurement, as well as the opening and closing of the filling valve for controlling the filling process.
Ein wesentlicher Aspekt der Erfindung besteht darin, dass sich die beiden Ventilelemente, insbesondere der Ventilkegel des Füllventils und des Regelventils auf einem Betätigungselement befinden. Dabei kann die Position des Regelventilsitzes über dessen Stellantrieb der Bewegung des Füllventilelements folgen, ohne dabei seine Regelfunktion zu verlieren. Mit der Erfindung lässt sich somit ein Füllventil mit hoher Schüttleistung und sehr einfachem Aufbau realisieren. Das Prinzip funktioniert auch beim Druckfüllsystem. In diesem Fall wird die Flasche an ein Füllorgan angepresst und abgedichtet. In diesem Fall sind natürlich gesteuerte Verbindungsbohrungen von dem Adapter zur Flaschenöffnung zu erforderlichen Gaskanälen vorzusehen.An essential aspect of the invention is that the two valve elements, in particular the valve cone of the filling valve and the control valve, are located on one actuating element. The position of the control valve seat can follow the movement of the filling valve element via its actuator without losing its control function. The invention thus enables a filling valve with a high pouring capacity and a very simple construction to be implemented. The principle also works with the pressure filling system. In this case, the bottle is pressed against a filling element and sealed. In this case, of course, controlled connection bores from the adapter to the bottle opening to the required gas channels must be provided.
Während der Füllung ist das Füllventil offen und das Regelventil ist in Funktion, d.h. die Stellung des Regelventilsitzes relativ zum Regelventilelement regelt die Füllgeschwindigkeit. Wenn die vorgewählte Füllmenge erreicht ist, die vorzugsweise über MID bestimmt wird, muss das Füllventil schnell schließen. Hierfür muss die Schließkraft so groß sein, dass auch das Regelventilelement gegen den Regelventilsitz mit nach unten bewegt wird.During filling, the filling valve is open and the control valve is working, i.e. the position of the control valve seat relative to the control valve element controls the filling speed. When the preselected filling quantity is reached, which is preferably determined via MID, the filling valve must close quickly. For this purpose, the closing force must be so great that the control valve element is also moved downwards against the control valve seat.
Vorzugsweise sind unterschiedliche Fluidanbindungen, vorzugsweise am unteren Ende des Produktkanals zuschaltbar, durch welche dem Produktkanal Reinigungsflüssigkeiten oder Heißwasser zuleitbar sind, durch welche die Fülleinrichtung gereinigt oder bei einer Heißabfüllung im Fall von Füllunterbrechungen auf Temperatur gehalten werden kann.Different fluid connections are preferably connectable, preferably at the lower end of the product channel, through which cleaning liquids or hot water can be fed to the product channel, through which the filling device can be cleaned or kept at a hot filling temperature in the event of filling interruptions.
Zudem ist vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass ein unterer Gehäuseteil vertikal bewegbar an Führungen des Gehäuses der Fülleinrichtung gehalten ist. Dieser untere Gehäuseteil kann über Druckfedern an dem Gehäuse oder den Führungen des Gehäuses der Fülleinrichtung abgestützt sein, so dass der in dem unteren Gehäuseteil angeordnete Füllventilsitz beim Schließen des Füllventils leicht nach unten abfedert, was ein schnelleres und gleichzeitig sanfteres Schließen des Füllventils ermöglicht. Der untere Gehäuseteil trägt den Füllventilsitz und vorzugsweise auch die Abgabeöffnung und/oder einen (MID)Durchflussmesser.In addition, it is preferably provided that a lower housing part is held vertically movable on guides of the housing of the filling device. This lower housing part can be supported by compression springs on the housing or the guides of the housing of the filling device, so that the in the lower Filling valve seat arranged in the housing part cushions slightly downwards when the filling valve is closed, which enables the filling valve to be closed more quickly and at the same time more gently. The lower housing part carries the fill valve seat and preferably also the discharge opening and / or a (MID) flow meter.
Prinzipiell ist die Erfindung auch anzuwenden, ohne MID im Getränkefluss, beispielsweise an einem Wägefüller.In principle, the invention can also be used without MID in the beverage flow, for example on a weighing filler.
Folgende Ausdrücke werden synonym verwendet:
- Betätigungselement <> Ventilstange,
- Regel- oder Füllventilelement <> Regel- oder Füllventilkegel,
- Actuator <> valve rod,
- Control or fill valve element <> Control or fill valve cone,
Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend beispielsweise an einer schematischen Zeichnung beschrieben. In dieser zeigen:
- Fig. 1
- eine teilgeschnittene vertikale Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausbildungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Fülleinrichtung;
- Fig. 2
- eine teilgeschnittene vertikale Seitenansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Fülleinrichtung;
- Fig. 3
- eine teilgeschnittene vertikale Seitenansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Fülleinrichtung;
- Fig. 4
- eine teilgeschnittene vertikale Seitenansicht einer vierten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Fülleinrichtung;
- Fig. 5
- eine teilgeschnittene vertikale Seitenansicht einer fünften Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Fülleinrichtung,
- Fig. 6
- eine teilgeschnittene vertikale Seitenansicht einer sechsten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Fülleinrichtung weitgehend in Übereinstimmung mit der dritten Ausführungsform aus
Fig. 3 , und - Fig. 7
- eine teilgeschnittene vertikale Seitenansicht einer siebten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Fülleinrichtung weitgehend in Übereinstimmung mit der vierten Ausführungsform aus
Fig. 4 .
- Fig. 1
- a partially sectioned vertical side view of a first embodiment of a filling device according to the invention;
- Fig. 2
- a partially sectioned vertical side view of a second embodiment of a filling device according to the invention;
- Fig. 3
- a partially sectioned vertical side view of a third embodiment of the filling device according to the invention;
- Fig. 4
- a partially sectioned vertical side view of a fourth embodiment of the filling device according to the invention;
- Fig. 5
- 2 shows a partially sectioned vertical side view of a fifth embodiment of the filling device according to the invention,
- Fig. 6
- a partially sectioned vertical side view of a sixth embodiment of the filling device according to the invention largely in accordance with the third embodiment
Fig. 3 , and - Fig. 7
- a partially sectioned vertical side view of a seventh embodiment of the filling device according to the invention largely in accordance with the fourth embodiment
Fig. 4 ,
In dem Produktkanal 14 ist unterhalb der Produktzufuhr 12 ein Regelventil 24 angeordnet, auf welches am unteren Ende des Produktkanals 14 in Fließrichtung des abzufüllenden Produkts ein Füllventil 26 folgt. Das Regelventil 24 besteht aus einem Regelventilsitz 28, der über einen Stellantrieb 30 in Pfeilrichtung, d.h. in axialer Richtung des Betätigungselementes 20 verstellbar ist. Der Regelventilsitz 28 ist im Wesentlichen ringförmig ausgebildet und umgibt das Betätigungselement 20, wobei er dort mit einem Regelventilelement 32 zusammenwirkt, der als Ventilkegel ausgebildet ist. Der Regelventilsitz 28 ist in dem Produktkanal 14 nach oben hin durch einen ersten Faltenbalg 34 und nach unten hin durch einen zweiten Faltenbalg 36 verstellbar angeordnet. Diese beiden Faltenbälge 34, 36 bilden einen Teil des Produktkanals 14, wobei deren dem Produkt zugewandte Innenseite in dem Stellbereich des Regelventilsitzes 28 eine zum Produkt hin glatte und hygienisch leicht handhabbare Fläche bildet.A
Das Füllventil 26 am unteren Ende des Produktkanals 14 ist durch einen Füllventilsitz 38 in Art einer Ringplatte gebildet, welches mit einem als Füllventilkegel ausgebildeten Füllventilelement 40 zusammenwirkt. Zwischen dem Regelventil 24 und dem Füllventil 26 ist des Weiteren ein magnetinduktiver Durchflussmesser (MID) 42 angeordnet, mit welchem der Volumenstrom in dem Produktkanal 14 messbar ist. Das Ausgangssignal des MID wird dazu verwendet, um den Stellantrieb 30 des Regelventilsitzes 28 und damit den Produktfluss bei geöffnetem Füllventil 26 mittels einer nicht dargestellten Steuerung zu steuern.The filling
Unter der Abgabeöffnung 16 kann ein zu füllender Behälter, z.B. eine Getränkeflasche 44 angeordnet werden.A container to be filled, e.g. a
Die Fülleinrichtung funktioniert wie folgt: Die axiale Bewegung der Ventilstange 20 wird durch das Stellelement 18 vorzugsweise mittels einer Führungskulisse der Füllmaschine (nicht dargestellt) gesteuert. Über den MID 42 wird die bei jedem Füllvorgang abgegebene Produktmenge erfasst. Diese erfasste Produktmenge wird in einer Steuerung mit einem Sollwert verglichen, wobei ein Regelsignal erzeugt wird, das den Stellantrieb 30 ansteuert, womit die Position des Regelventilsitzes und damit die Größe des Durchlasses zwischen dem Regelventilkegel 32 und dem Regelventilsitz 28 gesteuert wird. Hierdurch kann der Produktfluss bei geöffnetem Füllventil 26 eingestellt werden. Auf diese Weise kann die Füllmenge immer optimal auf einen Sollwert eingestellt werden. Das Öffnen und Schließen des Füllventils, d.h. die zeitliche Steuerung des Füllvorgangs wird hier allein über das Stellelement 18 von der Füllmaschine vorgegeben, wo hingegen die bei jedem Füllvorgang abgegebene Produktmenge genau mittels des MID, der zugeordneten Steuerung und des von der Steuerung gesteuerten Stellantriebs 30 geregelt wird. Auf diese Weise wird ein einfacher Ventilaufbau mit einer hohen Schüttleistung und sehr präzisier Füllmengensteuerung realisiert.The filling device works as follows: The axial movement of the
Die sechste Ausführungsform 110 der
Schließlich zeigt
Die Erfindung ist nicht auf die dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiele beschränkt, sondern kann innerhalb des Schutzbereiches der nachfolgenden Patentansprüche variiert werden.The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown, but can be varied within the scope of the following claims.
- 1010
- Fülleinrichtung (erste Ausführungsform)Filling device (first embodiment)
- 1111
- Montagerahmenmounting frame
- 1212
- Produktzufuhrproduct supply
- 1414
- Produktkanalproduct channel
- 1515
- SammelbehälterClippings
- 1616
- Abgabeöffnungdischarge opening
- 1717
- ProduktzufuhrleitungProduct supply pipe
- 1818
- Stellelementactuator
- 2020
- Betätigungselement (Ventilstange)Actuator (valve stem)
- 2222
- oberer Faltenbalgupper bellows
- 2424
- Regelventilcontrol valve
- 2626
- Füllventilfilling valve
- 2828
- RegelventilsitzControl valve seat
- 3030
- Stellantriebactuator
- 3232
- RegelventilelementControl valve member
- 3434
- erster Faltenbalgfirst bellows
- 3636
- zweiter Faltenbalgsecond bellows
- 3838
- FüllventilsitzFüllventilsitz
- 4040
- FüllventilelementFüllventilelement
- 4242
- magnetisch induktiver Durchflussmesser (MID)magnetic inductive flow meter (MID)
- 4444
- Behälter (Flasche)Container (bottle)
- 5050
- Fülleinrichtung (zweite Ausführungsform)Filling device (second embodiment)
- 5252
- Betätigungselement (zweite Ausführungsform)Actuator (second embodiment)
- 5454
- Federfeather
- 5656
- oberer Anschlagupper stop
- 5858
- Mitnehmertakeaway
- 6060
- Regelventilelement (zweite Ausführungsform)Control valve element (second embodiment)
- 7070
- Fülleinrichtung (dritte Ausführungsform)Filling device (third embodiment)
- 7272
- DruckfederelementCompression spring element
- 7474
- Ringanschlagannular stop
- 7676
- Fülleinrichtung (vierte Ausführungsform)Filling device (fourth embodiment)
- 7878
- Betätigungselement (dritte Ausführungsform)Actuator (third embodiment)
- 8080
- Fülleinrichtung (fünfte Ausführungsform)Filling device (fifth embodiment)
- 8282
- Dichtmanschettesealing sleeve
- 8484
- Dichtflanschsealing flange
- 8686
- Stellhebellever
- 8888
- Stößelstangepushrod
- 9090
- Führungsrolleleadership
- 9292
- Führungskulisseguide link
- 9494
- Behältermündungcontainer mouth
- 9696
- Ringplattering plate
- 9898
- RückgaskanalReturn gas channel
- 100100
- RückgasleitungReturn gas line
- 102102
- Gasraum im SammelbehälterGas space in the collection container
- 104104
- Vakuumkanalvacuum channel
- 106106
- Vakuumquellevacuum source
- 110110
- Fülleinrichtung (sechste Ausführungsform)Filling device (sixth embodiment)
- 112112
- Fluidanbindungfluid connection
- 114114
- Fluidquellefluid source
- 116116
- Fluidleitungfluid line
- 118118
- Steuerventilcontrol valve
- 120120
- Fülleinrichtung (siebte Ausführungsform)Filling device (seventh embodiment)
- 122122
- unterer Gehäuseteillower housing part
- 124124
- Führungenguides
- 126126
- Führungsstangenguide rods
- 128128
- Druckfederncompression springs
- 130130
- AufnahmetellerShot plate
Claims (18)
- Filling device (10; 50; 70; 76; 80) for filling liquids, comprising a product supply (12) and a valve assembly (24, 26) which is arranged downstream of the product supply, which valve arrangement contains a regulating valve (24) and a filling valve (26) arranged downstream in the flow direction of the product, and an elongated actuation element (20; 52; 78) which is common to the two valves. The filling device has a product channel (14) which runs in the longitudinal direction of the actuation element, and which extends from the product supply (12) to a dispensing opening (16) of the filling device, wherein the valve arrangement (24, 26) is arranged in the product channel (14),
the regulating valve (24) has an actuation element-side regulating valve element (32), which interacts with a regulating valve seat (28) in order to open and close the filling valve in order to control the product quantity to be filled, the filling valve (26) has an actuation element-side filling valve element (40), which interacts with a filling valve seat (38) in order to open and close the filling valve, and both the regulating valve element (32) and the filling valve element (40) are arranged on the actuation element (20; 52; 78), and the filling device has at least one driven actuator element (18; 28; 32, 60) in order to change the position of the actuation element relative to the regulating valve seat and the filling valve seat as part of a filling process,
characterised in that the regulating valve seat (28) is arranged in the product channel (14) via at least one first and second longitudinally adjustable elements (34, 36), which are located on regulating valve seat faces facing away from each other, and that the distance interval from the regulating valve seat (28) relative to the filling valve seat (38) can be varied. - Filling device (10; 50; 70; 76; 80) according to claim 1, characterised in that the position of the regulating valve seat (28) can be adjusted by means of an actuator drive (30).
- Filling device (10; 50; 70; 76; 80) according to claim 2, characterised in that it comprises a flow meter (42) and a control device for the actuator drive (30), which is designed such as to actuate the actuator drive as a dependency of the signal from the flow meter.
- Filling device (10; 50; 70; 76; 80) according to claim 3, characterised in that the flow meter (42) is formed by a magnetically inductive flow meter (MID).
- Filling device (10; 50; 70; 76; 80) according to claim 4, characterised in that the MID (42) surrounds the product channel (14).
- Filling device (10; 50; 70; 76; 80) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the product channel (14) is formed by a ring space surrounding the actuation element (20; 52; 78).
- Filling device (10; 50; 70; 76; 80) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and second longitudinally adjustable elements (34, 36) are in each case formed by a folding bellows element.
- Filling device (10; 50; 70; 76; 80) according to claim 7, characterised in that the first and second folding bellows elements (34, 36) form a part of the wall of the product channel (14).
- Filling device (10; 50; 70; 76; 80) according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the first and second folding bellows elements (34, 36) consist of Teflon, are coated with this, or consist of a special steel.
- Filling device (10; 50; 70; 76; 80) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuation element (20; 52; 78) is formed by a valve rod.
- Filling device (10; 50; 70; 76; 80) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the regulating valve element (32; 60) and/or the filling valve element (40) is/are formed in each case by a valve ball, formed at the actuation element (20; 52; 78).
- Filling device (80) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the product supply (12) comprises a collection container (15), and that, arranged at the dispensing opening (16), is a sealing sleeve (82) for the tight sealed connection of the dispensing opening to a container opening (94) of a container which is to be filled, which sealing sleeve surrounds a sealed filling region, from which at least one return gas channel (96) extends to the collection container and, as appropriate, a vacuum channel (104) extends to a vacuum source (106).
- Filling device (70) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the regulating valve seat (28) is pre-tensioned by means of a pressure spring element (72) onto a stop (74) into a position of rest, in which the filling valve (26) is opened, and that the regulating valve seat (28) can be moved by means of the regulating valve element (32) in the direction onto the filling valve (26).
- Filling device (50; 76; 80) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the regulating valve seat (28) in engagement with the regulating valve element (60) forms the driven actuator in order to move the actuation element (20; 52; 78).
- Filling device (50; 76; 80) according to claim 14, characterised in that the actuation element (20; 52; 78) is pre-tensioned by means of a spring (54) into a position of rest, in which the filling valve (26) is opened, that the regulating valve element (60) is arranged at the actuation element (20; 52; 78) between the regulating valve seat (28) and the filling valve seat (38), and that the actuation element (20; 52; 78) can be moved, by means of the engagement of the regulating valve seat (28) at the regulating valve element (60), into the closed position of the filling valve (26).
- Filling device (50; 76; 80) according to claim 14, characterised in that the regulating valve element (60) is arranged at the actuation element (20; 52; 78) between the product supply (12) and the regulating valve seat (28), that the regulating valve seat (28) in the position of rest of the actuation element is pre-tensioned by means of a spring (54) against the regulating valve element (60).
- Filling machine, comprising a plurality of filling devices (10; 50; 70; 76; 80) according to any one of the preceding claims.
- Filling machine according to claim 17, comprising a link control arrangement for actuating the driven actuators (18) of the filling devices (10; 70).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SI201630659T SI3390268T1 (en) | 2015-12-16 | 2016-11-14 | Filling device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102015122032.6A DE102015122032A1 (en) | 2015-12-16 | 2015-12-16 | filling |
PCT/EP2016/077553 WO2017102196A1 (en) | 2015-12-16 | 2016-11-14 | Filling device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3390268A1 EP3390268A1 (en) | 2018-10-24 |
EP3390268B1 true EP3390268B1 (en) | 2020-02-19 |
Family
ID=57326374
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP16797506.9A Active EP3390268B1 (en) | 2015-12-16 | 2016-11-14 | Filling device |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10259697B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3390268B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102015122032A1 (en) |
SI (1) | SI3390268T1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017102196A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102015110067A1 (en) * | 2015-06-23 | 2016-12-29 | Khs Gmbh | Filling element and filling system as well as filling machine for filling of packaging materials |
DE102017124565A1 (en) | 2017-10-20 | 2019-04-25 | Endress+Hauser Flowtec Ag | Method and device for carrying out a filling process |
DE102017130034A1 (en) * | 2017-12-14 | 2019-06-19 | Krones Ag | Method and device for filling a filling product |
DE102018220176A1 (en) * | 2018-11-23 | 2020-05-28 | Krones Ag | Gravity short tube filler and method for the gravity filling of beverages |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2493291A1 (en) * | 1980-11-06 | 1982-05-07 | Pont A Mousson | AUTOMATIC BOTTLE FILLING DEVICE AND INSTALLATION COMPRISING APPLICATION |
AU1292483A (en) * | 1982-03-30 | 1983-10-06 | Liquipak International B.V. | Valve device |
DE3325338A1 (en) | 1983-07-13 | 1985-01-31 | Otto Sick Kg, 7830 Emmendingen | Filling device for still drinks |
FR2801579B1 (en) * | 1999-11-29 | 2002-01-18 | Serac Group | FILLING NOZZLE WITH ADJUSTABLE FLOW RATE BY A SINGLE ACTUATION DEVICE AND IMPLEMENTATION METHOD |
FR2897607B1 (en) * | 2006-02-23 | 2008-05-09 | Sidel Participations | DEVICE FOR FILLING VARIABLE LIQUID FLOW CONTAINERS |
DE102013104938A1 (en) * | 2013-05-14 | 2014-11-20 | Khs Gmbh | Filling system and filling machine for filling containers |
DE102013106927A1 (en) * | 2013-07-02 | 2015-01-08 | Khs Gmbh | Filling element and filling machine |
DE102014102956A1 (en) * | 2014-03-06 | 2015-09-10 | Krones Ag | Filler for filling a filling product into a container |
DE102015110067A1 (en) * | 2015-06-23 | 2016-12-29 | Khs Gmbh | Filling element and filling system as well as filling machine for filling of packaging materials |
-
2015
- 2015-12-16 DE DE102015122032.6A patent/DE102015122032A1/en not_active Ceased
-
2016
- 2016-11-14 WO PCT/EP2016/077553 patent/WO2017102196A1/en unknown
- 2016-11-14 EP EP16797506.9A patent/EP3390268B1/en active Active
- 2016-11-14 SI SI201630659T patent/SI3390268T1/en unknown
- 2016-11-14 US US16/061,777 patent/US10259697B2/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3390268A1 (en) | 2018-10-24 |
US20180362317A1 (en) | 2018-12-20 |
WO2017102196A1 (en) | 2017-06-22 |
DE102015122032A1 (en) | 2017-06-22 |
US10259697B2 (en) | 2019-04-16 |
SI3390268T1 (en) | 2020-04-30 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP3390268B1 (en) | Filling device | |
EP3521672B1 (en) | Valve actuation device | |
DE3854305T2 (en) | Method for filling open-topped containers with a square cross-section. | |
DE102004017205A1 (en) | Filling machine of rotating design | |
EP3016902A1 (en) | Filling element and filling machine | |
EP3390267B1 (en) | Filling device | |
EP3280300B1 (en) | Beverage preparation machine | |
EP3105169B1 (en) | Method and filling system for filling containers | |
WO2005019090A1 (en) | Counter-pressure filling device and method for counter-pressure filling | |
EP3313775B1 (en) | Filling system for filling of containers | |
DE102016105552A1 (en) | Filling valve for filling a container with a filling product | |
DE102014117831A1 (en) | Device for filling a container with a filling product | |
CH681447A5 (en) | ||
EP3194326B1 (en) | Filling valve | |
CH708639B1 (en) | Steam traps. | |
DE3249042T1 (en) | Steam boiler system | |
DE2123865A1 (en) | Filling element | |
EP0308723A1 (en) | Filling head for beverage filling equipment | |
EP3140242B1 (en) | Filling device | |
EP2958850B1 (en) | Filling system | |
EP4065508B1 (en) | Fuel nozzle with outflow protection device | |
EP2695030B1 (en) | Apparatus for the monitoring and control of a valve and the corresponding valve | |
CH691466A5 (en) | Filler head for vertical loose material dispenser, especially screw dispenser | |
DE9314858U1 (en) | Valve with reduced pressure loss, especially for viscous or corrosive liquids | |
DE1607994C3 (en) | Filling device for still or slightly carbonated liquids |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20180716 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: KHS GMBH |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20191111 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 502016008846 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1234754 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200315 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20200219 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200519 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200520 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200519 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200619 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200712 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 502016008846 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20201120 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20201114 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201114 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20201130 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201130 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201130 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201114 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201114 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200219 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201130 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MM01 Ref document number: 1234754 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20211114 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20211114 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Payment date: 20231102 Year of fee payment: 8 Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20231124 Year of fee payment: 8 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20231120 Year of fee payment: 8 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20231121 Year of fee payment: 8 |