U.S. patent application number 15/558915 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-22 for filling apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Robert Bosch GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Bosch GmbH. Invention is credited to Markus Schwarz.
Application Number | 20180079536 15/558915 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55442816 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180079536 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schwarz; Markus |
March 22, 2018 |
FILLING APPARATUS
Abstract
The invention relates to a filling apparatus for filling
containers (12a-d) with liquid and/or pasty materials, in
particular for a packing machine (14a; 14d), having a metering
apparatus (26a-d) having at least one metering pump (16a-d) having
at least one metering stroke chamber (18a-d) having a stroke volume
(24a-d) that can be varied by a metering piston (20a-d) in a piston
stroke. According to the invention an overall stroke chamber
(28a-d) of the metering apparatus (26a-d), comprising all metering
stroke chambers (18a-d), corresponds at least to a multiple of a
filling volume to be discharged to at least one container (12a-d)
in one metering operation.
Inventors: |
Schwarz; Markus;
(Kreuzlingen, CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Robert Bosch GmbH |
Stuttgart |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Robert Bosch GmbH
Stuttgart
DE
|
Family ID: |
55442816 |
Appl. No.: |
15/558915 |
Filed: |
February 29, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
February 29, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2016/054194 |
371 Date: |
September 15, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 3/12 20130101; B65B
3/32 20130101; B65B 9/023 20130101; B65B 57/06 20130101; B65B 51/30
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/32 20060101
B65B003/32; B65B 3/12 20060101 B65B003/12; B65B 9/02 20060101
B65B009/02; B65B 51/30 20060101 B65B051/30; B65B 57/06 20060101
B65B057/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 19, 2015 |
DE |
10 2015 204 951.5 |
Claims
1. A filling apparatus for filling containers (12a-d) with liquid
and/or pasty materials, comprising a metering apparatus (26a-d)
having at least one metering pump (16a-d) with at least one
metering swept volume (18a-d) with a capacity (24a-d) that is
changeable by a metering piston (20a-d) in one piston stroke,
characterized in that an overall swept volume (28a-d) of the
metering apparatus (26a-d) comprising all metering swept volumes
(18a-d) corresponds to at least a multiple of a fill volume to be
dispensed to at least one container (12a-d) in a metering
process.
2. The filling apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
at least one filling unit (34a-d) that is connected to an outlet
cross section (32a; 32c) of the metering apparatus (26a-d) and
comprises a filling valve (36a; 36b), which is configured to
selectively open or close off a filling cross section (38a-c) of
the filling unit (34a-d).
3. The filling apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
a plurality of filling units (34c) that are connected to at least
one outlet cross section (32c) of the metering apparatus (36) and
that are configured for simultaneously filling a multiplicity of
containers (12c).
4. The filling apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in
that the metering apparatus (26a-d) comprises at least one
changeover valve (40a-d) which is configured to selectively connect
the at least one metering swept volume (18a-d) with at least one
inlet cross section (42a) or at least one outlet cross section
(32a; 32c).
5. The filling apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
a control unit (44a) which is configured to actuate a sequence of
work cycles with, in each case, a suction process for filling the
overall swept volume (28a-d) and, in each case, a multiplicity of
metering processes following the suction process.
6. A packaging machine for packaging liquid and/or pasty
substances, comprising at least one filling apparatus (10a-d) as
claimed in claim 1.
7. The packaging machine as claimed in claim 6, further comprising
a control unit (46a) which is configured to slow down a container
advance (48a; 48d), at least during a suction process that follows
a metering process.
8. The packaging machine at least as claimed in claim 6, further
comprising a control unit (46a) is configured to initiate a start
of a metering process depending on a closing-off process of at
least one container base (50a; 50d) of the respective at least one
container (12a-d) to be filled in the metering process.
9. The packaging machine at least as claimed in claim 6, further
comprising a control unit (46a) configured to adapt at least one
metering piston speed (52a) to a container advance speed (54a), at
least during at least one metering process and/or a plurality of
metering processes.
10. A method for filling at least one container (12a-d) with a
filling apparatus (10a-d) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in
that a plurality of metering processes for filling at least one
container (12a-d) follow at least one suction process of a metering
apparatus (26a-d).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A filling apparatus for filling containers with liquid
and/or pasty materials, for a packaging machine, comprising a
metering apparatus having at least one metering pump comprising at
least one metering swept volume with a capacity that is changeable
by a metering piston in one piston stroke has already been
proposed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention proceeds from a filling apparatus for filling
containers with liquid and/or pasty materials, in particular for a
packaging machine, comprising a metering apparatus having at least
one metering pump comprising at least one metering swept volume
with a capacity that is changeable by a metering piston in one
piston stroke.
[0003] It is proposed that an overall swept volume of the metering
apparatus comprising all metering swept volumes corresponds to at
least a multiple of a fill volume to be dispensed to at least one
container in a metering process. In this context, a "container"
should be understood to mean, in particular, a packaging container
such as a tin, a tub, a flask or a vial, but preferably a pouch
such as, in particular, a three edge sealed pouch, such as e.g. a
tube pouch or stick pack, or a four edge sealed pouch, such as e.g.
a sachet. In this context, a "metering pump" should be understood
to mean, in particular, a piston pump which is provided to dispense
an adjustable amount of a substance. In this context, a "metering
swept volume" should be understood to mean, in particular, the part
of a space of the metering pump that is modifiable by the piston
stroke, which is restricted by the metering piston and which is
provided for receiving and/or dispensing the substance to be
filled. In this context, a "capacity" should be understood to mean,
in particular, the volume of the metering swept volume at the
current piston stroke of the metering piston. The metering
apparatus can comprise one or more metering pumps. The metering
apparatus can be provided to fill one container or a plurality of
containers simultaneously within the scope of a metering process.
In this context, an "overall swept volume" should be understood to
mean the sum of all metering swept volumes of the metering
apparatus. Preferably, the metering swept volume of each metering
pump of the metering apparatus corresponds to at least a multiple
of a fill volume to be dispensed to at least one container within a
metering process. Preferably, the metering apparatus dispenses a
partial volume of the overall swept volume during each metering
process for the purposes of filling the at least one container to
be filled within this metering process. Preferably, each of the
metering pumps dispenses a partial volume of the respective
metering swept volume during each metering process for the purposes
of filling the at least one container to be filled within this
metering process. In this context, "a fill volume to be dispensed
to a container" should be understood to mean, in particular, an
intended fill volume of the substance, with which the container
should be filled. The metering apparatus of the filling apparatus
can preferably effectuate a plurality of metering processes in
succession using the overall swept volume. A suction process, which
is provided to fill the overall swept volume with the substance to
be metered, can be dispensed with between metering processes which
are effectuated using one filling of the overall swept volume. Once
the overall swept volume has been depleted, a suction process can
be carried out before the next metering process and the overall
swept volume can be filled. If the metering apparatus comprises a
multiplicity of metering pumps, these can be filled simultaneously
during the suction process. It may likewise be possible for the
suction process of the individual metering pumps to be effectuated
at deviating times. Metering processes can be effectuated in a
particularly fast sequence. A time window between two metering
processes, which is required for a suction process, can be
dispensed with in the case of successive metering processes which
are effectuated with one filling of the overall swept volume. A
suction process can be effectuated after respectively two,
preferably after respectively three, particularly preferably after
respectively four or more metering processes. Particularly many
metering processes can be effectuated in a time interval. In
particular, >50, preferably >80, particularly preferably
>100 metering actions can be carried out each minute. The
metering apparatus can be particularly efficient.
[0004] Further, a filling unit that is connected to an outlet cross
section of the metering apparatus and comprises a filling valve is
proposed, said filling valve being provided to selectively open or
close off a filling cross section of the filling unit. In this
context, an "outlet cross section" should be understood, in
particular, to be a cross section through which the substance to be
metered leaves the metering apparatus. In this context, a filling
unit should be understood to mean, in particular, an apparatus
which is provided to fill the substance to be metered into a
container. In particular, the filling unit may comprise a lancet
and/or a cannula, which is preferably partly inserted into a
filling opening of the container to be filled. Preferably, the
filling cross section can be arranged at one end of the lancet
and/or cannula and it can preferably be closed by valve cone of the
filling valve that is preferably embodied as a needle valve. A dead
space in which the substance to be filled can collect in an
uncontrolled manner after passing through the filling cross section
and/or from which the substance to be filled can continue to drip
and which follows the filling valve can be avoided. Closing the
filling valve between two metering processes renders it possible to
prevent dripping and/or afterflow and/or the formation of a thread
of the substance to be filled, in particular, between two metering
processes. Alternatively, there may be a return stroke of the
metering piston or the metering pistons of the metering apparatus,
at least between successive metering processes without a suction
process lying therebetween. A control unit may be provided for
actuating the return stroke. In this context, a "return stroke"
should be understood to mean a movement of the metering piston or
the metering pistons which brings about an increase in the
capacity. Preferably, the return stroke is less than 25%,
particularly preferably less than 10%, of a filling volume of a
metering process. The substance to be filled can be drawn back from
the filling cross section and/or from a filling opening in the
filling unit. Dripping or the formation of a thread of the
substance to be filled can be prevented between two metering
processes.
[0005] In an extended variant of the invention, a plurality of
filling units that are connected to at least one outlet cross
section of the metering apparatus and provided for simultaneously
filling a multiplicity of containers are proposed. A number of
containers that can be filled within a time period can be
increased. The metering apparatus can comprise a metering pump, the
outlet cross section of which is connected to a plurality of
filling units. Preferably, the metering apparatus can comprise a
plurality of metering pumps, particularly preferably one metering
pump per filling unit. Preferably, one filling unit is connected to
each outlet cross section of the metering apparatus. A metering
accuracy of the filling apparatus may be increased.
[0006] Preferably, the metering apparatus comprises at least one
changeover valve which is provided to selectively connect the at
least one metering swept volume with at least one inlet cross
section or at least one outlet cross section. One changeover valve
can be provided for a plurality of metering pumps. Preferably, each
metering pump has a changeover valve. Preferably, the switchover
valve is embodied as a rotary valve. The changeover valve can be
integrated particularly easily into the metering swept volume of a
metering pump.
[0007] It is proposed that the filling apparatus comprises a
control unit which is provided to actuate a sequence of work cycles
with, in each case, a suction process for filling the capacity and,
in each case, a multiplicity of metering processes following the
suction process. Preferably, the control unit is embodied, at least
in part, as an electric and/or electronic control unit. In
particular, the control unit is able to set the number of
admissible metering processes after a suction process, depending on
a ratio of the overall swept volume to the fill volume to be
dispensed within a metering process.
[0008] Further, a packaging machine for packaging liquid and/or
pasty substances, in particular a pouch machine, comprising at
least one filling apparatus according to the invention is proposed.
The packaging machine may be provided for filling bottles, vials,
cups, tins and/or similar containers. Preferably, the packaging
machine is provided for producing and filling tube pouches or stick
packs or sachets, such as e.g. three edge and/or four edge sealed
pouches. In this context, a "tube pouch" should be understood to
mean a pouch which is formed from a film web by forming a film tube
by folding about a longitudinal axis and sealing a longitudinal
seam, which is subsequently closed off and cut section by section
in each case by transverse seals. In this context, a "stick pack"
should be understood to mean, in particular, a tube pouch that has
been elongated in the direction of its longitudinal axis. In this
context, a "sachet" should be understood to mean, in particular, a
pouch which is formed by placing two film webs on one another and
subsequently applying four sealing seams along four edges, or a
pouch which is formed by folding a film web along one edge and
subsequently applying at least three sealing seams along at least
three edges. Such tube pouches, stick packs and sachets are known
to a person skilled in the art.
[0009] Preferably, the packaging machine comprises a control unit
which is provided to slow down a container advance, at least during
a suction process that follows a metering process. In this context,
a "container advance" should be understood to mean, in particular,
a rate at which the container to be filled is transported in a
filling region of the filling apparatus. The container advance may
be effectuated in a clocked manner, i.e. containers are transported
into the filling region, stopped, filled, and transported onward
after the filling within the scope of the discontinuous operation.
Preferably, the container advance can have a continuous embodiment.
In this context, a "continuous container advance" should be
understood to mean, in particular, that the container is
transported to the filling region, moved further during the filling
and transported away after the filling in a continuous movement. It
may be possible for the movement to be slowed down intermittently,
in particular during the filling, with changes in speed preferably
being effectuated in a continuous manner. In particular, the
container advance in the case of a pouch machine can be formed by a
film advance speed, by means of which one or more material webs are
transported in an advance direction along the filling region. In
this context, slowing down of the container advance "during a
suction process that follows a metering process" should be
understood to mean, in particular, that a clock time of the
discontinuous container advance is lengthened or an advance speed
of a continuous container advance is reduced, at least following a
metering process that is followed by a suction process. A period of
time between two metering processes that has been lengthened in
relation to directly successive metering processes by the suction
process can advantageously be compensated. The containers can
respectively be ready in the filling region at a metering time. The
container advance can be operated at a higher speed in the case of
directly following metering processes than in the case of metering
processes with a subsequent suction process. The performance of the
packaging machine may be increased.
[0010] It is proposed that the control unit of the packaging
machine is provided to initiate a start of a metering process
depending on a closing-off process of at least one container base
of the respective at least one container to be filled in the
metering process. In this context, a "closing-off process" of a
container base should be understood to mean, in particular, a
process in which a lower end of the container in the direction of
the gravitational force is closed in such a way that no more
substance filled therein emerges through the container base. In
particular, the closing-off process may consist of a transverse
sealing seam being applied to a film tube in order to form a
container. The container base may be closed as soon as the
transverse sealing seam is pressed together by the transverse
sealing jaws of the packaging machine. Advantageously, it is not
necessary, in particular, to wait until the completion of the
sealing process. Preferably, the metering process is started
immediately after closing the container base. Particularly
preferably, the metering process is started after a short time
interval after closing the container base. The time interval is
preferably selected in such a way that by the time at which filling
material reaches the region of the container base, the latter is
closed. The metering process can be started particularly early. The
period of time between filling a container and filling the next
container can be reduced further. The performance of the packaging
machine can be increased further.
[0011] Preferably, the control unit of the packaging machine is
provided to adapt at least one metering piston speed to a container
advance speed, at least during at least one metering process and/or
a plurality of metering processes. In this context, "metering
piston speed" should be understood to mean, in particular, a speed
at which the at least one metering piston of the metering apparatus
is moved during the metering in order to reduce the capacity.
Preferably, the metering piston speed can be synchronized to the
container advance speed and/or be proportional to the container
advance speed. The filling process can advantageously be adapted to
the container advance speed, for example a film speed. In
particular, the metering piston speed can be slowed down when the
container advance speed is slowed down. Likewise, the container
advance speed can be slowed down if there is a reduction in the
metering piston speed. In particular, the control unit of the
packaging machine may be provided to set a metering piston speed
that is as low as possible. In particular, the control unit can set
the metering piston speed dependent on a filling volume and/or
dependent on the container advance speed. Cavitation effects, which
may arise on account of high flow speeds of the substance to be
filled, can be reduced. The metering apparatus is able to use a
time window for filling that exists depending on the container
advance speed particularly well. Preferably, the packaging machine
and/or the control unit comprises measuring devices for capturing
the metering piston speed and/or the container advance speed. The
control unit can advantageously match the container advance speed
and/or the metering piston speed in a control loop with the aid of
the measured values. Alternatively, the control unit can control
the container advance speed and/or the metering piston speed. In
this case, a movement in the advance direction and/or a movement of
the at least one metering piston is advantageously driven with the
aid of step motors such that a defined control of the speeds is
possible.
[0012] Further, a method for filling at least one container with a
filling apparatus, is proposed, in which a plurality of metering
processes for filling at least one container follow at least one
suction process of a metering apparatus.
[0013] The filling apparatus according to the invention and/or the
packaging machine according to the invention should not, in this
case, be restricted to the above-described application and
embodiment. In particular, in order to fulfill a functionality
described herein, the filling apparatus according to the invention
and/or the packaging machine according to the invention can
comprise a number of individual elements, components and units that
deviates from the number specified herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Further advantages emerge from the following description of
the drawing. The drawing presents four exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The drawing, the description, and the claims contain
numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will
expediently also consider the features on their own and combine
these to form further meaningful combinations.
[0015] In the drawing:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a section of a
packaging machine comprising filling apparatuses according to the
invention,
[0017] FIGS. 2.I through 2.V show a schematic illustration of a
work cycle with a suction process and two metering processes
following the suction process,
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a metering pump of
one of the filling apparatuses from FIG. 1,
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a filling apparatus
in a second exemplary embodiment,
[0020] FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a filling apparatus
in a third exemplary embodiment, and
[0021] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a packaging machine
comprising filling apparatuses according to the invention in a
fourth exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a section of a
packaging machine 14a with filling apparatuses 10a according to the
invention for filling containers 12a with liquid and/or pasty
substances, respectively comprising a metering apparatus 26a having
a metering pump 16a comprising a respective metering swept volume
18a with a capacity 24a that is changeable by a metering piston 20a
in one piston stroke. The packaging machine 14a has a multi-web
embodiment, i.e. a plurality of webs of containers 12a are filled
next to one another in a width direction that is perpendicular to
the imaged plane of the drawing in FIG. 1, with each web having one
of the filling apparatuses 10a. FIG. 1 presents one of these webs
with a filling apparatus 10a. An overall swept volume 28a of a
metering apparatus 26a in each case corresponds to a multiple of a
fill volume to be dispensed to a container 12a in a metering
process. In the shown example, in which each metering apparatus 26a
has a metering pump 16a, the overall swept volume 28a corresponds
to the respective metering swept volume 18a of the respective
metering pump 16a. In the shown example, the overall swept volume
28a of a metering apparatus 26a is more than twice as large as the
fill volume to be dispensed to a container 12a in a metering
process in each case, and so two doses can be provided in each case
before the capacities 24a of the metering pumps 16a are filled
again in a suction process. Further, the metering apparatuses 26a
each have a filling unit 34a with a filling valve 36a, which
alternatively opens or closes off a filling cross section 38a of
the filling unit 34a. The filling valves 36a are respectively
embodied as needle valves having a valve cone, which is not
depicted in any more detail here and which opens or closes the
filling cross sections 38a that are respectively arranged at ends
of metering tubes 62a. Valve needles of the filling valves 36a that
are embodied as needle valves are driven by a valve drive 30a in
each case. The filling valves 36a therefore open and close the
filling cross sections 38a directly at the location of the
emergence of the substance to be filed from the filling unit 34a
into the container 12a to be filled. The metering pumps 16a of the
metering apparatuses 26a moreover respectively comprise a
changeover valve 40a (FIG. 3), which is provided to selectively
connect the metering swept volume 18a with an inlet cross section
42a or an outlet cross section 32a. The changeover valve 40a is
embodied as a rotary valve and driven by a valve drive 84a.
[0023] The packaging machine 14a is embodied as a sachet machine,
for producing containers 12a embodied as four edge sealed pouches
in this example. Two material webs 56a, which are only indicated
here, are deflected around sealing rollers 66a of a longitudinal
sealing unit 64a in the direction of gravity and transported
downward in an advance direction 58a. The longitudinal sealing unit
64a connects the two material webs 56a with two longitudinal
sealing seams that are parallel to the advance direction 58a and
are spaced apart by a pouch width in the width direction of the
packaging machine 14a, said longitudinal sealing seams restricting
a container volume of the respective container 12a. To this end,
the packaging machine 14a has a plurality of sealing rollers 66 in
the width direction, said sealing rollers 66, respectively in
pairs, being spaced apart by a pouch width and being driven
synchronously.
[0024] The continuous, i.e. ongoing, movement in the advance
direction 58a forms a continuous container advance 48a of the
packaging machine 14a. In the region of the longitudinal sealing
unit 64a, the metering tube 62a, with the filling cross section 38a
thereof, extends between the material webs 56a that form the
respective container 12a. A transverse sealing unit 68a is situated
below the longitudinal sealing unit 64a in the advance direction
58a. The transverse sealing unit 68a comprises two transverse
sealing jaws 70a that lie opposite one another in respect of the
material webs 56a and, in a direction perpendicular to the advance
direction 58a, are mounted in a manner drivable in the direction of
the material webs 56a. If the transverse sealing jaws 70a are
pressed against the material webs 56a, a transverse sealing seam
72a is formed under the action of pressure and heat, said
transverse sealing seam forming a container base 50a of the
respective container 12a. The transverse sealing unit 68a is
mounted in a movable manner in, and counter to, the advance
direction 58a and synchronously moved with the container 12a in the
advance direction 58a during the sealing, and it is moved back into
an initial position between the sealing processes in a movement
counter to the advance direction 58a. As a result, it is possible
to avoid a relative speed of the transverse sealing jaws 70a in
relation to the container 12a in the advance direction 58a and the
container advance 48a can be continuous. Situated below the
transverse sealing unit 68a in the advance direction 58a, there is
a separating unit 74a with two rotating transverse blades 76a,
which cut the individual containers 12a that, up until this point,
form a continuous container chain. Alternatively, it may also be
possible for the transverse blades 76a only to produce perforation
lines, at which the containers 12a can easily be separated from the
container chain by ripping when necessary.
[0025] The filling apparatuses 10a, the longitudinal sealing units
64a and the transverse sealing units 68a of the packaging machine
14a are driven synchronously. The filling apparatuses 10a each have
a reservoir 78a, which is connected via tubing to the inlet cross
section 42a of the respective metering pump 16a. The metering pumps
16a each comprise a pump drive 80a, which moves the metering piston
20a of the metering pump 16a. From the outlet cross section 32a of
the respective metering pump 16a, further tubing leads to the
respective metering tube 62a with the filling cross section 32a of
the respective filling unit 34a. The filling units 34a are mounted
in a displaceable manner in, and counter to, the displacement
direction 58a by way of the drive unit 82a. This allows a position
of the filling units 34a in relation to the size of the containers
12a to be filled to be set in an ideal fashion in the advance
direction 58a. It may likewise be possible for the filling units
34a to be driven during the metering process in the advance
direction 58a by way of the drive unit 82a. In particular, this can
ease the filling of the containers if these are not moving away
from the filling unit in the advance direction during the filling,
as is the case in the shown example.
[0026] The packaging machine 14a has a control unit 46a, which is
provided to slow down the container advance 48a during a suction
process that follows a metering process. In the shown example, the
control unit 46a of the packaging machine 14a likewise comprises
control units 44a of the filling apparatuses 10a. Deviating from
this, it is also possible for the control units 44a, 46a to have a
separate embodiment. The control units 44a are provided to actuate
a sequence of work cycles of the filling apparatuses 10a with, in
each case, a suction process for filling the overall swept volume
28a and, in each case, a plurality of metering processes that
follow the suction process. The control unit 46a is provided to
initiate a start of a metering process depending on a closing
process of the container bases 50a of the containers 12a
respectively to be filled in the metering process.
[0027] The control of the packaging machine 14a and of the filling
apparatuses 10a by way of the control unit 46a during a work cycle
is presented in FIG. 2:
[0028] FIG. 2.I plots the capacity 24a that is set by the piston
stroke between the values of "0" (minimum capacity 24a) and "1"
(maximum capacity 24a) along the time axis t. FIG. 2.II plots the
position of the changeover valve 40a between the positions of "E"
(connection between the metering swept volume 18a and the inlet
cross section 42a) and "A" (connection between the metering swept
volume 18a and the outlet cross section 32a) over the time axis t.
FIG. 2.III plots the position of the filling valve 36a between the
positions of "O" (open) and "G" (closed) over the time axis t. FIG.
2.IV plots a container advance speed 54a between the values of "S"
(fast) and "R" (reduced) over the time axis t. FIG. 2.V plots the
position of the transverse sealing jaws 70a of the transverse
sealing unit 68a between the positions of "O" (open) and "G"
(closed) over the time axis t.
[0029] Initially, the changeover valve 40a is put into the position
"E" (inlet cross section 42a) (FIG. 2.II).
[0030] At a time t.sub.1, at which the changeover valve 40a reaches
the position "E", the suction process starts by virtue of the
metering piston 20a being moved in a suction direction at a
metering piston speed 52a which is selected in such a way that the
capacity 24a increases (FIG. 2.I). At the same time, the container
advance speed 54a is reduced to the value "R".
[0031] At a time t.sub.2, at which the capacity 24a reaches the
value "1" and the overall swept volume 28a, or the metering swept
volume 18a, is filled completely, or alternatively with a set
intended amount, the movement of the metering piston 20a is
stopped, the container advance speed 54a starts to accelerate
toward the value "S", and the changeover valve 40a is moved in the
direction of the position "A" (outlet cross section 32a).
[0032] The first metering process starts at a time t.sub.3. At this
time, the filling valve 36a is in the position "O" (FIG. 2.III) and
the transverse sealing unit 68a is in the position "G" such that
the container base 50a of the container 12a to be filled is closed,
and the metering piston 20a is moved in a discharge direction with
the metering piston speed 52a, said discharge direction being
selected in such a way that the capacity 24a reduces. The movement
of the filling valve 36a into the position "O" and the movement of
the transverse sealing unit 68a into the position "G" already
starts at a time t.sub.3-, just before the time t.sub.3, in this
case. The lead time with which these movements are started depends
on a changeover time which is required to move the filling valve
36a from the position "A" into the position "E" and to move the
transverse sealing unit 68a from the position "O" into the position
"G".
[0033] At the time t.sub.4, at which the fill volume to be
dispensed to the container 12a has been reached, the movement of
the metering piston 20a is stopped and the filling valve 36a is
closed in the position "G". As an alternative to closing the
filling valve 36a, there may also be a return stroke of the
metering piston 20a in order to prevent dripping of the substance
to be filled into the containers. Here, closing the filling valve
36a is already started with a lead time before the time t.sub.4,
said lead time depending on the changeover time of the filling
valve 36a. At the time t.sub.4, the transverse sealing unit 68a is
already in the position "O" (open) again. The period of time during
which the transverse sealing unit 68a remains in the position "G"
between the time t.sub.3 and the time t.sub.4 depends on a sealing
time which is required to form the transverse sealing seam 72a.
[0034] A further metering process, which corresponds to the
metering process at the time t.sub.3, is carried out at the time
t.sub.5. The period of time after which the further metering
process is started after the completion of the preceding metering
process depends on the period of time which is required to bring,
with the container advance speed 54a, the next container 12a into a
position in which the metering process can be started.
[0035] The further metering process is completed at a time
t.sub.6.
[0036] After a short period of time that depends on the container
advance speed 54a, a suction cycle of the next work cycle starts at
a time t.sub.1'.
[0037] The control unit 46a is further provided to adapt the
metering piston speed 52a to the container advance speed 54a during
the metering processes. By way of example, if the container advance
speed 54a is reduced by an external intervention during the
metering process, the metering piston speed 52a is likewise reduced
in a correspondingly proportional manner. Likewise, the container
advance speed 54a is reduced if the metering piston speed 52a is
reduced during the metering process. Advantageously, the packaging
machine 14a may have an adjustable machine speed, with which a
user, or else an upstream and/or downstream process, can set the
number of containers 12a that should be filled within a time
interval. A change in this machine speed brings about a change in
the container advance speed 54a and hence in the metering piston
speed 52a. Moreover, the metering piston speed 52a is set by the
control unit 46a in such a way that a time window for filling the
respective container 12a can be used as completely as possible,
said time window being set with the container advance speed 54a. In
particular, this avoids unnecessarily high metering piston speeds
52a. In order to regulate the container advance speed 54a and the
metering piston speed 52a, the control unit 46a comprises measuring
devices for measuring the container advance speed 54a and the
metering piston speed 52a.
[0038] FIGS. 4 to 6 show three further exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The following description and the drawing are
substantially restricted to the differences between the exemplary
embodiments, wherein, in principle, reference can also be made to
the drawing and/or the description of the other exemplary
embodiments, in particular of FIGS. 1 to 3, in respect of
components with identical designation, in particular in respect of
components with the same reference sign. In order to differentiate
between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a follows the
reference sign of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3. In the
exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 6, the letter a has been
replaced by the letters b to d.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a filling apparatus
10b in a second exemplary embodiment. The filling apparatus 10b
differs from the filling apparatus 10a by virtue of, in particular,
a metering apparatus 26b comprising two metering pumps 16b and two
filling units 34b for filling a container 12b. An overall swept
volume 28b of the filling apparatus 10b is the sum of metering
swept volumes 18b of the metering pumps 16b. The metering pistons
20b of the metering pumps 16b, the changeover valves 40b of the
metering apparatus 26b, and filling valves 36b of the filling units
34b that are arranged at the filling cross sections 38b are
respectively actuated in a synchronized manner.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a filling apparatus
10c in a third exemplary embodiment. The filling apparatus 10c
differs from the filling apparatus 10a by virtue of, in particular,
a metering apparatus 26c having a metering pump 16c with an overall
swept volume 28c and a changeover valve 40c and two filling units
34c with filling cross sections 38c that are connected to an outlet
cross section 32c of the metering apparatus 26c of the filling
apparatus 10c, for the purposes of simultaneously filling two
containers 12c. The filling apparatus 10c can be particularly
cost-effective since only a small number of metering pumps 16c are
required.
[0041] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a packaging machine
14d comprising four filling apparatuses 10d according to the
invention for filling containers 12d with liquid and/or pasty
materials, each comprising a metering apparatus 26d in a fourth
exemplary embodiment having a metering pump 16d with respectively
one metering swept volume 18d that forms an overall swept volume
28d with a capacity 24d that is changeable by a metering piston 20d
in one piston stroke, and a changeover valve 40d. The packaging
machine 14d differs from the packaging machine 14a in that, in
particular, it is embodied as a four-web tube pouch machine, for
producing containers 12d embodied as so-called "stick packs" in
this example. A material web 56d that is only indicated here is
deflected into the direction of gravity, transported downward in an
advance direction 58d and cut in the advance direction 58d by three
separating blades that are not presented in any more detail here,
such that the material web 56d forms four partial webs of equal
width, which are each supplied to one of the filling apparatuses
10d. A movement in the advance direction 58d forms a container
advance 48d of the packaging machine 14d. A film tube 60d is formed
in each case from each partial web of the material web 56d. To this
end, the respective partial web of the material web 56d is folded
about a forming shoulder that is not presented here in any more
detail and about a metering tube 62d of the respective filling unit
34d. A longitudinal sealing unit 64d seals the two material plies,
which are lying on one another as a result of folding the partial
web of the material web 56d, under the application of pressure and
heat in order to form the film tube 60d. A transverse sealing unit
68d is situated below the longitudinal sealing unit 64d in the
advance direction 58d. During a sealing process, the transverse
sealing unit 68d respectively forms a transverse sealing seam 72d,
which forms a container base 50d of the respective container 12d.
The container advance 48d has a clocked embodiment, i.e. the
movement in the advance direction 58d is briefly stopped in each
case during the application of the transverse sealing seam 72d.
Here, the transverse sealing unit 68d simultaneously forms a
transverse sealing seam 72d that forms the container base 50d of
the respective container 12d to be filled, and a further transverse
sealing seam that seals the following container 12d in the advance
direction 58d. The transverse sealing unit 68d comprises transverse
blades that are not depicted in any more detail here and cause the
containers 12d respectively following in the advance direction 58d
to be separated from the film tube 60d when the transverse sealing
seams 72d are formed. The further functions of the packaging
machine 14d and of the filling apparatus 10d correspond to those of
the packaging machine 14a and the filling apparatus 10a of the
first exemplary embodiment.
* * * * *