BOTTLE FILLING ARRANGEMENT FOR FILLING BOTTLES AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS, SUCH AS GLASS BOTTLES, WITH A BEVERAGE, AND A METHOD OF OPERATING A BOTTLE FILLING ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A bottle filling arrangement for filling bottles and similar containers, such as glass bottles, with a beverage, and a method of operating a bottle filling arrangement.

Claims

1. A container filling arrangement for filling beverage bottles or similar containers with a liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material, the container filling arrangement comprising: a rotor being rotatable about a vertical machine axis; a reservoir being configured and disposed to store a supply of liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material; filling devices being disposed about the circumference of said rotor; said filling devices being operatively connected to said reservoir to permit dispensing of liquid filling material by said filling devices; spray nozzle units being configured and disposed to spray said filling devices in a filling device treatment; each of said spray nozzle units being mounted adjacent and to rotate with a corresponding filling device; each of said spray nozzle units comprising a nozzle opening being disposed to face towards its corresponding filling device; said spray nozzle units comprising valves configured to be opened and closed to start and stop spraying of said filling devices; and a control arrangement being operatively connected to said valves to individually control the opening and closing of said valves.

2. The container filling arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: said filling arrangement comprises a vertical machine axis about which said rotor is disposed to rotate; said spray nozzle units are disposed closer to said vertical machine axis, along a substantially radial direction with respect to said vertical machine axis, than their corresponding filling devices; said nozzle openings are disposed to face away from said vertical machine axis and toward an inner portion of each of their corresponding filling devices to permit said spray nozzle units to emit a spray jet toward said inner portions.

3. The container filling arrangement according to claim 2, wherein: each of said filling devices comprises at least one filling pipe; said spray nozzle units comprise filling pipe spray nozzle units configured and disposed to spray their corresponding filling pipes; and each of said nozzle openings of said filling pipe spray nozzle units is disposed at a vertical position with respect to the horizontal having a similar height as a vertical position of its corresponding filling pipe.

4. The container filling arrangement according to claim 3, wherein said reservoir comprises one of (A) or (B): (A) a ring tank disposed at said rotor and configured to rotate with said rotor, wherein said filling elements are connected to and supported by said ring tank; or (B) a stationary central container; and a pipe ring tank operatively connected to said stationary central container, wherein said pipe ring tank is disposed at said rotor and configured to rotate with said rotor, and wherein said filling elements are connected to and supported by said ring tank.

5. The container filling arrangement according to claim 4, wherein: the container filling arrangement further comprises at least one ring line disposed in an interior space within said rotor; said at least one ring line is attached to an inner side of said rotor and is configured and disposed to rotate with said rotor; and said at least one ring line is operatively connected to said spray nozzle units to supply said spray nozzle units with a spray medium.

6. The container filling arrangement according to claim 5, wherein: the container filling arrangement further comprises a wall disposed to concentrically surround said vertical machine axis and said interior space of said rotor; and said wall is disposed closer to said vertical machine axis, along a substantially radial direction, than said filling devices, such that said filling devices are disposed in an outer area outside of said interior space.

7. The container filling arrangement according to claim 6, wherein said spray nozzle units are disposed at or on said wall such that said nozzle openings are disposed on an outer side of said wall facing towards said outer area.

8. The container filling arrangement according to claim 7, wherein each of said spray nozzle units comprises a spray nozzle unit body that is either: mounted completely on the outer side of said wall; or mounted in said wall, such that an inner portion of said spray nozzle unit body is disposed in said interior space within said wall and an outer portion of said spray nozzle unit body is disposed in said outer area outside of said wall.

9. The container filling arrangement according to claim 8, wherein: said spray nozzle units comprise spray nozzle unit groups comprising at least two spray nozzle units; each of said spray nozzle unit groups is disposed at and configured to spray one corresponding filling device; and each of said spray nozzle units in said spray nozzle unit groups comprise one of: an individually-controlled spray nozzle unit configured to be activated at different times or at the same time; and a group-controlled spray nozzle unit configured to be activated only at the same time as all other spray nozzle units in said spray nozzle group.

10. The container filling arrangement according to claim 9, wherein said valves comprise pneumatically-controlled valves.

11. The container filling arrangement according to claim 10, wherein: each of said filling devices comprises a pressure sensor; said pressure sensors are configured and disposed to measure pressure in containers handled by said filling devices; and said pressure sensors are operatively connected to said control arrangement.

12. The container filling arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the container filling arrangement comprises additional spray nozzle units disposed outside of said filling devices and configured to spray inwardly toward said vertical machine axis.

13. The container filling arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: each of said filling devices comprises a pressure sensor; said pressure sensors are configured and disposed to measure pressure in containers handled by said filling devices; and said pressure sensors are operatively connected to said control arrangement.

14. The container filling arrangement according to claim 13, wherein: said pressure sensors are operatively connected to said control arrangement; said control arrangement is configured, upon detection of a sudden drop in pressure from an expected pressure inside a glass beverage bottle or similar container corresponding to a breakage of the glass beverage bottle or similar container, to determine a contaminated condition of said corresponding filling device, in which said corresponding filling device is contaminated by at least one of: glass splinters, glass shards, and liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material; and said control arrangement is configured to individually activate at least one spray nozzle unit disposed at said contaminated filling device to spray said contaminated filling device with spray medium to remove at least one of: glass splinters, glass shards, and liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material from said contaminated filling device.

15. The container filling arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the container filling arrangement comprises separation plates disposed between adjacent filling devices to minimize contamination of filling devices by glass shards or splinters generated by a breakage of a glass beverage bottle or similar container at an adjacent filling device.

16. The container filling arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the container filling arrangement comprises separation plates disposed between adjacent filling devices to minimize contamination of filling devices by glass shards or splinters generated by a breakage of a glass beverage bottle or similar container at an adjacent filling device.

17. A method of filling beverage bottles or similar containers with a liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material using a container filling arrangement comprising: a rotor being rotatable about a vertical machine axis; a reservoir to store a supply of liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material; filling devices disposed about the circumference of said rotor and operatively connected to said reservoir to permit dispensing of liquid filling material by said filling devices; spray nozzle units mounted at and to rotate with a corresponding filling device; said method comprising the steps of: filling beverage bottles or similar containers with a liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material while said filling devices are rotated by said rotor; and upon one of said filling devices being in a contaminated condition: individually activating at least one spray nozzle unit disposed at said contaminated filling device by opening a controllable valve of said at least one spray nozzle unit; emitting a spray jet directed onto at least one section of said contaminated filling device; and continuing spraying said contaminated filling device until the contaminated condition is treated.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said method further comprises detecting, using a control arrangement, a contaminated condition of one of said filling devices.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said step of detecting comprises: monitoring and measuring, using a pressure sensor disposed at a corresponding filling device, the pressure inside a glass beverage bottle or similar container being handled by said corresponding filling device; detecting a sudden drop in pressure from an expected pressure inside a glass beverage bottle or similar container corresponding to a breakage of the glass beverage bottle or similar container; and determining, based on said sudden drop in pressure, a contaminated condition of said corresponding filling device in which said corresponding filling device is contaminated by at least one of: glass splinters, glass shards, and liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said method further comprises spraying at least one other filling device disposed adjacent said contaminated filling device, which said at least one other filling device is potentially contaminated by the breakage of the glass beverage bottle or similar container at said contaminated filling device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the filling arrangement according to at least one possible exemplary embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the filling arrangement as viewed from above;

[0048] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a section of the filling arrangement shown in FIG. 2;

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a schematic circuit diagram for a control arrangement according to at least one possible exemplary embodiment; and

[0050] FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a filling arrangement as viewed from above according to at least one possible exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] FIG. 1 shows in a schematic vertical section representation a section or part area of an embodiment of an apparatus 1, configured as a circular runner machine for the filling of containers with liquid filling product.

[0052] The filling apparatus 1, which in the present case is also designated as a filling machine or circular runner filling machine, comprises a rotor 2, which can be driven or is driven such as to rotate about a vertical machine axis MA. The rotor 2 can, for example, supported in a height-adjustable manner on the upper side of a carrier, which is not explicitly shown in the figures, wherein the carrier is mounted on a fixed-position stand and can be rotated about the machine axis MA, such as by being installed on a clewing ring.

[0053] Arranged at the rotor 2, and rotating together with the rotor 2, is a filling product reservoir 5 for the liquid filling product, configured as a ring tank. According to the example represented, the ring tank 5 carries the plurality of filling elements 3 also provided and distributed over the circumference, wherein the filling elements 3 are secured at the circumference of the ring tank 5 on its outside, located radially outwards. For this purpose, the filling elements 3 are connected, for example via an upper carrier section, to the ring tank 5, such that a lower section of the filling elements 3, comprising a dispensing opening, points freely downwards. The lower section in the present case is also understood to be a filling end or filling section.

[0054] A container carrier is assigned to each filling element 3 extending along a filling element axis FA, which container carrier circulates with the filling element and can be moved in a lifting movement in the vertical direction, and which together with the filling element 3 forms a filling point or filling position FP. The container carrier comprises, in this situation, a carrier plate 12, which is arranged beneath the filling element 3, and, in this situation, is aligned concentrically to the filling element axis FA. With the filling machine 1, it is possible, for example, for 132 filling positions FP to be arranged distributed uniformly over the entire circumference of the rotor 2, wherein the sequentially numbered filling positions FP, beginning with filling position 1 to filling position 132, describe a full circle of 360 degrees. From the view from above represented in FIG. 2, the arrangement of the filling elements 3 goes in front of the ring tank 5, wherein in FIG. 2, for reasons of easier overview, only 48 filling elements 3 are represented, distributed around the ring tank 5. It is of course understood that this representation is not limiting.

[0055] Arranged between the filling elements 3 of the plurality of filling positions FP are flat separation plates 4 (not identifiable in FIG. 1, see FIGS. 2 and 3), which extend in a radial orientation and, to a certain degree, screen the individual filling positions FP against one another. For example, in this situation, the risk can also be reduced that, in the event of a glass breakage incident at a particular filling position FP, such as, for example, at filling position FP number eleven, the glass shards and splinters incurred might be transferred to the adjacent filling positions FP, such as, for example, filling positions FP numbers ten and twelve, and there might pass to the filling elements 3.

[0056] The filling elements 3 of the exemplary embodiment represented are configured as being of multiple parts, and comprise at least one filling pipe 7, extending longitudinally in the axial direction of the filling element axis FA, as well as other components, not designated in greater detail in the Figures, such as, for example, a filling level probe, return gas pipe, filling valve, or centering tulip element or sealing ring or centering bell. The filling elements 3 are controlled by means of a central control device.

[0057] Formed at the rotor 2 of the present filling machine 1 is a free interior space 9, which is located opposite an outer area 11. A delimitation of the interior space 3 and the outer area 11, in the embodiment variant of the filling machine 1 represented, is further supported by a cylindrical or curved protection wall 8, provided at the rotor 2 and circulating concentrically about the machine axis MA, which separates the free interior space 9 from the outer area 11, wherein the filling elements 3 are arranged in the outer area 11. The protection wall 8 also can prevent or minimize glass shards or splinters from bottles breaking at the filling positions FP from passing into the interior space 9 of the rotor 2, and therefore into the filling machine 1. Additionally, the protection wall 8 screens or protects constituent parts or components arranged in the interior space 9 against liquids, contaminants, and pieces of broken glass. For example, in this way sensitive constituent parts or components, such as circuits, control devices, electrical supply leads or the like, can be protected by being located in the interior space 9.

[0058] The filling machine 1 further comprises a plurality of spray nozzle units 6, 6′, which can be subjected to a spray medium and circulate together with the rotor 2, for the spraying and cleaning of at least one section of the filling elements 3. At least one spray nozzle unit 6 is permanently assigned to each filling element 3, and a respective nozzle opening 6a of each spray nozzle unit 6, 6′, faces towards the assigned filling element 3. In the example represented, two spray nozzle units 6, 6′, are permanently assigned to each filling element 3, arranged above one another in a vertical direction and mounted so as to circulate together with the filling element 3, and specifically in direct spatial proximity to the filling elements 3.

[0059] The spray nozzle units 6, 6′, are arranged located radially inwards in relation to the machine axis MA and relative to the filling elements 3, such that the nozzle openings 6a of each spray nozzle unit 6, 6′ face towards an inner side IS of the respective assigned filling elements 3, pointing in the direction of the vertical machine axis MA. A spray jet emitted by the spray nozzle unit 6, 6′, in this situation, is directed away from the vertical machine axis MA outwards and towards the inner side IS of the filling end or filling section of the assigned filling element 3. In the context of this application, phrases such as “radially outwards” and “radially inwards,” or terms such as “outside” and “inside” or “outer” and “inner,” should be understood as referring to the relative positioning of components of the filling machine 1 as viewed from above, similar to the view in FIG. 2, with respect to the rotational machine axis MA of the filling machine 1. For example, in FIG. 2, the filling elements 3 are considered radially outside the reservoir 5 by being positioned further away from the machine axis MA, as viewed from above in a radial direction.

[0060] The spray nozzle elements 6, 6′ of the example represented are provided at the rotor 2 in such a way that, of the two spray nozzle units 6, 6′ provided in each case per filling element 3, one each is arranged at the same vertical height as a section of the filling pipe 7, and the other is arranged lying somewhat higher, for example, at approximately the height of the centering tulip element or of the return gas pipe. By the initiation of a spraying procedure by both of the spray nozzle units 6 assigned to a filling element 3, a corresponding filling element 3 can therefore be effectively sprayed off and cleaned, such as on several sections.

[0061] The spray nozzle units 6, 6′ are arranged in such a way that the spray jets emitted by them at least wet, or possibly effectively spray off, the filling pipe 7 and/or the filling level probe and/or the return gas pipe and/or the centering tulip element and/or the dispensing opening of the filling element 3 and/or the run-out area of the filling element 3 surrounding the dispensing opening, and/or the separation plates 4 screening the filling element 3 at the sides.

[0062] In the possible embodiment variant represented, the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ are provided in the area of the protection wall 8, wherein the nozzle openings 6a are arranged on an outer side of the protection wall 8 facing towards the outer area 11. For this purpose, for example, corresponding passage openings or cut-out openings are provided in the protection wall 8, in which a respective nozzle body of the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ is received, in such a way that the nozzle body projects through the protection wall 8 and extends through it, wherein the nozzle body extends from an inner side of the protection wall 8, facing towards the interior space 9, as far as the outer area 11, where the nozzle opening 6a is effectively arranged.

[0063] Provided in the interior 9 of the rotor 2 is a ring line 10, secured to an inner side of the rotor and moved so as to circulate with the rotor 2, for supplying the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ with spray medium. In this situation, the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ are connected by suitable connection elements to the ring line 10. The ring line 10 itself is fed, for example, by way of a pressure line with a rotary distributor, not visible from the figures but in fluid connection with the ring line 10. In at least one possible exemplary embodiment, liquid medium subjected to pressure, i.e., pressurized liquid medium, such as hot or cold water or cleaning medium, is used as the spray medium, which is guided via a pressure line with a rotary distributor into the interior space 9 of the rotor 2 of the filling machine 1, and there is introduced accordingly into the ring line 10 connected to the pressure line.

[0064] The spray nozzle unit 6, 6′ are individually controllable or can be switched in a controlled manner. For this purpose, a control unit 14 (not designated in FIG. 1, see FIG. 3) is provided which is in communicating connection with the spray nozzle units 6, 6′, and the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ are equipped with suitable controllable valves 13, which are arranged together protected in the interior space 9. The controllable valves 13 can be configured in the form of pneumatically controlled media valves, although electrically controlled valves are also possible. In this situation, each spray nozzle unit 6, 6′ can be individually controlled, wherein several spray nozzle units 6, 6′ can be switched simultaneously, such that a spray procedure can be initiated with several spray nozzle units 6, 6′, which are provided assembled in any desired groups to suit the requirements. In the present case, this is of the same significance as the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ can be switched individually and at will, as well as in groups. In other words, the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ can be configured as individually-controllable units, any number of which can be activated at any time to provide individual spraying or spraying as a group, or they can be configured as groups of units that are always activated together, such as, for example, two or three or more spray nozzle units 6, 6′ located at and assigned to a filling element 3, wherein the groups of spray nozzle units 6, 6′ can be activated separately as needed.

[0065] Due to the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ being controllable and switchable at will and independently, in the event of a glass breakage incident occurring at a filling position, such as, for example, filling position eleven, both the filling element 3 at this filling position that is affected will be sprayed and cleaned, as well as, simultaneously, for the purpose of safety, also the adjacent filling positions FP ten and twelve, and possibly additionally the filling positions FP nine and thirteen, or possibly others, are likewise sprayed and cleaned. In other words, it is possible to spray and clean not only the components of the filling position FP where the breakage actually occurred, but any number of adjacent filling positions that could possibly be contaminated by contaminants, such as glass shards or splinters or splashed liquid filling material.

[0066] The spray nozzle units 6, 6′ can in this situation also be switched on at intervals. In as much as several spray nozzle units 6, 6′ arranged vertically above one another are assigned to one specific filling element 3, such as in the example represented in FIG. 1, it is possible in the first instance for the uppermost spray nozzle unit 6 to be actuated in order to initiate a sequence of spray jets at a predetermined interval of time. The spray nozzle units 6′ arranged beneath can, for example, likewise be actuated at intervals, but temporally offset in relation to the uppermost spray nozzle unit 6, such that the filling element 3 is thereby sprayed successively from top to bottom, possibly with several spray pulses. In other words, the timing of activation of each spray nozzle unit 6, 6′ can be staggered or occur at intervals.

[0067] FIGS. 2 and 3 once again clarify the arrangement of the filling elements 3, the protection wall 8, and the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ at the rotor 2, and specifically relative to one another and relative to the machine axis MA. Starting from the machine axis MA, the filling elements 3 are arranged located on the outside in the outer area 11, wherein the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ (omitted in FIG. 2 for reasons of easier overview), which are provided, in accordance with the example represented, arranged in the area of the protection wall 8 and radially inside the filling elements 3. The nozzle openings 6a of the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ face towards the inner side IS of the filling elements 3.

[0068] FIG. 4 shows a schematic circuit diagram for a control arrangement in an exemplary embodiment of the present filling machine 1, wherein, with the exemplary embodiment, each filling element 3 is additionally equipped with a pressure sensor 16 for measuring the pressure prevailing in the container. The pressure sensor 16 is in communicating connection with the control unit 14 for the controlling of the valves 13 of the spray nozzle units 6, 6′, and permanently or continuously measures the pressure prevailing in the container which is to be filled. In the embodiment represented, the control unit 14 for the controlling of the valves 13 is configured as an integral part of a central electronic control device 15, at which the corresponding measurement data from the pressure sensors 16 is transferred, and which controls the filling elements 3 and, respectively, the dispensing of the liquid filling product by the filling elements 3 into the containers. Each pressure sensor 16 communicates, via this central electronic control device 15, with the control unit 14 for the controlling of the valves 13, which issues control signals for the switching of the controllable valves 13 of the spray nozzle units 6, 6′, and specifically by drawing on the measurement data from the pressure sensors 16 and, respectively, on the evaluation data processed from this measurement data accordingly in an evaluation unit of the central electronic control device 15.

[0069] As soon as a pressure sensor 16 measures a sudden pressure drop at a filling position FP affected, which occurs, for example, due to a glass breakage, this measurement data is used in order immediately to switch, in a controlled manner via the control unit 14, at least the controllable valve 13 of the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ assigned to the filling element 3 of the affected filling position FP, namely to open it, in order for the affected filling element 3 to be sprayed or flushed. In accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the control unit 14, it is possible for the control unit 14 to simultaneously open, in a controlled manner, at least the controllable valves 13 of the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ of the filling elements 3 adjacent to the affected filling element 3.

[0070] In accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, at least one stationary spray nozzle unit 18 can be placed in a fixed position in the outer area 11. The spray nozzle unit 18 is arranged radially outside the filling elements 3, that is, as viewed from the vertical machine axis MA, the spray nozzle unit 18 is further away from the vertical machine axis MA than the filling elements. The spray nozzle unit 18 does not rotate with the filling elements 3, but rather sprays from the position in which it is located to provide additional cleaning of the filling elements 3.

[0071] The following is at least a partial list of components shown in the figures and their related reference numerals: apparatus for the filling of containers 1; rotor 2; filling element 3; separation plates 4; filling product reservoir 5; spray nozzle unit 6, 6′; nozzle opening 6a; filling pipe 7; protection wall 8; interior space 9; ring line 10; outer area 11; carrier plate 12; controllable valves 13; control unit 14; central control device 15; pressure sensor 16; filling element axis FA; filling position FP; inner side of the filling elements IS; and machine axis MA.

[0072] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to an apparatus 1 for the filling of containers with a liquid filling product, comprising a rotor 2 driven such as to rotate about a vertical machine axis MA, with a plurality of filling elements 3 provided and arranged distributed over the circumference of the rotor 2, which are connected to a filling product reservoir 5 provided for the liquid filling product, wherein a plurality of spray nozzle units 6, 6′ are provided, which can be subjected to a spray medium and move circulating with the rotor 2, wherein at least one spray nozzle element 6 is permanently assigned to each filling element 3 and rotates with it, and wherein a nozzle opening 6a of the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ faces towards the respective assigned filling element 3, wherein the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ are individually controllable, wherein, for this purpose, the spray nozzle units 6 are equipped with suitable controllable valves 13, and, further, a control unit 14 is provided, which is in communicating connection with the spray nozzle units 6, 6′.

[0073] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus 1 for the filling of containers with a liquid filling product, wherein the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ are arranged lying radially internally in relation to the machine axis MA and relative to the respective assigned filling elements 3, wherein the nozzle opening 6a of each spray nozzle unit 6, 6′ faces towards an inner side IS of the assigned filling element 3, pointing in the direction of vertical machine axis MA, and a spray jet emitted by the spray nozzle unit 6,6′ is directed away from the vertical machine axis MA outwards and towards the inner side IS of the assigned filling element 3.

[0074] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus 1 for the filling of containers with a liquid filling product, wherein each filling element 3 is formed from several filling element components, and comprises at least one filling pipe 7, wherein the at least one spray nozzle unit 6 assigned to the filling element 3 is provided at the rotor 2 in such a way that the nozzle opening 6a of the spray nozzle unit 6, 6′ is arranged with at least one section of the filling pipe 7 at the same vertical height.

[0075] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus 1 for the filling of containers with a liquid filling product, wherein the filling product reservoir 5 is formed by a ring tank arranged at the rotor 2 and rotating with this rotor 2 and carrying the filling elements 3, or that the filling product reservoir 5 is formed by a stationary central container and a pipe ring tank arranged at the rotor 2 and rotating with this rotor, wherein the filling elements 3 are carried at the rotor 2.

[0076] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus 1 for the filling of containers with a liquid filling product, wherein in a free interior space 9 of the rotor 2 at least one ring line 10 is provided, secured to an inner side of the rotor and moves with the rotor 2 so as to circulate, for supplying the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ with spray medium, wherein the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ are connected to the ring line 10 by suitable connection elements.

[0077] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus 1 for the filling of containers with a liquid filling product, wherein a protection wall 8 is provided, concentrically surrounding the vertical machine axis MA, which is arranged radially inside the filling elements 3 and delimits the free interior space 9 of the rotor 2 against an outer area 11, wherein the filling elements 3 are arranged in the outer area 11.

[0078] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus 1 for the filling of containers with a liquid filling product, wherein the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ are provided in the area of the protection wall 8, wherein the nozzle openings 6a of the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ are arranged on an outer side of the protection wall 8 facing towards the outer area 11.

[0079] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus 1 for the filling of containers with a liquid filling product, wherein a respective nozzle body of the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ is received in corresponding cut-out openings provided in the protection wall 8, and project through the protection wall 8, wherein the nozzle body extends at least from an inner side of the protection wall 8 facing towards the interior space 9 as far as into the outer area 11.

[0080] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus 1 for the filling of containers with a liquid filling product, wherein two or more spray nozzle units 6, 6′ are permanently assigned to each filling element 3, wherein the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ assigned to a respective filling element 3 can be controlled individually and/or together in predetermined groups.

[0081] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus 1 for the filling of containers with a liquid filling product, wherein the controllable valve 13 is a pneumatically controlled media valve.

[0082] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus 1 for the filling of containers with a liquid filling product, wherein each filling element 3 is equipped with a pressure sensor 16 for the measurement of the pressure prevailing in the container, wherein the pressure sensor 16 is in communicating connection with the control unit 14.

[0083] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the apparatus 1 for the filling of containers with a liquid filling product, wherein, in addition to the spray nozzle units 6, 6′ arranged radially inside the filling elements 3, further spray nozzle units, which are arranged radially outside the filling elements 3 and of which the spray jet is directed inwards in the direction onto the vertical machine axis MA.

[0084] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to a method for filling containers with a liquid filling product using an apparatus for filling containers, wherein the apparatus comprises a rotor 2 which can be driven such as to rotate about a vertical machine axis MA, with a plurality of filling elements 3 arranged distributed over the circumference of the rotor 2, which are connected to a filling product reservoir 5 provided for the liquid filling product, wherein, with the apparatus, permanently assigned to each filling element 3 is at least one controllable spray nozzle unit 6 which can be subjected to a spray medium and moves with the rotor 2 in a circulating manner, wherein, with the method, if the need arises, a spray procedure can be initiated and carried out for spraying at least one section of at least one specific filling element 3, wherein, for this purpose, at least the at least one spray nozzle unit 6 assigned to this filling element 3 is individually actuated by a control unit 14 provided, wherein a controllable valve 13 of the spray nozzle unit 6 is opened and a spray jet emitted by the spray nozzle unit 6 is directed onto at least one section of the filling element 3.

[0085] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the method for filling containers with a liquid filling product using an apparatus for filling containers, wherein a spray procedure for the spraying of at least one section of at least one specific filling element 3 is initiated and carried out as a reaction to a glass breakage incident at a corresponding filling position FP, wherein, by a pressure sensor 16 provided at the filling element 3 for the measuring of a container internal pressure, a sudden pressure drop occurring with the glass breakage incident is measured, and whereby, as a dependency of corresponding measurement date and evaluation data of such a measured pressure drop, by the control unit 14 at least the spray nozzle unit 6 assigned to the filling element 3 at the corresponding filling position FP is actuated, in order to initiate a spraying procedure.

[0086] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the method for filling containers with a liquid filling product using an apparatus for filling containers, wherein, as a reaction to a glass breakage incident at a corresponding filling position FP a plurality of spray nozzle units 6 are actuated, in order to initiate a spraying procedure at several of the filling positions FP upstream and/or downstream of the corresponding filling position FP.

[0087] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to a container filling arrangement for filling beverage bottles or similar containers with a liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material, the container filling arrangement comprising: a rotor being rotatable about a vertical machine axis; a reservoir being configured and disposed to store a supply of liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material; filling devices being disposed about the circumference of said rotor; said filling devices being operatively connected to said reservoir to permit dispensing of liquid filling material by said filling devices; spray nozzle units being configured and disposed to spray said filling devices in a filling device treatment; each of said spray nozzle units being mounted adjacent and to rotate with a corresponding filling device; each of said spray nozzle units comprising a nozzle opening being disposed to face towards its corresponding filling device; said spray nozzle units comprising valves configured to be opened and closed to start and stop spraying of said filling devices; and a control arrangement being operatively connected to said valves to individually control the opening and closing of said valves.

[0088] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein: said filling arrangement comprises a vertical machine axis about which said rotor is disposed to rotate; said spray nozzle units are disposed closer to said vertical machine axis, along a substantially radial direction with respect to said vertical machine axis, than their corresponding filling devices; said nozzle openings are disposed to face away from said vertical machine axis and toward an inner portion of each of their corresponding filling devices to permit said spray nozzle units to emit a spray jet toward said inner portions.

[0089] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein: each of said filling devices comprises at least one filling pipe; said spray nozzle units comprise filling pipe spray nozzle units configured and disposed to spray their corresponding filling pipes; and each of said nozzle openings of said filling pipe spray nozzle units is disposed at a vertical position with respect to the horizontal having a similar height as a vertical position of its corresponding filling pipe.

[0090] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein said reservoir comprises one of (A) or (B): (A) a ring tank disposed at said rotor and configured to rotate with said rotor, wherein said filling elements are connected to and supported by said ring tank; or (B) a stationary central container; and a pipe ring tank operatively connected to said stationary central container, wherein said pipe ring tank is disposed at said rotor and configured to rotate with said rotor, and wherein said filling elements are connected to and supported by said ring tank.

[0091] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein: the container filling arrangement further comprises at least one ring line disposed in an interior space within said rotor; said at least one ring line is attached to an inner side of said rotor and is configured and disposed to rotate with said rotor; and said at least one ring line is operatively connected to said spray nozzle units to supply said spray nozzle units with a spray medium.

[0092] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein: the container filling arrangement further comprises a wall disposed to concentrically surround said vertical machine axis and said interior space of said rotor; and said wall is disposed closer to said vertical machine axis, along a substantially radial direction, than said filling devices, such that said filling devices are disposed in an outer area outside of said interior space.

[0093] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein said spray nozzle units are disposed at or on said wall such that said nozzle openings are disposed on an outer side of said wall facing towards said outer area.

[0094] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein each of said spray nozzle units comprises a spray nozzle unit body that is either: mounted completely on the outer side of said wall; or mounted in said wall, such that an inner portion of said spray nozzle unit body is disposed in said interior space within said wall and an outer portion of said spray nozzle unit body is disposed in said outer area outside of said wall.

[0095] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein: said spray nozzle units comprise spray nozzle unit groups comprising at least two spray nozzle units; each of said spray nozzle unit groups is disposed at and configured to spray one corresponding filling device; and each of said spray nozzle units in said spray nozzle unit groups comprise one of: an individually-controlled spray nozzle unit configured to be activated at different times or at the same time; and a group-controlled spray nozzle unit configured to be activated only at the same time as all other spray nozzle units in said spray nozzle group.

[0096] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein said valves comprise pneumatically-controlled valves.

[0097] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein: each of said filling devices comprises a pressure sensor; said pressure sensors are configured and disposed to measure pressure in containers handled by said filling devices; and said pressure sensors are operatively connected to said control arrangement.

[0098] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein the container filling arrangement comprises additional spray nozzle units disposed outside of said filling devices and configured to spray inwardly toward said vertical machine axis.

[0099] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein: each of said filling devices comprises a pressure sensor; said pressure sensors are configured and disposed to measure pressure in containers handled by said filling devices; and said pressure sensors are operatively connected to said control arrangement.

[0100] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein: said pressure sensors are operatively connected to said control arrangement; said control arrangement is configured, upon detection of a sudden drop in pressure from an expected pressure inside a glass beverage bottle or similar container corresponding to a breakage of the glass beverage bottle or similar container, to determine a contaminated condition of said corresponding filling device, in which said corresponding filling device is contaminated by at least one of: glass splinters, glass shards, and liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material; and said control arrangement is configured to individually activate at least one spray nozzle unit disposed at said contaminated filling device to spray said contaminated filling device with spray medium to remove at least one of: glass splinters, glass shards, and liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material from said contaminated filling device.

[0101] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein the container filling arrangement comprises separation plates disposed between adjacent filling devices to minimize contamination of filling devices by glass shards or splinters generated by a breakage of a glass beverage bottle or similar container at an adjacent filling device.

[0102] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the container filling arrangement, wherein the container filling arrangement comprises separation plates disposed between adjacent filling devices to minimize contamination of filling devices by glass shards or splinters generated by a breakage of a glass beverage bottle or similar container at an adjacent filling device.

[0103] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to a method of filling beverage bottles or similar containers with a liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material using a container filling arrangement comprising: a rotor being rotatable about a vertical machine axis; a reservoir to store a supply of liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material; filling devices disposed about the circumference of said rotor and operatively connected to said reservoir to permit dispensing of liquid filling material by said filling devices; spray nozzle units mounted at and to rotate with a corresponding filling device; said method comprising the steps of: filling beverage bottles or similar containers with a liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material while said filling devices are rotated by said rotor; and upon one of said filling devices being in a contaminated condition: individually activating at least one spray nozzle unit disposed at said contaminated filling device by opening a controllable valve of said at least one spray nozzle unit; emitting a spray jet directed onto at least one section of said contaminated filling device; and continuing spraying said contaminated filling device until the contaminated condition is treated.

[0104] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the method, wherein said method further comprises detecting, using a control arrangement, a contaminated condition of one of said filling devices.

[0105] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the method, wherein said step of detecting comprises: monitoring and measuring, using a pressure sensor disposed at a corresponding filling device, the pressure inside a glass beverage bottle or similar container being handled by said corresponding filling device; detecting a sudden drop in pressure from an expected pressure inside a glass beverage bottle or similar container corresponding to a breakage of the glass beverage bottle or similar container; and determining, based on said sudden drop in pressure, a contaminated condition of said corresponding filling device in which said corresponding filling device is contaminated by at least one of: glass splinters, glass shards, and liquid beverage or similar liquid filling material.

[0106] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the method, wherein said method further comprises spraying at least one other filling device disposed adjacent said contaminated filling device, which said at least one other filling device is potentially contaminated by the breakage of the glass beverage bottle or similar container at said contaminated filling device.

[0107] Any numerical values disclosed herein, if any, should be understood as disclosing all approximate values within plus or minus ten percent of the numerical value. Any ranges of numerical values disclosed herein, if any, should be understood as disclosing all individual values within the range of values, including whole numbers, tenths of numbers, or hundredths of numbers.

[0108] The entirety of the appended drawings, including all dimensions, proportions, and/or shapes disclosed thereby or reasonably understood therefrom, are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0109] All of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

[0110] The corresponding foreign or international patent applications, as originally filed and as published, from which the present application claims the benefit of priority, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein, as follows: PCT/DE2020/100215; WO2020211895; and DE102019110012.7.

[0111] The following patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited in the corresponding foreign or international patent applications listed in the preceding paragraph are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein, as follows: DE102014103504A1; EP0615947A1; DE2739742A1; DE102011008878A1; and DE4331745.

[0112] Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration of any embodiments disclosed herein, including the most practical or preferred embodiments at the time of filing of this application, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to such embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the present application, including the specification and the claims as originally filed, as amended, or as issued. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features or components of any disclosed embodiment can be combined with one or more features or components of any other disclosed embodiment.