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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a section of a packaging machine comprising filling apparatuses according to the invention,

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,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a metering pump of one of the filling apparatuses from FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a filling apparatus in a second exemplary embodiment,

FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a filling apparatus in a third exemplary embodiment, and

FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a packaging machine comprising filling apparatuses according to the invention in a fourth exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

Initially, the changeover valve 40a is put into the position “E” (inlet cross section 42a) (FIG. 2.II).

At a time t₁, 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”.

At a time t₂, 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).

The first metering process starts at a time t₃. 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_3-, just before the time t₃, 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”.

At the time t₄, 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 t₄, said lead time depending on the changeover time of the filling valve 36a. At the time t₄, 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 t₃ and the time t₄ depends on a sealing time which is required to form the transverse sealing seam 72a.

A further metering process, which corresponds to the metering process at the time t₃, is carried out at the time t₅. 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.

The further metering process is completed at a time t₆.

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 t₁′.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).