阅读说明：本技术 用于饮料灌装设备的灌装单元的磁流变促动器 (Magnetorheological actuator for a filling unit of a beverage filling system ) 是由 J·奥雷姆 J·洛伦茨 B·布鲁赫 L·克吕塞拉特 于 2018-06-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于控制饮料灌装设备(10)的灌装单元(12)的至少一个流体路径(20)的促动器(14),具有至少一个控制单元和至少一个促动器元件(24,24’),通过促动器元件可提供调节力,促动器元件(24,24’)具有相对支座固定的支座部(5,5’)和相对支座可动的闭合部(6,6’)。控制单元可提供至少一个第一控制信号和至少一个第二控制信号。促动器元件(24,24’)的至少一部分由材料构成,该材料根据第一控制信号呈现促动器元件(24,24’)处于第一静止位置的第一形态,根据第二控制信号呈现促动器元件(24,24’)处于第二调节位置的第二形态,促动器元件(24,24’)或可运动部分(9)的材料是或包括磁流变弹性体。促动器(14)包括至少一个电磁体(2,7)。促动器元件(24,24’)位于电磁体(2,7)的可变磁场中,第一和第二控制信号改变电磁体(2,7)的磁场。根据本发明,促动器元件(24,24’)为流体阀膜片(16,16’)或可运动部分(9),闭合部(6,6’)为流体阀膜片(16,16’)或可运动部分(9)的组成部分,或者为形成有闭合部(6,6’)的附加部分,该附加部分由流体阀膜片(16,16’)或可运动部分(9)驱动。本发明还涉及一种用于饮料灌装设备(10)的灌装单元(12)、以及一种饮料灌装设备(10),其均具有至少一个根据本发明的促动器(14)。(The invention relates to an actuator (14) for controlling at least one fluid path (20) of a filling unit (12) of a beverage filling device (10), comprising at least one control unit and at least one actuator element (24,24 ') by means of which an adjusting force can be provided, wherein the actuator element (24, 24') comprises a seat part (5,5 ') fixed relative to the seat and a closing part (6, 6') movable relative to the seat. The control unit may provide at least one first control signal and at least one second control signal. At least a portion of the actuator element (24,24 ') is constructed of a material which assumes a first configuration in which the actuator element (24, 24') is in the first rest position in response to a first control signal and a second configuration in which the actuator element (24,24 ') is in the second adjustment position in response to a second control signal, the material of the actuator element (24, 24') or the movable portion (9) being or including a magnetorheological elastomer. The actuator (14) comprises at least one electromagnet (2, 7). The actuator element (24, 24') is located in the variable magnetic field of the electromagnet (2,7), the first and second control signals changing the magnetic field of the electromagnet (2, 7). According to the invention, the actuator element (24,24 ') is a fluid valve membrane (16, 16') or a movable part (9), and the closure part (6,6 ') is an integral part of the fluid valve membrane (16, 16') or the movable part (9), or an additional part formed with the closure part (6,6 ') and driven by the fluid valve membrane (16, 16') or the movable part (9). The invention further relates to a filling unit (12) for a beverage filling system (10), and to a beverage filling system (10) which each have at least one actuator (14) according to the invention.)

1. An actuator (14) for controlling at least one fluid path (20,20 ') of a filling unit (12) of a beverage filling apparatus (10), having at least one control unit and at least one actuator element (24, 24') by means of which an adjusting force can be provided,

wherein the actuator element (24,24 ') has a seat part (5,5 ') which is stationary relative to the seat and a closing part (6,6 ') which is movable relative to the seat,

wherein at least one first control signal and at least one second control signal can be provided by means of the control unit, and

wherein at least the closure part (6,6 ') of the actuator element (24, 24') is composed of: the material taking a first configuration according to a first control signal, in which the actuator element (24,24 ') is in a first rest position, and a second configuration according to a second control signal, in which the actuator element (24, 24') is in a second adjustment position,

wherein the material of the actuator element (24, 24') or the material of the movable part (9) is or comprises a magnetorheological elastomer,

wherein the actuator has at least one electromagnet (2,7),

wherein the actuator element (24, 24') is located in a variable magnetic field of the electromagnet (2,7) and the first and second control signals change the magnetic field of the electromagnet (2,7),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the actuator element (24,24 ') is a fluid valve membrane (16, 16') or a movable part (9), and the closure part (6,6 ') is a component of the fluid valve membrane (16, 16') or of the movable part (9), or

An additional part is provided, on which the closing part (6,6 ') is formed, which is driven by the fluid valve membrane (16, 16') or the movable part (9).

2. The actuator (14) of claim 1,

wherein the actuator element (24,24 ') is a disk, the edge of which is in particular a stationary seat (5, 5').

3. The actuator (14) of claim 1,

wherein the actuator element (24,24 ') is a ring or a disc, the outer edge of which is a stationary seat (5, 5'), the inner edge of which is firmly connected with the movable part (9) in the actuator (14),

wherein the movable portion (9) is a closure (6, 6').

4. The actuator (14) of any of the preceding claims,

wherein the additional part is a movable part (9) having a head (22) which can be inserted into the fluid channel (20,20 ') and which, when arranged at different depths within the fluid channel (20, 20'), forms a ring gap of variable size.

5. The actuator (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

wherein a plastic part (19) is arranged with its middle part on the closing part (6,6 ') of the actuator element (24, 24'),

wherein an outer portion of the plastic part (19) is firmly connected with the actuator (14) and the plastic part (19) is the fluid valve membrane (16, 16').

6. The actuator (14) of any of the preceding claims,

wherein the actuator element (24, 24') is connected to one end of a spring (3) and the other end thereof is firmly connected to the actuator (14), the spring being a compression spring or an extension spring.

7. The actuator (14) of claim 1,

wherein the actuator element (24,24 ') is a ring which is U-shaped with its opening facing outwards in cross-section and the two outer edges of which form a stationary seat (5, 5').

8. The actuator (14) of any of the preceding claims,

in addition to the first actuator element (24), the actuator has a further actuator element (24') which is of the same construction as the first actuator element (24) and is arranged parallel thereto.

9. The actuator (14) of claim 8,

wherein the two actuator elements (24, 24') rest against one another in their respective rest positions.

10. The actuator (14) of any of the preceding claims,

wherein the actuator comprises a double valve.

11. The actuator (14) of any of the preceding claims,

wherein the actuator has two electromagnets (2,7), wherein a first electromagnet (2) is arranged above the actuator element (24, 24') and a second electromagnet (7) is arranged below the actuator element.

12. The actuator (14) of any of the preceding claims,

wherein the actuator element (24, 24') defines in its first configuration a switching position: in the switching position, the fluid valve membrane (16,16 ') of which the actuator element (24,24 ') is designed is operated in a sealed manner in at least one fluid path (20,20 ') of the filling unit (12); and said actuator element (24, 24') defining in its second configuration the following switching position: in this switching position, the fluid valve membrane (16, 16') is operated in an unsealed manner.

13. A filling unit (12) for a beverage filling plant (10), having at least one actuator (14) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. A beverage filling device (10) having at least one actuator (14) according to one of claims 1 to 12 or having at least one filling unit (12) according to claim 13.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an actuator for controlling a fluid path of a filling unit of a beverage filling device, to a filling unit of a beverage filling device, and to a beverage filling device.

Background

Beverage filling plants are used for the industrial filling of beverages, here both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

In order to carry out the filling process, a plurality of valves are required which introduce the required amount of beverage into the container to be treated. In addition, if appropriate, the container can first be evacuated before filling in order to remove the oxygen present therein and then be filled with carbon dioxide, for example at about 2 bar. The opening and closing of these valves is controlled by means of actuators which produce the required movement and apply the necessary force. At present, in particular electropneumatic actuators are used for this purpose.

However, since the use of the electro-pneumatic actuator is expensive, a measure has been proposed to replace the electro-pneumatic actuator currently used with another actuator.

A solenoid valve for a filling device of a beverage filling system is known from DE 102012105374 a1, for example, from the prior art.

For example, filling machines for filling containers are known from DE 20319619U 1 and DE 102010032398 a 1.

DE 112005000562B 4 discloses: in the context of a sealing arrangement, an actuator made of a magnetorheological elastomer (magnetorheological elastomer) is used for sealing a door or a door frame.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to provide the following steps: in an advantageous manner, an actuator for controlling a fluid path of a filling unit of a beverage filling system, a filling unit of a beverage filling system and a beverage filling system are proposed, wherein in particular the actuator is of simpler construction, more economical to produce and has a longer service life.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an actuator having the features of claim 1. Accordingly, an actuator for controlling at least one fluid path of a filling unit of a beverage filling device is provided, which actuator is provided with at least one control unit and at least one actuator element by means of which an adjusting force can be provided, wherein at least one first control signal and at least one second control signal can be provided by means of the control unit, and wherein the actuator element is composed of a material: the material assumes a first extended state (Ausdehnnung) in which the actuator element is in a first rest/non-working position (Ruheposition) in dependence on a first control signal, and assumes a (further) extended state in which the actuator element is in a second adjustment position in dependence on a second control signal. According to the invention, it is provided that the material of the actuator element or of the movable part is or comprises a magnetorheological elastomer. It is also provided that the magnetorheological elastomer can be activated by means of an electromagnet according to the invention by means of an externally applicable magnetic field (for example by means of a toroidal coil). Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) are, for example, composites of magnetizable particles (e.g., iron) in an elastomer matrix (e.g., silicone or natural rubber). When a magnetic field is applied, the MRE body deforms (or moves) in the magnetic field and movement of the actuator is achieved. Here, the material will also return to its original shape or position when the magnetic field is turned off. This can be done in milliseconds as long as the magnetic field is established quickly enough. The actuator element in its first position can actuate the fluid path of the filling unit in a sealing-effective manner, and the actuator element in its second position can actuate the fluid path in a non-sealing-effective manner. The invention thus makes it possible to provide a method for simply controlling the fluid path of a filling unit, taking into account the respective function. In this case, since MRE is employed, the closing portion can be ensured to reciprocate rapidly in the magnetic field.

The invention is based on the following basic principle, namely: an actuator for controlling at least one fluid path of a filling unit of a beverage filling device is provided, which has an actuator element which can be triggered in this simple manner on the basis of its material properties: thus, the actuator can assume at least two defined positions (in this case a rest position and an adjustment position) due to the change in shape of the actuator element. In the rest position, it can be provided, for example, that the fluid path is open. It is also provided that in the adjustment position the fluid path is blocked. In this case, it is particularly conceivable that the actuating force exerted by the actuator element in this case, for example in the actuating position, is sufficient to close off the fluid path in a sealing manner. Basically, however, it is also conceivable that the rest position is a position in which the fluid path is blocked and the adjustment position is a position in which the fluid path is opened. In this case, such actuators are referred to as "normally closed" actuators (normally closed configuration). In the former case, such actuators are referred to as "normally open" actuators (normally open configuration). The fluid path may in particular relate to a gas path of the filling unit. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that it relates to a fluid path for conducting the beverage to be filled.

The above-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention in that: the actuator element is a fluid valve membrane or a movable part and the closing part is an integral part of the fluid valve membrane (or the movable part) or is provided with an additional part on which the closing part is constructed, which additional part is driven by the fluid valve membrane (or the movable part).

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the actuator element is a disk (Scheibe), the edge of which is in particular a stationary bearing part. Thereby enabling these valve paths in conventional valves to be effectively shut off (or opened). According to the invention, the actuator element is a fluid valve membrane.

A further alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the actuator element is a ring or a disc, the outer edge of which is a stationary support and the inner edge of which is firmly connected to a movable part which can be moved in the actuator, wherein the movable part is a fluid valve membrane.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a plastic part is arranged with its middle part at the closing part of the actuator element, the outer part of the plastic part is firmly connected to the actuator, and the plastic part is a fluid valve membrane. Thereby eliminating the need to attach a spring or other additional component to the actuator element to return it to its first shape again.

A further alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the actuator element is a ring with a U-shaped cross section, which has an opening to the outside, and the two outer edges of the ring form a stationary bearing. Thus, the size of that part of the ring gap which is located inside the ring opening can be varied in the manner of a bulge (Wulst), without the entire volume of such a bulge needing to be filled with MRE; rather, only a small amount of material is used, thereby saving costs.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the adjusting force amounts to at least approximately 200N to 400N, in particular approximately 350N to 370N, and preferably approximately 360N. It has proven to be particularly advantageous for such a magnitude of the adjusting force to reliably close the fluid path in the case of the operating pressure prevailing in the filling unit and in the beverage filling device.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the material of the actuator element comprises an electrorheological fluid or a gel. In this case, by applying a voltage, the expansion/swelling of the liquid or gel can be achieved.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the actuator element is connected to one end of a spring (compression spring or tension spring) and that its other end is firmly connected to the actuator. The normally open and normally closed configuration described above can thus be realized in a simple manner.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the additional part is a movable part which: the movable portion has a head portion movable into the fluid passage, and the head portion constitutes a ring gap of variable size with different depths provided inside the fluid passage. By this arrangement, the size of the ring gap can be varied in dependence on the magnetic field strength in a very simple manner, in analogy with the above-described solution with a U-shaped cross-section. The difference with the mentioned embodiment is that in the former case the change in size takes place in the radial direction of the ring, while in the latter case it takes place in the axial direction of the ring.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that, in addition to the first actuator element described above, the actuator further comprises a further actuator element which is of the same design as the first actuator element and is arranged parallel thereto. Thus, in particular in the case of the use of a double valve, further areas of application are opened up, which enable good opening and closing of the two fluid paths mentioned above (which are independent of one another).

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the two actuator elements rest against one another in their respective rest/inoperative state. The arrangement described above allows a more compact construction than if the two actuator elements were spaced apart from one another.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the actuator comprises a double valve (doppelvetentil). This makes the invention useful in other fields.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the actuator comprises two electromagnets, wherein a first electromagnet is arranged above the actuator element and a second electromagnet is arranged below the actuator element. Thus, it is not necessary to arrange a spring or other additional part at the actuator element which restores the actuator element to its first configuration. In addition to this, the arrangement in which two actuator elements are provided in the double valve makes it possible to control the two actuators (almost) independently of one another.

In addition to this, it can be provided that the material of the actuator element comprises one or more of the following materials (or that the actuator has corresponding elements): magnetorheological fluids or such gels, dielectric elastomers, thermal memory alloys, magnetic memory alloys, piezoelectric ceramics, piezoelectric ceramic laminates, piezoelectric pressure sensors.

In addition to this, a plurality of actuator elements in series may be provided. In particular, in this case, the actuator element may at least partially form a folded bellows structure. In principle, it is conceivable to use a plurality of actuator elements of the same type, namely: the material selection is similar or identical. In principle, alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to combine a plurality of material types for the actuator element, in particular the materials described in detail up to now (in particular with regard to the realization and setting of the respective actuating forces and travel paths).

The stroke path of the actuator can be in the range of a few millimeters, wherein stroke paths of more than 1mm, in particular in the range between 5mm and 10mm, have been found to be advantageous. However, in principle also stroke paths larger than 10mm are conceivable, especially when this involves controlling the fluid path of the liquid.

The actuator element may define such a switching position in its first configuration: in the switching position, the fluid valve membrane formed by the actuator element is actuated in a sealing manner into at least one fluid path of the filling unit; in its second state, the actuator element may define a switching position in which the fluid valve membrane is actuated in a leaktight manner. By combining the actuator and the fluid valve membrane and the corresponding functional association of the two, the fluid path of the filling unit can be controlled in a simple manner.

The above object is also achieved by: a filling unit for a beverage filling plant according to claim 13 having at least one actuator; and a beverage filling device according to claim 14 with at least one actuator or with at least one filling unit. Since the above-mentioned subjects each comprise at least one actuator according to the invention, the advantages which have been described so far with respect to the actuators apply analogously.

All features of the advantageous embodiments described in the dependent claims are inherent to the invention, either individually or in any desired combination.

Drawings

Further details and advantages of the invention are described in more detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments presented in the figures.

FIG. 1: a schematic cross-sectional view of a beverage filling device according to the invention, with a filling unit according to the invention and an actuator according to the invention;

FIGS. 2 a-b: a schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of an actuator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3 a-b: a schematic view of a second exemplary embodiment of an actuator according to the invention;

FIGS. 4 a-b: a schematic view of a third exemplary embodiment of an actuator according to the invention;

FIGS. 5 a-b: schematic view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of an actuator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 6 a-b: a schematic view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of an actuator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 7 a-b: a schematic view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of an actuator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 8 a-b: schematic view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of an actuator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 9 a-b: schematic view of an eighth exemplary embodiment of an actuator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 10 a-c: schematic view of a ninth exemplary embodiment of an actuator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 11 a-b: schematic view of a tenth exemplary embodiment of an actuator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 12 a-c: schematic view of an eleventh exemplary embodiment of an actuator according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a beverage filling device 10 according to the invention in a side view, the beverage filling device 10 here being represented in part by a filling unit 12, the filling unit 12 having an actuator 14 for controlling at least one fluid path 20.

The actuator 14 is arranged together with the fluid valve membrane 16 in a housing part 18 of the filling unit 12.

A control unit (not shown) is also provided. By means of the control unit, at least one first control signal and at least one second control signal can be generated.

The actuator 14 further comprises an actuator element 24. The actuator element 24 is at least partially made of: the material assumes a first configuration in which the actuator element 24 is in the first rest position in dependence on a first control signal from the control unit and assumes a (further) configuration in which the actuator element 24 is in the second adjustment position in dependence on a second control signal. An annular element on the free end of the actuator 14 may be provided as a damping element.

By means of the actuator 14, a switching time in the range of approximately 40ms in both directions can be achieved.

In this case, it is also conceivable that the stroke path of the fluid valve membrane 16 may be in the range of about 6mm or even more, in particular for example more than 10mm in combination with a fluid.

The adjustment force may be in the order of at least about 200N-400N, in particular about 350N-370N, and preferably about 360N.

For example, the fluid path 20 may have a dimension of about 24 mm.

The operating pressure may be in the range between 3bar and 10bar, in particular 8bar, or in the case of adaptation of the diaphragm surface of the fluid valve diaphragm 16, the operating pressure may be approximately 6 bar.

For these switching times, another feature can be implemented, namely: three switching cycles may be performed over a period of at most 1.2 s.

The functions of the actuator 14 include: in at least one first switching position, the fluid valve membrane 16 is released, and in at least one second switching position, the fluid valve membrane 16 is actuated in such a way that the fluid valve membrane 16 seals off a fluid path 20 of the filling unit 12.

The actuator 24 forms a first switching position in the first extended state, in which the fluid valve membrane 16 is actuated in a sealed manner in the fluid path 20 of the filling unit 12 (off position), and a second switching position in which the fluid valve membrane 16 is not actuated (on position).

In principle, it can be provided that the actuator 14 is of a normally open configuration (NORMAL offset) in which the actuator 14 does not actuate the fluid valve membrane 16 in the non-actuated state.

In principle, however, it is also possible to provide the actuator 14 with a normally closed configuration (NORMALGESCHLOSSEN), which means that: the actuator 14, in the inoperative state, actuates the fluid valve membrane 16 in a sealing manner and closes the fluid path 20 of the filling unit 12 in a sealing manner with the fluid valve membrane 16.

Fig. 2 to 12 show different exemplary embodiments of the actuator 14, in part with completely different actuator elements 24, 24'. In the drawings, identical reference numerals have been used throughout the several views to designate identical or functionally identical elements. The actuator elements 24 of all exemplary embodiments are composed of or comprise MRE material.

Fig. 2a and 2b schematically show a first exemplary embodiment of an actuator 14 according to the invention, the actuator 14 having an actuator element 24, wherein the fluid valve membrane 16 is in two setting states: in fig. 2a the fluid path 20 is closed; whereas the fluid path 20 in figure 2b is open.

The fluid valve membrane 16 is formed entirely of MRE and is configured in the shape of a disk. The fluid valve membrane 16 has a seat 5 at its edge, which seat 5 is firmly anchored in the actuator 14. The inner part of the fluid valve membrane 16 is configured as a closure 6, the shape of which closure 6 can be changed and which is shown in two positions in the figures.

A tappet 4 is arranged in the center of the fluid valve membrane 16, which tappet 4, by means of a spring 3, moves the fluid valve membrane 16 to the right to the position shown in fig. 2b, in which the fluid path 20 is open.

To reach the position shown in fig. 2a, in which the fluid valve membrane 16 closes off the fluid path 20 in the region of its closure 6 by a projection (Ausbuchtung), the electromagnet 2 is energized, and the electromagnet 2 attracts the MRE material forming the fluid valve membrane 16 against the pressure of the spring 3. When the current in the electromagnet 2 is switched off, the closing part 6 of the fluid valve membrane 16 moves to the right again due to the restoring force of the spring 3 into the position shown in fig. 2b and opens the fluid path 20.

This is a normally open configuration. And a normally closed configuration mode can be realized; the person skilled in the art knows how to achieve this.

Fig. 3a and 3b schematically show a second exemplary embodiment of an actuator 14 according to the invention, which differs significantly from the first exemplary embodiment of fig. 2a and 2 b.

The actuator element 24 formed by the MRE is not formed as a fluid valve membrane 16. The actuator element 24 is ring-shaped, the outer edge of which is firmly connected to the actuator 14 as a mounting portion 5. In the center of the fluid path 20, a punch 8 surrounded by a folding bellows 11 is arranged. The folding bellows 11 can be folded in the longitudinal direction of the punch 8. The inner edge 25 of the ring at the movable portion 9 configured as the closing portion 6 is fixed to the outer surface of the folding bellows 11, the movable portion 9 dividing the folding bellows 11 into an upper portion and a lower portion. Above the actuator element 24, a first electromagnet 2 is arranged, while below the actuator element 24, a second electromagnet 7 is arranged. Instead of constructing the folding bellows 11 in two parts and providing the movable part 9 between the upper and lower parts, the movable part 9 may also be arranged on the outer surface of the one-piece folding bellows 11 (e.g. by adhesive means or by other conventional connecting means known to the person skilled in the art). The closure 6 is then formed on the inner surface of the folding bellows 11 in the region to which the movable part 9 is connected.

With the first electromagnet 2 energized, the MRE material of the actuator element 24 is pulled upward in its closure 6, so that the folding bellows 11 rests with its conical closure 13 on the plunger 8 and closes the fluid path 20.

When the second electromagnet 7 is energized, the actuator element 24 is then pulled down in its closure 6 into its position shown in fig. 3 b. In this position, a ring gap is formed between the closure 13 of the folding bellows 11 and the plunger 8, which opens the fluid path 20.

Since there are two electromagnets 2,7 of the actuator element 24 which move between these two positions shown in fig. 3a and 3b, no spring 3 is required to cause this movement.

Not shown in fig. 3a and 3b are: the field lines 27 that are formed when these electromagnets 2,7 are energized. The same applies to fig. 4a and 4b and fig. 5 a.

It is also to be mentioned that instead of the annular actuator element 24, the movable part 9 can also be made of a material containing MRE (or of a material consisting entirely of MRE). In this case, the annular actuator element 24 shown in fig. 3a and 3b may not be required at all, since the movable part 9 takes over the function of the actuator element 24.

Fig. 4a and 4b schematically show a third exemplary embodiment of an actuator 14 according to the invention, provided with two actuator elements 24, 24', instead of only one actuator element 24 according to fig. 3a and 3 b. In the following, only the differences relating to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3a and 3b will be considered.

Like the single actuator element 24 of the preceding exemplary embodiment, each of the two actuator elements 24, 24' is constructed in this way and is connected to the folding bellows 11 by means of a movable portion 9, at which movable portion 9a closure 6 is formed. These electromagnets 2,7 are embodied such that they can generate individually adjustable magnetic field strengths. This enables the intermediate position of the accordion bellows 11 relative to the punch 8 to be adjusted; in these intermediate positions (one of which is shown in fig. 4 b), the size of the annular gap between the locking 13 of the accordion bellows 11 and the punch 8 differs in each case. Thus, the fluid path 20 may be adjusted and the actuator 14 can be used as an inlet throttle.

It is also possible for the third exemplary embodiment that the folding bellows 11 can also be embodied in one piece or in two pieces, as already described with respect to fig. 3a and 3 b. Likewise, instead of these actuator elements 24, 24' being made of MRE material, it is also possible to make the movable part 9 of such material.

Fig. 5a and 5b schematically show a fourth exemplary embodiment of an actuator 14 according to the invention, whose configuration substantially deviates from the two principles described above for the first to third exemplary embodiments described so far.

In contrast to fig. 3a,3b,4a and 4b, the electromagnet 2 is arranged in the punch 8. An annular gap is formed between the plunger 8 and the inner wall 15 of the actuator 14, which annular gap represents the fluid path 20. In order to shut off the fluid path 20, which is represented in fig. 5b as being in the open state, an annular actuator element 24 is arranged on the inner wall 15 of the actuator 14. Inside the inner wall 15, the actuator element 24 is firmly connected to the actuator 14 at two locations opposite each other in fig. 5a and 5 b. These points are therefore the seat parts 5 of the actuator element 24. The closing part 6 of the actuator element 24 (viewed in cross section) extends between the mounting parts 5 in a U-shape, the closing part 6 being designed as a fluid valve membrane 16 and being made of MRE material. With the electromagnet 2 energized, the closing part 6 moves towards the punch 8 until the closing part 6 assumes a V-shape and rests on it and closes the fluid path 20. This is shown in fig. 5 a. If the current to the electromagnet 2 is switched off, the closing part 6 moves again into the position shown in fig. 5b and opens the fluid path 20 again.

Fig. 6a and 6b schematically show a fifth exemplary embodiment of an actuator 14 according to the invention, which has a similar construction to the first exemplary embodiment of fig. 2a and 2 b. Here, the spring 3 is also used in conjunction with the electromagnet 2 in order to switch the fluid path 20 on and off. In addition to the different installation directions, the differences from the first exemplary embodiment are mainly that: the form of the fluid path 20 and the form of the fluid valve diaphragm 16 are different. In the closed state of the fluid path 20 according to fig. 6a, the fluid valve membrane 16 (seen in cross section) is not substantially U-shaped, but exhibits a slightly hat-shaped shape — rising upwards (in the direction of the closed fluid path 20). In addition, the fluid path 20 is configured to: it bends 180 degrees in the range of interaction with the fluid valve diaphragm 16, and only 90 degrees in the first exemplary embodiment.

To close the fluid path (see fig. 6a), the electromagnet 2 is energized (this is illustrated by the resulting field lines 27) and thereby pulls the MRE material of the actuator element 24 upwards to overcome the restoring force of the spring 3 acting on the tappet 4, which tappet 4 is centrally connected to the fluid valve membrane 16. The fluid path 20 is opened by energizing the electromagnet 2 and the restoring force of the spring 3 pulls the fluid valve membrane 16 down by the tappet 4 to the position shown in fig. 6b, thereby opening the fluid path 20. A normally open configuration is employed.

Fig. 7a and 7b schematically show a sixth exemplary embodiment of an actuator 14 according to the invention, which differs from the fifth exemplary embodiment of fig. 6a and 6b in substantially two points.

In one aspect, the sixth exemplary embodiment employs a normally closed configuration. For this purpose, the electromagnet 2 is mounted below the fluid valve diaphragm 16, and, in a state in which the electromagnet 2 is not energized (see fig. 7a), the spring 3 presses the fluid valve diaphragm 16 upward, thereby closing the fluid path 20. To open the fluid path 20, the electromagnet 2 is energized (this is indicated by the field lines 27 generated here in fig. 7 b) and thus pulls the fluid valve membrane 16 downward against the spring force. If the current is cut off, the spring 3 presses the tappet together with the fluid valve membrane 16 connected thereto upwards to the initial position of fig. 7 a.

On the other hand, the closure 6 is not formed on the fluid valve membrane 16, but on a fluid-tight additional membrane 26 connected to the fluid valve membrane 16 in the outer region of the fluid valve membrane 16. The additional membrane 26 is made of a flexible plastic. The additional diaphragm 26 is moved by the MRE-formed fluid valve diaphragm 16. In the unenergized state according to fig. 7a, the fluid valve membrane 16 presses from below onto the additional membrane 26, so that its closure 6 closes the fluid path 20. In the energized state of fig. 7b, on the other hand, the fluid valve membrane 16 is pulled downward against the force of the spring 3, so that the central region of the additional membrane 26, in which the closing part 6 is formed, is no longer reached. Therefore, the fluid path 20 is open at this time.

Fig. 8a and 8b schematically show a seventh exemplary embodiment of an actuator 14 according to the invention, here essentially a combination of the two exemplary embodiments described above according to fig. 6a,6b and 7a,7 b. A first electromagnet 2 and a second electromagnet 7 are employed, the first electromagnet 2 and the second electromagnet 7 being arranged above and below the fluid valve membrane 16. When the first electromagnet 2 is in the energized state, the fluid valve membrane 16 is pulled upwards and closes the fluid path 20 (see fig. 8 a). To open the fluid path 20, the first electromagnet 2 is de-energized and the second electromagnet 7 is energized. Thereby, the fluid valve diaphragm 16 is pulled downward and the fluid path 20 is cleared. Thus, this embodiment does not require any spring 3 to return the fluid valve diaphragm 16 to its original position. The field lines 27 which are generated when the respective electromagnet 2,7 is energized are shown in each case.

Fig. 9a and 9b schematically show an eighth exemplary embodiment of an actuator 14 according to the invention. This actuator 14 is similar to the actuator of the sixth exemplary embodiment of fig. 6a and 6b in terms of the principles involved: a normally open configuration is employed.

The restoring force for opening the fluid path 20 (see fig. 9b) is provided by the movable part 9 in the form of a plastic part 19, for example made of PTFE. For this purpose, the plastic part 19 is connected centrally to the fluid valve membrane 16 and is firmly anchored at its outer edge in the housing part 18. In the case of energization of the electromagnet 2 (this is indicated by the field lines 27 occurring here in fig. 9a), the closure part 6 of the actuator element 24 (without the fluid valve membrane 16) moves upwards against the inherent tension of the plastic part 19. In this case, the shut-off state of the fluid path 20 is achieved (see fig. 9a), and the upper middle portion of the plastic part 19 is configured as the closed part 6, thereby closing the fluid path 20. This intermediate portion therefore assumes the role of the fluid valve diaphragm 16 of the previous exemplary embodiment. After the current of the electromagnet 2 has been switched off, the closing part 6 of the actuator element 24 moves downward again as a result of the restoring force of the plastic part 19 described above and reaches the state shown in fig. 9 b. .

Fig. 10a to 10c schematically show a ninth exemplary embodiment of an actuator 14 according to the invention, wherein a similar principle is followed as in the exemplary embodiments shown in fig. 3a,3b and 4a,4 b. Two electromagnets 2,7 are used, which electromagnets 2,7 are capable of moving the closing part 6 of the actuator element 24 between a lower position (see fig. 10a) and an upper position (see fig. 10 c). A head 22 is connected centrally to the closure 6, which head 22 has in its upper end region a seat surface 23 that can interact with a conical surface of the fluid path 20.

In fig. 10a, only the first electromagnet 2 is energized, so that the closure 6 is pulled upwards and the seat surface 23 of the head 22 sealingly rides into the fluid path 20. Fig. 10c shows another extreme position of the closing part 6. At this point, only the second electromagnet 7 is in the energized state, so that the head 22 has been pulled completely downwards and is in the stop position. In this position, the fluid path 20 is fully open. Between the two extreme positions mentioned, the magnetic head 22 can be held in any intermediate position (fig. 10b) by suitably selecting the respective magnetic field strengths of the two electromagnets 2, 7. The head 22 thereby runs more or less into the flow path 20 and, due to the conical seat surface 23 in connection with the conical surface of the flow path 20, an annular gap of variable size is formed between the two (depending on how far the head 22 runs into the flow path 20). Thereby enabling the through flow to be regulated. The field lines 27 which are generated when the respective electromagnet 2,7 is energized are shown here.

Fig. 11a and 11b schematically show a tenth exemplary embodiment of an actuator 14 according to the invention with a double valve. The embodiments mentioned thus far have only one fluid path 20. In this exemplary embodiment, however, there are two fluid paths 20, 20': a first fluid path 20 above the fluid valve diaphragm 16 and a second fluid path 20' below the fluid valve diaphragm 16. Depending on which of the two electromagnets 2,7 is in the energized state, such that: the first fluid path 20 (see fig. 11a) or the second fluid path 20' (see fig. 11b) is shut off. The movement of the fluid valve membrane 16 corresponds exactly to the movement of the eighth exemplary embodiment of fig. 8a and 8b, please refer to the previous discussion in order to avoid repetition. The field lines 27 which are generated when the respective electromagnet 2,7 is energized are shown here.

In the eleventh exemplary embodiment of an actuator 14 according to the invention, which is schematically illustrated in fig. 12a to 12c, a double valve is used, as in the tenth exemplary embodiment described above. Except for such differences, has the same structural design as the above-described exemplary embodiment: instead of a single fluid valve membrane 16, two fluid valve membranes 16,16 ' are provided which are mounted directly one above the other, and the support parts 5,5 ' of these fluid valve membranes 16,16 ' are in contact with one another here.

The first fluid valve membrane 16 arranged above switches the first fluid path 20 on or off, while the second fluid valve membrane 16 'arranged below switches the second fluid path 20' on or off. For this purpose, a first electromagnet 2 arranged above and a second electromagnet 7 arranged below are provided.

If the first electromagnet 2 (see fig. 12a) is energized in this case, the two fluid valve diaphragms 16, 16' are pulled upward and the upwardly directed surface of the first fluid valve diaphragm 16 closes the first fluid path 20. At the same time, the second fluid valve membrane 16 'opens the second fluid path 20', since its downwardly directed surface is pulled upwards.

If the second electromagnet 2 '(see fig. 12b) is energized in this case, the two fluid valve diaphragms 16, 16' are pulled downward and the downwardly directed surface of the second fluid valve diaphragm 16 'closes the second fluid path 20'. At the same time, the first fluid valve membrane 16 opens the first fluid path 20 because its upwardly directed surface is pulled downward.

Fig. 12c shows the state of the double valve, in which both fluid paths 20, 20' are closed. For this purpose, both electromagnets 2,7 are energized. Thereby, the first fluid valve diaphragm 16 is pulled upward and the second fluid valve diaphragm 16' is pulled downward. Thus, the upwardly directed surface of the first fluid valve diaphragm 16 closes the first fluid path 20, while the downwardly directed surface of the second fluid valve diaphragm 16 'closes the second fluid path 20'. In contrast to the other two positions of fig. 12a and 12b, the closures 6,6 'of the two fluid valve membranes 16, 16' do not touch each other; forming a cavity space therebetween.

The field lines 27 which are produced when the respective electromagnet 2,7 is energized are shown in each of fig. 12a to 12 c.

List of reference numerals

1 bottle

2 (first) electromagnet

3 spring

4 tappet

5, 5' seat part

6 closing part

7 second electromagnet

8 punch

9 Movable part

10 beverage filling equipment

11 folding corrugated pipe

12 filling unit

13 closure part

14 actuator

15 inner space

16 fluid valve diaphragm

17 air channel

18 housing part

19 plastic part

20 fluid path

21 fixed section

22 head

23 seat surface

24, 24' actuator element

25 inner edge

26 additional diaphragm

27 magnetic field lines