Apparatus and method for filling valve bags with dry bulk materials

Apparatus for filling valve bags with bulk goods comprising a supporting construction and at least one filling spout extending laterally from the supporting construction for filling a valve bag provided with a bag body and a valve and comprising at least one bag holder for guiding the valve bag, wherein for filling, the valve bag is placed onto the filling spout by the valve and hanging from the filling spout during the filling process, wherein the bag holder is movable during the filling process at least from a filling position to at least one closing position after discharge, and wherein at least one expansion device is provided at the bag holder to expand the valve of the valve bag prior to closing, characterized in that the bag holder is attached to the supporting construction and that the expansion device when in the filling position is disposed such during the filling process that the expansion device at least partially enters the valve of the valve bag hanging from the filling spout.