DE102012111552A1 - Filling member for filling a container with a filling product - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a filling element (1) for filling a container with a filling product, preferably a free jet filling valve, metering unit or piston filler in a filling system for liquid, pasty or viscous foodstuffs, the filling element (1) having a filling product outlet (200) and one with the filling product outlet (200) in direct contact actuating element (2, 7) for influencing the outlet of the filling product from the filling product outlet (200), wherein on the actuating element (2, 7) a push-off device (5) for pushing off a filling product residue in the outlet direction (A) is provided.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a filling member for filling a container with a filling product, preferably a piston filler, a free-jet filler or a dosing unit for filling viscous, pasty or liquid food products, particularly preferably for bottling beverages.

State of the art

For filling of filling products, especially liquid, pasty or high viscosity having filling products, different filling members are known. For example, so-called free jet fillers are often used for filling milk products and juices, in which the filling product flows from a filling product outlet of the corresponding filling member in free fall, that is uninfluenced by any guiding devices in the container to be filled. The flow of the respective filling product through such a free-jet filler is usually controlled by a valve which comprises a valve cone, which sits in a complementary to the valve plug valve seat. By lifting the valve cone from the valve seat so the filling process is started and by subsequently lowering the valve cone on the valve seat, the filling process is terminated. The filling product flows around the valve cone during filling, so that even after completion of the filling process, filling product can adhere to the underside of the valve cone, which can then drip through the filling product outlet through it in an uncontrolled manner.

Furthermore, it is known to use for filling pasty filling products or filling products with a high viscosity, such as ketchup, syrup, baby porridge, applesauce or the like, piston filler, in which an ejection of the respective filling product is achieved via a corresponding metering. Piston fillers usually comprise a filling product outlet in the form of an outlet bore, which is pushed free at the end of a filling cycle via a correspondingly connected plunger, which is usually designed as a cylinder rod. When using such a plunger for complete emptying of the outlet bore, it may happen that residues of the filling product adhere to the end face of the plunger, which can also drip uncontrolled.

In the filling of filling products in containers, and in particular in the filling of food products and beverages, hygienic operation of the respective filling devices is essential and therefore dripping of the filling product, for example, to be filled or completely filled container to prevent a subsequent germination or To avoid mold formation, for example on the outside of the filled containers or in the region of the respective screw caps.

Furthermore, it is essential for the subsequent closing of completely filled containers in some closing operations that also the mouth region of the filled container is completely clean and free of filling product. This is the case in particular if, for example, a foil lid is to be glued onto the mouth edge as a hygiene closure, as is usual, for example, in the field of filling milk products or filling baby food products.

From the US 7,743,798 B2 a filling nozzle is known in which below the respective discharge opening for the product to be filled, a network is arranged, through which the liquid is dispensed. After completion of the filling process, the filling product is sucked back by gently pulling back the filling piston so that dripping is reduced and the filling liquid is held firmly on the net. In other words, an attempt is made to avoid dripping by the fact that the filling product is sucked back.

From the US 7,011,117 B1 For example, a filling valve with a plunger mechanism is known.

Presentation of the invention

Starting from the cited prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a filling member for filling containers with a filling product, in which the uncontrolled dripping is further reduced.

This object is achieved by a filling member having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments emerge from the subclaims.

Accordingly, a filling member for filling a container with a filling product, preferably a free-jet filling valve, a dosing unit or a piston filler in a filling system for liquid, pasty or viscous food, proposed, wherein the filling member a Füllproduktauslauf and standing with the Füllproduktauslauf in direct contact actuator for Influencing the outlet of the filling product from the Füllproduktauslauf has. According to the invention, a repelling device for repelling a filling product residue in the outlet direction is provided on the actuating element.

By providing the repelling device on the actuating element, which is provided for repelling a Füllproduktrests in the outlet direction at the end of filling, particularly preferably immediately after completion of filling, can still according to the actuator, so for example, the plunger of a piston filler or the valve cone of a filling, adhering Fill product controlled to be rejected in the outlet direction. Accordingly filling product residues, which still adhere to the actuating element, are repelled after completion of the filling process directly into the container to be filled, so that the tendency to dripping can be effectively reduced, or dripping can be completely avoided.

By "repelling in the outlet direction", not only repulsion of the filling product residues in the direction of the filling element axis is meant here, but generally repelling of the filling product residues in the direction of the container to be filled or filled.

In the manner described it is achieved that the Füllproduktktrest, which still adheres to the actuator after completion of the actual filling process, so for example after closing the filling valve of a filling member, can be repelled accordingly. This advantageously takes place in exactly the moment when the end of the filling product jet leaves the filling member.

Furthermore, it can be achieved, for example, in the case of a dosing unit or a piston filler, that after the expulsion of the filling product from the corresponding outlet bore by means of the plunger possibly still adhering to the front side of the plunger Füllproduktesteeste can be repelled in the outlet direction by means of the repelling device, so that the filling product residues in be taken up the filled container and in this way dripping can be prevented.

The repelling by means of the repelling device preferably takes place so that a spraying does not occur and also the repelled by means of the repelling device in the outlet direction filling product residues do not lead to contamination of the then already filled container. By a symmetrical design of the repelling device or the correspondingly applied repulsive forces, this can preferably be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is the valve cone of a filling valve, which is preferably accommodated in a correspondingly complementarily shaped valve seat.

In a further preferred embodiment, the actuating element is a plunger of a metering unit, wherein the repelling device is preferably arranged on the end face of the plunger oriented in the outlet direction.

Preferably, the repelling device comprises a gas-permeable membrane for applying a gas flow directed in the outlet direction. Particularly preferred for this purpose is a gas guide arranged in the actuating element for applying the gas flow to the membrane and provided therethrough in the outlet direction. The gas-permeable membrane is particularly preferably designed such that, although it is permeable to the gas flow, it is impermeable to the filling product itself and is thus preferably designed to be impermeable to liquids and particularly preferably impermeable to water. As a material for the membrane, for example, a PTFE material may be used, which results in a gas-permeable, but not liquid-permeable membrane.

Preferably, the gas stream is formed so that at the end of the respective filling process out, for example, after the complete lowering of a valve cone into the respective valve seat for terminating the Füllproduktstroms, or after the full advancement of the plunger in a Ausschubbohrung a piston filler or dosing on reaching the End face of the plunger at the bottom dead center, the corresponding gas flow is applied, so that then still adhering to the valve cone or to the plunger filling product residues are rinsed or repelled by the gas flow.

In order to achieve as uniform a repulsion as possible, a corresponding diffuser or flow rectifier is preferably provided in the gas flow in front of the membrane in order to largely unify the gas flow over the entire membrane area. In this way, a uniform repulsion of Füllproduktesteests can be achieved so that a splashing of Füllproduktesteeste is reduced or completely avoided.

As diffusers or current rectifier for the gas flow in front of the gas-permeable membrane, for example sieves, sieve packages, porous fillings or rectifiers could be used.

When using a corresponding, a gas-permeable membrane for applying a directed in the outlet direction gas flow repelling device in a metering unit with a plunger, the plunger rod is preferably hollow. This hollow formation of the plunger rod is actually contrary to the Usually known from the prior art embodiment of such plunger rods, since the conventional plunger rods require a closed end face in order to perform their function. However, the hollow plunger makes it possible to supply the gas stream to the gas-permeable membrane.

When using a repelling device which comprises a gas-permeable membrane, it is particularly preferable to carry out the corresponding gas flow by means of a sterile gas and particularly preferably by means of an inert gas so that a headspace aeration of the filled container can simultaneously take place via the corresponding gas flow such that the inert gas in the headspace and correspondingly displaces oxygen-containing gas to improve the durability of the filling product in the container. In this way, can be achieved by a corresponding headspace fumigation that the filling product does not react with oxygen and retains its original properties accordingly. As the inert gas, it is preferable to use N ₂ , CO ₂ , argon or the like, which can be used for purging the head space of the filled containers.

In a further preferred embodiment, the repelling device comprises vibrating means for vibrating a region of the actuating element which can be brought into contact with the filling product. Accordingly, by applying a corresponding vibration of the corresponding contact region of the actuating element, repulsion of possibly present filling product residues in the outlet direction can be achieved after the filling process has been completed and in particular a plunger rod has reached its bottom dead center or a valve cone has been received in the corresponding valve seat.

In a further preferred embodiment, the repelling device comprises a membrane expandable in the outlet direction, which is preferably expandable by applying pressure, or can be expanded by a correspondingly drivable mechanical expansion element. Particularly preferably, the membrane is biased into the unexpanded initial position, so that the membrane is returned to the normal position when, for example, the action of a pressure or a mechanical expansion element is exposed.

By using a correspondingly expandable in the outlet direction membrane, it is also possible Füllstoffrest, which adhere to the actuating element, such as a valve cone or the face of a plunger, repel by a correspondingly sudden expansion of the expandable membrane in the outlet direction, such that after completion of Filling the corresponding filling product residues are also introduced into the filled container and a subsequent dripping can be avoided.

Thus, a hollow plunger rod or a hollow valve rod advantageously serves as a receptacle for actuating means for the repelling device.

Brief description of the figures

Preferred further embodiments and aspects of the present invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. Showing:

1 a conventional piston filler with a metering piston and a plunger;

2 a schematic representation of a plunger of a piston filler according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

3 a plunger of a piston filler in a second embodiment;

4 a filling valve with a valve plug according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 a schematic structure of a plunger end face with a vibrating means; and

6 a schematic perspective view of a valve cone with an expandable membrane.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In the following, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the figures. In this case, identical, similar or equivalent elements in the different figures are denoted by identical reference numerals and a repeated description of these elements will be omitted in the following description in part in order to avoid redundancies.

In 1 is a schematic sectional view of a filling member 1 in the form of a conventional piston filler with a metering piston 3 shown, which to be dosed, such as pasty or high viscosity exhibiting filling product through an outlet hole 20 to a filling product outlet 200 conveyed by the metering piston 3 is lowered accordingly. The filling product is then discharged through the filling product outlet accordingly 200 issued in the exit direction A.

An actuator 2 in the form of a plunger rod 26 to push out the filling product residues after completion of the filling process is in the outlet hole 20 slidably arranged. Accordingly, after the actual, by lowering the metering 3 executed, dosing, which is still in the drain hole 20 filling product by lowering the plunger rod 26 ejected in the exit direction A. However, this often remains on the face 24 the plunger rod 26 a Füllproduktrest, which at the end face 24 the plunger rod 26 adheres. Accordingly, dripping can take place in an uncontrolled manner when the on the end face 24 the plunger 2 adhering filling product residues fall off after the end of the filling process.

In the embodiment shown, the metering piston 3 mechanically over a roll 30 operated, which is guided on a forced curve, not shown. The plunger rod 26 is also in the embodiment shown via a mechanically positively guided role 22 controlled. Furthermore, a control valve 4 provided, which is adapted to the filling product the metering 3 refill after fully lowered. By subsequently lifting the dosing piston 3 is at a corresponding valve position of the control valve 4 Fill product back into the dosing cylinder 32 moved in. After that the valve becomes 4 switched back to the ejection direction, so that the filling process can be performed again and in particular that in the metering cylinder 32 filling product by lowering the metering piston 3 again over the outlet hole 20 can be ejected and can be dispensed into the container to be filled.

In 2 is schematically a plunger 2 with a plunger rod 26 according to a preferred embodiment of the proposed invention, wherein the plunger 2 at the frontal area 24 the plunger rod 26 a repelling device 5 has, by means of which adhering filling product residues can be repelled in the exit direction A.

The repulsion device 5 is in the form of a gas-permeable membrane 50 formed, which is indicated here only schematically. The plunger 2 or the plunger rod 26 is hollow and has a gas guide 28 through which a gas under pressure on the gas-permeable membrane 50 can be applied. By providing the gas via the gas guide 28 is a gas flow in the direction of exit A on the repelling device 5 applied. The gas stream passes through the membrane 50 through and thus provides a gas flow in the outlet direction A of the membrane 50 outgoing ready. By the gas flow filling product residues, which at the end face 24 and in particular also on the membrane 50 the plunger 2 adhere, repelled in the direction of exit A from the membrane. This allows the gas stream to flow to the membrane at any one time 50 can be applied, also on the front surface 24 the plunger 2 adhering Füllproduktrest controlled to be rejected at a predetermined and / or controlled time.

It is particularly preferred to apply the appropriate gas flow exactly when the filling process is complete, the plunger 2 is at its bottom dead center and the filled container is still below the Füllproduktauslaufs 200 located. In this way it is possible that on the actuating element in the form of Plungerstange 26 adhering filling product in this arranged underneath, filled container repel. So it can be ensured that the filling product does not drip uncontrolled or can be significantly reduced in this way the Nachropfneigung, since the plunger adhering filling product residues were repelled accordingly.

This can also be achieved that neither contamination of the container to be filled or filled takes place on the outside, nor a contamination of the respective mouth region occurs, so that the subsequent closing can be performed reliably. Thus it can be prevented that nucleation or mold formation take place on the outside of a container or in an opening region of the container. Furthermore, for example, the application of a film closure can be reliably performed on the mouth edge.

For the gas, which is due to the gas flow 28 the plunger 2 , in particular the hollow plunger rod 26 , is passed through, it is particularly preferably an inert gas, which can be used at the same time for flushing the headspace of the filled container. The gases to be used are, for example, N ₂ , CO ₂ or argon.

The membrane 50 is particularly preferably gas permeable, but is not permeable to the actual filling product itself. Accordingly, the plunger 2 in the downward movement towards the end of the filling process, the filling product easily from the outlet bore 20 push out without the filling product but through the membrane 50 through into the hollow space behind, in particular the gas guide 28 the plunger 2 , could occur. Such a gas permeable, but for a filling product, such as a high-viscosity liquid, impermeable membrane may be made of PTFE, for example.

In order to prevent splashing or non-symmetrical repulsion of the filling product residues, or at least to reduce the tendency for such non-symmetrical repulsion, is disclosed in US Pat 3 shown embodiment in front of the membrane 50 a corresponding diffuser or flow rectifier 6 provided by means of which via the gas guide 28 provided air flow can be made uniform. Purpose of the application of the diffuser or flow straightener 6 is a flow cross-section of the gas flow through the gas-permeable membrane 50 to provide so that over the entire surface of the gas-permeable membrane 50 essentially a uniform or nearly uniform gas flow from the membrane 50 in outlet direction A exits. In this way, asymmetric repulsion of filling product residues can be counteracted. Accordingly, it can be achieved that filling product residues are substantially repelled in the outlet direction A in order to avoid contamination of the mouth region of the container to be filled or of the outside of the filled container.

In other words, the proposed repelling device, as known from the prior art, prevents dripping by the retention or suction of filling product residues, but on the contrary achieves an active and controlled repelling of the filling product residues.

In 4 is another filling organ 1 shown in the form of a filling valve of a jet filler. An actuator 7 is in the form of a valve cone 72 provided, which in a known manner in a valve seat 70 is recorded. The valve cone 72 correspondingly has a complementary shape to the valve seat 70 on. At the beginning of the filling process, the valve cone 72 accordingly from the valve seat 70 lifted, so that filling product to Füllproduktauslauf 200 can reach and can leak through this accordingly in the direction of departure A. This results in an annular channel between the valve seat 70 and the valve cone 72 through which the filling product flows.

To complete the filling process, the valve plug 72 so lowered again that he is in the valve seat 70 comes to the plant and closes the channel for the filling product. As is clear from the 4 Immediately results in a lower part of the valve cone 72 even after completion of the actual filling process by the Füllproduktauslauf 200 exposed through. Fill product residues, which in this lower area of the valve cone 72 can adhere, therefore, through the filling product spout 200 dripping uncontrollably.

Accordingly, a repelling device 5 on the valve cone 72 provided, wherein the repelling device 5 in the form of a membrane 50 which is approximately the characteristics of the membrane 50 from the 2 and 3 having. A lower part of the valve cone 72 is through this membrane 50 formed, which is provided for repelling filling product residues in the outlet direction A.

In order to enable the repelling of the filling product residues in the outlet direction A, the valve stem 74 with a gas guide 76 formed, through which a gas under pressure so on the membrane 50 It can be applied to the membrane 50 flows through. By means of the membrane 50 flowing gas flow so repellent filling product residues are repelled in the outlet direction A.

The corresponding filling process then takes place such that initially the valve cone 72 from the valve seat 70 is lifted out, so that a running out of the filling product in the outlet direction A through the filling product outlet 200 in the container to be filled is possible. After completion of this filling process is corresponding to the valve plug 72 back to the valve seat 70 lowered, so that the filling product flow is interrupted.

After completely lowering the valve cone 72 in the valve seat 70 is then over the gas guide 76 a gas through the membrane 50 passed through, which may be on the membrane 50 adhering filling product residues in the arranged underneath, already filled container repels.

In this way, in turn, a reliable active support of the dripping and repelling of the filling product residues is achieved. This can be a pollution of the container outside and the mouth area reduce or completely avoided.

In 5 is an alternative repulsion device 5 to the gas flow permeable, gas-permeable membrane 50 of the preceding embodiments. In 5 includes the repelling device 5 a vibrating agent 52 which serves to repel filling product residues in the outflow direction A. The vibration agent 52 is designed as a vibration motor, which, for example, in the region of the end face 24 a plunger 2 is provided. The vibration agent 52 works here on an essay 54 , which then the actually active face 24 the plunger 2 formed.

In the in 5 the embodiment shown is the plunger 2 at the end face 24 or its lower end equipped so that it with the appropriate vibration device 52 is provided. By the vibration agent 52 can the essay 54 be vibrated accordingly and the on the essay 54 adhering filling product residues are repelled in the outlet direction A. Optionally required electrical leads to the vibratory device may be disposed within the hollow plunger rod.

After reaching the bottom dead center of the plunger 2 of a piston filler, after pushing out the filling product residues, the vibrating agent correspondingly 52 pressed, so that possibly on the essay 54 adhering filling product residues, in particular in the region of the end face 24 adhering filling product residues, are repelled by the vibration in the exit direction A.

In a further embodiment, which in the 6 is shown schematically, is an expandable membrane at the end face of a plunger of a piston filler or at the valve-shaped closure region of the valve cone of a free-jet filler 56 provided, which as a repelling device 5 serves. The membrane 56 can either by the application of a gas pressure or by the action of a mechanical expansion element 58 be expanded in the exit direction A. The expansion element 58 is located here in the hollow plunger rod. Likewise, the gas used to apply the gas pressure is guided within the hollow plunger rod.

If such an expansion is carried out in the outflow direction A, a sudden expansion, which may possibly be obtained on the membrane, is preferred 56 still adhering filling product residues a pulse in the outlet direction A and are repelled accordingly. The expandable membrane 56 is, if it is to be acted upon with a gas, preferably gas-tight, so that the membrane can expand accordingly.

The membrane 56 is preferably biased to the starting position, ie the unexpanded position. Accordingly, it returns after completion of the application of the gas pressure or the mechanical energy by means of the mechanical expansion element 58 back to the starting position to be fully operational again after the next filling cycle.

Where applicable, all individual features illustrated in the individual embodiments may be combined and / or interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Filling head

2

 actuator

20

 outlet hole

22

 role

24

 Face of plunger rod

26

 plunger rod

28

gas guide

200

 Füllproduktauslauf

3

 dosing

30

 role

32

 metering

4

 control valve

5

 repelling device

50

 gas permeable membrane

52

 vibration means

54

 essay

56

 expandable membrane

58

 mechanical expansion element

6

 Flow straightener

7

 actuator

70

 valve seat

72

 shuttle

74

 valve rod

76

 gas guide

A

 exit direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 7743798 B2 [0006]
• US7011117 B1 [0007]

Claims (13)

Filler ( 1 ) for filling a container with a filling product, preferably free-jet filling valve, dosing unit or piston filler in a filling plant for liquid, pasty or viscous food, wherein the filling member ( 1 ) a filling product outlet ( 200 ) and one with the filling product outlet ( 200 ) in direct contact actuator ( 2 . 7 ) for influencing the outlet of the filling product from the filling product outlet ( 200 ), characterized in that on the actuating element ( 2 . 7 ) a repelling device ( 5 ) is provided for repelling a filling product residue in the outlet direction (A). Filler ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element is a valve cone ( 72 ) of a filling valve. Filler ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element is a plunger rod ( 26 ) is a dosing unit and / or a piston filler. Filler ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the repelling device ( 5 ) a gas-permeable membrane ( 50 ) for applying a gas flow directed in the outlet direction (A). Filler ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that in the actuating element ( 2 . 7 ) a gas supply line ( 28 . 76 ), which of the gas-permeable membrane ( 50 ) supplies a gas. Filler ( 1 ) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that in front of the gas-permeable membrane ( 50 ) a diffuser and / or flow rectifier ( 6 ) for equalizing the gas flow through the membrane ( 50 ), preferably in the form of a sieve, a sieve packet and / or a porous filling. Filler ( 1 ) according to claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the gas-permeable membrane ( 50 ) is impermeable to the filling product, preferably is liquid-impermeable and is particularly preferably impermeable to water, and particularly preferably comprises PTFE. Filler ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuating element in the form of a plunger rod ( 26 ) is substantially hollow, preferably for forming a gas guide ( 28 ). Filler ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the repelling device ( 5 ) a vibration agent ( 52 ) for vibrating a region which can be brought into contact with the filling product ( 54 . 24 ) of the actuating element ( 2 ). Filler ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the repelling device ( 5 ) an expandable in the outlet direction (A) membrane ( 56 ) by expansion of the membrane ( 56 ) to impart a pulse in the discharge direction (A) to a filling product residue. Filler ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that means for expanding the membrane, preferably by applying the expandable membrane ( 56 ) with gas pressure or by operating the expandable membrane ( 56 ) by means of a mechanical expansion element ( 58 ) are provided. Filler ( 1 ) According to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the membrane ( 56 ) is biased to the home position, preferably to the unexpanded position. Filler ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that via the actuating element ( 2 . 7 ) a headspace flushing with a purge gas, preferably with an inert gas, a container to be filled or filled is feasible.

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