EP0592312B1 - Measurer, measure valve and device for measuring successively quantities of liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a measurer for successively and rhythmically drawing off measured quantities of liquid from a reservoir (7), comprising a measurer body (26) intended to be mounted in a fixed manner with respect to the reservoir (7), characterised in that it comprises a drawing-off plunger (31) and means (32) of transmission of movement to drive this plunger (31) with an alternating motion in the liquid, resulting in the measuring of the liquid in one direction and in the pumping of the liquid in the other direction. The invention also relates to a measuring valve (8) comprising such a measurer and a measuring device comprising such a measuring valve. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to the successive dosing and in rhythm of predetermined quantities of liquid withdrawn from a tank, each quantity of liquid dosed being poured into a container such as a bottle, a box or the like.

The state of the art can be illustrated by document US-A-2 776 785 which describes a dispenser having the main characteristics of the preamble of claim 1.

In industrial handling, processing or serial filling of containers such as bottles, cans or the like, at high speed, it is sometimes essential during the transporting of the containers, to inject into each container a predetermined dose liquid. Often, this dose is of small volume (conventionally between 0.1 ml and 10 cl), and the liquid is aseptic, since it is intended for human or animal consumption or for the composition of hygienic or pharmaceutical products.

The containers being treated in large series at very high rate, the problem arises of being able to have an automatic dosing device which realizes doses of liquid of very small quantity, at very high rate, with great precision and great reliability. .

The known metering devices are either entirely manual, that is to say operated by a person, and do not then have the required reliability and precision, or include extremely complex and expensive and delicate electro-mechanical, electronic or even computer devices. to be adjusted during operation. And these known electronic or computer devices are poorly compatible with the handling, processing or filling installations for bottles which are essentially mechanical and can therefore include inaccuracies or operational hazards. Also, devices operating on electricity are poorly compatible with the liquid environment of such handling, treatment or filling installations for containers.

Various types of liquid metering pumps are also known which suck up a predetermined quantity of liquid from a pipe and then discharge it into another pipe (see for example FR-A-2 615 845). However, these pumps are also not perfectly compatible with high-speed operation, for dosing very small quantities, and do not have sufficient precision and reliability. For example, the mere wear of the seals causes a prohibitive variation in the pumped and metered volume.

The invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a metering device, a metering tap comprising such a metering device, and a metering device comprising such a metering tap, which allow the successive metering at high speed of small quantities of liquid with a perfect dynamic precision in operation of the metered volume whatever the operating conditions, and high reliability over time.

The invention also aims to provide such a fully mechanical metering device and free from any electronic or electro-mechanical device.

The invention also aims to provide such a metering device, metering valve and metering device which are extremely simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

The object of the invention is also to propose such a metering device, metering tap and metering device which are compact, particularly in a horizontal plane, extremely small to be able to be incorporated in any place of a handling, treatment or filling of containers at high speed.

The invention also aims to provide such a metering device, metering valve and metering device which can operate not only at high speed, but according to a variable rate at any time and randomly, while ensuring the dosage of each container with great precision.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a dispenser, dosing valve and dosing device which can, for example, dose quantities between 0.1 ml and 10 cl of liquid with an accuracy of less than 10% - in particular of the order of 2% - for rates that can vary from 0 to 120,000 containers per hour.

The invention also aims simultaneously to provide a metering device, metering tap and metering device which are compatible with the use of aseptic liquids such as food or pharmaceutical materials, and which can therefore be easily cleaned, which are designed to prevent any development. infections, which can be fully purged.

The invention finally aims to provide a metering device which allows adjustment of the dose during production without interruption.

To do this, the invention relates to a dispenser as defined in claim 1.

The use of an alternative plunger immersed in a metering device according to the invention provides in particular the advantages of being able to operate at very high speed with very small quantities withdrawn, of allowing a extremely simple synchronization with the drive of the containers intended to receive the liquid, while allowing operation in perfect hygienic and aseptic conditions without electrical, electronic or computer device.

According to the invention, the sampling plunger is hollow, provided with an opening for introducing the liquid into a sampling chamber which communicates with an outlet channel formed in the metering body, and the plunger carries a shut-off valve. of the opening arranged to be open in the direction of movement generating the metering, and closed in the direction of movement causing pumping. The shut-off valve is, according to the invention, of the type controlled by the pressure of the liquid generated by the reciprocating movement of the sampling plunger in the liquid. For example and according to the invention the valve consists of a shutter mounted freely sliding or pivoting relative to the plunger in the chamber.

The reciprocating movement of the sample plunger in the liquid can be of any kind, that is to say take place in any direction and be any movement of translation and / or rotation. Preferably and according to the invention, this reciprocating movement is a vertical translational movement.

According to the invention, the metering device has a leakage section which is smaller than the section of the opening when the valve is open, and which is formed between the sampling chamber and the outside of the plunger in contact with the liquid in the tank. The function of this leakage section is to allow the alternating movement of the plunger to be maintained in the liquid even when the outlet channel is also closed. This leakage section which is less for example and according to the invention to one tenth of the section of the opening can be produced simply by the transverse play of the guide contact between the outer surface of the plunger which is in the shape of a piston and the guide surface of a housing formed in the metering body for guiding this plunger. Thus, no seal is used between the plunger and the guide housing of this plunger.

According to the invention, the metering device comprises motor means for creating the movement of the plunger in at least one direction of movement - in particular only in one direction, the other direction of movement being transmitted from a movement created outside. dispenser -. According to the invention, the motor means create the movement of the plunger in the direction generating the metering, and consist of a return spring.

The movement transmission means of a metering device according to the invention comprise a rod rigidly associated with the plunger and extending through the sampling chamber and the outlet channel to cooperate on the one hand with the motor means and on the other hand leaves with a movable member outside the dispenser.

According to the invention, the cross section of the sampling chamber is larger than the cross section of the introduction opening and that the cross section of the outlet channel. Furthermore, the cross section of the outlet channel decreases from the sampling chamber to the outlet end of the outlet channel outside the metering body.

Thanks to a metering device according to the invention, it will be noted that the speed and the pressure of the metering do not depend on the metering rate since the metering unit comprises motor means in the form of the return spring. Thus, the dosing precision is not affected when the rate is changed or when this rate becomes extremely high. In addition, the simplicity of operation and constitution of the metering device, in particular without a seal, provides high operating reliability and an extremely long service life.

The invention also relates to a metering tap for withdrawing and pouring successively and in sequence predetermined quantities of liquid - in particular aseptic liquid such as a food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical liquid - from a tank in containers of all kinds ( bottles, boxes, flasks, ...) placed successively and in rhythm under a spout of this metering tap, characterized in that it comprises at least one metering unit according to the invention, the outlet channel of which communicates with a spill channel provided in a tap body and opening from the spout. According to the invention, the outlet channel of the dispenser and the discharge channel define a continuously rising or partially horizontal path between the opening for introducing the dispenser plunger and the spout. In this way, the liquid circuit between the reservoir and the spout has no low point or any high point in which nests of infections could be created.

According to the invention, the metering valve comprises a discharge shutter interposed on the discharge channel in the body of the valve and which is controlled to open when a container is facing the spout, and to close when no container is opposite the beak. Thus, in a metering tap according to the invention, the metering and pumping operation of each quantity of liquid is entirely independent of the operation of controlling the pouring of the liquid into the container. Consequently, each operation can be carried out by extremely simple controlled closure means. In particular, this is allowed thanks to the leakage section of the dispenser since the dispenser can continue to operate even when the discharge channel is closed.

According to the invention, the discharge shutter is controlled at the opening by a mobile control member moved during the positioning of a container facing the spout, and at the closing by a return spring.

Also, the metering tap according to the invention comprises a non-return valve interposed between the discharge shutter and the outlet channel of the metering unit, and preventing the flow of liquid in the direction of return to the tank. The non-return valve thus avoids defusing the metering valve in the event of a shutdown or disassembly of the metering device relative to the body of the valve, and preserves general hygiene and asepsis.

In a metering tap according to the invention, the metering device is rigidly associated with the tap body to ensure the continuity of the discharge channel and of the metering outlet channel, but in a removable manner to allow the metering unit to be dismantled and changed. According to the invention, the valve body is connected to the metering body by means of a connector. And this connector includes removable rigid association means with the reservoir. Preferably and according to the invention, this connector forms a common fixing bracket for the metering body and the valve body relative to the reservoir. According to the invention, this connector comprises the non-return valve.

Also, the invention relates to a metering device for withdrawing and pouring successively and in rhythm predetermined quantities of liquid - in particular aseptic liquid - into containers successively driven and in rhythm by drive means, this metering device comprising a frame forming a reservoir for the liquid and being characterized in that it comprises at least one metering tap according to the invention mounted on the frame so that each dispenser has its sampling plunger immersed in the liquid contained in the tank. Thus, a metering device according to the invention generally consists of a frame forming a reservoir carrying at least one metering tap comprising a sampling plunger immersed in the liquid and driven by an alternating movement in this liquid to generate the metering and the pumping quantities of liquid in time.

According to the invention, the operation of the sampling plunger of a metering device of a metering device is controlled at least in part from the movement of the means for driving the containers, a predetermined quantity of liquid being sampled according to the rate of operation of these drive means.

In a metering device according to the invention, one of the movements of the sample plunger in one direction is controlled from the movement of the container drive means, and therefore synchronized with this movement, while the other movement of the sampling plunger, that is to say movement in the other direction, is controlled by own motor means and integrated into each metering device, for example in the form of a return spring. In this way, it ensures both the synchronization of the dosage with respect to the rate of the means of driving the containers and the accuracy with regard to the quantity of liquid poured into each container, regardless of the rate. According to the invention, the metering movement is controlled from the movement of the container drive means and the pumping movement is controlled by the return spring.

And the metering device according to the invention comprises a control cam intended to cooperate with a shoe or roller of each metering device to generate the metering movement, the cam and the frame forming the reservoir being mounted movable relative to each other according to a relative movement generated by the drive means of the containers. And according to the invention, the control cam is rigidly associated with the frame by means of means for adjusting the distance separating this control cam from the metering devices. This adjustable distance makes it possible to modify the amplitude of the stroke of the sampling plunger in the liquid and therefore the volume of the quantity dosed, including during operation.

According to the invention, the frame of the tank has projections intended to be engaged in the openings or openings of a movable member of the means for driving the containers to drive this frame in motion, the control cam being associated fixed (but of adjustable) to a fixed support. Thus, in a metering device according to the invention, it is the entire frame forming the reservoir and carrying the metering valves which is mobile and driven in movement. In particular, the metering device according to the invention is in the form of a carousel, the reservoir being in the cylindrical lower central position of revolution, its frame comprising a peripheral crown for supporting a plurality of regularly distributed metering taps. The metering devices extend vertically along and inside the cylindrical and vertical walls of the tank, and the frame is extended upwards by an extension, the control cam being a circular cam rigidly associated with a bearing for guiding the extension above the dispenser.

The invention also relates to an installation for handling, processing or filling in series containers of any kind such as bottles or the like, characterized in that it comprises at least one metering device according to the invention. In particular, an installation according to the invention comprises an apparatus for dosage rigidly associated above a turntable with a rotating star for entry or exit from a carousel for handling, processing or filling containers.

The invention also relates to a metering device, a metering tap, a metering device and a handling installation comprising in combination all or part of the characteristics mentioned above or below. In particular, the invention relates to a metering device comprising in combination a leakage section as mentioned above and own autonomous motor means integrated into this metering device to generate the movement of the plunger in one direction, in particular in the direction of pumping.

• La figure 1 est une vue en coupe verticale d'un robinet doseur selon l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue en coupe verticale partielle d'un appareil de dosage selon l'invention illustrant deux positions de fonctionnement.
• La figure 3 est une vue en coupe verticale partielle d'un appareil de dosage selon l'invention illustrant deux autres positions de fonctionnement.
• La figure 4 est une vue selon la ligne IV-IV de la figure 3 d'un appareil de dosage selon l'invention après son installation sur une étoile d'entrée ou de sortie d'un carrousel de manutention, de traitement ou de remplissage de contenants.
• La figure 5 est une vue en coupe verticale d'un appareil de dosage selon l'invention installé sur une étoile d'entrée ou de sortie de carrousel.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of one of its preferred embodiments given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and which refers to the appended figures in which:

• Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a metering valve according to the invention.
• Figure 2 is a partial vertical sectional view of a metering device according to the invention illustrating two operating positions.
• Figure 3 is a partial vertical sectional view of a metering device according to the invention illustrating two other operating positions.
• Figure 4 is a view along line IV-IV of Figure 3 of a metering device according to the invention after its installation on an input or output star of a handling, processing or filling carousel of containers.
• Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of a metering device according to the invention installed on an input or output carousel star.

The invention relates to a metering device 1 for withdraw and pour successively and in rhythm predetermined quantities of liquid into containers 2. The dosing device 1 according to the invention is more particularly suitable for dosing aseptic liquids such as food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical liquids or the like, but could also be applied to other liquids, for example additives to petroleum products, components of chemical compositions such as detergents, paints or other ... As an example of an aseptic liquid, mention may be made of additives to food products (flavors, liqueurs, colors, preservatives, ...) or even the food liquids themselves in the form of finished products such as drinks, sauces ... The invention is more particularly applicable to liquids in homogeneous or colloidal solution but can also be used for liquids with a certain heterogeneity.

The nature of the container itself does not matter in the context of the invention which is therefore applicable to all sizes and to all types of containers, whether glass or plastic bottles, boxes , jars, flasks, cans, tanks ...

The containers 2 are generally driven successively and in time by drive means 3. In the example shown in the figures, the drive means 3 consist of a rotary star for entering or leaving a carousel for handling, processing or filling containers formed in a manner known per se of at least a plate 3 in the general shape of a crown provided with peripheral housings 4 for receiving the containers 2. This plate 3 is rotated about a vertical axis 5 by motor means not shown, for example constituted by an electric motor or carousel hydraulics or the star.

The metering device 1 comprises a main frame 6 which forms a reservoir 7 for storing the liquid concerned.

The metering device 1 according to the invention comprises at least one metering tap 8 which is mounted integral with the frame 6. In the examples shown, the metering device 1 comprises a plurality of metering taps, FIG. 4 representing the example of eight metering taps distributed regularly. The metering device 1 shown is in the form of a carousel itself, the reservoir 7 being in the lower central position, its frame 6 comprising a peripheral ring 9 for supporting the eight metering taps 8 regularly distributed angularly.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the example of an installation according to the invention in which the metering device 1 is rigidly associated above a plate 3 with a rotating star for entering or leaving a carousel handling, treatment or filling of containers. To do this, the frame 6 forming the tank 7 has vertical projections 10 oriented downward from the bottom wall 11 of the tank 7. These projections 10 are engaged in slots or orifices 12 with a vertical axis of the movable plate 3, so that the rotational movement of this plate 3 is transmitted directly to the frame 6 via the projections 10.

The frame 6 is extended upward vertically beyond the peripheral ring 9 by an extension 12 maintained and guided in rotation about the vertical axis 5 by means of a guide bearing 13 mounted on a bracket 14 of fixed support relative to the ground. The liquid is supplied to the reservoir 7 through a supply tube 15 engaged at the upper free end of the extension 12 which is hollow. The feed tube 15 extends vertically through the extension 12 to the central lower part of the reservoir 7. Furthermore, the liquid level in the reservoir 7 is kept constant by means of a probe 16 carried by a support 18 fixed relative to the ground and extended downwards by a probe tube 17 which s also extends through the extension 12 to the central lower part of the reservoir 7. The probe 16 controls the operation of a solenoid valve 19 which controls the flow of liquid through the supply tube 15 coming from a feed pump not shown. The metering device 1 according to the invention therefore comprises a lower central reservoir 7 and means 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 for maintaining in this reservoir 7 a level of liquid above a predetermined threshold. The reservoir 7 is moreover provided with a drain valve 20 in its central lower end part.

Each metering tap 8 makes it possible to withdraw and pour successively and in rhythm a predetermined quantity of liquid in each container placed successively and in rhythm under a spout 21 of this metering tap 8. Each metering tap 8 comprises at least one metering unit 22 comprising a channel 23 outlet from which each dose of liquid is ejected from the metering device into a discharge channel 24 formed in a valve body 25 carrying the spout 21 and communicating with the outlet channel 23. The discharge channel 24 opens out from the spout 21 which is oriented towards the opening of the containers 2. The liquid leaves the metering tap 8 through the spout 21.

Each metering unit 22 comprises a metering body 26 intended to be mounted fixed relative to the reservoir 7. This metering body 26 is generally cylindrical and extends vertically through a circular lumen 27 of an at least substantially horizontal wall 28 of the frame 6 which covers the reservoir 7 in the manner of a cover. This wall 28 of the frame 6 is extended beyond the wall peripheral cylindrical 29 of the frame 6 forming the reservoir 7 by the ring 9 peripheral support for the metering taps 8.

The metering body 26 extends vertically under the wall 28 forming a cover, so that its lower end portion 30 is immersed in the liquid contained in the reservoir 7.

Each metering device 22 comprises a sampling plunger 31 mounted movable relative to the metering body 26 and immersed in the liquid. The metering device 22 further comprises means 32 for transmitting movements to animate this plunger 31 with an alternating movement in the liquid generating in one direction the metering of a predetermined quantity of liquid, and in the other its pumping towards the output channel 23.

According to the invention, the outlet channel 23 of the dispenser 22 and the discharge channel 24 define a continuously rising or partially horizontal path between an opening 33 for introducing the liquid into the plunger 31 of the dispenser 22 and the spout 21. From the so, the liquid flow conduit between the reservoir 7 and the spout 21 has no high point or any low point of accumulation of liquid or air.

Each metering tap 8 comprises a discharge shutter 34 interposed in the discharge channel 24 and controlled to open when a container 2 is opposite the spout 21 and to close otherwise, that is to say in l absence of container 2 under the spout 21.

The discharge valve 34 consists of a cylindrical valve 35 with a vertical axis extending in a vertical part 36 of the discharge channel 24. The lower end of this vertical part 36 is narrowed to form a seat 37 for the valve 35, the diameter of this seat 37 being less than the outside diameter of the valve 35. The valve 35 is carried at the free end of a vertical valve stem 38 which extends downward through a vertical bore 39 formed through the valve body 25. The lower free end 40 of the valve stem 38 is rigidly associated with a stud 41 which projects outside the valve body 25 vertically and downwards. The stud 41 slides vertically relative to the valve body 25 in a vertical wall guide housing 42, and forms a lower stop 43 for supporting a compression spring 44 placed around the valve stem 38. The other end of the spring 44 is supported on an upper shoulder 45 secured to the valve body 25. In this way, the stud 41, the valve stem 38 and the valve 35 are permanently returned downwards by the return spring 44 which therefore controls the shutter 34 when closed. In the embodiment of Figure 1, there is provided a guide ring 46 interposed between the valve stem 38 and the valve body 25 and forming the upper shoulder 45 for the spring 44. The guide ring 46 is extended down to form the guide housing 42, and is therefore also interposed between the stud 41 and the valve body 25.

The discharge shutter 34 is controlled at the opening by a control member 47 movable relative to the valve body 25 and moved when a container 2 is placed opposite the spout 21. This control member 47 consists of a shoe 47 articulated with respect to a support 48 mounted on the valve body 25 and / or on the frame 6. The shoe 47 is articulated on its support 48 about a horizontal axis 49. This horizontal axis 49 for pivoting the control shoe 47 is situated in a vertical plane interposed between the vertical axis 50 of sliding of the valve stem 38 and the vertical axis 51 of the spout 21. The control shoe 47 has a face 52 extending slightly inclined relative to the horizontal between the pivot axis 49 of the shoe 47 and the reservoir 7 to come into contact with the stud 41. The center of gravity of the shoe 47 is arranged so that the face 52 of contact with the stud 41 is recalled in contact with this stud 41 by the simple weight of the shoe 47 which generates a torque of this shoe 47 about the pivot axis 49.

The shoe 47 also has a face 53 for cooperation with the wall of a container 2. The return spring 44 is calibrated so as to counteract this return torque of the shoe 47 under the effect of its weight. In this way, in the absence of a container, the face 53 is brought closer to the vertical axis 51 of the spout 21 by virtue of the stud 41 which pushes the face 52 under the force of the spring 44. The valve 35 comes into contact with the seat 37 and the discharge channel 24 is closed. A seal 54 is provided between the valve 35 and its seat 37. Also a seal 55 is provided around the valve stem 38 above the guide ring 46 in order to avoid leaks through the bore 39. On the left side of Figure 2, the shutter 34 is shown in the closed position. In the right part of FIG. 2 and in FIG. 3, the shutter 34 is shown in the open position, the wall of a container 2 pushing the face 53 of the shoe 47 against the spring 44, the face 52 of the shoe 47, by its pivoting around the axis 49, pushing the stud 41 upwards.

Furthermore, according to the invention, each metering tap 8 comprises a non-return valve 56 interposed between the discharge shutter 34 and the outlet channel 23 of the metering unit 22, preventing the flow of liquid in the direction of return to the tank 7. In the embodiment shown, this non-return valve 56 consists of a ball 56 placed in a housing 57 of the discharge channel 24, and which comes to cooperate with a seat 58 horizontal formed by a narrowing in a vertical portion 59 of the discharge channel 24. The housing 57 is sufficiently extended upward to allow the ball 56 to take off from the seat 58 under the pressure of the liquid coming from the metering device 22. In the absence of such pressure or in the event of reverse pressure, the ball 56 comes in contact with the seat 58 and automatically closes the discharge channel 24. A tapping 60 closed by a screw 61 is placed above the ball 56 to allow access to the housing 57. Furthermore, the portion of the discharge channel 24 which extends beyond the housing 57 towards the spout 21 is d 'a diameter smaller than that of the ball 56 in order to prevent it from escaping from the housing 57.

According to the invention, the metering unit 22 is rigidly associated by its metering body 26 relative to the valve body 25, but in a removable manner to allow the metering unit 22 or the valve body 25 to be changed. To do this, the valve body 25 is connected to the metering body 26 via a connector 62 which comprises means 63 of removable rigid association with the frame 6 of the reservoir 7. And the connector 62 forms a stirrup common attachment of the metering body 26 and the valve body 25 relative to the frame 6 of the reservoir 7. To do this, the connector 62 interposed between the valve body 25 and the metering body 26 has ribs 64 extending horizontally in a horizontal peripheral groove 65 of the valve body 25, and on the other side, in a horizontal peripheral groove 66 of the metering body 26. The ribs 64 bear on the horizontal walls of the grooves 65, 66 to keep the valve bodies 25, 26 and the metering valve pressed against the peripheral crown 9 and the horizontal wall 38 of the frame 6. The valve body 25 has a shoulder d 'support 67 on the peripheral ring 9 of the frame 6 and the metering body 26 has a shoulder bearing 68 on the horizontal wall 38 forming the cover of the frame 6. The valve body 25 also extends under the peripheral ring 9 through a light 69 formed through this peripheral ring 9. The means 63 for removable association of the connector 62 relative to the frame 6 may consist of two screws 63 with head engaged through vertical bores formed in the connector 62, and whose threaded end cooperates with vertical threads 71 formed in the horizontal wall 38 of the frame 6 or in a nut or a spacer 72 rigidly associated with this frame 6. When the screws 63 are tightened in the threads 71, the connector 62 is supported on the body 25 of the tap and 26 of the metering device. The bodies 25 and 26 are supported on the crown 9 by the connector 62 and held in the slots 69 and 27. To dismantle the assembly, it suffices to unscrew the two screws 63, and the metering tap 8 is in three parts: the valve body 25, the connector 62, and the metering device 22.

According to the invention, the connector 62 comprises the non-return valve 56 previously described, that is to say the portion 59 of the discharge channel 24, the housing 57 with the ball seat 58 and the ball 56. The channel 24 of spillage therefore crosses the fitting 62 from an orifice 73 coming opposite the outlet orifice 74 of the outlet channel 23, up to an orifice 75 coming opposite an orifice 76 of the overflow channel 24 formed in the body 25 tap. Sealing at these orifices can be achieved by means of O-rings 77, 78 placed in the housings of the valve body 25 and of the metering body 26.

The metering device 1 according to the invention therefore comprises at least one and generally several metering taps 8 mounted on the frame 6 so that each metering unit 22 has its sampling plunger 31 immersed in the liquid. The operation of each sampling plunger 31 is controlled at least in part from the movement of the means 3 for driving the containers according to the rate of operation of these means 3 for driving. More specifically, one of the movements of the sampling plunger 31 in one direction - in particular the dosing movement - is controlled from the movement of the drive means 3, while the other movement of the sampling plunger 31 in the other direction - in particular the pumping movement - is controlled from means 79 own motors and integrated into each metering device 22. According to the invention, the pumping movement of the sampling plunger 31 is controlled by a return spring 79.

To control the metering movement of the sampling plunger 31 from the drive means 3, each metering device 22 comprises a shoe or roller 80 connected to the sampling plunger 31 by means of the transmission means 32, and the device 1 metering comprises a control cam 81 intended to cooperate with each shoe or roller 80 to generate this metering movement. The control cam 81 and the frame 6 are movable relative to each other according to a relative movement generated by the movement of the means 3 for driving the containers 2. In the embodiment shown, the control cam 81 is rigidly associated with the frame 6 and this by means of means 82 for adjusting the distance which separates this cam 81 for controlling each of the metering units 22, that is to say pads or rollers 80. The cam 81 for control is associated rigidly fixed relative to the bracket 14 of the fixed support, but by means 82 of adjustment means. In the embodiment shown and according to the invention, the control cam 81 is a generally circular cam whose scope is in a helix which is rigidly associated with the guide bearing 13 of the extension 12 of the frame 6 above the metering devices 22. The adjustment means 82 consist of a vernier 82 formed of a micro-metric thread 83 formed around the guide bearing 13 and of a micro-metric thread 84 of a peripheral nut 85 with which the control cam 81 is associated rigidly. In this way, by turning the nut 85, the overall height of the control cam 81 is modified relative to the metering device 22 and the shoe or roller 80. The amplitude of the stroke of the plunger 31 is thus modified at will. sampling in the liquid during the dosing movement and therefore the overall quantity of liquid dosed with each movement. This adjustment common to all the metering units 22 can thus be carried out possibly during operation and in an extremely precise manner. A radial locking screw 86 makes it possible to block the nut 85 relative to the guide bearing to prevent any untimely rotation during operation.

The plunger 31 for sampling the metering device 22 is hollow, and its lower base is provided with the opening 33 for introducing the liquid into an internal sampling chamber 87 which communicates with the outlet channel 23 formed in the body 26 of the metering device. The sampling chamber 87 therefore extends inside the metering body 26, from the introduction opening 33 to the lower end 88 of the outlet channel 23. This lower end 88 of the outlet channel 23 opens into a cylindrical housing 89 for guide formed in the lower part 30 of the metering body 26 to guide the plunger 31 in its reciprocating movement of vertical translation. The sampling chamber 87 is therefore of variable volume depending on whether the plunger 31 is in the upper part of the housing 89, in contact with the lower end 88 of the outlet channel 23, or on the contrary that it is in a position less than 1 'free end 90 lower of the metering body 26.

The plunger 31 carries a valve 91 for closing the opening 33. This valve 91 is arranged to be open in the direction of movement causing the metering, that is to say in the direction of descent of the plunger 31, and closed in the direction of movement causing the pumping, that is to say in the direction of rise of the plunger 31.

According to the invention, the shutter valve 91 is of the type controlled by the pressure of the liquid generated by the reciprocating movement of the plunger 31. It consists of a shutter 91 mounted freely sliding relative to the plunger 31 in the chamber 87 of sample.

Thus, in a metering device according to the invention, the plunger 31 is mounted movable in vertical translation relative to the metering body 26, and the means 32 for transmitting movement animate the plunger 31 with an alternating movement of vertical translation from bottom to up and up and down. The sampling chamber 87 is disposed above the introduction opening 33 and the shutter valve 91 closes the opening 33 when the plunger 31 rises and opens it when it descends. The plunger 31 consists of a hollow plunger guided in the lower housing 89 which is formed in the metering body 26 at the lower end 88 of the outlet channel 23 communicating with the sampling chamber 87. The lower part of the hollow plunger 31 consists of a plug support 92 which includes a vertical cylindrical bore 93, and which is provided with an external thread screwed into a thread 94 of the main cylinder 95 forming the plunger 31. L shutter 91 therefore forms a plug for the bore 93 of the plug support 92. To do this, the shutter 91 has a cylindrical portion 96 engaged in the bore 93 of the plug support 92, and which comprises at least one channel passage 97 extending vertically for the passage of liquid between the bore 93 and the cylindrical part 96. The lower cylindrical part 96 is extended upwards by a cylindrical upper part 98 whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the bore 93 of the plug support 92, so as to form a shoulder 99 with the lower cylindrical part 96, shoulder 99 which comes into contact with the upper horizontal face 100 of the plug support 92 to close the passage channel 97.

The main cylinder 95 of the plunger 31 extends around the upper part 98 of the shutter 91 upwards to form the lower part of the sampling chamber 87. The upper part 101 of this main cylinder 95 is connected by spokes to the lower free end 102 of a rod 32 forming the above-mentioned transmission means. These radii obviously define vertical passage openings 103 of the liquid. The upper part 98 of the shutter 91 moves inside the lower part of the sampling chamber 87 between the lower free end 102 of the transmission rod 32 and the plug support 92. When the plunger 31 descends into the housing 89, the upper part 98 of the shutter 91 rises until it comes into contact with the lower free end 102 of the transmission rod 32. In this position, the liquid passes through the opening 33 consisting of the cross section of the passage channel (s) 97 formed in the lower cylindrical part 96 of the shutter 91 which slides in the bore 93. The liquid therefore arrives in the lower part of the sampling chamber 87, then passes through the openings 103. On the contrary, when the sampling plunger 31 rises inside the housing 89, the upper part 98 of the shutter 91 descends until the shoulder 99 comes into contact with the upper horizontal face 100 of the stopper support 92, the passage of the liquid being no longer possible, the opening 33 thus being closed.

According to the invention, the metering device 22 has a leakage section between the sampling chamber 87 and the liquid in the reservoir 6, the value of which is less than the section of the opening 33 for introduction when the valve 91 is open. This leakage section is less, for example less than one tenth of the section of the opening 33, and, in the embodiments shown, is produced by the simple transverse play of the guide contact between the outer surface 104 of the plunger 31 and the guide surface 105 of the housing 89 of the lower part 30 of the metering body in which the plunger 31 slides. Thus, according to the invention, the sampling plunger 31 does not have a seal or sealing segment between its cylindrical outer surface 104 and the surface 105 of the cylindrical housing 89 which guides it. Consequently, a certain leak is possible between the external surface 104 of the plunger 31 and this guide surface 105. It has in fact been demonstrated that, surprisingly, the presence of this leak does not in any way affect or the precision or the reliability, on the contrary, of the dispenser 22 according to the invention. From the point of view of precision, it has in fact been found that this leak is constant in the metering device 22 according to the invention, regardless of the rate. From the point of view of reliability, the absence of a seal considerably increases the longevity of the metering device 22. In addition, the passage of the liquid between the plunger 31 and its housing 89 achieves a certain lubrication effect. Furthermore, this leakage keeps the metering device 22 in operation even when the outlet channel 23 is closed, when the discharge shutter 34 is closed. Indeed, during the pumping movement, the plunger rising upwards, if the shutter channel 34 of discharge is closed, the liquid descends towards the reservoir 6 passing between the plunger 31 and its housing 89, which allows this plunger 31 to rise. Maintaining this reciprocating movement makes it possible to permanently mix the liquid in the reservoir 6, even in the absence of containers, and to be able to synchronize the movement of the metering device 22 only with the drive rate of the containers 2, even when no container 2 is placed opposite the metering tap 8 for exceptional reasons. Thus, one does not have to take into account the presence or absence of a container 2 to operate and to determine the operating rate of the metering device 22.

The leakage section of the metering device 22 according to the invention can also be produced positively by channels provided either in the metering body 26 at its lower part 30, or along the guide surface 105 of this housing 89, or in and along the outer surface 104 of the plunger 31, that is to say inside the body of the main cylinder 95 and the support 92 of the plug. According to the invention, a certain leak must be possible for the passage of the liquid between the sampling chamber 87 and the reservoir 6 while the valve 91 is closed. Obviously, this leak must be minimal and of very low value, in particular compared to the opening 33 for normal introduction of the liquid during the dosing. It must nevertheless be sufficient to allow the plunger piston 31 to rise under the effect of the spring 79, and this in rhythm.

The transmission means 32 comprise a vertical rod 32 rigidly associated by its lower free end 102 with the plunger 31 and extending upwards through the sampling chamber 87 and the channel 23 of exit. The return spring 79 is a compression spring which extends vertically around the transmission rod 32, which is supported by its lower end 106 on a lower shoulder 107 secured to the metering body 26, and which is supported by its end upper 108 on an upper shoulder 109 secured to the transmission rod 32.

The upper end 110 of the transmission rod 32 is associated with the shoe or roller 80 of the metering device 22 intended to cooperate with the control cam 81 to generate the movement of the transmission rod 32 downwards. The return spring 79 generates the movement of the transmission rod 32 upwards.

The metering body 26 consists of two parts extending axially vertically, namely a lower part 111 associated with the frame 6 of the tank, and an upper part 112 extending the lower part, the two parts 111 and 112 being associated rigidly to each other with a guide ring 113 interposed between these two parts 111, 112 for the transmission rod 32. The upper part 112 extends above the guide ring 113 to form a sleeve for the compression spring 79. The upper free end 110 of the transmission rod 32 is fixed by a screw 114 to a support 115 of the pad 80. The pad support 115 is extended downwards by a skirt 116 which extends around the upper part 112 of the metering body 26 which forms a sheath for the compression spring 79. A guide ring 117 is interposed between the skirt 116 and the outer surface of this upper part 112. Thus, the transmission rod 32 is guided in its vertical translation relative to the metering body 26 by means of the guide ring 113 interposed between the lower parts 111 and upper 112 , and by the interposed guide ring 117 between the skirt 116 of the pad support 115 and the upper part 112 forming a sheath for the compression spring 79. The pad support 115 carries at its upper free end the pad 80 which can also be produced in the form of a roller or other. The length of the skirt 116 and of the upper part 112 forming a sheath for the compression spring 79 is defined as a function of the maximum vertical stroke which it is desired to give to the transmission rod 32 and to the sampling plunger 31.

From its lower end 102, the transmission rod 32 extends vertically upwards through the outlet channel 23, which it leaves through an orifice 118 in the lower part 111 of the metering body 26, provided with a seal 119. This orifice 118 is immediately extended by the guide ring 113 which is wedged in a cylindrical housing of the upper part 112. The outlet channel 23 extends horizontally under the orifice 118 towards its orifice 74 outlet of the doser body 26.

The cross section of the sampling chamber 87 is larger than the section of the introduction opening 33 so as to form a large suction of the liquid in this sampling chamber 87 during the descent of the plunger 31. Furthermore, the cross section of the sampling chamber 87 is greater than the cross section of the lower end 88 of the outlet channel 23, and the cross section of this outlet channel 23 decreases from the sampling chamber 87 to its outlet end 74 of the metering body 26, so as to increase the speed of the liquid from the valve 91 to this outlet orifice 74. Also, the cross section of the orifice 73 of the connector 62 opposite the orifice 74 of outlet of the outlet channel 23 is greater than the cross section of the spout 21 for ejecting the liquid from the metering valve 8. Thus, the speed of the liquid in the outlet channel 23 and in the discharge channel 24 increases continuously or almost continuously from the valve 91 of the opening 33 for introduction to the spout 21 for ejecting the liquid.

The operation of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. On the left-hand side of FIG. 2, no container is placed under the spout 21 of the metering valve 8. The shutter 34 for spillage is therefore closed, thus as the non-return valve 56. On the right-hand side of FIG. 2, the shoe 80 is lowered vertically due to its contact with the control cam 81. The compression spring 79 is crushed, the transmission rod 32 is lowered as well as the plunger 31. The valve 91 is open and the liquid enters the sampling chamber 87 through the opening 33 for introduction. A container 2 being placed opposite the spout 21, the control shoe 47 pushes the discharge shutter 34 which is open. At the end of this metering step, when the control cam 81 rises vertically abruptly relative to the pad 80, the pad 80 also rises under the control of the return spring 79. Thus, the upward movement of the pad 80, the transmission rod 32 and plunger 31 depends only on the return force of the spring 79. In this position shown in the left part of FIG. 3, the valve 91 is closed, and the upward movement pumps the liquid from the chamber 87 from sampling to the spout 21 where it is ejected inside the container 2 via the non-return valve 56 which is open and the shutter 34 of the discharge which is open. When the plunger 31 has traveled its entire vertical stroke in the housing 89, the ejection of the liquid through the spout 21 is finished, and the non-return valve 56 closes. Then, the container 2 is removed, and the metering tap 8 is found in the arrangement presented on the left side of FIG. 2.

The dispenser 22 according to the invention is therefore very simple and extremely effective from the point of view of the precision of its dosage and of its longevity. Furthermore, the main cylinder 95 of the plunger 31 is associated with the lower free end 102 of the transmission rod 32 in a removable manner, for example by means of a thread 120 cooperating with a thread of this lower free end 102 It is thus easy to change the plunger 31 to replace it with a plunger whose diameter of the opening 33 for introduction and / or of the sampling chamber 87 is smaller or larger. It is thus possible to vary the metered quantity of liquid. Furthermore, this metered quantity of liquid also depends on the vertical stroke given to this plunger 31, ie the shape and the position of the control cam 81 relative to the frame 6.

The metering device 22 could also extend in a manner that is not strictly vertical, or even horizontally, and the plunger 31 could be driven by an alternating movement of inclined or horizontal translation in the liquid. Alternatively also, the plunger could be of the rotary type driven by an alternating rotation movement, the valve then closing a radial opening of a radial face relative to the axis of rotation of the plunger.

Also, the metering device 1 can be produced with a single metering tap 8, and instead of providing the rotary frame 6 relative to a control cam 81 which is fixed, it is possible to provide for this fixed control cam 81 is replaced by a rotary cam about a horizontal axis and which pushes back the pad 80 in the manner of a rocker. This rotary cam can be synchronized with drive means or any other motor means.

Claims (43)

1. A measurer adapted to successively sample, at rates which could be very fast, small measures of liquid from a reservoir (7), comprising a measurer body (26) designed to be permanently mounted in relation to the reservoir (7), and reciprocating measuring/pumping means (31) worked by movement transmission means (32), with a reciprocating movement producing in one direction the measuring of a predetermined quantity of liquid, and in the other direction the pumping of this liquid, said reciprocating measuring/pumping means (31) comprising a sampling piston (31) freely mounted on the inside of an end section (30) of the measurer body (26), forming the sampling chamber, defining a piston (31) guide socket (89) and communicating with said liquid, the movement transmission means (32) working such sampling piston (31) with a reciprocating movement, said piston (31) being a plunger piston immersed in said liquid and fitted with a valve (96) made to be opened when the piston (31) is displaced in the direction of measuring, and to be closed when the piston (31) is displaced in the direction of pumping, characterised in that the measurer body extends above the liquid contained in the reservoir and in such liquid, and in that the lower end section (30) of the measurer body (26) is immersed in the liquid contained in the reservoir (7).
2. A measurer according to claim 1 characterised in that the sampling plunger (31) is hollow, has an inlet (33) for introduction of liquid into a sampling chamber (87) communicating with an outlet canal (23) incorporated in the measurer body (26), and in that the plunger (31) has a gate valve (91) for the inlet (33) set to be opened in the direction of movement producing the measuring and closed in the direction of movement producing pumping.
3. A measurer according to claim 2 characterised in that the gate valve (91) is of the type controlled by the pressure of the liquid produced by the reciprocating movement of the plunger (31).
4. A measurer according to any one of claims 2 and 3 characterised in that the gate valve (91) is made up of a seal (91) mounted so that it slides freely in relation to the plunger (31) in the sampling chamber (87).
5. A measurer according to any one of claims 2 to 4 characterised in that it includes an overspill section between the sampling chamber (87) and the liquid in the reservoir (6), whose value is lower than the section of the inlet (33), when the gate valve (91) is open and allows the reciprocating movement of the plunger (31) to be maintained in the liquid when the outlet canal (23) is checked.
6. A measurer according to any one of claims 2 to 5 characterised in that the plunger (31) is made up of a hollow plunger piston guided in a socket (89) which is incorporated into the measurer body (26) at the end (88) of the outlet canal (23) communicating with the sampling chamber (87).
7. A measurer according to claims 5 and 6 characterised in that the overspill section is effected by the transverse clearance of the guide contact between the external surface (104) of the plunger piston (31) and the guide surface (105) of the socket (89).
8. A measurer according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that it includes motor means (79) to create the plunger (31) movement in at least one direction.
9. A measurer according to claim 8 characterised in that the motor means (79) create the plunger (31) movement in only one direction, the movement in the other direction being transmitted by a movement created outside the measurer.
10. A measurer according to any one of claims 8 and 9 characterised in that the motor means (79) create the plunger (31) movement in the direction producing pumping.
11. A measurer according to any one of claims 8 to 10 characterised in that the motor means (79) are made up of a return spring (79).
12. A measurer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the transmission means (32) include a rod (32) linked by an end (102) to the plunger (31) and extending through the sampling chamber (87) and the outlet canal (23).
13. A measurer according to claim 12, characterised in that the other end (110) of the transmission rod (32) is linked to a plate or guide (80) aimed at functioning with a control cam (81) to produce movement in the transmission rod (32).
14. A measurer according to any one of claims 2 to 13, characterised in that the plunger (31) is freely mounted in vertical movement in relation to the measurer body (26), in that the movement transmission means (32) work the plunger (31) with a reciprocating movement vertically from bottom to top in the direction of pumping and from top to bottom in the direction of measuring, in that the sampling chamber (87) is placed above the inlet (33), and in that the gate valve (91) closes the inlet (33) when the plunger (31) is raised.
15. A measurer according to claims 10 or 11 and 14, characterised in that the return spring (79) is a compression spring (79) extending vertically around the rod (32) which, at its lower end (106) rests on a lower shoulder (107) solid with the measurer body (26) and at its upper end (108) on an upper shoulder (109) solid with the transmission rod (32).
16. A measurer according to any one of claims 2 to 15 characterised in that the transverse section of the sampling chamber (87) is larger than the introduction inlet (33) section.
17. A measurer according to any one of claims 2 to 16 characterised in that the transverse section of the sampling chamber (87) is larger than the transverse section of the outlet canal (23).
18. A measurer according to any one of claims 2 to 17 characterised in that the transverse section of the outlet canal (23) is tapering from the sampling chamber (87) to its measurer body (26) outlet end (74).
19. A measurer tap to successively sample and discharge at a steady rate predetermined quantities of liquid - aseptic liquid in particular - from a reservoir (7) from/into the containers (2) placed successively and at a steady rate under a spout (21) of this measurer tap characterised in that it includes a measurer (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 comprising an outlet canal (23) which communicates with a discharge canal (24) fitted into a tap body (25) and coming out of the spout (21).
20. A measurer tap according to claim 19 characterised in that the outlet canal (23) of the measurer (22) and the discharge canal (24) define a continually climbing or partly horizontal path between the introduction inlet (33) of the measurer (22) and the spout (21).
21. A measurer tap according to any one of claims 19 and 20 characterised in that it includes a discharge gate closure (34) interposed in the discharge canal (24) and controlled on opening when a container is facing the spout (21) and on closing in the opposite case.
22. A measurer tap according to claim 21 characterised in that the discharge gate closure (34) is controlled on opening by a freely mounted control unit (47) displaced when a container (2) is facing the spout (21).
23. A measurer tap according to any one of claims 21 and 22 characterised in that the discharge gate closure (34) is controlled on closing by a return spring (44).
24. A measurer tap according to any one of claims 19 to 23 characterised in that it includes a check valve (56) interposed between the discharge gate closure (34) and the outlet canal (23) of the measurer (22), preventing the liquid from flowing back to the reservoir (7).
25. A measurer tap according to any one of claims 19 to 24 characterised in that the measurer (22) is linked rigidly in relation to the tap body (25) but in such a way as to be detachable.
26. A measurer tap according to any one of claims 19 to 25 characterised in that the tap body (25) is joined to the measurer body (26) by way of a connector (62).
27. A measurer tap according to claim 26 characterised in that the connector (62) includes rigid connection means (63) detachable from the reservoir (7).
28. A measurer tap according to any one of claims 26 and 27 characterised in that the connector (62) forms a common fixing stirrup for the measurer body (26) and the tap body (25) in relation to the reservoir (7).
29. A measurer tap according to claim 24 and any one of claims 26 to 28 characterised in that the connector (62) includes the check valve (56)
30. Measuring equipment for successively sampling and discharging at a steady rate predetermined quantities of liquid - aseptic liquid in particular - from/into containers (2) fed successively and at a steady rate by driving means (3) comprising a casing (6) forming a reservoir (7) for the liquid characterised in that it includes at least a measurer tap (8) according to any one of claims 19 to 29 mounted on the casing (6) in such a way that each measurer (22) has its sampling plunger (31) immersed in the liquid.
31. Measuring equipment according to claim 30 characterised in that operation of the sampling plunger (31) is controlled at least in part by the movement of the container driving means (3) according to the speed of the driving means (3).
32. Measuring equipment according to claim 31 characterised in that a movement of the sampling plunger (31) in one direction is controlled by the movement of the container driving means (3) whereas the sampling plunger (31) movement in the other direction is controlled by motor means (79) individually and solid with each measurer (22).
33. Measuring equipment according to claim 32 characterised in that the pumping movement of the sampling plunger (31) is controlled by a return spring (79).
34. Measuring equipment according to any one of claims 32 and 33 characterised in that the measuring movement of the sampling plunger (31) is controlled by the movement of the container driving means (3).
35. Measuring equipment according to any one of claims 31 to 34 characterised in that each measurer (22) includes a plate or guide (80) joined to the sampling plunger (31), in that it includes a control cam (81) aimed at functioning with each plate or guide (80) to produce the measuring movement, in which the control cam (81) and the casing (6) are movable in relation to each other according to a relative movement produced by the container driving means (3).
36. Measuring equipment according to claim 35 characterised in that the control cam (81) is linked rigidly to the casing (6) through means (82) for regulating the distance separating the control cam (81) from the measurers (22).
37. Measuring equipment according to any one of claims 31 to 36 characterised in that the casing (6) of the reservoir (7) is includes protrusion (10) aiming at being engaged into the apertures or slots of the freely mounted container driving means unit (3) to bring about movement of the casing (6).
38. Measuring equipment according to any one of claims 35 to 37 characterised in that the control cam (81) is joined permanently in relation to a fixed base (114).
39. Measuring equipment according to any one of claims 30 to 38 characterised in that it is in the form of a carousel, the reservoir (7) being in the lower central position, its casing (6) including a peripheral ring (9) supporting a large number of measurer taps (8) regularly distributed at regular intervals.
40. Measuring equipment according to any one of claims 35 to 39 characterised in that the measurers (22) extend vertically, in that the casing (6) is extended upwards by an extension (12) and in that the control cam (81) is a circular cam rigidly joined to a flanged guide (13) for the extension (12) above the measurers (22).
41. Measuring equipment according to any one of claims 30 to 40, characterised in that it includes means (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) for maintaining in the reservoir (7) a level of liquid above the predetermined threshold.
42. Installation for handling, processing or filling in series containers such as bottles characterised in that it includes at least one measuring device according to any one of claims 30 to 41.
43. Installation according to claim 42 characterised in that the measuring device (1) is joined rigidly above a bracket (3) of a rotating star for the input or output of a carousel for handling, processing or filling containers.

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