EP1173382A1 - Flowback method in a filling machine and filling machine for carrying out said method - Google Patents

Flowback method in a filling machine and filling machine for carrying out said method

Info

Publication number
EP1173382A1
EP1173382A1 EP99958266A EP99958266A EP1173382A1 EP 1173382 A1 EP1173382 A1 EP 1173382A1 EP 99958266 A EP99958266 A EP 99958266A EP 99958266 A EP99958266 A EP 99958266A EP 1173382 A1 EP1173382 A1 EP 1173382A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filling
casing
spout
filling machine
product
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP99958266A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1173382B1 (en
Inventor
Eric Adriansens
Eric Meunier
Rodolphe Saint-Martin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sidel SA
Original Assignee
Sidel SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sidel SA filed Critical Sidel SA
Publication of EP1173382A1 publication Critical patent/EP1173382A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1173382B1 publication Critical patent/EP1173382B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/26—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/001—Cleaning of filling devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for discharging the product contained in a distribution circuit of a filling machine, the distribution circuit connecting from upstream to downstream a product storage tank up to a filling spout which is intended for be brought next to the opening of a container to be filled.
  • This process is more particularly intended to be implemented in machines which make it possible to fill hollow containers, such as bottles or jars, with a product, for example a food liquid.
  • Such machines may include a rotating carrousel provided with a series of filling spouts, each spout then being supplied by the distribution circuit.
  • the containers are engaged on the carousel at a given point in the circle that it describes, being arranged below a filling spout. Once the container is placed under the spout, the latter is supplied with product so that the product is poured inside the container.
  • the supply of the spout is interrupted by a valve interposed in the distribution circuit and the container is then released from the carousel, this of course before the carousel has made a complete revolution.
  • this stop is planned, for example at the end of production, or that it is unforeseen, for example when the production line in which the filling machine is located knows a problem downstream of it, this amount of product is found immobilized in the distribution circuit, this immobilization can last a certain time.
  • the product contained in the distribution circuit may degrade or no longer correspond to defined filling conditions. This is for example the case when the product is intended to be filled at a given temperature, hot or cold. Indeed, if the product which is in the storage tank is generally maintained at the right temperature, for example thanks to a forced circulation in an exchanger, such is not the case of the product contained in the distribution circuit because the latter is in principle not temperature controlled since, in operation, the product is only required to stay there for a very short time.
  • the invention therefore aims to provide a solution to solve the difficulties associated with the presence of material in the distribution circuit during stops of the filling machine.
  • the invention provides a delivery method, characterized in that it comprises a step consisting in delimiting around the spout, by means of a sealed casing, a closed enclosure, and a step during which a discharge fluid is injected under pressure into the enclosure, through an auxiliary port, to discharge the product contained in the distribution circuit towards the tank.
  • the discharge fluid is an inert gas; or - the delivery fluid is sterile.
  • the invention also provides a filling machine for implementing the method according to the invention, characterized in that the filling spout is enclosed in a fixed casing secured to a support for the spout, the casing comprising a passage orifice opposite which is arranged the spout, and the casing comprising a movable shutter which, in a closed position, closes the orifice and closes the casing in a leaktight manner, and in that the machine comprises an auxiliary port which opens into the enclosure and which is intended to be connected to a source of pressurized fluid.
  • - The shutter is controlled by actuating means between its closed position and an open position in which the orifice of the housing is released;
  • the shutter actuation means comprise a double-acting fluid pressure cylinder
  • the machine comprises means for circulating, inside the housing, a cleaning agent, the cleaning agent being introduced into the housing by the filling spout and being discharged through the auxiliary port which opens out to the inside the enclosure delimited by the casing; - the auxiliary port is arranged at a low point of the casing;
  • a sterile gas is injected into the casing through the auxiliary port and is evacuated through the orifice of the casing, surrounding the flow of the product between the filling spout and the container; and - the machine comprises several filling spouts each of which is enclosed in a fixed casing provided with a movable obturator for closing the casing in a sealed manner.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view in axial section illustrating a part of a carousel of a filling machine designed according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a detail view of Figure 1 showing more particularly the cleaning housing of a filling spout and a shutter and its actuating means, the shutter being illustrated in the open position;
  • FIG. 3 is a view identical to that of Figure 2 in which the flap is illustrated in the closed position.
  • a filling machine 1 0 for filling containers, such as bottles 1 2, with a liquid, for example a flat liquid such as water.
  • the machine 1 0 is a rotary machine which comprises a carousel 14 rotatably mounted relative to a fixed frame 1 6, around an axis A1 which, for convenience, will be described as vertical.
  • the carousel 1 4 comprises a series of filling stations 1 8 which are angularly spaced regularly around the axis A1 but only one of which is illustrated in the figures.
  • Each filling station 1 8 is capable of filling a bottle 12.
  • it comprises in particular a device 20 for supporting the bottle 1 2, a filling spout 22 through which the product intended to fill the bottle, and a distribution circuit which is interposed between a storage tank (not shown) associated with the machine and the spout 22.
  • the distribution circuit includes in particular, but not exclusively, a rotating distributor 24 and, for each spout, a supply line having two upstream 26 and downstream 28 sections between which a valve 30 is arranged which makes it possible to control the flow of product in the circuit and therefore the distribution of the product through the associated nozzle 22.
  • the rotating distributor 24 is arranged in the lower part of the carousel 14, radially in the center of the latter.
  • I l has a fixed part to which are connected supply pipes (not shown) which are fixed relative to the frame 1 6 and which allow in particular to supply the carousel with product from the storage tank, and more , as will appear later, as a cleaning agent and in pressurized air.
  • the distributor 24 also comprises a rotating part 32 to which are connected conduits including the supply line 26, 28.
  • the two parts of the rotating distributor 24 include communication means which make it possible to selectively connect the fixed supply pipes to the corresponding lines of the carousel.
  • Each filling station 1 8 comprises a hollow vertical column 34 which is fixed by its lower end to a horizontal plate 36 and which carries, at its upper end, the filling spout 22, which extends outwards, substantially along a radius with respect to the axis A1.
  • the valve 30 is arranged below the plate 36, substantially vertical to the associated filling spout 22, so that the downstream section 28 of the supply line extends through a hole 40 in the plate 36 and inside the column 34.
  • the filling machine comprises means for delimiting, around the spout 22, a sealed sealed enclosure and means for injecting into this enclosure a delivery fluid which makes it possible to repel the product contained in the distribution circuit in the direction of the storage tank.
  • the column 34 of the machine described carries, at its upper end, a casing 38 in which the filling spout 22 is enclosed.
  • the end part of the downstream section 28 of the supply pipe extends in a radial plane relative to the axis A1, so that the casing is fixed in protrusion radially outwards relative to the column 34.
  • the casing 38 comprises a base 42 which is fixed to the column 34 and which is extended radially outwards by a tubular wall of revolution 44 of radial axis A2.
  • the wall 44 is closed at its external radial end by an end wall 46 which is for example constituted by a plug screwed tightly on the wall 44.
  • the end part of the supply line 28 passes through the base 42 of sealingly to open into the closed enclosure delimited by the tubular wall 44.
  • the filling spout 22 is bent downwards to be located opposite an orifice 48 arranged in the wall 44, this orifice 48 being itself opposite the filling opening of the bottle 1 2 when the latter is in place on its support 20.
  • the casing 38 comprises a movable flap 50 which makes it possible to close the orifice 48 so that the casing delimits a perfectly closed and sealed enclosure in which the spout 22 is enclosed.
  • the flap 50 consists of a tubular sleeve 52 of revolution which is slidably mounted on the tubular wall 44, outside of the latter. The flap 50 can thus move between an open position illustrated in FIG. 2, in which it is moved back so as to release the orifice 48, and a closed position illustrated in FIG. 3, in which it is advanced so to cover orifice 48.
  • the rear end of the sleeve 52 has the shape of a collar 54 which slides in leaktight manner inside an annular chamber delimited around the tubular wall 44 by a tubular shell 56 of axis A2 which surrounds the end rear of the wall 44.
  • the flange 54 thus plays the role of a piston which delimits in the chamber two front 58 and rear 60 parts.
  • the respective volume of these two parts 58, 60 is therefore variable as a function of the position of the flange, and therefore of the position of the flap 50, along the axis A2.
  • the flap 50 is forced to move towards one or the other of its open or shutter positions.
  • the flange 54 and the two parts 58, 60 of the chamber form a double-acting fluid pressure cylinder.
  • each filling station 1 8 is provided with its own solenoid valve (not shown) for controlling the flap 50.
  • the actuation of the flaps 50 is done individually and can then possibly be offset in time from one beak to another.
  • the machine may include a single control solenoid valve for all the spouts.
  • the actuation of the flaps 50 can, thanks to the invention, be done simultaneously on all the spouts in a very short time.
  • the shutters can be actuated even when the carousel is being rotated.
  • the machine according to the invention comprises, for each nozzle
  • an auxiliary port 70 which is arranged in the base 42 and which opens inside the enclosure defined by the corresponding casing 38.
  • the auxiliary port 70 is connected by an auxiliary line 72 and by the distributor 24 to a device for supplying pressurized discharge fluid.
  • the delivery fluid must be determined according to the filling product. In most cases, an inert gas such as sterile air can advantageously be used.
  • the discharge is interrupted when the fluid has flowed back to a desired level, a level which can be identified either visually, by means of a transparent section of pipe interposed for example in the distribution circuit at the outlet of the storage tank, or so automatic, thanks to a detector known elsewhere.
  • the discharge is interrupted simply by ceasing to supply the casing with pressurized fluid.
  • an isolation valve will be provided at the outlet of the storage tank which will be closed as soon as the product has flowed back to the desired level.
  • the filling operation must of course be carried out while avoiding any contamination of the product. This is crucial when the product is a food product and even more so in the case of dairy products for example.
  • the filling machine should be cleaned at regular intervals. Cleaning can consist of removing all traces of the product, removing dust and other foreign bodies, or even eliminating biological or bacteriological contaminants. For the purposes of this patent, cleaning can therefore also cover the concepts of washing, disinfection, decontamination or sterilization. Cleaning is generally carried out using a liquid or gaseous cleaning agent which is circulated in the circuit taken by the product inside the machine. To limit the consumption of cleaning agent, and above all to facilitate its recovery for possible recycling, it is preferable to circulate the agent within a closed circuit.
  • a cleaning liquid is circulated through the intake pipe, the valve 30 and the spout 22, which comes to fill the casing 38.
  • the liquid is then discharged from the casing through the auxiliary port 70 which is then connected by the auxiliary line 72 and by the distributor 24 to a device for recovering and recycling the cleaning liquid, which allows consumption to be limited.
  • the auxiliary port 70 is arranged so as to open out at a low point of the casing 38 to allow the most complete possible evacuation of the cleaning liquid by the auxiliary line 72.
  • a sterile gas such as sterile air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.
  • the sterile gas then fills the internal volume of the casing 38 and escapes through the orifice 48, surrounding the jet of product which is delivered by the filling spout towards the bottle 1 2.
  • the sterile gas can be introduced into the casing 38 through the same auxiliary port 70 which serves for the evacuation of the cleaning agent during the cleaning phases of the machine.
  • the product delivery operation during a machine stop can be performed quickly for all filling stations of the machine, which avoids any loss of product.
  • the delivery being made with an inert fluid for the product in question, the restarting of the machine can be done without it being necessary to necessarily carry out a particular cleaning of the distribution circuit, except of course in the case of 'a prolonged stop, in which case the cleaning operation as described above can be implemented in a particularly simple manner.

Abstract

A flowback method for a product contained in the distribution circuit of a filling machine. The distribution circuit (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) creates an upstream/downstream link between a storage tank for said product and a filling tube (22) that is placed opposite the opening of a receptacle (12) that is to be filled. The method includes a step whereby a closed area around the filling tube (22) is defined by a sealed housing (38). The method further includes a step whereby a circulating liquid is injected into the above-mentioned area under pressure. The liquid passes through an auxiliary port (70), whereupon the product contained in the distribution method (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) flows back in the direction of the storage tank.

Description

Procédé de refoulement dans une machine de remplissage et machine de remplissage pour la mise en oeuvre d'un tel procédé Discharge method in a filling machine and filling machine for implementing such a method
L'invention concerne un procédé de refoulement du produit contenu dans un circuit de distribution d'une machine de remplissage, le circuit de distribution reliant d'amont en aval une cuve de stockage du produit jusqu'à un bec de remplissage qui est destiné à être amené en regard de l'ouverture d'un récipient à remplir.The invention relates to a method for discharging the product contained in a distribution circuit of a filling machine, the distribution circuit connecting from upstream to downstream a product storage tank up to a filling spout which is intended for be brought next to the opening of a container to be filled.
Ce procédé est plus particulièrement destiné à être mis en oeuvre dans les machines qui permettent de remplir des récipients creux, tels que des bouteilles ou des pots, avec un produit, par exemple un liq uide alimentaire.This process is more particularly intended to be implemented in machines which make it possible to fill hollow containers, such as bottles or jars, with a product, for example a food liquid.
De telles machines peuvent comporter un carrousel rotatif muni d'une série de becs de remplissage, chaque bec étant alors alimenté par le circuit de distribution . Les récipients sont engagés sur le carrousel en un point donné du cercle que celui-ci décrit, en étant disposés en dessous d'un bec de remplissage. Une fois le récipient en place sous le bec, ce dernier est alimenté en produit de manière que le produit soit déversé à l'intérieur du récipient. Lorsqu'un degré voulu de remplissage est atteint, l'alimentation du bec est interrompue par une vanne interposée dans le circuit de distribution et le récipient est alors dégagé du carrousel, ceci bien entendu avant que le carrousel n'ait effectué un tour complet.Such machines may include a rotating carrousel provided with a series of filling spouts, each spout then being supplied by the distribution circuit. The containers are engaged on the carousel at a given point in the circle that it describes, being arranged below a filling spout. Once the container is placed under the spout, the latter is supplied with product so that the product is poured inside the container. When a desired degree of filling is reached, the supply of the spout is interrupted by a valve interposed in the distribution circuit and the container is then released from the carousel, this of course before the carousel has made a complete revolution.
Dans une machine en cours de fonctionnement, il existe donc en permanence une certaine quantité de produit qui se trouve en transit dans le circuit de distribution entre la cuve de stockage et le bec de distribution.In a machine in operation, there is therefore permanently a certain quantity of product which is in transit in the distribution circuit between the storage tank and the dispensing spout.
Cette quantité de produit augmente bien entendu avec le nombre de becs que comporte la machine.This quantity of product increases of course with the number of spouts that the machine contains.
Or, au moment de l'arrêt de l'opération de remplissage, que cet arrêt soit prévu, par exemple en fin de production, ou qu'il soit imprévu , par exemple lorsque la ligne de production dans laquelle se situe la machine de remplissage connaît un problème en aval de celle-ci, cette quantité de produit se retrouve immobilisée dans le circuit de distribution , cette immobilisation pouvant durer un certain temps.However, at the time of the stop of the filling operation, that this stop is planned, for example at the end of production, or that it is unforeseen, for example when the production line in which the filling machine is located knows a problem downstream of it, this amount of product is found immobilized in the distribution circuit, this immobilization can last a certain time.
Au cours de cette immobilisation , le produit contenu dans le circuit de distribution peut se dégrader ou ne plus correspondre à des conditions définies de remplissage. Cela est par exemple le cas lorsque le produit est destiné à être rempli à une température donnée, à chaud ou à froid. En effet, si le produit qui est dans la cuve de stockage est généralement maintenu à la bonne température, par exemple grâce à une circulation forcée dans un échangeur, tel n'est pas le cas du produit contenu dans le circuit de distribution car ce dernier n'est en principe pas régulé en température étant donné que, en fonctionnement, le produit n'est amené à y séjourner que très peu de temps.During this immobilization, the product contained in the distribution circuit may degrade or no longer correspond to defined filling conditions. This is for example the case when the product is intended to be filled at a given temperature, hot or cold. Indeed, if the product which is in the storage tank is generally maintained at the right temperature, for example thanks to a forced circulation in an exchanger, such is not the case of the product contained in the distribution circuit because the latter is in principle not temperature controlled since, in operation, the product is only required to stay there for a very short time.
De la sorte, après un arrêt de la machine de remplissage, il est bien souvent nécessaire de se débarrasser du produit qui est demeuré dans le circuit de distribution . Ce produit inutilisable est doublement pénalisant, d'une part du fait de la perte de matière et d'autre part du fait qu'il faut prévoir un ci rcuit d'évacuation de cette matière.In this way, after stopping the filling machine, it is very often necessary to get rid of the product which has remained in the distribution circuit. This unusable product is doubly penalizing, on the one hand because of the loss of material and on the other hand because it is necessary to provide a ci rcuit for evacuation of this material.
L'invention a donc pour but de proposer une solution permettant de résoudre les difficultés liées à la présence de matière dans le circuit de distribution lors des arrêts de la machine de remplissage.The invention therefore aims to provide a solution to solve the difficulties associated with the presence of material in the distribution circuit during stops of the filling machine.
Dans ce but, l'invention propose un procédé de refoulement, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une étape consistant à délimiter autour du bec, au moyen d'un carter étanche, une enceinte fermée, et une étape au cours de laq uelle un fluide de refoulement est injecté sous pression dans l'enceinte, au travers d'un port auxiliaire, pour refouler le produit contenu dans le circuit de distribution en direction de la cuve.To this end, the invention provides a delivery method, characterized in that it comprises a step consisting in delimiting around the spout, by means of a sealed casing, a closed enclosure, and a step during which a discharge fluid is injected under pressure into the enclosure, through an auxiliary port, to discharge the product contained in the distribution circuit towards the tank.
Selon d'autres caractéristiques du procédé selon l'invention :According to other characteristics of the process according to the invention:
- le fluide de refoulement est un gaz inerte ; ou - le fluide de refoulement est de l'ai r stérile.- the discharge fluid is an inert gas; or - the delivery fluid is sterile.
L'invention propose aussi une machine de remplissage pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention, caractérisée en ce que le bec de remplissage est enfermé dans un carter fixe solidaire d'un support du bec, le carter comportant un orifice de passage en regard duquel est agencé le bec, et le carter comportant un volet d'obturation mobile qui , dans une position fermée, obture l'orifice et ferme le carter de manière étanche, et en ce que la machine comporte un port auxiliaire qui débouche dans l'enceinte et qui est destiné à être relié à une source de fluide sous pression. Selon d'autres caractéristiques de la machine selon l'invention : - le volet d'obturation est commandé par des moyens d'actionnement entre sa position fermée et une position ouverte dans laquelle l'orifice du carter est dégagé ;The invention also provides a filling machine for implementing the method according to the invention, characterized in that the filling spout is enclosed in a fixed casing secured to a support for the spout, the casing comprising a passage orifice opposite which is arranged the spout, and the casing comprising a movable shutter which, in a closed position, closes the orifice and closes the casing in a leaktight manner, and in that the machine comprises an auxiliary port which opens into the enclosure and which is intended to be connected to a source of pressurized fluid. According to other characteristics of the machine according to the invention: - The shutter is controlled by actuating means between its closed position and an open position in which the orifice of the housing is released;
- les moyens d'actionnement du volet comportent un vérin à pression de fluide à double action ;- The shutter actuation means comprise a double-acting fluid pressure cylinder;
- la machine comporte des moyens pour faire circuler, à l'intérieur du carter, un agent de nettoyage, l'agent de nettoyage étant introduit dans le carter par le bec de remplissage et étant évacué au travers du port auxiliaire qui débouche à l'intérieur de l'enceinte délimitée par le carter ; - le port auxiliaire est agencé au niveau d'un point bas du carter ;- The machine comprises means for circulating, inside the housing, a cleaning agent, the cleaning agent being introduced into the housing by the filling spout and being discharged through the auxiliary port which opens out to the inside the enclosure delimited by the casing; - the auxiliary port is arranged at a low point of the casing;
- en cours de remplissage, un gaz stérile est injecté dans le carter au travers du port auxiliaire et s'évacue au travers de l'orifice du carter en entourant l'écoulement du produit entre le bec de remplissage et le récipient ; et - la machine comporte plusieurs becs de remplissage dont chacun est enfermé dans un carter fixe pourvu d'un obturateu r mobile permettant de fermer le carter de manière étanche.- during filling, a sterile gas is injected into the casing through the auxiliary port and is evacuated through the orifice of the casing, surrounding the flow of the product between the filling spout and the container; and - the machine comprises several filling spouts each of which is enclosed in a fixed casing provided with a movable obturator for closing the casing in a sealed manner.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit, ainsi que dans les dessins annexés dans lesq uels :Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, as well as in the appended drawings in which:
- la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale illustrant une partie d'un carrousel d'une machine de remplissage conçue selon l'invention ;- Figure 1 is a schematic view in axial section illustrating a part of a carousel of a filling machine designed according to the invention;
- la figure 2 est une vue de détail de la figure 1 montrant plus particulièrement le carter de nettoyage d'un bec de remplissage ainsi qu'un volet d'obturation et ses moyens d'actionnement, le volet étant illustré en position ouverte ; et- Figure 2 is a detail view of Figure 1 showing more particularly the cleaning housing of a filling spout and a shutter and its actuating means, the shutter being illustrated in the open position; and
- la figure 3 est une vue identique à celle de la figure 2 dans laquelle le volet est illustré en position d'obturation . On a illustré sur la figure 1 de manière schématique et partielle une machine de remplissage 1 0 destinée à assurer le remplissage de récipients, tels que des bouteilles 1 2, avec un liquide, par exemple un liquide plat tel que de l'eau. Bien entendu , l'invention peut être appliquée dans le cas du remplissage de tout type de récipient avec tout type de produit. La machine 1 0 est une machine rotative qui comporte un carrousel 14 monté tournant par rapport à un bâti fixe 1 6, autour d'un axe A1 qui, par commodité, sera qualifié de vertical .- Figure 3 is a view identical to that of Figure 2 in which the flap is illustrated in the closed position. Is illustrated in Figure 1 schematically and partially a filling machine 1 0 for filling containers, such as bottles 1 2, with a liquid, for example a flat liquid such as water. Of course, the invention can be applied in the case of filling any type of container with any type of product. The machine 1 0 is a rotary machine which comprises a carousel 14 rotatably mounted relative to a fixed frame 1 6, around an axis A1 which, for convenience, will be described as vertical.
Le carrousel 1 4 comporte une série de postes de remplissage 1 8 qui sont écartés angulairement de manière régulière autour de l'axe A1 mais dont un seul est illustré sur les figures. Chaque poste de remplissage 1 8 est à même de réaliser le remplissage d'une bouteille 12. Il comporte à cet effet notamment un dispositif 20 de support de la bouteille 1 2, un bec de remplissage 22 par lequel débouche le produit destiné à remplir la bouteille, et un ci rcuit de distribution qui est interposé entre une cuve de stockage (non représentée) associée à la machine et le bec 22.The carousel 1 4 comprises a series of filling stations 1 8 which are angularly spaced regularly around the axis A1 but only one of which is illustrated in the figures. Each filling station 1 8 is capable of filling a bottle 12. To this end, it comprises in particular a device 20 for supporting the bottle 1 2, a filling spout 22 through which the product intended to fill the bottle, and a distribution circuit which is interposed between a storage tank (not shown) associated with the machine and the spout 22.
Le circuit de distribution comporte notamment, mais non exclusivement, un distributeur tournant 24 et, pour chaque bec, une conduite d'alimentation présentant deux tronçons amont 26 et aval 28 entre lesquels on a agencé une vanne 30 qui permet de commander le débit de produit dans le circuit et donc la distribution du produit au travers du bec 22 associé.The distribution circuit includes in particular, but not exclusively, a rotating distributor 24 and, for each spout, a supply line having two upstream 26 and downstream 28 sections between which a valve 30 is arranged which makes it possible to control the flow of product in the circuit and therefore the distribution of the product through the associated nozzle 22.
Le distributeur tournant 24 est agencé en partie basse du carrousel 14, radialement au centre de celui-ci. I l comporte une partie fixe sur laquelle sont raccordés des tuyaux d'alimentation (non représentés) qui sont fixes par rapport au bâti 1 6 et qui permettent notamment d'alimenter le carrousel en produit en provenance de la cuve de stockage, et de plus, comme cela apparaîtra ultérieurement, en agent de nettoyage et en air sous pression . Le distributeur 24 comporte par ailleurs une partie tournante 32 sur laquelle sont raccordés des conduites dont la conduite d'alimentation 26, 28. Les deux parties du distributeur tournant 24 comportent des moyens de communication qui permettent de relier sélectivement les tuyaux d'alimentation fixes aux conduites correspondantes du carrousel . Chaque poste de remplissage 1 8 comporte une colonne verticale creuse 34 qui est fixée par son extrémité inférieure sur un plateau horizontal 36 et qui porte, à son extrémité supérieure, le bec de remplissage 22, lequel s'étend vers l'extérieur, sensiblement selon un rayon par rapport à l'axe A1 . La vanne 30 est agencée en dessous du plateau 36, sensiblement à la verticale du bec de remplissage 22 associé, de sorte que le tronçon aval 28 de la conduite d'alimentation s'étend au travers d'un perçage 40 du plateau 36 et à l'intérieur de la colonne 34.The rotating distributor 24 is arranged in the lower part of the carousel 14, radially in the center of the latter. I l has a fixed part to which are connected supply pipes (not shown) which are fixed relative to the frame 1 6 and which allow in particular to supply the carousel with product from the storage tank, and more , as will appear later, as a cleaning agent and in pressurized air. The distributor 24 also comprises a rotating part 32 to which are connected conduits including the supply line 26, 28. The two parts of the rotating distributor 24 include communication means which make it possible to selectively connect the fixed supply pipes to the corresponding lines of the carousel. Each filling station 1 8 comprises a hollow vertical column 34 which is fixed by its lower end to a horizontal plate 36 and which carries, at its upper end, the filling spout 22, which extends outwards, substantially along a radius with respect to the axis A1. The valve 30 is arranged below the plate 36, substantially vertical to the associated filling spout 22, so that the downstream section 28 of the supply line extends through a hole 40 in the plate 36 and inside the column 34.
Selon l'invention , la machine de remplissage comporte des moyens pour délimiter, autour du bec 22, une enceinte fermée étanche et des moyens pour injecter dans cette enceinte un fluide de refoulement qui permet de repousser du produit contenu dans le circuit de distribution en direction de la cuve de stockage.According to the invention, the filling machine comprises means for delimiting, around the spout 22, a sealed sealed enclosure and means for injecting into this enclosure a delivery fluid which makes it possible to repel the product contained in the distribution circuit in the direction of the storage tank.
Dans ce but, la colonne 34 de la machine décrite porte, à son extrémité supérieure, un carter 38 dans lequel se trouve enfermé le bec de remplissage 22.For this purpose, the column 34 of the machine described carries, at its upper end, a casing 38 in which the filling spout 22 is enclosed.
Comme on peut le voir plus particulièrement sur les figures 2 et 3, la partie terminale du tronçon aval 28 de la conduite d'alimentation s'étend dans un plan radial par rapport à l'axe A1 , de sorte que le carter est fixé en excroissance radialement vers l'extérieu r par rapport à la colonne 34. Le carter 38 comporte une embase 42 qui est fixée sur la colonne 34 et qui est prolongée radialement vers l'extérieur par une paroi tubulaire de révolution 44 d'axe radial A2. La paroi 44 est fermée à son extrémité radiale externe par une paroi d'extrémité 46 qui est par exemple constituée par un bouchon vissé de manière étanche sur la paroi 44. La partie terminale de la conduite d'alimentation 28 traverse l'embase 42 de manière étanche pour déboucher dans l'enceinte fermée délimitée par la paroi tubulaire 44. Le bec de remplissage 22 est recourbé vers le bas pou r se trouver en regard d'un orifice 48 aménagé dans la paroi 44, cet orifice 48 étant lui-même en regard de l'ouverture de remplissage de la bouteille 1 2 lorsque cette dernière est en place sur son support 20.As can be seen more particularly in FIGS. 2 and 3, the end part of the downstream section 28 of the supply pipe extends in a radial plane relative to the axis A1, so that the casing is fixed in protrusion radially outwards relative to the column 34. The casing 38 comprises a base 42 which is fixed to the column 34 and which is extended radially outwards by a tubular wall of revolution 44 of radial axis A2. The wall 44 is closed at its external radial end by an end wall 46 which is for example constituted by a plug screwed tightly on the wall 44. The end part of the supply line 28 passes through the base 42 of sealingly to open into the closed enclosure delimited by the tubular wall 44. The filling spout 22 is bent downwards to be located opposite an orifice 48 arranged in the wall 44, this orifice 48 being itself opposite the filling opening of the bottle 1 2 when the latter is in place on its support 20.
Avantageusement, le carter 38 comporte un volet mobile 50 qui permet d'obturer l'orifice 48 afin que le carter délimite une enceinte parfaitement fermée et étanche dans laquelle le bec 22 se trouve enfermé. Le volet 50 est constitué d'un manchon 52 tubulaire de révolution qui est monté coulissant sur la paroi tubulaire 44, à l'extérieur de celle-ci. Le volet 50 peut ainsi se déplacer entre une position ouverte illustrée à la figure 2, dans laquelle il est reculé de manière à dégager l'orifice 48, et une position d'obturation illustrée à la figure 3, dans laquelle il est avancé de manière à recouvrir l'orifice 48. L'extrémité arrière du manchon 52 présente la forme d'une collerette 54 qui coulisse de manière étanche à l'intérieur d'une chambre annulaire délimitée autour de la paroi tubulaire 44 par une coque tubulaire 56 d'axe A2 qui entoure l'extrémité arrière de la paroi 44. La collerette 54 joue ainsi le rôle d'un piston qui délimite dans la chambre deux parties avant 58 et arrière 60. Le volume respectif de ces deux parties 58, 60 est donc variable en fonction de la position de la collerette, et donc de la position du volet 50, le long de l'axe A2.Advantageously, the casing 38 comprises a movable flap 50 which makes it possible to close the orifice 48 so that the casing delimits a perfectly closed and sealed enclosure in which the spout 22 is enclosed. The flap 50 consists of a tubular sleeve 52 of revolution which is slidably mounted on the tubular wall 44, outside of the latter. The flap 50 can thus move between an open position illustrated in FIG. 2, in which it is moved back so as to release the orifice 48, and a closed position illustrated in FIG. 3, in which it is advanced so to cover orifice 48. The rear end of the sleeve 52 has the shape of a collar 54 which slides in leaktight manner inside an annular chamber delimited around the tubular wall 44 by a tubular shell 56 of axis A2 which surrounds the end rear of the wall 44. The flange 54 thus plays the role of a piston which delimits in the chamber two front 58 and rear 60 parts. The respective volume of these two parts 58, 60 is therefore variable as a function of the position of the flange, and therefore of the position of the flap 50, along the axis A2.
Aussi, en imposant dans l'une ou l'autre des parties 58, 60 de la chambre une pression de f luide, on impose au volet 50 un déplacement vers l'une ou l'autre de ses positions ouverte ou d'obturation. En d'autres termes, la collerette 54 et les deux parties 58, 60 de la chambre forment un vérin à pression de fluide à double action.Also, by imposing in one or the other of the parts 58, 60 of the chamber a fluid pressure, the flap 50 is forced to move towards one or the other of its open or shutter positions. In other words, the flange 54 and the two parts 58, 60 of the chamber form a double-acting fluid pressure cylinder.
Lorsque la machine comporte plusieurs becs, on peut prévoi r que chaque poste de remplissage 1 8 soit muni de sa propre électrovanne (non représentée) de commande du volet 50. L'actionnement des volets 50 se fait individuellement et peut alors éventuellement être décalé dans le temps d'un bec à l'autre. Cependant, lorsque la machine comporte un nombre important de becs de remplissage, la machine peut comporter une électrovanne de commande unique pour tous les becs.When the machine has several spouts, it can be provided that each filling station 1 8 is provided with its own solenoid valve (not shown) for controlling the flap 50. The actuation of the flaps 50 is done individually and can then possibly be offset in time from one beak to another. However, when the machine has a large number of filling spouts, the machine may include a single control solenoid valve for all the spouts.
Dans les deux cas, l'actionnement des volets 50 peut, grâce à l'invention , se faire simultanément sur tous les becs en un temps très court. Avantageusement l'actionnement des volets peut être effectué même lorsque le carrousel est en cours de rotation. Par ailleurs, la machine selon l'invention comporte, pour chaque becIn both cases, the actuation of the flaps 50 can, thanks to the invention, be done simultaneously on all the spouts in a very short time. Advantageously, the shutters can be actuated even when the carousel is being rotated. Furthermore, the machine according to the invention comprises, for each nozzle
22, un port auxiliaire 70 qui est aménagé dans l'embase 42 et qui débouche à l'intérieur de l'enceinte définie par le carter 38 correspondant. Le port auxiliaire 70 est relié par une conduite auxiliaire 72 et par le distributeur 24 à un dispositif d'alimentation en fluide de refoulement sous pression.22, an auxiliary port 70 which is arranged in the base 42 and which opens inside the enclosure defined by the corresponding casing 38. The auxiliary port 70 is connected by an auxiliary line 72 and by the distributor 24 to a device for supplying pressurized discharge fluid.
Ainsi, suite à un arrêt de la machine de remplissage, il est possible de provoquer la fermeture du carter 38 par le volet 50 et d'injecter du fluide sous pression dans le carter 38 par l'intermédiaire du port auxiliaire 70. La pression de fluide provoque alors un recul du produit contenu dans le circuit de distribution . On prévoira que, au cours du refoulement, la vanne 30 soit ouverte, afin de permettre au produit de refluer en direction de la cuve de stockage.Thus, following a stop of the filling machine, it is possible to cause the casing 38 to close by the flap 50 and to inject pressurized fluid into the casing 38 via the auxiliary port 70. The pressure of fluid then causes a drop in the product contained in the distribution circuit. It will be expected that, during the repression, the valve 30 is open, in order to allow the product to flow back towards the storage tank.
Le fluide de refoulement est à déterminer en fonction du produit de remplissage. Dans la plupart des cas, on pourra avantageusement utiliser un gaz inerte tel que de l'air stérile.The delivery fluid must be determined according to the filling product. In most cases, an inert gas such as sterile air can advantageously be used.
Le refoulement est interrompu lorsque le f luide a reflué jusqu'à un niveau désiré, niveau qui peut être repéré soit visuellement, grâce à un tronçon de canalisation transparent interposé par exemple dans le circuit de distribution en sortie de cuve de stockage, soit de manière automatique, grâce à un détecteur connu par ailleurs.The discharge is interrupted when the fluid has flowed back to a desired level, a level which can be identified either visually, by means of a transparent section of pipe interposed for example in the distribution circuit at the outlet of the storage tank, or so automatic, thanks to a detector known elsewhere.
Le refoulement est interrompu simplement en cessant d'alimenter le carter en fluide sous pression . Avantageusement on prévoira en sortie de cuve de stockage une vanne d'isolement qui sera refermée dès que le produit aura reflué jusqu'au niveau désiré. Par ailleurs, l'opération de remplissage doit bien entendu être effectuée en évitant toute contamination du produit. Cela est crucial lorsque le produit est un produit alimentaire et encore plus dans le cas des produits lactés par exemple.The discharge is interrupted simply by ceasing to supply the casing with pressurized fluid. Advantageously, an isolation valve will be provided at the outlet of the storage tank which will be closed as soon as the product has flowed back to the desired level. Furthermore, the filling operation must of course be carried out while avoiding any contamination of the product. This is crucial when the product is a food product and even more so in the case of dairy products for example.
Aussi, il faut procéder à intervalles réguliers au nettoyage de la machine de remplissage. Le nettoyage peut consister à enlever toute trace du produit, à enlever les poussières et autres corps étrangers, voire à éliminer les contaminants biologiques ou bactériologiques. Au sens du présent brevet, le nettoyage peut donc aussi bien recouvrir les notions de lavage, de désinfection, de décontamination ou de stérilisation. Le nettoyage est généralement réalisé à l'aide d'un agent de nettoyage liquide ou gazeux que l'on fait circuler dans le circuit emprunté par le produit à l'intérieur de la machine. Pou r limiter la consommation d'agent de nettoyage, et surtout pou r faciliter sa récupération en vue de son recyclage éventuel, on préfère faire circuler l'agent à l'intérieur d'un circuit fermé.Also, the filling machine should be cleaned at regular intervals. Cleaning can consist of removing all traces of the product, removing dust and other foreign bodies, or even eliminating biological or bacteriological contaminants. For the purposes of this patent, cleaning can therefore also cover the concepts of washing, disinfection, decontamination or sterilization. Cleaning is generally carried out using a liquid or gaseous cleaning agent which is circulated in the circuit taken by the product inside the machine. To limit the consumption of cleaning agent, and above all to facilitate its recovery for possible recycling, it is preferable to circulate the agent within a closed circuit.
Or, lorsque le carter 38 est fermé par le volet 50, il est possible d'organiser à l'intérieur de celui-ci une circulation d'un agent de nettoyage permettant de nettoyer non seulement l'intérieu r du bec 22, mais aussi l'extérieur de celui-ci . Pour ce faire, on fait par exemple circuler au travers de la conduite d'admission , de la vanne 30 et du bec 22, un liquide de nettoyage qui vient remplir le carter 38. Le liquide est alors évacué du carter au travers du port auxiliaire 70 qui est alors relié par la conduite auxiliaire 72 et par le distributeur 24 à un dispositif de récupération et de recyclage du liquide de nettoyage, ce qui permet d'en limiter la consommation . De préférence, le port auxiliaire 70 est agencé de manière à déboucher au niveau d'un point bas du carter 38 pour permettre une évacuation la plus complète possible du liquide de nettoyage par la conduite auxiliaire 72.However, when the casing 38 is closed by the flap 50, it is possible to organize inside of it a circulation of a cleaning agent making it possible to clean not only the interior of the spout 22, but also outside of it. To do this, for example, a cleaning liquid is circulated through the intake pipe, the valve 30 and the spout 22, which comes to fill the casing 38. The liquid is then discharged from the casing through the auxiliary port 70 which is then connected by the auxiliary line 72 and by the distributor 24 to a device for recovering and recycling the cleaning liquid, which allows consumption to be limited. Preferably, the auxiliary port 70 is arranged so as to open out at a low point of the casing 38 to allow the most complete possible evacuation of the cleaning liquid by the auxiliary line 72.
De manière avantageuse, pour améliorer encore les qualités de propreté du remplissage à l'aide d'une telle machine, on peut prévoir d'injecter à l'intérieur du carter 38, au moment du remplissage, un gaz stérile tel que de l'air stérile, de l'azote ou dioxyde de carbone. Le gaz stérile remplit alors le volume interne du carter 38 et s'échappe au travers de l'orifice 48 en entourant le jet de produit q ui est délivré par le bec de remplissage en direction de la bouteille 1 2. Ainsi, entre le bec 22 et la bouteille 1 2, le produit est isolé par une enveloppe de gaz stérile et n'est pas exposé aux éventuelles sources de pollution environnantes. Avantageusement, le gaz stérile peut être introduit dans le carter 38 au travers du même port auxiliaire 70 qui sert à l'évacuation de l'agent de nettoyage au cours des phases de nettoyage de la machine.Advantageously, to further improve the cleanliness qualities of the filling using such a machine, provision may be made to inject inside the casing 38, at the time of filling, a sterile gas such as sterile air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. The sterile gas then fills the internal volume of the casing 38 and escapes through the orifice 48, surrounding the jet of product which is delivered by the filling spout towards the bottle 1 2. Thus, between the spout 22 and the bottle 12, the product is isolated by a sterile gas envelope and is not exposed to possible sources of surrounding pollution. Advantageously, the sterile gas can be introduced into the casing 38 through the same auxiliary port 70 which serves for the evacuation of the cleaning agent during the cleaning phases of the machine.
G râce à l'invention , l'opération de refoulement du produit au cours d'un arrêt de la machine peut être effectuée de manière rapide pour tous les postes de remplissage de la machine, ce qui évite toute perte de produit. De plus, le refoulement se faisant avec un fluide inerte pour le produit en question , le redémarrage de la machine peut être fait sans qu'il soit nécessaire de procéder obligatoirement à un nettoyage particulier du circuit de distribution, sauf bien entendu dans le cas d'un arrêt prolongé, auquel cas l'opération de nettoyage telle que décrite précédemment peut être mise en oeuvre de manière particulièrement simple. Thanks to the invention, the product delivery operation during a machine stop can be performed quickly for all filling stations of the machine, which avoids any loss of product. In addition, the delivery being made with an inert fluid for the product in question, the restarting of the machine can be done without it being necessary to necessarily carry out a particular cleaning of the distribution circuit, except of course in the case of 'a prolonged stop, in which case the cleaning operation as described above can be implemented in a particularly simple manner.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 . Procédé de refoulement du produit contenu dans un circuit de distribution d'une machine de remplissage, le circuit de distribution (22,1. Method for discharging the product contained in a distribution circuit of a filling machine, the distribution circuit (22,
24, 26, 28, 30) reliant d'amont en aval une cuve de stockage du produit jusqu'à un bec de remplissage (22) qui est destiné à être amené en regard de l'ouverture d'un récipient ( 1 2) à remplir, caractérisé en ce que le procédé comporte une étape consistant à délimiter autour du bec (22) , au moyen d'un carter étanche (38) , une enceinte fermée, et une étape au cours de laquelle un fluide de refoulement est injecté sous pression dans l'enceinte, au travers d'un port auxiliaire (70) , pour refouler le produit contenu dans le circuit de distribution (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) en direction de la cuve. 24, 26, 28, 30) connecting from upstream to downstream a product storage tank up to a filling spout (22) which is intended to be brought opposite the opening of a container (1 2) to be filled, characterized in that the method comprises a step consisting in delimiting around the spout (22), by means of a sealed casing (38), a closed enclosure, and a step during which a delivery fluid is injected under pressure in the enclosure, through an auxiliary port (70), for discharging the product contained in the distribution circuit (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) in the direction of the tank.
2. Procédé selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que le fluide de refoulement est un gaz inerte.2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the delivery fluid is an inert gas.
3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le fluide de refoulement est de l'air stérile.3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the delivery fluid is sterile air.
4. Machine de remplissage, du type comportant un circuit de distribution (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) reliant d'amont en aval une cuve de stockage du produit jusqu'à un bec de remplissage (22) qui est destiné à être amené en regard de l'ouverture d'un récipient (1 2) à remplir, du type dans lequel le bec de remplissage (22) est enfermé dans un carter fixe (38) solidaire d'un support (34) du bec (22) , et du type dans lequel le carter (38) comporte un orifice de passage (48) en regard duquel est agencé le bec (22), et un volet d'obturation mobile (50) qui , dans une position fermée, obture l'orifice (48) et ferme le carter (38) de manière étanche, caractérisée en ce que la machine comporte un port auxiliaire (70) qui débouche dans l'enceinte et qui est destiné à être relié à une source de fluide de refoulement sous pression, pour que, le f luide de refoulement étant injecté sous pression dans l'enceinte lorsque le volet est en position fermée, le produit contenu dans le circuit de distribution (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) soit refoulé en direction de la cuve. 4. Filling machine, of the type comprising a distribution circuit (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) connecting from upstream to downstream a product storage tank up to a filling spout (22) which is intended for be brought opposite the opening of a container (1 2) to be filled, of the type in which the filling spout (22) is enclosed in a fixed casing (38) secured to a support (34) of the spout ( 22), and of the type in which the casing (38) comprises a passage orifice (48) opposite which the spout (22) is arranged, and a movable shutter (50) which, in a closed position, closes the orifice (48) and closes the casing (38) in a sealed manner, characterized in that the machine has an auxiliary port (70) which opens into the enclosure and which is intended to be connected to a source of delivery fluid under pressure, so that, the delivery fluid being injected under pressure into the enclosure when the shutter is in the closed position, the product contained in the c distribution circuit (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) is discharged in the direction of the tank.
5. Machine de remplissage selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que le volet d'obturation (50) est commandé par des moyens d'actionnement (58, 60, 54) entre sa position fermée et une position ouverte dans laquelle l'orifice (48) du carter (38) est dégagé.5. filling machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the shutter (50) is controlled by means actuation (58, 60, 54) between its closed position and an open position in which the orifice (48) of the housing (38) is released.
6. Machine de remplissage selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que les moyens d'actionnement du volet comportent un vérin à pression de fluide à double action.6. Filling machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the shutter actuating means comprise a double-acting fluid pressure cylinder.
7. Machine de remplissage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 6, caractérisée en ce que la machine comporte des moyens pour faire circuler, à l'intérieur du carter (38), un agent de nettoyage, l'agent de nettoyage étant introduit dans le carter par le bec de remplissage (22) et étant évacué au travers du port auxiliaire (70) qui débouche à l'intérieur de l'enceinte délimitée par le carter (38) .7. Filling machine according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the machine comprises means for circulating, inside the housing (38), a cleaning agent, the cleaning agent being introduced into the casing by the filling spout (22) and being discharged through the auxiliary port (70) which opens inside the enclosure delimited by the casing (38).
8. Machine de remplissage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 7, caractérisée en ce que le port auxiliaire (70) est agencé au niveau d'un point bas du carter (38). 8. Filling machine according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the auxiliary port (70) is arranged at a low point of the casing (38).
9. Machine de remplissage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 8, caractérisée en ce que, en cours de remplissage, un gaz stérile est injecté dans le carter (38) au travers du port auxiliaire (70) et s'évacue au travers de l'orifice (48) du carter (38) en entourant l'écoulement du produit entre le bec de remplissage (22) et le récipient ( 1 2) .9. Filling machine according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, during filling, a sterile gas is injected into the casing (38) through the auxiliary port (70) and is evacuated to the through the orifice (48) of the casing (38) surrounding the flow of the product between the filling spout (22) and the container (1 2).
1 0. Machine de remplissage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 9, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte plusieurs becs de remplissage (22) dont chacun est enfermé dans un carter fixe (38) pourvu d'un obturateur mobile (50) permettant de fermer le carter (38) de manière étanche. 1 0. Filling machine according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that it comprises several filling spouts (22) each of which is enclosed in a fixed casing (38) provided with a movable shutter (50 ) allowing the casing (38) to be sealed.
EP99958266A 1999-01-06 1999-12-07 Flowback method in a filling machine and filling machine for carrying out said method Expired - Lifetime EP1173382B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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FR9900117 1999-01-06
FR9900117A FR2788049B1 (en) 1999-01-06 1999-01-06 DELIVERY PROCESS IN A FILLING MACHINE AND FILLING MACHINE FOR CARRYING OUT SUCH A METHOD
PCT/FR1999/003048 WO2000040503A1 (en) 1999-01-06 1999-12-07 Flowback method in a filling machine and filling machine for carrying out said method

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EP1173382B1 EP1173382B1 (en) 2003-04-02

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Publication number Publication date
ES2196889T3 (en) 2003-12-16
FR2788049A1 (en) 2000-07-07
JP2002534328A (en) 2002-10-15
ATE236074T1 (en) 2003-04-15
AU1567100A (en) 2000-07-24
JP3462856B2 (en) 2003-11-05
EP1173382B1 (en) 2003-04-02
WO2000040503A1 (en) 2000-07-13
KR100452842B1 (en) 2004-10-14
KR20020001715A (en) 2002-01-09
US6453953B1 (en) 2002-09-24
DE69906589D1 (en) 2003-05-08
CA2358549A1 (en) 2000-07-13
FR2788049B1 (en) 2001-01-26
CA2358549C (en) 2004-06-29
BR9916775A (en) 2001-10-30
DE69906589T2 (en) 2003-12-24
PT1173382E (en) 2003-08-29

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