EP1173382B1 - 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 Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1173382B1
EP1173382B1 EP99958266A EP99958266A EP1173382B1 EP 1173382 B1 EP1173382 B1 EP 1173382B1 EP 99958266 A EP99958266 A EP 99958266A EP 99958266 A EP99958266 A EP 99958266A EP 1173382 B1 EP1173382 B1 EP 1173382B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
casing
filling
filling machine
product
nozzle
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99958266A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1173382A1 (en
Inventor
Eric Adriansens
Eric Meunier
Rodolphe Saint-Martin
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Sidel SA
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Sidel SA
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Publication of EP1173382A1 publication Critical patent/EP1173382A1/en
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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 contained product. in a distribution circuit of a filling machine, the circuit of distribution connecting from upstream to downstream a product storage tank up to a filling spout which is intended to be brought opposite the opening of a container to be filled.
  • This process is more particularly intended to be implemented in machines that fill hollow containers, such as bottles or jars, with a product, for example a liquid food.
  • the invention also relates to a machine for filling according to the preamble of the claim 4 (see also WO-A-95/33675).
  • Such machines may include a rotating carousel provided a series of filling spouts, each spout then being supplied by the distribution channel.
  • the containers are engaged on the carousel in one given point of the circle that it describes, being arranged below a filling spout. Once the container is in place under the spout, this the latter is supplied with product so that the product is discharged to inside the container.
  • the supply of the nozzle 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 completed a full turn.
  • this stop is planned, for example at the end of production, or that it is unforeseen, by example when the production line in which the machine is located filling has a problem downstream of it, this amount of product is immobilized in the distribution circuit, this immobilization which may last a certain time.
  • the product contained in the circuit distribution may deteriorate or no longer match conditions defined fill.
  • the invention therefore aims to provide a solution for solve the difficulties linked to the presence of material in the distribution when the filling machine stops.
  • the invention proposes 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 at during which a discharge fluid is injected under pressure into the enclosure, through an auxiliary port, for discharging the product contained in the distribution circuit towards the tank.
  • the invention also provides a filling machine, as defined in claim 4.
  • FIG. 1 Illustrated in Figure 1 schematically and partially a filling machine 10 intended to ensure the filling of containers, such as bottles 12, with a liquid, for example a flat liquid such as water.
  • a liquid for example a flat liquid such as water.
  • the invention can be applied when filling any type of container with any type of product.
  • Machine 10 is a rotary machine which includes a carousel 14 rotatably mounted relative to a fixed frame 16, around an axis A1 which, for convenience, will be called vertical.
  • the carousel 14 has a series of filling stations 18 which are angularly spread evenly around the axis A1 but only one of which is illustrated in the figures.
  • Each filling station 18 is able to fill a bottle 12. It includes effect in particular a device 20 for supporting the bottle 12, a spout filling 22 through which the product intended to fill the bottle, and a distribution circuit which is interposed between a tank of storage (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 has been arranged which makes it possible to control the product flow 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 at the center of it. It has a fixed part on which are connected supply pipes (not shown) which are fixed relative to the frame 16 and which in particular make it possible to supply the carousel in product from the storage tank, and moreover, as will appear later, in cleaning agent and in air under pressure.
  • the distributor 24 also comprises a rotating part 32 on which are connected pipes including the supply line 26, 28.
  • the two parts of the rotary distributor 24 include means for communication that selectively connect the pipes fixed supply to the corresponding carousel lines.
  • Each filling station 18 has a vertical column hollow 34 which is fixed by its lower end on a plate horizontal 36 and which carries, at its upper end, the spout filling 22, which extends outward, substantially in a radius with respect to the axis A1.
  • the valve 30 is arranged below the plate 36, substantially at the vertical of the associated filling spout 22, so that the downstream section 28 of the supply line extends through a bore 40 of the tray 36 and inside the column 34.
  • the filling machine comprises means to delimit, around the spout 22, a sealed sealed enclosure and means for injecting into this enclosure a delivery fluid which allows the product contained in the distribution circuit to be repelled by direction of the storage tank.
  • the column 34 of the machine described carries, to its upper end, a casing 38 in which the spout is enclosed filling 22.
  • the end part of the downstream section 28 of the supply pipe extends in a radial plane with respect to the axis A1, so that the casing is fixed protruding radially outward from column 34.
  • the casing 38 has 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.
  • Wall 44 is closed at its end external radial by an end wall 46 which is for example constituted by a plug screwed tightly onto the wall 44.
  • the end part of the supply line 28 crosses the base 42 in leaktight manner to open into the closed enclosure delimited by the tubular wall 44.
  • the filling spout 22 is curved down to find itself opposite an orifice 48 arranged in the wall 44, this orifice 48 itself being opposite the opening of filling of the bottle 12 when the latter is in place on its support 20.
  • the casing 38 includes a movable flap 50 which allows the orifice 48 to be closed so that the casing delimits an enclosure perfectly closed and sealed 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 the FIG. 2, in which it is moved back so as to release the orifice 48, and a closed position illustrated in Figure 3, in which it is advanced so as to cover the orifice 48.
  • the rear end of the sleeve 52 has the shape of a collar 54 which slides tightly inside an annular chamber delimited around the tubular wall 44 by a tubular shell 56 of axis A2 which surrounds the rear end of the wall 44.
  • the collar 54 plays thus the role of a piston which delimits in the chamber two front parts 58 and rear 60.
  • the respective volume of these two parts 58, 60 is therefore variable depending on the position of the flange, and therefore the position flap 50, along axis A2.
  • the shutter 50 is forced to move to either of its open or shutter positions.
  • the flange 54 and the two parts 58, 60 of the chamber form a double action fluid pressure cylinder.
  • each filling station 18 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 optionally be shifted in the time from spout to spout.
  • the machine may have a single control solenoid valve for all spouts.
  • the actuation of the flaps 50 can, thanks to the invention, to be done simultaneously on all the nozzles in a very short time short.
  • the actuation of the flaps can be carried out even when the carousel is being rotated.
  • the machine according to the invention comprises, for each nozzle 22, an auxiliary port 70 which is arranged in the base 42 and which opens out 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 discharge fluid under pressure.
  • the delivery fluid is to be determined according to the product of filling. In most cases, it is advantageous to use an inert gas such as sterile air.
  • the delivery is interrupted when the fluid has flowed back to a desired level, level which can be identified either visually, using a transparent pipe section interposed for example in the circuit distribution at the outlet of the storage tank, either automatically, thanks to a detector known elsewhere.
  • the discharge is interrupted simply by ceasing to supply the pressurized fluid housing.
  • provision will be made at the outlet of storage tank an isolation valve which will be closed as soon as the product will have flowed back to the desired level.
  • the filling operation must of course be 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.
  • cleaning can consist of removing all traces product, remove dust and other foreign bodies, or even eliminate biological or bacteriological contaminants. In the sense of this patent, cleaning can therefore cover the concepts of washing, disinfection, decontamination or sterilization.
  • Cleaning is generally carried out using a cleaning agent liquid or gaseous cleaning that is circulated in the circuit taken by the product inside the machine.
  • a cleaning agent liquid or gaseous cleaning that is circulated in the circuit taken by the product inside the machine.
  • the auxiliary port 70 is arranged so as to lead to a low point of the casing 38 to allow a as complete drainage of the cleaning liquid as possible auxiliary line 72.
  • a gas sterile such as sterile air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.
  • the gas sterile then fills the internal volume of the casing 38 and escapes through orifice 48 by surrounding the jet of product which is delivered by the nozzle of filling in the direction of the bottle 12.
  • the product is isolated by a sterile gas jacket and is not not exposed to possible surrounding pollution sources.
  • the sterile gas can be introduced into the casing 38 at through the same auxiliary port 70 which is used for the evacuation of the cleaning during the machine cleaning phases.
  • the product delivery operation during machine shutdown can be done quickly for all filling stations of the machine, which avoids any loss of product.
  • the discharge takes place with an inert fluid for the product in question, restarting the machine can be done without it be necessary to perform a special cleaning of the distribution circuit, except of course in the case of an extended shutdown, in which case the cleaning operation as described above can be implemented in a particularly simple manner.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • General Factory Administration (AREA)
  • Fish Paste Products (AREA)
  • Formation And Processing Of Food Products (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)

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

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 contained product. in a distribution circuit of a filling machine, the circuit of distribution connecting from upstream to downstream a product storage tank up to a filling spout which is intended to be brought opposite 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 liquide alimentaire.This process is more particularly intended to be implemented in machines that fill hollow containers, such as bottles or jars, with a product, for example a liquid food.

L'invention concerne aussi une machine de remplissage selon le préambule de la revendication 4 (voir aussi WO-A-95/33675).The invention also relates to a machine for filling according to the preamble of the claim 4 (see also WO-A-95/33675).

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 carousel provided a series of filling spouts, each spout then being supplied by the distribution channel. The containers are engaged on the carousel in one given point of the circle that it describes, being arranged below a filling spout. Once the container is in place under the spout, this the latter is supplied with product so that the product is discharged to inside the container. When a desired degree of filling is reached, the supply of the nozzle 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 completed a full turn.

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. Cette quantité de produit augmente bien entendu avec le nombre de becs que comporte la machine.In a machine in operation, there are therefore permanently a certain quantity of product which is in transit in the distribution circuit between the storage tank and the dispensing spout. This quantity of product increases of course with the number of spouts that the machine has.

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 connaít 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, when the filling operation is stopped, this stop is planned, for example at the end of production, or that it is unforeseen, by example when the production line in which the machine is located filling has a problem downstream of it, this amount of product is immobilized in the distribution circuit, this immobilization which may 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. During this immobilization, the product contained in the circuit distribution may deteriorate or no longer match conditions defined fill.

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.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 usually kept at the correct temperature, for example through forced circulation in a exchanger, this is not the case for the product contained in the circuit distribution because the latter is in principle not temperature controlled since, in operation, the product is not required to stay there that very shortly.

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 circuit d'évacuation de cette matière.In this way, after stopping the filling machine, it is good often need to get rid of the product that has remained in the distribution channel. This unusable product is doubly penalizing, on the one hand because of the loss of material and on the other hand because it takes provide a circuit for removing 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 for solve the difficulties linked to the presence of material in the distribution when the filling machine stops.

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 laquelle 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 proposes 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 at during which a discharge fluid is injected under pressure into the enclosure, through an auxiliary port, for discharging the product contained in the distribution circuit towards the tank.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques du procédé selon l'invention :

  • le fluide de refoulement est un gaz inerte ; ou
  • le fluide de refoulement est de l'air stérile.
According to other characteristics of the process according to the invention:
  • the discharge fluid is an inert gas; or
  • the delivery fluid is sterile air.

L'invention propose aussi une machine de remplissage, telle que définie dans la revendication 4.The invention also provides a filling machine, as defined in claim 4.

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 ;
  • les moyens d'actionnement du volet comportent un vérin à pression de fluide à double action ;
  • 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 ;
  • 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 obturateur mobile permettant de fermer le carter de manière étanche.
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 casing is released;
  • the shutter actuating means comprise a double-acting fluid pressure cylinder;
  • the machine includes 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 inside of the enclosure delimited by the casing;
  • the auxiliary port is arranged at a low point of the casing;
  • 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 shutter making it possible to close the casing in a sealed manner.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit, ainsi que dans les dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • 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 ;
  • 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
  • la figure 3 est une vue identique à celle de la figure 2 dans laquelle le volet est illustré en position d'obturation.
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:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view in axial section illustrating a part of a carousel of a filling machine designed according to the invention;
  • 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
  • Figure 3 is a view identical to that of Figure 2 in which the flap is illustrated in the closed position.

On a illustré sur la figure 1 de manière schématique et partielle une machine de remplissage 10 destinée à assurer le remplissage de récipients, tels que des bouteilles 12, 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. Illustrated in Figure 1 schematically and partially a filling machine 10 intended to ensure the filling of containers, such as bottles 12, with a liquid, for example a flat liquid such as water. Of course, the invention can be applied when filling any type of container with any type of product.

La machine 10 est une machine rotative qui comporte un carrousel 14 monté tournant par rapport à un bâti fixe 16, autour d'un axe A1 qui, par commodité, sera qualifié de vertical.Machine 10 is a rotary machine which includes a carousel 14 rotatably mounted relative to a fixed frame 16, around an axis A1 which, for convenience, will be called vertical.

Le carrousel 14 comporte une série de postes de remplissage 18 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 18 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 12, un bec de remplissage 22 par lequel débouche le produit destiné à remplir la bouteille, et un circuit de distribution qui est interposé entre une cuve de stockage (non représentée) associée à la machine et le bec 22.The carousel 14 has a series of filling stations 18 which are angularly spread evenly around the axis A1 but only one of which is illustrated in the figures. Each filling station 18 is able to fill a bottle 12. It includes effect in particular a device 20 for supporting the bottle 12, a spout filling 22 through which the product intended to fill the bottle, and a distribution circuit which is interposed between a tank of storage (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 has been arranged which makes it possible to control the product flow 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. Il comporte une partie fixe sur laquelle sont raccordés des tuyaux d'alimentation (non représentés) qui sont fixes par rapport au bâti 16 et qui permettent notamment d'alimenter le carrousel en produit en provenance de la cuve de stockage, et de plus, comme cela apparaítra ultérieurement, en agent de nettoyage et en air sous pression.The rotating distributor 24 is arranged in the lower part of the carousel 14, radially at the center of it. It has a fixed part on which are connected supply pipes (not shown) which are fixed relative to the frame 16 and which in particular make it possible to supply the carousel in product from the storage tank, and moreover, as will appear later, in cleaning agent and in air under pressure.

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.The distributor 24 also comprises a rotating part 32 on which are connected pipes including the supply line 26, 28. The two parts of the rotary distributor 24 include means for communication that selectively connect the pipes fixed supply to the corresponding carousel lines.

Chaque poste de remplissage 18 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.Each filling station 18 has a vertical column hollow 34 which is fixed by its lower end on a plate horizontal 36 and which carries, at its upper end, the spout filling 22, which extends outward, substantially in a radius with respect to the axis 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 valve 30 is arranged below the plate 36, substantially at the vertical of the associated filling spout 22, so that the downstream section 28 of the supply line extends through a bore 40 of the tray 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 to delimit, around the spout 22, a sealed sealed enclosure and means for injecting into this enclosure a delivery fluid which allows the product contained in the distribution circuit to be repelled by 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, to its upper end, a casing 38 in which the spout is enclosed filling 22.

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'extérieur 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.As can be seen more particularly in Figures 2 and 3, the end part of the downstream section 28 of the supply pipe extends in a radial plane with respect to the axis A1, so that the casing is fixed protruding radially outward from column 34. The casing 38 has 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. Wall 44 is closed at its end external radial by an end wall 46 which is for example constituted by a plug screwed tightly onto the wall 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 pour 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 12 lorsque cette dernière est en place sur son support 20.The end part of the supply line 28 crosses the base 42 in leaktight manner to open into the closed enclosure delimited by the tubular wall 44. The filling spout 22 is curved down to find itself opposite an orifice 48 arranged in the wall 44, this orifice 48 itself being opposite the opening of filling of the bottle 12 when the latter is in place on its support 20.

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.The casing 38 includes a movable flap 50 which allows the orifice 48 to be closed so that the casing delimits an enclosure perfectly closed and sealed in which the spout 22 is enclosed.

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. 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 the FIG. 2, in which it is moved back so as to release the orifice 48, and a closed position illustrated in Figure 3, in which it is advanced so as to cover the 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.The rear end of the sleeve 52 has the shape of a collar 54 which slides tightly inside an annular chamber delimited around the tubular wall 44 by a tubular shell 56 of axis A2 which surrounds the rear end of the wall 44. The collar 54 plays thus the role of a piston which delimits in the chamber two front parts 58 and rear 60. The respective volume of these two parts 58, 60 is therefore variable depending on the position of the flange, and therefore the position flap 50, along axis A2.

Aussi, en imposant dans l'une ou l'autre des parties 58, 60 de la chambre une pression de fluide, 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 other of the parts 58, 60 of the fluid pressure chamber, the shutter 50 is forced to move to either of its open or shutter positions. In others terms, the flange 54 and the two parts 58, 60 of the chamber form a double action fluid pressure cylinder.

Lorsque la machine comporte plusieurs becs, on peut prévoir que chaque poste de remplissage 18 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 nozzles, provision can be made for each filling station 18 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 optionally be shifted in the time from spout to spout. However, when the machine has a large number of filling spouts, the machine may have a single control solenoid valve for all 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.In both cases, the actuation of the flaps 50 can, thanks to the invention, to be done simultaneously on all the nozzles in a very short time short. Advantageously the actuation of the flaps can be carried out even when the carousel is being rotated.

Par ailleurs, la machine selon l'invention comporte, pour chaque bec 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.Furthermore, the machine according to the invention comprises, for each nozzle 22, an auxiliary port 70 which is arranged in the base 42 and which opens out 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 discharge fluid under pressure.

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 cause the casing 38 to close by the flap 50 and inject pressurized fluid in the casing 38 via the auxiliary port 70. The fluid pressure 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, to allow the product to flow back towards of 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 is to be determined according to the product of filling. In most cases, it is advantageous to use an inert gas such as sterile air.

Le refoulement est interrompu lorsque le fluide 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 delivery is interrupted when the fluid has flowed back to a desired level, level which can be identified either visually, using a transparent pipe section interposed for example in the circuit distribution at the outlet of the storage tank, either automatically, 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.The discharge is interrupted simply by ceasing to supply the pressurized fluid housing. Advantageously, provision will be made at the outlet of storage tank an isolation valve which will be closed as soon as the product will have flowed back to the desired level.

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.Furthermore, the filling operation must of course be 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.Also, the cleaning of the filling machine. Cleaning can consist of removing all traces product, remove dust and other foreign bodies, or even eliminate biological or bacteriological contaminants. In the sense of this patent, cleaning can therefore cover the concepts of washing, disinfection, decontamination or sterilization.

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. Pour limiter la consommation d'agent de nettoyage, et surtout pour faciliter sa récupération en vue de son recyclage éventuel, on préfère faire circuler l'agent à l'intérieur d'un circuit fermé.Cleaning is generally carried out using a cleaning agent liquid or gaseous cleaning that is circulated in the circuit taken by the product inside the machine. To limit consumption of cleaning agent, and especially to facilitate its recovery with a view to its possible recycling, we prefer to circulate the agent inside 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'intérieur 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.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 allowing to clean not only the inside of the spout 22, but also outside of it. To do this, we for example circulate through of the intake pipe, of the valve 30 and of the spout 22, a liquid of cleaning which comes to fill the casing 38. The liquid is then evacuated from the casing through the auxiliary port 70 which is then connected by the pipe auxiliary 72 and by the distributor 24 to a recovery and recycling of the cleaning liquid, which limits its consumption.

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.Preferably, the auxiliary port 70 is arranged so as to lead to a low point of the casing 38 to allow a as complete drainage of the cleaning liquid as possible 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 qui est délivré par le bec de remplissage en direction de la bouteille 12. Ainsi, entre le bec 22 et la bouteille 12, 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 qualities of cleanliness of filling using such a machine, one can provide inject inside the casing 38, at the time of filling, a gas sterile such as sterile air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. The gas sterile then fills the internal volume of the casing 38 and escapes through orifice 48 by surrounding the jet of product which is delivered by the nozzle of filling in the direction of the bottle 12. Thus, between the spout 22 and the bottle 12, the product is isolated by a sterile gas jacket and is not not exposed to possible surrounding pollution sources. Advantageously, the sterile gas can be introduced into the casing 38 at through the same auxiliary port 70 which is used for the evacuation of the cleaning during the machine cleaning phases.

Grâce 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 machine shutdown can be done quickly for all filling stations of the machine, which avoids any loss of product. In addition, the discharge takes place with an inert fluid for the product in question, restarting the machine can be done without it be necessary to perform a special cleaning of the distribution circuit, except of course in the case of an extended shutdown, in which case the cleaning operation as described above can be implemented in a particularly simple manner.

Claims (10)

  1. Method for displacing the product contained in a distribution circuit of a filling machine, the distribution circuit (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) connecting, from upstream to downstream, a product storage tank to a filling nozzle (22) which is intended to be brought to face the opening of a container (12) that is to be filled,
    characterized in that the method involves a step consisting in delimiting around the nozzle (22), by means of a sealed casing (38), a closed chamber, and a step during which a displacement fluid is injected under pressure into the chamber, through an auxiliary port (70), to cause the product contained in the distribution circuit (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) to flow back towards the tank.
  2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the displacement fluid is an inert gas.
  3. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that the displacement fluid is sterile air.
  4. Filling machine of the type comprising a distribution circuit (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) connecting, from upstream to downstream, a product storage tank to a filling nozzle (22) which is intended to be brought to face the opening of a container (12) that is to be filled, of the type in which the filling nozzle (22) is enclosed in a fixed casing (38) secured to a support (34) of the nozzle (22), and of the type in which the casing (38) comprises a passage orifice (48) facing which the nozzle (22) is arranged, and a moving shut-off flap (50) which, in a closed position, shuts off the orifice (48) and seals the casing (38) closed,
    characterized in that the machine comprises an auxiliary port (70) which opens into the chamber formed by the casing (38) and which is intended to be connected to a source of displacement fluid under pressure so that when the displacement fluid is injected under pressure into the chamber when the flap is in the closed position, the product contained in the distribution circuit (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) is made to flow back towards the tank.
  5. Filling machine according to Claim 4, characterized in that the shut-off flap (50) is operated by actuating means (58, 60, 54) moving it between its closed position and an open position in which the orifice (48) of the casing (38) is uncovered.
  6. Filling machine according to Claim 5,
    characterized in that the means of actuating the flap comprise a double-acting fluid-pressure ram.
  7. Filling machine according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the machine comprises means for causing a cleaning agent to circulate inside the casing (38), the cleaning agent being introduced into the casing via the filling nozzle (22) and removed through the auxiliary port (70) which opens into the chamber delimited by the casing (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 on the casing (38).
  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 removed through the orifice (48) of the casing (38), surrounding the flow of product between the filling nozzle (22) and the container (12).
  10. Filling machine according to any one of Claims 4 to 9, characterized in that it comprises several filling nozzles (22) each of which is enclosed in a fixed casing (38) provided with a moving flap (50) allowing the casing (38) to be sealed closed.
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)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9900117A FR2788049B1 (en) 1999-01-06 1999-01-06 DELIVERY PROCESS IN A FILLING MACHINE AND FILLING MACHINE FOR CARRYING OUT SUCH A METHOD
FR9900117 1999-01-06
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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EP1173382A1 EP1173382A1 (en) 2002-01-23
EP1173382B1 true EP1173382B1 (en) 2003-04-02

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EP99958266A Expired - Lifetime EP1173382B1 (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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EP (1) EP1173382B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3462856B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100452842B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE236074T1 (en)
AU (1) AU1567100A (en)
BR (1) BR9916775A (en)
CA (1) CA2358549C (en)
DE (1) DE69906589T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2196889T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2788049B1 (en)
PT (1) PT1173382E (en)
WO (1) WO2000040503A1 (en)

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DE102004004331B3 (en) * 2004-01-29 2005-09-15 Khs Maschinen- Und Anlagenbau Ag Process for hot filling of a liquid filling material into bottles or the like container and filling machine for carrying out the method
USD681470S1 (en) 2010-01-08 2013-05-07 Oms Investments, Inc. Dispensing container
US20120223161A1 (en) 2011-03-01 2012-09-06 Smg Brands, Inc. Ready-to-use hose end sprayer
USD650046S1 (en) 2011-03-01 2011-12-06 Smg Brands, Inc. Sprayer
USD670982S1 (en) 2011-03-01 2012-11-20 Smg Brands, Inc. Applicator
US20120223160A1 (en) 2011-03-01 2012-09-06 Smg Brands, Inc. Applicator with collapsible wand
USD708301S1 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-07-01 Oms Investments, Inc. Liquid sprayer
CN112694057B (en) * 2020-12-29 2023-03-31 重庆智能机器人研究院 Red wine is with filling device who has no transmission from pouring into closing cap function

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IN159651B (en) * 1982-03-10 1987-05-30 El Srl
SE461032B (en) * 1988-03-21 1989-12-18 Roby Teknik Ab DEVICE FOR A PACKAGING MACHINE TO SUPPLY A STERILE FILLING ATMOSPHERE
DE4409617A1 (en) * 1994-03-21 1995-09-28 Bernd Hansen Device for the sterile filling of containers
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FR2720733B1 (en) * 1994-06-02 1996-07-19 Serac Sa Filling device comprising a cleaning manifold fixed to a distribution duct.
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FR2791338B1 (en) * 1999-03-26 2002-07-12 Serac Group CONTAINER FILLING DEVICE HAVING AN INTEGRATED CLEANING DEVICE

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JP3462856B2 (en) 2003-11-05
DE69906589T2 (en) 2003-12-24
AU1567100A (en) 2000-07-24
FR2788049B1 (en) 2001-01-26
CA2358549C (en) 2004-06-29
ATE236074T1 (en) 2003-04-15
KR100452842B1 (en) 2004-10-14
PT1173382E (en) 2003-08-29
EP1173382A1 (en) 2002-01-23
BR9916775A (en) 2001-10-30
ES2196889T3 (en) 2003-12-16
KR20020001715A (en) 2002-01-09
DE69906589D1 (en) 2003-05-08
US6453953B1 (en) 2002-09-24
FR2788049A1 (en) 2000-07-07
CA2358549A1 (en) 2000-07-13
JP2002534328A (en) 2002-10-15
WO2000040503A1 (en) 2000-07-13

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