EP1173384A1 - Filling machine with filling heads that are respectively provided with a downward slewed valve - Google Patents

Filling machine with filling heads that are respectively provided with a downward slewed valve

Info

Publication number
EP1173384A1
EP1173384A1 EP99958267A EP99958267A EP1173384A1 EP 1173384 A1 EP1173384 A1 EP 1173384A1 EP 99958267 A EP99958267 A EP 99958267A EP 99958267 A EP99958267 A EP 99958267A EP 1173384 A1 EP1173384 A1 EP 1173384A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filling
spout
valve
casing
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
EP99958267A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1173384B1 (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 EP1173384A1 publication Critical patent/EP1173384A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1173384B1 publication Critical patent/EP1173384B1/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
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/28—Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves

Definitions

  • the invention relates in particular to machines which make it possible to fill hollow containers, such as bottles or jars, with a product, for example a food product.
  • Such machines generally include a rotating carousel which carries a series of filling spouts.
  • the containers are engaged on the carousel in a given bridge of the circle that it describes, being arranged below a filling spout.
  • the container is placed under the spout, the latter is supplied with product so that the product is poured inside the container.
  • the feeding of the spout is interrupted by a valve interposed in the feeding circuit of the spout and the container is then released from the carousel, this of course before the carousel has made a full turn.
  • a filling machine can thus comprise more than a hundred spouts, each spout comprising an associated valve.
  • the dispensing valve which controls the flow of product through the supply line is attached to the filling spout. The valve and the spout are then either directly integrated in the same housing, or separated from each other by a very short distance.
  • the invention provides a filling machine of the type comprising at least one filling spout through which a product flows, the spout being intended to be brought opposite the opening of a container to be filled. , characterized in that the supply of the filling spout is controlled by a valve which is offset relative to the spout, the valve being connected to the spout by a supply line.
  • valve is offset vertically downward relative to the filling spout;
  • valve is offset vertically downward relative to the container to be filled, the latter itself being arranged below the filling spout;
  • the valve is arranged substantially in line with the filling spout; - the valve comprises a vertical shutter needle which is entirely received in a vertical circulation chamber through which the product flows, the lower end of the circulation chamber is delimited by a seat against which the needle comes in pressing down to interrupt the circulation of the product, and the needle is lifted upwards in the circulation chamber by an electromagnetic field to be detached from the seat in order to allow the passage of the product through the valve;
  • the machine comprises several filling stations each comprising a filling spout and an associated valve, and the filling stations are carried by a rotary carousel and are angularly offset from one another in a regular manner around the axis of rotation of the carousel ;
  • valves are arranged in an external radial part of the carousel; - the filling spout is enclosed in a fixed casing secured to a spout support, the casing having a passage opening 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 tightly, and the machine comprises means for circulating, inside the housing, a cleaning agent.
  • 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 casing extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the product; and - The fixed casing of each filling station is integral with the carousel.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view in axial section illustrating 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.
  • FIG. 1 Illustrated in Figure 1 schematically and partially a filling machine 10 for filling 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 machine 1 0 is a rotary machine which includes a carousel
  • 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 able to carry out the filling of a bottle 1 2.
  • a device 20 for supporting the bottle 1 2 a filling spout 22 through which opens the product intended to fill the bottle, and a supply circuit which is interposed between the spout 22 and a rotating distributor 24 of the machine 1 0.
  • the supply circuit comprises 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 flow of product in the circuit and therefore the distribution of the product in the container. .
  • the rotating distributor 24 is arranged in the lower part of the carousel 14, radially in the center of the latter. It 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, and more, as will appear later, agent cleaning and 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 fixed supply hoses to the corresponding lines of the carousel.
  • Each filling station 1 8 has 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 pipe extends through a hole 40 in the plate 36 and at inside of column 34.
  • the filling operation must be carried out 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. In the sense of In this patent, cleaning can therefore also cover the notions 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.
  • a liquid or gaseous cleaning agent which is circulated in the circuit taken by the product inside the machine.
  • the column 34 of the machine described carries, at its upper end, a casing 38 in which the filling spout 22 is enclosed, this in order to allow simple cleaning of the spout 22 and in order to create a closed circuit.
  • 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 outward with respect to 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 stopper aimed in a sealed manner on the wall 44.
  • the end portion of the supply line 28 passes through the base 42 in leaktight manner to open into the closed space delimited by the tubular wall 44.
  • the filling spout 22 is bent downwards so as to be opposite a orifice 48 arranged in the wall 44, this orifice 48 itself being opposite the filling opening of the bottle 12 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 space 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 as to cover the 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 collar 54 thus plays the role of a piston which delimits in the chamber two front parts 58 and 60.
  • the respective volume of these two parts 58, 60 is therefore variable as a function of the position of the collar , and therefore from 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 18 is provided with its own shutter control solenoid valve 50.
  • the actuation of the flaps 50 is done individually and can then optionally be shifted in time by a spout to the other.
  • the machine may include a single control solenoid valve for all the spouts.
  • the actuation of the flaps can, thanks to the invention, be done simultaneously on all the spouts in a very short time.
  • the actuation of the flaps can be carried out even when the carousel is being rotated.
  • a circulation of a cleaning agent making it possible to clean not only the inside of the spout 22, but also the outside of it.
  • 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 a auxiliary port 70 which is arranged in the base 42 and which opens inside the casing.
  • the auxiliary port 70 is for example connected by an auxiliary line 72 and by the distributor 24 to a cleaning liquid recovery and recycling device, which limits consumption.
  • 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 12.
  • the product is isolated by a sterile gas envelope and is not exposed to possible sources of surrounding pollution.
  • 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.
  • valve 30 which controls the circulation of the product in the supply line 26, 28 is offset, in this case offset vertically downward, relative to the filling spout.
  • this valve 30 is arranged below the plate 36 while the containers to be filled are intended to come above it when they are in place on their support, the containers then being themselves - even below the filling spout.
  • valve 30 is therefore substantially perpendicular to the spout with which it is associated.
  • the length of the downstream section 28 of the pipe which connects the valve 30 to the spout 22 is at least equal to 50 centimeters and it can reach a length greater than one meter.
  • a first advantage resides in the possibility of arranging the valve 30 in a place where it is easily accessible in order to be able to ensure its maintenance. Indeed, in the machine described, it is located in the part external radial of the carousel, and not in the center thereof, behind the spout 22, as is the case in previously known machines. Furthermore, it can be seen that the valve 30 is connected by two removable connectors 76 respectively to the upstream 26 and downstream 28 sections of the supply line. Thus, in the event of a valve failure, it is very easy to access and disassemble it to replace it in minimum time for a new valve in working condition, which considerably reduces the downtime of the machine, and therefore the downtime of the production line in which the machine is inserted.
  • a second advantage is particularly apparent in the case of machines having a large number of spouts 22. Indeed, the angular space available for each filling station 1 8 is limited.
  • each valve 30 By placing the valves 30 associated with each of these nozzles 22 on a large diameter circle, substantially the same diameter as the circle on which the nozzles 22 are arranged, each valve 30 has sufficient space to allow easy installation and for that the size is not a too determining criterion as for the choice of the technology implemented for the valve.
  • electromagnetic valves of the type of those described in documents DE-A-1 .600.71 9 or FR-A-2.206.726.
  • this type of valve comprises a core 78 which is capable of moving in a circulation chamber 80 through which the product must circulate.
  • the circulation chamber 80 is generally vertical and it is delimited at its lower end by a seat 82 against which the core 78 comes to bear to interrupt the circulation of the product through the valve 30.
  • electromagnetic means 84 such as coils or magnets make it possible to create around the chamber magnetic fields which cause a lifting of the core 78 so that it detaches from the seat 82, thus freeing the passage for the product.
  • An advantage of this type of valve is that it is of the normally closed type, that is to say that under the sole effect of its weight, the core 73 falls back against seat 82 and blocks the passage of the product.
  • the valve 30 closes automatically. This is obtained without the need to have elastic return means in the circulation chamber 80, which thus proves to be particularly simple to clean.
  • the casing 38 in which the spout 22 is enclosed can also be of reduced volume.

Landscapes

  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Lift Valve (AREA)
  • Taps Or Cocks (AREA)

Abstract

A filling machine including at least one filling tube (22), whereby a product flows through said filling tube and said filling tube is placed opposite the opening of a receptacle that is to be filled. The feed for the filling tube is controlled by a valve (30) which is arranged in a downward skewed position in relation to the tube and the valve is joined to the tube by a feed pipe (28).

Description

MACHINE DE REMPLISSAGE AVEC TETES DE REMPLISSAGE COMPORTANT CHACUNE UNE VANNE DEPORTEE VERS LE BAS FILLING MACHINE WITH FILLING HEADS, EACH HAVING A VALVE DEPOSITED DOWN
L'invention concerne notamment les machines qui permettent de remplir des récipients creux, tels que des bouteilles ou des pots, avec un produit, par exemple un produit alimentaire.The invention relates in particular to machines which make it possible to fill hollow containers, such as bottles or jars, with a product, for example a food product.
De telles machines comportent généralement un carrousel rotatif qui porte une série de becs de remplissage. Les récipients sont engagés sur le carrousel en un pont 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 d'alimentation du bec et le récipient est alors dégagé du carrousel, ceci bien entendu avant que le carrousel n'ait effectué un tour complet.Such machines generally include a rotating carousel which carries a series of filling spouts. The containers are engaged on the carousel in a given bridge of 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 feeding of the spout is interrupted by a valve interposed in the feeding circuit of the spout and the container is then released from the carousel, this of course before the carousel has made a full turn.
La disposition de multiples becs sur un carrousel permet à la machine d'assurer simultanément le remplissage de plusieurs récipients. Ceci permet d'assurer le remplissage d'un nombre important de récipients dans un laps de temps donné, en dépit du fait que le remplissage est une opération qui est relativement longue. En effet, il faut notamment éviter que le produit ne mouse trop, ce qui pourrait conduire à un remplissage uniquement partiel du récipient ou à une perte de produire par débordement. Une machine de remplissage peut ainsi comporter plus d'une centaine de becs, chaque bec comportant une vanne associée. Dans les machines de remplissage connues, la vanne de distribution qui commande le débit de produit au travers de la conduite d'alimentation est accolée au bec de remplissage. La vanne et le bec sont alors soit directement intégrés dans un même boîtier, soit séparés l'un de l'autre d'une très courte distance. Cependant, le fait d'avoir ia vanne à proximité du bec pose des problèmes d'encombrement, notamment dans le cas des machines à carrousel comportant un nombre important de becs. Ainsi, les contraintes d'encombrement dans la zone du carrousel où sont agencés les becs conduisent généralement à des conceptions de machines dans lesquelles les vannes sont peu accessibles. Ce manque d'accessibilité rend la maintenance des vannes malaisée et, en cas de panne, augmente la durée de la réparation.The arrangement of multiple spouts on a carousel allows the machine to simultaneously fill several containers. This makes it possible to fill a large number of containers in a given period of time, despite the fact that filling is a relatively long operation. Indeed, it is necessary in particular to prevent the product from mouse too much, which could lead to an only partial filling of the container or to a loss of product by overflowing. A filling machine can thus comprise more than a hundred spouts, each spout comprising an associated valve. In known filling machines, the dispensing valve which controls the flow of product through the supply line is attached to the filling spout. The valve and the spout are then either directly integrated in the same housing, or separated from each other by a very short distance. However, the fact of having the valve near the spout poses problems of space, in particular in the case of carousel machines comprising a large number of spouts. Thus, the space constraints in the area of the carousel where the spouts are arranged generally lead to designs of machines in which the valves are not very accessible. This lack of accessibility makes the difficult valve maintenance and, in the event of a breakdown, increases the duration of the repair.
Par ailleurs, ces fortes contraintes d'encombrement peuvent conduire à l'impossibilité d'utiliser certains types de vannes. Pour remédier à ces inconvénients, l'invention propose une machine de remplissage du type comportant au moins un bec de remplissage par lequel s'écoule un produit, le bec étant destiné à être amené en regard de l'ouverture d'un récipient à remplir, caractérisée en ce que l'alimentation du bec de remplissage est commandée par une vanne qui est déportée par rapport au bec, la vanne étant reliée au bec par une conduite d'alimentation .Furthermore, these large space constraints can lead to the impossibility of using certain types of valves. To overcome these drawbacks, the invention provides a filling machine of the type comprising at least one filling spout through which a product flows, the spout being intended to be brought opposite the opening of a container to be filled. , characterized in that the supply of the filling spout is controlled by a valve which is offset relative to the spout, the valve being connected to the spout by a supply line.
Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention :According to other characteristics of the invention:
- la vanne est déportée verticalement vers le bas par rapport au bec de remplissage ; - la vanne est déportée verticalement vers le bas par rapport au récipient à remplir, ce dernier étant lui-même agencé en dessous du bec de remplissage ;- the valve is offset vertically downward relative to the filling spout; - The valve is offset vertically downward relative to the container to be filled, the latter itself being arranged below the filling spout;
- la vanne est agencée sensiblement à l'aplomb du bec de remplissage ; - la vanne comporte un pointeau d'obturation vertical qui est entièrement reçu dans une chambre de circulation verticale au travers de laquelle s'écoule le produit, l'extrémité inférieure de la chambre de circulation est délimitée par un siège contre lequel le pointeau vient en appui vers le bas pour interrompre la circulation du produit, et le pointeau est soulevé vers le haut dans la chambre de circulation par un champ électromagnétique pour être décollé du siège afin d'autoriser le passage du produit au travers de la vanne ;- The valve is arranged substantially in line with the filling spout; - the valve comprises a vertical shutter needle which is entirely received in a vertical circulation chamber through which the product flows, the lower end of the circulation chamber is delimited by a seat against which the needle comes in pressing down to interrupt the circulation of the product, and the needle is lifted upwards in the circulation chamber by an electromagnetic field to be detached from the seat in order to allow the passage of the product through the valve;
- la machine comporte plusieurs postes de remplissage comportant chacun un bec de remplissage et une vanne associée, et les postes de remplissage sont portés par un carrousel rotatif et sont décalé angulairement les uns des autres de manière régulière autour de l'axe de rotation du carrousel ;- the machine comprises several filling stations each comprising a filling spout and an associated valve, and the filling stations are carried by a rotary carousel and are angularly offset from one another in a regular manner around the axis of rotation of the carousel ;
- les vannes sont agencées dans une partie radiale externe du carrousel ; - 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 la machine comporte des moyens pour faire circuler, à l'intérieur du carter, un agent de nettoyage. - 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 valves are arranged in an external radial part of the carousel; - the filling spout is enclosed in a fixed casing secured to a spout support, the casing having a passage opening 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 tightly, and the machine comprises means for circulating, inside the housing, a cleaning agent. - The shutter is controlled by actuating means between its closed position and an open position in which the orifice of the housing is released;
- Le carter s'étend selon une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction d'écoulement du produit ; et - Le carter fixe de chaque poste de remplissage est solidaire du carrousel.- The casing extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the product; and - The fixed casing of each filling station is integral with the carousel.
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 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 ;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 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 la figure 3 est une vue identique à celle de la figure 2 dans laquelle le volet est illustré en position d'obturation.- 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. La machine 1 0 est une machine rotative qui comporte un carrouselIllustrated in Figure 1 schematically and partially a filling machine 10 for filling containers, such as bottles 12, 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 includes a carousel
14 monté tournant par rapport à un bâti fixe 1 6, autour d'un axe A1 qui , par commodité, sera qualifié de vertical.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 1 2. I l 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 circuit d'alimentation qui est interposé entre le bec 22 et un distributeur tournant 24 de la machine 1 0. Le circuit d'alimentation comporte 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 dans le récipient.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 able to carry out the filling of a bottle 1 2. effect in particular a device 20 for supporting the bottle 1 2, a filling spout 22 through which opens the product intended to fill the bottle, and a supply circuit which is interposed between the spout 22 and a rotating distributor 24 of the machine 1 0. The supply circuit comprises 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 flow of product in the circuit and therefore the distribution of the product in the container. .
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 1 6 et qui permettent notamment d'alimenter le carrousel en produit, 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 des 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. It 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, and more, as will appear later, agent cleaning and 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 fixed supply hoses to the corresponding lines of the carousel. Each filling station 1 8 has 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 pipe extends through a hole 40 in the plate 36 and at inside of column 34.
Bien entendu , l'opération de remplissage doit 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.Of course, the filling operation must be carried out 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 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. In the sense of In this patent, cleaning can therefore also cover the notions 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 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.
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, ceci afin de permettre un nettoyage simple du bec 22 et afin de créer un circuit fermé.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, this in order to allow simple cleaning of the spout 22 and in order to create a closed circuit.
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.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 outward with respect to column 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 visé de manière étanche sur la paroi 44.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 stopper aimed in a sealed manner on the wall 44.
La partie terminale de la conduite d'alimentation 28 traverse l'embase 42 de manière étanche pour déboucher dans l'espace fermé délimité 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 portion of the supply line 28 passes through the base 42 in leaktight manner to open into the closed space delimited by the tubular wall 44. The filling spout 22 is bent downwards so as to be opposite a orifice 48 arranged in the wall 44, this orifice 48 itself being opposite the filling opening of the bottle 12 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 un espace parfaitement fermé et étanche dans lequel le bec 22 se trouve enfermé.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 space 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 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 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 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 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 collar 54 thus plays the role of a piston which delimits in the chamber two front parts 58 and 60. The respective volume of these two parts 58, 60 is therefore variable as a function of the position of the collar , and therefore from 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 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 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 prévoir que chaque poste de remplissage 18 soit muni de sa propre électrovanne 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 18 is provided with its own shutter control solenoid valve 50. The actuation of the flaps 50 is done individually and can then optionally be shifted in time by a spout to the other. 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 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 can, thanks to the invention, be done simultaneously on all the spouts in a very short time. Advantageously, the actuation of the flaps can be carried out even when the carousel is being rotated.
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 d'un port auxiliaire 70 qui est aménagé dans l'embase 42 et qui débouche à l'intérieur du carter. Le port auxiliaire 70 est par exemple relié par une 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.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 inside of the spout 22, but also the 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 a auxiliary port 70 which is arranged in the base 42 and which opens inside the casing. The auxiliary port 70 is for example connected by an auxiliary line 72 and by the distributor 24 to a cleaning liquid recovery and recycling device, which limits 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 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 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.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 12. Thus, between the spout 22 and bottle 12, the product is isolated by a sterile gas envelope and is not exposed to possible sources of surrounding pollution.
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, 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.
Selon l'invention, la vanne 30 qui commande la circulation du produit dans la conduite d'alimentation 26, 28 est déportée, en l'occurrence déportée verticalement vers le bas, par rapport au bec de remplissage.According to the invention, the valve 30 which controls the circulation of the product in the supply line 26, 28 is offset, in this case offset vertically downward, relative to the filling spout.
En effet, on a vu que cette vanne 30 est agencée en dessous du plateau 36 alors que les récipients à remplir sont destinés à venir au- dessus de celui-ci lorsqu'ils sont en place sur leur support, les récipients se trouvant alors eux-mêmes en dessous du bec de remplissage.Indeed, it has been seen that this valve 30 is arranged below the plate 36 while the containers to be filled are intended to come above it when they are in place on their support, the containers then being themselves - even below the filling spout.
Dans la configuration illustrée, la vanne 30 se trouve donc sensiblement à l'aplomb du bec auquel elle est associée.In the illustrated configuration, the valve 30 is therefore substantially perpendicular to the spout with which it is associated.
De la sorte, dans la machine selon l'invention, la longueur du tronçon aval 28 de la conduite qui relie la vanne 30 au bec 22 est au moins égale à 50 centimètres et elle peut atteindre une longueur supérieure à un mètre. Cette disposition présente plusieurs avantages.In this way, in the machine according to the invention, the length of the downstream section 28 of the pipe which connects the valve 30 to the spout 22 is at least equal to 50 centimeters and it can reach a length greater than one meter. This arrangement has several advantages.
Un premier avantage réside dans la possibilité d'agencer la vanne 30 dans un endroit où elle est aisément accessible pour pouvoir en assurer la maintenance. En effet, dans la machine décrite, elle se situe dans la partie radiale externe du carrousel, et non pas au centre de celui-ci, derrière le bec 22, comme cela est le cas dans les machines antérieurement connues. Par ailleurs, on peut voir que la vanne 30 est reliée par deux raccords démontables 76 respectivement aux tronçons amont 26 et aval 28 de la conduite d'alimentation . Ainsi, en cas de défaillance de la vanne, il est très facile d'y accéder et de la démonter pour la remplacer en un temps minimum pour une nouvelle vanne en état de marche, ce qui permet de réduire considérablement le temps d'immobilisation de la machine, et donc le temps d'arrêt de la chaîne de production dans laquelle la machine s'insère.A first advantage resides in the possibility of arranging the valve 30 in a place where it is easily accessible in order to be able to ensure its maintenance. Indeed, in the machine described, it is located in the part external radial of the carousel, and not in the center thereof, behind the spout 22, as is the case in previously known machines. Furthermore, it can be seen that the valve 30 is connected by two removable connectors 76 respectively to the upstream 26 and downstream 28 sections of the supply line. Thus, in the event of a valve failure, it is very easy to access and disassemble it to replace it in minimum time for a new valve in working condition, which considerably reduces the downtime of the machine, and therefore the downtime of the production line in which the machine is inserted.
Un second avantage se révèle particulièrement dans le cas des machines comportant un nombre important de becs 22. En effet, l'espace angulaire disponible pour chaque poste de remplissage 1 8 se trouve limité. En disposant les vannes 30 associées à chacun de ces becs 22 sur un cercle de grand diamètre, sensiblement de même diamètre que le cercle sur lequel sont agencés les becs 22, chaque vanne 30 dispose d'un espace suffisant pour permettre une implantation aisée et pour que l'encombrement ne soit pas un critère trop déterminant quant au choix de la technologie mise en œuvre pour la vanne. Ainsi, dans la machine illustrée on a choisi d'utiliser des vannes électromagnétiques du type de celles décrites dans les documents DE-A- 1 .600.71 9 ou FR-A-2.206.726.A second advantage is particularly apparent in the case of machines having a large number of spouts 22. Indeed, the angular space available for each filling station 1 8 is limited. By placing the valves 30 associated with each of these nozzles 22 on a large diameter circle, substantially the same diameter as the circle on which the nozzles 22 are arranged, each valve 30 has sufficient space to allow easy installation and for that the size is not a too determining criterion as for the choice of the technology implemented for the valve. Thus, in the illustrated machine, it has been chosen to use electromagnetic valves of the type of those described in documents DE-A-1 .600.71 9 or FR-A-2.206.726.
Comme cela est illustré très schématiquement sur la figure 1 , ce type de vanne comporte un noyau 78 qui est susceptible de se déplacer dans une chambre de circulation 80 au travers de laquelle le produit doit circuler. La chambre de circulation 80 est globalement verticale et elle est délimitée à son extrémité inférieure par un siège 82 contre lequel le noyau 78 vient s'appuyer pour interrompre la circulation du produit au travers de la vanne 30. Pour ouvrir la vanne, des moyens électromagnétiques 84 tels que des bobinages ou des aimants permettent de créer autour de la chambre des champs magnétiques qui provoquent un soulèvement du noyau 78 de manière qu'il se décolle du siège 82, libérant ainsi le passage pour le produit. Un avantage de ce type de vanne est qu'elle du type normalement fermée, c'est-à-dire que sous le seul effet de son poids, le noyau 73 retombe contre le siège 82 et obture le passage du produit. Ainsi, en cas de défaillance des moyens électromagnétiques, la vanne 30 se referme automatiquement. Cela est obtenu sans qu'il soit nécessaire de disposer des moyens de rappel élastique dans la chambre de circulation 80, laquelle se révèle ainsi particulièrement simple à nettoyer.As illustrated very diagrammatically in FIG. 1, this type of valve comprises a core 78 which is capable of moving in a circulation chamber 80 through which the product must circulate. The circulation chamber 80 is generally vertical and it is delimited at its lower end by a seat 82 against which the core 78 comes to bear to interrupt the circulation of the product through the valve 30. To open the valve, electromagnetic means 84 such as coils or magnets make it possible to create around the chamber magnetic fields which cause a lifting of the core 78 so that it detaches from the seat 82, thus freeing the passage for the product. An advantage of this type of valve is that it is of the normally closed type, that is to say that under the sole effect of its weight, the core 73 falls back against seat 82 and blocks the passage of the product. Thus, in the event of failure of the electromagnetic means, the valve 30 closes automatically. This is obtained without the need to have elastic return means in the circulation chamber 80, which thus proves to be particularly simple to clean.
Toutefois, cet avantage n'est bien entendu obtenu qu'en conservant la vanne dans la position verticale représentée. Ainsi, l'orientation de la vanne étant imposée, il est nécessaire de disposer d'un certain espace pour l'implanter, ce que permet la conception selon l'invention. De plus, la vanne étant déportée loin des becs, cela permet de libérer beaucoup d'espace autour de ces derniers, il est ainsi possible de concevoir des carénages aux formes relativement simples qui ne se transforment par en pièces à poussières difficile à nettoyer.However, this advantage is of course obtained only by keeping the valve in the vertical position shown. Thus, the orientation of the valve being imposed, it is necessary to have a certain space to install it, which allows the design according to the invention. In addition, the valve being offset away from the spouts, this makes it possible to free up a lot of space around the latter, it is thus possible to design fairings with relatively simple shapes which do not transform into dusty parts which are difficult to clean.
Enfin, le volume du bec de remplissage 22 ne renfermant pas le volume de la vanne, la carter 38 dans lequel le bec 22 se trouve enfermé peut être lui aussi de volume réduit. Finally, since the volume of the filling spout 22 does not contain the volume of the valve, the casing 38 in which the spout 22 is enclosed can also be of reduced volume.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 . Machine de remplissage, du type comprenant plusieurs postes de remplissage (18) comportant chacun un bec de remplissage (22) par lequel s'écoule un produit, le bec (22) étant destiné à être amené en regard de l'ouverture d'un récipient (12) à remplir, du type dans lequel chaque poste comporte une vanne (30) associée qui commande l'alimentation du bec de remplissage (22) et qui est reliée au bec (22) par une conduite d'alimentation (28), et du type dans lequel les postes de remplissage (18) sont portés par un carrousel rotatif (14) et sont décalés angulairement les uns des autres de manière régulière autour de l'axe de rotation (A1 ) du carrousel (14). caractérisée en ce que, pour chaque poste, la vanne (30) est déportée verticalement vers le bas par rapport au récipient (12) à remplir et est agencée dans une partie radiale externe du carrousel (14).1. Filling machine, of the type comprising several filling stations (18) each comprising a filling spout (22) through which a product flows, the spout (22) being intended to be brought opposite the opening of a container (12) to be filled, of the type in which each station includes an associated valve (30) which controls the supply of the filling spout (22) and which is connected to the spout (22) by a supply line (28) , and of the type in which the filling stations (18) are carried by a rotary carousel (14) and are angularly offset from one another in a regular manner around the axis of rotation (A1) of the carousel (14). characterized in that, for each station, the valve (30) is offset vertically downward relative to the container (12) to be filled and is arranged in an external radial part of the carousel (14).
2. Machine de remplissage selon la revendication 1 , caractérisée en ce que la vanne (30) est agencée sensiblement à l'aplomb du bec de remplissage (22).2. Filling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve (30) is arranged substantially in line with the filling spout (22).
3. Machine de remplissage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la vanne (30) comporte un pointeau d'obturation vertical (78) qui est entièrement reçu dans une chambre de circulation verticale (80) au travers de laquelle s'écoule le produit, en ce que l'extrémité inférieure de la chambre de circulation (80) est délimitée par un siège (82) contre lequel le pointeau (78) vient en appui vers le bas pour interrompre la circulation du produit, et en ce que le pointeau (78) est soulevé vers le haut dans la chambre de circulation (80) par un champ électromagnétique pour être décollé du siège afin d'autoriser le passage du produit au travers de la vanne (30).3. Filling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (30) comprises a vertical shutter needle (78) which is entirely received in a vertical circulation chamber (80) through which the product flows, in that the lower end of the circulation chamber (80) is delimited by a seat (82) against which the needle (78) comes to bear downwards to interrupt the circulation of the product, and in that the needle (78) is raised upwards in the circulation chamber (80) by an electromagnetic field to be detached from the seat in order to allow the passage of the product through the valve (30).
4. Machine de remplissage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le bec de remplissage4. Filling machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling spout
(22) est enfermé dans un carter fixe (38) solidaire d'un support (34) du bec (22), le carter (38) comportant un orifice de passage (48) en regard duquel est agencé le bec (22), et le carter (38) comportant un volet d'obturation mobile (50) qui, dans une position fermée, obture l'orifice (48) et ferme le carter (38) de manière étanche, et en ce que la machine comporte des moyens pour faire circuler, à l'intérieur du carter (38), un agent de nettoyage.(22) is enclosed in a fixed casing (38) secured to a support (34) of the spout (22), the casing (38) comprising a passage orifice (48) opposite which the spout (22) is arranged, and the casing (38) comprising a movable shutter flap (50) which, in a closed position , closes the orifice (48) and closes the casing (38) in a leaktight manner, and in that the machine comprises means for circulating, inside the casing (38), a cleaning agent.
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 actuating means (58, 60, 54) between its closed position and an open position in which the orifice (48) of the casing (38) is released.
6. Machine de remplissage selon l'une des revendications 4 ou 5, caractérisée en ce que le carter (38) s'étend selon une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction d'écoulement du produit.6. Filling machine according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the casing (38) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the product.
7. Machine de remplissage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 6, caractérisée en ce que le carter fixe (38) de chaque poste de remplissage est solidaire du carrousel (14). 7. Filling machine according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the fixed casing (38) of each filling station is integral with the carousel (14).
EP99958267A 1999-01-06 1999-12-07 Filling machine with filling heads that are respectively provided with a downward slewed valve Expired - Lifetime EP1173384B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9900116 1999-01-06
FR9900116A FR2788046B1 (en) 1999-01-06 1999-01-06 FILLING MACHINE COMPRISING A REMOTE VALVE
PCT/FR1999/003049 WO2000040505A1 (en) 1999-01-06 1999-12-07 Filling machine with filling heads that are respectively provided with a downward slewed valve

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1173384A1 true EP1173384A1 (en) 2002-01-23
EP1173384B1 EP1173384B1 (en) 2003-04-02

Family

ID=9540693

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99958267A Expired - Lifetime EP1173384B1 (en) 1999-01-06 1999-12-07 Filling machine with filling heads that are respectively provided with a downward slewed valve

Country Status (13)

Country Link
US (1) US6533001B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1173384B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3569230B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100462460B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE236075T1 (en)
AU (1) AU1567200A (en)
BR (1) BR9916763A (en)
CA (1) CA2358550C (en)
DE (1) DE69906590T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2196890T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2788046B1 (en)
PT (1) PT1173384E (en)
WO (1) WO2000040505A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2788047B1 (en) * 1999-01-06 2001-01-26 Sidel Sa FILLING MACHINE COMPRISING IMPROVED CLEANING MEANS
US20070078435A1 (en) * 2001-06-14 2007-04-05 Corbett Stone Tissue augmentation methods using a medical injection apparatus
US7306699B2 (en) 2002-12-31 2007-12-11 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Tissue product containing a topical composition in the form of discrete droplets
US7008507B2 (en) 2002-12-31 2006-03-07 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Non-impact printing method for applying compositions to webs and products produced therefrom
DE102010047365A1 (en) * 2010-10-05 2012-04-05 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Device for conveying liquids
CN107813977A (en) * 2016-09-14 2018-03-20 方惠娥 A kind of miniature antidrip filling mouth
CN110642210B (en) * 2019-09-27 2021-06-15 安徽曦强乳业集团有限公司 A filling equipment that is used for milk product packaging process to have a bubble function
FR3104549A1 (en) * 2019-12-16 2021-06-18 Serac Group Packaging installation comprising filling spouts connected to return pipes

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2361837A (en) * 1944-03-04 1944-10-31 Gilmore Dale Automatic liquid dispensing device
US2614742A (en) * 1946-08-16 1952-10-21 Gaskell & Chambers Ltd Apparatus for charging containers with measured quantities of liquid
DE869015C (en) * 1950-12-07 1953-03-02 Hugo Mosblech Kom Ges Vacuum filler
GB1144758A (en) 1966-06-13 1969-03-12 Bendix Corp Hold-off valve
DE1607996A1 (en) * 1967-07-22 1972-03-02 Seitz Werke Gmbh Filling element for counter pressure filling machine
FR2206726A5 (en) 1972-11-13 1974-06-07 Meyer Sansboeuf Consort
FR2474010A1 (en) * 1980-01-17 1981-07-24 Pont A Mousson REFRIGERATOR FOR INSTALLATION OF PACKAGING OF CONTAINERS, PARTICULARLY BOTTLES OF CARBONATE LIQUIDS
US4817683A (en) * 1987-07-01 1989-04-04 Laub Engineering Corporation Adjustable automatic accurate container filling machine
SE461032B (en) * 1988-03-21 1989-12-18 Roby Teknik Ab DEVICE FOR A PACKAGING MACHINE TO SUPPLY A STERILE FILLING ATMOSPHERE
IT1242879B (en) * 1990-11-14 1994-05-18 Maurizio Marchesini DEVICE FOR THE DISPENSING OF LIQUID SUBSTANCES TO ROTATING ORGANS, IN PARTICULAR IN AUTOMATIC MACHINES FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH SUCH LIQUID SUBSTANCES.
DE4213737A1 (en) * 1991-10-17 1993-04-22 Seitz Enzinger Noll Masch METHOD FOR FILLING BOTTLES OR THE LIKE CONTAINERS WITH A LIQUID FILLING MATERIAL AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT THIS METHOD
US5865225A (en) * 1993-04-16 1999-02-02 Krones Ag Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik Rotating device for filling liquids in portions into bottles, cans or similar receptacles
FR2720733B1 (en) * 1994-06-02 1996-07-19 Serac Sa Filling device comprising a cleaning manifold fixed to a distribution duct.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0040505A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69906590D1 (en) 2003-05-08
FR2788046A1 (en) 2000-07-07
PT1173384E (en) 2003-08-29
FR2788046B1 (en) 2001-01-26
KR20020001714A (en) 2002-01-09
EP1173384B1 (en) 2003-04-02
JP3569230B2 (en) 2004-09-22
CA2358550A1 (en) 2000-07-13
CA2358550C (en) 2004-06-29
ATE236075T1 (en) 2003-04-15
AU1567200A (en) 2000-07-24
WO2000040505A1 (en) 2000-07-13
BR9916763A (en) 2001-09-25
DE69906590T2 (en) 2003-12-24
KR100462460B1 (en) 2004-12-17
US6533001B1 (en) 2003-03-18
ES2196890T3 (en) 2003-12-16
JP2002534330A (en) 2002-10-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2357795C (en) Filling machine comprising advanced cleaning means
EP2121503A1 (en) Filling machine provided with a cleaning device with a deformable membrane
EP2121504B1 (en) Filling machine provided with a cleaning device
MX2008001930A (en) Method and apparatus for automated cleaning of bottling equipment.
CA2358550C (en) Filling machine with filling heads that are respectively provided with a downward slewed valve
EP1173382B1 (en) Flowback method in a filling machine and filling machine for carrying out said method
EP4077201A1 (en) Filling nozzle comprising a suction channel
FR2650557A1 (en) CONTAINER SEALING MACHINE, PARTICULARLY WITH CARBON GAS SCAN
FR2648125A1 (en) ROTARY-TYPE BOTTLE MACHINE WITH FIXED DEVICE FOR WASHING BINGES THEREOF
EP1244597B1 (en) Container filling installation
FR2540754A1 (en) DEVICE FOR CLEANING A FILLING HEAD WITHOUT DISASSEMBLING THE SAME
FR2945274A1 (en) FILLING MACHINE WITH VARIABLE FLOW
FR2950608A1 (en) Filling device for rotary type filling machine to fill container e.g. bottles, with food product, has tubular body whose lower part is mounted on upper part of body by quick action coupling system with blocking unit
FR2788829A1 (en) Multi-flow coaxial coil valve, comprises a rear magnet assembly ensuring that the valve needle is maintained in the desired position
FR3055228B1 (en) APPARATUS FOR CLEANING BY SPRAYING A LIQUID, BOTTLES OF GOULLE OF DIFFERENT LARGE CAPACITIES
FR2932667A1 (en) Expresso coffee machine for use in e.g. restaurant, has water distribution plate provided at outlet of heating body for supplying hot water to filter, where filter is installed in support in removable manner
EP3880598B1 (en) Filling head for filling machine and machine with such head
EP2069226A1 (en) Rotary filling machine
FR2531057A1 (en) Machine for drawing-off and packaging liquids.
FR2855508A1 (en) Cleaning installation for racking station, has receptacle device placed adjacent to frame structure and oriented vertically to upper opening in structure, where device receives cane after lowering structure
BE408705A (en)
FR2686272A3 (en) Improved spray head
FR2791896A1 (en) METHOD FOR INTERNAL STERILIZATION OF CONTAINERS
BE644222A (en)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20011029

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20020506

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030402

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030402

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030402

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: FRENCH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69906590

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20030508

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030702

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030702

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: KELLER & PARTNER PATENTANWAELTE AG

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20030804

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

Ref document number: 1173384E

Country of ref document: IE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20031207

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20031207

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2196890

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20031231

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20040105

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20051125

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20051128

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061231

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061231

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: *SIDEL

Effective date: 20061231

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20091125

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: EUG

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101208

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20141121

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20141211

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20141126

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20141203

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20141217

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20141126

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20141127

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: MM4A

Free format text: LAPSE DUE TO NON-PAYMENT OF FEES

Effective date: 20160607

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 69906590

Country of ref document: DE

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20151207

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160607

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20160101

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20160831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160701

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160101

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151207

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151207

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20170126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151208