EP1293475A2 - Füllventil - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP1293475A2
EP1293475A2 EP02016608A EP02016608A EP1293475A2 EP 1293475 A2 EP1293475 A2 EP 1293475A2 EP 02016608 A EP02016608 A EP 02016608A EP 02016608 A EP02016608 A EP 02016608A EP 1293475 A2 EP1293475 A2 EP 1293475A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
conduit
container
valve assembly
filler valve
filling
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
EP02016608A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1293475B1 (de
EP1293475A3 (de
Inventor
Filippo Furlotti
Yvon Van Neste
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.)
Procomac SpA
Original Assignee
Procomac SpA
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
Priority claimed from IT000063A external-priority patent/ITPR20010063A1/it
Priority claimed from ITPR20020013 external-priority patent/ITPR20020013A1/it
Application filed by Procomac SpA filed Critical Procomac SpA
Publication of EP1293475A2 publication Critical patent/EP1293475A2/de
Publication of EP1293475A3 publication Critical patent/EP1293475A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1293475B1 publication Critical patent/EP1293475B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B67C3/2614—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks specially adapted for counter-pressure filling
    • B67C3/2617—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks specially adapted for counter-pressure filling the liquid valve being opened by mechanical or electrical actuation
    • 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
    • B67C3/2614—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks specially adapted for counter-pressure filling
    • B67C3/2617—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks specially adapted for counter-pressure filling the liquid valve being opened by mechanical or electrical actuation
    • B67C3/262—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks specially adapted for counter-pressure filling the liquid valve being opened by mechanical or electrical actuation and the filling operation stopping when the liquid rises to a level at which it closes a vent opening

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a filling valve assembly, in particular for a machine for filling containers with preferably flat liquids, such as water, of the type comprising at least a first conduit for the flow of the filling liquid to an underlying container and at least a second conduit inserted in sliding fashion in the first conduit and having a shutter portion in correspondence with its own lower end.
  • Said second conduit is able to move between a first operative configuration in which the shutter portion completely closes a dispensing outlet of the first conduit and a second operative configuration in which said portion is disengaged from the dispensing outlet and allows the flow of liquid to the container, and vice versa.
  • the filler valve assembly further comprises means for bringing the second conduit to the second, flowing, operative configuration, and means for bringing the second conduit back to the first closed operative configuration.
  • containers typically bottles but also cans or jars
  • filler machines usually provided with a plurality of filling heads positioned in correspondence with the periphery of a rotating platform, whereto is associated an equal number of filler valves.
  • each head comprises a valve assembly provided with a first conduit for the flow of liquid from a tank to a container positioned coaxially underneath the conduit itself and with a second conduit able to allow, during the filling phase, the escape of gas or air present in the container itself.
  • said second conduit is inserted at least partially inside the liquid inflow conduit, in coaxial position, and it is movable in sliding fashion relative thereto, to insert itself inside the container.
  • the second conduit is provided, on the outer lateral surface in intermediate position between the two ends, with a projection serving as a shutter for the conduit for the inflow of the liquid.
  • a projection serving as a shutter for the conduit for the inflow of the liquid.
  • the movement of the second conduit is commanded by a device that measures the pressure present in the conduit itself when a pre-set level of liquid is reached in the container, independently from the speed of the filler machine.
  • a device that measures the pressure present in the conduit itself when a pre-set level of liquid is reached in the container, independently from the speed of the filler machine.
  • the hydraulic closure of the inflow conduit is achieved because of the interaction between shutter and gasket.
  • the filling of the containers is controlled by measuring the level reached by the product inside the container. Often, for commercial reasons, it is preferred to determine a filling level of the containers, especially if the containers are at least partially transparent.
  • filler valve assemblies exist in which the interruption of the flow of liquid to the container occurs upon reaching a pre-set level, measured by means of a level tube inserted in the conduit for the inflow of the liquid itself, according to a coupling that is similar to the one described in the aforementioned patent, but without using a device that is based on the pressure existing between the two coaxial conduits.
  • level measuring devices use magnetic sensors, or alternatively volumetric means are known which introduce a pre-set quantity of liquid. In this latter case, however, any slight deformation of the container entails the reaching of a different level of filling.
  • the second conduit or the tube are provided with a flow deflector positioned in correspondence with the portion that is inserted in the container, for the purpose of at least partially checking the degree of turbulence in correspondence with the centreline of the container in proximity to the end of the conduit itself or of the level tube.
  • filling valve assemblies briefly described above, have some drawbacks.
  • the aim of the present invention is to eliminate the aforesaid drawbacks making available a filler valve assembly, in particular for machines for filling containers with liquids, that is easy to build and avoids the suction and the consequent escape of filling liquid from the container.
  • An additional aim of the present invention is to provide a filler valve assembly that is normally shut, i.e. that in the resting configuration prevents the escape of filler liquid.
  • Another aim of the present invention is to make available a filler valve assembly that allows rapidly to fill a container, precisely measuring the level reached by the liquid.
  • An aim of the present invention is also to make available a filler valve assembly that allows to reduce losses caused by the escape of the liquid (splash out) at the end of the filling operation, in particular for containers made of plastic and deformable material, preferably 5 - 20 litre containers, not excluding, however, smaller containers.
  • a further aim of the present invention is to obtain this in an extremely simple and economical manner.
  • the filler valve assembly in particular for machines for filling containers with liquids, of the present invention, that is characterised by the contents of the claims set out below and in particular in that it comprises pneumatic means connected to a conduit for gas or air and operatively active on means for bringing said conduit back to an operative closure configuration, to the reaching of a pre-set level of the liquid in the container.
  • the filler valve assembly of the invention is further characterised in that it comprises at least a deflecting valve so shaped as to inhibit the operation of the pneumatic valve when the pre-set level of liquid is reached, in order to prevent a reactivation of the filling.
  • the filler valve assembly is globally indicated with the number 1 and it comprises at least a first conduit 2 for the flow of filling liquid to a container 3 positioned underneath the conduit itself.
  • the assembly 1 is provided with a second conduit 4, inserted in sliding fashion in the inflow conduit 2, and preferably coaxial thereto, to allow the escape of gas or air present inside the container 3, during the filling operation.
  • the second conduit 4 has a shutter portion 4a in correspondence with its own lower end and is movable between a first operative configuration in which said shutter portion 4a completely shuts a dispensing outlet 2a of the first conduit 2 ( Figure 3) and a second operative configuration ( Figure 2) in which said shutter portion 4a is disengaged from the dispensing outlet 2a and allows the flow of liquid to the container 3, and vice versa.
  • the assembly 1 further comprises means 5 for bringing the conduit 4 in the second operative flow configuration and with means 6 for bringing said conduit back to the first closed operative configuration.
  • the second conduit 4 moves relative to the first by the combined action of the means 5 and of the displacement of the entire filler valve assembly which, as shown in the figures, is movable between a raised operative configuration ( Figure 1) and an operative configuration of insertion inside a container 3 ( Figure 2, 3).
  • the means 5 for bringing the second conduit 4 in the operative inflow configuration comprise at least an abutment element 11 integral with the first conduit 2 and so shaped as to bear onto an inlet 3a of the container 3, allowing the second conduit to slide relative to the first and the consequent disengagement of the shutter portion of the dispensing outlet 2a of the first conduit 2.
  • a gasket 16 substantially of the lip type, whereon the inlet 3a of the container 3 bears.
  • the first and the second conduit are mutually connected by means of an elastic element 12, typically a spring, and the whole filling assembly 1 is movable with vertical alternating motion under the action of a first cam (not shown herein) operatively active on a roller 13 integral with the second conduit 4.
  • a first cam not shown herein
  • the filler valve assembly moves downwards under the action of its own weight and of an additional elastic element, preferably another spring 14.
  • the assembly 1, moving towards the container 3, forces the inflow conduit 2 to position the gasket 16 on the inlet 3a of the container 3.
  • the assembly 1 further moves with vertical motion downwards under the action of a second cam (not shown herein) operatively active on the roller 13 integral with the second conduit 4 which, given the presence of the elastic element 12, slides relative to the first conduit 2 and partially projects with respect thereto, to allow the opening of the dispensing outlet 2a of the inflow conduit 2.
  • the assembly 1 comprises pneumatic means 7 connected to the second conduit 4 and operatively active on the means 6 to bring the conduit itself back to the closed operative configuration, when the liquid reaches a pre-set level in the container.
  • said pneumatic means 7 comprise at least a source of pressure (not shown herein) and at least a chamber 8 communicating with the second conduit 4 and having at least an opening 8a operatively communicating with a conduit (not shown) associated to said pressure source.
  • an elastic element 9 preferably a membrane, internally anchored to the chamber 8 to partition it in two distinct volumes.
  • said elastic element 9 is flexibly movable by effect of the pressure exerted by the gas or air present in the second conduit 4, between a resting configuration and a configuration of obstruction of the opening 8a.
  • the membrane 9 is in the resting position ( Figure 5) if, through the second conduit 4, no air returns from the container 3, whilst said membrane shuts off the opening 8a ( Figure 5) if air coming from the container flows in the second conduit.
  • said pneumatic means 7 comprise at least a control valve 17 operatively active on the conduit associated to the pressure source, in order to detect a pressure drop inside the second conduit 4.
  • said valve is so shaped as to allow the source to send fluid under pressure to the means 6, if air does not return from the container and to shut off the flow of fluid if, on the contrary, there is a return of air, in order to bring the conduit 4 back to the closed operative configuration.
  • the control valve 17 has an inlet I for a fluid coming from the pressure source and destined, through an outlet U, to the means 6 for bringing the second conduit in said first closed operative configuration, as soon as the filling operation is complete.
  • the control valve 17 provides and additional outlet P communicating with the chamber 8, where the membrane 9 is located, and necessary for driving the operation of the control valve itself, in order to activate or inhibit the sending of fluid under pressure to the means 6.
  • the subject control valve 17 can be constructed according to different types, but it is preferable for it to serve the functions of signal amplifying valve, 3/2 valve (3 inlets/2 slides) and "not" valve (signal inversion).
  • the means 6 comprise a cylinder 10, coaxial to the conduit 4 and co-operating with a portion 4b thereof defining an active surface 4c for the fluid under pressure sent by the source, for the purpose of causing the sliding of the second conduit relative to the first.
  • the coupling between cylinder 10 and portion 4b of the second conduit 4 is of the cylinder-piston type.
  • the shutter portion 4a defines, during the dispensing phase, a deflector for the flow of liquid entering the container 3.
  • the assembly 1 comprises at least a deflecting valve 15 ( Figure 7) so shaped as to inhibit the operation of the pneumatic means 7 when the pre-set liquid level is reached, in order to prevent a re-activation of the filling.
  • Said deflecting valve is particularly useful during the filling of deformable containers.
  • the deflecting valve 15 is so shaped as to inhibit the sending of fluid under pressure to the chamber 8 to maintain the elastic element 9 in resting configuration at the end of the filling, when the filling assembly moves up again.
  • the operation of the deflecting valve 15 is as follows.
  • the deflecting valve 15 removes pressure from the pneumatic means 7, and in particular from the opening 8a, deflecting the pilot flow, normally directed from a connection 21 to a connection 21a and thence to the opening 8a, directly from the connection 21 to the external environment.
  • the assembly 1 rises and a linear cam 22, comprised in the means 6, interacts with a ball 18 that causes the translation of a pivot pin 19 and the escape of the pilot flow from the connection 21 to the environment. This makes the elastic element 9 inactive, since the piloting pressure is not pressure in the chamber 8.
  • a fixed filling valve assembly comprising means (not shown herein) for bringing the container to be filled in correspondence with the conduit for the inflow of the liquid.
  • the conduit 4 moves downwards with alternating motion, coaxially to the inflow conduit 2, operating the disengagement of the shutter portion 4a and the start of the filling operation.
  • the descent of the conduit 4 can take place through the mechanical forcing of an elastic element 23, or acting with a pressure signal on the control valve 17 in the piloting outlet P.
  • the cylinder-piston coupling of the means 6 causes, in fact, the descent of the conduit 4, whereto a portion 4b of the conduit 4 is rigidly connected, as a result of the switching of the valve 17.
  • the elastic membrane 9 disengages from the opening 8a, the valve 17 switches and the elastic element 23 causes the closure of the conduit 2 through the shutter portion 4a.
  • control valve 17 serves the functions of signal amplifying valve, 3/2 valve (3 inlets/2 slides), and deflecting valve.
  • Such a filling assembly being fixed, achieves the important advantage of requiring a very limited number of flexible conduits for the sending of air and filling liquid to the assembly itself.
  • the assembly 1 is kept raised by a cam that acts on the roller 13, to allow the positioning of the container 3 underneath the assembly itself.
  • the inflow conduit 2 is closed by the shutter portion 4a of the second conduit 4. Therefore, it is a filling valve assembly of the normally closed type.
  • the assembly 1, moving towards the container 3, allows the inflow conduit 2 to stop as a result of the air cushion present between the portion 4b of the conduit 4 and the cylinder 10 of the means 6, positioning the gasket 16 on the inlet 3a of the container 3.
  • the assembly 1 further moves with vertical motion downwards under the action of a second cam (not shown) operatively active on the roller 13 integral with the second conduit 4.
  • the latter given the presence of the elastic element 12, slides relative to the first conduit 2 and partially projects relative thereto, to allow the opening of the dispensing outlet 2a of the inflow conduit 2.
  • the filling assembly during its descent towards the container 3, activates the deflecting valve 15.
  • the air contained inside the container 3 projects from the conduit 4 and causes the flexure of the membrane 9, which shuts off the opening 8a, offsetting the pressure imposed by the source inside the conduit associated to the pressure source itself.
  • the assembly 1 does not immediately rise, but is maintained in contact with the inlet 3a of the container 3 to avoid any liquid from escaping (splash out) by effect of the pinching of the container (for plastic and deformable containers) due to the drop in the pressure of the air present on the free surface of the liquid inside the container.
  • the head pressure (in the order of 1.1 bar) present on the free surface takes about a second to vent and return to the value of atmospheric pressure.
  • Maintaining the filling assembly in contact with the inlet of the container if on one hand prevents splash out, on the other hand could reactivate the filling due to a pressure wave that is generated by effect of the presence of the head pressure, which is not able rapidly to vent, to allow the establishment of atmospheric pressure on the free surface of the liquid inside the container.
  • the presence of the deflecting valve 15 is essential; said deflecting valve 15 is able to inhibit the operation of the membrane 9, keeping it in resting configuration, in order to prevent the reactivation of the filling operation.
  • the pressure drop in the conduit associated to the pressure source is detected by the control valve 17, which activates the means 6 to bring the conduit 4 back to the closed operative configuration.
  • the valve routes fluid under pressure coming from the pressure source directly into the cylinder 10; said fluid, expanding in the cylinder 10, exerts a force on the portion 4b of the second conduit 4, causing it to rise and thereby allowing the closure of the dispensing outlet 2a of the inflow conduit 2.
  • the first cam acting on the roller 13 brings the assembly 1 back to the raised position and the cylinder 10 discharges the fluid under pressure remained therein and readies itself for a new filling cycle.
  • the invention achieves important advantages.
  • the assembly given the presence of the shutter portion 4a operatively active directly on the dispensing outlet 2a of the inflow conduit 2, allows to shut off the dispensing, without interposing any membrane, or other mechanical components, between the two conduits.
  • an assembly according to the invention allows to measure the filling level, preventing suction and the consequent escape of liquid from the container.
  • the assembly 1, in resting configuration is normally closed and therefore, in case of failure in the filling line, no type of manual intervention is required to prevent the accidental escape of liquid.
  • the present of the lip gasket 16 allows the inflow conduit 2 completely to adhere to the inlet 3a of the container 3, guaranteeing the seal of the container during the filling operation.

Landscapes

  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Magnetically Actuated Valves (AREA)
EP02016608A 2001-09-18 2002-07-25 Füllventil Expired - Lifetime EP1293475B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITPR20010063 2001-09-18
IT000063A ITPR20010063A1 (it) 2001-09-18 2001-09-18 Gruppo valvola di riempimento, in particolare per macchina riempitrice di contenitori con liquidi.
ITPR20020013 2002-03-29
ITPR20020013 ITPR20020013A1 (it) 2002-03-29 2002-03-29 Gruppo valvola di riempimento, in particolare per macchina riempitrice di contenitori con liquidi.

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1293475A2 true EP1293475A2 (de) 2003-03-19
EP1293475A3 EP1293475A3 (de) 2004-01-07
EP1293475B1 EP1293475B1 (de) 2005-05-25

Family

ID=26332823

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02016608A Expired - Lifetime EP1293475B1 (de) 2001-09-18 2002-07-25 Füllventil

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1293475B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE296259T1 (de)
DE (1) DE60204268T2 (de)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB540016A (en) * 1940-03-13 1941-10-02 Robert Powley & Sons Ltd Improvements in or relating to filling elements or headers for machines for filling bottles or the like with liquid
FR994101A (fr) * 1944-12-21 1951-11-12 Bec d'emplissage pour machines à emplir les bouteilles, flacons et autres récipients
FR1295997A (fr) * 1961-05-03 1962-06-15 Perfectionnement apporté aux becs de soutirage de liquides et ses applications
AU8647182A (en) * 1981-08-12 1983-02-17 Oenotec Pty. Ltd. Bottle filling device
DE3909398A1 (de) * 1988-05-10 1989-11-16 Seitz Enzinger Noll Masch Fuellelement

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1293475B1 (de) 2005-05-25
DE60204268T2 (de) 2006-01-26
ATE296259T1 (de) 2005-06-15
EP1293475A3 (de) 2004-01-07
DE60204268D1 (de) 2005-06-30

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