EP3532389A1 - Methods and devices for filling pots, pot-packing lines - Google Patents

Methods and devices for filling pots, pot-packing lines

Info

Publication number
EP3532389A1
EP3532389A1 EP17804607.4A EP17804607A EP3532389A1 EP 3532389 A1 EP3532389 A1 EP 3532389A1 EP 17804607 A EP17804607 A EP 17804607A EP 3532389 A1 EP3532389 A1 EP 3532389A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dispensing
pot
rod
dispensing nozzle
shutter rod
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
EP17804607.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3532389B1 (en
Inventor
Eric Marin
Paul Le Roi
Patrick DECHEZELLE
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.)
Synerlink SA
Original Assignee
Synerlink 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 Synerlink SA filed Critical Synerlink SA
Publication of EP3532389A1 publication Critical patent/EP3532389A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3532389B1 publication Critical patent/EP3532389B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
    • B65B39/001—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers with flow cut-off means, e.g. valves
    • B65B39/004—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers with flow cut-off means, e.g. valves moving linearly
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/001—Packaging other articles presenting special problems of foodstuffs, combined with their conservation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/02—Machines characterised by the incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/02—Machines characterised by the incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
    • B65B3/022—Making containers by moulding of a thermoplastic material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/26—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled
    • 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
    • B67C3/2608—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks comprising anti-dripping means
    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B2210/00—Specific aspects of the packaging machine
    • B65B2210/06—Sterilising or cleaning machinery or conduits
    • B65B2210/08—Cleaning nozzles, funnels or guides through which articles are introduced into containers or wrappers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the filling of containers or pots, for example filling of containers with food liquids.
  • the invention particularly relates to the filling of pots with homogeneous contents, containing liquid products, pasty or heterogeneous contents containing a mixture of at least two of liquid, pasty or solid products.
  • contents are in particular liquid products or preparations (fruits, vegetables ...) with a liquid binder, especially dairy products or parboiled type desserts, stirred, liquid cream or whipped, mousse with pieces of fruit , syrups, honey, caramel or dry or granular products, this list not being limiting.
  • pot should be understood in the broad sense to include the pots themselves, but also trays, cups, or any other form of similar primary packaging.
  • the pots may be single pots or platelets comprising several pots side by side and attached to each other by being arranged in columns and / or rows with them lines or frangible zones with lower resistance.
  • a wafer may comprise two pots or four pots arranged in two rows each comprising two pots or six pots in two rows each comprising three pots ...
  • the known devices of filling pots include for example
  • At least one dispensing nozzle extending in a vertical direction and terminated by a lower end, the dispensing nozzle having a central channel extending in the vertical direction and terminated by a dispensing opening at the lower end of the dispensing nozzle; dispensing nozzle,
  • a product inlet channel in communication with the central channel of the dispensing nozzle through an inlet opening of the central channel, so as to define a distribution portion of the central channel between the inlet opening and the inlet channel; distribution opening of the central channel,
  • a closure rod at least partially accommodated in the central channel and able to move in the vertical direction in the central channel between at least
  • Such a filling device can fill a pot and dose a desired amount of product in the pot.
  • a device is for example illustrated on the document FR3021715.
  • a method of filling pots using such a pot filling device is for example implemented as follows.
  • a pot is brought and maintained vertically and facing the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle. Then, the shutter rod is brought into an open position in which said shutter rod leaves free the distribution portion of the central channel so as to allow product flow from the intake channel to the dispensing opening, and the pot is filled with a product flowing through the dispensing opening of the nozzle.
  • the shutter rod When a desired quantity of product is present in the pot, the shutter rod is brought into a closed position in which said shutter rod closes the dispensing portion of the central channel so as to stop a product flow from the dispensing channel. admission to the distribution opening. Finally, the pot is removed from the vertical of the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle and the pot is evacuated.
  • a pot filling device may comprise a plurality of dispensing nozzles so as to fill several pots at the same time, said dispensing nozzles being for example mounted on a frame.
  • the pots can be separated from each other or form a plate of pots integral with each other.
  • Such a method and such a filling device have disadvantages. Indeed, when the shutter rod is brought into the closed position, residual product may remain in the central channel of the dispensing nozzle, in particular at the dispensing opening, or on the lower end of the dispensing nozzle. shutter rod if it protrudes from the dispensing opening. This may result from the more or less viscous and sticky nature of the product dosed or simply the effect of the surface tension of the product.
  • This residual product may fall on the collar of the filled pot when the latter is discharged or on or in the next pot when the latter is brought to the vertical of the dispensing opening.
  • Such an uncontrolled fall of residual product can cause both technical problems, for example poor sealing of the lid of the pot, as qualitative, for example a presence of a product X in a pot believed to contain a product Y and / or a presence of drop on the edge of the pot Y.
  • the problem underlying the invention is therefore to provide a method and a device for filling pots that reduces or avoids the presence of residual product after filling the pot, especially at the dispensing opening or on the lower end of the shutter rod.
  • the invention also aims to fill pots of all sizes and in particular small.
  • the invention also aims to provide such a method and such a conveying device that are inexpensive and easily adaptable.
  • the invention firstly relates to a method of filling pots in which,
  • At least one dispensing nozzle extending in a vertical direction and terminated by a lower end, the dispensing nozzle having a central channel extending in the vertical direction and terminated by a dispensing opening at the lower end of the dispensing nozzle; dispensing nozzle, a product inlet channel in communication with the central channel of the dispensing nozzle through an inlet opening of the central channel, so as to define a distribution portion of the central channel between the inlet opening and the opening central channel distribution,
  • a shutter rod at least partially accommodated in the central channel and able to move in the vertical direction in the central channel
  • Means for moving the shutter rod capable of moving the shutter rod
  • the shutter rod is brought into an open position in which said shutter rod leaves free the distribution portion of the central channel so as to allow product flow from the intake channel to the dispensing opening, and is filled with the pot with a product flowing through the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle,
  • the shutter rod when a desired quantity of product is present in the pot, the shutter rod is brought into a closed position in which said shutter rod closes the dispensing portion of the central channel so as to stop a product flow from the dispensing channel. admission to the distribution opening.
  • the method is such that when the desired amount of product is present in the pot, said amount of product forming a product layer in the pot, said product layer having an upper product surface facing and vertical to the opening dispensing nozzle,
  • the shutter rod is brought into a contact position in which the shutter rod extends out of the dispensing nozzle through the dispensing aperture so that a lower end of the shutter rod comes in contact with the upper product surface.
  • the pot is of the type having a bottom wall, a side wall closed on itself, and a top opening, and, in the position of contact, the sealing rod penetrates inside the pot through the opening from above, the lower end of the shutter rod being surrounded by the side wall of the pot;
  • the shutter rod when the shutter rod is in the contact position, the shutter rod also closes the dispensing portion of the central channel of the dispensing nozzle;
  • the shutter rod is brought from the open position to the closed position and then the shutter rod is brought from the closed position to the contact position by means of a single uninterrupted vertical translation movement of the shutter rod. from the open position to the contact position;
  • the dispensing nozzle does not penetrate inside the pot during the implementation of the method, in particular the dispensing nozzle is immobile relative to the pot in the vertical direction while the shutter rod is brought into the open position and while filling the pot with a product flowing through the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle;
  • the dispensing nozzle is disposed out of the pot while the shutter rod is brought into the open position and while filling the pot with a product flowing through the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle;
  • the lower end of the sealing rod is accommodated in the central channel, in particular accommodated in a guide portion of the central channel located upstream of the channel distribution portion. central;
  • the lower end of the shutter rod is accommodated in the distribution portion of the central channel or is disposed outside the dispensing nozzle, in particular disposed out of the dispensing nozzle and in proximity to the lower end of the dispensing nozzle, for example arranged outside the dispensing nozzle and at a distance from the lower end of the dispensing nozzle, measured in the vertical direction, less than 2 centimeters;
  • the shutter rod is brought into a release position in which the shutter rod leaves the free pot to be displaced, in particular free to be moved in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and closes the dispensing portion of the central channel so as to prevent product flow from the inlet channel to the dispensing opening,
  • the pot is removed from the vertical of the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle and the pot is evacuated; - In the release position of the sealing rod, the lower end of the sealing rod is received in the central channel of the dispensing nozzle or is disposed outside the dispensing nozzle, in particular disposed out of the dispensing nozzle and in proximity to the lower end of the dispensing nozzle, for example disposed out of the dispensing nozzle and at a release distance from the lower end of the dispensing nozzle, measured in the vertical direction, lower at 2 centimeters,
  • the shutter rod in particular, in the release position, the shutter rod extends out of the dispensing nozzle a distance of release less than the contact distance on which the shutter rod extends into the contact position;
  • the subject of the invention is also a device for filling pots, for example pots of yoghurt, for the implementation of a method as detailed above, the device comprising
  • At least one dispensing nozzle extending in a vertical direction and terminated by a lower end, the dispensing nozzle having a central channel extending in the vertical direction and terminated by a dispensing opening at the lower end of the dispensing nozzle; dispensing nozzle,
  • a product inlet channel in communication with the central channel of the distribution nozzle through an inlet opening of the central channel, so as to define a distribution portion of the central channel between the inlet opening and the inlet channel; distribution opening of the central channel,
  • a closure rod at least partially accommodated in the central channel and able to move in the vertical direction in the central channel between at least
  • Means for moving the shutter rod adapted to move the shutter rod between at least the open position and the closed position.
  • the device is otherwise such that
  • the shutter rod is further adapted to be placed in a contact position in which the shutter rod extends through the dispensing aperture out of the dispensing nozzle over a contact distance-measured according to the vertical direction between the dispensing aperture and a lower end of the shutter rod-greater than or equal to a maximum transverse size of the shutter rod measured in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction -z), the means for moving the shutter rod are further able to bring the shutter rod into the contact position.
  • the sealing rod extends out of the dispensing nozzle over a contact distance greater than or equal to twice the maximum transverse size of the sealing rod;
  • the shutter rod comprises, upstream of the lower end, a cylindrical closing portion adapted to close the dispensing portion of the central channel of the dispensing nozzle when the shutter rod is in the contact position and in the closed position, in particular the cylindrical closing portion is adapted to close the inlet opening of the central channel when the sealing rod is in the contact position and in the closed position;
  • a section of the cylindrical closing portion of the sealing rod, considered perpendicular to the vertical direction, is substantially identical to a section of the dispensing portion of the central channel of the dispensing nozzle;
  • the dispensing nozzle extends in the vertical direction over a nozzle extension length
  • the shutter rod extends in the vertical direction over a rod extension length
  • the rod extension length is greater than the nozzle extension length, preferably the rod extension length is greater than the nozzle extension length by at least once the maximum transverse bulk of the sealing rod, still more preferably the rod extension length is greater than the nozzle extension length by at least twice the maximum transverse size of the sealing rod;
  • the shutter rod in the position of contact, extends out of the dispensing nozzle over a contact distance of greater than or equal to 5 centimeters, preferably greater than or equal to 7 centimeters;
  • the lower end of the sealing rod has a conical shape, preferably terminated by a rounded tip;
  • the shutter rod has no dispensing openings, in particular the shutter rod is full.
  • the invention also relates to a packaging line of pots which comprises:
  • conveying means and holding able to bring and maintain at least one pot vertically and facing the dispensing opening of at least one dispensing nozzle of the pot filling device, to separate said pot from the vertical of said distribution nozzle dispensing opening and to evacuate said pot.
  • the pots production means, the pot filling device and the conveying and holding means are arranged so that a spacing, measured in the vertical direction, between, on the one hand, the opening of a pot brought and maintained vertically and facing the dispensing opening of at least one dispensing nozzle of the device, and secondly, the lower end of said dispensing nozzle, is lower than at the contact distance on which the shutter rod extends in the contact position, so that the shutter rod in the contact position penetrates inside the pot through the top opening, the lower end of the shutter rod being surrounded by the side wall of the pot.
  • FIG. 2 is a detail view of the pot filling device of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 shows a side view in section, a dispensing nozzle and a sealing rod of a container filling device according to the invention with the sealing rod in a closed position;
  • Fig. 4 is a detail view of the pot filling apparatus of Fig. 3;
  • Figure 5 shows a side view in section, a dispensing nozzle and a sealing rod of a container filling device according to the invention with the sealing rod in a contact position;
  • FIG. 6 is a detail view of the pot filling device of Figure 5 in which the sealing rod is illustrated in the contact position by solid lines and in the closed position by dashed lines;
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a pot packaging line comprising pot production means, conveying and holding means and a pot filling device according to the invention with the sealing rod. in a position of liberation.
  • Figures 8A and 8B show a perspective and front view of a pot filling device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the pot filling apparatus of Figs. 8A and 8B.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a dispensing nozzle 2 and a shutter rod 3 of a device 1 for filling pots according to the invention, for example as shown in Figures 8A and 8B.
  • the dispensing nozzle 2 extending in a vertical direction Z and is terminated by a lower end 2a.
  • the dispensing nozzle 2 comprises a central channel 4.
  • the central channel 4 extends in the vertical direction Z and is terminated by a dispensing opening 4a at the lower end 2a of the dispensing nozzle 2.
  • the dispensing nozzle 2 may have a form of revolution, for example cylindrical, and may be mounted on a frame by shrinking or screwing, for example a frame accommodating a plurality of distribution nozzles 2.
  • the device 1 comprises a product inlet duct 5.
  • the product inlet duct 5 may be an integral part of the dispensing nozzle 2 or may be formed by an additional part fixed on the dispensing nozzle 2.
  • the product inlet duct 5 is in communication with the central duct 4 of the distribution nozzle via an inlet opening 4b of the central duct 4.
  • a distribution portion 4c of the central channel 4 is thus defined between the inlet opening 4b and the dispensing opening 4a.
  • the shutter rod 3 extends substantially in the vertical direction Z and is terminated by a lower end 3a.
  • the shutter rod 3 is at least partially accommodated in the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2.
  • the shutter rod 3 is able to move in the vertical direction Z in the central channel 4, for example by sliding.
  • the shutter rod 3 may for example be centered and held in the dispensing nozzle by guide orifices arranged in the central channel 4.
  • the shutter rod 3 is able to move in the vertical direction Z between an open position, a closed position and a contact position.
  • the shutter rod 3 may also be adapted to move into a release position, said release position may be identical to the closed position, as described below.
  • the open, closed, contact and release positions of the sealing rod 3 are successively illustrated for example in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 7.
  • These positions of the shutter rod 3 may in particular be ordered from top to bottom in the following manner: open position and closed position and release position, then contact position. In this way, in the open position the shutter rod is in its highest position, and in the contact position, the shutter rod is in its lowest position.
  • the closed and release positions are therefore intermediate positions between the open position and the contact position, where appropriate identical intermediate positions as indicated below.
  • the device 1 further comprises a frame 63 on which are mounted one or more distribution nozzle (s) 2 and one or more rods (s) associated 3 and displacement means 6 of the shutter rod 3 which are illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9.
  • the displacement means 6 are able to move the shutter rod 2 between the open position, closed position, contact and, where appropriate, release.
  • the displacement means 6 of the shutter rod comprise, for example, robots controlled by a control unit or between a belt powered by an electric motor (not shown) and connecting rods making it possible, for example, to convert a circular motion into a movement of translation.
  • the displacement means 6 generate, for example, a vertical translation movement of the shutter rod 3.
  • the displacement means 6 comprise a motor 60 controlling at least one shaft 65.
  • Gear wheels 65a placed on the shaft cooperate with racks 61a made in the lower part of the control cams 61 of the shutter rods 3 as illustrated in FIG. 9.
  • the control cams 61 extend vertically and are guided by the frame 63 of the pot filling device 1 so as to be able to move in vertical translation along the axis Z.
  • the rods 3 fillings are fixed to the control cams by an upper retaining plate 62 visible in Figure 8B.
  • the distribution nozzles 2 are furthermore fixed on the frame 63, for example by means of pylons 64 of the frame 63, illustrated in FIG. 8B in particular. Rotation of the shaft 65 thus makes it possible to move the shutter rods 3 relative to the distribution nozzles 2 in the vertical direction between the open, closed, contact and, where appropriate, release positions.
  • the motor 60 and the shaft 65 of the displacement means 6 can be placed below the device while controlling the movement of the shutter rods 3 by their upper part, by means of the control cams 61 and the upper retaining plate 62. In this way also, it is possible to obtain a large amplitude of vertical movement of the closure rods 3 while limiting the size of the device 1.
  • the shutter rod 3 may comprise an upper end 3c accommodated in a gripping element of the displacement means 6, for example by means of a groove.
  • the shutter rod 3 may in particular be cylindrical except at its lower end 3a and its upper end 3c, in particular cylindrical of revolution.
  • the shutter rod 3 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the open position. In the open position, the shutter rod 3 leaves free the distribution portion 4c of the central channel 4. In this way a flow of product is allowed from the inlet channel 5 to the dispensing opening 4a, via the opening intake 4b of the central channel 4.
  • the shutter rod 3 is for example accommodated in the central channel 4. More precisely, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the central channel 4 has, for example, a guiding portion 4d located upstream of the portion of FIG. 4c distribution of the central channel 4, visible in particular in Figure 2.
  • a guide portion located upstream of the dispensing portion it is particularly meant that the guide portion is located above the dispensing portion, or is further from the dispensing opening of the central channel than the distribution portion.
  • the guide portion may in particular be a portion of the central channel not being intended to receive the product, even if its lower end may sometimes be in contact with the product rising from the dispensing portion, particularly when the sealing rod back into the nozzle above the intake opening.
  • the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 is thus for example accommodated in the guiding portion 4d of the central channel 4 and leaves the delivery portion 4c free of obstacles. of the central canal 4.
  • FIGs 3 and 4 illustrate the shutter rod 3 in the closed position.
  • the shutter rod 3 closes the dispensing portion 4c of the central channel 4 so as to prevent product flow from the intake channel 5 to the dispensing opening 4a, via the intake opening 4b of the central channel 4.
  • the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 can for example be accommodated in the dispensing portion 4c of the central channel 4.
  • the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 can be arranged outside the dispensing nozzle 2, in particular arranged outside the dispensing nozzle 2 and in proximity with the lower end 2a of the dispensing nozzle 2.
  • the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 may for example be arranged outside the dispensing nozzle 2 and at a distance from the lower end 2a of the dispensing nozzle 2, measured in the vertical direction Z, less than 2 centimeters, preferably less than 15 millimeters.
  • the shutter rod 3 may comprise, upstream of the lower end 3a, a cylindrical closing portion 3b adapted to close the dispensing portion 4c of the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2 when the stem shutter is in the contact position and in the closed position.
  • the shutter portion 3b may have a shape adapted to close the inlet opening 4b of the central channel 4 when the shutter rod is in the contact position and in the closed position.
  • the closing portion 3b may for example have the shape of a cylinder of revolution.
  • the intake opening 4b can then have the shape of a disc.
  • a section of the closing portion 3b may be substantially identical to a section of the distribution portion 4c of the central channel 4, in particular substantially identical with a radial clearance sufficiently small to guarantee a correct seal between the distribution nozzle 2 and the sealing rod 3.
  • a section of the closure portion may be substantially identical to a section of the dispensing portion
  • the section of the closure portion may have dimensions sufficiently close to the dimensions of a section of the distribution portion to prevent the passage of the product when said sections are coaxial and brought into correspondence in the vertical direction Z.
  • FIGS 5 and 6 illustrate the shutter rod 3 in the contact position.
  • the shutter rod 3 extends out of the dispensing nozzle 2 through the dispensing opening 4a of the central channel 4.
  • the shutter rod 3 extends through the dispensing opening 4a out of the dispensing nozzle 2 over a contact distance C greater than or equal to a maximum transverse dimension D of the shutter rod 3.
  • the contact distance C is for example measured in the vertical direction Z between the dispensing aperture 4a and a lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3.
  • the maximum transverse dimension D of the shutter rod 3 is measured in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.
  • the maximum transverse dimension D of the shutter rod 3 can thus for example correspond to a larger diameter of the shutter rod 3.
  • the maximum transverse space of the shutter rod 3 can be reached in particular at the location of the shutter portion 3b.
  • the sealing rod in the position of contact, can extend out of the distribution nozzle 2 over a contact distance C greater than or equal to twice the maximum transverse dimension D of the shutter rod 2, preferably at least four times greater than the maximum size.
  • the transverse bulk D of the sealing rod 2 is for example 15 or 18 mm, the contact distance C may for example be of the order of 100 millimeters, especially in the case of pot containing a bed of heterogeneous product as jam, and of the order of 37 millimeters in the case of a complete filling of the pot.
  • the shutter rod 3 in the position of contact, the shutter rod 3 thus extends out of the dispensing nozzle 2 over a contact distance C greater than or equal to 5 centimeters, preferably greater than or equal to 5 centimeters. equal to 7 centimeters.
  • the shutter rod 3 can in particular move over an extension distance E in the vertical direction Z.
  • the shutter portion 3b of the cylindrical shutter rod 3 can then extend in the vertical direction Z over an extension length L greater than or equal to said extension distance E.
  • the shutter rod 3 when the shutter rod 3 is in the contact position, the shutter rod 3 also closes the dispensing portion 4c of the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2, that is to say say that the cylindrical sealing portion 3b is thus adapted to close the dispensing portion 4c of the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2 when the shutter rod is in the contact position and in the closed position.
  • the dispensing nozzle 2 may, for example, extend in the vertical direction Z over a nozzle extension length B and the shutter rod 3 may, for example, extend in the vertical direction Z over a length of 2 mm.
  • the stem extension length T may then be greater than the nozzle extension length B, and preferably greater than the nozzle extension length B of at least once a transverse bulk.
  • the extension length of the rod T may be greater than the extension length of the nozzle B by at least twice a maximum transverse dimension D of the rod of FIG. shutter 3.
  • the shutter rod 3 can also be brought into a release position illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 is accommodated in the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2. In this way, the end 3a bottom of the shutter rod 3 does not exceed the dispensing nozzle 2 which allows in particular to move a pot present vertically of the dispensing nozzle 2 without risk of hitting the shutter rod 3.
  • the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 is arranged outside the dispensing nozzle 2, in particular arranged outside the dispensing nozzle 2 and in near the lower end 2a of the dispensing nozzle 2.
  • the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 can be arranged outside the dispensing nozzle 2 and at a release distance from the lower end 2a of the dispensing nozzle 2, measured in the vertical direction Z less than 2 centimeters, preferably less than 15 millimeters.
  • the shutter rod 3 extends out of the dispensing nozzle 2 over a release distance less than the contact distance C on which the sealing rod 3 extends into the contact position.
  • the closed position and the release position of the shutter rod 3 can in particular be identical.
  • Such a filling device 1 may in particular be integrated in a pot packaging line 10 which furthermore comprises pot production means 7 and conveying and holding means 8.
  • the means for producing pots 7 are able to form a plastic sheet to obtain at least one pot 9, for example of the type having a bottom wall 9a, a side wall 9b closed on itself and a top opening 9c .
  • Such means of producing pots 7 are known elsewhere and comprise for example a machine for shaping a plastic sheet and a cutting machine.
  • the plastic sheet forming machine comprises, for example, suitable molds, sheet guide rollers and any other known pot making device.
  • the conveying and holding means 8 are able, firstly, to bring and maintain at least one pot 9 vertically and facing the dispensing opening 4a of at least one dispensing nozzle 2 of the device 1.
  • the conveying and holding means 8 are able, secondly, to separate said pot 9 from the vertical of said dispensing opening 4a of the dispensing nozzle 2 and to evacuate said pot 9.
  • Such conveying and holding means 8 include for example cylinders, movable plates, cams, suction cups, guides, robots.
  • Such a filling device 1 and such a pot packaging line 10 may in particular be intended to implement a pot filling method according to the invention which will now be described in more detail.
  • a pot filling device 1 as described above, optionally integrated in a pot packaging line 10 as described above.
  • a pot 9 vertically and facing the dispensing opening 4a of the dispensing nozzle 2.
  • the means of conveying and holding 8 a line of conditioning pots as described above.
  • the shutter rod 3 is brought into the open position, and the pot 9 is filled with a product flowing through the dispensing opening 4a of the dispensing nozzle 2.
  • the dispensing nozzle 2 is placed outside the pot 9 while the shutter rod 3 is brought into the open position and while the pot 9 is filled with a product flowing through the dispensing opening 4a. of the nozzle 2.
  • the dispensing nozzle 2 may advantageously not penetrate inside the pot 9 during the entire implementation of the method.
  • the dispensing nozzle 2 can remain stationary relative to the pot 9 in the vertical direction Z while the shutter rod 3 is brought into the open position and while filling the pot 9 with a product s flowing through the dispensing aperture 4a.
  • the shutter rod 3 When a desired quantity of product is present in the pot 9, the shutter rod 3 is brought into the closed position so as to stop filling of the pot 9.
  • desired quantity of product is meant a quantity of product previously chosen by an operator, for example a quantity of product completely filling the pot leaving a margin allowing displacement of the open pot without burr and / or the transport of the pot without burr of the product on a pot lid.
  • a quantity of product less than a quantity of product completely filling the pot for example if the pot is intended to contain a multilayer content, including a heterogeneous content.
  • the said quantity of product When the desired quantity of product is present in the pot, the said quantity of product then forms a product layer 1 1 in the pot 9 as illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • Said layer of product 1 1 has an upper surface of product 1 1 a facing and vertically of the dispensing opening 4a of the dispensing nozzle 2.
  • the shutter rod 3 is then brought into the contact position in which the shutter rod 3 extends out of the dispensing nozzle 2 through the dispensing opening 4a of such that the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 comes into contact with the upper surface of the product 11a.
  • the pot 9 is of the type having a bottom wall 9a, a side wall 9b closed on itself, and a top opening 9c.
  • the shutter rod 3 thus enters the interior of the pot 9 through the top opening 9c, the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 being surrounded by the side wall 9b of the pot 9.
  • the packaging line of pots 10 may be such that a gap A, measured in the vertical direction Z, between, on the one hand, the top opening 9c of a pot 9 brought and maintained vertically and facing the dispensing opening 4a of the dispensing nozzle 2 of the device 1, and secondly, the lower end 2a of said dispensing nozzle 2, is less than the contact distance C on which extends the shutter rod 3 in the contact position.
  • the means for producing pots 7 can be arranged to produce empty pots 9 of height P while the pot filling device 1 and the conveying and holding means 8 can be arranged to be respectively spaced one by one. on the other a minimum distance M, in the vertical direction.
  • the height P and the distance M can be such that M - P> C. In this way, the shutter rod 3, in the position of contact, penetrates inside the pot 9 through the top opening 9c, the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 being surrounded by the side wall 9b of the pot 9.
  • the residual product 12 can remain present in the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2 , in particular at the dispensing aperture 4a, or at the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3.
  • the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 runs through the entire distribution portion 4c of the central channel. 4.
  • the shutter rod 3 then removes any residual product present in the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2, said residual product 12 being found where appropriate at the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3.
  • the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 may have a shape adapted to reduce the presence of residual product on the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 and / or reduce the contact surface of the residual product.
  • the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 may have a conical shape. Said conical shape is for example terminated by a rounded tip as illustrated in FIG.
  • the shutter rod 3 can be full.
  • the shutter rod 3 may not have dispensing openings.
  • the shutter rod can advantageously be brought from the open position to the closed position and then from the closed position to the contact position by means of a single uninterrupted vertical translation movement of the shutter rod of the position. open to the contact position.
  • the presence of residual product in the central channel 4 or on the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 is furthermore avoided.
  • the operating speed of the device and the setting of the device are also increased. implementation of the method.
  • the shutter rod 3 can then be brought into a release position illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • the shutter rod 3 leaves the pot 9 free to be moved, in particular free to be moved in a horizontal plane H perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.
  • the stem is shutter 3 thus does not penetrate inside the pot 9 and is particularly above the top opening 9c of the pot 9.
  • the shutter rod 3 also closes the dispensing portion 4c of the central channel 4 so as to prevent product flow from the inlet channel 5 to the dispensing opening 4a.
  • the conveying and holding means 8 of a pot packaging line 10 as described above are used.
  • the process steps can then be repeated to obtain an outgoing pot stream each containing the desired amount of product.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Supply Of Fluid Materials To The Packaging Location (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates, in particular, to a method for filling pots, wherein: a pot (9) is conveyed and held vertical and opposite a dispensing nozzle; a sealing rod (3) is moved into an open position and the pot is filled with a product flowing through the dispensing nozzle; when the pot (9) contains a desired amount of product, the sealing rod (3) is moved into a closed position and the flow of product is halted; and the sealing rod (3) is moved into a contact position in which the sealing rod extends out of the dispensing nozzle (2) through the dispensing opening, so that the lower end of the sealing rod (3) engages the upper surface of the product.

Description

Procédés et dispositifs de remplissage de pots, lignes de conditionnement de pots  Methods and devices for filling pots, packaging lines for pots
L'invention est relative au remplissage de contenants ou pots, par exemple au remplissage de contenants avec des liquides alimentaires.  The invention relates to the filling of containers or pots, for example filling of containers with food liquids.
L'invention concerne en particulier le remplissage de pots avec des contenus homogènes, contenant des produits liquides, pâteux ou des contenus hétérogène contenant un mélange d'au moins deux parmi des produits liquides, pâteux ou solides. Des exemples de tels contenus sont notamment des produits liquides ou des préparations (fruits, légumes...) avec un liant liquide, notamment des produits lactés ou des desserts de type étuvé, brassé, crème liquide ou fouettée, mousse avec des morceaux de fruits, sirops, miel, caramel ou encore des produits secs ou granuleux, cette liste n'étant pas limitative. The invention particularly relates to the filling of pots with homogeneous contents, containing liquid products, pasty or heterogeneous contents containing a mixture of at least two of liquid, pasty or solid products. Examples of such contents are in particular liquid products or preparations (fruits, vegetables ...) with a liquid binder, especially dairy products or parboiled type desserts, stirred, liquid cream or whipped, mousse with pieces of fruit , syrups, honey, caramel or dry or granular products, this list not being limiting.
Le terme « pot » doit être compris au sens large comme comprenant les pots à proprement parler, mais également les barquettes, les coupelles, ou toute autre forme d'emballage primaire analogue. Les pots peuvent être des pots uniques ou des plaquettes comprenant plusieurs pots côte à côte et attachés les uns aux autres en étant agencés en colonnes et/ou rangées avec entre eux des lignes ou zones frangibles à plus faible résistance. Par exemple, une plaquette peut comporter deux pots ou quatre pots agencés en deux rangées comprenant chacune deux pots ou encore six pots en deux rangées comprenant chacune trois pots... Pour remplir un pot alimentaire avec ce type de produit alimentaire, les dispositifs connus de remplissage de pots comportent par exemple The term "pot" should be understood in the broad sense to include the pots themselves, but also trays, cups, or any other form of similar primary packaging. The pots may be single pots or platelets comprising several pots side by side and attached to each other by being arranged in columns and / or rows with them lines or frangible zones with lower resistance. For example, a wafer may comprise two pots or four pots arranged in two rows each comprising two pots or six pots in two rows each comprising three pots ... To fill a food pot with this type of food product, the known devices of filling pots include for example
• au moins une buse de distribution s'étendant selon une direction verticale et terminée par une extrémité inférieure, la buse de distribution comportant un canal central s'étendant selon la direction verticale et terminé par une ouverture de distribution à l'extrémité inférieure de la buse de distribution,  At least one dispensing nozzle extending in a vertical direction and terminated by a lower end, the dispensing nozzle having a central channel extending in the vertical direction and terminated by a dispensing opening at the lower end of the dispensing nozzle; dispensing nozzle,
· un canal d'admission de produit en communication avec le canal central de la buse de distribution par une ouverture d'admission du canal central, de sorte à définir une portion de distribution du canal central entre l'ouverture d'admission et l'ouverture de distribution du canal central, A product inlet channel in communication with the central channel of the dispensing nozzle through an inlet opening of the central channel, so as to define a distribution portion of the central channel between the inlet opening and the inlet channel; distribution opening of the central channel,
• une tige d'obturation au moins partiellement accueillie dans le canal central et apte à se déplacer selon la direction verticale dans le canal central entre au moins  A closure rod at least partially accommodated in the central channel and able to move in the vertical direction in the central channel between at least
o une position ouverte dans laquelle ladite tige d'obturation laisse libre la portion de distribution du canal central de sorte à autoriser un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission à l'ouverture de distribution, et  an open position in which said shutter rod leaves free the dispensing portion of the central channel so as to allow product flow from the inlet channel to the dispensing opening, and
o une position fermée dans laquelle ladite tige d'obturation obture la portion de distribution du canal central de sorte à empêcher un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission à l'ouverture de distribution, · des moyens de déplacement de la tige d'obturation apte à déplacer la tige d'obturation entre au moins la position ouverte et la position fermée.  a closed position in which said shutter rod closes the dispensing portion of the central channel so as to prevent product flow from the intake channel to the dispensing opening, means for moving the shutter rod able to move the shutter rod between at least the open position and the closed position.
Un tel dispositif de remplissage permet de remplir un pot et de doser une quantité souhaitée de produit dans le pot. Un tel dispositif est par exemple illustré sur le document FR3021715. Such a filling device can fill a pot and dose a desired amount of product in the pot. Such a device is for example illustrated on the document FR3021715.
Un procédé de remplissage de pots utilisant un tel dispositif de remplissage de pots est par exemple mis en œuvre de la manière suivante. A method of filling pots using such a pot filling device is for example implemented as follows.
On amène et on maintient un pot à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution. Puis, on amène la tige d'obturation dans une position ouverte dans laquelle ladite tige d'obturation laisse libre la portion de distribution du canal central de sorte à autoriser un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission à l'ouverture de distribution, et on remplit le pot avec un produit s'écoulant par l'ouverture de distribution de la buse. A pot is brought and maintained vertically and facing the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle. Then, the shutter rod is brought into an open position in which said shutter rod leaves free the distribution portion of the central channel so as to allow product flow from the intake channel to the dispensing opening, and the pot is filled with a product flowing through the dispensing opening of the nozzle.
Lorsqu'une quantité souhaitée de produit est présente dans le pot, on amène la tige d'obturation dans une position fermée dans laquelle ladite tige d'obturation obture la portion de distribution du canal central de sorte à arrêter un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission à l'ouverture de distribution. Enfin, on écarte le pot de la verticale de l'ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution et on évacue le pot. When a desired quantity of product is present in the pot, the shutter rod is brought into a closed position in which said shutter rod closes the dispensing portion of the central channel so as to stop a product flow from the dispensing channel. admission to the distribution opening. Finally, the pot is removed from the vertical of the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle and the pot is evacuated.
En pratique un dispositif de remplissage de pots peut comporter plusieurs buses de distribution de sorte à remplir plusieurs pots en même temps, lesdites buses de distribution étant par exemple montées sur un châssis. Les pots peuvent être séparés les uns des autres ou former une plaquette de pots solidaires les uns des autres. In practice a pot filling device may comprise a plurality of dispensing nozzles so as to fill several pots at the same time, said dispensing nozzles being for example mounted on a frame. The pots can be separated from each other or form a plate of pots integral with each other.
Une fois le procédé terminé, on peut amener un autre ensemble de pots ou pot unique et réitérer le procédé. Once the process is complete, one can bring another set of pots or single pot and repeat the process.
Un tel procédé et un tel dispositif de remplissage présentent cependant des inconvénients. En effet lorsque la tige d'obturation est amenée dans la position fermée, du produit résiduel peut rester présent dans le canal central de la buse de distribution, en particulier au niveau de l'ouverture de distribution, ou sur l'extrémité inférieure de la tige d'obturation si celle-ci dépasse de l'ouverture de distribution. Ceci peut résulter du caractère plus ou moins visqueux et collant du produit dosé ou simplement de l'effet de la tension de surface du produit. Such a method and such a filling device, however, have disadvantages. Indeed, when the shutter rod is brought into the closed position, residual product may remain in the central channel of the dispensing nozzle, in particular at the dispensing opening, or on the lower end of the dispensing nozzle. shutter rod if it protrudes from the dispensing opening. This may result from the more or less viscous and sticky nature of the product dosed or simply the effect of the surface tension of the product.
Ce produit résiduel peut chuter sur la collerette du pot remplit lorsque ce dernier est évacué ou sur, ou dans, le pot suivant lorsque ce dernier est amené à la verticale de l'ouverture de distribution. This residual product may fall on the collar of the filled pot when the latter is discharged or on or in the next pot when the latter is brought to the vertical of the dispensing opening.
Une telle chute de produit résiduel incontrôlée peut engendrer des problèmes tant techniques, par exemple un mauvais scellement du couvercle du pot, que qualitatifs, par exemple une présence d'un produit X dans un pot censé contenir un produit Y et/ou une présence de goutte sur le rebord du pot Y. Such an uncontrolled fall of residual product can cause both technical problems, for example poor sealing of the lid of the pot, as qualitative, for example a presence of a product X in a pot believed to contain a product Y and / or a presence of drop on the edge of the pot Y.
Le problème à la base de l'invention est de donc proposer un procédé et un dispositif de remplissage de pots qui réduise ou évite la présence de produit résiduel après le remplissage de pot, notamment au niveau de l'ouverture de distribution ou sur l'extrémité inférieure de la tige d'obturation. L'invention vise également à permettre de remplir des pots de toutes tailles et notamment de petites dimensions. L'invention vise encore à proposer un tel procédé et un tel dispositif de convoyage qui soient peu coûteux et aisément adaptables. The problem underlying the invention is therefore to provide a method and a device for filling pots that reduces or avoids the presence of residual product after filling the pot, especially at the dispensing opening or on the lower end of the shutter rod. The invention also aims to fill pots of all sizes and in particular small. The invention also aims to provide such a method and such a conveying device that are inexpensive and easily adaptable.
A cet effet, l'invention a pour premier objet un procédé de remplissage de pots dans lequel, For this purpose, the invention firstly relates to a method of filling pots in which,
on dispose d'un dispositif de remplissage de pots, par exemple de pots de yaourt, comprenant there is a device for filling pots, for example pots of yoghurt, comprising
• au moins une buse de distribution s'étendant selon une direction verticale et terminée par une extrémité inférieure, la buse de distribution comportant un canal central s'étendant selon la direction verticale et terminé par une ouverture de distribution à l'extrémité inférieure de la buse de distribution, un canal d'admission de produit en communication avec le canal central de la buse de distribution par une ouverture d'admission du canal central, de sorte à définir une portion de distribution du canal central entre l'ouverture d'admission et l'ouverture de distribution du canal central, At least one dispensing nozzle extending in a vertical direction and terminated by a lower end, the dispensing nozzle having a central channel extending in the vertical direction and terminated by a dispensing opening at the lower end of the dispensing nozzle; dispensing nozzle, a product inlet channel in communication with the central channel of the dispensing nozzle through an inlet opening of the central channel, so as to define a distribution portion of the central channel between the inlet opening and the opening central channel distribution,
• une tige d'obturation au moins partiellement accueillie dans le canal central et apte à se déplacer selon la direction verticale dans le canal central,  A shutter rod at least partially accommodated in the central channel and able to move in the vertical direction in the central channel,
• des moyens de déplacement de la tige d'obturation apte à déplacer la tige d'obturation,  Means for moving the shutter rod capable of moving the shutter rod,
on amène et on maintient un pot à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution, we bring and maintain a pot vertically and facing the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle,
on amène la tige d'obturation dans une position ouverte dans laquelle ladite tige d'obturation laisse libre la portion de distribution du canal central de sorte à autoriser un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission à l'ouverture de distribution, et on remplit le pot avec un produit s'écoulant par l'ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution, the shutter rod is brought into an open position in which said shutter rod leaves free the distribution portion of the central channel so as to allow product flow from the intake channel to the dispensing opening, and is filled with the pot with a product flowing through the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle,
lorsqu'une quantité souhaitée de produit est présente dans le pot, on amène la tige d'obturation dans une position fermée dans laquelle ladite tige d'obturation obture la portion de distribution du canal central de sorte à arrêter un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission à l'ouverture de distribution. when a desired quantity of product is present in the pot, the shutter rod is brought into a closed position in which said shutter rod closes the dispensing portion of the central channel so as to stop a product flow from the dispensing channel. admission to the distribution opening.
Le procédé est tel que lorsque la quantité souhaitée de produit est présente dans le pot, ladite quantité de produit formant une couche de produit dans le pot, ladite couche de produit présentant une surface supérieure de produit en regard et à la verticale de l'ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution, The method is such that when the desired amount of product is present in the pot, said amount of product forming a product layer in the pot, said product layer having an upper product surface facing and vertical to the opening dispensing nozzle,
on amène la tige d'obturation dans une position de contact dans laquelle la tige d'obturation s'étend hors de la buse de distribution à travers l'ouverture de distribution de telle sorte qu'une extrémité inférieure de la tige d'obturation vienne en contact avec la surface supérieure de produit. the shutter rod is brought into a contact position in which the shutter rod extends out of the dispensing nozzle through the dispensing aperture so that a lower end of the shutter rod comes in contact with the upper product surface.
Dans des modes de réalisation préférés de l'invention, on peut éventuellement avoir recours en outre à l'une et/ou à l'autre des dispositions suivantes : In preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more of the following may also be used:
le pot est du type ayant une paroi de fond, une paroi latérale fermée sur elle-même, et une ouverture de dessus, et, dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation pénètre à l'intérieur du pot par l'ouverture de dessus, l'extrémité inférieure de la tige d'obturation étant entourée par la paroi latérale du pot;  the pot is of the type having a bottom wall, a side wall closed on itself, and a top opening, and, in the position of contact, the sealing rod penetrates inside the pot through the opening from above, the lower end of the shutter rod being surrounded by the side wall of the pot;
lorsque la tige d'obturation est dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation obture par ailleurs la portion de distribution du canal central de la buse de distribution;  when the shutter rod is in the contact position, the shutter rod also closes the dispensing portion of the central channel of the dispensing nozzle;
- on amène la tige d'obturation de la position ouverte à la position fermée puis on amène la tige d'obturation de la position fermée à la position de contact au moyen d'un unique mouvement de translation verticale ininterrompu de la tige d'obturation de la position ouverte à la position de contact;  - The shutter rod is brought from the open position to the closed position and then the shutter rod is brought from the closed position to the contact position by means of a single uninterrupted vertical translation movement of the shutter rod. from the open position to the contact position;
la buse de distribution ne pénètre pas à l'intérieur du pot au cours de la mise en œuvre du procédé, en particulier la buse de distribution est immobile par rapport au pot selon la direction verticale pendant qu'on amène la tige d'obturation dans la position ouverte et pendant qu'on remplit le pot avec un produit s'écoulant par l'ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution;  the dispensing nozzle does not penetrate inside the pot during the implementation of the method, in particular the dispensing nozzle is immobile relative to the pot in the vertical direction while the shutter rod is brought into the open position and while filling the pot with a product flowing through the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle;
la buse de distribution est disposée hors du pot pendant qu'on amène la tige d'obturation dans la position ouverte et pendant qu'on remplit le pot avec un produit s'écoulant par l'ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution;  the dispensing nozzle is disposed out of the pot while the shutter rod is brought into the open position and while filling the pot with a product flowing through the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle;
- dans la position ouverte de la tige d'obturation, l'extrémité inférieure de la tige d'obturation est accueillie dans le canal central, en particulier accueillie dans une portion de guidage du canal central située en amont de la portion de distribution du canal central;  - In the open position of the sealing rod, the lower end of the sealing rod is accommodated in the central channel, in particular accommodated in a guide portion of the central channel located upstream of the channel distribution portion. central;
- dans la position fermée de la tige d'obturation, l'extrémité inférieure de la tige d'obturation est accueillie dans la portion de distribution du canal central ou est disposée hors de la buse de distribution, en particulier disposée hors de la buse de distribution et en proximité de l'extrémité inférieure de la buse de distribution, par exemple disposée hors de la buse de distribution et à une distance de l'extrémité inférieure de la buse de distribution, mesurée selon la direction verticale, inférieure à 2 centimètres; in the closed position of the shutter rod, the lower end of the shutter rod is accommodated in the distribution portion of the central channel or is disposed outside the dispensing nozzle, in particular disposed out of the dispensing nozzle and in proximity to the lower end of the dispensing nozzle, for example arranged outside the dispensing nozzle and at a distance from the lower end of the dispensing nozzle, measured in the vertical direction, less than 2 centimeters;
- après avoir amené la tige d'obturation dans la position de contact, - after having brought the shutter rod into the position of contact,
on amène la tige d'obturation dans une position de libération dans laquelle la tige d'obturation laisse le pot libre d'être déplacé, en particulier libre d'être déplacé dans un plan horizontal perpendiculaire à la direction verticale et obture la portion de distribution du canal central de sorte à empêcher un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission à l'ouverture de distribution, the shutter rod is brought into a release position in which the shutter rod leaves the free pot to be displaced, in particular free to be moved in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and closes the dispensing portion of the central channel so as to prevent product flow from the inlet channel to the dispensing opening,
puis, on écarte le pot de la verticale de l'ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution et on évacue le pot; - dans la position de libération de la tige d'obturation, l'extrémité inférieure de la tige d'obturation est accueillie dans le canal central de la buse de distribution ou est disposée hors de la buse de distribution, en particulier disposée hors de la buse de distribution et en proximité de l'extrémité inférieure de la buse de distribution, par exemple disposée hors de la buse de distribution et à une distance de libération de l'extrémité inférieure de la buse de distribution, mesurée selon la direction verticale, inférieure à 2 centimètres, then, the pot is removed from the vertical of the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle and the pot is evacuated; - In the release position of the sealing rod, the lower end of the sealing rod is received in the central channel of the dispensing nozzle or is disposed outside the dispensing nozzle, in particular disposed out of the dispensing nozzle and in proximity to the lower end of the dispensing nozzle, for example disposed out of the dispensing nozzle and at a release distance from the lower end of the dispensing nozzle, measured in the vertical direction, lower at 2 centimeters,
en particulier, dans la position de libération, la tige d'obturation s'étend hors de la buse de distribution sur une distance de libération inférieure à la distance de contact sur laquelle la tige d'obturation s'étend dans la position de contact; in particular, in the release position, the shutter rod extends out of the dispensing nozzle a distance of release less than the contact distance on which the shutter rod extends into the contact position;
la position fermée et la position de libération de la tige d'obturation sont identiques;  the closed position and the release position of the sealing rod are identical;
après avoir écarté le pot de la verticale de l'ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution, on amène un autre pot à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution et on réitère les étapes du procédé.  after separating the pot from the vertical of the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle, it brings another pot vertically and facing the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle and the process steps are repeated.
L'invention a également pour objet un dispositif de remplissage de pots, par exemple de pots de yaourt, pour la mise en oeuvre d'un procédé tel que détaillé ci-avant, le dispositif comportant The subject of the invention is also a device for filling pots, for example pots of yoghurt, for the implementation of a method as detailed above, the device comprising
· au moins une buse de distribution s'étendant selon une direction verticale et terminée par une extrémité inférieure, la buse de distribution comportant un canal central s'étendant selon la direction verticale et terminé par une ouverture de distribution à l'extrémité inférieure de la buse de distribution, At least one dispensing nozzle extending in a vertical direction and terminated by a lower end, the dispensing nozzle having a central channel extending in the vertical direction and terminated by a dispensing opening at the lower end of the dispensing nozzle; dispensing nozzle,
• un canal d'admission de produit en communication avec le canal central de la buse de distribution par une ouverture d'admission du canal central, de sorte à définir une portion de distribution du canal central entre l'ouverture d'admission et l'ouverture de distribution du canal central,  A product inlet channel in communication with the central channel of the distribution nozzle through an inlet opening of the central channel, so as to define a distribution portion of the central channel between the inlet opening and the inlet channel; distribution opening of the central channel,
• une tige d'obturation au moins partiellement accueillie dans le canal central et apte à se déplacer selon la direction verticale dans le canal central entre au moins  A closure rod at least partially accommodated in the central channel and able to move in the vertical direction in the central channel between at least
o une position ouverte dans laquelle ladite tige d'obturation laisse libre la portion de distribution du canal central de sorte à autoriser un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission à l'ouverture de distribution, et an open position in which said shutter rod leaves free the dispensing portion of the central channel so as to allow product flow from the inlet channel to the dispensing opening, and
o une position fermée dans laquelle ladite tige d'obturation obture la portion de distribution du canal central de sorte à empêcher un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission à l'ouverture de distribution, a closed position in which said shutter rod closes the distribution portion of the central channel so as to prevent product flow from the intake channel to the dispensing opening,
• des moyens de déplacement de la tige d'obturation apte à déplacer la tige d'obturation entre au moins la position ouverte et la position fermée.  • Means for moving the shutter rod adapted to move the shutter rod between at least the open position and the closed position.
Le dispositif est par ailleurs tel que  The device is otherwise such that
· la tige d'obturation est en outre apte à être placée dans une position de contact dans laquelle la tige d'obturation s'étend à travers l'ouverture de distribution hors de la buse de distribution sur une distance de contact-mesurée selon la direction verticale entre l'ouverture de distribution et une extrémité inférieure de la tige d'obturation- supérieure ou égale à un encombrement transversal maximal de la tige d'obturation mesuré dans un plan perpendiculaire à la direction verticale -z), les moyens de déplacement de la tige d'obturation sont en outre aptes à amener la tige d'obturation dans la position de contact. The shutter rod is further adapted to be placed in a contact position in which the shutter rod extends through the dispensing aperture out of the dispensing nozzle over a contact distance-measured according to the vertical direction between the dispensing aperture and a lower end of the shutter rod-greater than or equal to a maximum transverse size of the shutter rod measured in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction -z), the means for moving the shutter rod are further able to bring the shutter rod into the contact position.
Dans des modes de réalisation préférés de l'invention, on peut éventuellement avoir recours en outre à l'une et/ou à l'autre des dispositions suivantes : In preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more of the following may also be used:
- dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation s'étend hors de la buse de distribution sur une distance de contact supérieure ou égale à deux fois l'encombrement transversal maximal de la tige d'obturation;  - In the contact position, the sealing rod extends out of the dispensing nozzle over a contact distance greater than or equal to twice the maximum transverse size of the sealing rod;
la tige d'obturation comporte, en amont de l'extrémité inférieure une portion d'obturation cylindrique adaptée pour obturer la portion de distribution du canal central de la buse de distribution lorsque la tige d'obturation est dans la position de contact et dans la position fermée, en particulier la portion d'obturation cylindrique est adaptée pour obturer l'ouverture d'admission du canal central lorsque la tige d'obturation est dans la position de contact et dans la position fermée;  the shutter rod comprises, upstream of the lower end, a cylindrical closing portion adapted to close the dispensing portion of the central channel of the dispensing nozzle when the shutter rod is in the contact position and in the closed position, in particular the cylindrical closing portion is adapted to close the inlet opening of the central channel when the sealing rod is in the contact position and in the closed position;
- entre la position fermée et la position de contact la tige d'obturation se déplace sur une distance d'extension selon la direction verticale, et la portion d'obturation cylindrique de la tige d'obturation s'étend selon la direction verticale sur une longueur d'extension supérieure ou égale à ladite distance d'extension;  between the closed position and the contact position the shutter rod moves over an extension distance in the vertical direction, and the cylindrical shutter portion of the shutter rod extends in the vertical direction on a extension length greater than or equal to said extension distance;
- une section de la portion d'obturation cylindrique de la tige d'obturation, considérée perpendiculairement à la direction verticale, est sensiblement identique à une section de la portion de distribution du canal central de la buse de distribution;  - A section of the cylindrical closing portion of the sealing rod, considered perpendicular to the vertical direction, is substantially identical to a section of the dispensing portion of the central channel of the dispensing nozzle;
la buse de distribution s'étend selon la direction verticale sur une longueur d'extension de buse, la tige d'obturation s'étend selon la direction verticale sur une longueur d'extension de tige, et la longueur d'extension de tige est supérieure à la longueur d'extension de buse, de préférence la longueur d'extension de tige est supérieure à la longueur d'extension de buse d'au moins une fois l'encombrement transversal maximal de la tige d'obturation, encore plus préférentiellement la longueur d'extension de tige est supérieure à la longueur d'extension de buse d'au moins deux fois l'encombrement transversal maximal de la tige d'obturation;  the dispensing nozzle extends in the vertical direction over a nozzle extension length, the shutter rod extends in the vertical direction over a rod extension length, and the rod extension length is greater than the nozzle extension length, preferably the rod extension length is greater than the nozzle extension length by at least once the maximum transverse bulk of the sealing rod, still more preferably the rod extension length is greater than the nozzle extension length by at least twice the maximum transverse size of the sealing rod;
- dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation s'étend hors de la buse de distribution sur une distance de contact supérieure ou égale à 5 centimètres, de préférence supérieure ou égale à 7 centimètres; in the position of contact, the shutter rod extends out of the dispensing nozzle over a contact distance of greater than or equal to 5 centimeters, preferably greater than or equal to 7 centimeters;
l'extrémité inférieure de la tige d'obturation présente une forme conique, de préférence terminée par une pointe arrondie;  the lower end of the sealing rod has a conical shape, preferably terminated by a rounded tip;
la tige d'obturation ne comporte pas d'ouvertures de distribution, en particulier la tige d'obturation est pleine.  the shutter rod has no dispensing openings, in particular the shutter rod is full.
L'invention a encore pour objet une ligne de conditionnement de pots qui comprend : The invention also relates to a packaging line of pots which comprises:
des moyens de réalisation de pots, apte à mettre en forme une feuille plastique pour obtenir au moins un pot du type ayant une paroi de fond, une paroi latérale fermée sur elle-même et une ouverture de dessus, means for producing pots, able to form a plastic sheet to obtain at least one pot of the type having a bottom wall, a side wall closed on itself and a top opening,
un dispositif de remplissage de pots tel que détaillé ci-avant, a pot filling device as detailed above,
des moyens de convoyage et de maintien aptes à amener et à maintenir au moins un pot à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution d'au moins une buse de distribution du dispositif de remplissage de pots, à écarter ledit pot de la verticale de ladite ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution et à évacuer ledit pot. conveying means and holding able to bring and maintain at least one pot vertically and facing the dispensing opening of at least one dispensing nozzle of the pot filling device, to separate said pot from the vertical of said distribution nozzle dispensing opening and to evacuate said pot.
Selon une réalisation, les moyens de réalisation de pots, le dispositif de remplissage de pot et les moyens de convoyages et de maintien sont arrangés de sorte qu'un écartement, mesuré selon la direction verticale, entre, d'une part, l'ouverture de dessus d'un pot amené et maintenu à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution d'au moins une buse de distribution du dispositif, et d'autre part, l'extrémité inférieure de ladite buse de distribution, est inférieur à la distance de contact sur laquelle s'étend la tige d'obturation dans la position de contact, de sorte que la tige d'obturation dans la position de contact pénètre à l'intérieur du pot par l'ouverture de dessus, l'extrémité inférieure de la tige d'obturation étant entourée par la paroi latérale du pot. L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres buts, avantages et caractéristiques de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui suit et qui est faite au regard des dessins annexés, sur lesquels : la figure 1 représente en vue de côté en coupe, une buse de distribution et une tige d'obturation d'un dispositif de remplissage de pots conforme à l'invention, avec la tige d'obturation dans une position ouverte ; According to one embodiment, the pots production means, the pot filling device and the conveying and holding means are arranged so that a spacing, measured in the vertical direction, between, on the one hand, the opening of a pot brought and maintained vertically and facing the dispensing opening of at least one dispensing nozzle of the device, and secondly, the lower end of said dispensing nozzle, is lower than at the contact distance on which the shutter rod extends in the contact position, so that the shutter rod in the contact position penetrates inside the pot through the top opening, the lower end of the shutter rod being surrounded by the side wall of the pot. The invention will be better understood and other objects, advantages and characteristics thereof will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows and which is made with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. sectional side, a dispensing nozzle and a shutter rod of a pot filling device according to the invention, with the shutter rod in an open position;
la figure 2 est une vue de détail du dispositif de remplissage de pot de la figure 1 ; Figure 2 is a detail view of the pot filling device of Figure 1;
la figure 3 représente en vue de côté en coupe, une buse de distribution et une tige d'obturation d'un dispositif de remplissage de pots conforme à l'invention avec la tige d'obturation dans une position fermée ; Figure 3 shows a side view in section, a dispensing nozzle and a sealing rod of a container filling device according to the invention with the sealing rod in a closed position;
la figure 4 est une vue de détail du dispositif de remplissage de pot de la figure 3 ; Fig. 4 is a detail view of the pot filling apparatus of Fig. 3;
la figure 5 représente en vue de côté en coupe, une buse de distribution et une tige d'obturation d'un dispositif de remplissage de pots conforme à l'invention avec la tige d'obturation dans une position de contact ; Figure 5 shows a side view in section, a dispensing nozzle and a sealing rod of a container filling device according to the invention with the sealing rod in a contact position;
la figure 6 est une vue de détail du dispositif de remplissage de pot de la figure 5 dans laquelle la tige d'obturation est illustrée dans la position de contact par des traits pleins et dans la position fermée par des traits pointillés ; la figure 7 représente en vue de côté en coupe, une ligne de conditionnement de pot comprenant des moyens de réalisation de pots, des moyens de convoyage et de maintien et un dispositif de remplissage de pots conforme à l'invention avec la tige d'obturation dans une position de libération. Figure 6 is a detail view of the pot filling device of Figure 5 in which the sealing rod is illustrated in the contact position by solid lines and in the closed position by dashed lines; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a pot packaging line comprising pot production means, conveying and holding means and a pot filling device according to the invention with the sealing rod. in a position of liberation.
Les figures 8A et 8B représentent une vue de perspective et de face d'un dispositif de remplissage de pots conforme à l'invention.  Figures 8A and 8B show a perspective and front view of a pot filling device according to the invention.
La figure 9 est une vue en coupe du dispositif de remplissage de pots des figures 8A et 8B.  Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the pot filling apparatus of Figs. 8A and 8B.
La figure 1 illustre une buse de distribution 2 et une tige d'obturation 3 d'un dispositif 1 de remplissage de pots selon l'invention, par exemple tel qu'il est représenté sur les figures 8A et 8B. Figure 1 illustrates a dispensing nozzle 2 and a shutter rod 3 of a device 1 for filling pots according to the invention, for example as shown in Figures 8A and 8B.
La buse de distribution 2 s'étendant selon une direction verticale Z et est terminée par une extrémité inférieure 2a. The dispensing nozzle 2 extending in a vertical direction Z and is terminated by a lower end 2a.
Dans la description qui suit, lorsque l'on fait référence à des qualificatifs de position tels que les termes « haut », « élevé », « bas », « amont », « aval », « dessus », « dessous », « supérieur », « inférieur », « radial » ou, « axial », ces termes sont définis par rapport à la direction verticale Z sauf indication contraire. In the description which follows, when reference is made to position qualifiers such as the terms "high", "high", "low", "upstream", "downstream", "above", "below", "below" higher "," lower "," radial "or" axial ", these terms are defined with respect to the vertical direction Z unless otherwise indicated.
Sauf précision contraire, les expressions "approximativement", "sensiblement", "environ", "de l'ordre de", etc. signifient qu'une légère variation par rapport à la valeur nominale considérée est possible, notamment d'un pourcentage faible, en particulier à 10% près. La buse de distribution 2 comporte un canal central 4. Le canal central 4 s'étend selon la direction verticale Z et est terminé par une ouverture de distribution 4a à l'extrémité inférieure 2a de la buse de distribution 2. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "approximately", "substantially", "about", "of the order of", etc. mean that a slight variation from the nominal value considered is possible, especially a low percentage, in particular within 10%. The dispensing nozzle 2 comprises a central channel 4. The central channel 4 extends in the vertical direction Z and is terminated by a dispensing opening 4a at the lower end 2a of the dispensing nozzle 2.
La buse de distribution 2 peut présenter une forme de révolution, par exemple cylindrique et peut être montée sur un châssis par frettage ou par vissage, par exemple un châssis accueillant plusieurs buses de distribution 2. The dispensing nozzle 2 may have a form of revolution, for example cylindrical, and may be mounted on a frame by shrinking or screwing, for example a frame accommodating a plurality of distribution nozzles 2.
Le dispositif 1 comporte un canal d'admission de produit 5. Le canal d'admission de produit 5 peut être partie intégrante de la buse de distribution 2 ou être formé par une pièce additionnelle fixée sur la buse de distribution 2. The device 1 comprises a product inlet duct 5. The product inlet duct 5 may be an integral part of the dispensing nozzle 2 or may be formed by an additional part fixed on the dispensing nozzle 2.
Le canal d'admission de produit 5 est en communication avec le canal central 4 de la buse de distribution par une ouverture d'admission 4b du canal central 4. Une portion de distribution 4c du canal central 4 est ainsi définie entre l'ouverture d'admission 4b et l'ouverture de distribution 4a. La tige d'obturation 3 s'étend sensiblement selon la direction verticale Z et est terminée par une extrémité inférieure 3a. The product inlet duct 5 is in communication with the central duct 4 of the distribution nozzle via an inlet opening 4b of the central duct 4. A distribution portion 4c of the central channel 4 is thus defined between the inlet opening 4b and the dispensing opening 4a. The shutter rod 3 extends substantially in the vertical direction Z and is terminated by a lower end 3a.
La tige d'obturation 3 est au moins partiellement accueillie dans le canal central 4 de la buse de distribution 2. La tige d'obturation 3 est apte à se déplacer selon la direction verticale Z dans le canal central 4, par exemple par coulissement. La tige d'obturation 3 peut par exemple être centrée et maintenue dans la buse de distribution par des orifices de guidage arrangés dans le canal central 4. The shutter rod 3 is at least partially accommodated in the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2. The shutter rod 3 is able to move in the vertical direction Z in the central channel 4, for example by sliding. The shutter rod 3 may for example be centered and held in the dispensing nozzle by guide orifices arranged in the central channel 4.
La tige d'obturation 3 est apte à se déplacer selon la direction verticale Z entre une position ouverte, une position fermée et une position de contact. La tige d'obturation 3 peut en outre être adaptée pour se déplacer dans une position de libération, ladite position de libération pouvant être identique à la position fermée, comme cela est décrit ci-après. The shutter rod 3 is able to move in the vertical direction Z between an open position, a closed position and a contact position. The shutter rod 3 may also be adapted to move into a release position, said release position may be identical to the closed position, as described below.
Les positions ouverte, fermée, de contact et de libération de la tige d'obturation 3 sont successivement illustrées par exemple sur les figures 1 , 3, 5 et 7. The open, closed, contact and release positions of the sealing rod 3 are successively illustrated for example in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 7.
Ces positions de la tige d'obturation 3 peuvent notamment être ordonnées de haut en bas de la manière suivante : position ouverte puis position fermée et position de libération, puis position de contact. De cette manière, dans la position ouverte la tige d'obturation est dans sa position la plus élevée, et dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation est dans sa position la plus basse. Les positions fermée et de libération sont donc des positions intermédiaires entre la position ouverte et la position de contact, le cas échéant des positions intermédiaires identiques comme indiqué plus loin. These positions of the shutter rod 3 may in particular be ordered from top to bottom in the following manner: open position and closed position and release position, then contact position. In this way, in the open position the shutter rod is in its highest position, and in the contact position, the shutter rod is in its lowest position. The closed and release positions are therefore intermediate positions between the open position and the contact position, where appropriate identical intermediate positions as indicated below.
Pour cela, le dispositif 1 comporte par ailleurs un châssis 63 sur lequel sont montés une ou plusieurs buse(s) de distribution 2 ainsi qu'une ou plusieurs tige(s) d'obturation 3 associées ainsi que des moyens de déplacement 6 de la tige d'obturation 3 qui sont illustrés plus en détail sur les figures 8A, 8B et 9. For this, the device 1 further comprises a frame 63 on which are mounted one or more distribution nozzle (s) 2 and one or more rods (s) associated 3 and displacement means 6 of the shutter rod 3 which are illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9.
Les moyens de déplacements 6 sont aptes à déplacer la tige d'obturation 2 entre les positions ouverte, position fermée, de contact et, le cas échéant, de libération. Les moyens de déplacement 6 de la tige d'obturation comprennent par exemple des robots commandés par une unité de contrôle ou entre une courroie alimentée par un moteur électrique (non représenté) et des bielles permettant par exemple de convertir un mouvement circulaire en un mouvement de translation. Les moyens de déplacement 6 génèrent par exemple un mouvement de translation vertical de la tige d'obturation 3. The displacement means 6 are able to move the shutter rod 2 between the open position, closed position, contact and, where appropriate, release. The displacement means 6 of the shutter rod comprise, for example, robots controlled by a control unit or between a belt powered by an electric motor (not shown) and connecting rods making it possible, for example, to convert a circular motion into a movement of translation. The displacement means 6 generate, for example, a vertical translation movement of the shutter rod 3.
Un exemple de réalisation des moyens de déplacements est représenté sur les figures 8A, 8B et 9. Dans ce mode de réalisation, les moyens de déplacements 6 comprennent un moteur 60 commandant au moins un arbre 65. Des roues dentées 65a placées sur l'arbre coopèrent avec des crémaillères 61 a pratiquées dans la partie inférieure de cames de commande 61 des tiges d'obturation 3 comme illustré sur la figure 9. An exemplary embodiment of the displacement means is shown in Figures 8A, 8B and 9. In this embodiment, the displacement means 6 comprise a motor 60 controlling at least one shaft 65. Gear wheels 65a placed on the shaft cooperate with racks 61a made in the lower part of the control cams 61 of the shutter rods 3 as illustrated in FIG. 9.
Les cames de commande 61 s'étendent verticalement et sont guidées par le châssis 63 du dispositif de remplissage de pots 1 de sorte à être aptes à se déplacer en translation verticale selon l'axe Z. Les tiges d'obturations 3 sont fixées aux cames de commandes par une plaque supérieure de maintien 62 visible sur la figure 8B. Les buses de distribution 2 sont par ailleurs fixées sur le châssis 63, par exemple au moyen de pylônes 64 du châssis 63 illustrés sur la figure 8B notamment. Une rotation de l'arbre 65 permet ainsi de déplacer les tiges d'obturation 3 par rapport aux buses de distribution 2 dans la direction verticale entre les positions ouverte, position fermée, de contact et, le cas échéant, de libération. De cette manière, avantageusement, le moteur 60 et l'arbre 65 des moyens de déplacements 6 peuvent être placés en dessous du dispositif tout en commandant le mouvement des tiges d'obturation 3 par leur partie supérieures, par l'intermédiaire des cames de commande 61 et de la plaque supérieure de maintien 62. De cette manière également, il est possible d'obtenir une grande amplitude de mouvement vertical des tiges d'obturations 3 tout en limitant l'encombrement du dispositif 1 . The control cams 61 extend vertically and are guided by the frame 63 of the pot filling device 1 so as to be able to move in vertical translation along the axis Z. The rods 3 fillings are fixed to the control cams by an upper retaining plate 62 visible in Figure 8B. The distribution nozzles 2 are furthermore fixed on the frame 63, for example by means of pylons 64 of the frame 63, illustrated in FIG. 8B in particular. Rotation of the shaft 65 thus makes it possible to move the shutter rods 3 relative to the distribution nozzles 2 in the vertical direction between the open, closed, contact and, where appropriate, release positions. In this way, advantageously, the motor 60 and the shaft 65 of the displacement means 6 can be placed below the device while controlling the movement of the shutter rods 3 by their upper part, by means of the control cams 61 and the upper retaining plate 62. In this way also, it is possible to obtain a large amplitude of vertical movement of the closure rods 3 while limiting the size of the device 1.
Pour être fixée aux moyens de déplacement 6, la tige d'obturation 3 peut comprendre une extrémité supérieure 3c accueillie dans un élément de préhension des moyens de déplacement 6, par exemple au moyen d'une gorge. To be fixed to the displacement means 6, the shutter rod 3 may comprise an upper end 3c accommodated in a gripping element of the displacement means 6, for example by means of a groove.
La tige d'obturation 3 peut notamment être cylindrique hormis à son extrémité inférieure 3a et son extrémité supérieure 3c, en particulier cylindrique de révolution. The shutter rod 3 may in particular be cylindrical except at its lower end 3a and its upper end 3c, in particular cylindrical of revolution.
La tige d'obturation 3 est illustrée sur les figures 1 et 2 dans la position ouverte. Dans la position ouverte, la tige d'obturation 3 laisse libre la portion de distribution 4c du canal central 4. De cette manière un écoulement de produit est autorisé du canal d'admission 5 à l'ouverture de distribution 4a, via l'ouverture d'admission 4b du canal central 4. The shutter rod 3 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the open position. In the open position, the shutter rod 3 leaves free the distribution portion 4c of the central channel 4. In this way a flow of product is allowed from the inlet channel 5 to the dispensing opening 4a, via the opening intake 4b of the central channel 4.
Dans la position ouverte, la tige d'obturation 3 est par exemple accueillie dans le canal central 4. Plus précisément, comme illustré sur la figure 1 , le canal central 4 présente par exemple une portion de guidage 4d située en amont de la portion de distribution 4c du canal central 4, visible notamment sur la figure 2. In the open position, the shutter rod 3 is for example accommodated in the central channel 4. More precisely, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the central channel 4 has, for example, a guiding portion 4d located upstream of the portion of FIG. 4c distribution of the central channel 4, visible in particular in Figure 2.
Par « une portion de guidage située en amont de la portion de distribution », on entend notamment que la portion de guidage est située au-dessus de la portion de distribution, ou encore est plus éloignée de l'ouverture de distribution du canal central que la portion de distribution. La portion de guidage peut notamment être une portion du canal central n'étant pas destinée à accueillir du produit, même si son extrémité inférieure peut parfois se trouver en contact avec du produit remontant de la portion de distribution, notamment lorsque la tige d'obturation remonte dans la buse au-dessus de l'ouverture d'admission. Dans la position ouverte de la tige d'obturation 3, l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 est ainsi par exemple accueillie dans la portion de guidage 4d du canal central 4 et laisse libre d'obstacle la portion de distribution 4c du canal central 4. By "a guide portion located upstream of the dispensing portion", it is particularly meant that the guide portion is located above the dispensing portion, or is further from the dispensing opening of the central channel than the distribution portion. The guide portion may in particular be a portion of the central channel not being intended to receive the product, even if its lower end may sometimes be in contact with the product rising from the dispensing portion, particularly when the sealing rod back into the nozzle above the intake opening. In the open position of the shutter rod 3, the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 is thus for example accommodated in the guiding portion 4d of the central channel 4 and leaves the delivery portion 4c free of obstacles. of the central canal 4.
Les figures 3 et 4 illustrent la tige d'obturation 3 dans la position fermée. Dans la position fermée, la tige d'obturation 3 obture la portion de distribution 4c du canal central 4 de sorte à empêcher un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission 5 à l'ouverture de distribution 4a, via l'ouverture d'admission 4b du canal central 4. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the shutter rod 3 in the closed position. In the closed position, the shutter rod 3 closes the dispensing portion 4c of the central channel 4 so as to prevent product flow from the intake channel 5 to the dispensing opening 4a, via the intake opening 4b of the central channel 4.
Dans la position fermée de la tige d'obturation 3, l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 peut par exemple être accueillie dans la portion de distribution 4c du canal central 4. En variante, l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 peut être disposée hors de la buse de distribution 2, en particulier disposée hors de la buse de distribution 2 et en proximité de l'extrémité inférieure 2a de la buse de distribution 2. Ainsi, l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 peut être par exemple disposée hors de la buse de distribution 2 et à une distance de l'extrémité inférieure 2a de la buse de distribution 2, mesurée selon la direction verticale Z, inférieure à 2 centimètres, de préférence inférieure à 15 millimètres. In the closed position of the shutter rod 3, the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 can for example be accommodated in the dispensing portion 4c of the central channel 4. Alternatively, the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 can be arranged outside the dispensing nozzle 2, in particular arranged outside the dispensing nozzle 2 and in proximity with the lower end 2a of the dispensing nozzle 2. Thus, the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 may for example be arranged outside the dispensing nozzle 2 and at a distance from the lower end 2a of the dispensing nozzle 2, measured in the vertical direction Z, less than 2 centimeters, preferably less than 15 millimeters.
Plus précisément, la tige d'obturation 3 peut comporter, en amont de l'extrémité inférieure 3a, une portion d'obturation 3b cylindrique adaptée pour obturer la portion de distribution 4c du canal central 4 de la buse de distribution 2 lorsque la tige d'obturation est dans la position de contact et dans la position fermée. More specifically, the shutter rod 3 may comprise, upstream of the lower end 3a, a cylindrical closing portion 3b adapted to close the dispensing portion 4c of the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2 when the stem shutter is in the contact position and in the closed position.
Dans un mode de réalisation, la portion d'obturation 3b peut présenter une forme adaptée pour obturer l'ouverture d'admission 4b du canal central 4 lorsque la tige d'obturation est dans la position de contact et dans la position fermée. La portion d'obturation 3b peut par exemple présenter la forme d'un cylindre de révolution. L'ouverture d'admission 4b peut alors présenter la forme d'un disque. In one embodiment, the shutter portion 3b may have a shape adapted to close the inlet opening 4b of the central channel 4 when the shutter rod is in the contact position and in the closed position. The closing portion 3b may for example have the shape of a cylinder of revolution. The intake opening 4b can then have the shape of a disc.
Dans une variante, éventuellement combinable avec le mode de réalisation précédemment décrit, une section de la portion d'obturation 3b, considérée perpendiculairement à la direction verticale Z, peut être sensiblement identique à une section de la portion de distribution 4c du canal central 4, en particulier sensiblement identique avec un jeu radial suffisamment réduit pour garantir une étanchéité correcte entre la buse de distribution 2 et la tige d'obturation 3. In a variant, possibly combinable with the embodiment previously described, a section of the closing portion 3b, considered perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, may be substantially identical to a section of the distribution portion 4c of the central channel 4, in particular substantially identical with a radial clearance sufficiently small to guarantee a correct seal between the distribution nozzle 2 and the sealing rod 3.
Par « une section de la portion d'obturation peut être sensiblement identique à une section de la portion de distribution », on entend notamment que la section de la portion d'obturation peut présenter des dimensions suffisamment proches des dimensions d'une section de la portion de distribution pour empêcher le passage du produit lorsque lesdites sections sont coaxiales et amenées en correspondance selon la direction verticale Z. By "a section of the closure portion may be substantially identical to a section of the dispensing portion", it is understood in particular that the section of the closure portion may have dimensions sufficiently close to the dimensions of a section of the distribution portion to prevent the passage of the product when said sections are coaxial and brought into correspondence in the vertical direction Z.
Les figures 5 et 6 illustrent la tige d'obturation 3 dans la position de contact. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the shutter rod 3 in the contact position.
Dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation 3 s'étend hors de la buse de distribution 2 à travers l'ouverture de distribution 4a du canal central 4. In the position of contact, the shutter rod 3 extends out of the dispensing nozzle 2 through the dispensing opening 4a of the central channel 4.
Plus précisément, dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation 3 s'étend à travers l'ouverture de distribution 4a hors de la buse de distribution 2 sur une distance de contact C supérieure ou égale à un encombrement transversal maximal D de la tige d'obturation 3. More specifically, in the position of contact, the shutter rod 3 extends through the dispensing opening 4a out of the dispensing nozzle 2 over a contact distance C greater than or equal to a maximum transverse dimension D of the shutter rod 3.
La distance de contact C est par exemple mesurée selon la direction verticale Z entre l'ouverture de distribution 4a et une extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3. The contact distance C is for example measured in the vertical direction Z between the dispensing aperture 4a and a lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3.
L'encombrement transversal D maximal de la tige d'obturation 3 est mesuré dans un plan perpendiculaire à la direction verticale Z. L'encombrement transversal D maximal de la tige d'obturation 3 peut ainsi par exemple correspondre à un plus grand diamètre de la tige d'obturation 3. Dans un mode de réalisation, l'encombrement transversal maximal de la tige d'obturation 3 peut notamment être atteint à l'endroit de la portion d'obturation 3b. De cette manière, on comprend notamment que la tige d'obturation 3 s'étend à travers l'ouverture de distribution 4a hors de la buse de distribution 2 de sorte à ne plus être en proximité immédiate de l'ouverture de distribution 4a. Ainsi notamment, dans une réalisation, la tige d'obturation, dans la position de contact, peut s'étendre hors de la buse de distribution 2 sur une distance de contact C supérieure ou égale à deux fois l'encombrement transversal D maximal de la tige d'obturation 2, de préférence au moins quatre fois supérieure à l'encombrement maximal. The maximum transverse dimension D of the shutter rod 3 is measured in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The maximum transverse dimension D of the shutter rod 3 can thus for example correspond to a larger diameter of the shutter rod 3. In one embodiment, the maximum transverse space of the shutter rod 3 can be reached in particular at the location of the shutter portion 3b. In this way, it is understood that the shutter rod 3 extends through the dispensing opening 4a out of the dispensing nozzle 2 so as not to be in immediate proximity to the dispensing opening 4a. Thus, in particular, in one embodiment, the sealing rod, in the position of contact, can extend out of the distribution nozzle 2 over a contact distance C greater than or equal to twice the maximum transverse dimension D of the shutter rod 2, preferably at least four times greater than the maximum size.
Ces dispositions permettent notamment d'amener l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 en contact avec la surface supérieure de produit après remplissage du pot 2, sans bouger la buse de distribution 2, lors d'un procédé de remplissage de pot selon l'invention. These arrangements make it possible in particular to bring the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 into contact with the upper product surface after filling the pot 2, without moving the dispensing nozzle 2, during a pot filling process according to the invention.
L'encombrement transversal D de la tige d'obturation 2 est par exemple de 15 ou 18 mm, la distance de contact C peut par exemple être de l'ordre de 100 millimètre, notamment dans le cas de pot contenant un lit de produit hétérogène comme de la confiture, et de l'ordre de 37 millimètre dans le cas d'un remplissage complet du pot. The transverse bulk D of the sealing rod 2 is for example 15 or 18 mm, the contact distance C may for example be of the order of 100 millimeters, especially in the case of pot containing a bed of heterogeneous product as jam, and of the order of 37 millimeters in the case of a complete filling of the pot.
Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation 3 s'étend ainsi hors de la buse de distribution 2 sur une distance de contact C supérieure ou égale à 5 centimètres, de préférence supérieure ou égale à 7 centimètres. In one embodiment of the invention, in the position of contact, the shutter rod 3 thus extends out of the dispensing nozzle 2 over a contact distance C greater than or equal to 5 centimeters, preferably greater than or equal to 5 centimeters. equal to 7 centimeters.
Par ailleurs, entre la position fermée et la position de contact, la tige d'obturation 3 peut notamment se déplacer sur une distance d'extension E selon la direction verticale Z. La portion d'obturation 3b cylindrique de la tige d'obturation 3 peut alors s'étendre selon la direction verticale Z sur une longueur d'extension L supérieure ou égale à ladite distance d'extension E. Furthermore, between the closed position and the contact position, the shutter rod 3 can in particular move over an extension distance E in the vertical direction Z. The shutter portion 3b of the cylindrical shutter rod 3 can then extend in the vertical direction Z over an extension length L greater than or equal to said extension distance E.
De cette manière notamment, lorsque la tige d'obturation 3 est dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation 3 obture par ailleurs la portion de distribution 4c du canal central 4 de la buse de distribution 2, c'est-à-dire que la portion d'obturation 3b cylindrique est ainsi adaptée pour obturer la portion de distribution 4c du canal central 4 de la buse de distribution 2 lorsque la tige d'obturation est dans la position de contact et dans la position fermée. In this way in particular, when the shutter rod 3 is in the contact position, the shutter rod 3 also closes the dispensing portion 4c of the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2, that is to say say that the cylindrical sealing portion 3b is thus adapted to close the dispensing portion 4c of the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2 when the shutter rod is in the contact position and in the closed position.
Ainsi notamment, la buse de distribution 2 peut par exemple s'étendre selon la direction verticale Z sur une longueur d'extension de buse B et la tige d'obturation 3 peut par exemple s'étendre selon la direction verticale Z sur une longueur d'extension de tige T. La longueur d'extension de tige T peut alors être supérieure à la longueur d'extension de buse B, et de préférence supérieure à la longueur d'extension de buse B d'au moins une fois un encombrement transversal D maximal de la tige d'obturation 3. Encore plus préférentiellement, la longueur d'extension de tige T peut être supérieure à la longueur d'extension de buse B d'au moins deux fois un encombrement transversal D maximal de la tige d'obturation 3. Thus, in particular, the dispensing nozzle 2 may, for example, extend in the vertical direction Z over a nozzle extension length B and the shutter rod 3 may, for example, extend in the vertical direction Z over a length of 2 mm. The stem extension length T may then be greater than the nozzle extension length B, and preferably greater than the nozzle extension length B of at least once a transverse bulk. Maximum D of the shutter rod 3. Even more preferably, the extension length of the rod T may be greater than the extension length of the nozzle B by at least twice a maximum transverse dimension D of the rod of FIG. shutter 3.
Enfin, la tige d'obturation 3 peut également être amenée dans une position de libération illustrée sur la figure 7. Finally, the shutter rod 3 can also be brought into a release position illustrated in FIG. 7.
Dans un mode de réalisation de la position de libération de la tige d'obturation 3, l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 est accueillie dans le canal central 4 de la buse de distribution 2. De cette manière, l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 ne dépasse pas de la buse de distribution 2 ce qui permet notamment de déplacer un pot présent à la verticale de la buse de distribution 2 sans risque de heurter la tige d'obturation 3. In one embodiment of the release position of the shutter rod 3, the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 is accommodated in the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2. In this way, the end 3a bottom of the shutter rod 3 does not exceed the dispensing nozzle 2 which allows in particular to move a pot present vertically of the dispensing nozzle 2 without risk of hitting the shutter rod 3.
Dans une variante de la position de libération de la tige d'obturation 3, l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 est disposée hors de la buse de distribution 2, en particulier disposée hors de la buse de distribution 2 et en proximité de l'extrémité inférieure 2a de la buse de distribution 2. In a variant of the release position of the sealing rod 3, the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 is arranged outside the dispensing nozzle 2, in particular arranged outside the dispensing nozzle 2 and in near the lower end 2a of the dispensing nozzle 2.
Ainsi par exemple l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 peut être disposée hors de la buse de distribution 2 et à une distance de libération de l'extrémité inférieure 2a de la buse de distribution 2, mesurée selon la direction verticale Z, inférieure à 2 centimètres, de préférence inférieure à 15 millimètres. Thus for example the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 can be arranged outside the dispensing nozzle 2 and at a release distance from the lower end 2a of the dispensing nozzle 2, measured in the vertical direction Z less than 2 centimeters, preferably less than 15 millimeters.
De manière générale, dans la position de libération, la tige d'obturation 3 s'étend hors de la buse de distribution 2 sur une distance de libération inférieure à la distance de contact C sur laquelle la tige d'obturation 3 s'étend dans la position de contact. Generally, in the release position, the shutter rod 3 extends out of the dispensing nozzle 2 over a release distance less than the contact distance C on which the sealing rod 3 extends into the contact position.
Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la position fermée et la position de libération de la tige d'obturation 3 peuvent notamment être identiques. In one embodiment of the invention, the closed position and the release position of the shutter rod 3 can in particular be identical.
Un tel dispositif de remplissage 1 peut en particulier être intégré dans une ligne de conditionnement de pots 10 qui comprend en outre des moyens de réalisation de pots 7 et des moyens de convoyage et de maintien 8. Such a filling device 1 may in particular be integrated in a pot packaging line 10 which furthermore comprises pot production means 7 and conveying and holding means 8.
Les moyens de réalisation de pots 7 sont aptes à mettre en forme une feuille plastique pour obtenir au moins un pot 9, par exemple du type ayant une paroi de fond 9a, une paroi latérale 9b fermée sur elle-même et une ouverture de dessus 9c. The means for producing pots 7 are able to form a plastic sheet to obtain at least one pot 9, for example of the type having a bottom wall 9a, a side wall 9b closed on itself and a top opening 9c .
De tels moyens de réalisation de pots 7 sont connus par ailleurs et comportent par exemple une machine de mise en forme d'une feuille plastique et une machine de découpe. La machine de mise en forme d'une feuille plastique comporte par exemple des moules adaptés, des rouleaux de guidage de feuille et tout dispositif de réalisation de pot connu par ailleurs. Such means of producing pots 7 are known elsewhere and comprise for example a machine for shaping a plastic sheet and a cutting machine. The plastic sheet forming machine comprises, for example, suitable molds, sheet guide rollers and any other known pot making device.
Les moyens de convoyage et de maintien 8 sont aptes, premièrement, à amener et à maintenir au moins un pot 9 à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution 4a d'au moins une buse de distribution 2 du dispositif 1 . Les moyens de convoyage et de maintien 8 sont aptes, deuxièmement, à écarter ledit pot 9 de la verticale de ladite ouverture de distribution 4a de la buse de distribution 2 et à évacuer ledit pot 9. The conveying and holding means 8 are able, firstly, to bring and maintain at least one pot 9 vertically and facing the dispensing opening 4a of at least one dispensing nozzle 2 of the device 1. The conveying and holding means 8 are able, secondly, to separate said pot 9 from the vertical of said dispensing opening 4a of the dispensing nozzle 2 and to evacuate said pot 9.
De tels moyens de convoyage et de maintien 8 sont connus par ailleurs et comportent par exemple des vérins, des plaques mobiles, des cames, des ventouses, des guides, des robots. Such conveying and holding means 8 are known elsewhere and include for example cylinders, movable plates, cams, suction cups, guides, robots.
Un tel dispositif de remplissage 1 et une telle ligne de conditionnement de pots 10 peuvent notamment être destinés à mettre en œuvre un procédé de remplissage de pot selon l'invention qui va maintenant être décrit plus en détail. Such a filling device 1 and such a pot packaging line 10 may in particular be intended to implement a pot filling method according to the invention which will now be described in more detail.
Dans un tel procédé, on dispose tout d'abord d'un dispositif 1 de remplissage de pots tel que décrit ci-avant, le cas échéant intégré dans une ligne de conditionnement de pots 10 telle que décrite ci-avant. On amène alors et on maintient un pot 9 à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution 4a de la buse de distribution 2. Pour cela on met par exemple en œuvre les moyens de convoyage et de maintien 8 d'une ligne de conditionnement de pots 10 telle que décrite ci-avant. Puis, on amène la tige d'obturation 3 dans la position ouverte, et on remplit le pot 9 avec un produit s'écoulant par l'ouverture de distribution 4a de la buse de distribution 2. In such a method, there is first of all a pot filling device 1 as described above, optionally integrated in a pot packaging line 10 as described above. We then bring and maintain a pot 9 vertically and facing the dispensing opening 4a of the dispensing nozzle 2. For this we put for example the means of conveying and holding 8 a line of conditioning pots as described above. Then, the shutter rod 3 is brought into the open position, and the pot 9 is filled with a product flowing through the dispensing opening 4a of the dispensing nozzle 2.
Avantageusement, la buse de distribution 2 est disposée hors du pot 9 pendant qu'on amène la tige d'obturation 3 dans la position ouverte et pendant qu'on remplit le pot 9 avec un produit s'écoulant par l'ouverture de distribution 4a de la buse 2. De cette manière, il est possible de remplir des pots de toute taille, sans contraintes sur le diamètre de l'ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution et donc sans contraintes sur le contenu du pot, notamment les produits solides comme les fruits, produits secs, etc .. Advantageously, the dispensing nozzle 2 is placed outside the pot 9 while the shutter rod 3 is brought into the open position and while the pot 9 is filled with a product flowing through the dispensing opening 4a. of the nozzle 2. In this way, it is possible to fill pots of any size, without constraints on the diameter of the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle and therefore without constraints on the contents of the pot, including solid products like fruits, dry goods, etc.
Plus généralement, la buse de distribution 2 peut avantageusement ne pas pénétrer à l'intérieur du pot 9 au cours de l'ensemble de la mise en œuvre du procédé. More generally, the dispensing nozzle 2 may advantageously not penetrate inside the pot 9 during the entire implementation of the method.
Ainsi par exemple, la buse de distribution 2 peut rester immobile par rapport au pot 9 selon la direction verticale Z pendant qu'on amène la tige d'obturation 3 dans la position ouverte et pendant qu'on remplit le pot 9 avec un produit s'écoulant par l'ouverture de distribution 4a. For example, the dispensing nozzle 2 can remain stationary relative to the pot 9 in the vertical direction Z while the shutter rod 3 is brought into the open position and while filling the pot 9 with a product s flowing through the dispensing aperture 4a.
Lorsqu'une quantité souhaitée de produit est présente dans le pot 9, on amène la tige d'obturation 3 dans la position fermée de sorte à arrêter un remplissage du pot 9. When a desired quantity of product is present in the pot 9, the shutter rod 3 is brought into the closed position so as to stop filling of the pot 9.
On obtient alors la situation illustrée sur les les figures 5 et 6 dans laquelle la quantité souhaitée de produit est présente dans le pot 9. The situation illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 in which the desired quantity of product is present in the pot 9 is then obtained.
Par « quantité souhaitée de produit », on entend une quantité de produit préalablement choisie par un opérateur, par exemple une quantité de produit remplissant complètement le pot en laissant une marge permettant déplacement du pot ouvert sans bavure et/ou le transport du pot sans bavure du produit sur un couvercle du pot. On peut également entendre une quantité de produit inférieure à une quantité de produit remplissant complètement le pot, par exemple si le pot est destiné à contenir un contenu multicouche, notamment un contenu hétérogène. By "desired quantity of product" is meant a quantity of product previously chosen by an operator, for example a quantity of product completely filling the pot leaving a margin allowing displacement of the open pot without burr and / or the transport of the pot without burr of the product on a pot lid. We can also hear a quantity of product less than a quantity of product completely filling the pot, for example if the pot is intended to contain a multilayer content, including a heterogeneous content.
Lorsque la quantité souhaitée de produit est présente dans le pot, ladite quantité de produit forme alors une couche de produit 1 1 dans le pot 9 comme illustré sur la figure 4. Ladite couche de produit 1 1 présente une surface supérieure de produit 1 1 a en regard et à la verticale de l'ouverture de distribution 4a de la buse de distribution 2. When the desired quantity of product is present in the pot, the said quantity of product then forms a product layer 1 1 in the pot 9 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Said layer of product 1 1 has an upper surface of product 1 1 a facing and vertically of the dispensing opening 4a of the dispensing nozzle 2.
Comme illustré sur les figures 5 et 6, on amène alors la tige d'obturation 3 dans la position de contact dans laquelle la tige d'obturation 3 s'étend hors de la buse de distribution 2 à travers l'ouverture de distribution 4a de telle sorte que l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 vienne en contact avec la surface supérieure de produit 1 1 a. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the shutter rod 3 is then brought into the contact position in which the shutter rod 3 extends out of the dispensing nozzle 2 through the dispensing opening 4a of such that the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 comes into contact with the upper surface of the product 11a.
Dans l'exemple de la figure 5, le pot 9 est du type ayant une paroi de fond 9a, une paroi latérale 9b fermée sur elle-même, et une ouverture de dessus 9c. Dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation 3 pénètre ainsi à l'intérieur du pot 9 par l'ouverture de dessus 9c, l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 étant entourée par la paroi latérale 9b du pot 9. In the example of Figure 5, the pot 9 is of the type having a bottom wall 9a, a side wall 9b closed on itself, and a top opening 9c. In the position of contact, the shutter rod 3 thus enters the interior of the pot 9 through the top opening 9c, the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 being surrounded by the side wall 9b of the pot 9.
Dans ce cas en particulier, la ligne de conditionnement de pots 10 peut être telle qu'un écartement A, mesuré selon la direction verticale Z, entre, d'une part, l'ouverture de dessus 9c d'un pot 9 amené et maintenu à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution 4a de la buse de distribution 2 du dispositif 1 , et d'autre part, l'extrémité inférieure 2a de ladite buse de distribution 2, est inférieure à la distance de contact C sur laquelle s'étend la tige d'obturation 3 dans la position de contact. Pour cela, les moyens de réalisation de pots 7 peuvent être arrangés pour réaliser des pots 9 vides de hauteur P tandis que le dispositif de remplissage de pot 1 et les moyens de convoyages et de maintien 8 peuvent être arrangés pour être respectivement espacés l'un de l'autre d'une distance minimale M, selon la direction verticale. La hauteur P et la distance M peuvent être telles que M - P > C. De cette manière, la tige d'obturation 3, dans la position de contact, pénètre à l'intérieur du pot 9 par l'ouverture de dessus 9c, l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 étant entourée par la paroi latérale 9b du pot 9. In this case in particular, the packaging line of pots 10 may be such that a gap A, measured in the vertical direction Z, between, on the one hand, the top opening 9c of a pot 9 brought and maintained vertically and facing the dispensing opening 4a of the dispensing nozzle 2 of the device 1, and secondly, the lower end 2a of said dispensing nozzle 2, is less than the contact distance C on which extends the shutter rod 3 in the contact position. For this, the means for producing pots 7 can be arranged to produce empty pots 9 of height P while the pot filling device 1 and the conveying and holding means 8 can be arranged to be respectively spaced one by one. on the other a minimum distance M, in the vertical direction. The height P and the distance M can be such that M - P> C. In this way, the shutter rod 3, in the position of contact, penetrates inside the pot 9 through the top opening 9c, the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 being surrounded by the side wall 9b of the pot 9.
Comme indiqué ci-avant et illustré sur les figures 3 et 4, lorsque la tige d'obturation 3 est amenée de la position ouverte à la position fermée, du produit résiduel 12 peut rester présent dans le canal central 4 de la buse de distribution 2, en particulier au niveau de l'ouverture de distribution 4a, ou sur l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3. As indicated above and illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the shut-off rod 3 is brought from the open position to the closed position, the residual product 12 can remain present in the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2 , in particular at the dispensing aperture 4a, or at the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3.
Lorsque la tige d'obturation 3 est alors amenée de la position fermée à la position de contact illustrée sur la figure 5, l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 parcourt l'ensemble de la portion de distribution 4c du canal central 4. La tige d'obturation 3 retire alors le produit résiduel éventuellement présent dans le canal central 4 de la buse de distribution 2, ledit produit résiduel 12 se retrouvant le cas échéant à l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3. When the shutter rod 3 is then brought from the closed position to the contact position illustrated in FIG. 5, the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 runs through the entire distribution portion 4c of the central channel. 4. The shutter rod 3 then removes any residual product present in the central channel 4 of the dispensing nozzle 2, said residual product 12 being found where appropriate at the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3.
Puis, lorsque l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 vient en contact avec la surface supérieure de produit 1 1 a, le produit résiduel 12 éventuellement présent à l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 vient coalescer ou fusionner avec la couche de produit 1 1 dans le pot 9, sous l'effet de la tension de surface et quitte l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3. Then, when the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 comes into contact with the upper surface of the product 1 1a, the residual product 12 possibly present at the lower end 3a of the shutter rod 3 coalesces or merging with the product layer 1 1 in the pot 9, under the effect of the surface tension and leaves the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3.
De cette manière, on évite la présence de produit résiduel dans le canal central 4 ou sur l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 et on réduit ainsi le phénomène de gouttage parasite. In this way, it avoids the presence of residual product in the central channel 4 or on the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 and thus reduces the phenomenon of parasitic dripping.
A cette fin, l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 peut présenter une forme adaptée pour réduire la présence de produit résiduel sur l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 et/ou diminuer la surface de contact du produit résiduel. Ainsi par exemple l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3 peut présenter une forme conique. Ladite forme conique est par exemple terminée par une pointe arrondie comme illustré sur la figure 1. To this end, the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 may have a shape adapted to reduce the presence of residual product on the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 and / or reduce the contact surface of the residual product. Thus, for example, the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 may have a conical shape. Said conical shape is for example terminated by a rounded tip as illustrated in FIG.
De même, dans un mode de réalisation avantageux la tige d'obturation 3 peut être pleine. Ainsi par exemple la tige d'obturation 3 peut ne pas comporter d'ouvertures de distribution. De cette manière également, on peut réduire la présence de produit résiduel sur la tige d'obturation 3. Par ailleurs, on peut avantageusement amener la tige d'obturation de la position ouverte à la position fermée puis de la position fermée à la position de contact au moyen d'un unique mouvement de translation verticale ininterrompu de la tige d'obturation de la position ouverte à la position de contact. De cette manière, on évite encore davantage la présence de produit résiduel dans le canal central 4 ou sur l'extrémité inférieure 3a de la tige d'obturation 3. De cette manière également, on accélère également la cadence de fonctionnement du dispositif et de mise en œuvre du procédé. Similarly, in an advantageous embodiment, the shutter rod 3 can be full. For example, the shutter rod 3 may not have dispensing openings. In this way also, it is possible to reduce the presence of residual product on the shutter rod 3. Moreover, the shutter rod can advantageously be brought from the open position to the closed position and then from the closed position to the contact position by means of a single uninterrupted vertical translation movement of the shutter rod of the position. open to the contact position. In this way, the presence of residual product in the central channel 4 or on the lower end 3a of the sealing rod 3 is furthermore avoided. In this way, the operating speed of the device and the setting of the device are also increased. implementation of the method.
Au cours d'une étape ultérieure on peut alors amener la tige d'obturation 3 dans une position de libération illustrée sur la figure 7. During a subsequent step, the shutter rod 3 can then be brought into a release position illustrated in FIG. 7.
Dans la position de libération, la tige d'obturation 3 laisse le pot 9 libre d'être déplacé, en particulier libre d'être déplacé dans un plan horizontal H perpendiculaire à la direction verticale Z. Dans la position de libération, la tige d'obturation 3 ne pénètre ainsi pas à l'intérieur du pot 9 et est notamment au-dessus de l'ouverture de dessus 9c du pot 9. In the release position, the shutter rod 3 leaves the pot 9 free to be moved, in particular free to be moved in a horizontal plane H perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. In the release position, the stem is shutter 3 thus does not penetrate inside the pot 9 and is particularly above the top opening 9c of the pot 9.
Par ailleurs, dans la position de libération, la tige d'obturation 3 obture également la portion de distribution 4c du canal central 4 de sorte à empêcher un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission 5 à l'ouverture de distribution 4a. Furthermore, in the release position, the shutter rod 3 also closes the dispensing portion 4c of the central channel 4 so as to prevent product flow from the inlet channel 5 to the dispensing opening 4a.
On peut alors écarter le pot 9 de la verticale de l'ouverture de distribution 4a de la buse de distribution 2 et évacuer le pot 9. We can then move the pot 9 away from the vertical of the dispensing opening 4a of the dispensing nozzle 2 and evacuate the pot 9.
Enfin, après avoir écarté le pot 9 de la verticale de l'ouverture de distribution 4a, on peut amener un autre pot 9, par exemple un pot vide ou ne contenant pas le produit distribué par la buse de distribution, à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution 4a de la buse de distribution 2. Finally, after discarding the pot 9 from the vertical of the dispensing opening 4a, it is possible to bring another pot 9, for example a pot empty or not containing the product dispensed by the dispensing nozzle, vertically and in view of the dispensing opening 4a of the dispensing nozzle 2.
Pour cela on met par exemple en oeuvre les moyens de convoyage et de maintien 8 d'une ligne de conditionnement de pots 10 telle que décrite ci-avant. For this purpose, for example, the conveying and holding means 8 of a pot packaging line 10 as described above are used.
On peut alors réitérer les étapes du procédé pour obtenir un flux de pot sortants contenant chacun la quantité souhaitée de produit. The process steps can then be repeated to obtain an outgoing pot stream each containing the desired amount of product.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Procédé de remplissage de pots dans lequel,  A method of filling pots in which,
- on dispose d'un dispositif (1 ) de remplissage de pots (9), par exemple de pots de yaourt, comprenant - There is a device (1) for filling pots (9), for example yoghurt pots, comprising
• au moins une buse de distribution (2) s'étendant selon une direction verticale (Z) et terminée par une extrémité inférieure (2a), la buse de distribution (2) comportant un canal central (4) s'étendant selon la direction verticale et terminé par une ouverture de distribution (4a) à l'extrémité inférieure (2a) de la buse de distribution (2), At least one dispensing nozzle (2) extending in a vertical direction (Z) and terminated by a lower end (2a), the dispensing nozzle (2) comprising a central channel (4) extending in the direction vertical and terminated by a dispensing opening (4a) at the lower end (2a) of the dispensing nozzle (2),
• un canal d'admission de produit (5) en communication avec le canal central (4) de la buse de distribution (2) par une ouverture d'admission (4b) du canal central, de sorte à définir une portion de distribution (4c) du canal central entre l'ouverture d'admission (4b) et l'ouverture de distribution (4a) du canal central, A product inlet channel (5) in communication with the central channel (4) of the distribution nozzle (2) via an inlet opening (4b) of the central channel, so as to define a distribution portion ( 4c) of the central channel between the inlet opening (4b) and the distribution opening (4a) of the central channel,
• une tige d'obturation (3) au moins partiellement accueillie dans le canal central (4) et apte à se déplacer selon la direction verticale (Z) dans le canal central, A shutter rod (3) at least partially accommodated in the central channel (4) and able to move in the vertical direction (Z) in the central channel,
• des moyens de déplacement (6) de la tige d'obturation apte à déplacer la tige d'obturation (3), Displacement means (6) for the shutter rod able to move the shutter rod (3),
- on amène et on maintient un pot (9) à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution (4a) de la buse de distribution, - is brought and maintains a pot (9) vertically and facing the dispensing opening (4a) of the dispensing nozzle,
- on amène la tige d'obturation (3) dans une position ouverte dans laquelle ladite tige d'obturation laisse libre la portion de distribution (4c) du canal central de sorte à autoriser un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission (5) à l'ouverture de distribution (4a), et on remplit le pot avec un produit s'écoulant par l'ouverture de distribution (4a) de la buse de distribution,  - the shutter rod (3) is brought into an open position in which said shutter rod leaves free the distribution portion (4c) of the central channel so as to allow product flow from the inlet channel (5) at the dispensing opening (4a), and filling the pot with a product flowing through the dispensing opening (4a) of the dispensing nozzle,
- lorsqu'une quantité souhaitée de produit est présente dans le pot (9), on amène la tige d'obturation (3) dans une position fermée dans laquelle ladite tige d'obturation (3) obture la portion de distribution (4c) du canal central de sorte à arrêter un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission (5) à l'ouverture de distribution (4a), le procédé étant caractérisé en ce que lorsque la quantité souhaitée de produit est présente dans le pot, ladite quantité de produit formant une couche de produit (1 1 ) dans le pot, ladite couche de produit présentant une surface supérieure de produit (1 1 a) en regard et à la verticale de l'ouverture de distribution (4a) de la buse de distribution,  when a desired quantity of product is present in the pot (9), the shutter rod (3) is brought into a closed position in which the shutter rod (3) closes the dispensing portion (4c) of the central channel so as to stop a product flow from the inlet channel (5) to the dispensing opening (4a), the method being characterized in that when the desired amount of product is present in the pot, said amount of product forming a layer of product (1 1) in the pot, said product layer having an upper product surface (1 1 a) facing and vertical to the dispensing opening (4a) of the dispensing nozzle,
- on amène la tige d'obturation (3) dans une position de contact dans laquelle la tige d'obturation s'étend hors de la buse de distribution (2) à travers l'ouverture de distribution (4a) de telle sorte qu'une extrémité inférieure (3a) de la tige d'obturation (3) vienne en contact avec la surface supérieure de produit (1 1 a).  the shutter rod (3) is brought into a contact position in which the shutter rod extends out of the dispensing nozzle (2) through the dispensing opening (4a) so that a lower end (3a) of the sealing rod (3) comes into contact with the upper product surface (11a).
2. Procédé selon la revendication 1 , dans lequel le pot (9) est du type ayant une paroi de fond (9a), une paroi latérale (9b) fermée sur elle-même, et une ouverture de dessus (9c), et dans lequel, dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation (3) pénètre à l'intérieur du pot par l'ouverture de dessus (9c), l'extrémité inférieure (3a) de la tige d'obturation (3) étant entourée par la paroi latérale (9b) du pot. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pot (9) is of the type having a bottom wall (9a), a side wall (9b) closed on itself, and a top opening (9c), and in which, in the contact position, the shutter rod (3) penetrates inside the pot through the top opening (9c), the lower end (3a) of the shutter rod (3) being surrounded by the side wall (9b) of the pot.
3. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, dans lequel lorsque la tige d'obturation (3) est dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation obture par ailleurs la portion de distribution (4c) du canal central (4) de la buse de distribution (2). 3. Method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein when the shutter rod (3) is in the contact position, the shutter rod also closes the distribution portion (4c) of the central channel (4) the dispensing nozzle (2).
4. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel on amène la tige d'obturation (3) de la position ouverte à la position fermée puis on amène la tige d'obturation de la position fermée à la position de contact au moyen d'un unique mouvement de translation verticale ininterrompu de la tige d'obturation de la position ouverte à la position de contact. 4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shutter rod (3) is brought from the open position to the closed position and then the shutter rod is brought from the closed position to the position of contact by means of a single uninterrupted vertical translation movement of the shutter rod from the open position to the contact position.
5. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel la buse de distribution (2) ne pénètre pas à l'intérieur du pot (9) au cours de la mise en œuvre du procédé, en particulier dans lequel la buse de distribution (2) est immobile par rapport au pot selon la direction verticale (Z) pendant qu'on amène la tige d'obturation dans la position ouverte et pendant qu'on remplit le pot (9) avec un produit s'écoulant par l'ouverture de distribution (4a) de la buse de distribution. 5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dispensing nozzle (2) does not penetrate inside the pot (9) during the implementation of the method, in particular in which the dispensing nozzle (2) is stationary relative to the pot in the vertical direction (Z) while the shutter rod is brought into the open position and while the pot (9) is filled with a flowing product by the dispensing opening (4a) of the dispensing nozzle.
6. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel la buse de distribution (2) est disposée hors du pot (9) pendant qu'on amène la tige d'obturation (3) dans la position ouverte et pendant qu'on remplit le pot (9) avec un produit s'écoulant par l'ouverture de distribution (4a) de la buse de distribution. 6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispensing nozzle (2) is disposed out of the pot (9) while the shutter rod (3) is brought into the open position and during filling the pot (9) with a product flowing through the dispensing opening (4a) of the dispensing nozzle.
7. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel, dans la position ouverte de la tige d'obturation (3), l'extrémité inférieure (3a) de la tige d'obturation (3) est accueillie dans le canal central (4), en particulier accueillie dans une portion de guidage (4d) du canal central située en amont de la portion de distribution (4c) du canal central. 7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in the open position of the sealing rod (3), the lower end (3a) of the sealing rod (3) is accommodated in the central channel (4), in particular accommodated in a guide portion (4d) of the central channel located upstream of the distribution portion (4c) of the central channel.
8. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel, dans la position fermée de la tige d'obturation (3), l'extrémité inférieure (3a) de la tige d'obturation est accueillie dans la portion de distribution (4c) du canal central ou est disposée hors de la buse de distribution (2), en particulier disposée hors de la buse de distribution et en proximité de l'extrémité inférieure (2a) de la buse de distribution, par exemple disposée hors de la buse de distribution et à une distance de l'extrémité inférieure (2a) de la buse de distribution, mesurée selon la direction verticale, inférieure à 2 centimètres. 8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, in the closed position of the shutter rod (3), the lower end (3a) of the shutter rod is accommodated in the portion of distribution (4c) of the central channel or is disposed outside the dispensing nozzle (2), in particular arranged outside the dispensing nozzle and in proximity with the lower end (2a) of the dispensing nozzle, for example disposed out of the dispensing nozzle and at a distance from the lower end (2a) of the dispensing nozzle, measured in the vertical direction, less than 2 centimeters.
9. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel, après avoir amené la tige d'obturation (3) dans la position de contact, 9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, after bringing the shutter rod (3) into the contact position,
- on amène la tige d'obturation (3) dans une position de libération dans laquelle la tige d'obturation laisse le pot (9) libre d'être déplacé, en particulier libre d'être déplacé dans un plan horizontal (H) perpendiculaire à la direction verticale (Z) et obture la portion de distribution (4c) du canal central de sorte à empêcher un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission (5) à l'ouverture de distribution (4a),  - The shutter rod (3) is brought into a release position in which the shutter rod leaves the pot (9) free to be displaced, in particular free to be moved in a perpendicular horizontal plane (H). in the vertical direction (Z) and closes the dispensing portion (4c) of the central channel so as to prevent product flow from the inlet channel (5) to the dispensing opening (4a),
- puis, on écarte le pot (9) de la verticale de l'ouverture de distribution (4a) de la buse de distribution et on évacue le pot.  - Then, the pot (9) is moved away from the vertical of the dispensing opening (4a) of the dispensing nozzle and the pot is evacuated.
1 0. Procédé selon la revendication 9, dans lequel, dans la position de libération de la tige d'obturation (3), l'extrémité inférieure (3a) de la tige d'obturation est accueillie dans le canal central (4) de la buse de distribution ou est disposée hors de la buse de distribution (2), en particulier disposée hors de la buse de distribution et en proximité de l'extrémité inférieure (2a) de la buse de distribution, par exemple disposée hors de la buse de distribution et à une distance de libération de l'extrémité inférieure (2a) de la buse de distribution, mesurée selon la direction verticale, inférieure à 2 centimètres, The method according to claim 9, wherein, in the position of release of the sealing rod (3), the lower end (3a) of the sealing rod is accommodated in the central channel (4) of the dispensing nozzle or is disposed outside the dispensing nozzle (2), in particular arranged outside the dispensing nozzle and in proximity with the lower end (2a) of the dispensing nozzle, for example arranged outside the nozzle of distribution and at a release distance from the lower end (2a) of the dispensing nozzle, measured in the vertical direction, less than 2 centimeters,
en particulier dans lequel, dans la position de libération, la tige d'obturation s'étend hors de la buse de distribution sur une distance de libération inférieure à la distance de contact (C) sur laquelle la tige d'obturation s'étend dans la position de contact. in particular in which, in the release position, the shutter rod extends out of the dispensing nozzle a release distance smaller than the contact distance (C) on which the shutter rod extends into the contact position.
1 1 . Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 et 10, dans lequel la position fermée et la position de libération de la tige d'obturation (3) sont identiques. 1 1. A method according to any of claims 9 and 10, wherein the closed position and the release position of the sealing rod (3) are identical.
12. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 1 1 , dans lequel après avoir écarté le pot (9) de la verticale de l'ouverture de distribution (4a) de la buse de distribution, on amène un autre pot (9) à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution (4a) de la buse de distribution et on réitère les étapes du procédé. 12. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 1 1, wherein after spacing the pot (9) from the vertical of the dispensing opening (4a) of the dispensing nozzle, is brought another pot (9). ) vertically and facing the dispensing opening (4a) of the dispensing nozzle and the process steps are repeated.
13. Dispositif (1 ) de remplissage de pots (9), par exemple de pots de yaourt, pour la mise en œuvre d'un procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12, le dispositif comportant 13. Device (1) for filling pots (9), for example pots of yoghurt, for carrying out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the device comprising
• au moins une buse de distribution (2) s'étendant selon une direction verticale (Z) et terminée par une extrémité inférieure (2a), la buse de distribution comportant un canal central (4) s'étendant selon la direction verticale et terminé par une ouverture de distribution (4a) à l'extrémité inférieure (2a) de la buse de distribution,  At least one dispensing nozzle (2) extending in a vertical direction (Z) and terminated by a lower end (2a), the dispensing nozzle having a central channel (4) extending in the vertical direction and terminated by a dispensing opening (4a) at the lower end (2a) of the dispensing nozzle,
• un canal d'admission de produit (5) en communication avec le canal central (4) de la buse de distribution par une ouverture d'admission (4b) du canal central, de sorte à définir une portion de distribution (4c) du canal central entre l'ouverture d'admission (4b) et l'ouverture de distribution (4a) du canal central,  A product inlet channel (5) in communication with the central channel (4) of the dispensing nozzle via an inlet opening (4b) of the central channel, so as to define a dispensing portion (4c) of the central channel between the inlet opening (4b) and the distribution opening (4a) of the central channel,
• une tige d'obturation (3) au moins partiellement accueillie dans le canal central (4) et apte à se déplacer selon la direction verticale (Z) dans le canal central entre au moins  A closing rod (3) at least partially accommodated in the central channel (4) and able to move in the vertical direction (Z) in the central channel between at least
o une position ouverte dans laquelle ladite tige d'obturation (3) laisse libre la portion de distribution (4c) du canal central de sorte à autoriser un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission (5) à l'ouverture de distribution (4a), et  an open position in which said shutter rod (3) leaves the dispensing portion (4c) of the central channel free to allow product flow from the inlet channel (5) to the dispensing opening (4a). ), and
o une position fermée dans laquelle ladite tige d'obturation (3) obture la portion de distribution (4c) du canal central (4) de sorte à empêcher un écoulement de produit du canal d'admission (5) à l'ouverture de distribution (4a),  a closed position in which said shutter rod (3) closes the dispensing portion (4c) of the central channel (4) so as to prevent a product flow from the intake channel (5) to the dispensing opening (4a)
• des moyens de déplacement (6) de la tige d'obturation (3) apte à déplacer la tige d'obturation entre au moins la position ouverte et la position fermée,  Displacement means (6) for the shutter rod (3) able to move the shutter rod between at least the open position and the closed position,
le dispositif étant caractérisé en ce que the device being characterized in that
« la tige d'obturation (3) est en outre apte à être placée dans une position de contact dans laquelle la tige d'obturation s'étend à travers l'ouverture de distribution (4a) hors de la buse de distribution (2) sur une distance de contact (C)-mesurée selon la direction verticale (Z) entre l'ouverture de distribution (4a) et une extrémité inférieure (3a) de la tige d'obturation (3)- supérieure ou égale à un encombrement transversal maximal (D) de la tige d'obturation (3) mesuré dans un plan (H) perpendiculaire à la direction verticale -Z), « les moyens de déplacement (6) de la tige d'obturation (3) sont en outre aptes à amener la tige d'obturation (3) dans la position de contact.  The closing rod (3) is furthermore capable of being placed in a contact position in which the sealing rod extends through the dispensing opening (4a) out of the dispensing nozzle (2) on a contact distance (C) measured in the vertical direction (Z) between the dispensing opening (4a) and a lower end (3a) of the shutter rod (3) - greater than or equal to a transverse space requirement maximum (D) of the shutter rod (3) measured in a plane (H) perpendicular to the vertical direction -Z), "the displacement means (6) of the shutter rod (3) are further suitable bringing the shutter rod (3) into the contact position.
14. Dispositif selon la revendication 13, dans lequel, dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation (3) s'étend hors de la buse de distribution (2) sur une distance de contact (C) supérieure ou égale à deux fois l'encombrement transversal maximal (D) de la tige d'obturation (3). 14. Device according to claim 13, wherein, in the position of contact, the sealing rod (3) extends out of the dispensing nozzle (2) over a contact distance (C) greater than or equal to two. times the maximum transverse size (D) of the shutter rod (3).
15. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 et 14, dans lequel la tige d'obturation (3) comporte, en amont de l'extrémité inférieure (3a) une portion d'obturation (3b) cylindrique adaptée pour obturer la portion de distribution (4c) du canal central (4) de la buse de distribution lorsque la tige d'obturation (3) est dans la position de contact et dans la position fermée, en particulier dans lequel la portion d'obturation (3b) cylindrique est adaptée pour obturer l'ouverture d'admission (4a) du canal central lorsque la tige d'obturation (3) est dans la position de contact et dans la position fermée. 15. Device according to any one of claims 13 and 14, wherein the shutter rod (3) comprises, upstream of the lower end (3a) a shutter portion (3b) cylindrical adapted to seal the portion dispensing (4c) of the central channel (4) of the dispensing nozzle when the shutter rod (3) is in the contact position and in the closed position, in particular in which the cylindrical shutter portion (3b) is adapted to close the inlet opening (4a) of the central channel when the shutter rod (3) is in the contact position and in the closed position.
16. Dispositif selon la revendication 15, dans lequel entre la position fermée et la position de contact la tige d'obturation (3) se déplace sur une distance d'extension (E) selon la direction verticale (Z), et dans lequel la portion d'obturation (3b) cylindrique de la tige d'obturation s'étend selon la direction verticale (Z) sur une longueur d'extension (L) supérieure ou égale à ladite distance d'extension (E). 16. Device according to claim 15, wherein between the closed position and the contact position the shutter rod (3) moves over an extension distance (E) in the vertical direction (Z), and in which the cylindrical shutter portion (3b) of the shutter rod extends in the vertical direction (Z) over an extension length (L) greater than or equal to said extension distance (E).
1 7. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 15 et 16, dans lequel une section de la portion d'obturation (3b) cylindrique de la tige d'obturation (3), considérée perpendiculairement à la direction verticale (Z), est sensiblement identique à une section de la portion de distribution (4c) du canal central (4) de la buse de distribution. 7. Device according to any one of claims 15 and 16, wherein a section of the cylindrical closing portion (3b) of the shutter rod (3), considered perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z), is substantially identical to a section of the dispensing portion (4c) of the central channel (4) of the dispensing nozzle.
1 8. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 17, dans lequel 8. The device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein
la buse de distribution (2) s'étend selon la direction verticale sur une longueur d'extension de buse (B), la tige d'obturation (3) s'étend selon la direction verticale sur une longueur d'extension de tige (T), et la longueur d'extension de tige (T) est supérieure à la longueur d'extension de buse (B), the dispensing nozzle (2) extends in the vertical direction over a nozzle extension length (B), the shutter rod (3) extends in the vertical direction over a rod extension length ( T), and the rod extension length (T) is greater than the nozzle extension length (B),
de préférence dans lequel la longueur d'extension de tige (T) est supérieure à la longueur d'extension de buse (B) d'au moins une fois l'encombrement transversal maximal (D) de la tige d'obturation, preferably in which the rod extension length (T) is greater than the nozzle extension length (B) by at least once the maximum transverse space (D) of the closure rod,
encore plus préférentiellement dans lequel la longueur d'extension de tige (T) est supérieure à la longueur d'extension de buse (B) d'au moins deux fois l'encombrement transversal maximal (D) de la tige d'obturation (3). even more preferably in which the rod extension length (T) is greater than the nozzle extension length (B) by at least twice the maximum transverse bulk (D) of the sealing rod (3). ).
1 9. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 1 8, dans lequel, dans la position de contact, la tige d'obturation (3) s'étend hors de la buse de distribution (2) sur une distance de contact (C) supérieure ou égale à 5 centimètres, de préférence supérieure ou égale à 7 centimètres. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein, in the contact position, the shutter rod (3) extends out of the dispensing nozzle (2) over a contact distance (C) greater than or equal to 5 centimeters, preferably greater than or equal to 7 centimeters.
20. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 19, dans lequel, l'extrémité inférieure (3a) de la tige d'obturation (3) présente une forme conique, de préférence terminée par une pointe arrondie. 20. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the lower end (3a) of the sealing rod (3) has a conical shape, preferably terminated by a rounded tip.
21 . Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 20, dans lequel, la tige d'obturation (3) ne comporte pas d'ouvertures de distribution, en particulier dans lequel la tige d'obturation est pleine. 21. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the shutter rod (3) has no dispensing openings, in particular in which the shutter rod is full.
22. Ligne de conditionnement de pots (10) qui comprend : 22. Packaging line of pots (10) which comprises:
■ des moyens de réalisation de pots (7), apte à mettre en forme une feuille plastique pour obtenir au moins un pot (9) du type ayant une paroi de fond (9a), une paroi latérale (9b) fermée sur elle-même et une ouverture de dessus (9c), ■ means for producing pots (7), able to shape a plastic sheet to obtain at least one pot (9) of the type having a bottom wall (9a), a side wall (9b) closed on itself and a top opening (9c),
■ un dispositif (1 ) de remplissage de pots (9) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 21 , ■ an apparatus (1) container filling (9) according to any one of claims 13 to 21,
■ des moyens de convoyage et de maintien (8) aptes à amener et à maintenir au moins un pot (9) à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution (4a) d'au moins une buse de distribution (2) du dispositif (1 ) de remplissage de pots, à écarter ledit pot de la verticale de ladite ouverture de distribution de la buse de distribution et à évacuer ledit pot. ■ conveying and holding means (8) able to bring and maintain at least one pot (9) vertically and facing the dispensing opening (4a) of at least one dispensing nozzle (2) of the pot filling device (1), to separate said pot from the vertical of said distribution nozzle dispensing opening and to discharge said pot.
23. Ligne de conditionnement de pots selon la revendication 22, dans laquelle les moyens de réalisation de pots (7), le dispositif de remplissage de pot (1 ) et les moyens de convoyages et de maintien (8) sont arrangés de sorte qu'un écartement (A), mesuré selon la direction verticale, entre, d'une part, l'ouverture de dessus (9c) d'un pot (9) amené et maintenu à la verticale et en regard de l'ouverture de distribution (4a) d'au moins une buse de distribution (2) du dispositif (1 ), et d'autre part, l'extrémité inférieure (2a) de ladite buse de distribution (2), est inférieur à la distance de contact (C) sur laquelle s'étend la tige d'obturation (3) dans la position de contact, de sorte que la tige d'obturation (3) dans la position de contact pénètre à l'intérieur du pot (9) par l'ouverture de dessus (9c), l'extrémité inférieure (3a) de la tige d'obturation (3) étant entourée par la paroi latérale (9b) du pot. The pot packaging line according to claim 22, wherein the pot making means (7), the pot filling device (1) and the conveying and holding means (8) are arranged so that a gap (A), measured in the vertical direction, between, on the one hand, the top opening (9c) of a pot (9) brought and maintained vertically and facing the dispensing opening ( 4a) of at least one dispensing nozzle (2) of the device (1), and secondly, the lower end (2a) of said dispensing nozzle (2) is less than the contact distance (C ) on which the shutter rod (3) extends in the contact position, so that the shutter rod (3) in the contact position penetrates inside the pot (9) through the opening from above (9c), the lower end (3a) of the shutter rod (3) being surrounded by the side wall (9b) of the pot.
EP17804607.4A 2016-10-25 2017-10-25 Methods and devices for filling pots, pot-packing lines Active EP3532389B1 (en)

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FR1660331A FR3057853B1 (en) 2016-10-25 2016-10-25 POT FILLING METHODS AND DEVICES, POT PACKAGING LINES
PCT/FR2017/052943 WO2018078286A1 (en) 2016-10-25 2017-10-25 Methods and devices for filling pots, pot-packing lines

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CN110494364A (en) 2019-11-22
WO2018078286A1 (en) 2018-05-03
US11161636B2 (en) 2021-11-02
FR3057853A1 (en) 2018-04-27
CN110494364B (en) 2021-09-14
US20190248526A1 (en) 2019-08-15
EP3532389B1 (en) 2020-12-09
FR3057853B1 (en) 2020-10-30
ES2858725T3 (en) 2021-09-30

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