WO2021121592A1

WO2021121592A1 - Filling device for filling articles with a pourable product

Info

Publication number: WO2021121592A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/086186
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto ALCIATI; Filippo Bandini; Massimo Ceci; Massimiliano MARTINI
Original assignee: Sidel Participations
Priority date: 2019-12-19
Filing date: 2019-12-19
Publication date: 2021-06-24

Abstract

There is described a filling device (5) configured to fill articles (2) with a pourable product and comprising: a tubular body (10) having a longitudinal axis (B) and internally defining a flow channel (11) for feeding the pourable product towards one empty article (2) at a time; a valve member (18) engaging the tubular body (10) and axially movable within the flow channel (11) to allow or prevent the flow of the pourable product towards said article (2); and magnetic actuator means (20) configured to drive the axial movement of the valve member (18) within the flow channel (11); the magnetic actuator means (20) comprise a driven magnetic assembly (24) carried by the valve member (18) and a driving magnetic assembly (25) arranged outside the flow channel (11) and configured to be magnetically coupled with the driven magnetic assembly (24) to control the movement of the valve member (18) within the flow channel (11); the driving magnetic assembly (25) has a pair of first magnetic elements (26) arranged at diametrically opposite lateral sides of the tubular body (10) and the driven magnetic assembly (24) has a pair of second magnetic elements (30) arranged within the valve member (18) at respective peripheral positions relative to the axis (B); wherein each one of the first magnetic elements (26) defines a magnetic pair (31) together with the closest one of the second magnetic elements (30); wherein the magnetic pairs (31) are arranged so as to define a single row of magnetic pairs (31) along a single radial direction relative to the axis (B); wherein each one of the first magnetic elements (26) and second magnetic elements (30) includes one single magnetic dipole (50); wherein the single magnetic dipole (50) includes magnetic poles arranged in radial succession relative to the axis (B); and wherein, for each magnetic pair (31), the first magnetic elements (26) and the second magnetic elements (30) are arranged so that magnetic poles, of the magnetic dipoles (50), having opposite signs face one another.

Description

FILLING DEVICE FOR FILLING ARTICLES WITH A POURABLE PRODUCT

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a filling device configured to fill articles with a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product such as water, carbonated beverages, milk, juice or the like.

BACKGROUND ART Filling machines typically used for filling articles, in particular containers such as plastic or glass bottles, cans, jars or the like, with a pourable product are known. Such filling machines essentially comprise a conveyor device, usually a rotatable conveyor device such as a carousel rotatable about a vertical axis, a reservoir containing the pourable product and a plurality of filling devices.

In detail, such filling devices are peripherally carried by the carousel, are fluidly connected to the reservoir by means of respective ducts and are conveyed by the carousel along an arc-shaped transfer path.

Moreover, the filling machines usually comprise an inlet conveyor for feeding a succession of empty containers to the carousel and an outlet conveyor receiving the filled containers from the carousel and configured to feed such filled containers to further treatment units, for example a capping unit.

A typical filling device essentially defines a filling valve and comprises: - a longitudinal tubular body mounted on a peripheral portion of the carousel and internally defining a flow channel for feeding the pourable product towards a respective empty container;

- at least one valve body, normally a shutter, which engages the tubular body in a sliding manner and is movable along the flow channel so as to allow or prevent the flow of the pourable product towards the respective container; and

- actuator means configured to control the movement of the shutter within the flow channel.

In some known embodiments, the flow channel has a straight configuration presenting a longitudinal axis parallel to the carousel axis.

Typically, the flow channel terminates, at a lower end portion thereof, with an outlet passage section, i.e. an outlet opening, configured to allow, in use, the outflow of the pourable product from the flow channel towards the respective container to be filled.

Generally, the outlet opening is arranged at a bottom end of the tubular body coaxially to the tubular body axis.

Alternatively, the outlet opening is obtained in a lateral wall of the tubular body, hence laterally with respect to the tubular body axis. In order to control the shutter axially, the known filling valves comprise guiding elements arranged within the flow channel and configured to axially guide the shutter during its movement within the flow channel itself. In known embodiments, such guiding elements are normally defined by radial protrusions carried by the shutter.

In addition to controlling the shutter axially, it is known in the field the need control, in particular to limit, the angular displacement of the shutter, so that the shutter is blocked in the predetermined angular position relative to the axis of the flow channel. This is particularly useful in case asymmetric shutters are to be used.

Therefore, a need is felt in the industry to efficiently control, in particular to limit, the angular displacement of the shutter relative to the flow channel axis, minimizing, at the same time, wear and flow- hindering factors.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a filling device which is designed to meet the above-mentioned need in a straightforward and low- cost manner.

This object is achieved by a filling device as claimed in claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top schematic view, with parts removed for clarity, of a filling machine comprising a plurality of filling devices according to the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a larger-scale, schematic perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of one filling device of Figure 1; and

Figures 3a and 3b are larger-scale, partially sectioned views of the filling device of Figure 2, during two different operating conditions. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1, number 1 indicates as a whole a filling machine for filling a plurality of articles, in particular containers 2 such as plastic or glass bottles, cans, jars or the like, with a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product. Filling machine 1 essentially comprises:

- a conveying device, in particular a carousel 3 rotatable around a central axis A, preferably having a vertical orientation, and configured to advance containers 2 along an arc-shaped advancement path P;

- a reservoir 4 for containing the pourable product to be fed to the containers 2; and

- a plurality of filling devices 5 configured to fill respective containers 2 during their advancement along path P.

In detail, each filling device 5 defines a filling valve configured to feed a predetermined volume of pourable product into one container 2 at a time, while the container 2 is advanced along path P due to the rotary motion imparted thereto by carousel 3.

More specifically, each filling device 5 is peripherally carried by carousel 3 and is fluidly connected to reservoir 4 by means of a respective duct 6 of filling machine 1. As visible in Figure 1, filling machine 1 further comprises an inlet conveyor, preferably a star wheel 7, adapted to feed a succession of empty containers 2 to carousel 3, and an outlet conveyor, preferably a star wheel 8, adapted to receive filled containers 2 from carousel 3. In particular, star wheel 7 and star wheel 8 are rotatable around respective rotation axes A' and A'', substantially parallel to axis A.

It is stated that the word "substantially" is used in the present description to take into account the normal tolerance ranges which may be present among the spatial relations between the various components of filling machine 1.

In the following, for the sake of brevity, since filling devices 5 are identical to one another, only one single filling device 5 according to a non-limiting preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured to fill a respective container 2 will be described. However, all the features disclosed hereinafter for such filling device 5 and container 2 are applicable to each filling device 5 of filling machine 1 and to each container 2 to be filled by filling machine 1.

With particular reference to Figure 2, filling device 5 comprises a tubular body 10 mounted in a known manner on a peripheral portion of carousel 3, having a longitudinal axis B and internally defining a flow channel 11 for feeding the pourable product towards the empty container 2. In particular, tubular body 10 receives, in use, the pourable product from the respective duct 6 and delivers the predetermined volume of pourable product into a discharge duct 12 arranged downstream of flow channel 11 and adapted to convey the pourable product towards and into container 2.

In particular, flow channel 11 is delimited by a respective inner wall, in particular an inner tubular wall of tubular body 10, which has a variable, substantially circular cross-section and terminates, at a lower end portion of tubular body 10, with an outlet opening 13 fluidly connecting flow channel 11 with duct 12, and therefore flow channel 11 with the container 2 to be filled.

According to this non-limiting preferred embodiment shown, outlet opening 13 is obtained in a position lateral with respect to axis B, and thus not coaxial to axis B.

More specifically, outlet opening 13 is defined by a spout 14 radially projecting from the outer wall defining tubular body 10, relative to axis B, and connected to duct 12.

As visible in Figures 3a and 3b, tubular body 10 comprises (following the flowing direction of pourable product from duct 6 towards duct 12) a first portion 15 substantially cylindrical and having a substantially constant circular cross-section; a second portion 16 substantially cylindrical, and having a circular cross- section with a diameter smaller than the diameter of first portion 15; and a third portion 17, arranged downstream of first portion 15 and upstream of second portion 16 and defining a narrow-section portion of flow channel 11.

First portion 15, second portion 16 and third portion 17 are coaxial to axis B. The axis B is preferably a symmetry axis for the first portion 15.

Filling device 5 further comprises a valve member, in particular a shutter 18, which engages tubular body 10 and which is axially movable within flow channel 11 to allow or prevent the flow of the pourable product towards container 2.

In detail, shutter 18 comprises a main body 21 engaging first portion 15, coaxially to axis B, and a plunger 22 axially extending from main body 21 and apt to selectively engage third portion 17 and second portion 16, according to a manner further described in the following.

In the example shown, plunger 22 integrally extends from main body 21 towards outlet opening 13. According to this preferred embodiment shown, shutter 18 has an asymmetrical configuration relative to axis B. Such configuration may be necessary in many cases, for example when dosing filling devices 5 configured to handle a pourable product with pieces in suspension, for example yogurt or juice with fruit pieces in suspension, are envisaged, so as to ensure the proper dosage and flowing of such pourable product.

Filling device 5 also comprises magnetic actuator means 20 configured to drive the axial movement of shutter 18 within flow channel 11.

As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, actuator means 20 are configured to drive shutter 18 so as to control the latter in:

- an opening position, in which plunger 22 engages second portion 16 and delimits, together with third portion 17, a passage for the pourable product to flow from first portion 15 into second portion 16 through third portion 17, and therefore towards duct 12 and container 2 (Figure 3b); and - a closing position, in which plunger 22 sealingly cooperates with the inner wall of third portion 17 so as to prevent any fluidic connection between first portion 15 and second portion 16, thereby interrupting the flow of the pourable product towards duct 12 and container 2 (Figure 3a). To this end, plunger 22 carries a sealing member, for example a known O-ring 23, configured to sealingly cooperate in contact with the inner wall of third portion

17, when shutter 22 is driven in the closing position. In the embodiment shown, magnetic actuator means 20 comprise a driven magnetic assembly 24 carried by shutter

18, in particular by main body 22, and a driving magnetic assembly 25 arranged outside flow channel 11, in particular outside tubular body 10, and configured to be magnetically coupled with driven assembly 24 to control the movement of shutter 18 within flow channel 11.

In detail, driving assembly 25 comprises at least two first magnetic elements 26, each preferably at the same radial distance from axis B. The first magnetic elements are arranged outside flow channel 11.In greater detail, actuator means 20 further comprise an annular carrier 27 positioned to surround a portion of the outer wall of tubular body 10, coaxially to axis B, and carrying, in particular housing, first magnetic elements 26 so that these latter are positioned adjacent to the outer wall of tubular body 10, at respective diametrically opposite lateral sides of tubular body 10.

Carrier 27 is configured to be axially moved thereby controlling the axial position of the first magnetic elements 26.

To this end, actuator means 20 further comprise a pneumatic actuator, preferably a known pneumatic piston 28, arranged laterally with respect to tubular body 10 and coupled to carrier 27 by means of a rod 29.

In use, by actuating piston 28 in a known manner, it is possible to control the axial movement of carrier 27 and, therefore, of first magnetic elements 26 along the axial direction, relative to axis B. According to an alternative embodiment not shown, actuator means 20 could comprise any suitable actuator to control the movement of carrier 27, such as an hydraulic piston, an electric stepper motor, a linear motor, or the like. Driven assembly 24 comprises at least two second magnetic elements 30 arranged within shutter 18, in particular within main body 21.

In particular, second magnetic elements 30 are embedded within main body 21 at a peripheral annular portion thereof.

Each one of the first magnetic elements 26 and of the second magnetic elements 30 includes at least one magnetic dipole 50. In the embodiment shown, first magnetic elements 26 and second magnetic elements 30 each include one single magnetic dipole 50. Furthermore, each first magnetic element 26 defines a magnetic pair 31 with the closest one of the two second magnetic elements 30.

In practice, with reference to Figures 3a and 3b, actuator means 20 comprise two magnetic pairs 31, each magnetic pair 31 being defined by one first magnetic element 26 and the second magnetic element 30 closest to the former.

Therefore the magnetic actuator means comprises a plurality of magnetic pairs 31. The plurality of magnetic pairs 31 comprises at least two magnetic pairs 31. Each magnetic pair 31 of said plurality of magnetic pairs 31 is defined by or comprises a respective first magnetic element 26 and a respective second magnetic element 30.

For each magnetic pair 31, the second magnetic element 30 is offset radially relative to said axis B. Therefore, the magnetic pairs exert an action of angular blockage of shutter 18 about axis B. In this way magnetic actuator means allows for obtaining an effect of angular blockage of shutter 18 about axis B.

Preferably, the magnetic pairs of said plurality of magnetic pairs are angularly distributed uniformly around said axis B, in order for the radial components of magnetic forces between shutter 18 and driving assembly 25 to compensate each other.

The second magnetic elements 30 of the respective magnetic pairs 31 are arranged at the same radial distance from said axis B.

The first magnetic elements 26 of the respective magnetic pairs 31 are arranged at the same radial distance from said axis B.

More preferably, the respective two second magnetic elements 30 of said at least two magnetic pairs are arranged at respective peripheral positions of main body 21 relative to axis B. Said peripheral positions can be opposite to each other.

More preferably, the respective two first magnetic elements 26 of the same at least two magnetic pairs are arranged at diametrically opposite lateral sides of tubular body 10.

More preferably, as shown in Figure 2, the magnetic pairs 31 are arranged so as to define a single row of magnetic pairs 31 along a single radial direction relative to axis B.

It is stated that with the expression "row" it is intended herein a plurality of at least two magnetic pairs 31 aligned along the above-mentioned single radial direction relative to axis B. Preferably, magnetic actuator means 20 comprise exactly two magnetic pairs 31 arranged at radially opposite positions relative to axis B.

Reference will be made in the following, for the sake of brevity, to a single magnetic pair 31. However, all the features described herein for such magnetic pair are equally applicable to the other magnetic pair 31.

Conveniently, the magnetic dipoles 50 of first magnetic element 26 and second magnetic element 30 are arranged so that magnetic poles having opposite signs (i.e. magnetic poles of opposite signs) face one another.

For each magnetic pair 31, the dipole of the respective first magnetic element 26 and the dipole of the respective second magnetic element 30 are arranged so that magnetic poles of the respective magnetic dipoles 50 and having opposite signs face one another.

More precisely, the magnetic dipoles 50 of first magnetic element 26 and second magnetic element 30 are arranged so that magnetic poles of opposite signs face one another radially, relative to axis B.

In addition, each single magnetic dipole 50 includes magnetic poles arranged in radial succession relative to axis B, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b.

Due to the above-described configuration, each second element 30 is magnetically coupled substantially only with the most adjacent first magnetic element 26. In other words, each first magnetic element 26 is relatively more strongly magnetically coupled with the second magnetic element 30 of the same magnetic pair 31 than with the second magnetic element 30 of the other magnetic pair 31.

Thanks to this configuration, the angular displacement of main body 21, and therefore, of shutter 18 relative to axis B is substantially prevented. In fact, a stable system is obtained, in which if any angular displacement of shutter 18 relative to axis B occurs, each second magnetic element 30 is attracted by the relative first magnetic element 26 of the same magnetic pair 31, thereby controlling an angular displacement of shutter 18 back in its original pre determined angular position, the latter being originally determined by the relative arrangement of driving assembly 25 and driven assembly 24.

In other words, the above-described configuration of magnetic actuator means 20 allows to obtain an effect of angular blockage of shutter 18 about axis B.

Preferably, second magnetic elements 30 are arranged, within main body 21, at the same radial distance from axis B.

In the non-limiting example shown in Figures 3a and 3b, for each magnetic pair 31, the north magnetic pole of the magnetic dipole 50 of each first magnetic element 26 radially faces the south pole of the magnetic dipole 50 of the second magnetic element 30 of the same magnetic pair 31.

Alternatively, the south magnetic pole of the magnetic dipole 50 of each first magnetic element 26 radially could face the north pole of the magnetic dipole 50 of the second magnetic element 30 of the same magnetic pair 31.

In practice, each one of the first and second magnetic elements 26, 30 consists in a rod defining the magnetic dipole 50, wherein each magnetic pole is, in turn, defined by an axial half of the rod itself. It is hereby stated that the verb "to face" indicates in the present description that the magnetic poles face one another magnetically, i.e. they are oriented towards one another so that a magnetic interaction is established between them, with or without any material in between. In the present case, for each magnetic pair 31, the magnetic poles of first elements 26 face the magnetic poles of second elements 30 according to such meaning, despite the wall of tubular body 10 and an annular peripheral portion of main body 21 is interposed between them. The operation of filling machine 1 is described hereinafter with reference to a single filling device 5 and starting from a condition in which shutter 18 is at its closing position. In this condition, actuator means 20 are controlled so as to drive shutter 18 at its opening position, by means of the magnetic interaction between driving assembly 25 and driven assembly 24, i.e. by means of the two magnetic pairs 31. The particular arrangement of first magnetic elements 26 and second magnetic elements 30 prevents any permanent angular displacement of main body 21 within first portion 15, thereby providing a control of the angular position of shutter 18 within flow channel 11, so as to obtain an effect of angular blockage of shutter 18 about axis B.

When the predetermined amount of pourable product has been fed to duct 12, the shutter 18 is controlled back at its closing position. The advantages of filling device 5 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

In particular, thanks to the configuration of actuator means 20, the angular displacement of main body 21, and, therefore, of shutter 18 relative to axis B is substantially prevented, thereby providing an effect of angular blockage of shutter 18 about axis B.

In fact, a stable system is provided, in which if any angular displacement of shutter 18 occurs, each second magnetic element 30 is attracted by the relative first magnetic element 26 of the same magnetic pair 31, thereby controlling an angular displacement of shutter 18 back in its original pre-determined angular position, which is originally determined by the relative arrangement of driving assembly 25 and driven assembly 24.

This is particularly advantageous in the cases in which, as in the embodiment described herein, the shutter has an asymmetric configuration. Furthermore, actuator means 20 according to the present invention provide a simple and economic angular stop for shutter 18 which is not subject to any wear, since there are no sliding or abutting parts.

Moreover, actuator means 20 can easily limit, in particular prevent, the angular displacement of shutter 18 without any specific component arranged inside the flow channel, thereby preventing any hindering factor for the flow of the pourable product.

Clearly, changes may be made to filling device 5 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1.- A filling device (5) configured to fill articles (2) with a pourable product and comprising:

- a tubular body (10) having a longitudinal axis (B) and internally defining a flow channel (11) for feeding the pourable product towards one empty article (2) at a time;

- a valve member (18) engaging the tubular body (10) and axially movable within the flow channel (11) to allow or prevent the flow of the pourable product towards said article (2); and

- magnetic actuator means (20) configured to drive the axial movement of the valve member (18) within the flow channel (11); said magnetic actuator means (20) comprising a driven magnetic assembly (24) carried by the valve member (18) and a driving magnetic assembly (25) arranged outside the flow channel (11) and configured to be magnetically coupled with the driven magnetic assembly (24) to control the movement of the valve member (18) within the flow channel (11); said driving magnetic assembly (25) comprising at least two first magnetic elements (26) arranged outside the flow channel (11), and said driven magnetic assembly (24) comprising at least two second magnetic elements (30) arranged within said valve member (18); wherein each one of the first magnetic elements

(26) defines a magnetic pair (31) together with the closest one of the second magnetic elements (30), so that the magnetic actuator means comprises a plurality of magnetic pairs (31), said plurality comprising at least two magnetic pairs (31) and each magnetic pair

(31) of said plurality comprising a respective first magnetic element (26) arranged outside the flow channel (11) and a respective second magnetic element (30) arranged within valve member (18); wherein, for each magnetic pair (31), the respective second magnetic element (30) is offset radially relative to said axis (B), so that the magnetic pairs exert an action of angular blockage of valve member (18) about said axis (B); wherein each one of said first magnetic elements

(26) and second magnetic elements (30) includes a respective magnetic dipole (50) which includes magnetic poles arranged in radial succession relative to said axis (B); and wherein, for each magnetic pair (31), the dipole of the respective first magnetic element (26) and the dipole of the respective second magnetic element (30) are arranged so that magnetic poles of the respective magnetic dipoles (50) and having opposite signs face one another.

2. The filling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said magnetic pairs are angularly distributed uniformly around said axis (B).

3. The filling device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the respective two second magnetic elements (30) of said two magnetic pairs are arranged at respective peripheral positions of main body (21) relative to axis (B). 4. The filling device as claimed in claim 3, wherein:

- said peripheral positions are opposite to each other;

- the respective two first magnetic elements (26) of said two magnetic pairs (31) are arranged at diametrically opposite lateral sides of tubular body (10).

5. The filling device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said magnetic pairs (31) are arranged so as to define a single row of magnetic pairs (31) along a single radial direction relative to said axis (B); wherein each one of said first magnetic elements (26) and second magnetic elements (30) includes one single magnetic dipole (50).

6 The filling device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said magnetic actuator means (20) comprise exactly two magnetic pairs (31) arranged along said single radial direction.

7.- The filling device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein said magnetic poles having opposite signs face one another radially with respect to said axis (B).

8.- The filling device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the second magnetic elements (30) of the respective magnetic pairs (31) are arranged at the same radial distance from said axis (B).

9.- The filling device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the first magnetic elements (26) of the respective magnetic pairs are arranged at the same radial distance from said axis (B).

10.- A machine (1) configured for filling articles (2) with a pourable product comprising:

- a conveying device (3) configured to advance a succession of said articles (2) along an advancement path (P); and

- a plurality of filling devices (5) as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, carried by said conveying device (3) and configured to fill respective articles (2) during their advancement along path (P).