GUIDE RING FOR GUIDING TWO CONCENTRIC COMPONENTS IN A FILLING ORGAN

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide ring for guiding two concentrically arranged components in a filling organ. State of the art

[0002] It is known to use filling devices for filling a container with a flowable material. It is also known to provide a centering device, a so-called centering bell, to center the container being filled relative to the filling device. The centering bell serves two purposes: firstly, to center the container relative to the filling device, and secondly, to provide a seal between the opening of the container and the filling device.

[0003] The centering bell is movably arranged relative to the rest of the filling element, at least to the filling tube, along an axis that usually corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the filling tube. It is known to guide the centering bell relative to the filling element on a radially outer side of the centering bell via piston guide bands. To achieve a seal, a seal, for example in the form of a pneumatic piston seal ring, is provided between the piston guide bands.

[0004] Filling devices of this type are relatively complex to clean. For example, if a so-called "cleaning in place" (CIP) cleaning process is performed, the cleaning medium only reaches one of the two piston guide bands, namely the one located in front of the seal. The piston guide band beyond the seal is not cleaned, requiring a separate supply of cleaning agent from the other side of the seal. Furthermore, after cleaning, cleaning medium, water, and / or product residue remain above the seal and below the upper edge of the centering bell, which can lead to contamination of the product during subsequent filling. This area cannot be completely emptied. To prevent contamination of the product by product residue or cleaning medium, the filling device must be rinsed, at least with water.

[0005] DE 32 44 383 A1 describes a ball joint bearing with a longitudinally slotted bushing having alternating support areas and sliding areas. DE 80 29 789 U1 describes a sliding and guide ring made of plastic. Description of the invention

[0006] Starting from the known state of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved guide ring for guiding two concentrically arranged components.

[0007] The problem is solved by a guide ring with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying figures.

[0008] Accordingly, a guide ring is proposed for guiding two concentrically arranged components, preferably a centering bell relative to a filling tube, in a filling device, which comprises a substantially annular segment-shaped base body. The guide ring is further characterized in that a plurality of spaced-apart sliding areas projecting radially on a first side of the base body for sliding over a cylindrical surface and a plurality of spaced-apart support areas projecting radially on a second side opposite the first side for radial or radial and axial support against at least one support surface are arranged on the base body.

[0009] By arranging a plurality of radially spaced sliding areas projecting from a first side of the base body for sliding over a cylindrical surface, and a plurality of radially spaced support areas projecting from a second side opposite the first side for radial or radial and axial support against at least one support surface, it is possible to guide the first component, preferably the centering bell, on a radially inner side of the first component, preferably the centering bell, against an outer side of the second component, preferably the filling tube or filling element. Because the sliding areas and the support areas each project radially, only these areas come into contact with the first component, preferably the centering bell, and the second component, preferably the filling tube.This creates flow channels between the inside of the centering bell and the outside of the filling tube in areas where only the base body extends, through which a medium such as a cleaning fluid or gas displaced from the container during filling with the product, such as air, can pass.

[0010] In other words, such a guide ring can be arranged in a media channel formed between the outside of the filling tube and the inside of the centering bell extending radially outside the filling tube, without causing any significant impairment of a possible media flow through the media channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the filling element can be designed with a reduced width radial to the axis of movement of the centering bell, which preferably corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the filling tube, compared to conventional devices, since no support element with a gap for receiving the piston guide bands is required radially outside the centering bell. Due to the associated material savings on the filling element, such a design can also be more cost-effective.

[0012] Furthermore, such a guide ring can be arranged directly between the filling tube and the centering bell. This can have the additional advantage that, if two guide rings are provided to guide the centering bell relative to the filling tube, these can be arranged further apart in the axial direction of the filling tube than is possible with piston guide rings arranged radially outside the centering bell, due to the available installation space.

[0013] According to a further development, the first side, viewed radially, corresponds to the inside of the base body, and the second side, viewed radially, to the outside of the base body. This design allows the guide ring to be supported by the centering bell and to slide over the filling tube. In other words, the guide ring can be held in a fixed position relative to the centering bell, while the centering bell and guide ring can move together relative to the filling tube. It has been found that this makes assembling the filling element particularly easy. The guide ring can be pre-assembled with the centering bell, and the resulting assembly can then be slid onto the filling tube. Maintenance of the filling element, such as replacing a guide ring, is also possible without significant effort.

[0014] The first side can also correspond to the outer surface of the base body when viewed radially, and the second side can accordingly correspond to the inner surface of the base body when viewed radially. This allows the guide ring to be supported on the filling tube, and the centering bell to move relative to the filling tube and the guide ring. This design also enables particularly simple manufacturing of the filling element and uncomplicated maintenance.

[0015] According to a further development, the sliding areas each have at least one sliding surface, wherein the sliding surfaces are preferably arranged radially on a sliding segment circle, wherein the radius of the sliding segment circle is preferably less than or equal to an inner radius of the base body if the first side corresponds to the inner side, or the radius of the sliding segment circle is equal to or greater than an outer radius of the base body if the first side corresponds to the outer side of the base body. This makes it possible for the base body, on the side where the sliding areas project relative to the base body, to not come into contact with the cylindrical surface with which the sliding areas are in contact. In particular, if the area in which the guide ring is arranged is designed as a media channel, a flow channel can be provided between the base body and the cylindrical surface.Furthermore, the base body experiences no or reduced material abrasion through contact with the cylindrical surface.

[0016] In order to provide a small contact area between the sliding surfaces and the cylindrical surface on which the sliding surfaces slide, and thus to minimize the maximum possible abrasion that can contaminate the filling material, the sliding surfaces can have a concave curvature with a radius that is smaller or larger than the radius of the sliding circle if the first side corresponds to the inside, or alternatively, the sliding surfaces can have a convex curvature with a radius that is smaller or larger than the radius of the sliding circle if the first side corresponds to the outside of the base body.

[0017] According to the invention, a sliding area and a support area are arranged opposite each other at essentially the same location in the circumferential direction of the base body. This allows for particularly precise guidance of the centering bell. This design enables a particularly direct force transmission between the filling tube, guide ring, and centering bell, at least in the radial direction.

[0018] According to a further development, the support areas each have at least one support surface for radial and / or axial support, wherein each support area preferably has two support surfaces opposite each other in the axial direction, inclined and / or rounded in the axial direction, which are designed in such a way that radial support and axial support are possible via both support surfaces, wherein axial support in a first direction is possible via a first of the two support surfaces of a support area and axial support in a second direction opposite to the first direction is possible via a second of the two support surfaces of the same support area.This allows the guide ring to be supported on the support surface in both radial and axial directions, thus holding the guide ring in a fixed position relative to the component which has at least one support surface, both axially and radially.

[0019] It has proven particularly advantageous if at least one support surface has a double curvature. A first curvature allows for the creation of two opposing radial support surfaces. The size of the contact area between these support surfaces and the bearing surface can be reduced by providing the second curvature compared to support surfaces with only one curvature. This reduction in contact area also correspondingly reduces wear on this contact surface.

[0020] A particularly simple design of the guide ring can be achieved if the guide ring is made in one piece and / or is an injection molded part, a milled part, a turned part, or a 3D printed part.

[0021] According to a further development, the support areas and / or the sliding areas project axially from the base body on at least one side of the base body. This allows the flow channels to be enlarged even further, as the distance between the base body and the support surface or cylindrical surface is even greater.

[0022] It has been shown that a particularly advantageous guide ring can be obtained when a plurality of radially projecting nubs are arranged along the base body, each nub having a sliding area and a support area. In other words, the nubs of the guide ring, which provide both support and sliding functions, are interconnected by webs provided by the base body.

[0023] According to a further development, the basic body extends in a circular arc segment, whereby the open area of ​​the circular arc segment is larger than an increase in the length of the basic body in the circumferential direction due to a temperature change in a given temperature range.

[0024] In other words, the base body does not have a continuous circular ring, but is interrupted at one point in the circumferential direction. This allows the guide ring to be easily slid or clipped radially onto the filling tube, or inserted into the centering bell by radial compression, where it then snaps into place, for example, in a designated recess. With a circular arc segment, unlike a solid circular ring, only the circumferential thermal expansion needs to be considered in the case of temperature changes. This allows for very tight tolerances for guiding the centering bell on the filling tube.

[0025] If the base body has a radially outwardly widening or inwardly narrowing shape relative to the guide ring's intended installation position, the guide ring can be pre-tensioned in that position. The installation position is essentially determined by the inner diameter of the centering bell in the area of ​​the guide ring, or by the outer diameter of the filler tube in the area of ​​the guide ring. If the base body has a radially outwardly widening shape in its uninstalled state, it will deform radially inward when installed in the centering bell, since the inner diameter of the centering bell is then smaller than at least one outermost segment of the guide ring's pitch circle.This results in the guide ring being subjected to a certain preload relative to the centering bell, which is essentially determined by the base body or its deformation during installation. The preload can be set such that the guide ring can be held in a fixed position within the centering bell, thus simplifying assembly. The same applies to a radially inwardly tapered shape with respect to the filler tube.

[0026] According to a further development, the guide ring is designed such that when a fluid flows around the guide ring in the axial direction, a resulting circumferential force is exerted on the guide ring by the fluid. The guide ring is preferably substantially symmetrical and additionally has an asymmetrical swirl surface, which is arranged such that when the fluid flows around the guide ring in the axial direction, a circumferential force is generated on the guide ring by the fluid. This can result in the guide ring experiencing an asymmetrical flow pattern when a cleaning medium flows around it, and the resulting circumferential swirl can cause a change in position. This allows essentially the entire cylindrical surface and the entire support surface to come into contact with the cleaning fluid.Consequently, a particularly thorough cleaning can be achieved.

[0027] If, according to a further development, a maximum width of the base body perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide ring corresponds to less than or equal to 2 / 3, preferably 1 / 2, particularly preferably 1 / 4 of a maximum width of the guide ring perpendicular to the axial direction, and / or a maximum height of the base body parallel to the axial direction of the guide ring corresponds to less than or equal to 4 / 5, preferably 3 / 5 of a maximum height of the guide ring parallel to the axial direction, it can be achieved that the flow channels provided thereby for the medium which is to pass through the area of ​​the guide ring are so large that there is no significant obstruction of the flow of the medium.

[0028] Furthermore, a filling device is described according to the following description.

[0029] Accordingly, a filling device for filling a container with a flowable substance is proposed, preferably for filling a can or bottle with a beverage, comprising two concentrically arranged components movable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis, wherein a first of the two components extends radially outside the second of the two components. The filling device is characterized in that at least one guide ring according to one of the preceding claims is arranged between an outer surface of the second component and an inner surface of the first component for guiding the first component relative to the second component.

[0030] By arranging at least one guide ring according to one of the preceding embodiments between the outside of the second component and the inside of the first component to guide the first component relative to the second component, the advantages and effects described for the guide ring can be achieved analogously.

[0031] The aforementioned advantages and effects result in a particularly advantageous manner if, according to a further preferred embodiment, the second component is a filling tube for providing a flow of filling material and the first component is a centering bell extending radially outside the filling tube and movable relative to the filling tube along the longitudinal axis of the filling tube for centering and / or sealing a container opening.

[0032] According to a further development, a return gas channel is formed between an outer surface of the second component, preferably the filling tube, and an inner surface of the first component, preferably the centering bell. This channel allows gases displaced from the container by the incoming fill material to be returned, with at least one guide ring being arranged in the return gas channel. The guide ring enables gas displaced during filling of the container to flow through the return gas channel and over the guide ring. Therefore, reliable degassing is still possible despite the presence of the guide ring in the return gas channel.

[0033] In order to mount the first component, preferably a centering bell, in a stable manner relative to the second component, preferably a filling tube, a plurality of guide rings can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis between the first component and the second component, preferably the filling tube and the centering bell, to guide the first component relative to the second component, preferably the centering bell relative to the filling tube, according to a further preferred embodiment, wherein preferably two guide rings are provided.

[0034] According to a further development, a groove, preferably a V-shaped groove, is provided on the inside of the first component, preferably the centering bell, for receiving the support areas of a guide ring, and / or a groove, preferably a V-shaped groove, is provided on the outside of the second component, preferably the filling tube, for receiving the support areas of a guide ring. The V-shaped groove allows the support areas to be supported both radially and in two mutually oriented axial directions.

[0035] The term "V-shaped groove" refers to any shape in which two surfaces of a groove enclose an angle greater than 0° and less than 180°, with these two surfaces acting as support surfaces.

[0036] If each support area of ​​the guide ring has two support surfaces opposite each other in the axial direction, with a first of the support surfaces in contact with a first surface of the V-shaped groove and a second of the support surfaces in contact with a second surface of the V-shaped groove, the guide ring can be supported on both sides in the axial direction.

[0037] To minimize the contact area between the support surfaces and the at least one bearing surface, the support surfaces can have a rounded zone. Each support surface, with its rounded zone, is in contact with the corresponding surfaces of the V-shaped groove, such that there is either a point contact or a line contact between a support surface and the groove. The terms point contact and line contact are to be understood macroscopically and are not limited to a single point or line. Rather, they refer to a reduced contact area compared to full-surface contact. Consequently, these terms also encompass planar contacts, such as those resulting from Hertzian contact between two elastic bodies.

[0038] According to a further development, the filling element also includes a swirl element for generating a swirling flow in the area of ​​a guide ring. This makes it possible to introduce a swirl into the guide ring, even if it is essentially symmetrical in design. The swirling flow can cause the guide ring to move circumferentially when a cleaning medium flows around it, allowing the cleaning medium to also clean the areas of the support surfaces and the cylindrical surface that were in contact with the guide ring before it moved.

[0039] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described therein can be implemented individually or in combination with one or more of the features set out above, provided that the features do not contradict each other. The following description of preferred embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the characters

[0040] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. These show: Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective side view of a guide ring for guiding two concentrically arranged components in a filling device according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 schematically shows a top view of the guide ring made of Figure 1 Figure 3 schematically shows a sectional view through the guide ring. Figure 2Figure 4 schematically shows another sectional view through the guide ring. Figure 2 Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective side view of a guide ring for guiding two concentrically arranged components into a filling element according to a further embodiment; Figure 6 schematically shows a top view of the guide ring made of Figure 5 Figure 7 schematically shows a side view of the guide ring. Figure 5 Figure 8 schematically shows a perspective side view of a filling device for filling a container with a flowable material; Figure 9 schematically shows a sectional view through the filling device made of Figure 8 Figure 10 schematically shows another sectional view through the filling element. Figure 8 ; and Figure 11 schematically shows a sectional view through a filling device for filling a container with a variety of filling material according to a further embodiment. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0041] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the different figures are designated with identical reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are sometimes omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0042] In Figure 1Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective side view of a guide ring for guiding two concentrically arranged components in a filling element according to a first embodiment. The guide ring 4 has a base body 40, which essentially has the shape of a circular ring segment or a circular arc segment 402. A plurality of spaced-apart, radially projecting accompanying areas 41 on a first side 43 of the base body 40 for sliding over a cylindrical surface and a plurality of spaced-apart, radially projecting support areas 42 on a second side 44 opposite the first side 43 for radial and axial support against at least one support surface are arranged on the base body 40.

[0043] Here, a sliding area 41 and a support area 42 are arranged opposite each other in the circumferential direction 47 of the base body 40, viewed at essentially the same location in the radial direction 44. The base body 40 thus has a plurality of knobs 48 projecting radially inwards and outwards from the base body 40, each knob 48 having a sliding area 41 and a support area 42.

[0044] In the present case, the first side 43, viewed in radial direction 45, corresponds to an inside of the base body 40, and the second side 44, viewed in radial direction 45, corresponds to an outside of the base body 40.

[0045] Alternatively, the sliding areas 41 and the support areas 42 can be arranged in reverse if, when viewed radially to the 40, the first side corresponds to an outside of the base body 40 and the second side corresponds to an inside of the base body 40 when viewed radially to the 45.

[0046] Each of the sliding areas 41 has a sliding surface 410 with which, in the installed state in the filling element, it is in contact with the cylindrical surface.

[0047] Furthermore, each of the support areas 42 has two support surfaces 420 opposite each other in the axial direction 46, inclined to the axial direction 46, and rounded. The support surfaces 420 are designed such that radial support is possible via both support surfaces 420. They are also designed such that axial support in a first direction is enabled via a first of the two support surfaces 420, and axial support in a second direction opposite to the first is enabled via a second of the two support surfaces 420 of the same protective area 42. Further details on supporting the guide ring 4 in a filling element are given below. Figure 9 described.

[0048] The guide ring 4 is designed as a single piece and can be manufactured using injection molding or a 3D printing process.

[0049] Figure 2 schematically shows a top view of the guide ring 4. Figure 1 It can be clearly seen here that the sliding surfaces 420 are arranged on a sliding pitch circle 412 when viewed in the radial direction 45. The radius of the sliding pitch circle 412 is smaller than the inner radius 400 of the annular segment-shaped base body 40, so that the sliding areas 41 project inwards from the base body 40 when viewed in the radial direction 45.

[0050] Similarly, the support areas 42 extend to a maximum diameter 482 of the guide ring 4, which is larger than the outer radius 401 of the annular segment-shaped base body 40. Accordingly, the support areas 42 project outwards from the base body 40 in a radial direction. Consequently, the width 404 of the base body 40 is smaller than the maximum width 480 of a stud 84. This provides flow channels 8 in the area of ​​the base body 40 between the sliding circle 412 and the base body 40, as well as between the maximum diameter 482 and the base body 40, through which a fluid medium can flow in the axial direction 46 over the guide ring 4. The guide ring 4 is therefore suitable for use in a media channel, for example, in a return gas channel or a purge channel of the filling device.

[0051] As described above, the base body extends in a circular ring segment or circular arc segment 402. It therefore has an open area 403 in the circumferential direction 47. The open area 403 is larger than the increase in length of the base body 40 in the circumferential direction 47, which occurs due to a temperature increase of the guide ring 4 within a specified temperature range.

[0052] By providing the open area 403, the base body 40 can elongate circumferentially with increasing temperature without necessarily causing the guide ring 4 to expand in the middle of a diameter increase. Accordingly, the tolerances of the guide ring 4 on the sliding surfaces 410 and the support surfaces 420 can be chosen to be tighter than with continuous guide rings.

[0053] Figure 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view through the guide ring 4. Figure 2 along the in Figure 2The section line AA shown, which runs through two of the studs 48, clearly shows that the support surfaces 420, inclined and rounded towards the axial direction 46, are arranged such that the first support surface, here marked with reference numeral 420, provides support with respect to the orientation in Figure 3 as seen axially to the left, as well as through the second support surface, here designated with the reference symbol 420', support in relation to the orientation in Figure 3 axial movement to the right is possible. Due to the inclination of the two support surfaces 420, 420', radial support is also possible.

[0054] The knobs 48 have a width 480, which is larger than the width 404 of the base body 40, which allows the size of the flow channels 8 to be further increased and thus further reduces resistance or obstruction to the flow of a fluid medium in the axial direction 46 seen through the guide ring 4 in the installed state.

[0055] In other words, the support areas 42 and the sliding areas 41 project from the base body 40 on both sides in the axial direction 46.

[0056] In Figure 4 schematically shows another sectional view through the guide ring 4. Figure 2 shown. Since the guide ring 4 is fully sectioned in this view, the flow channels 8, which are provided between the material of the guide ring 4 and the sliding circle 410 as well as the maximum diameter 482, can be seen particularly well.

[0057] The guide ring 4 according to this embodiment optionally has a maximum width 404 of the base body 40 perpendicular to the axial direction 46, which is less than or equal to 2 / 3 of the maximum width 480, in this case 1 / 4 of the width 480.

[0058] Furthermore, the base body 40 has a maximum height 405 parallel to the axial direction 46, which corresponds to 3 / 5 of the height 481.

[0059] The chosen width 404 and height 405 ensure that the flow channels 8 are large enough not to significantly affect the flow of a fluid medium, for example a cleaning fluid, in the axial direction 46.

[0060] In the Figures 5-7 A guide ring 4 for guiding a centering bell into a filling element according to a further embodiment is shown. The guide ring 4 essentially corresponds in its construction to that shown in the Figures 1-4 shown.

[0061] In contrast to the previously described embodiment, the one in Figure 5 The guide ring 4 support areas 42 shown have a double curvature on their support surfaces 420. In other words, they are rounded on one side, like those in Figure 1 shown, and additionally provided with a curvature about an axis parallel to the axial direction 46, which is greater than a curvature determined by the maximum diameter 482, so that the support areas essentially have a hemispherical shape. By providing the double curvature, the support surfaces 420, in the installed state, essentially form point contact with the respective support surface, so that the wear area of ​​the support region is particularly small.

[0062] The sliding surfaces 410 of the sliding areas 41 have a concave curvature with a radius smaller than the radius of the sliding circle 412. Alternatively, the radius of the sliding areas 41 can also be larger than the radius of the sliding circle 412. In both cases, the contact area between the cylindrical surface and the sliding surfaces 410 is smaller than if the radius of the sliding circle 412 were equal to the radius of the sliding surfaces 410. If the radius of the sliding surfaces 410 is smaller than that of the sliding circle 412, each sliding area 41 forms two contact areas with the cylindrical surface. If the radius of the sliding surfaces 410 is larger than that of the sliding circle 412, each sliding area 41 forms one contact area with the cylindrical surface.

[0063] In Figure 8Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective side view of a filling device 1 for filling a container with a flowable substance. The filling tube 1 is designed for filling a can or bottle with a beverage. It comprises a filling tube 3 for supplying a flow of the substance, wherein the filling tube 3 corresponds to a second component of the filling device 1, and a centering bell 2 extending radially outside the filling tube 3 and movable relative to the filling tube 3 along a longitudinal axis 30 of the filling tube 3 for centering and / or sealing the container opening, wherein the centering bell 2 corresponds to a first component of the filling device 1. The filling device 1 also has guide rings 4 spaced apart from each other between an outer surface of the filling tube 3 and an inner surface of the centering bell 22 for guiding the centering bell 2 relative to the filling tube 3. The guide rings 4 correspond to those shown in the figure. Figures 1-4described embodiment. For better understanding, the centering bell 2 is shown as translucent or semi-transparent, so that the filling tube 3 and the guide rings 4 can be seen.

[0064] Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional view through the filling element 1. Figure 8 It is clearly visible that a gap or annular space exists between the outer surface of the filling tube 3 and the inner surface of the centering bell 2, which in this embodiment provides a return gas channel 7 for gas or air displaced from the container during filling. The guide rings 4 are arranged in the return gas channel 7.

[0065] The sliding areas 41 of the guide rings 4 are in sliding contact with a cylindrical surface 5 of the outside of the filling tube 3 by means of their sliding surfaces 410.

[0066] To support the guide rings 4, the centering bell 2 has two V-shaped grooves 20, which are designed to accommodate the support areas 42 of the guide rings 4. Each V-shaped groove 20 has two mutually inclined support surfaces 6, with each support surface 6 being in contact with a support surface 420 of a stud 48. This secures the guide ring 4 to the centering bell 2 both radially and axially.

[0067] Consequently, the centering bell 2 can be displaced relative to the filling tube 3 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 30, with the guide rings 4 remaining in a fixed position relative to the centering bell 2 due to their placement in the grooves 20, and the assembly consisting of the centering bell 2 and the guide rings 4 being displaced relative to the filling tube 3 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 30. To achieve a seal of the return gas channel 7 at the upper end of the centering bell 2, the latter has a sealing ring 21, which is arranged on the upper end face of the centering bell 2 and is in sealing contact with a stationary part of the filling element 1.

[0068] Inside the filling tube 3, a valve body 31 is provided, which is arranged to be axially displaceable relative to the filling tube 3. This allows the valve body 31 to be displaced relative to a valve seat 32 of the filling tube 3 in order to open or close a material flow channel 33 for the material being filled.

[0069] In Figure 10 schematically, another cross-sectional view through the filling element is shown. Figure 8 shown. Here, the cut does not run through the studs 48, as shown in Figure 9 shown, but through the base body 40, so that the flow channels 8 provided radially inside and radially outside the base body 40 by the guide ring 4 are visible. An inner flow channel 8 extends between the cylindrical surface 5 of the filling tube 3 and the base body 40, and an outer flow channel 8 extends between the base body 40 and the V-shaped groove 20.

[0070] The base body 40 has, with respect to a form of the guide ring 4 provided in an installation position, as shown in the Figure 9 and 10 As shown, it has a radially outwardly widened shape. This makes it possible to clip the guide rings 4 into the V-shaped grooves. In other words, the guide ring 4 lies in its position in the Figure 9 and 10 The installation position shown is in a state pre-tensioned against the support surfaces 6 of the centering bell 2. Due to this pre-tension, the guide ring is therefore securely held in the V-shaped groove 20, even when the centering bell 2 is not mounted on the filling tube 3.

[0071] Figure 11 Figure 1 schematically shows a sectional view through a filling element 1 for filling a container with a flowable material according to a further embodiment. The filling element 1 essentially corresponds to the one shown in Figure 1. Figures 8-10 as shown, wherein a swirl body 9 is provided in the upper region of the centering bell 2. The swirl body 9 is formed here in the form of a raised edge on the inside of the centering bell 2, spirally shaped with respect to the longitudinal axis 30. The swirl body 9 causes a change in the arrangement in Figure 11Viewed from above, the cleaning medium, which is guided through the return gas channel 7, for example during CIP cleaning, creates a swirling flow, so that the cleaning medium does not flow towards the guide rings 4 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 30, but at a certain angle to it. This exerts a swirl or torque on each of the guide rings 4 about the longitudinal axis 30, causing them to be displaced circumferentially as they flow around the guide rings. This ensures that the support surface in 6 and the cylindrical surface 5 are completely cleaned by the cleaning medium. Reference symbol list

[0072] 1 Filling element 2 Centering bell 20 Groove 21 Sealing ring 3 Filling tube 30 Longitudinal axis 31 Valve body 32 Valve seat 33 Filling material flow channel 4 Guide ring 40 Base body 400 Inner radius 401 Outer radius 402 Circular ring segment 403 Open area 404 Width 405 Height 41 Sliding area 410 Sliding surface 412 Sliding circle 42 Support area 420 Support surface 43 First side 44 Second side 45 Radial direction 46 Axial direction 47 Circumferential direction 48 Knob 480 Width 481 Height 482 Maximum diameter 5 Cylindrical surface 6 Support surface 7 Return gas channel 8 Flow channel 9 Swirl body

Claims

1. Guide ring (4) for guiding two concentrically arranged components, preferably a centering bell (2) with respect to a fill pipe (3), in a filling member (1), the guide ring comprising a substantially ring-segment-shaped main body (40), wherein a plurality of spaced apart sliding regions (41), which project radially on a first face (43) of the main body (40), for sliding over a cylindrical surface (5), and a plurality of spaced apart support regions (42), which project radially on a second face (44) that is opposite the first face (43), for radial or radial and axial support against at least one support surface (6), are arranged on the main body (40), characterized in that one sliding area (41) and one support area (42) in each case are arranged opposite one another at substantially the same location when viewed in the circumferential direction of the base body (40).

2. Guide ring (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first face (43), when viewed in the radial direction, corresponds to an inner face of the main body (40), and the second face (44), when viewed in the radial direction, corresponds to an outer face of the main body (40), or in that the first face, when viewed in the radial direction, corresponds to an outer face of the main body (40), and the second face, when viewed in the radial direction, corresponds to an inner face of the main body (40).

3. Guide ring (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sliding regions (41) each have at least one sliding surface (410), wherein the sliding surfaces (410) are preferably arranged in the radial direction on a sliding pitch circle (412), wherein the radius of the sliding pitch circle (412) is preferably smaller than or equal to an inner radius (400) of the main body (40) when the first face (43) corresponds to the inner face, or the radius of the sliding pitch circle (412) is equal to or greater than an outer radius (401) of the main body (40) when the first face corresponds to the outer face of the main body (40).

4. Guide ring (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that the sliding surfaces (410) are concavely curved having a radius which is smaller or greater than the radius of the sliding pitch circle (412) when the first face corresponds to the inner face, or the sliding surfaces (410) are convexly curved having a radius which is smaller or greater than the radius of the sliding pitch circle (412) when the first face corresponds to the outer face of the main body (40).

5. Guide ring (4) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each support region (42) has two support surfaces (420) which, when viewed in the axial direction, are opposite one another, inclined with respect to the axial direction, and / or are rounded, and are configured such that radial support and axial support is provided by the two support surfaces (420), wherein axial support in a first direction is made possible by a first of the two support surfaces (420) of a support region, and axial support in a second direction, counter to the first direction, is made possible by a second of the two support surfaces (420) of the same support region (42), wherein preferably at least one support surface (420) has a double curvature.

6. Guide ring (4) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide ring (4) is formed in one piece and / or is an injection-molded part, a milled part, a turned part, or a 3D-printed part, or in that the support regions (42) and / or the sliding regions (41) protrude in the axial direction from the main body (40) on at least one face of the main body (40), or in that a plurality of knobs (48), radially circumferentially raised from the main body (40), are arranged along the main body (40), wherein each knob (48) has a sliding region (41) and a support region (42).

7. Guide ring (4) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (40) extends in a circular arc segment (402), wherein the open region of the circular arc segment (402) is greater than an increase in length of the main body (40) in the circumferential direction caused by a temperature change within a predetermined temperature range, or in that the main body (40) has a radially outwardly widened or an inwardly narrowed shape with respect to a shape of the guide ring (4) provided in an installation position, or in that the guide ring (4) is configured such that, when a fluid flows around the guide ring (4) in the axial direction, the fluid causes a resulting force to act in the circumferential direction on the guide ring (4), wherein the guide ring (4) is preferably substantially symmetrical and additionally has an asymmetrical swirl surface arranged such that, when the fluid flows around the guide ring (4) in the axial direction, the fluid generates a force in the circumferential direction on the guide ring (4).

8. Guide ring (4) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a maximum width (404) of the main body (40) perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide ring (4) corresponds to less than or equal to 2 / 3, preferably 1 / 2, particularly preferably 1 / 4 of a maximum width (480) of the guide ring (4) perpendicular to the axial direction, and / or a maximum height (405) of the main body (40) parallel to the axial direction of the guide ring (4) corresponds to less than or equal to 4 / 5, preferably 3 / 5 of a maximum height (481) of the guide ring (4) parallel to the axial direction.