Filling valve for filling containers with liquids, which has a seal, and corresponding filling machine
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- ES · ES
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing filling valves for liquids suffer from liquid stagnation and bacterial contamination due to the formation of chambers during the movement of mobile elements, leading to cleaning and sanitization challenges and reduced productivity.
A filling valve with a lip gasket that prevents liquid stagnation by ensuring continuous fluid flow through a specific angle and shape, facilitating easy cleaning and extending the gasket's service life.
The lip gasket effectively prevents liquid stagnation, enhances cleaning efficiency, reduces wear, and increases the gasket's lifespan, thereby improving production continuity and reducing maintenance downtime.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a filling valve, for filling machines, adapted to fill containers with liquids, e.g. food-grade liquids, comprising an innovative gasket.
[0002] The present invention also relates to a filling machine comprising at least one filling valve according to the present invention.
[0003] For the purposes of the present description, the term "food-grade products" refers to water, wine, beer, liquor, oil, milk, etc., which can be ingested by humans or animals.
[0004] Filling valves are known which comprise a duct adapted to at least allow a flow of liquids, which duct comprises a fixed element, which is adapted to define a first duct part, and a mobile element, which is adapted to move relative to said fixed element and which is fluidically connected to said fixed element to ensure continuous conduction of the liquid flow.
[0005] The filling valves currently known in the art comprise a gasket adapted to ensure tightness between the mobile element and the fixed element.
[0006] The movement of the mobile element relative to the fixed element normally ranges between 3mm and 30mm according to specific requirements; such movement is, therefore, limited in space.
[0007] The solutions currently known for filling containers with liquids suffer from the technical problem that the movement of the mobile element between the various operating configurations results in the formation of chambers or recesses in some spots, i.e. between the gasket and the fixed element and / or the mobile element, where small amounts of liquid can stagnate. In addition to contaminating the liquid to be supplied into other containers, such stagnating liquid may cause proliferation of bacteria, which may contaminate the filling valve and the entire filling machine.
[0008] The filling valves and filling machines known in the art require periodic cleaning and sanitization of their parts. This causes downtimes and production interruptions.
[0009] Filling valves and filling machines are also known which comprise sanitization systems which, while their use results in no downtimes, are however expensive and complex and require much time to sanitize the filling valve, thus decreasing the productivity of the filling machine.
[0010] The gaskets currently installed in filling valves suffer from a cleaning problem because such chambers or recesses, generated during the movement, are difficult to clean and sanitize.
[0011] Moreover, the gaskets currently installed in filling valves have a known resistance to wear and need replacement after a known number of work cycles. Gasket replacement implies stopping the machine and interrupting the production.
[0012] Furthermore, lip-type sealing gaskets are known, commonly referred to as piston gaskets, which provide a seal along the outside diameter of the piston. Such a gasket conformation is dictated by the necessity of ensuring hydraulic tightness over time, notwithstanding repeated movements of the piston in the cylinder. The purpose of such a gasket is to provide hydraulic tightness under the pressure that develops in the cylinder chamber while also allowing the piston to move within the cylinder.
[0013] No gaskets are known which are specifically designed to ensure tightness while avoiding stagnation of liquid during the various operating phases of a valve, in particular a filling valve, and particularly during movements of valve parts.
[0014] In particular, such an approach has not so far been applied to filling valves for liquids, or to a filling machine, in order to facilitate the liquid flow and prevent liquid stagnation, in addition to making the valve easier to clean and sanitize, while also, desirably, increasing its service life.
[0015] In particular, from the following patent documents EP0237823B1, WO2008132327A1, DE3603172A1 and DE3931834A1 filling machines are only known which comprise filling valves including gaskets adapted to ensure continuity of a fluid flow in a duct, ensuring tightness between a mobile element and a fixed element of said duct, also when the mobile element is moving relative to said fixed element. EP0237823B1 as well as WO2008132327A1 disclose the features of the preamble of claim 1.
[0016] The present invention aims at solving the above-described technical problems by providing a filling valve for liquids, e.g. food-grade liquids, comprising an innovative gasket.
[0017] One aspect of the present invention relates to a filling valve having the technical features set out in claim 1.
[0018] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a filling machine having the technical features set out in claim 7.
[0019] Auxiliary features are set out in respective dependent claims.
[0020] The features and advantages of the valve and machine will become clear and apparent in light of the following description of some possible embodiments thereof, provided herein by way of illustrative example, as well as from the annexed drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a lip gasket providing a sealing effect along its outside diameter for container filling valves, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a sectional view along a vertical plane of the gasket of Figure 1; Figures 3A and 3B are sectional views of a portion of one possible embodiment of a filling valve according to the present invention, wherein Figure 3A shows the filling valve without said gasket; Figure 3B shows the filling valve with the gasket properly housed therein; Figures 4A and 4B illustrate one possible embodiment of a filling valve according to the present invention in two different operating configurations: in particular, Figure 4A shows the filling valve in a first operating configuration, or open configuration; Figure 4B shows the filling valve in a second operating configuration, or closed configuration; Figure 5 shows one possible embodiment, provided herein by way of non-limiting example, of a filling machine according to the present invention.
[0021] With reference to the above-listed figures, reference numeral 3 designates as a whole a filling valve as such; whereas reference numeral 1 designates as a whole a filling machine as such.
[0022] Filling valve 3 according to the present invention is particularly suitable for filling containers with liquids, e.g. food-grade liquids, and is particularly suitable for application to filling machines 1.
[0023] Filling valve 3 according to the present invention comprises a duct 30. Said duct 30 is adapted to allow liquids to flow from a tank 12, comprised in a filling machine 1, to a container.
[0024] For the purposes of the present description, the term "container", as used herein, refers to a bottle, whether made of glass, aluminium or plastic (e.g. PET), or a plastic container or a paraffin-coated carton, or jars or other containers suitable for food-grade liquids, e.g. made of glass or aluminium or other materials suitable for containing food-grade products. For simplicity, and in order to avoid any limitations whatsoever, the containers will not be illustrated herein, since they are not a subject of the present invention.
[0025] Filling valve 3 according to the present invention comprises at least one shutter 31. Said shutter 31 is adapted to at least selectively interrupt the flow of liquids in said duct 30.
[0026] Filling valve 3 according to the present invention comprises a fixed element 32, which is adapted to define a first tract of said duct 30. Said fixed element 32 comprises an inner wall 320.
[0027] Filling valve 3 according to the present invention comprises a mobile element 34, which is adapted to move relative to said fixed element 32. Said mobile element 34 is fluidically connected to said fixed element 32. Said mobile element 34 defines a second tract of said duct 30. Said mobile element 34 comprises an inner wall 340 and an outer wall 341.
[0028] Filling valve 3 according to the present invention further comprises at least one gasket 4. Said gasket 4 is adapted to ensure tightness between said mobile element 34 and said fixed element 32 also when mobile element 34 is moving relative to said fixed element 32. Said gasket 4 ensures continuity of a flow of fluid in said duct 30, e.g. by preventing liquid leakage.
[0029] Said gasket 4 according to the present invention, comprises a connection portion 42 adapted to be suitably housed in a first housing 342, e.g. comprised in the outer wall 341 of said mobile element 34, preferably in proximity to an end of said mobile element 34.
[0030] Said gasket 4 according to the present invention comprises a sealing portion 44. Preferably, said sealing portion 44 is adapted to act upon said inner wall 320 of said fixed element 32.
[0031] Said gasket 4 according to the present invention is a lip gasket.
[0032] Said sealing portion 44 of gasket 4 has such an angle "α" as to fluidically join said fixed element 32 to said mobile element 34 to facilitate the liquid flow, in particular being adapted to fluidically join inner wall 320 of said fixed element 32 to inner wall 340 of said mobile element 34, thereby facilitating the liquid flow.
[0033] Filling valve 3 according to the present invention, which comprises a gasket 4, in particular a lip gasket, makes it possible to prevent the formation of chambers or gaps where liquid can stop and stagnate. The conformation of sealing portion 44, and in particular a profile thereof, allows the liquid to slide along said duct 30, e.g. along said inner walls (320, 340) and sealing portion 44 of gasket 4, also when mobile element 34 is moving relative to said fixed element 32, thus preventing liquid stagnation. Gasket 4 according to the present invention is easier to clean and sanitize, thus speeding up the process of cleaning and sanitizing filling valve 3.
[0034] Without referring to any specific theories or physical principles, gasket 4 according to the present invention proves more resistant to wear, has a longer service life, and needs replacement after a larger number of work cycles.
[0035] By way of non-limiting example, said gasket 4 according to the present invention is adapted to ensure sealing and liquid flow in ducts 30 having an inside diameter, in particular of said fixed element 32, of 25mm.
[0036] The angle "α" of sealing portion 44 of gasket 4 is, according to the present invention, between 30° and 60°. For the purposes of the present description, said angle "α" is measured with reference to a vertical axis, e.g. an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis "L" of duct 30.
[0037] Preferably, said sealing portion 44 has an internal angle (not shown), which is defined by an inner wall 40 of gasket 4, in particular of said sealing portion 44, ranging between 45° and 55°, preferably of approximately 51°. For the purposes of the present description, said internal angle is measured with reference to a respective vertical axis, e.g. an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis "L" of duct 30. The present embodiment facilitates the liquid flow along the angled inner wall 40, in addition to making said sealing portion 44 easier to clean.
[0038] Preferably, said sealing portion 44 has an external angle (not shown), which is defined by an outer wall 41 of gasket 4, in particular of said sealing portion 44, ranging between 35° and 45°, preferably of approximately 39°. For the purposes of the present description, said external angle is measured with reference to a respective vertical axis, e.g. an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis "L" of duct 30.
[0039] For the purposes of the present description, the angles specified above refer to gasket 4 as such, before it is suitably housed into a first housing 342.
[0040] Preferably, said gasket 4 is made from polymers, in particular at least partly from polyurethane-based polymers or similar materials, said sealing portion 44 being preferably made of polyurethane-based material.
[0041] Preferably, once said gasket 4 according to the present invention has been installed into its seat, in particular housed into said first housing 342 within said duct 30, said sealing portion 44, which defines the lip, flexes and assumes an arched shape, e.g. a shape which is concave in the direction of the liquid flowing in said duct 30. By assuming said arched shape, said sealing portion 44 exerts a radial force which is proportional to the geometry of sealing portion 44 itself and to the molecular matrix tensions. Such a solution makes it possible to compensate for the wear of said sealing portion 44, thus extending the service life of entire gasket 4.
[0042] In one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of filling valve 3 according to the present invention, said sealing portion 44 has a tapered shape. Preferably, said sealing portion 44 is thicker near the lip end connected to said connection portion 42 and thinner at the distal end of said sealing portion 44, in particular at the lip end which is farther from said connection portion 42. The present solution provides an elastic effect upon said sealing portion 44, which helps sealing portion 44 stay in position even in case of frequent and fast long-stroke or short-stroke movements of mobile element 34 relative to fixed element 32 of duct 30, thus allowing, in particular, the liquid to slide along inner wall 40 of gasket 4 at said sealing portion 44. The present solution also contributes to improving the resistance to wear of gasket 4. Besides, the present solution ensures hydraulic tightness.
[0043] In the filling valve 3 according to the present invention, said lip gasket 4 is a reverse lip gasket. The present embodiment of gasket 4 according to the present invention avoids the formation of any chambers where liquid may stagnate, thereby facilitating the liquid flow along duct 30, in particular between inner wall 320 of fixed element 32 and inner wall 340 of mobile element 34, in particular when mobile element 34 is moving relative to said fixed element 32. Such an embodiment facilitates the cleaning of said gasket 4 and ensures greater resistance to wear.
[0044] In a preferred, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of filling valve 3 according to the present invention, said mobile element 34 is adapted to move relative to said fixed element 32 coaxially thereto, along a longitudinal axis "L" of duct 30, e.g. a vertical axis.
[0045] In the present embodiment, the movement of mobile element 34 relative to fixed element 32 is linear, thus allowing gasket 4 according to the present invention to follow the coaxial movement, thereby ensuring tightness and allowing the liquid to flow from fixed element 32 to mobile element 34.
[0046] In an even more preferable embodiment of filling valve 3 according to the present invention, said mobile element 34 moves telescopically relative to said fixed element 32, in particular projecting beyond said fixed element 32. The present embodiment makes it possible to vary the extension of duct 30 in order to obtain several technical advantages, e.g. according to specific requirements and to the type of filling machine 1 in which filling valve 3 according to the present invention is to be installed, e.g. depending on how shutter 31 is switched.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, said mobile element 34 is arranged inside fixed element 32 and moves within fixed element 32, in particular by making linear movements, preferably coaxial telescopic movements, in particular projecting beyond said fixed element 32.
[0048] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), said mobile element 34 is arranged outside fixed element 32 and moves over fixed element 32, in particular by making linear movements, preferably coaxial telescopic movements, preferably projecting beyond said fixed element 32.
[0049] In one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of filling valve 3 according to the present invention, said mobile element 34 comprises a second housing 344 adapted to house a guide bushing. The present embodiment offers better stability of mobile element 34 as it moves, ensuring coaxiality thereof relative to fixed element 32.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment of filling valve 3 according to the present invention, said first housing 342, which is preferably comprised in said mobile element 34, is adapted to prevent any movement of said connection portion 42 of gasket 4 along a longitudinal axis "L" of duct 30.
[0051] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) of filling valve 3 according to the present invention, said first housing 342 is comprised in said fixed element 32 and is adapted to prevent any movement of said connection portion 42 of gasket 4 along a longitudinal axis "L" of duct 30.
[0052] Preferably, said first housing 342 is located in proximity to an end of said mobile element 34, so that said gasket 4 can connect, through said sealing portion 44, inner wall 320 of said fixed element 32 to inner wall 340 of said mobile element 34.
[0053] In an alternative embodiment of the filling valve 3 according to the present invention, said first housing 342 is located in proximity to an end of said fixed element 34, so that said gasket 4 can connect, through said sealing portion 44, inner wall 320 of said fixed element 32 to inner wall 340 of said mobile element 34.
[0054] In one possible embodiment, said first housing 342 defines at least one undercut in said outer wall 341 of mobile element 34. Said at least one undercut receives said connection portion 42. Alternatively, said first housing 342 defines an undercut in said inner wall 340 of mobile element 34, housing said connection portion 42 of gasket 4.
[0055] In one possible alternative embodiment (not shown), said first housing 342 defines at least one undercut in an outer wall of fixed element 32. Said connection portion 42 is housed in said at least one undercut.
[0056] Preferably, said connection portion 42 of gasket 4 has a cylindrical structure so shaped as to ensure a connection with said mobile element 34, in particular by fitting into said first housing 342, e.g. by fitting at least partly into an undercut, and to exert pressure on outer wall 341 of mobile element 34.
[0057] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), said connection portion 42 of gasket 4 has a cylindrical structure so shaped as to ensure a connection with said fixed element 34, in particular by fitting into said first housing 342, e.g. by fitting at least partly into an undercut, and to exert pressure on an outer wall of fixed element 32, in particular in said first housing 342.
[0058] More generally, said connection portion 42 of said gasket 4 is so shaped as to provide a shape coupling with said first housing 342.
[0059] In the preferred embodiment of said gasket 4, from a base of said cylindrical structure of connection portion 42 said sealing portion 44 extends to define the lip according to the present invention. Said lip of sealing portion 44 has a frustoconical shape. The gasket portion that joins said cylindrical connection portion 42 to said frustoconical sealing portion 44 has a cylindrical shape.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, said gasket 4 comprises an inner wall 40 and an outer wall 41. The liquid is allowed to slide along said inner wall 40 of gasket 4 at said sealing portion 44.
[0061] Preferably, said inner wall 40 interacts, at said connection portion 42, with said first housing 342 of outer wall 341 of mobile element 34.
[0062] Alternatively, said inner wall 40 interacts, at said connection portion 42, with said first housing 342 in the outer wall of fixed element 32.
[0063] In a preferred embodiment, said outer wall 41 acts, at the distal end of sealing portion 44, upon inner wall 320 of fixed element 32, e.g. by sliding on it as mobile element 34 moves relative to said fixed element 32. Preferably, said sealing portion 44, as it acts upon said inner wall 320 of fixed element 32, flexes and assumes an arched shape, e.g. a concave shape in the direction in which the liquid flows in said duct 30. The present solution ensures the exertion of a radial force that guarantees hydraulic tightness while reducing the wear of gasket 4.
[0064] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), said outer wall 41 acts, at the distal end of sealing portion 44, upon inner wall 340 of mobile element 34, e.g. by sliding on it as mobile element 34 moves relative to said fixed element 32. In particular, said sealing portion 44, as it acts upon said inner wall 340 of mobile element 34, flexes and assumes an arched shape, e.g. a concave shape in the direction in which the liquid flows in said duct 30. Also this solution ensures the exertion of a radial force that guarantees hydraulic tightness while reducing the wear of gasket 4.
[0065] In a preferred embodiment of filling valve 3 according to the present invention, said mobile element 34 defines, at one end thereof, in particular at the end near which there is said first housing 342, a mouth 343. Said mouth 343 is adapted to contribute to facilitating the liquid flow, by improving the connection between inner wall 320 of said fixed element 32 and inner wall 340 of said mobile element 34 provided by sealing portion 44 of gasket 4. Preferably, said mouth 343 has a rounded profile with no edges in the transition between said outer wall 341 and said inner wall 340 of mobile element 34.
[0066] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) of filling valve 3 according to the present invention, said fixed element 32 defines at one end thereof, in particular at the end near which there is said first housing 342, a mouth. Said mouth is adapted to contribute to facilitating the liquid flow, by improving the connection between inner wall 320 of said fixed element 32 and inner wall 340 of said mobile element 34 provided by sealing portion 44 of gasket 4. Preferably, said mouth has a rounded profile with no edges in the transition between said outer wall and said inner wall 320 of fixed element 32.
[0067] In one possible embodiment of filling valve 3 according to the present invention, said shutter 31, preferably only one, is located upstream of said gasket 4 along said duct 30, with reference to the direction in which the liquid flows in said duct 30.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment of filling valve 3 according to the present invention, said shutter 31, preferably only one, is located downstream of said gasket 4 along said duct 30, with reference to the direction in which the liquid flows in said duct 30.
[0069] More generally, said shutter 31 may be either a mobile one, i.e. a shutter moved by an actuator, e.g. a dedicated actuator, or a fixed one, in which case a portion of duct 30, e.g. said mobile element 34, is adapted to move relative to said shutter 31.
[0070] In a preferred embodiment, said shutter 31 is connected to a structure, e.g. a fixed one, arranged coaxial to said duct 30, in particular to said mobile element 34. For example, said structure is a compensation tube 23, which is advantageously placed inside said mobile element 34. In the present embodiment, said mobile element 34 selectively acts, as it moves, e.g. driven by an actuator (not illustrated in detail herein), upon said shutter 31 to selectively stop the liquid flow in said duct 30 of filling valve 3.
[0071] In one possible embodiment of filling valve 3 according to the present invention, one end of said mobile element 34, opposite to the end that comprises said mouth 343, is adapted to interact with said shutter 31 for selectively stopping the liquid flow in said duct 30. The present embodiment makes it possible to close said duct 30 from below.
[0072] In one possible embodiment, said filling valve 3, and particularly at least said duct 30, is at least partly comprised, in particular realized, in a filling device 2 of a filling machine 1, in particular in a structure of said filling device 2. Preferably, the outer wall of fixed element 32 of duct 30 is advantageously adapted to be connected to one or more elements comprised in filling device 2.
[0073] By way of non-limiting example, said filling device 2 comprises a centering device 21 adapted to ensure tightness against the top end of the container, around an inlet aperture of said container into which filling valve 3 will deliver liquid until it is full. Said centering device 21 is advantageously arranged coaxial to duct 30, particularly to mobile element 34.
[0074] Preferably, said filling device 2 further comprises a lifting device 22 adapted to lift the container and bring it close to the filling valve 3 during the container filling phase.
[0075] Preferably, said filling device 2 comprises said compensation tube 23, which is fluidically connected to tank 12 of the filling machine, and which is adapted to provide pressure compensation between tank 12 and the container during the filling phase, and / or to permit levelling the liquid contained in the container after the container has been filled with liquid.
[0076] The above-described devices comprised in filling device 2 will not be described any further herein, since they are known to those skilled in the art and are not subjects of the present invention.
[0077] Describing now in more detail one possible embodiment of filling valve 3 according to the present invention, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a gasket 4 having a lip exerting a sealing action along its outside diameter for filling valves 3 according to the present invention.
[0078] Figure 1 shows the conformation of reverse lip gasket 4. Said gasket 4 comprises a sealing portion 44 and a connection portion 42. Gasket 4 defines an inner wall 40 and an outer wall 41.
[0079] Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the gasket of Figure 1. Figure 2 shows angle "α" of the reverse lip, defined by said sealing portion 44. In the same figure, though not specified, one can infer the internal and external angles of the lip of sealing portion 44. The figure also shows the frustoconical conformation of the lip and the tapered shape of said lip of sealing portion 44.
[0080] In Figure 2 one can see that gasket 4 comprises an inner wall 40 and an outer wall 41. Said sealing portion 44 is joined to said connection portion 42, the latter having a cylindrical structure. Inner wall 40 of gasket 4 also defines the conformation of connection portion 42, which is adapted to interact, by shape coupling, with a housing formed in the duct of filling valve 3. Figure 2 also shows the cylindrical structure of connection portion 42 of gasket 4.
[0081] As concerns filling valve 3 according to the present invention, Figures 3A and 3B are sectional views of a portion of one possible embodiment of a filling valve 3 according to the present invention. In particular, Figure 3A shows a portion of filling valve 3 without said gasket. In this figure one can see that fixed element 32 and mobile element 34 are arranged coaxial to said longitudinal axis "L", thus defining said duct 30 of filling valve 3.
[0082] In Figure 3A one can see that said fixed element 32 defines an inner wall 320, and that mobile element 34 is arranged within fixed element 32. Said mobile element 34 comprises, at its end, said mouth 343 adapted to join inner wall 340 to outer wall 341 of said mobile element 34 with no edges. On said outer wall 341, said mobile element 34 comprises a first housing 342 adapted to house the gasket according to the present invention. Figure 3A also shows a second housing 344, e.g. adapted to house a guide bushing (not shown).
[0083] Figure 3B shows filling valve 3 of Figure 3A with gasket 4 suitably housed therein. In Figure 3B one can see that sealing portion 44 permits joining inner wall 320 of fixed element 32 to inner wall 340 of mobile element 34, e.g. through said mouth 343 of mobile element 34, thereby ensuring continuity of the liquid flow in duct 30 of filling valve 3 also when mobile element 34 is moving relative to said fixed element 32 along said longitudinal axis "L". In particular, inner wall 40 of gasket 4 allows the liquid to slide along sealing portion 44 from fixed element 32 to mobile element 34.
[0084] The same inner wall 40 of gasket 4 is housed, at connection portion 42, in the first housing 342 formed in outer wall 341 of mobile element 34, in proximity to mouth 343 of mobile element 34.
[0085] In addition, outer wall 41 of gasket 4 acts, at sealing portion 44, upon inner wall 320 of fixed element 32. Advantageously, said sealing portion 44 flexes and assumes an arched shape.
[0086] As concerns filling valve 3 according to the present invention, Figures 4A and 4B show filling valve 3 according to the present invention in two different operating configurations. In particular, these figures show filling valve 3 comprised in a filling device 2, which is adapted to be comprised in a filling machine 1.
[0087] Figure 4A shows filling valve 3 in a first operating configuration. In particular, Figure 4A shows said filling valve 3, comprised in a filling device 2, in the open configuration, wherein said shutter 31 permits the flow of liquids in said duct 30. In Figure 4A one can see the duct 30, which comprises a fixed element 32 within which there is a coaxial mobile element 34 adapted to move along a longitudinal axis "L".
[0088] Figure 4A also shows how gasket 4 connects inner wall 320 of fixed element 32 to inner wall 340 of mobile element 34, thus ensuring a continuous flow of liquid in duct 30 of filling valve 3. In particular, inner wall 40 of gasket 4 allows, at the sealing portion thereof, the liquid to slide from fixed element 32 to mobile element 34. At the connection portion, the same inner wall 40 of gasket 4 is housed in the first housing formed in outer wall 341 of mobile element 34, in proximity to mouth 343 of mobile element 34.
[0089] Figure 4A also shows further details of one possible embodiment of filling valve 3, in particular of shutter 31, which is adapted to close said duct 30 at its lower part, in particular at its bottom. In the illustrated embodiment, said shutter 31 is integral with a compensation tube 23 comprised in filling device 2. Said compensation tube 23 is arranged coaxial to said mobile element 34, within the latter, thus defining an annular cross-section of said duct 30 through which the liquid can flow towards a container. Figure 4A also shows a centering device 21, comprised in said filling device 2, arranged under filling valve 3.
[0090] Figure 4B shows the same filling valve 3 of Figure 4A in a second operating configuration, or closed configuration. In particular, compared with Figure 4A, mobile element 34 of duct 30 has been moved by an actuator (not shown), which caused said mobile element 34 to slide along said longitudinal axis "L", in particular downwards, so that the distal end of mobile element 34, which is the end opposite to the one where gasket 4 is located, acts upon shutter 31 fixed to compensation tube 23, thereby interrupting the flow of liquid in said duct 30.
[0091] As mobile element 34 is moved between the two operating configurations, gasket 4 guarantees sealing continuity and a continuous flow of liquid in duct 30 until said duct 30 is closed by shutter 31. In fact, inner wall 40 of gasket 4 connects, at the sealing portion thereof, inner wall 320 of fixed element 32 to inner wall 340 of mobile element 34, e.g. through said mouth 343 of mobile element 34, thus ensuring a continuous flow of liquid in duct 30 of filling valve 3 until shutter 31 stops the liquid flow.
[0092] Filling valve 3 according to the present invention is particularly suited for association with a filling machine 1. Said filling machine 1 according to the present invention is particularly suited for precision filling of containers with liquids, particularly food-grade liquids.
[0093] Filling machine 1 according to the present invention comprises a tank 12 adapted to contain a liquid, e.g. a food-grade liquid, to be supplied into the containers.
[0094] Advantageously, said tank 12 is placed on a base 11 comprised in filling machine 1. Said base 11 is made of, for example, stainless steel.
[0095] Filling machine 1 according to the present invention comprises at least one filling device 2, preferably a plurality of filling devices 2. Each filling device 2 is adapted to fill said containers with said liquid. Advantageously, said filling device 2 is supported by said base 11 of filling machine 1. Each filling device 2 is arranged under said tank 12.
[0096] Said filling device 2 comprises at least one filling valve 3 according to the present invention.
[0097] Said filling valves 3 are arranged under said tank 12, which contains the liquid.
[0098] More generally, the number of said filling devices 2, and hence the number of said filling valves 3, will depend on the production rate of filling machine 1.
[0099] In one possible embodiment, said filling machine 1 comprises also a rotary carousel 13 adapted to move a plurality of filling devices 2 along a path, preferably a circular path, to execute the phases of a filling process.
[0100] In one possible embodiment, said lifting device 22 is at least one piston 22 adapted to move in order to execute a filling process, in particular adapted to lift a container to bring it closer to filling valve 3 for the execution of the filling phase, and to lower it at the end of the filling phase in order to allow the container to move on towards the other processing stations of a production plant.
[0101] In one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of filling machine 1 according to the present invention, said filling machine 1 is an isobaric filling machine. For the purposes of the present description, the term "isobaric filling machine" refers to a filling machine 1 wherein the container is filled at the same pressure as that in tank 12 containing the liquid to be supplied into the container.
[0102] In another possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of filling machine 1 according to the present invention, said filling machine 1 is a gravity-type filling machine.
[0103] In yet another possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of filling machine 1 according to the present invention, said filling machine 1 is a high-vacuum filling machine.
[0104] Describing now in more detail one possible embodiment of filling machine 1 according to the present invention, Figure 5 shows one possible, but merely illustrative and non-limiting, embodiment of a filling machine 1 according to the present invention. This figure shows a tank 12, annular in shape, under which there are a plurality of filling devices 2, each one comprising a filling valve 3, a centering device 21, and a lifting device 22. Filling machine 1 further comprises a base 11, which supports both tank 12 and the plurality of filling devices 2. In the embodiment of the filling machine illustrated in Figure 5, filling machine 1 comprises a rotary carousel 13, circular in shape, along which the plurality of filling devices 2 can turn and execute the various phases of a container filling process.
[0105] The illustrated embodiment of filling machine 1 includes a large number of filling devices 2 arranged on a big rotary carousel 13; therefore, the conformation of tank 12 is such as to facilitate the filling of the containers. More generally, the shape of tank 12, the shape of the base, and the shape of carousel 13 may vary according to the number of filling devices 2 comprised in filling machine 1 and to specific requirements.
[0106] Gasket 4 applied to filling valves 3 according to the present invention prevents the formation of any chambers where liquid may stagnate, since its profile allows the liquid to slide, in particular also when said mobile element 34 is moving relative to said fixed element 32.
[0107] The present invention facilitates the cleaning of filling valve 3, and particularly of gasket 4.
[0108] Furthermore, gasket 4 according to the present invention is less subject to wear, thus lasting longer and requiring less maintenance on filling valve 3, e.g. reducing the number of gasket replacements necessary over a certain period of time compared with prior-art solutions.REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0109] Filling machine1Base11Tank12Rotary carousel13Filling device2Centering device21Lifting device22Compensation tube23Filling valve3Duct30Shutter31Fixed element32Inner wall320Mobile element34Inner wall340Outer wall341First housing342Mouth343Second housing344Gasket4Inner wall40Outer wall41Connection portion42Sealing portion44Angle"α"Longitudinal axis"L"
Claims
1. Filling valve (3) for filling containers with liquids, for filling machines (1), comprising: - a duct (30) adapted to allow liquids to flow from a tank (12), comprised in a filling machine (1), to a container; - at least one shutter (31) adapted to at least selectively interrupt the flow of liquids in said duct (30); - a fixed element (32), adapted to define a first tract of said duct (30), comprising an inner wall (320); - a mobile element (34), adapted to move relative to said fixed element (32), fluidically connected to said fixed element (32), defining a second tract of said duct (30), comprising an inner wall (340) and an outer wall (341); - at least one gasket (4) adapted to ensure tightness between said mobile element (34) and said fixed element (32) also when the mobile element (34) is moving relative to said fixed element (32), thus ensuring a continuous flow of fluid in said duct (30); said gasket (4) comprising: - a connection portion (42) adapted to be suitably housed in a first housing (342); and - a sealing portion (44); said gasket (4) is a lip gasket and said sealing portion (44) has such an angle (α) as to fluidically join said fixed element (32) to said mobile element (34), thereby facilitating the liquid flow; - said filling valve (3) being characterized in that said angle (α) of said sealing portion (44) is between 30° and 60°; and - said lip gasket (4) is a reverse lip gasket.
2. Filling valve (3) according to claim 1, wherein said sealing portion (44) has a tapered shape.
3. Filling valve (3) according to claim 1, wherein: - said first housing (342), in which said gasket (4) is housed, is comprised in the outer wall (341) of said mobile element (34); - said sealing portion (44) of said gasket (4) is adapted to act upon said inner wall (320) of said fixed element (32); - said angle (α) is such as to fluidically join the inner wall (320) of said fixed element (32) to the inner wall (340) of said mobile element (34).
4. Filling valve (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said mobile element (34) is adapted to move relative to said fixed element (32) coaxially thereto, along a longitudinal axis (L) of the duct (30).
5. Filling valve (3) according to claim 4, wherein said mobile element (34) moves telescopically relative to said fixed element (32).
6. Filling valve (3) according to claim 1 or 3, wherein said mobile element (34) defines a mouth (343) having a rounded profile with no edges in the transition between said outer wall (341) and said inner wall (340) of the mobile element (34).
7. Filling machine for precision filling of containers with food-grade liquids, comprising: - a tank (12) adapted to contain a liquid to be supplied into the containers; - at least one filling device (2) adapted to allow filling said containers with said liquid; each filling device (2) comprising at least one filling valve (3) according to claim 1.
8. Filling machine according to claim 7, wherein said filling machine is of the isobaric, gravity or high-vacuum type.