Filling valve providing sealing with linear valve movement

Abstract

The present invention, as described in detail herein and intended to achieve all objectives mentioned, pertains to a system that enables the filling of liquid phase products, conveyed via at least one inlet (G), into packaging through at least one outlet (Ç). This system comprises at least one body (31), which integrates with at least one filling group (20) equipped with at least one volume metering chamber (21) of predefined capacity, filled through at least one storage outlet (D). Furthermore, the filling valve (10), in association with the body (31), includes at least one control unit (30) designed to regulate product flow between the volume metering chamber (21) and the specified inlets (G) and outlets (Ç). The invention facilitates efficient flow control and filling accuracy through precise coordination between the volume metering chamber and control unit, achieving optimized performance in handling various liquid phase products for packaging applications.

Description

[0001] FILLING VALVE PROVIDING SEALING WITH LINEAR VALVE MOVEMENT

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The invention relates to a filling valve for the packaging of liquid products.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Filling valves are industrial equipment used in the packaging process of various liquids. These valves are designed to fill a wide range of products, from beverages to pharmaceuticals, into bottles, cans, cartons, or other types of packaging. Filling valves are utilized to enhance efficiency and speed in the production process, maintain consistent product quality, and reduce labor costs.

[0006] The patent with application number US2013220481 A1 , known in the literature, describes a filling element that includes a channel, which forms a dispensing opening for filling a container. A valve positioned within the channel controls the opening and closing functions of the filling element.

[0007] The mentioned valve is connected to sources for the primary and additional components of the filling via a control valve device. Additionally, it contains a filling material section, which forms a cavity that is common to these components. This element houses flow meters that measure the volumetric flow of the filling material and generate corresponding electrical measurement signals. This design reveals an optimized filling element intended to ensure a controlled and efficient filling process.

[0008] Existing filling valves use 90-degree valves to control the flow of liquids. These valves are specialized types, typically designed to control liquid flow. Such valves are generally used in the liquid paths of filling valves to change the direction of liquid flow or to stop / start the flow. As the name suggests, a 90-degree valve has a mechanism that directs the liquid flow at a 90- degree angle.

[0009] However, when 90-degree valves are used, leakage occurs when the valve directs the product into the chamber where its volume is determined. In the first step, where the product is filled into a chamber of the desired volume for packaging, leakage from the valve's outer surface results in the product dripping downward into the packaging. Before reaching the second step — product packaging — this leakage partially fills the package, and then the desired volume of the product in the chamber is also packaged, resulting in overfilled packages. This leads to products being packaged in varying volumes each time. In other words, each filling operation results in an additional amount of product due to valve leakage. Since the leakage varies in amount each time, the volume of each packaged product also differs. Consequently, product loss occurs, leading to financial losses.

[0010] As a result, all of the aforementioned issues have made it necessary to introduce an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention relates to a filling valve aimed at eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages and introducing new advantages to the relevant technical field. One objective of the invention is to provide a filling valve that ensures an equal amount of product is delivered to each package. Another objective of the invention is to provide a filling valve suitable for filling beverages containing particulates.

[0013] To achieve all the objectives mentioned above and those outlined in the detailed description below, the present invention includes at least one body with an inlet for directing liquid-phase products and an outlet for filling the product into packaging. This body is connected to at least one filling group, which includes a volumetric chamber with a pre-defined volume, allowing the product to fill this chamber through an inlet in the body. The filling valve also includes at least one control group connected to the body, allowing the product to flow through the volumetric chamber and controlling the flow between the inlet and outlet.

[0014] Accordingly, the innovation requires that the filling group include at least one actuator to transfer the product from the volumetric chamber to the outlet. The control group must contain at least one flow director that, connected to an additional actuator, moves along the X-axis within the body. This flow director can shift between a first position, where the product is directed to the volumetric chamber, and a second position, where the product is directed from the chamber to the outlet. The flow director includes an L-shaped path in the first position, allowing the product from the inlet to fill the volumetric chamber, and an l-shaped path in the second position, enabling the product in the volumetric chamber to be transferred to the packaging through the outlet. Thus, during the filling of the volumetric chamber, the flow director provides complete sealing in the first position, preventing product leakage into the packaging.

[0015] A feature of a possible configuration of the invention is that the actuator is a pneumatic piston. This helps prevent issues such as hydraulic oil contamination of food products. Another feature of a possible configuration of the invention is that it includes at least one sealing element provided between the filling group and the body, as well as at least one sealing element provided between the flow director and the body, with the sealing element being an o-ring. This enhances the sealing capability.

[0016] Another feature of a possible configuration of the invention is that it enables the packaging of fruit juices containing fruit particles. This allows for the precise dosing of fruit juices into the desired packaging. Additionally, the mentioned L-shaped path has a circular cross-section along the Y-axis, and the mentioned l-shaped path also has a circular cross-section along the Y-axis, ensuring a smooth flow.

[0017] Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Figure 1 shows a front sectional view of the flow director in the filling valve of the invention in the first position, directing the product from the product chamber to the volumetric chamber.

[0019] Figure 2 presents an isometric sectional view of the flow director in the filling valve of the invention in the first position.

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates a front sectional view of the flow director in the filling valve of the invention in the second position, directing the product from the volumetric chamber to the packaging.

[0021] Figure 4 provides an isometric sectional view of the flow director in the filling valve of the invention in the second position.

[0022] Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments

[0023] In this detailed description, the filling valve (10) of the invention is explained with examples that do not impose any limiting effects, aimed at better understanding the subject. Figure 1 shows a front sectional view of the flow director (32) in the filling valve (10) in the first position (I). The filling valve (10) facilitates the packaging of liquid, liquid-particle, and liquid-fiber (pulp) mixture products (not shown in the figures), particularly fruit juice containing fruit particles (50).The filling valve (10) includes at least one body (31 ). The mentioned body (31 ) contains a cavity that allows the product to pass through. Essentially, the body (31 ) includes at least one channel extending along the X-axis (x) and at least one channel extending along the Y-axis (y), both of which pass through the side and top surfaces. The channel extending along the X- axis (x) forms at least one inlet (G) that facilitates the entry of the product into the volumetric chamber. The channel extending along the Y-axis (y) contains at least one storage outlet (D) that allows the product to be conveyed to at least one volumetric chamber (21 ), where the product is stored in a specific volume for packaging, and at least one outlet ( ) that facilitates the transfer to the packaging.To clarify further, the body (31 ) contains a plus-shaped cavity that opens to all four surfaces. The filling valve (10) includes at least one filling group (20). The mentioned filling group (20) contains at least one volumetric chamber (21 ). The volumetric chamber (21 ) has a capacity that allows the dosing of the product to the desired volume for packaging. The volumetric chamber (21 ) is in the shape of a hollow cylinder.

[0024] However, in alternative configurations, it can also have various polygonal geometries such as squares. The filling group (20) is connected to the upper part of the body (31 ) via the volumetric chamber (21 ) along the Y-axis (y). Therefore, the volumetric chamber (21 ) and the body (31 ) form a storage outlet (D) that allows the product to pass through due to the channel they contain on their facing surfaces. The filling process consists of two steps. In the first step, the product is conveyed from the inlet (G) connected to the product chamber to the body (31 ), passing through the storage (volumetric) outlet (D) and being stored in the volumetric chamber (21 ) at the desired volume, i.e., the volume to be packaged. In the second step, the product stored in the volumetric chamber (21) is discharged from the outlet ( ) and filled into the packaging.To carry out these operations, the filling valve (10) includes at least one control group (30). The mentioned control group (30) regulates the product flow, determining which outlets the product will pass through. To achieve this, it includes at least one flow diverter (32). The flow diverter (32) essentially functions as a valve. The flow diverter (32) is in a cylindrical shape, but it can also have various polygonal geometries, such as triangular or square, in alternative configurations.

[0025] The flow diverter (32) extends into the body (31), meaning it passes into the mentioned channel without leaking liquid. The flow diverter (32) can move within the body (31 ), specifically in the channel extending along the X-axis (x) of the body (31 ). To facilitate this movement, the control group (30) includes at least one actuator (40). The mentioned actuator (40) is located at least at one end of the flow diverter (32). The actuator (40) is a pneumatic piston; however, in alternative configurations, it can also be a linear actuator or hydraulic piston that allows for linear movement. To enhance the sealing, the filling valve includes at least one sealing element (60). The mentioned sealing element (60) is an O-ring. It is provided between the flow diverter (32) and the body (31 ). Additionally, there can also be a sealing element (60) between the volumetric chamber (21 ) and the body (31 ). The flow diverter (32) contains at least one L path (321 ). The mentioned L path (321 ) is essentially a feature within the flow diverter (32). The L path (321 ) has a curved structure, which helps prevent flow turbulence. The L path (321 ) has a circular cross-section. The L path (321 ) extends both along the X-axis (x) and the Y-axis (y), appearing as an L shape when viewed from the front. To convey the product to the volumetric chamber (21 ), the movement of the flow diverter (32) along the X-axis (x) positions the L path (321 ) between the inlet (G) and the filling outlet (D). During this first situation (I), because the L path (321 ) essentially acts as a channel, the product conveyed from the inlet (G) flows sequentially through the L path (321 ) and the filling outlet (D) into the volumetric chamber (21 ). Thus, the product with a predetermined volume is stored in the volumetric chamber (21 ) at the desired volume, making it ready for filling into the packaging in the next step.

[0026] The flow diverter (32) contains at least one I path (322). The mentioned I path (322) is essentially a feature within the flow diverter (32). The I path (322) extends along the Y-axis (y). When viewed along the Y-axis (y), the I path (322) has a circular cross-section. However, alternative designs may also incorporate polygonal geometries, such as squares. In cross- sectional view, it appears in the shape of an I. The filling group (20) includes at least one movement provider (40). The mentioned movement provider (40) operates by moving in the positive Y direction (+y 5), drawing the product from the product reservoir (21 ) into the volumetric chamber. The product stored in the volumetric chamber can be filled into the packaging by moving in the negative Y direction (-y). The movement provider (40) may include a scraper at least at one of its ends (not shown in the figures). The mentioned scraper is configured to completely scrape the inner diameter of the volumetric chamber (21 ), preventing any product from remaining in the volumetric chamber during the movement of the provider (40) in the -Y direction, which is downward when viewed from the front, as shown in Figure 1 . With the movement of the flow diverter (32) along the X-axis (x) aligning the I path (322) with the outlet ( ), the effect of gravity causes the product to move downward along the Y-axis (y).

[0027] However, both the product and the particles (50) are configured to scrape against the inner surfaces of the volumetric chamber (21 ) by the mentioned movement provider (40). Thus, the inner surface of the volumetric chamber (21 ) is thoroughly scraped, ensuring that the product is delivered to the packaging within acceptable values each time.

[0028] In light of all that has been described, the invention operates as follows: When the flow diverter (32) is in the first position (I), the product is conveyed through the entry mouth (G) to the L path (321 ) located within the body (31 ). The product then passes through the L path (321 ) and is filled into the volumetric chamber (21 ) via the storage mouth (D). At this moment, the product is stored in the specified volume for packaging. After this process, the product must be delivered to the packaging. To achieve this, the flow diverter (32) moves in the +X direction via the movement provider (40); here, the +X direction is to the right when viewed from the front, as shown in Figure 1 . With this movement, the I path (322) in the flow diverter (32) is positioned between the storage mouth (D) and the outlet ( ), meaning it has reached the second position (II). Currently, the product stored in the volumetric chamber (21 ) flows towards the packaging due to gravity.

[0029] However, to ensure that all the product entering the volumetric chamber (21 ) is conveyed, another movement provider (40) located in the filling group (20) also moves in the -Y direction; this direction is downward when viewed from the front, as shown in Figure 1 , scraping the product remaining on the inner walls of the volumetric chamber (21 ) and delivering it to the packaging. In the next step, the flow diverter (32) moves in the -X direction, positioning the L path (321 ) between the entry mouth (G) and the storage mouth (D), allowing the process to continue repetitively. The flow of the product and the movement of the provider (40) are illustrated with arrows in Figures 1 and 3. Thus, after each filling operation, the product is packaged within acceptable volume values, preventing product and cost losses resulting from volume discrepancies.

[0030] The scope of protection for the invention is specified in the claims attached herein and should not be limited to the examples described in this detailed explanation. It is evident that a person skilled in the art can create similar structures without deviating from the main theme of the invention based on the above descriptions.

[0031] Reference numbers in the figure

[0032] 10 Filling Valve

[0033] 20 Filling Group

[0034] 21 Volumetric Chamber

[0035] 30 Control Group

[0036] 31 Body

[0037] 32 Flow Diverter

[0038] 321 L Path

[0039] 322 I Path

[0040] 40 Movement Provider

[0041] 50 Particle

[0042] 60 Sealing Element First Position Second Position (x) X Axis

[0043] (y) Y Axis

[0044] (G) Entry Mouth

[0045] (D) Storage Mouth

[0046] ( ) Outlet Mouth

Claims

Claims1 . The invention relates to a filling valve (10) that comprises at least one body (31 ) allowing liquid phase products, conveyed through at least one inlet (G), to be filled into packaging through at least one outlet (Q). The aforementioned body (31) is associated with at least one filling group (20) that includes at least one volume metering chamber (21 ) possessing a predetermined volume, which is filled through at least one storage outlet (D). The filling valve (10) includes at least one control unit (30) that can control the flow of the product between the volume-metering chamber (21 ) and the aforementioned inlets (G) and outlets ( ). The filling group (20) contains at least one actuator (40) that facilitates the transfer of the product contained in the volume-metering chamber (21 ) to the outlet ( ), and the control unit (30) is linked to at least one additional actuator (40). This allows the control unit (30) to move along the X-axis (x) within the body (31 ), switching between a first position (I) where the product is directed into the volume metering chamber (21 ) and a second position (II) where the product is directed from the volume metering chamber (21) to the outlet ( ). The flow director (32) included in the valve contains at least one L-path (321 ) that allows the product conveyed from the inlet (G) to fill the volume metering chamber (21 ) in the first position (I). Furthermore, the flow director (32) includes at least one L-path (322) in the second position (II) that allows the product contained in the volume-metering chamber (21 ) to be delivered to the packaging via the outlet ( ).

2. The filling valve (10) according to claim 1 is characterized by the actuator (40) being a pneumatic piston.

3. The filling valve (10) according to claim 1 is characterized by including at least one sealing element (60) provided between the filling group (20) and the body (31 ).

4. The filling valve (10) according to claim 1 is characterized by including at least one sealing element (60) provided between the flow director (32) and the body (31 ).

5. The filling valve (10) according to claims 3 or 4 is characterized by the sealing element (60) being an O-ring.

6. The filling valve (10) according to claim 1 is characterized by enabling the packaging of fruit juices containing fruit particles (50).

7. The filling valve (10) according to claim 1 is characterized by the L-path (321) having a circular cross-section along the Y-axis (y).

8. The filling valve (10) according to claim 1 is characterized by the l-path (322) having a circular cross-section along the Y-axis (y).

Images