A filling valve designed to ensure cleaning of all product-contact surfaces

Abstract

To achieve all objectives described above and detailed below, this invention provides a filling valve (10) with at least one filling assembly (20) that enables the cleaning of the filling valve (10) used for packaging liquid products. The novelty of this invention includes the following features: the filling assembly (20) includes at least one volumetric chamber (21) for dosing the product to be packaged, at least one actuator (40) with a lower surface (41) capable of moving along the y-axis within the volumetric chamber (21), and at least one second chamber (212).

Description

[0001] A FILLING VALVE DESIGNED TO ENSURE CLEANING OF ALL PRODUCT-CONTACT SURFACES

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The invention relates to a filling valve comprising at least one filling group, designed to facilitate the cleaning of a filling valve used for the packaging of liquid products.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Filling valves are industrial equipment used in the packaging of various liquids, designed to fill containers like bottles, cans, cartons, or other types of packaging with a wide range of products, from beverages to pharmaceuticals. These valves play a crucial role in enhancing production efficiency, increasing speed, maintaining consistent product quality, and reducing labor costs within the manufacturing process.

[0006] The CIP (Clean-ln-Place) solution is a specialized cleaning solution widely used in industrial and manufacturing facilities, particularly in the food processing, beverage production, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. The CIP system enables effective cleaning of equipment and pipelines in place without requiring disassembly. This approach significantly boosts efficiency and hygiene standards within production processes. Therefore, ensuring that every surface in contact with liquid products, especially food items, is thoroughly cleaned in filling valves used for packaging such products is of utmost importance.

[0007] In existing filling valves, the process of transferring products from a metering chamber to packaging often leads to contamination risks. During packaging, products collected in the metering chamber are conveyed by a piston. However, as the piston pushes the product toward the packaging, some of it leaks into the section of the metering chamber behind the piston, defined as the "second chamber." This issue arises because when the piston pushes the stored product, the gap formed between the piston tip and piston body (second chamber) allows a portion of the product to escape.

[0008] When the piston retracts along the Y-axis and returns to its closed position, the escaped product in the second chamber inevitably comes into contact with newly filled product in the metering chamber. This situation poses contamination risks, as the product remaining in the second chamber can deteriorate over time, leading to contamination of subsequently packaged products. This introduces potential health hazards if the system is not adequately cleaned, creating the need for either frequent manual disassembly and cleaning or risking compromised hygiene.

[0009] As a result, these issues underscore the need for innovation in the field, compelling the development of new solutions within this technical area to address these contamination challenges effectively.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] The current 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 the cleaning of every surface that comes into contact with the product. Another objective is to present a filling valve that can be cleaned automatically without requiring manual disassembly for cleaning.

[0012] To achieve all the objectives mentioned above and those arising from the detailed description below, the present invention involves a filling valve equipped with at least one filling group that facilitates the cleaning of a filling valve used for packaging liquid products. The novelty of the invention lies in the fact that the aforementioned filling group includes at least one volumetric chamber where the product to be packaged is volumetrically measured, incorporates at least one actuator with at least one lower surface capable of moving along the y-axis within the volumetric chamber, and contains at least one second chamber positioned in the +y direction relative to the aforementioned lower surface. Additionally, the filling valve comprises at least one conveying pipe that facilitates the delivery of a cleaning agent to the second chamber, as well as at least one drainage pipe that allows for the evacuation of the cleaning agent from the second chamber. Thus, the second chamber, which is the rear section of the actuator, can be effectively cleaned.

[0013] A potential feature of the invention is that the cleaning agent is a Clean-ln-Place (CIP) solution. This enables efficient cleaning of the inner surfaces of equipment and piping, effectively removing dirt, microorganisms, and product residues.

[0014] The potential structure of the invention includes at least one first chamber positioned in the -y direction relative to the lower surface of the volumetric chamber. Additionally, the potential structure of the invention comprises at least one body that is connected to the filling group and has at least one channel that allows for the passage of the cleaning agent. This body includes at least one inlet that permits the entry of the cleaning agent and at least one storage outlet that facilitates fluid transition between the body and the volumetric chamber. As a result, the passage of the cleaning agent into the first chamber becomes possible. The potential structure of the invention includes at least one control group connected to the body, wherein the control group is linked to at least one additional actuator. This arrangement enables the movement of a flow diverter within the body along the X-axis between a first position, where the cleaning agent is directed into the volumetric chamber, and a second position, where the cleaning agent is directed to the discharge outlet of the volumetric chamber. Consequently, the flow diverter can move between the first and second positions, facilitating the cleaning of both the first and second chambers.

[0015] Furthermore, the potential structure of the invention features at least one L-path within the flow diverter that allows for the filling of the volumetric chamber with the product conveyed from the inlet in the first position. This arrangement establishes a connection between the inlet and the storage outlet. Additionally, the potential structure includes at least one l-path within the flow diverter that enables the discharge of the cleaning agent from the volumetric chamber through the discharge outlet in the second position. This setup allows for the connection between the storage outlet and the discharge outlet.

[0016] Moreover, the actuator in the potential structure is a pneumatic piston. This configuration ensures a clean environment and prevents the potential contamination of food products with hydraulic fluids, such as oils.

[0017] Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a representative isometric view of the filling valve according to the invention.

[0019] Figure 2 shows another representative isometric view of the filling valve according to the invention.

[0020] Figure 3 presents a representative front sectional view of the filling valve in the first position.

[0021] Figure 4 provides a representative isometric sectional view of the filling valve in the first position.

[0022] Figure 5 depicts a representative side sectional view of the filling valve in the second position.

[0023] Figure 6 displays a representative front sectional view of the filling valve in the second position.

[0024] Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments

[0025] In this detailed description, the filling valve (10) of the invention is explained with examples that do not impose any limiting effect, aimed solely at better understanding the subject. Figure 1 provides a representative isometric view of the filling valve (10) of the invention. The filling valve (10) is designed to package liquid, liquid-particle, and liquid-pulp mixture products (not shown in the figures), particularly fruit juice containing fruit particles. It is critically important to ensure the cleaning of all surfaces where these products come into contact within the filling valve (10). To achieve this, at least one cleaning agent is utilized to maintain the cleanliness of the filling valve (10). A cleaning agent is passed through every section of the valve where the product flows. Therefore, while the cleaning agent's passage through the filling valve (10) is explained below, it is evident that the product will also pass through. The mentioned cleaning agent is a CIP (Clean-ln-Place) solution. However, alternative constructions may employ different cleaning agents.

[0026] The filling valve (10) includes at least one body (31 ). The body (31 ) features a cavity that allows the passage of the cleaning agent. Essentially, the body (31 ) contains at least one channel extending in both the x-axis (x) and y-axis (y) directions from its side and top surfaces. The channel extending along the x-axis (x) forms at least one inlet (G) that enables the entry of the cleaning agent into the valve (10). The channel extending along the y-axis (y) includes at least one storage outlet (D) for delivering the cleaning agent to at least one volumetric chamber (21 ) where the product has come into contact during packaging, allowing for the cleaning of the mentioned volumetric chamber (21). Additionally, it comprises at least one outlet ( ) that permits the discharge of the cleaning agent from the filling valve (10). To clarify further, the body (31 ) features a cross-shaped cavity that opens to all four surfaces inside.

[0027] The filling valve (10) comprises at least one filling group (20). The mentioned filling group (20) includes at least one volumetric chamber (21 ). The volumetric chamber (21 ) possesses a volume equal to that of the product to be packaged. The volumetric chamber (21 ) is shaped like a hollow cylinder; however, alternative configurations may feature various polygonal geometries, such as square shapes. The filling group (20) connects to the upper part of the body (31 ) via the volumetric chamber (21 ) in the y-axis (y) direction. Thus, as defined above, the storage outlet (D) essentially forms an opening through which the cleaning agent can pass due to the channel present on the surfaces facing each other of the volumetric chamber (21 ) and the body (31 ). The filling group (20) contains at least one actuator (40). The actuator (40) can move along the y-axis (y) to convey the cleaning agent stored in the volumetric chamber (21) to the outlet ( ). The actuator (40) is configured to move within the volumetric chamber (21 ). Essentially, the actuator (40) is a pneumatic piston. The surface below the piston is referred to as the lower surface (41 ) according to the y-axis (y) direction.

[0028] The volumetric chamber (21 ) contains at least one first chamber (211 ). The first chamber (21 1) is the volume located beneath the actuator (40) in the filling group (20) along the y-axis (y). In other words, the volume between the storage outlet (D) and the lower surface (41 ) constitutes the first chamber (21 1 ). As the piston (40) moves, the lower surface (41 ) moves along the y- axis (y), resulting in an increase or decrease in the volume of the first chamber (211 ). The volumetric chamber (21 ) also contains at least one second chamber (212). The second chamber (212) is the volume located above the lower surface (41 ) along the y-axis (y). Similarly, the volume of the second chamber (212) can also increase or decrease.

[0029] The filling group (20) includes at least one transfer pipe (22). The transfer pipe (22) facilitates the passage of the cleaning agent to the second chamber (212). Therefore, the transfer pipe (22) is connected to at least one end of the volumetric chamber (21 ). To control the flow of the cleaning agent into the second chamber (212), the filling group (20) contains at least one valve (24). The mentioned valve (24) is a F1 opening valve. This way, the portion of the product that has leaked into the rear side of the piston (40) within the volumetric chamber (21 ) is also cleaned. The filling group (20) contains at least one drainage pipe (23). The drainage pipe (23) facilitates the discharge of the cleaning agent that has been transferred to the second chamber (212). Thus, the cleaning agent conveyed to the back of the piston (40) can be discharged from the second chamber (212) with the +y axis (+y) movement of the piston (40).

[0030] In light of all these descriptions, the operation of the invention is as follows: When the flow diverter (32) is in the first position (I), the cleaning agent is delivered through the L path (321 ) located within the body (31 ) via the inlet (G). Meanwhile, the valve (24) restricts the flow of the cleaning agent to the second chamber (212), meaning it is closed. The cleaning agent is filled into the first chamber (21 1 ) through the storage outlet (D) after passing through the L path (321 ). Following this operation, the cleaning agent needs to be discharged from the filling valve (10) via the outlet ( ). To achieve this, the flow diverter (32) moves in the +x direction, where the +x axis refers to the direction to the right when viewed from the front as shown in Figure 1 , via the actuator (40). With this movement, the I path (322) in the flow diverter (32) positions itself between the storage outlet (D) and the discharge outlet ( ), thus reaching the second position (II). Currently, the cleaning agent in the volumetric chamber (21 ) flows toward the discharge outlet ( ) due to gravity. However, to ensure the complete discharge of the cleaning agent entering the first chamber (211 ), another actuator (40) in the filling group (20) moves in the -y direction (-y) to expel the cleaning agent from the discharge outlet ( ). During this process, the valve (24) opens to allow the transfer pipe (22) to send the cleaning agent to the second chamber (212). Consequently, the amount of cleaning agent sent to the second chamber (212) increases along with the movement of the actuator (40) in the -y direction (-y). Before transitioning back to the first position, the valve (24) is closed to prevent the CIP solution, i.e., the cleaning agent, from entering the second chamber. Upon returning to the first position (I), the mentioned actuator (40) moves in the +y direction (+y) to compress the cleaning agent in the second chamber (212) toward the drainage pipe (23). This effectively cleans the second chamber (212). This described cycle continues until the cleaning process is complete. The flow of the cleaning agent and the movement of the actuator (40) are illustrated with arrows in Figures 1 , 3, 5, and 6.

[0031] Additionally, to enhance sealing, the filling valve (10) includes at least one sealing element (60). The sealing element (60) is an o-ring and is provided between the flow diverter (32) and the body (31 ). Furthermore, there may also be a sealing element (60) between the volumetric chamber (21 ) and the body (31 ). Thus, it is possible to clean the residual product remaining at the rear of the piston (40) in the volumetric chamber (21 ) via the filling valve (10). This ensures that all surfaces that come into contact with the product can be cleaned, effectively eliminating contamination risks and preventing situations that could pose health risks.

[0032] The protective scope of the invention is specified in the claims attached hereto and should not be limited to the examples provided in this detailed description. It is evident that a person skilled in the art could develop similar structures based on the aforementioned descriptions without deviating from the main theme of the invention.

[0033] Reference numbers in the figure

[0034] 10 Filling Valve

[0035] 20 Filling Assembly

[0036] 21 Volumetric Chamber

[0037] 211 First Chamber

[0038] 212 Second Chamber

[0039] 22 Supply Pipe

[0040] 23 Discharge Pipe

[0041] 24 Valve

[0042] 30 Control Assembly

[0043] 31 Body

[0044] 32 Flow Director 321 L-Path

[0045] 322 l-Path

[0046] 40 Actuator

[0047] 41 Lower Surface

[0048] 50 Cleaning Agent

[0049] 60 Sealing Element

[0050] (I) First Position

[0051] (II) Second Position

[0052] (x) X-Axis

[0053] (y) Y-Axis

[0054] (+y) +Y Axis

[0055] (-y) -Y Axis

[0056] (G) Inlet

[0057] (D) Storage Inlet

[0058] (Q) Outlet

Claims

Claims1 . The present invention relates to a filling valve (10) with at least one filling assembly (20), designed to facilitate the cleaning of the filling valve (10) used in packaging liquid products. The novelty of the invention lies in that the filling assembly (20) includes at least one volumetric chamber (21 ) in which the product to be packaged is metered. The filling assembly (20) further comprises at least one actuator (40) with a lower surface (41 ) capable of moving along the y-axis within the volumetric chamber (21 ). The volumetric chamber (21 ) includes at least one second chamber (212) located in the +y direction relative to the lower surface (41 ), with at least one supply pipe (22) to convey a cleaning agent to the second chamber (212), and at least one discharge pipe (23) to drain the cleaning agent from the second chamber (212).

2. A filling valve (10) according to Claim 1 , wherein at least one valve (24) controls the flow of the cleaning agent into the second chamber (212).

3. A filling valve (10) according to Claim 1 , wherein the cleaning agent is a CIP (clean-in- place) fluid.

4. A filling valve (10) according to Claim 1 , wherein the filling assembly (20) is associated with a body (31 ) that includes at least one channel permitting the passage of the cleaning agent.

5. A filling valve (10) according to Claim 4, wherein the body (31 ) includes at least one inlet (G) allowing entry of the cleaning agent and at least one storage opening (D) permitting fluid communication with the volumetric chamber (21 ).

6. A filling valve (10) according to Claim 1 , wherein the volumetric chamber (21 ) further includes at least one first chamber (211 ) located in the -y direction relative to the lower surface (41 ).

7. A filling valve (10) according to Claim 4, wherein the body (31 ) includes at least one control assembly (30).

8. A filling valve (10) according to Claim 7, wherein the control assembly (30) is coupled with at least one additional actuator (40) and includes at least one flow director (32) capable of moving along the x-axis within the body (31 ). The flow director (32) transitions between afirst position (I), in which the cleaning agent is directed into the volumetric chamber (21), and a second position (II), in which the cleaning agent is directed from the volumetric chamber (21) to an outlet ( ).

9. A filling valve (10) according to Claim 8, wherein the flow director (32) includes at least one L-path (321) in the first position (I) to enable the product supplied from the inlet (G) to fill the volumetric chamber (21).

10. A filling valve (10) according to Claim 8, wherein the flow director (32) includes at least one l-path (322) in the second position (II) to discharge the cleaning agent from the volumetric chamber (21) through the outlet ( ).11 . A filling valve (10) according to Claim 1 , wherein the actuator (40) is a pneumatic piston.

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