FILLING MACHINE, IN PARTICULAR OF THE WEIGH FILLING TYPE, FOR FILLING CONTAINERS, SUCH AS FOR EXAMPLE BARRELS, BOTTLES, CANS AND/OR THE LIKE, AND THE RELATIVE FILLING METHOD

Description

[0001] The present invention concerns a filling machine, in particular of the weigh filling type, for filling containers, such as for example bottles, cans and/or the like, with at least one filling liquid.

[0002] Filling devices are known for example from EP 0 260 532 A1.

[0003] Another object of the present invention is a method for filling containers, such as for example bottles, cans and/or the like, with at least one filling liquid.

[0004] The object of the present invention is particularly used in the field of packing barrels, bottles, cans and/or similar containers which involves a series of machines and/or similar equipment for filling containers, bottles, cans and/or the like, with liquids of different nature.

[0005] As it is known, containers are typically filled through filling machines and/or similar devices that exploit different detection means to verify the filling status. Technology involving the aid of scales and/or flow measuring devices that instantaneously detect the amount of liquid that enters the respective container being filled, is widespread.

[0006] Based on the increasing weight value or on the amount of liquid dispensed, it is possible to reduce the flow rate of liquid coming out. Once the predetermined weight value and/or the predetermined value of dispensed volume corresponding to the filling status of the container has been reached, the dispensing is definitively interrupted so as to allow the filled -1-container to be removed and a new empty container to be positioned in order to be filled.

[0007] The dispensing of liquid is made possible by a valve that is connected to a proper feeding pipeline. The valve is controlled by a central control unit that manages the advance closure time of the latter during the final filling step.

[0008] In order to obtain the correct weight value and/or the correct value of dispensed volume, the advance time is established based on the data detected during the previous filling step.

[0009] Of course, such a detection and dispensing system operates correctly until the conditions of flow rate of the filling liquid during each filling cycle do not change.

[0010] If considering the variations of the distance between the dispensing nozzles and the pump of the feeding source for feeding the filling liquid and the fact that the same pump simultaneously supplies different dispensing nozzles, each provided with its own dispensing valve, the combination of these factors lead to disturbance to the feeding process of the filling liquid to the dispensing nozzles during the filling step. When this occurs, the dispensing nozzles receive the filling liquid under different conditions from the previous filling thus not managing to ensure the same desired weight value and/or the same desired value of dispensed volume.

[0011] It is also worth noting that at the end of the filling step each valve associated with the respective dispensing nozzle closes the respective piping completely and in a rapid manner generating, upstream thereof, the undesired phenomenon of water hammer that causes a substantial increase in pressure along the piping with the risk of producing considerable damage to the whole feeding system of the filling liquid.

[0012] The main purpose of the present invention is to propose a filling machine, in particular of the weigh filling type, for filling containers, such as for example barrels, bottles, cans and/or the like, with at least one filling liquid, and a filling method, which are capable of solving the problems found in the prior art. One purpose of the present invention is to ensure that the filling conditions are repeated during each filling cycle.

[0013] A further purpose of the present invention is to eliminate and/or drastically reduce water hammer due to the sudden closing of the valves of the dispensing nozzles.

[0014] The purposes specified above and yet others, are substantially achieved by a filling machine, in particular of the weigh filling type, for filling containers, such as for example barrels, bottles, cans and/or the like, with at least one filling liquid, and a relative filling method, according to what is described and claimed in the rest of the description. The description will be carried out in the rest of the description with reference to the attached drawings, provided purely as an indication and therefore not for limiting purposes, in which:

figure 1 is a schematic representation of a filling machine, in particular of the weigh filling type, for filling containers, such as for example barrels, bottles, cans and/or the like, with a filling liquid, in accordance with the present invention;

figure 2 is a perspective view of a collecting device of the filling machine according to figure 1, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

figure 3 is a section view of the collecting device of figure 2, shown in a first position;

figure 4 is a further section view of the collecting device of figures 2 and 3, illustrated in a second position;

figure 5 is a schematic representation of a collecting device of the filling machine according to figure 1, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

figure 6 is a schematic representation of a first filling step that can be actuated by means of the collecting device according to figures 2 to 4;

figure 7 is a schematic representation of a second filling step that can be actuated by means of the collecting device according to figures 2 to 4;

figure 8 is a schematic representation of a third filling step that can be actuated by means of the collecting device according to figures 2 to 4;

figure 9 is a schematic representation of a fourth filling step that can be actuated by means of the collecting device according to figures 2 to 4;

figure 10 is a schematic representation of a fifth filling step that can be actuated by means of the collecting device according to figures 2 to 4.

[0015] With reference to figure 1, reference numeral 1 wholly indicates a filling machine, in particular of the weigh filling type, for filling containers C, such as for example barrels, bottles, cans and/or the like, with at least one filling liquid 2, in accordance with the present invention.

[0016] The filling machine 1 comprises at least one feeding source 1a (schematically illustrated in figures 6 to 10) or a feeding joint (not illustrated), which is hydraulically connectable to a feeding source that does not form part of the filling machine 1, for feeding a filling liquid 2.

[0017] The filling machine 1 comprises at least one dispensing nozzle 3 (schematically represented with an arrow in figures 6 to 10), generally a plurality of dispensing nozzles 3, each in fluid communication with the feeding source 1a or the feeding joint for feeding the filling machine 1.

[0018] The filling machine 1, comprises for each dispensing nozzle 3, at least one main connection duct 4 extending between the latter and the feeding source 1a or the feeding joint of the same.

[0019] The filling machine 1 comprises, preferably for each dispensing nozzle 3 or for a group of dispensing nozzles 3, at least one control unit 5, optionally a valve element, like for example a solenoid valve or the like, operatively arranged along the respective main connection duct 4 between the feeding source 1a or the feeding joint for feeding the filling machine 1 and the respective dispensing nozzle 3.

[0020] Each control unit 5 is switchable between a closing condition (represented with the symbol 0 in figures 6, 9 and 10), wherein the respective dispensing nozzle 3 is not in fluid communication with the feeding source 1a or the feeding joint for feeding the filling machine 1, and an opening condition (represented with the symbol 1 in figures 7 and 8), in which the respective dispensing nozzle 3 is in fluid communication with the feeding source 1a or the feeding joint for feeding the filling machine 1 to dispense the filling liquid 2 being fed.

[0021] Advantageously, the switching of the closing unit 5 from the opening condition to the closing condition is carried out slowly, according to a programmable closing time that prevents the undesired occurrence of water hammer.

[0022] Every dispensing nozzle 3 is advantageously operatively associated with respective detection means (for detecting the weight or volume) 3a (schematically illustrated in figures 6 to 10) for detecting the filling status of the containers C (figures 6 to 10) being fed.

[0023] Advantageously, the detection means 3a comprise at least one weight sensor, like for example a scale, and/or a detection device for detecting the dispensed flow, so that the filling status is detected based on the increase in weight of the container C and/or of the amount of dispensed filling liquid 2.

[0024] The detection means 3a are operatively connected to the respective control unit 5 for switching the latter from the opening condition to the closing condition once a predetermined filling level has been achieved.

[0025] In accordance with an advantageous aspect of the present invention, the filling machine 1 comprises at least one collecting device 6 that is interposed between each dispensing nozzle 3 and the control unit 5. Each collecting device 6 is suitable for advantageously collecting a predetermined volume of filling liquid 2 coming from the feeding source 1a or from the feeding joint for feeding the filling machine 1 to supply at least one part of such a volume to the respective dispensing nozzle 3 after the switching of the respective control unit 5 from the opening condition (figures 7 and 8) to the closing condition (figure 9), according to a programmable closing time. As visible in the schematic figures 6 to 10, at least one control mechanism 7, optionally a valve element, like for example a solenoid valve or the like, is operatively interposed between each collecting device 6 and the respective dispensing nozzle 3. Each control mechanism 7 is switchable between a closing condition (indicated with the symbol 0 in figures 6 and 10), in which it is not in fluid communication with the respective dispensing nozzle 3, and an opening condition (indicated with the symbol 1 in figures from 7 to 9), in which it is in fluid communication with the respective dispensing nozzle 3.

[0026] As visible in figures 3 to 10, each collecting device 6 comprises at least one collecting compartment 8 for collecting the filling liquid 2 that comes from the feeding source 1a or from the feeding joint for feeding the filling machine 1.

[0027] Advantageously, the collecting compartment 8 is in fluid communication with the respective main connection duct 4 being, consequently, hydraulically arranged in series between the respective control unit 5 and the respective dispensing nozzle 3.

[0028] It should be noted however that for the purposes of the present invention, each collecting device 6 can also be in fluid communication with an auxiliary connection duct (not illustrated) which extends in parallel to at least one portion of the respective main connection duct 4 between the feeding source 1a or the feeding joint for feeding the filling machine 1 and the respective control mechanism 7.

[0029] Preferably, each collecting device 6 comprises pushing means 9 operatively associated with the respective collecting compartment 8 to send the filling liquid 2 therein contained to the respective dispensing nozzle 3 when the respective control mechanism 7 is in the opening condition (figure 9) and the respective control member 5 is in the closing condition (figure 9).

[0030] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 4 and 6 to 10, each collecting device 6 comprises at least one cylinder 10 that defines in its inside, the respective collecting compartment 8.

[0031] Still with reference to figures 3, 4 and 6 to 10, each collecting device 6 also comprises at least one piston 11, forming part of the pushing means 9, which is operatively arranged inside the respective cylinder 10. The piston 11 is movable between a first position (figures 3, 8 and 9), in which the respective collecting compartment 8 has a maximum volume value for collecting the filling liquid 2, and a second position (figures 4, 6, 7 and 10), in which the respective collecting compartment 8 has a minimum volume value. Advantageously, the pushing means 9 further comprise at least one actuator 12, optionally an electric motor, and at least one transmission member 13, optionally a recirculation ball screw, operatively interposed between the respective actuator 12 and the respective piston 11 to direct the latter at least from the first position (figures 3, 8 and 9) to the second position (figures 4, 6, 7 and 10), preferably between the first and the second position.

[0032] When the pushing means 9 make the respective piston 11 move from the second (figures 4, 6, 7 and 10) to the first position (figures 3, 8 and 9) they determine a suction action of the filling liquid 2 present inside the respective main connection duct 4, which is accumulated in the respective collecting compartment 8. Vice versa, when the pushing means 9 make the respective piston 11 move from the first (figures 3, 8 and 9) to the second position (figures 4, 6, 7 and 10), they send the filling liquid 2 that is accumulated inside the respective collecting compartment 8 into the respective main duct 4 for connecting in the direction of the respective control mechanism 7 and of the respective dispensing nozzle 3.

[0033] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in figure 5, the compartment 8 is delimited inside a tank 13, whereas the pushing means 9 comprise at least one pressurized gas source 14 connected to the relative collecting compartment 8 by means of respective pipes and at least one control device 15, optionally a valve element, operatively interposed between the gas source 14 and the collecting compartment 8.

[0034] The control device 15 is switchable between a closing condition, in which the gas source 14 and the collecting compartment are not in fluid communication, and an opening condition, in which the gas source 14 and the collecting compartment 8 are in fluid communication, so that the gas coming from the source 14 flows into the collecting compartment 8 sending the filling liquid 2 therein contained towards the respective dispensing nozzle 3.

[0035] Another object of the present invention is a method for filling containers C, such as for example barrels, bottles, cans and/or the like, which comprises a feeding step for feeding at least one dispensing nozzle 3 with a filling liquid 2.

[0036] Such a method also comprises a step of continuously detecting the filling status of the container C arranged at the nozzle 3 fed with the filling liquid 2. The filling status is advantageously detected by detecting the weight increase of the container C being filled and/or the amount of the dispensed filling liquid 2 by the respective dispensing nozzle 3.

[0037] Once the filling status has almost reached a predetermined reference value, we proceed with an interruption in the feeding of the filling liquid 2 to the relative dispensing nozzle 3, so that the filled container C can be removed and replaced with a new empty container C to be filled.

[0038] In order to ensure the same filling conditions during the various filling cycles, at the same time avoiding the undesired phenomenon of water hammer along the respective main connection duct 4, the method advantageously provides at least one collecting step for collecting a predetermined volume of filling liquid 2 and a feeding step for feeding at least one part of such a volume to the respective dispensing nozzle 3.

[0039] In particular, the collecting step for collecting filling liquid 2 is carried out during the feeding of the same to the respective dispensing nozzle 3, whereas the feeding step for feeding the filling liquid 2 accumulated during the filling step for filling the container C is carried out before reaching a final level of filling of the same and once the main feeding has been interrupted.

[0040] With reference to figures 6 to 10, these show a complete filling cycle for filling a container C.

[0041] Each filling cycle for filling a container C begins (figure 6) with the respective control unit 5 and the respective control mechanism 5 under the closing condition, so that the filling liquid 2 coming from the respective feeding source 1a cannot flow along the respective main connection duct 4 so as to reach the respective dispensing nozzle 3. In such a situation, the piston 11 of the respective collecting device 6 is in the second position and the respective dispensing nozzle 3 does not dispense the filling liquid 2 so that the detection means 3a detect the presence of an empty container C.

[0042] When the control unit 5 and the control mechanism 7 are switched from the closing condition (figure 6) to the opening condition (figure 7) the container C begins to be filled. The filling liquid 2 coming from the relative feeding source 1a flows through the main connection duct 4 so as to reach the respective dispensing nozzle 3 and to invade the relative empty container C that starts to be filled.

[0043] When the detection means 3a detect that a first relevant filling level has been reached (figure 7), preferably corresponding to around 5% of the overall filling volume of the container C, the pushing means 9 are actuated so as to lead the piston 11 of the respective collecting device 6 from the second position (figures 6 and 7) to the first position (figures 8 and 9) and to suck the filling liquid 2 being fed into the respective collecting compartment 8.

[0044] The filling of the container C continues simultaneously with the filling of the collecting compartment 8 of the respective collecting device 6.

[0045] When the detection means 3a detect that a second relevant filling level has been reached (figure 8), preferably corresponding to around 20% of the overall filling volume of the container C, the piston 11 of the pushing means 9 of the respective collecting device 6 is in the first position, with the collecting compartment 8 that is completely filled in with the filling liquid 2.

[0046] The filling liquid 2 continues flowing through the respective dispensing nozzle 3 filling the respective container C until a third relevant filling level is detected (figure 9) by the detection means 5, preferably corresponding to 95% of the overall volume of the container itself. In such a situation, the control unit 5 is switched from the opening condition to the closing condition, preferably slowly, namely, according to a programmable time period that prevents water hammer.

[0047] Simultaneously, the pushing means 9 of the relative collecting device 6 are actuated so as to bring the piston 11 from the first to the second position and to send the filling liquid 2 previously collected towards the respective dispensing nozzle 3.

[0048] In such a way, the container C is filled in up to a quarter of the relevant filling value (figure 10), corresponding to around 100% of the overall volume of the same, and the piston 11 returns to the second position ready to start a new filling cycle.

[0049] The aforementioned filling cycle can be carried out in the same way also using the collecting device 6 illustrated in figure 5.

[0050] Differently from the piston 11 collecting device 6, the tank 13 device 5 requires pressurised gas to be introduced into the collecting compartment 8 so as to determine the push of the filling liquid 2 previously collected during feeding towards the respective dispensing nozzle 3 once the respective control unit 5 has been closed.

[0051] The object of the present invention solves the drawbacks found in the prior art and achieves important advantages.

[0052] Firstly, the presence of the collecting device between the feeding source for feeding the filling liquid and the respective dispensing nozzle allows the control unit to be closed according to a programmable time that prevents the undesired phenomenon of water hammer. Moreover, the presence of the collecting device upstream of each dispensing nozzle permits a controlled feeding of the final filling step for filling the containers, ensuring the same filling conditions during each cycle.

Claims

1. Filling machine (1), in particular of the weigh filling type, for filling containers (C), such as for example barrels, bottles, cans and/or the like, with at least one filling liquid (2), said filling machine (1) comprising:

at least one feeding source (1a) or one feeding joint which is hydraulically connectable to a feeding source, not forming part of said filling machine (1), for feeding a filling liquid (2);

at least one dispensing nozzle (3) for dispensing said filling liquid (2) connected to the feeding source (1a) or to said feeding joint for feeding said filling machine (1),

at least one main connection duct (4) extending between said feeding source (1a) or said feeding joint for feeding said filling machine (1) and said dispensing nozzle (3);

at least one control unit (5), optionally a valve element, operatively arranged along said main connection duct (4) between said feeding source (1a) or said feeding joint for feeding said filling machine (1) and said dispensing nozzle (3), said control unit (5) being switchable between a closing condition, wherein said dispensing nozzle (3) is not in fluid communication with said feeding source (1a) or said feeding joint for feeding said filling machine (1), and an opening condition, wherein said dispensing nozzle (3) is in fluid communication with said feeding source (1a) or said feeding joint for feeding said filling machine (1) in order to dispense said filling liquid (2) being fed;

detection means (3a) operatively associated with said dispensing nozzle (3) for detecting the filling status of said container (C), said detection means (3a) being operatively connected to said control unit (5) for switching the latter from the opening condition to the closing condition once a predetermined filling level has been achieved;

characterized in that it comprises at least one collecting device (6) interposed between said dispensing nozzle (3) and said control unit (5), optionally said collecting device (6) collecting a predetermined volume of said filling liquid (2) coming from said feeding source (1a) or from said feeding joint for feeding said filling machine (1) to supply at least one part of said volume to said dispensing nozzle (3) after the control unit (5) has switched from the opening condition to the closing condition according to a programmable closing time.

2. Filling machine (1) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one control mechanism (7), optionally a valve element, operatively interposed between said collecting device (6) and said dispensing nozzle (3), said control mechanism (7) being switchable between a closing condition, wherein said dispensing nozzle (3) is not in fluid communication with said collecting device (6), and an opening condition, wherein said dispensing nozzle (3) is in fluid communication with said collecting device (6).

3. Filling machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein said collecting device (6) comprises at least one collecting compartment (8) for collecting said filling liquid (2) coming from said feeding source (1a) or from said feeding joint for feeding the filling machine (1).

4. Filling machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein said collecting compartment (8) is in fluid communication with said main connection duct (4), said collecting compartment (8) being hydraulically arranged in series between said control unit (5) and said dispensing nozzle (3).

5. Filling machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein said collecting compartment (8) of said collecting device (6) is in fluid communication with an auxiliary connection duct (4) extending in parallel to at least one portion of said main connection duct (4) between said feeding source (1a) or said feeding joint for feeding said filling machine (1) and said control mechanism (7).

6. Filling machine (1) according to any claims 3 to 5, wherein said collecting device (6) comprises pushing means (9) operatively associated with said collecting compartment (8) of said collecting device (6) to send said filling liquid therein contained to said dispensing nozzle (3) when said control mechanism (7) is in the opening condition and said control unit (5) is in the closing condition.

7. Filling machine (1) according to claim 6, wherein said collecting device (6) comprises:

at least one cylinder (10) internally delimiting said collecting compartment (8);

at least one piston (11) forming part of said pushing means (9) and operatively arranged inside said cylinder (10), said piston (11) being movable between a first position, wherein said collecting compartment (8) has a maximum volume value for said filling liquid (2), and a second position, wherein said collecting compartment (8) has a minimum volume value for said filling liquid (2).

8. Filling machine (1) according to claim 7 when it depends on claim 6, wherein said pushing means (9) comprise:

at least one actuator (12), optionally an electric motor;

at least one transmission member (13), optionally a recirculation ball screw, operatively interposed between said actuator (12) and said piston (11) to direct the latter at least from the first to the second position, preferably between the first and the second position.

9. Filling machine (1) according to any claims 6 to 8, wherein said pushing means (9) comprise:

at least one pressurized gas source (13) in fluid communication with said collecting compartment (8);

at least one control device (15), optionally a valve element, operatively interposed between said gas source (13) and said collecting compartment (8), said control device (15) being switchable between a closing condition, wherein said gas source (13) and said collecting compartment (8) are not in fluid communication, and an opening condition, wherein said gas source (13) and said collecting compartment (8) are in fluid communication so that said gas flows into said collecting compartment (8) sending the filling liquid (2) therein contained towards said dispensing nozzle (3).

10. Method for filling containers, in particular barrels, bottles, cans and/or the like, with a filling liquid (2), said method being characterized in that it is run through a filling machine (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9 and comprising the steps of:

feeding at least one filling liquid (2) to at least one dispensing nozzle (3) for filling at least one container (C) corresponding thereto;

detecting the filling status of said container, optionally by detecting the weight increase of the same and/or of the quantity of the dispensed filling liquid (2), until detecting the predetermined filling level, preferably corresponding to the total filling of the relative container (C),

collecting a predetermined volume of filling liquid (2), optionally during the step of feeding the same to said dispensing nozzle (3);

feeding at least one part of the volume of the collected filling liquid to said dispensing nozzle (3), preferably while almost reaching the predetermined filling level, upon closing the main feeding of the filling liquid (2) according to a programmable closing time.

Ansprüche

1. Füllmaschine (1), insbesondere vom Gewichtsfülltyp, zum Füllen von Behältern (C), wie beispielsweise Fässern, Flaschen, Dosen und/oder dergleichen, mit zumindest einer Füllflüssigkeit (2), wobei die Füllmaschine (1) umfasst:

zumindest eine Zufuhrquelle (1a) oder einen Zufuhranschluss, der hydraulisch mit einer Zufuhrquelle verbindbar ist und keinen Teil der Füllmaschine (1) bildet, zum Zuführen einer Füllflüssigkeit (2);

zumindest eine Abgabedüse (3) zum Abgeben der Füllflüssigkeit (2), die mit der Zufuhrquelle (1 a) oder dem Zufuhranschluss zum Zuführen zu der Füllmaschine (1) verbunden ist,

zumindest ein Hauptverbindungsrohr (4), das sich zwischen der Zufuhrquelle (1a) oder dem Zufuhranschluss zum Zuführen zu der Füllmaschine (1) und der Abgabedüse (3) erstreckt;

zumindest eine Steuereinheit (5), optional einem Ventilelement, das funktional entlang des Hauptverbindungsrohres (4) zwischen der Zufuhrquelle (1a) oder dem Zufuhranschluss zum Zuführen zu der Füllmaschine (1) und der Abgabedüse (3) angeordnet ist, wobei die Steuereinheit (5) zwischen einem geschlossenen Zustand, in welchem die Abgabedüse (3) nicht in Fluidkommunikation mit der Zufuhrquelle (1 a) oder dem Zufuhranschluss zum Zuführen zu der Füllmaschine (1) steht, und einem offenen Zustand schaltbar ist, in welchem die Abgabedüse (3) in Fluidkommunikation mit der Zufuhrquelle (1a) oder dem Zufuhranschluss zum Zuführen zu der Füllmaschine (1) steht, um die zuzuführende Füllflüssigkeit (2) abzugeben;

ein Detektionsmittel (3a), das funktional mit der Abgabedüse (3) zum Detektieren des Füllstatus des Behälters (C) in Verbindung steht, wobei das Detektionsmittel (3a) funktional mit der Steuereinheit (5) zum Schalten derselben von dem offenen Zustand in den geschlossenen Zustand verbunden ist, sobald ein vorbestimmter Füllpegel erreicht worden ist;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie zumindest eine Sammelvorrichtung (6) umfasst, die zwischen der Abgabedüse (3) und der Steuereinheit (5) angeordnet ist, wobei die Sammelvorrichtung (6) optional ein vorbestimmtes Volumen der Füllflüssigkeit (2) sammelt, das von der Zufuhrquelle (1a) oder von dem Zufuhranschluss zum Zuführen zu der Füllmaschine (1) stammt, um zumindest einen Teil des Volumens an die Abgabedüse (3) zu liefern, nachdem die Steuereinheit (5) gemäß einer programmierbaren Schließzeit von dem offenen Zustand in den geschlossenen Zustand geschaltet worden ist.

2. Füllmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 1, ferner mit zumindest einem Steuermechanismus (7), optional einem Ventilelement, das funktional zwischen der Sammelvorrichtung (6) und der Abgabedüse (3) angeordnet ist, wobei der Steuermechanismus (7) zwischen einem geschlossenen Zustand, in welchem die Abgabedüse (3) nicht in Fluidkommunikation mit der Sammelvorrichtung (6) steht, und einem offenen Zustand schaltbar ist, in welchem die Abgabedüse (3) in Fluidkommunikation mit der Sammelvorrichtung (6) steht.

3. Füllmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Sammelvorrichtung (6) zumindest ein Sammelfach (8) zum Sammeln der Füllflüssigkeit (2), die von der Zufuhrquelle (1 a) oder von dem Zufuhranschluss zum Zuführen zu der Füllmaschine (1) stammt, umfasst.

4. Füllmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Sammelfach (8) in Fluidkommunikation mit dem Hauptverbindungsrohr (4) steht, wobei das Sammelfach (8) hydraulisch in Reihe zwischen der Steuereinheit (5) und der Abgabedüse (3) angeordnet ist.

5. Füllmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Sammelfach (8) der Sammelvorrichtung (6) in Fluidkommunikation mit einem Zusatzverbindungsrohr (4) steht, das sich parallel zu zumindest einem Abschnitt des Hauptverbindungsrohres (4) zwischen der Zufuhrquelle (1 a) oder dem Zufuhranschluss zum Zuführen zu der Füllmaschine (1) und dem Steuermechanismus (7) erstreckt.

6. Füllmaschine (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 5, wobei die Sammelvorrichtung (6) ein Pressmittel (9) umfasst, das dem Sammelfach (8) der Sammelvorrichtung (6) funktional zugeordnet ist, um die darin enthaltene Füllflüssigkeit an die Abgabedüse (3) zu senden, wenn der Steuermechanismus (7) in dem offenen Zustand ist und die Steuereinheit (5) in dem geschlossenen Zustand ist.

7. Füllmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Sammelvorrichtung (6) umfasst:

zumindest einen Zylinder (10), der intern das Sammelfach (8) abgrenzt;

zumindest einen Kolben (11), der einen Teil des Pressmittels (9) bildet und funktional innerhalb des Zylinders (10) angeordnet ist, wobei der Kolben (11) zwischen einer ersten Position, in der das Sammelfach (8) einen maximalen Volumenwert für die Füllflüssigkeit (2) aufweist, und einer zweiten Position bewegbar ist, in der das Sammelfach (8) einen minimalen Volumenwert für die Füllflüssigkeit (2) aufweist.

8. Füllmaschine (1) nach Anspruch 7, wenn abhängig von Anspruch 6, wobei das Pressmittel (9) umfasst:

zumindest einen Aktor (12), optional einen Elektromotor;

zumindest ein Getriebeelement (13), optional eine Rezirkulationskugelgewindespindel, die funktional zwischen dem Aktor (12) und dem Kolben (11) angeordnet ist, um diesen zumindest von der ersten zu der zweiten Position, bevorzugt zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Position zu führen.

9. Füllmaschine (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 8, wobei das Pressmittel (9) umfasst:

zumindest eine druckbeaufschlagte Gasquelle (13) in Fluidkommunikation mit dem Sammelfach (8);

zumindest eine Steuervorrichtung (15), optional ein Ventilelement, das funktional zwischen der Gasquelle (13) und dem Sammelfach (8) angeordnet ist, wobei die Steuervorrichtung (15) zwischen einem geschlossenen Zustand, in welchem die Gasquelle (13) und das Sammelfach (8) nicht in Fluidkommunikation stehen, und einem offenen Zustand schaltbar ist, in welchem die Gasquelle (13) und das Sammelfach (8) in Fluidkommunikation stehen, so dass das Gas in das Sammelfach (8) strömt, wobei die darin enthaltene Füllflüssigkeit (2) zu der Abgabedüse (3) gesendet wird.

10. Verfahren zum Füllen von Behältern, insbesondere Fässern, Flaschen, Dosen und/oder dergleichen, mit einer Füllflüssigkeit (2), wobei das Verfahren dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass es durch eine Füllmaschine (1) nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 9 ausgeführt wird und die Schritte umfasst, dass:

zumindest eine Füllflüssigkeit (2) zumindest einer Abgabedüse (3) zum Füllen zumindest eines damit in Verbindung stehenden Behälters (C) zugeführt wird;

der Füllstatus des Behälters optional durch Detektion der Gewichtszunahme desselben und/oder der Menge der abgegebenen Füllflüssigkeit (2) detektiert wird, bis der vorbestimmte Füllpegel detektiert ist, der bevorzugt der Gesamtfüllung des relativen Behälters (C) entspricht,

ein vorbestimmtes Volumen an Füllflüssigkeit (2) optional während des Schrittes zum Zuführen desselben zu der Abgabedüse (3) gesammelt wird;

zumindest ein Teil des Volumens der gesammelten Füllflüssigkeit der Abgabedüse (3), während bevorzugt nahezu der vorbestimmte Füllpegel erreicht ist, bei Schließen der Hauptzufuhr der Füllflüssigkeit (2) gemäß einer programmierbaren Schließzeit zugeführt wird.

Revendications

1. Machine de remplissage (1), en particulier du type de remplissage pondéral, pour le remplissage de contenants (C) tels que par exemple des barils, bouteilles, boîtes et/ou similaire, avec au moins un liquide de remplissage (2), ladite machine de remplissage (1) comprenant :

au moins une source d'alimentation (1a) ou un joint d'alimentation qui est reliable hydrauliquement à une source d'alimentation, ne formant pas partie de ladite machine de remplissage (1) pour l'alimentation d'un liquide de remplissage (2) ;

au moins une buse de distribution (3) pour la distribution dudit liquide de remplissage (2) reliée à la source d'alimentation (1a) ou audit joint d'alimentation pour l'alimentation de ladite machine de remplissage (1),

au moins une conduite de connexion principale (4) s'étendant entre ladite source d'alimentation (1a) ou ledit joint d'alimentation pour l'alimentation de ladite machine de remplissage (1) et de ladite buse de distribution (3) ;

au moins une unité de commande (5), en option un élément de valve, agencé en fonctionnement le long de ladite conduite de connexion principale (4) entre ladite source d'alimentation (1a) ou ledit joint d'alimentation pour l'alimentation de ladite machine de remplissage (1) et ladite buse de distribution (3), ladite unité de commande (5) étant commutable entre une condition de fermeture, dans laquelle ladite buse de distribution (3) n'a pas une communication fluide avec ladite source d'alimentation (1a) ou ledit joint d'alimentation pour l'alimentation de ladite machine de remplissage (1), et une condition d'ouverture, dans laquelle ladite buse de distribution (3) a une communication fluide avec ladite source d'alimentation (1a) ou ledit joint d'alimentation pour l'alimentation de ladite machine de remplissage (1) afin de distribuer ledit liquide de remplissage (2) qui est alimenté ;

des moyens de détection (3a) associés en fonctionnement avec ladite buse de distribution (3) pour détecter le statut de remplissage dudit contenant (C), lesdits moyens de détection (3a) étant reliés en fonctionnement à ladite unité de commande (5) pour commuter cette dernière de la condition d'ouverture à la condition de fermeture une fois qu'un niveau de remplissage prédéterminé a été atteint ;

caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend au moins un dispositif de collecte (6) interposé entre ladite buse de distribution (3) et ladite unité de commande (5), en option ledit dispositif de collecte (6) collectant un volume prédéterminé dudit liquide de remplissage (2) venant de ladite source d'alimentation (1a) ou dudit joint d'alimentation pour l'alimentation de ladite machine de remplissage (1) pour fournir au moins une partie dudit volume à ladite buse de distribution (3) après que l'unité de commande (5) a commuté de la condition d'ouverture à la condition de fermeture selon un temps de fermeture programmable.

2. Machine de remplissage (1) selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre au moins un mécanisme de commande (7), en option un élément de valve, interposé en fonctionnement entre ledit dispositif de collecte (6) et ladite buse de distribution (3), ledit mécanisme de commande (7) étant commutable entre une condition de fermeture, dans laquelle ladite buse de distribution (3) n'a pas une communication fluide avec ledit dispositif de collecte (6), et une condition d'ouverture, dans laquelle ladite buse de distribution (3) a une communication fluide avec ledit dispositif de collecte (6).

3. Machine de remplissage (1) selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle ledit dispositif de collecte (6) comprend au moins un compartiment de collecte (8) pour la collecte dudit liquide de remplissage (2) venant de ladite source d'alimentation (1a) ou dudit joint d'alimentation pour l'alimentation de la machine de remplissage (1).

4. Machine de remplissage (1) selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle ledit compartiment de collecte (8) a une communication fluide avec ladite conduite de connexion principale (4), ledit compartiment de collecte (8) étant agencé hydrauliquement en série entre ladite unité de commande (5) et ladite buse de distribution (3).

5. Machine de remplissage (1) selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle ledit compartiment de collecte (8) dudit dispositif de collecte (6) a une communication fluide avec une conduite de connexion auxiliaire (4) s'étendant en parallèle d'au moins une partie de ladite conduite de connexion principale (4) entre ladite source d'alimentation (1a) ou ledit joint d'alimentation pour l'alimentation de ladite machine de remplissage (1) et dudit mécanisme de commande (7).

6. Machine de remplissage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 5, dans laquelle ledit dispositif de collecte (6) comprend des moyens de poussée (9) associés en fonctionnement audit compartiment de collecte (8) dudit dispositif de collecte (6) pour envoyer ledit liquide de remplissage contenu dedans à ladite buse de distribution (3) lorsque ledit mécanisme de commande (7) est dans la condition d'ouverture et ladite unité de commande (5) est dans la condition de fermeture.

7. Machine de remplissage (1) selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle ledit dispositif de collecte (6) comprend :

au moins un cylindre (10) délimitant en interne ledit compartiment de collecte (8) ;

au moins un piston (11) formant une partie desdits moyens de poussée (9) et agencés en fonctionnement dans ledit cylindre (10), ledit piston (11) étant mobile entre une première position, dans laquelle ledit compartiment de collecte (8) a une valeur de volume maximum pour ledit liquide de remplissage (2), et une seconde position, dans laquelle ledit compartiment de collecte (8) a une valeur de volume minimum pour ledit liquide de remplissage (2).

8. Machine de remplissage (1) selon la revendication 7, lorsqu'elle dépend de la revendication 6, dans laquelle lesdits moyens de poussée (9) comprennent :

au moins un actionneur (12), en option un moteur électrique ;

au moins un élément de transmission (13), en option une vis à recirculation de billes, interposé en fonctionnement entre ledit actionneur (12) et ledit piston (11) pour diriger ce dernier au moins de la première à la seconde position, de préférence entre la première et la seconde position.

9. Machine de remplissage (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, dans laquelle lesdits moyens de poussée (9) comprennent :

au moins une source de gaz sous pression (13) ayant une communication fluide avec ledit compartiment de collecte (8) ;

au moins un dispositif de commande (15), en option un élément de valve, interposé en fonctionnement entre ladite source de gaz (13) et ledit compartiment de collecte (8), ledit dispositif de commande (15) étant commutable entre une condition de fermeture, dans laquelle ladite source de gaz (13) et ledit compartiment de collecte (8) n'ont pas une communication fluide, et une condition d'ouverture, dans laquelle ladite source de gaz (13) et ledit compartiment de collecte (8) ont une communication fluide de sorte que ledit gaz s'écoule dans ledit compartiment de collecte (8) envoyant le liquide de remplissage (2) contenu dedans vers ladite buse de distribution (3).

10. Procédé de remplissage de contenants, en particulier de barils, bouteilles, boîtes et/ou similaires, avec un liquide de remplissage (2), ledit procédé étant caractérisé en ce qu'il est exécuté par une machine de remplissage (1) selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications 1 à 9 et comprenant les étapes de :

alimentation d'au moins un liquide de remplissage (2) à au moins une buse de distribution (3) pour le remplissage d'au moins un contenant (C) correspondant à celle-ci ;

détection du statut de remplissage dudit contenant, en option par la détection de l'augmentation de poids de celui-ci et/ou de la quantité du liquide de remplissage distribué (2) jusqu'à la détection du niveau de remplissage prédéterminé, de préférence correspondant au remplissage total du contenant relatif (C),

collecte d'un volume prédéterminé du liquide de remplissage (2), en option pendant l'étape d'alimentation de celui-ci à ladite buse de distribution (3) ;

alimentation d'au moins une partie du volume du liquide de remplissage collecté à ladite buse de distribution (3), de préférence tout en atteignant presque le niveau de remplissage prédéterminé suite à la fermeture de l'alimentation principale du liquide de remplissage (2) selon un temps de fermeture programmable.

Drawing