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(11) | EP 3 901 066 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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| (54) |
A METHOD OF INTRODUCING AN AMOUNT OF LIQUID INTO A PACKAGE, AS WELL AS A FILLING DEVICE VERFAHREN ZUM EINBRINGEN EINER FLÜSSIGKEITSMENGE IN EINE VERPACKUNG SOWIE FÜLLVORRICHTUNG PROCÉDÉ D'INTRODUCTION D'UNE QUANTITÉ DE LIQUIDE DANS UN EMBALLAGE, AINSI QU'UN DISPOSITIF DE REMPLISSAGE |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
[0001] The present invention relates to a method of, and a device for introducing an amount of liquid into a package by means of a filling , method according to the preamble of claim 1 and a filling device according to the preamble of claim 8.
[0002] Introducing a liquid into a package is generally known in the art. The most well known application is of course packaging a liquid, wherein the package is filled with liquid. Another application is adding liquid to a package for another product. In this way sauce may for example be added to a foodstuff. It is also possible to form the package simultaneous with or immediately prior to filling, such as a film package which is to be formed by means of sealing a film sheet. Water may also be added to a fresh product, such as carrots. The package may also be a container having an edge on top of which a film is applied for closing the package.
[0003] Introducing the liquid may lead to liquid ending up at the outside of the package, which may be undesired from the perspective of hygiene or rejection by the consumer. It is also problematic when the presence of the liquid results in unsuccesful closing of the package or in a weakened sealing such as a seal, causing its leakage and/or causing the contents of the package to have a shorter shelf life.
[0004] A method according to the preamble is known from DE-A-102015204951 or from US 2019 077 648 A1.
[0005] The present invention aims to provide a method by means of which a measured amount of liquid may be dispensed with a smaller chance of leakage of the liquid.
[0006] To this end, the method according to claim 1 is characterized in that the cylinder is a first cylinder and the filling device comprises a second cylinder, which second cylinder comprises a second piston and a second chamber, wherein the second chamber is equipped with
- a second controlled inlet valve, and
- a second controlled outlet valve between the second chamber and the filling lance;
[0007] In this way twice the number of packages may be provided with liquid using a single filling lance.
[0008] Sucking back liquid from the filling lance, and more specifically from the mouth piece of the filling lance in the direction of the chamber, may be achieved very effectively. Advantageously the inlet valve of the chamber is closed during the first stage, whereby sucking back liquid into the mouth piece may be assured more effectively.
[0009] In case of a further valve this will not be closed during the entire second stage of a cylinder.
[0010] The chance of leakage of the liquid from the filling lance is reduced and therefor also the chance of aforementioned problems which may be associated with it. The liquid is for example sucked back over a distane of at least 0.5 cm, preferably over at least 2 cm. A relatively runny liquid (such as water) will be sucked back over a relatively large distance, while a relatively viscous liquid such as a sauce may be sucked back over a relatively short distance.
[0011] For sucking back, a branch pipe may be placed between the chamber and the mouth piece, which is provided with a device for discharging liquid, such as a powered vacuum pump.
[0012] According to a favourable embodiment, the step of sucking back comprises sucking liquid at least partially back in the filling lance to the chamber.
[0014] According to a favourable embodiment, the step of introducing a measured amount of the liquid into the package using the filling device comprises introducing the mouth piece of the filling lance into the package by a relative movement of the package and the mouth piece, and
between the step of introducing a measured amount of the liquid into the package using the filling device and the step of closing the package after removing the mouth piece of the filling lance from the package, the distal end of the filling lance is removed from the package by a relative movement of the package and the mouth piece.
[0015] In this way liquid may effectively be introduced into the package such as a bottle or a bag while the chance of a problem due to dripping is reduced.
[0016] According to a favourable embodiment, the filling lance is provided with a further valve at a distance of less than 20 cm from the mouth piece, which further valve
- is opened during the first step, and
- is opened during the first stage of the second step and is closed during at least part of the second stage of the second step.
[0017] In this way leaking of liquid from the filling lance is prevented more effectively, in particular in case of a filling lance having a relatively large own volume. The distance of the third valve to the mouth piece is preferably less than 30 cm, more preferably less than 15 cm and most preferably less than 7 cm.
[0019] According to a favourable embodiment, the filling lance
- comprises a first section and a second section, wherein
- the first section comprises a distal end comprising the mouth piece,
and - the second section comprises a proximal end in fluid connection with the chamber; and
- the first section comprises a distal end comprising the mouth piece,
- comprises a dispense chamber delimited by a chamber wall, wherein an end of a section
chosen from
- the proximal end of the first section, and
- the distal end of the second section
extends into the dispense chamber,
wherein the chosen section only in its side wall comprises a through hole, and
wherein the chamber wall and the chosen section are moved in axial direction with respect to each other between i) a first position in which the through hole of the chosen section is closed by the chamber wall and ii) a second position in which the through hole of the chosen section is located at least partially in the dispense chamber and the distal end of the first section is in liquid connection with the proximal end of the second section.
[0020] In this way the filling lance provides a third valve and the liquid flow may be blocked or enabled by the chamber wall by moving the chamber wall and the section with respect to each other.
[0022] According to a favourable embodiment, the first section is kept stationary independent of the position.
[0023] Not moving the first section in axial direction for opening and closing the further valve reduces the chance of dripping by moving the first section.
[0024] Furthermore the use of a push rod in the second section to the first section and a seal for the push rod by the second section are avoided. Due to the absence of this seal the chance of air entering the liquid through the seal is reduced, which air increases the chance of dripping.
[0026] Diaphragm valves may be opened and closed quickly, which contributes to a precise dispension and preventing leakage.
[0027] Finally, the present invention relates to a filling device for introducing an amount of liquid into a package, according to claim 8.
[0028] Such a filling device allows to provide twice as many packages with liquid using a single filling lance. The chance of leaking of the liquid from the filling lance is reduced and thereby also the chance of the aforementioned problems which may be associated with it. It may for example be possible to suck the liquid back over a distance of at least 0.5 cm, preferably at least 2 cm. A relatively runny liquid (such as water) will be sucked back over a relatively large distance, while a relatively viscous liquid such as a sauce may be sucked back over a relatively short distance.
[0029] For sucking back, a branch pipe may be present between the chamber and the mouth piece, which is provided with or connectable to a device for discharging liquid, such as a vacuum pump.
[0030] According to a favourable embodiment, the filling lance is provided with a further controlled valve at a distance of less than 20 cm from the mouth piece.
[0031] In this way leaking of liquid from the filling lance is prevented more effectively, in particule in case of a filling lance having a relatively large own volume. The distance from the third valve to the mouth piece is preferably less than 30 cm, more preferably less than 15 cm and most preferably less than 7 cm.
[0032] According to a favourable embodiment, the filling lance
- comprises a first section and a second section, wherein
- the first section comprises a distal end comprising the mouth piece,
and - the second section comprises a proximal end in liquid connection with the chamber; and
- the first section comprises a distal end comprising the mouth piece,
- comprises a dispense chamber delimited by a chamber wall, wherein an end of a section
chosen from
- the proximal end of the first section, and
- the distal end of the second section
extends into the dispense chamber,
wherein the chosen section only in a side wall thereof comprises a through hole, and
wherein the chamber wall and the chosen section are moved in axial direction with respect to each other between i) a first position in which the through hole of the chosen section is closed by the chamber wall and ii) a second position in which the through hole of the chosen section is located at least partially in the dispense chamber and the distal end of the first section is in liquid connection with the proximal end of the second section.
[0033] In this way the filling lance provides a third valve and the liquid flux through the dispense chamber may be blocked or enabled by moving the chamber wall and the section with respect to each other.
[0036] Diaphragm valves may be opened and closed quickly, which contributes to a precise dispension and preventing leakage.
[0037] The present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the drawing where
Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B show perspective views of a part of a filling device;
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the filling lance 200 for the part of the filling device 100 shown in Fig. 1A;
Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B show longitudinal cross sections through an end of the filling lance of Fig. 2; and
Fig. 4A to Fig. 4G show diagrams illustrating the method according to the invention.
[0038] Fig. 1A en Fig. 1B show perspective views on part of a filling device 100, wherein filling lance 200 (Fig. 2) is omitted.
[0039] The filling device 100 discussed in this exemplary embodiment is provided with two cylinders 110 for faster dispensing of liquid, which are alternateley being filled and dispense liquid to a part of dispense channel 190 having an outlet opening 191 to which the filling lance 200 is connected.
[0040] The cylinder 110 is filled through a shared supply channel 112 having a supply opening 113 for connection to a storage tank for liquid.
[0041] The cylinders 110 comprise a piston, wherein a piston rod 111 is driven by a servomotor 181 in motor housing 180 having a drive axis 182, which is connected to a crankshaft 183 which may move the piston rod 111 through a drive rod 184. The servomotor drives the cankshaft 183 to perform a back and forth going motion, wherein an extreme is determined by a stop 84. In Fig. 1B one motor housing 180 is omitted.
[0042] The filling device 100 comprises for each cylinder 110 a controlled inlet valve 130 and a controlled outlet valve 140, in the form of pneumatically drivable diaphragm valves. These diaphragm valves are provided with air inlets which may be connected to a pneumatic control unit 150 housed in lid 101. Air hoses are omitted for clarity. The pneumatically drivable diaphragm valves are in themselves known.
[0043] The filling lance 200 according to the preferred embodiment comprises a first section 210 and a second section 220 which are movable with respect to each other in axial direction.
[0045] The second section 220 comprises a proximal end 202 for connection to the dispense opening 191. Liquid dispensed by the cylinders 110 liquid flows through the dispense channel 190, through the second section 220, through the first section 210 to the mouth piece 201 where the liquid is dispensed by the filling lance 200.
[0046] For further improved prevention of leakage the filling lance 200 comprises a further valve 230. This is formed by a proximal part of the first section 210 and a distal part of the second section 220, as will be explained by means of Fig. 3.
[0047] In the embodiment shown here, the first section 210 is not moved while filling and the second section 220 may move with respect to the first section 210 in axial direction by an actuator 250, and a lever arm 255 which is hingedly attached to the second section 220.
[0048] Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B show longitudinal cross sections through an end of the filling lance 200 of Fig. 2. Fig. 3A shows the further valve 230 in an opened state and Fig. 3B shows the further valve 230 in a closed state.
[0049] The first section 210 has near a proximal end thereof in the side wall 310 a through hole 311. The proximal end of the first section 210 is closed and provided with a cover plate 312 and a sealing ring 313.
[0050] The second section 220 comprises at a distal end thereof a dispense chamber 320 delimited by a chamber wall 321, wherein the proximal end of the first section 210 extends into the dispense chamber 320.
[0051] In the embodiment discussed here the chamber wall 321 is fixedly connected to the second section 220.
[0052] The first section 210 and the second section 220 are in axial direction relatively moveable with respect to each other between i) a first position in which the through hole 311 of the first section 210 is closed by the chamber wall of the distal end of the second section 220 (Fig. 3B) and the sealing ring 313 seals against the second section 220 and ii) a second position in which the through hole 311 of the first section is located at least partially in the dispense chamber 320 and is in liquid connection with the proximal end of the second section 220.
[0053] Fig. 4A to Fig. 4G show diagrams illustrating the method according to the invention for the filling device 100 of Fig. 1.
[0054] Storage tank 490 is filled with a liquid, for example a sauce, which is to be dispensed by the filling lance 200.
[0055] The first cylinder 110' comprises a first chamber 410', a first piston 411' and is driven by the first piston rod 111'.
[0056] The filling device 100 comprises a first controlled inlet valve 130' between the supply channel 112 and the first chamber 410'. The filling device 100 comprises furthermore first controlled outlet valve 140' between the first chamber 410' and the dispense channel 190.
[0057] The second cylinder 110" comprises a second chamber 410", a second piston 411" and is driven by the second piston rod 111".
[0058] The filling device 100 comprises a second controlled inlet valve 130" between the supply channel 112 and the second chamber 410". The filling device 100 comprises furthermore second controlled outlet valve 140" between the second chamber 410" and the dispense channel 190.
[0060] For dispensing liquid the first controlled outlet valve 140' and the further valve 230 are brought into an opened state.
[0061] The filling device 100 according to this preferred embodiment allows to dispense liquid very frequently. Therefore the second chamber 410" is filled simultaneously with dispensing liquid from the first chamber 410' by moving the second piston 411" to the right into a state where the second controlled inlet valve 130" is open and the second controlled outlet valve 140" is closed.
[0062] When the required amount of liquid is dispensed from the first chamber 410' towards the further valve 230, the first piston 411' is moved slightly to the left resulting in it sucking back liquid from the filling lance 200 (Fig. 4C). Therefore the chance of liquid leaking from the filling lance 200 is reduced.
[0063] Through a state in which all valves are closed (Fig. 4D) including the further valve 230 in order to avoid the chance of dripping, for example because air enters through the mouth piece, the method is continued as follows.
[0064] For dispensing liquid from the second chamber 410" the second controlled outlet valve 140" and the further valve 230 are brought into an opened state.
- comprises a cylinder (110') having a piston (411') and a chamber (410') for liquid,
- comprises a filling lance (200) connected to the chamber (410'), which filling lance (200) comprises a mouth piece (201) at a distal end thereof for dispensing liquid from the chamber (410');
- wherein the cylinder (110') is fitted with
- a controlled inlet valve (130'), and
- a controlled outlet valve (140') between the chamber and the filling lance (200); >
wherein the method comprises the steps of:
(a) - introducing a measured amount of the liquid into the package using the filling device (100),
(b) - closing the package after introducing the liquid into the package using the filling lance (200),
(c) -after introducing the liquid into the package, and without the mouth piece (201) extending into the liquid which is introduced into the package, liquid remaining in the mouth piece (201) is at least partially sucked back into the filling lance (200); <
wherein the steps (a) and (c) are performed as follows:
- in a first step the piston (411') is moved in a first direction for discharging liquid through the controlled outlet valve (140') from the chamber (410'), to the filling lance (200), wherein the inlet valve (130') of the chamber (410') is closed and the outlet valve (140') is opened, and
- in a second step after the first step the piston (411') is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction for supplying liquid to the chamber (410') through the inlet valve (130'), wherein in a first stage of the second step at least the outlet valve (140') is opened for sucking back liquid from the filling lance (200), and in a second stage of this second step the outlet valve (140') is closed and the inlet valve (130') is opened;
characterized in that the cylinder (110') is a first cylinder (110') and the filling device (100) comprises a second cylinder (110"), which second cylinder (110") comprises a second piston (411") and a second chamber (410"), wherein the second chamber (410") is equipped with
- a second controlled inlet valve (130"), and
- a second controlled outlet valve (140") between the second chamber (410") and the filling lance (200);
wherein the first piston (411') and the second piston (411") are driven in opposite phase.
between the step of introducing a measured amount of the liquid into the package using the filling device (100) and the step of closing the package after removing the mouth piece (201) of the filling lance (200) from the package, the distal end (202) of the filling lance (200) is removed from the package by a relative movement of the package and the mouth piece (201).
- is opened during the first step, and
- is opened during the first stage of the second step and is closed during at least part of the second stage of the second step.
- comprises a first section (210) and a second section (220), wherein
- the first section (210) comprises a distal end comprising the mouth piece (201),
and
- the second section (220) comprises a proximal end in fluid connection with the chamber; and
- comprises a dispense chamber (320) delimited by a chamber wall (321), wherein an end (202) of a section chosen from
- the proximal end of the first section (210), and
- the distal end of the second section (220)
extends into the dispense chamber (320),
wherein the chosen section only in its side wall (310) comprises a through hole (311), and
wherein the chamber wall (321) and the chosen section are moved in axial direction with respect to each other between i) a first position in which the through hole (311) of the chosen section is closed by the chamber wall (321) and ii) a second position in which the through hole (311) of the chosen section is located at least partially in the dispense chamber (320) and the distal end of the first section (210) is in liquid connection with the proximal end (202) of the second section (220).
- comprises a cylinder (110') having a piston (411') and a chamber (410') for liquid,
- comprises a filling lance (200) connected to the chamber (410'), which filling lance (200) comprises a mouth piece (201) at a distal end thereof for dispensing liquid from the chamber (410');
- wherein the cylinder (110') is fitted with
- a controlled inlet valve (130'), and
- a controlled outlet valve (140') between the chamber and the filling lance (200);
wherein the filling device (100) is configured to suck liquid which in use remains in the mouth piece (201) after dispensing the liquid at least partially back into the filling lance (200) by controlling the filling device (100) such that:
- in a first step, the piston (411') is moved in a first direction for discharging liquid from the chamber (410') through the controlled outlet valve (140'), to the filling lance (200), wherein the inlet valve (130') of the chamber (410') is closed and the outlet valve (140') is opened, and
- in a second step after the first step, the piston (411') is movable in a second direction opposite to the first direction for supplying liquid to the chamber (410') through the inlet valve (130'), wherein in a first stage of the second step at least the outlet valve (140') is opened for sucking back liquid from the filling lance (200), and in a second stage of the second step the outlet valve (140') is closed and the inlet valve (130') is opened;
characterized in that the cylinder (110') is a first cylinder (110') and the filling device (100) comprises a second cylinder (110"), which second cylinder (110") comprises a second piston (411") and a second chamber (410"), wherein the second chamber (410") is equipped with
- a second controlled inlet valve (130"), and
- a second controlled outlet valve (140") between the second chamber (410") and the filling lance (200);
wherein the filling device (100) is arranged for driving the first piston (411') and the second piston (411") in opposite phase.
- comprises a first section (120) and a second section (220), wherein
- the first section (210) comprises a distal end comprising the mouth piece (201),
and
- the second section (220) comprises a proximal end (202) in liquid connection with the chamber; and
- comprises a dispense chamber (320) delimited by a chamber wall (321), wherein an end (202) of a section chosen from
- the proximal end of the first section (210), and
- the distal end of the second section (220)
extends into the dispense chamber (320),
wherein the chosen section only in a side wall (310) thereof comprises a through hole (311), and
wherein the chamber wall (321) and the chosen section are moved in axial direction with respect to each other between i) a first position in which the through hole (311) of the chosen section is closed by the chamber wall (321) and ii) a second position in which the through hole (311) of the chosen section is located at least partially in the dispense chamber (320) and the distal end of the first section (210) is in liquid connection with the proximal end (202) of the second section (220).
- einen Zylinder (110') mit einem Kolben (411') und einer Kammer (410') für die Flüssigkeit umfasst,
- eine Fülllanze (200) umfasst, die mit der Kammer (410') verbunden ist, wobei die Fülllanze (200) ein Mundstück (201) an einem distalen Ende davon zum Abgeben von Flüssigkeit aus der Kammer (410') umfasst,
wobei der Zylinder (110') ausgestattet ist mit
- einem gesteuerten Einlassventil (130') und
- einem gesteuerten Auslassventil (140') zwischen der Kammer und der Fülllanze (200),
wobei das Verfahren die Schritte umfasst
(a) Einbringen einer abgemessenen Flüssigkeitsmenge in die Verpackung mithilfe der Füllvorrichtung (100),
(b) Verschließen der Verpackung nach dem Einbringen der Flüssigkeit in die Verpackung mithilfe der Fülllanze (200),
(c) nach dem Einbringen der Flüssigkeit in die Verpackung und ohne, dass sich das Mundstück (201) in die Flüssigkeit erstreckt, die in die Verpackung eingebracht ist, wird Flüssigkeit, die noch in dem Mundstück (201) verblieben ist, teilweise in die Fülllanze (200) zurückgesaugt,
wobei die Schritte (a) und (c) wie folgt durchgeführt werden:
- in einem ersten Schritt wird der Kolben (411') in eine erste Richtung bewegt, zum Abgeben von Flüssigkeit durch das gesteuerte Auslassventil (140') der Kammer (410') an die Fülllanze (200), wobei das Einlassventil (130') der Kammer (410') geschlossen und das Auslassventil (140') geöffnet ist, und
- in einem zweiten Schritt nach dem ersten Schritt wird der Kolben (411') in eine zweite Richtung entgegen der ersten Richtung bewegt, zum Liefern von Flüssigkeit an die Kammer (410') durch das Einlassventil (130'),
wobei in einer ersten Stufe des zweiten Schritts mindestens das Auslassventil (140') zum Zurücksaugen von Flüssigkeit aus der Fülllanze (200) geöffnet ist, und in einer zweiten Stufe dieses zweiten Schritts das Auslassventil (140') geschlossen und das Einlassventil (130') geöffnet ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zylinder (110') ein erster Zylinder (110') ist und die Füllvorrichtung (100) einen zweiten Zylinder (110") umfasst, welcher zweite Zylinder (110") einen zweiten Kolben (411") und eine zweite Kammer (410") umfasst, wobei die zweite Kammer (410") ausgestattet ist mit
- einem zweiten gesteuerten Einlassventil (130"), und
- einem zweiten gesteuerten Auslassventil (140") zwischen der zweiten Kammer (410") und der Fülllanze (200),
wobei der erste Kolben (411') und der zweite Kolben (411") in entgegengesetzter Phase angetrieben werden.
zwischen dem Schritt des Einbringens einer abgemessenen Menge der Flüssigkeit in die Verpackung mithilfe der Füllvorrichtung (100) und dem Schritt des Verschließens der Verpackung nach dem Entnehmen des Mundstücks (201) der Fülllanze (200) aus der Verpackung das distale Ende (202) der Fülllanze (200) durch eine relative Bewegung der Verpackung und des Mundstücks (201) aus der Verpackung entnommen wird.
- während des ersten Schritts geöffnet ist, und
- während der ersten Stufe des zweiten Schritts geöffnet und während mindestens einem Teil der zweiten Stufe des zweiten Schritts geschlossen ist.
- einen ersten Abschnitt (210) und einen zweiten Abschnitt (220) umfasst, wobei
- der erste Abschnitt (210) ein distales Ende umfasst, das das Mundstück (201) umfasst
und
- der zweite Abschnitt (220) ein proximales Ende in Fluidverbindung mit der Kammer umfasst und
- eine Abgabekammer (320) umfasst, die von einer Kammerwand (321) begrenzt ist, wobei sich ein Ende (202) eines Abschnitts, der ausgewählt ist aus
- dem proximalen Ende des ersten Abschnitts (210) und
- dem distalen Ende des zweiten Abschnitts (220)
in die Abgabekammer (320) erstreckt,
wobei der ausgewählte Abschnitt nur in seiner Seitenwand (310) ein Durchgangsloch (311) umfasst, und
wobei die Kammerwand (321) und der ausgewählte Abschnitt in axialer Richtung mit Bezug aufeinander bewegt werden zwischen i) einer ersten Position, in der das Durchgangsloch (311) des ausgewählten Abschnitts von der Kammerwand (321) verschlossen ist, und ii) einer zweiten Position, in der sich das Durchgangsloch (311) des ausgewählten Abschnitts mindestens teilweise in der Abgabekammer (320) befindet und das distale Ende des ersten Abschnitts (210) in Flüssigkeitsverbindung mit dem proximalen Ende (202) des zweiten Abschnitts (220) ist.
- einen Zylinder (110') mit einem Kolben (411') und einer Kammer (410') für die Flüssigkeit umfasst,
- eine Fülllanze (200) umfasst, die mit der Kammer (410') verbunden ist, wobei die Fülllanze (200) ein Mundstück (201) an einem distalen Ende davon zum Abgeben von Flüssigkeit aus der Kammer (410') umfasst,
wobei der Zylinder (110') ausgestattet ist mit
- einem gesteuerten Einlassventil (130'), und
- einem gesteuerten Auslassventil (140') zwischen der Kammer und der Fülllanze (200),
wobei die Füllvorrichtung (100) dazu ausgelegt ist, Flüssigkeit, die bei Verwendung nach dem Abgeben der Flüssigkeit in dem Mundstück (201) verbleibt, mindestens teilweise in die Fülllanze (200) zurückgesaugt wird durch Steuern der Füllvorrichtung (100) derart, dass:
- in einem ersten Schritt der Kolben (411') in eine erste Richtung bewegt wird, zum Abgeben von Flüssigkeit aus der Kammer (410') durch das gesteuerte Auslassventil (140') an die Fülllanze (200), wobei das Einlassventil (130') der Kammer (410') geschlossen und das Auslassventil (140') geöffnet ist, und
- in einem zweiten Schritt nach dem ersten Schritt der Kolben (411') in eine zweite Richtung entgegen der ersten Richtung beweglich ist, zum Zuführen von Flüssigkeit in die Kammer (410') durch das Einlassventil (130'), wobei in einer ersten Stufe des zweiten Schritts mindestens das Auslassventil (140') geöffnet ist, zum Zurücksaugen von Flüssigkeit aus der Fülllanze (200), und in einer zweiten Stufe des zweiten Schritts das Auslassventil (140') geschlossen und das Einlassventil (130') geöffnet ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zylinder (110') ein erster Zylinder (110') ist und die Füllvorrichtung (100) einen zweiten Zylinder (110") umfasst, welcher zweite Zylinder (110") einen zweiten Kolben (411") und eine zweite Kammer (410") umfasst, wobei die zweite Kammer (410") ausgestattet ist mit
- einem zweiten gesteuerten Einlassventil (130"), und
- einem zweiten gesteuerten Auslassventil (140") zwischen der zweiten Kammer (410") und der Fülllanze (200),
wobei die Füllvorrichtung (100) angeordnet ist zum Treiben des ersten Kolbens (411') und des zweiten Kolbens (411") in entgegengesetzter Phase.
- einen ersten Abschnitt (120) und einen zweiten Abschnitt (220) umfasst, wobei
- der erste Abschnitt (210) ein distales Ende umfasst, das das Mundstück (201) umfasst,
und
- der zweite Abschnitt (220) ein proximales Ende (202) in Flüssigkeitsverbindung mit der Kammer umfasst, und
- eine Abgabekammer (320) umfasst, die von einer Kammerwand (321) begrenzt ist, wobei sich ein Ende (202) eines Abschnitts, der ausgewählt ist aus
- dem proximalen Ende des ersten Abschnitts (210) und
- dem distalen Ende des zweiten Abschnitts (220) in die Abgabekammer (320) erstreckt,
wobei der ausgewählte Abschnitt nur in einer Seitenwand (310) davon ein Durchgangsloch (311) umfasst, und
wobei die Kammerwand (321) und der ausgewählte Abschnitt in axialer Richtung mit Bezug aufeinander bewegt werden zwischen i) einer ersten Position, in der das Durchgangsloch (311) des ausgewählten Abschnitts von der Kammerwand (321) verschlossen wird und ii) einer zweiten Position, in der sich das Durchgangsloch (311) des ausgewählten Abschnitts mindestens teilweise in der Abgabekammer (320) befindet und das distale Ende des ersten Abschnitts (210) in Flüssigkeitsverbindung mit dem proximalen Ende (202) des zweiten Abschnitts (220) ist.
- comprend un cylindre (110') ayant un piston (411') et une chambre (410') pour le liquide,
- comprend une lance de remplissage (200) reliée à la chambre (410'), laquelle lance de remplissage (200) comprend une embouchure (201) à une extrémité distale de celle-ci pour distribuer le liquide de la chambre (410') ; le cylindre (110') étant équipé
- d'une vanne d'admission commandée (130'), et
- d'une vanne de sortie commandée (140') entre la chambre et la lance de remplissage (200) ;
le procédé comprenant les étapes de :
(a) introduction d'une quantité mesurée du liquide dans l'emballage à l'aide du dispositif de remplissage (100),
(b) fermeture de l'emballage après avoir introduit le liquide dans l'emballage à l'aide de la lance de remplissage (200),
(c) après avoir introduit le liquide dans l'emballage, et sans que l'embouchure (201) ne s'étende dans le liquide introduit dans l'emballage, le liquide restant dans l'embouchure (201) étant au moins partiellement réaspiré dans la lance de remplissage (200) ;
les étapes (a) et (c) étant réalisées comme suit :
- dans une première étape, le piston (411') est déplacé dans une première direction pour évacuer le liquide par la vanne de sortie commandée (140') de la chambre (410'), vers la lance de remplissage (200), la vanne d'entrée (130') de la chambre (410') étant fermée et la vanne de sortie (140') étant ouverte, et
- dans une seconde étape après la première étape, le piston (411') est déplacé dans une seconde direction opposée à la première direction pour fournir du liquide à la chambre (410') à travers la vanne d'entrée (130'), dans une première phase de la seconde étape, au moins la vanne de sortie (140') étant ouverte pour réaspirer le liquide de la lance de remplissage (200), et dans une seconde phase de cette seconde étape, la vanne de sortie (140') étant fermée et la vanne d'entrée (130') étant ouverte ;
caractérisé en ce que le cylindre (110') est un premier cylindre (110') et en ce que le dispositif de remplissage (100) comprend un second cylindre (110"), lequel second cylindre (110") comprend un second piston (411") et une seconde chambre (410"), la seconde chambre (410") étant équipée
- d'une seconde vanne d'admission commandée (130"), et
- d'une seconde vanne de sortie commandée (140") entre la seconde chambre (410") et la lance de remplissage (200) ; le premier piston (411') et le second piston (411") étant entraînés en phase opposée.
entre l'étape d'introduction d'une quantité mesurée du liquide dans l'emballage à l'aide du dispositif de remplissage (100) et l'étape de fermeture de l'emballage après avoir retiré l'embouchure (201) de la lance de remplissage (200) de l'emballage, l'extrémité distale (202) de la lance de remplissage (200) étant retirée de l'emballage par un mouvement relatif de l'emballage et de l'embouchure (201).
- étant ouverte pendant la première étape, et
- étant ouverte pendant la première phase de la seconde étape et étant fermée pendant au moins une partie de la seconde phase de la seconde étape.
- comprenant une première section (210) et une seconde section (220),
- la première section (210) comprenant une extrémité distale comprenant l'embouchure
(201),
et
- la seconde section (220) comprenant une extrémité proximale en liaison fluidique avec la chambre ; et
- comprenant une chambre de distribution (320) délimitée par une paroi de chambre (321), une extrémité (202) d'une section choisie parmi
- l'extrémité proximale de la première section (210), et
- l'extrémité distale de la seconde section (220) s'étendant dans la chambre de distribution (320),
la section choisie uniquement dans sa paroi latérale (310) comprenant un trou de passage (311), et
la paroi de chambre (321) et la section choisie étant déplacées dans la direction axiale l'une par rapport à l'autre entre i) une première position dans laquelle le trou de passage (311) de la section choisie est fermé par la paroi de chambre (321) et ii) une seconde position dans laquelle le trou de passage (311) de la section choisie est situé au moins partiellement dans la chambre de distribution (320) et l'extrémité distale de la première section (210) étant en liaison liquide avec l'extrémité proximale (202) de la seconde section (220).
- comprenant un cylindre (110') ayant un piston (411') et une chambre (410') pour le liquide,
- comprenant une lance de remplissage (200) reliée à la chambre (410'), laquelle lance de remplissage (200) comprenant une embouchure (201) à une extrémité distale de celle-ci pour distribuer le liquide de la chambre (410') ; le cylindre (110') étant équipé
- d'une vanne d'admission commandée (130'), et
- d'une vanne de sortie commandée (140') entre la chambre et la lance de remplissage (200) ;
le dispositif de remplissage (100) étant configuré pour réaspirer le liquide qui, en utilisation, reste dans l'embouchure (201) après la distribution du liquide, au moins partiellement, pour le renvoyer dans la lance de remplissage (200), en commandant le dispositif de remplissage (100) de telle sorte que :
- dans une première étape, le piston (411') est déplacé dans une première direction pour évacuer le liquide de la chambre (410') à travers la vanne de sortie commandée (140'), vers la lance de remplissage (200), la vanne d'entrée (130') de la chambre (410') étant fermée et la vanne de sortie (140') étant ouverte, et
- dans une seconde étape après la première étape, le piston (411') est déplacé dans une seconde direction opposée à la première direction pour fournir du liquide à la chambre (410') à travers la vanne d'entrée (130'), dans une première phase de la seconde étape, au moins la vanne de sortie (140') étant ouverte pour réaspirer le liquide de la lance de remplissage (200), et dans une seconde phase de la seconde étape, la vanne de sortie (140') étant fermée et la vanne d'entrée (130') étant ouverte ;
caractérisé en ce que le cylindre (110') est un premier cylindre (110') et le dispositif de remplissage (100) comprend un second cylindre (110"), lequel second cylindre (110") comprend un second piston (411") et une seconde chambre (410"), la seconde chambre (410") étant équipée
- d'une seconde vanne d'admission commandée (130"), et
- d'une seconde vanne de sortie commandée (140") entre la seconde chambre (410") et la lance de remplissage (200) ; le dispositif de remplissage (100) étant agencé pour entraîner le premier piston (411') et le second piston (411") en phase opposée.
- comprend une première section (120) et une seconde section (220),
- la première section (210) comprenant une extrémité distale comprenant l'embouchure
(201),
et
- la seconde section (220) comprenant une extrémité proximale (202) en liaison liquide avec la chambre ; et
- comprend une chambre de distribution (320) délimitée par une paroi de chambre (321), une extrémité (202) d'une section choisie parmi
- l'extrémité proximale de la première section (210), et
- l'extrémité distale de la seconde section (220) s'étendant dans la chambre de distribution (320),
la section choisie uniquement dans une paroi latérale (310) comprenant un trou de passage (311), et
la paroi de chambre (321) et la section choisie étant déplacées dans la direction axiale l'une par rapport à l'autre entre i) une première position dans laquelle le trou de passage (311) de la section choisie est fermé par la paroi de chambre (321) et ii) une seconde position dans laquelle le trou de passage (311) de la section choisie est situé au moins partiellement dans la chambre de distribution (320) et l'extrémité distale de la première section (210) étant en liaison liquide avec l'extrémité proximale (202) de la seconde section (220).
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description