WO2016015894A1

WO2016015894A1 - An aseptic filler device of containers provided with a filler mouth closed by a removable cap

Info

Publication number: WO2016015894A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/061486
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pierluigi Decio
Original assignee: Alfa Laval S.P.A
Priority date: 2014-07-30
Filing date: 2015-05-25
Publication date: 2016-02-04
Also published as: EP3174802A1; US20170158366A1

Abstract

An aseptic filler device (30) of containers (20) provided with a filler mouth (23) closed by a removable cap (24) in which the device (30) comprises: a tubular element (40) comprising an open end (42), able to be inserted with radial play on the cap (24) of the container (20) to be filled and able to go into contact with the mouth (23) and extend the mouth (23) axially, a first radial opening (44), associated to a branch conduit (50) connectable to a supply line (11) of a product and to a source line (14) of a sterilizing fluid via selection valve means (51), and a second radial opening (45), associated to a discharge conduit (55) provided with opening and closing valve means (56); and a gripping element (60) of the cap (24) of the container (20) inserted internally of the tubular element (40) and mobile between a neared position to the open end (42) of the tubular element (40) and a distanced position therefrom.

Description

AN ASEPTIC FILLER DEVICE OF CONTAINERS PROVIDED WITH A FILLER MOUTH CLOSED BY A REMOVABLE CAP

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an aseptic filler device of containers, for example pre-sterilised or aseptic containers, provided with a filler mouth closed by a removable cap.

More in particular, the invention relates to an aseptic filler device for sampling in industrial filling lines of fluid products, for example in the food sector such as jams, fruit juices, fruit or vegetable pulp, yoghurt, for example comprising pieces, fruit or vegetable cubes or like products .

PRIOR ART

In container-filling lines, especially in filling lines for filling large pre-sterilised recipients, the use of filling machines is known which are connected to a transport pipeline of the filler product and exhibit dosing dispenser devices which can dispense a predetermined quantity of product into the recipient.

In these filling lines it is not simple to guarantee and/or monitor the uniformity and the conformity of the supplied product, especially when the quantity of product for a single container to be filled is large.

In fact, with the aim of guaranteeing the uniformity of the product which goes to fill the sterile container it would be necessary to interrupt the dispensing of the product at regular intervals so as to control the conformity of the dispensed product, with special samples which however maintain the sterility of the connection between the container and the dispenser device.

However, for these samples too, which require special storage and/or conservation in suitable containers, it is necessary to adopt, during the filling step, the same practices and precautions with regard to sterility that were used for the filling of the container which will then be put up for sale.

An aim of the present invention is to obviate the above- mentioned drawbacks in the prior art, with a solution that is simple, rational and relatively inexpensive.

In particular, an aim of the invention is to provide a filler device of sampling containers which is functional and economical and, preferably, easily-insertable in the existing filling lines, for example upstream of a filling machine, with the aim of avoiding the need to interrupt the filling operations carried out by the filling machine during the collecting of the product samples.

The aims are attained by the characteristics of the invention reported in the independent claim. The dependent claims delineate preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention in particular discloses an aseptic filler device of containers provided with a filler mouth closed by a removable cap, for example special or specially researched, in which the device comprises:

a tubular element comprising an open end, able to be inserted with radial play on the cap of the container to be filled and able to go into contact with the mouth and extend the mouth axially, a first radial opening, associated to a branch conduit connectable to a supply line of a filler fluid of the container and to a source line of a sterilizing fluid via selection valve means, for selective supply into the tubular element of the filler fluid and the sterilizing fluid, and a second radial opening, associated to a discharge conduit provided with opening and closing valve means operable to open and close the discharge conduit, and a gripping element of the cap of the container inserted internally of the tubular element and mobile between a neared position to the open end of the tubular element and a distanced position therefrom respectively for closing and opening the mouth,

wherein when the gripping element is in the neared position, the first radial opening is in communication with the second radial opening via a gap defined between a portion of the cap inserted in the tubular element and the tubular element itself and, when the gripping element is in the distanced position, the first radial opening is in communication with the internal volume of the container via the open end of the tubular element.

With this solution, the filler device is particularly compact, functional, economical and guarantees aseptic filling of the container both rapidly and efficiently.

Further, the filler device can easily be used in a filling machine or on a supply line of a filling machine for collecting a quantity of sample product of the product packed by the filling machine.

Further, with this solutions the branch conduit and the internal cavity of the tubular element are always cleaned before each dispensing of a product into the container, also enabling easily changing product or being connected to more than one supply line of relative different products.

In an aspect of the invention, when the gripping element is in the distanced position the opening and closing valve means close the discharge conduit.

In this way, the filling of the container is more efficient and rapid.

The gripping element advantageously comprises a linear actuator provided with a cylinder and a mobile stem with respect to the cylinder and inserted at least slidably internally of the tubular element, wherein a first cradle is associated to the free end of the mobile stem, which first cradle is for accommodating an axial portion of the cap, is coaxial to the open end of the tubular element and is configured so as to axially constrain the cap.

With this solution it is possible to axially de-insert and re-insert the cap in the mouth while keeping the cap internally of the internal cavity of the tubular element. In an aspect of the invention, the filler device comprises a support plate that is mobile with respect to the tubular element and provided with a second cradle, for accommodating an axial portion of the mouth, coaxial to the open end of the tubular element and configured so as to axially constrain the mouth.

With this solution it is possible to axially and independently constrain the mouth and the cap respectively to the support plate and the mobile stem, so as to enable independent movement thereof.

For example, the support plate is solidly associated in translation to the cylinder of the linear actuator.

With this solution, in some circumstances, for example with the stem of the linear actuator maintained stationary in a position (for example the endrun position in which it is totally outside the cylinder) , the first cradle and the second cradle can be reciprocally solidly constrained in translation, so as to keep the cap and the mouth in the mutual position (for example closed) during the translation. In a still further aspect of the invention, the selection valve means can comprise at least a first check valve able to selectively open and close the filler fluid supply line. Further, the selection valve means comprise at least a second check valve able to selectively open and close the source line of the sterilising fluid.

The first and the second check valve can advantageously be integrated with one another in a check valve provided with a valve body provided with two inlets, of which one is in communication with the supply line and the other is in communication with the source line, and an outlet in communication with the branch conduit. An obturator (or a plurality of obturators selectively actuable independently) is mobile in the valve body and is configured to selectively occlude one or the other inlet, or both.

With this solution it is possible to selectively supply filler product or sterilising fluid into the internal cavity of the tubular element, enabling realizing a filler device that is decidedly compact and functional.

In a further aspect of the invention, seal means are defined between the open end of the tubular element and the mouth .

The seal means can be realised by effect of the deformation of the mouth against the open end of the tubular element and/or by a seal ring interposed between them and associated, for example, to the open end of the tubular element .

In a still further aspect of the invention, the tubular element comprises at least an annular seal arranged axially on the opposite side of the open end with respect to the first and second radial opening and configured such as to be radially compressed between the gripping element and the tubular element, when the gripping element is in the neared position, and between the cap and the tubular element, when the gripping element is in the distanced position.

With this solution, the fluids supplied through the first radial opening remain confined axially in the internal cavity of the tubular element between the open end (in contact with the mouth) and the annular seal. A further aspect of the invention discloses a filling plant comprising a filling machine of recipients supplied by a supply line of a product for filling the recipients, in which on the filling line, for example upstream of the filling machine, a filler device is positioned, for example according to what is described above, for aseptic filling of at least a container with a dosed quantity of product present in the supply line, for example during the functioning of the filling machine.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for aseptic filling of containers provided with a filler mouth closed by a removable cap by means of a device according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises steps of: arranging the mouth closed by the cap coaxially to the tubular element, so that the mouth goes into contact with the open end of the tubular element;

maintaining the gripping element in a neared position, so as to keep the mouth closed by means of the cap;

opening the opening and closing valve means of the discharge conduit;

via the branch conduit, dispensing sterilising fluid into the internal gap of the internal cavity defined between the tubular element and the cap;

discharging the sterilising fluid via the discharge conduit;

closing the opening and closing valve means of the discharge conduit;

bringing the gripping element into a distanced position, so as to open the mouth;

via the branch conduit, supplying filler fluid into the container by means of the open mouth;

carrying out a return run for the gripping element towards the neared position, so as to re-close the mouth .

With this solution the above-described advantages of the filler device can be attained.

Further, there can be further steps which include:

- halting the return run in at least an intermediate position between the neared position and the distanced position, where the cap is only partly entered into the mouth,

repeating the dispensing of sterilising fluid, via the branch conduit, into the gap defined between the tubular element and the cap,

and, thereafter, completing the return run up to the complete insertion of the cap in the mouth.

With this solution also the portion of cap destined to be re-inserted in the mouth can be sterilised and cleaned.

An aspect of the invention that can also be protected independently of the above-described, might include a sampling method of a fluid product including steps of:

aseptically supplying, via a supply line, an aseptic filling machine of recipients with the fluid product, periodically and/or at regular time intervals collecting a dosed quantity of supply product, for example before it is dispensed into the recipients by the dispensing machine, and

aseptically filling at least a container with the dosed quantity collected from the supply line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from a reading of the description that follows, provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures of the accompanying tables.

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a filling plant provided with the filling system of the invention.

Figure 2 is a frontal view of the filling system of the invention .

Figure 3 is a view of a detail of figure 2 relating to the support plate of the mouth.

Figure 4 is a lateral view of figure 2, in a first operating step of the filling system.

Figure 5 is a view along section line V-V of figure 2 in a second operating step of the filling system.

Figure 6 is a view of figure 5 in a third operating step of the filling system.

Figure 7 is a view along section line VII-VII of figure 2 according to the first operating step of the filling system.

Figure 8 is a view of figure 7 according to the second operating step of the filling system.

Figure 9 is a view of figure 7 in the third operating step of the filling system.

Figure 10 is a view in longitudinal section of a fillable container by means of a filling system of the invention. BEST WAY OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With particular reference to the figures, reference numeral 10 denotes in its entirety an aseptic filling system of containers, denoted in its entirety by reference numeral 20. The filling system 10 is for example a system for containers 20 for sampling a fluid product, for example containing solid elements in pieces or granules, such as food products or the like, transported on a supply line 11 of the filler product, for example a transport conduit of the product for the filling operation.

For example, the supply line 11 is the supply line of a more complex filling plant and is able to supply an industrial filling machine 12, shown only schematically in figure 1, able for example to serially fill large pre-sterilised containers of product, or a considerable quantity of small pre-sterilised recipients.

The supply line 11 preferably places in communication a tank 13 (or a production line) of the filler product with the filling machine 12, for example without interrupting the supply line 11.

For example the system 10 described can be placed on the supply line 11 upstream (or immediately downstream) of the main filling machine in the advancement direction of the product along the supply line 11 (from the tank 13 to the filling machine 12) .

The system 10 comprises an aseptic filler deice 30 and one or more containers 20 that can be filled by the device 30. A container 20, as shown in figure 10, comprises in the example a container body, for example having a variable volume .

In particular, in the example each container 20 is constituted by a bag made of a synthetic material, for example a rectangular or square bag (or any shape) , constituted by two sheets 22 welded to one another along edges thereof.

One of the two sheets 22 comprises, for example in proximity of one of the smaller sides, preferably on the median axis of the bag, a filler mouth 23 closed by a removable cap 24, for example associated without constraint to the mouth only by friction interference.

In particular the mouth 23 exhibits a substantially cylindrical shape.

The mouth 23 comprises a free end 231 defining an annular frontal surface, for example substantially convex or planar. The mouth 23 comprises for example a first annular broadening 232 located at the free end 231 and projecting externally .

The mouth 23 comprises a second broadening 233, for example annular, which projects externally with respect to the mouth 23 and is interposed between the free end 231 and the base constrained to the container 20 of the mouth 23.

Lastly, the mouth 23 comprises a third broadening 234, for example annular, which projects externally with respect to the mouth 23 and is positioned at the base constrained to the container 20 of the mouth 23, practically substantially parallel to the second broadening 233. A substantially annular gully is therefore defined between the second and the third broadening 233, 234 (and also between the first and the second broadening 232, 233) .

The cap 24 preferably comprises a beaker body that can be inserted internally of the mouth 23 with a concavity thereof facing towards the inside of the container 20.

The beaker body of the cap 24 comprises a substantially cylindrical cover 241 that can be inserted internally of the mouth 23, substantially snugly.

In the example, annular and rounded broadenings are defined on the cover 241, parallel to one another, substantially elastically deformable, and able to define a friction joint with the internal wall of the mouth 23 once inserted internally of the mouth.

The beaker body of the cap 24 further comprises a bottom wall 242, which is destined in use to be placed at least partially axially outside the mouth 23.

The bottom wall 242 comprises a gripping cap substantially exhibiting a mushroom shape, which therefore comprises a stalk 244 branching externally of the bottom wall 242 (on the opposite side of the cover 241), for example coaxial thereto; a broadened plate 245 (exhibiting larger radial dimensions than the stalk 244) is positioned at the free end of the stalk 244.

Thus a substantially annular gully is defined between the plate 245 and the bottom wall 242.

In the example the plate 245 substantially exhibits a disc shape having a circular section, though it might exhibit a substantially elliptical or quadrangular section, or the like .

The device 30 comprises, for example, a frame 31 (only schematically denoted in figure 4) provided with usual ground supports.

The device 30 comprise a fixed tubular element 40, for example fixed to the frame 31, which is provided with a substantially cylindrical internal cavity 41, for example having a horizontal axis.

The tubular element 40 comprises an open end 42 (front) and an opposite end 43 (rear) also, for example, open.

The internal cavity 41 and the open end 42 exhibit a slightly greater diameter than the diameter of the cap 24 (of the cover 241 and the plate 245), so that a cap 24 can be inserted in the internal cavity 41 via the open end 42 and slide axially internally thereof.

The open end 42 further exhibits an internal diameter that is substantially smaller than the external diameter of the mouth 23, for example of the first broadening 232 thereof, so that the mouth 23 cannot be inserted internally of the internal cavity 41, but following a translation of reciprocal axial nearing between the tubular element 40 and the mouth 23 the free end 231 of the mouth 23 remains resting on the open end 42 of the tubular element 40.

In practice, the frontal edge of the tubular element 40 surrounding the open end 42 defines an annular rest surface able to come into contact with the free end 231 of the mouth 23. The front edge of the tubular element 40 (as can be seen in figure 7 and in the relative larger-scale detail) comprises for example an axial lowering 421 having an annular shape which receives, with a small radial play, the free end 231 of the mouth 23 (for example the first broadening 232) .

A seal ring 422 (shown only in the larger-scale detail of figure 7) can further housed internally of the axial lowering 421, the seal ring 422 being made of a yielding and resistant material at high temperatures (about 180°C) for example made of EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene Diene Monomer) or Teflon, which can be jointingly housed internally of a suitable space realized in the axial lowering.

The tubular element 40 further comprises a first radial opening 44 interposed between the free end 42 and the opposite end 43, for example in proximity of the open end 42, which places the internal cavity 41 in communication with the environment external of the tubular element 40.

For example the first radial opening 44 is facing upwards and is preferably circular in shape.

The tubular element 40 also comprises a second radial opening 45 interposed between the open end 42 and the opposite end 43, for example in proximity of the open end 42, which places the internal cavity 41 in communication with the environment external of the tubular element 40.

For example, the second radial opening 45 faces downwards and is preferably circular in shape.

In the example the second radial opening 45 is substantially aligned in plan view with the first radial opening 44 and, for example, exhibits a diameter that is substantially comparable (is a little smaller) than the diameter of the first radial opening 44.

The tubular element 40 comprises a first fixed flange 46 broadened and solidly associated to the opposite end 43, for example provided with a through-hole able to be arranged coaxially of the internal cavity 41 of the tubular element. The first fixed flange 46 comprises at least a pair of pins 460 arranged with the longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the tubular element 40 and projecting from the opposite side with respect to the first fixed flange 46 with respect to the tubular body 40.

Further, the first fixed flange 46 comprises a plurality of through-holes 461.

At least a first annular seal 47 is arranged internally of the tubular element 40, for example positioned axially on the opposite side of the open end 42 with respect to the first radial opening 44 (and the second radial opening 45) . In the example the first annular seal 47 is positioned in an annular cavity afforded at an axial position of the tubular element 40 axially interposed between the first radial opening 44 (and therefore also the second radial opening 45) and the opposite end 43, proximal to the first radial opening 44 (and to the second radial opening 45) .

In practice, the axial distance between the first annular seal 47 and the median axis of the first radial opening 44 (and the second radial opening 45) is substantially equal (or comparable) to the distance between the open end 42 and the median axis of the first radial opening 44 (and the second radial opening 45) .

The first annular seal 47 can project radially, for a limited radial portion, internally of the internal cavity 41 of the tubular element 40.

At least a second annular seal 48 is arranged internally of the tubular element 40, for example located axially on the opposite side of the open end 42 with respect to the first radial opening 44 (and the second radial opening 45) .

In the example the second annular seal 48 is positioned in an annular cavity afforded at an axial position (substantially central) of the tubular element 40 axially interposed between the first annular seal 48 and the opposite end 43.

In practice, the first annular seal 47 and the second annular seal 48 are spaced from one another along an axial portion of the tubular element 40.

The second annular seal 48 is able to project radially, over a limited radial portion, internally of the internal cavity 41 of the tubular element 40.

The tubular element 40 further comprises a first radial hole 491 and a second radial hole 492, for example interposed axially between the first annular seal 47 and the second annular seal 48.

For example the first and the second radial hole 491, 492 are able to place the internal cavity 41 in communication with the tubular element 40 with the outside thereof.

The diameter of the radial holes 491, 492 is (much) smaller than the diameter of the first radial opening 44 (and the second radial opening 45) .

The first radial hole 491 is for example facing upwards and the second radial hole 492 is facing downwards.

The device 30 comprises a branch conduit 50, which can be sealedly connected to the first radial opening 44 of the tubular element 40.

The branch conduit 50 is intercepted by selection valve means 51 through which it is selectively connected to the supply line 11 and to a source line 14 of a sterilising fluid, for example steam and/or a sterilising liquid.

In particular, the source line 14 comprises a first source branch 141 of steam addable to a sterilising fluid and a second source branch 142 (for example independent of the first branch) of liquids for cleaning.

The selection valve means 51 comprise a check valve (for example a three-way valve) which comprises a valve body provided with a first inlet 510, in fluid connection via a suitable pipeline with the supply line 11, a second inlet 511, in fluid connection, via the source line 14, for example via the first source branch 141, with a further tank 15 of the sterilising fluid, a third inlet 512, in fluid communication, via the source line 14, for example via the second source branch 142, with a source of liquid for cleaning, and an outlet 513 in fluid connection with the tubular element 40 through the branch conduit 50 fixed in the first radial opening 44 thereof.

The check valve further comprises an obturator element (not visible in the figures) or a group of obturators actuable independently, which is located internally of the valve body and is operable between a first open configuration, in which it opens the first inlet 510 enabling passage of filler product from the supply line 11 to the tubular element 40 and at the same time closing the second inlet 511 and the third inlet 512, a second open configuration, in which it opens the second inlet 511 enabling passage of sterilizing fluid from the source line 14 to the tubular element 40, at the same time closing the first inlet 510 and the third inlet 512, a third open configuration, in which it opens the third inlet 512 enabling passage of cleaning liquid from the source line 14 (i.e. from the second source branch 142) to the tubular element 40, at the same time closing the first inlet 510 and the second inlet 511, and a closed configuration in which it closes the first, the second and the third inlet 510, 511, 512.

Further, the source line 14 of the sterilizing fluid comprises a switching branch (not illustrated) that can be connected to the first through-hole 491 for sterilizing the environment interposed between the first annular seal 47 and the second annular seal 48.

In practice, a flow of sterilizing liquid can enter the internal cavity 41, in the axial portion thereof interposed between the first annular seal 47 and the second annular seal 48, and exit through the second through-hole 492.

The device 30 comprises a discharge conduit 55, which can be sealedly connected to the second radial opening 45 of the tubular element 40.

The discharge conduit 55 is intercepted by opening and closing valve means 56, for example such as an on/off valve or a tap, through which the internal cavity 41 is selectively connected to a discharge tub 16 or a discharge line .

In practice the opening and closing valve means 56 are selectively operable to open and close so as to open and close the discharge conduit 55.

The opening and closing valve means 56 are for example positioned in a position of the discharge conduit 55 proximal to the tubular element 40, so that the volume of the discharge conduit 55 interposed between the second radial opening 45 and the opening and closing valve means 56 is substantially modest, for example less than (or comparable to) the internal volume of a container 20 to be filled.

The device 30 comprises a gripping element 60 configured for gripping the cap 24 of the container 20.

The gripping element 60 is inserted, for example coaxially, internally of the internal cavity 41 of the tubular element 40.

The gripping element 60 comprises a cylindrical body 61 provided with a first free end 611 proximal to the open end 42 of the tubular element 40 and an opposite second end 612 proximal to the opposite end 43 of the tubular element.

In the example the cylindrical body 61 preferably exhibits a circular section, but could have any section in conformity with the section of the internal cavity 41.

The gripping element 60 is for example slidably (and/or rotatably) inserted internally of the tubular element 40. The first end 611 of the cylindrical body 61 comprises a first cradle 613 configured such as to accommodate an axial portion of the cap 24.

In particular the first cradle 613 is defined by a substantially U-shaped groove having a concavity facing upwards in which the gripping hood 244, 245 of the cap 24 is insertable by means of a transversal sliding with respect to the axis of the cylindrical body 610.

In practice the first cradle 613 comprises a broadened zone destined to house the plate 245 and a tapered end destined to insert with a small amount of axial play internally of the gully defined between the bottom wall 242 and the plate 245 of the cap 24.

The first cradle 613 is substantially coaxial to the internal cavity 41, and therefore the open end 42 of the tubular element 40 and is configured so as to axially constrain the cap 24 to the cylindrical body 61.

The cylindrical body 61 is alternatively mobile along the axis of the tubular element 40 between an extracted position, in which the first end 611 is arranged at least partially externally of the tubular element 40, for example frontally facing the open end 42 thereof, and a retracted position, in which the first end 611 thereof is axially contained internally of the internal cavity 41 of the tubular element 40. In practice, in the extracted position the first cradle 613 is located externally of the tubular element 40 and is accessible for receiving a cap 24 with a sliding along an ideal plane perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical body 61 (from above in a downwards direction) , as the plate 245 of the cap 24 can be inserted from above in the groove defined by the first cradle 613.

Further, the cylindrical body 61 in any retracted position is mobile between a neared position to the open end 42 of the tubular element 40 and a distanced position therefrom.

In the neared position, for example, the first end 611 of the cylindrical body 61 is located substantially at an aligned axial position with the first radial opening 44 (and therefore also with the second radial opening 45) of the tubular element 40.

In practice, with the cylindrical body 61 in the neared position, between the first end 611 bearing the first cradle 613 and the cap 24 supported thereby (still inserted in the mouth 23) , a flow of fluid crossing the branch conduit 50 (towards the discharge conduit 55 with the opening and closing valve means 56 in the open configuration) can spray the first end 611 of the cylindrical body 61, the first cradle 613, the whole portion of cap 24 which externally emerges from the mouth 23 (free or partially enveloped with play from the first cradle 613) and, for example, the zone of the free end of the mouth 23 radially projecting towards the inside with respect to the axial lowering 421 of the open end 42 of the tubular element 40. In practice, this fluid flow is axially contained internally of the internal cavity 41 of the tubular element 40 between the first annular seal 47 and the contact between the free end of the mouth 23 and the axial lowering 421 (or the seal ring 422), spraying everything interposed between the seal elements when it crosses the internal cavity 41, passing from the first radial opening 44 towards the second radial opening 45.

In the distanced position, the first end 611 of the cylindrical body 61 is located at an axial position of the intermediate tubular element 40 between the zone provided with the first radial opening 44 (and therefore also with the second radial opening 45) and the opposite end 43.

In practice, in the distanced position the first end 611 is axially interposed between the first annular seal 27 and the second annular seal 28.

In practice, the cover 241 of the cap 24 axially blocked in the second cradle 613, in the distanced position of the first end 611, has been de-inserted from the mouth 23 which is therefore open.

The run of the cylindrical body 61 is configured so that in the distanced position of the first end 611, the annular seal 47 is radially compressed between the tubular element 40 and the cover 241 of the cap 24.

In practice, with the cylindrical body 61 in the distanced position, a fluid flow crossing the branch conduit 50 with the opening and closing valve means 56 of the discharge conduit 55 in the closed configuration enters the internal cavity 41 through the first radial opening 44 and (after having filled the portion of discharge conduit 55 interposed between the second radial opening 45 and with the opening and closing valve means 56 closed) is forced to enter the container 20 via the open mouth 23.

In practice, this fluid flow is contained axially internally of the internal cavity 41 of the tubular element 40 between the first annular seal 47 and the contact between the free end of the mouth 23 and the axial lowering 421 (or the seal ring 422), being able to enter only internally of the cavity of the mouth 24 for filling the container 20.

The gripping element 60 comprises a first linear actuator 62 provided with a cylinder 620 and a stem 621 that is mobile with respect to the cylinder and inserted at least partially internally of the tubular element 40.

The stem 621 is fixed to the cylindrical body 61, so that the cylindrical body 61 axially extends the stem; in practice the cylindrical body 61 and the stem 621 behave in use as a single body.

The first linear actuator 62 is configured such as to command the translation of the cylindrical body 61 between the neared position and the distanced position.

The gripping element 60 further comprises a second mobile flange 63, which is fixed to the cylinder 621 of the first linear actuator 62.

The second mobile flange 63 exhibits a central hole that can be keyed, with radial play, on the stem 621 of the first linear actuator 62. The second flange 63 is substantially parallel to the first fixed flange 46 and exhibits at least a pair of through- cavities 630 that can be inserted, with a modest radial play, on the pins 460 of the first fixed flange 46.

The second flange 63 is mobile in translation alternatively between a neared position to the first fixed flange 46 (in which it is substantially in contact therewith) and a position distanced therefrom by means of second linear actuators 631.

The second linear actuators 631 preferably comprise cylinders 632 fixed to the first fixed flange 46 and mobile stems 633 inserted in the through-holes 461 of the first fixed flange 46 and fixed to the second mobile flange 63 for moving the second mobile flange 63 between the neared position and the distanced position.

In practice the second actuators 631 can alternatively move the cylindrical body 61 between the retracted position (in particular from the neared position thereof) and the extracted position, respectively by means of the movement of the second mobile plate 63 between the distanced position and the neared position.

Further, the device 30 comprises a support plate 70 (shown in the detail of figure 3) able to support the container 20, in particular the mouth 23 of the container 20.

The support plate 70 is associated movingly with respect to the tubular element 40, for example in proximity of the open end 42 thereof and frontally thereof.

The support plate 70 is mobile in translation, parallel to the axis of the tubular element 40, alternatively between a respective distanced position from the open end 42 and a neared position thereto.

In particular, the support plate 70 comprises a second cradle 71 configured such as to house an axial portion of the mouth 23.

In particular, the second cradle 71 is defined by a substantially U-shaped groove having a concavity thereof facing upwards, in which groove the mouth 23 can be inserted by means of a transversal sliding with respect to the axis of the tubular element 40; for example the portion of the mouth 23 comprised between the second broadening 233 and the third broadening 234 thereof can be inserted.

In practice the second cradle 71 comprises two broadened zones destined to respectively house the first and the second broadening 232, 233, and a tapered central zone destined to insert with reduced axial play internally of the gully defined between the second and the third broadening 232, 233.

The second cradle 71 is substantially coaxial to the internal cavity 41 of the tubular element 40, and thus to the open end 42, and also to the first cradle 613 of the gripping element, and is configured so as to axially constrain the mouth 23 to the support plate 70.

In practice, the second cradle 71 is located externally of the tubular element 40 and is accessible for receiving a mouth 23 (closed by a cap 24) by means of a sliding along an ideal perpendicular plane to the axis of the tubular element 40 (in a downwards direction) .

When a mouth 23 closed by the cap 24 is inserted in the second cradle 71 (for example with the support plate 70 in the distanced position) , the cap 24 can be inserted, contemporaneously, in the first cradle 613 (the cylindrical body 61 being in the extracted position thereof) , as described above.

Further, when the support plate 70 is in the neared position to the open end 42 of the tubular element 40, the free end 231 of the mouth 23 is axially compressed on the open end 42, in particular on the axial lowering 421 and/or on the seal ring 422; in practice, in this configuration the mouth 24 is axially extended, substantially continuously and sealedly, by the tubular element 40.

The support plate 70 is constrained in translation to the second flange 63.

For example, rigid connecting bars 72 are interposed (illustrated schematically only in figure 7) between the support plate 70 and the second flange 63, connecting bars 72 are able to solidly constrain the support plate 70 and the second flange 63 during the movement thereof with respect to the tubular element 40.

To facilitate the movement of the support plate 70 between the neared position to the open end 42 of the tubular element 40 and the distanced position therefrom, third linear actuators 73 can be included.

The third linear actuators 73 preferably comprise respective cylinders 730 fixed to the tubular element 40, for example by means of a fixing plate 731, and mobile stems 732 fixed to the support plate 70 for movement thereof between the neared position and the distanced position.

In practice, the third linear actuators 73, cooperating with the second linear actuators 631, are able to alternatively move, respectively via the movement of the support plate 70, between the distanced position and the neared position, the mouth 23 inserted in the second cradle 71 (together with the cap 24 inserted in the first cradle 613 maintained in the closed position of the mouth 23 by means of the simultaneous translation of the cylindrical body 61 drawn by the translation of the second flange 63) between a position of non-contact with the open end 42 of the tubular element 40 and a position of forced contact therewith.

The support plate 70 can further comprise retaining means of the mouth 23 inserted in the second cradle 71.

The retaining means for example comprise at least a plug 74, in the example two in number and situated opposite one another, able to extend at least partially above the second cradle 71, so as to retain a mouth 23 inserted therein in opposition to a raising thereof.

In the example the plug 74 is inserted in a seating fashioned in the support plate 70 and having a parallel axis on the plate of the support plate and, for example, inclined with respect to a horizontal.

The plug 74 is for example elastic; between the seating and the pin 74 elastic means are preferably interposed, such as a (helical) spring, able to push the plug towards the inside of the second cradle 71.

Once a mouth 23 has been inserted in the second cradle 71 it is retained (removably) by the plugs 74 (as well as by the force of gravity which maintains the container 20 pressed on the second cradle) .

In the light of what is described above, the functioning of the filling system 10 is as follows.

A quantity of product flows from the tank 13 through the supply line 11 towards the filling machine 12.

The device 30, for example cyclically or at pre-definable time intervals during the dispensing of the product into the recipient/s of the filling machine 12, is able to collect (by opening the first inlet 510 of the selection valve means 51) a limited quantity of sampling product (i.e. the same product that in that given time period and under the same conditions in which the product is supplied to the filling machine 12) with which a container 20 will be aseptically filled.

Each filling step of the device 30 is described in the following in detail; for example each below-described step is commanded by a control and command unit which, being operatively associated to the device 30, automatically commands the operating steps of the various components.

With the device 30 at rest, the support plate 70 is in the distanced position from the open end 42 of the tubular element and the cylindrical body 61 is in the extracted position .

Firstly, either manually or automatically a mouth 23, closed by the respective cap 24 internally of the second cradle 71, is arranged such that the cap inserts in the first cradle 613.

In this way, the cap 24 is axially constrained to the cylindrical body 61 and the mouth 23 is axially constrained to the support plate 70.

With the container 20 in the above-described position the movement of the support plate 70 and at the same time the second flange 63 is commanded, from the distanced position to the neared position (with the stem 621 of the first linear actuator 62 maintained in the extended configuration) .

In practice, the mouth 23 and the cap 24, during this step, move simultaneously by the same distance, remaining solidly constrained to one another in the closed position of the mouth 23.

When the support plate 70 and the second flange 63 are in a neared position, the free end of the mouth 23 is pressed against the axial lowering 421 (and/or the seal ring 422) of the open end 42 of the tubular element 40; in practice the tubular element 40 axially prolongs the mouth 23 and the third linear actuators 73 (and/or the second linear actuators 631) maintain the reciprocal contact between the mouth 23 and the free end 42 of the tubular element.

Further, when the support plate 70 and the second flange 63 are positioned near, the first radial opening 44 and the second radial opening 45 are in fluid communication with one another via a gap defined internally of the internal cavity 41, between the portion that emerges from the mouth 23 of the cap 24, which is inserted in the tubular element 40, the first end 611 of the cylindrical body 60 which accommodates the cap in the first cradle 613 and the tubular element 40. In this configuration of the device 30 a first step of sterilization of the cap 24 and the connecting portion of the mouth 23 to the cap is carried out.

In particular, first the opening and closing valve means 56 are commanded to close the discharge conduit 55 and the selection valve means 51 are commanded such as to open the second inlet 511 and/or the third inlet 512.

In this way it is possible to inject steam for a determined amount of time internally of the internal cavity 41 in the axial zone thereof containing the cap 24 closing the moth 23, so as to be able to raise the temperature rapidly in the zone .

Once a desired reference temperature has been reached, for example comprised between 80°C and 105°C, the opening and closing valve means 56 are opened, so that the steam accumulated and possibly condensed internally of the internal cavity 41 and the discharge conduit 55 is discharged into the collecting tub 16.

Then, with the opening and closing valve means 56 open, a series of washing operations is commenced, for example punctuated by pauses, in which one or more injections of sterilizing fluid are made (steam or a sterilizing liquid or a combination of the two) through the selection valve means 51, in which the flow of sterilizing fluid enters through the branch conduit 50 into the internal cavity 41 through the first radial opening 44, brushes against the portion of cap 24 emerging from the mouth 23 and flows through the second radial opening 45 into the discharge conduit 55 up to the collecting tub 16.

This series of washes, for example, is carried out for a time substantially comprised between 2 and 5 minutes.

The final wash in the series of washes includes, for example, injecting only steam with the opening and closing valve means 56 closed.

When the series of washes is complete, the cap 24 is removed from the mouth 23 with the opening and closing valve means 56 still closed.

In practice, the first linear actuator 62 is used to command the movement of the cylindrical body 61 from the neared position to the distanced position.

With the cap 24 detached from the mouth 23 the selection valve means 51 can be commanded to open the first inlet 510 to enable filling the container 20 with the filler product. In practice, the filler product, via the selection valve means 51, enters the branch conduit 50, and passes into the internal cavity 41 through the first radial opening 44 up until, for example after filling the portion of the discharge conduit 55 interposed between the second radial opening 45 and the opening and closing valve means 556, it flows into the container 20 through the open mouth 23.

When the container 20 has been filled with the desired dose of filler product, the mouth 23 is closed with the cap 24, as described in the following.

In practice, the first linear actuator 62 causes the cylindrical body 61 to perform a return run from the distanced position to the neared position.

For example the return run can be halted in an intermediate position, between the neared and the distanced position, in which the cap 24 is only partly entered into the mouth 23 for a limited axial portion, for example the cover 241 of the cap 24 is inserted in the mouth for a limited portion thereof, about 1/4 or 1/3 of the axial length thereof.

With the cap 24 in the intermediate inserted position one or more series of washes can be commanded, for example as described above, with the opening and closing valve means 56 open .

Following this series of further washes it is possible to command the first linear actuator 62 in such a way that it completes the return run up to complete entry of the cap 24 into the mouth 23.

Following the closing of the mouth 23, the second linear actuator 631 and/or the third linear actuator 73 (with the stem 621 of the first linear actuator 62 maintained in the extended configuration) , brings the first cradle 613 out of the internal cavity 41 of the tubular element 40 and the second cradle 71 into the distanced position, enabling the extraction of the container 20 (with the mouth 23 closed by the cap 24) from the device 30.

Before newly using the device 30 an "empty" washing step can be carried out. For example the empty washing step is realised by inserting a dummy cap (with a relative dummy mouth, for example constrained to one another) , not shown as it has a like shape to the cap 24 and the mouth 23 in the closed configuration, into the respective first cradle 613 and second cradle 71, as happens when there is a container 20 to be filled.

Once the dummy cap and the dummy mouth are in position, the dummy mouth is commanded to go into the contact position with the axial lowering 421 of the open end 42 of the tubular element 40 with the contemporary movement of the cylindrical body 61 from the extracted position to the retracted (and neared) position.

With the dummy cap and the dummy mouth in this position one or more series of further washes are carried out, as described above, with the opening and closing valve means 56 open, following which the dummy cap and mouth is returned into release position for extraction thereof.

The invention as it is conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.

Further, all the details can be replaced by other technically-equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, can be any according to requirements, without forsaking the scope of protection of the following claims .

Claims

1. An aseptic filler device (30) of containers (20) provided with a filler mouth (23) closed by a removable cap (24) in which the device (30) comprises

- a tubular element (40) comprising an open end (42), able to be inserted with radial play on the cap (24) of the container (20) to be filled and able to go into contact with the mouth (23) and extend the mouth (23) axially, a first radial opening (44), associated to a branch conduit (50) connectable to a supply line (11) of a filler fluid of the container (20) and to a source line (14) of a sterilizing fluid via selection valve means (51), for selective supply into the tubular element (40) of the filler fluid and the sterilizing fluid, and a second radial opening (45) , associated to a discharge conduit (55) provided with opening and closing valve means (56) operable to open and close the discharge conduit (55) , and

a gripping element (60) of the cap (24) of the container (20) inserted internally of the tubular element (40) and mobile between a neared position to the open end (42) of the tubular element (40) and a distanced position therefrom respectively for closing and opening the mouth (23) ,

wherein when the gripping element (60) is in the neared position, the first radial opening (44) is in communication with the second radial opening (45) via a gap defined between a portion of the cap (24) inserted in the tubular element (40) and the tubular element (40) itself and, when the gripping (60) element is in the distanced position, the first radial opening (44) is in communication with the internal volume of the container (22) via the open end (42) of the tubular element (40) .

2. The device (30) of claim 1, wherein when the gripping element (60) is in the distanced position the opening and closing valve means (56) close the discharge conduit (55) .

3. The device (30) of claim 1, wherein the gripping element (60) comprises a linear actuator (62) provided with a cylinder (620) and a mobile stem (621, 61) with respect to the cylinder (620) and inserted at least slidably internally of the tubular element (40), wherein a first cradle (613) is associated to the free end (611) of the mobile stem (621, 61), which first cradle (613) is for accommodating an axial portion of the cap (24), coaxial to the open end (42) of the tubular element (40) and configured so as to axially constrain the cap (24) .

4. The device (30) of claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a support plate (70) mobile with respect to the tubular element (40) and provided with a second cradle (71), for accommodating an axial portion of the mouth (23) , coaxial to the open end (42) of the tubular element (40) and configured so as to axially constrain the mouth (23) .

5. The device (30) of claim 3 and 4, wherein the support plate (70) is solidly associated in translation to the cylinder (620) of the linear actuator (62) .

6. The device (30) of claim 1, wherein the selection valve means comprise a check valve (51) comprising a valve body provided with at least two inlets (510, 511, 512), of which a first inlet (510) in communication with the supply line (11) and a second inlet (511, 512) in communication with the source line (14), and an outlet (513) in communication with the branch conduit (50), in which valve body at least an obturator is mobile, the obturator being configured for selectively occluding one from between the first inlet (510) and the second inlet (511, 512) or both the inlets (510, 511, 512) .

7. The device (30) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein seal means (421, 422) are defined between the open end (42) of the tubular element (40) and the mouth (23) .

8. The device (30) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular element (40) comprises at least an annular seal (47) arranged axially on the opposite side of the open end (42) with respect to the first and second radial opening (44, 45) and configured such as to be radially compressed between the gripping element (60) and the tubular element (40), when the gripping element (60) is in the neared position, and between the cap (24) and the tubular element (40), when the gripping element (60) is in the distanced position.

9. A filling plant comprising a filling machine (12) of recipients supplied by a supply line (11) of a product for filling the recipients, where a filler device (30) for filling containers (20) is positioned on the supply line (11), according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for aseptic filling of containers (20) provided with a filler mouth (23) closed by a removable cap (24) by means of a device according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises steps of:

- arranging the mouth (23) closed by the cap (24) coaxially to the tubular element (40), so that the mouth (23) goes into contact with the open end (42) of the tubular element (40);

maintaining the gripping element (60) in a neared position, so as to keep the mouth (23) closed by means of the cap (24 ) ;

opening the opening and closing valve means (56) of the discharge conduit (55) ;

via the branch conduit (50), dispensing sterilising fluid into the internal gap of the internal cavity (41) defined between the tubular element (40) and the cap (24) ;

discharging the sterilising fluid via the discharge conduit (55) ;

- closing the opening and closing valve means (56) of the discharge conduit (55) ;

bringing the gripping element (60) into a distanced position, so as to open the mouth (24);

via the branch conduit (50), supplying filler fluid into the container (20) by means of the open mouth

(23) ;

carrying out a return run for the gripping element (60) towards the neared position, so as to re-close the mouth (23) .

11. The method of claim 10, which comprises steps of:

halting the return run in at least an intermediate position between the neared position and the distanced position, where the cap (24) is only partly entered into the mouth (23) ,

repeating the dispensing of sterilising fluid, via the branch conduit, into the gap defined between the tubular element (40) and the cap (24),

and, thereafter, completing the return run up to the complete insertion of the cap (24) in the mouth (23) .