JPH04253602A - Drop-preventing nozzle and method for filling container with liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent a filled substance from splashing and to minimize drips from a nozzle, by forming a screen reducing formation of drips at an end of tubular member and providing a suction unit adjacent thereto. CONSTITUTION: A filling nozzle 10 comprises a body 14 for receiving liquid through a passage 12 of a conduit 11, wherein the liquid is received from a conduit 36 through an opening 35. The liquid flows through a conduit 15 in a nozzle body to regions including a valve shaft housing 16 and a valve seat 17 of the nozzle. The liquid flows along a valve shaft guide 26 of a valve shaft 18 to a region including the valve seat 17. The conduit 15 is connected with a chamber 21 whereby the liquid flows from the conduit 15 into the chamber 21. The liquid is discharged through a hole 23 from the nozzle after it flows through a screen 22 causing a laminar flow in the liquid below the chamber 21. Excessive liquid is removed by suction force functioning to a conduit 20 connected with the chamber 21.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for filling an enclosure such as a pouch with liquid and preventing the filling material from scattering. In particular, the invention relates to a nozzle comprising means to prevent excess liquid from flowing into the pouch or bottle and means to maintain the outlet of the nozzle above the level of the liquid in the pouch or bottle during filling. , and a method of filling pouches and bottles using the valve.

0002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many problems arise during the filling of pouch containers. One of these problems is the splashing of liquid when filling the container. Another problem is that liquid drips from the nozzle after filling the container. Such splashing and dripping results in contamination of the seal area of the container. Excessive splashing results in the container holding less liquid than the predetermined amount. If the container is a pouch, a more serious problem arises in that the sealed area becomes contaminated. This problem arises because the pouch is often formed and filled in the same process. That is,
The pouch is formed from a sheet of film and is filled once formed with a sealed bottom and sealed sides. The top is then sealed.

0003

A problem arises when the area to be provided with the top seal is covered with the material to be filled into the pouch container. This is due to turbulence that scatters the material of the pouch during filling, and dripping from the nozzle at the end of filling. However, although coating the inner surface with product is an excellent solution, this is detrimental to forming a good seal. It is therefore an object of the present invention to minimize such splashing and dripping from the nozzle after the filling cycle.

0004

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a container package,
In particular, it relates to a method and apparatus for filling flexible film pouches. The device consists of a nozzle comprising an elongated tubular member having a through hole through which liquid flows intermittently. The upper end is provided with means for introducing the liquid, and the other end forms a laminar flow, when the flow of the liquid stops;
At least one screen means is provided to reduce the formation of drips. At the lower end of the area of the screen or screens, suction means may be provided to remove excess liquid from the screen area. Additionally, the entire elongated tubular member with the nozzle is moved upwardly when filling the container, maintaining the nozzle outlet end at a predetermined distance above the level of the liquid in the container, so that the fluid as it enters the package is impact energy can be minimized.

In the method, a nozzle is inserted into the pouch and the nozzle is opened to allow liquid to flow into the container. The liquid flows into the container and at the same time the nozzle moves upwards to maintain the outlet of the nozzle above the level of the liquid in the container during the filling process. When the pouch is filled, the nozzle is closed and the suction means is then actuated to remove excess liquid from the area of the screen or screens to prevent drip formation. The nozzle is now ready for the next filling process.

[0006] When the pouch is being filled, the nozzle is typically part of the forming/filling process. Once the pouch has been formed to the extent that it has a sealed bottom and sides, it is ready to be filled. At this point, the nozzle is near the bottom of the pouch. The nozzle is activated to flow a predetermined amount of liquid into the pouch. At the same time, the nozzle is lifted to maintain its height above the level of the liquid flowing into the pouch. Once a predetermined amount of liquid has flowed into the pouch, the flow is stopped and the excess liquid in the area of the screen or screens of the nozzle is removed by suction with the suction means. This reduces the formation of drips when the liquid flow stops.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In FIG. 1, filling nozzle 10 is shown in a closed position. In this position, no liquid is discharged through the opening 23 of the nozzle 10. This nozzle consists of a body 14 which receives liquid via a passage 12 of a conduit 11. Liquid is received from conduit 36 through opening 35 . This conduit 11 also supports the nozzle and provides means for raising and lowering the nozzle during the container filling cycle. Conduit 11 is threadably engaged with nozzle body 14 by screw 13 . A conduit 15 within the nozzle body allows liquid to flow into the region of the valve stem housing 16 and the valve seat 17 of the nozzle. The liquid flows along the valve stem guide 26 of the valve stem 18 in the region of the valve seat 17 . The lower portion of the valve stem contacts the valve seat when the valve is in the closed position. This stops the flow of liquid. When in the open position as shown in FIG. 2, conduit 15 communicates with chamber 21 and liquid flows from conduit 15 into chamber 21. In the lower part of the chamber 21 one or more screens 22 are provided which are adapted to produce a laminar flow in the flowing liquid. After flowing the screen,
Liquid exits the nozzle through hole 23. Conduit 15
One or more conduits 20 are in communication with the chamber 21 that serve to remove excess liquid from the chamber 21 after the flow of liquid from the chamber 21 to the chamber 21 has ceased. This liquid is removed by suction acting on conduit 20.

Although nozzle 10 is preferably an electromechanical device, it may also be a mechanical device. As an electromechanical nozzle, the magnetic field created in coil 25 moves magnet 27 upwards. The magnet is an integral part of the valve stem guide 26. Stopper 28 and valve seat 18 limit movement of valve stem 17.

FIG. 2 shows the nozzle in the open position. The valve stem is in a downward position allowing liquid to flow through conduit 15 and into chamber 21 . Liquid flows through screen 22 and exits through holes 23. When the nozzle closes again, suction is applied to conduit 20 to remove excess liquid from chamber 21.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle taken along line 3--3 of FIG. Here, the nozzle body 14,
The chamber 21, valve stem 17 and suction conduit 20 are shown.

[0011] Figures 4-6 show a nozzle for filling a container. In FIG. 4, the nozzle 10 is shown completely within the container 30, filling the container with liquid 31. The liquid flows from the nozzle 10 in a substantially laminar manner. This is the result of flowing through the screen. In FIG. 5, container 30 is shown approximately half full of liquid. In this figure, the nozzle 10 moves upwards;
The nozzle hole 23 is maintained above the level of the liquid 31 in the container. In Figure 6, container 30 is shown completely filled. The nozzle is positioned above the level of the liquid and the flow of liquid from the nozzle is stopped. At this point, suction is applied to the conduit 20 to remove excess liquid from the lower portion of the nozzle, ie, from the screen area or areas.

The primary function of the screen or screens 22 is to provide laminar flow to the liquid exiting the nozzle and to prevent dripping from the nozzle when in the closed position. The screen can be formed as a single screen or as a stack of multiple screens. A single screen is used, the screen is approximately 0.1mm to 10m
It is desirable to have a thickness of about 0.2 mm to about 0.5 mm. Preferably, the screen has mesh holes of about 0.1 to 5 mm, particularly about 0.5 to 2.5 mm. This is sufficient to form a channel through which the liquid will flow, resulting in substantially laminar flow.

[0013] Also, it is desirable that the nozzle has a diameter that substantially fills the cross section of the container during filling. For pouches, this will be approximately 60-90% of the container diameter. If the container is a jar, this is approximately 60-90% of the neck opening of the jar.
becomes. In the case of a large-diameter nozzle, the liquid flows at a low velocity, resulting in less splashing. Furthermore, the risk of significant turbulence is minimized. In this way, splashing and contamination of the inner walls of the container are reduced.

Nozzle 10 is moved upwardly and downwardly by mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic means. For hydraulic or pneumatic operation, a piston is attached directly or indirectly to the conduit 11. Liquid or gas acting on this piston causes the nozzle 10 to rise and fall. For mechanical operation, the conduit 11 can be provided with gears, such as rack gears, as part of its outer surface. At this time, a gear meshing with this rack raises and lowers the nozzle. Other mechanical mechanisms can also be used. In FIG. 1, nozzle 1
Hydraulic or pneumatic means for raising and lowering 0 are shown. A bar 37 is shown connected to a piston rod 38 of a piston 39 that moves a cylinder 40. The cylinder 40 is supported by a support 41. Fluid or gas is pumped into hole 42' or hole 42'' to move the piston and thus valve 10. The mechanical means are shown in FIG. 2, where gear rack 43 is rigidly attached to conduit 11. Rotation of gear 44 causes nozzle 10 to move upward and downward.

When filling a film pouch, the nozzle is moved down to near the bottom of the pouch and liquid flow into the pouch begins. As liquid flows into the pouch, the nozzle moves upwardly, keeping the bottom of the nozzle above the level of the liquid within the pouch. Once a predetermined amount of liquid has flowed into the pouch, the liquid flow is stopped and a suction force is applied to the bottom portion of the valve to prevent drip formation. Excess liquid is drawn into the recirculation tank from one or more screen areas of the nozzle. The suction is then stopped, the nozzle is ready to descend, and another cycle begins.

The main purpose of this filling nozzle is that the liquid to be filled into pouches and other containers is splashed near the filling nozzle, moistening the film in the area where a seal will be formed in the subsequent process. The purpose is to prevent If the area where the seal is to be provided is wetted with product, a weak seal may be formed. The above description is of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Variations and adaptations are possible to suit particular purposes. However, such modifications and applications constitute the implementation content of the present invention.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a fill nozzle assembly in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the fill nozzle assembly in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fill nozzle assembly taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the filling nozzle at the beginning of filling the container.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the filling nozzle with the container half full;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the filling nozzle with the container filled.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 nozzle
11 Conduit 12 Passage
13 Screw 14 Main body
15 conduit 16 housing
17 Valve seat 18
valve stem
20 conduit 21 chamber
22 Screen

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A drip-preventing nozzle for filling a container with liquid, comprising: an elongated tubular member having a through hole for allowing the liquid to flow; a means provided at the upper end of the tubular member for introducing the liquid; and the tubular member. at least one screen means provided at the other end for guiding the flow and reducing the formation of drips; and at least one screen means provided in an area adjacent to said screen for removing excess liquid on said screen. Anti-drip nozzle, characterized in that it comprises suction means and means for lifting the tubular member and maintaining the other end of the tubular member above the level of the liquid in the container to be filled during filling of the container. . 2. An anti-drip nozzle, characterized in that it is provided with a plurality of screens. 3. The anti-drip nozzle of claim 2, wherein the screen has a thickness of about 0.1 to 10 mm. 4. The drip prevention nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of suction means are provided.
Anti-drip nozzle. 5. The anti-drip nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the elongated member fills approximately a cross-sectional area of a container to be filled. 6. A method for filling a container with a liquid, the method comprising:
(a) providing an elongated tubular nozzle comprising a plurality of screens and a suction means adjacent said screen and having a passageway therethrough for supplying liquid to a container; and (b) moving said nozzle into a container. , adjacent the bottom of the container; and (c) flowing liquid through the nozzle and moving the outlet of the nozzle to maintain the outlet end of the nozzle above the level of the liquid in the container. and,(
d) reducing the flow of liquid from said nozzle;
(e) actuating the suction means to remove liquid from the screen area. 7. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the liquid removed by the suction means flows into a recirculation tank. 8. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that said liquid is selected from the group consisting of bleach, detergent, fabric softener and lotion. . 9. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that said liquid is a bleaching agent. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the liquid is a fabric softener. 11. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the packaging is a flexible film pouch.