Center Supply Tube for a Container Filling Assembly

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an improved machine for filling beverage containers such as bottles and cans. More particularly, the subject invention relates to an improved system of liquid supply tubes for supplying the container-filling valves.

2 Description of Related Art

Automatic machinery is used in modern bottling facilities for filling containers with carbonated and noncarbonated liquids containing carbon dioxide and similar carbonations. This machinery comprises a fixed upright liquid conducting tube housed in a housing for conducting liquid to a distribution assembly which is mounted on, and rotates relative to, the housing. The distribution assembly includes a plurality of distribution conduits which distribute the flow of liquid from the fixed tube to a filling valve assembly for simultaneously filling a plurality of containers.

A representative assembly in the prior art includes a cylindrical housing of standard diameter. A fixed liquid conducting tube is disposed concentrically within the housing, defining an annular space between the housing and the tube. The housing, the space and the tube share a central vertical axis. A rotating distribution assembly mounts on top of the housing and rotates with respect to the vertical axis. The distribution assembly includes a rotating liquid conducting tube for engaging the fixed liquid conducting tube and for conducting the liquid from it. The rotating tube specifically engages telescopingly in close tolerance over the fixed tube. The rotating tube also engages telescopingly within the housing.

A persistent problem of the beverage container filling art involves the rapid, economical and efficient filling of containers such as bottles or cans with carbonated liquids. Pressurized liquids, particularly carbonated liquids, have a tendency to foam when moving through a system of narrow tubes to the container-filling valve assembly. Foaming of the liquid undermines an even, uniform flow and requires greater pressure to move a given volume of liquid through the tubes to a destination. Elementary fluid flow principals hold that pressurized liquid flows more calmly through wider tubes. Yet several constraints on tube size in the standard liquid filling assembly render enlarging the tubes difficult.

A further problem in the assembly pertains to the lubrication of the bearings which rotatably support the distribution means on the housing. In the current system the distribution assembly is supported on the housing by upper and lower bearings. A lubrication system from the housing lubricates the lower bearing but fails to lubricate the upper bearing. The upper bearing thus wears faster than the lower bearing and may contribute to poor rotation characteristics of the distribution means on the housing.

A container filling assembly supplies liquid connection with filling valves of the type used for filling a plurality of containers with liquid by distributing liquid from a main fluid path to the several filling valves. The assembly comprises: a stationary support housing having an integral interior surface and an integral exterior surface; and fixed liquid conducting means wholly within and adjacent to the support housing and having a top end and a bottom end defining a central vertical axis extending therethrough for conducting liquid from the bottom end to the top end. The assembly also comprises fluid distribution means rotatably and axially moveable with respect to the vertical axis and the fixed liquid conducting means and operatively connected to the fixed liquid conducting means for distributing the liquid from the fixed liquid conducting means to a plurality of containers. The fluid distribution means includes at least one distribution conduit extending from the top end of the fixed liquid conducting means for directing the liquid to at least one remote location for supplying the filler valves with liquid. The assembly is characterized by the fluid distribution means including rotating liquid conducting means having a first end disposed in contacting and telescoping engaging within the top end of the fixed liquid conducting means and a second end extending beyond the housing means and connected to the distribution conduits for conducting the liquid from the fixed liquid conducting means to the distribution conduits.

The fixed tube thus has a larger inside diameter when it engages telescopingly around the rotating tube rather than when it engages within the rotating tube. The large fixed tube diameter allows more fluid to pass more calmly through the tube using less pressure. This improvement has been made without expensive or difficult changes to the rest of the standard assembly.

The container filling assembly further comprises covering means integral with the rotating distribution means, telescopingly engaging over and rotating with respect to the housing. The assembly also comprises housing bearing means disposed between the covering means and the housing and including an upper bearing disposed near the top end and a lower bearing disposed between the upper bearing and the bottom end for rotatably supporting the covering means on the housing means. The assembly is further characterized by the including lubrication means connected to the housing means for lubricating the upper and lower bearings to allow low friction rotation between the covering means and the housing means.

The container filling assembly generally includes one or more liquid conducting distribution conduits connected to the second end of the rotating liquid conducting means and adapted to be connected with the filling valves for receiving the liquid from the second end. The conduits are also for distributing the liquid to the filling valves. Each of the distribution conduits includes a receiving end connected to the second end for receiving liquid from the second end. The assembly is finally characterized by including a cylindrical or rectangular solid section through each of the receiving ends having sides and a distribution axis extending through the section parallel to the sides forming an acute angle with the central vertical axis for providing smooth flow of liquid between the second end and the receiving ends.

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the subject invention partially in section;

FIG. 2 is a side view partially in section enlarged showing the lower end of the subject invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view partially in section enlarged showing the upper portion of the subject invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view partially in section showing the subject invention in a typical operating environment; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing portions of the sealing means and the head retaining means.

A container filling assembly is generally shown at 10 in the Figures. The assembly 10 supplies liquid connection between a beverage storage means (not shown) and filling valves generally shown at 12 of the type used for filling a plurality of containers 14 with liquid by distributing liquid from a main fluid path to several distribution paths leading eventually to the several filling valves. The assembly comprises a stationary support housing generally indicated at 16 and fixed liquid conducting means 18. The assembly 10 also comprises fluid distribution means, generally indicated at 20, which includes rotating liquid conducting means 22, at least one distribution conduit 24 and a covering means 26.

The stationary support housing 16 includes an integral (i.e., generally continuous and unbroken interior surface 28 and an integral (i.e. generally continuous and unbroken) exterior surface 30. This is to say that the housing 16 is generally unperforated, for reasons which will be explained later in the description. The housing 16 has a cylindrical shape with a high end 15 and a low end 17. A stand 32 supports the base of the housing 16 to maintain the housing in an upright position. The stand 32 includes an upwardly facing horizontal surface 34 which extends annularly around the housing 16. A thrust bearing 36 is disposed on the horizontal surface 34 for axially supporting the covering portion 26 of the distribution assembly 20 on the housing 16.

The fixed liquid conducting means 18 comprises a rigid, cylindrical fixed tube 18 having an inner surface 38 and an outer surface 40. The inner surface 38 must be sanitary since the liquid conducted over it is intended for human consumption. The fixed tube 18 is disposed fully within and adjacent to the support housing 16. The fixed tube 18 is concentric with the housing 16. The outer surface 40 is located adjacent to the housing 16 so that the fixed tube 18 and the housing define an annular space 118 therebetween. The fixed tube 18 has a top end 44 adjacent the high end 15 of the housing 16 and a bottom end 46 adjacent the low end 17 of the housing 16 defining a central vertical axis 48 extending therethrough. The fixed tube 18 conducts liquid from its bottom end 46 to its top end 44.

The fluid distribution means 20 is rotatably and axially moveable with respect to the vertical axis 48 of the fixed tube 18. The fluid distribution means 20 operatively connects to the fixed tube 18 for distributing the liquid from the fixed tube to a plurality of containers 14.

The fluid distribution means 20 includes at least one distribution conduit 24 extending from the top end 44 of the fixed tube 18 for directing the liquid to at least one remote location for supplying the filler valves 12 with liquid. The preferred embodiment of the distribution assembly 20 includes four such distribution conduit 24 spaced apart from each other. However, the assembly 20 may include as many as twelve or more distribution conduits 24 spaced equally apart from each other.

The fluid distribution means 20 further includes rotating liquid conducting means 22 having a first end 50 disposed in contacting and telescoping engagement with the top end 44 of the fixed tube 18 and a second end 52 extending beyond the housing means 16 and connected to the distribution conduits 24 for conducting the liquid from the fixed tube 18 to the distribution conduits 24. The rotating liquid conducting means 22 comprises a rigid cylindrical rotating tube 22 having a sanitary inner surface 54 conducting liquid, and an outer surface 56 rotatably and slidably disposed in close tolerance within the inner surface 38 of the fixed tube 18. The rotating tube 22 includes an annular notch 58 on its outer surface 56 at its first end 50. Two oppositely disposed drain holes 60 are machined through the rotating tube 22 above the level of the annular notch 58. The drain holes 60 enable the liquid to flow between the fixed tube 18 and the rotating tube 22. The rotating tube 22 at the first end 50 includes a bevelled portion 62 to facilitate the smooth flow of liquid from the fixed tube 18 into the rotating tube 22. The rotating tube 22 further includes an annular retaining groove 64 on its outer surface 56 at the second end 52.

The assembly 10 further includes sealing means generally indicated at 66 disposed between the inner surface 38 of the fixed tube 18 at its top end 44 and the outer surface 56 of the first end 50 of the rotating tube 22 for preventing the liquid from flowing past the sealing means.

The sealing means 66 includes sealing housing means generally indicated at 68 disposed on the top end 44 of the fixed tube 18 surrounding and contacting the first end 50 of the rotating tube 22. The sealing housing means 68 comprises a removable annular shoulder ring 70 welded to the top end 44 of the fixed tube 18 for housing the sealing means 66. A lower shoulder 72 in the shoulder ring 70 defines a lower annular space 74 between the shoulder ring and the rotating tube 22. An upper shoulder 76 defines an upper annular space 78 between the shoulder ring 70 and the rotating tube 22. The shoulder ring 70 includes a horizontal upper surface 80. Several fastener holes 82 are drilled perpendicularly into the upper surface 80.

The sealing housing means 68 further includes an annular cover ring 83 disposed on the upper surface 80 of the shoulder ring 70 and around the rotating tube 22. The cover ring 83 includes a top surface 84 and a bottom surface 86. The bottom surface 86 contacts the upper surface 80 of the shoulder ring 70. The cover ring 83 includes a shoulder 88 between the top 84 and bottom 86 surfaces defining an annular space 90 adjacent to and extending around the outer surface 56 of the rotating tube 22.

The sealing housing means 68 includes securing means generally indicated at 91 for securing the cover ring 83 to the shoulder ring 70. Several fastener holes 92 are drilled through the cover ring 83 from the top surface 84 to the bottom surface 86. The holes 92 match the fastener holes 82 drilled in the shoulder ring 70. Fasteners 94 including screws or dowels can be inserted into the fastener holes 82, 92 from the top surface 84 of the cover ring 83 to fasten the cover ring to the shoulder ring 70.

The sealing means 66 includes a dynamic sealing ring 96 supported in the upper space 78 defined by the shoulder ring 70. The sealing ring 96 contacts both the shoulder ring 70 and the rotating tube 22 to seal the liquid below the sealing ring. The sealing ring 96 is not fixed either to the rotating tube 22 or to the shoulder ring 70; so the sealing ring is free to rotate with respect to the shoulder ring.

The sealing means 66 further includes wiper means 98 supported by the sealing housing means 68 adjacent the outer surface 56 of the rotating tube 22 for preventing external contaminants from entering the sealing housing means. The wiper means 98 comprises a removable annular tube wiper ring 98 disposed within the annular space 90 of the cover ring 83 for contacting and wiping the rotating tube 22 as the rotating tube moves along the vertical axis 48 and for preventing external contaminants from entering the sealing housing means 68 when the rotating tube 22 telescopingly engages within the fixed tube 18. The assembly further includes tube bearing means 100, 102 projecting from the outer surface 56 of the rotating tube 22 contacting the inner surface 38 of the fixed tube 18 for rotatably supporting the rotating tube within the fixed tube. The tube bearing means 100, 102 includes a first bearing 100 and a second bearing 102. The first bearing 100 is disposed in the annular notch 58 on the outer surface 56 of the rotating tube 22. The first bearing 100 comprises a cylindrical tube having an axial break 104 therein. The axial break 104 allows the inner diameter of the first bearing 100 to be increased for allowing flexible clearance to position the first bearing 100 in the annular notch 58. The first bearing 100 contacts both the inner surface 38 of the fixed tube 18 and the outer surface 56 of the rotating to be 22.

The second bearing 102 is disposed in the lower annular space 74 between the shoulder ring 70 and the rotating tube 22 for rotatably supporting the rotating tube with respect to the fixed tube 18. The second bearing 102 contacts both the shoulder ring 70 and the outer surface 56 of the rotating tube 22.

The fluid distribution means 20 includes covering means 26 integral therewith telescopingly engaging over and rotating with respect to the housing 16. The covering means 26 comprises a cover 26 having a cylindrical inner surface 108 adjacent the housing 16. The distribution means 20 includes housing bearing means 110, 112 disposed between the cover 106 and the housing 16 including an upper bearing 110 disposed near the high end 15 and a lower bearing 112, spaced apart from the upper bearing 110 and disposed between the upper bearing 110 and the low end 17 for rotatably supporting the cover 26 with respect to the housing 16. Each bearing 110, 112 contacts both the cover 26 and the housing 16. The thrust bearing 36 supports the cover 26 on the base 32 as the cover rotates around the housing 16.

The assembly 10 includes lubrication means generally indicated at 115 connected to the housing 16 for lubricating the upper 110 and lower 112 bearings to allow friction-free rotation between the cover 26 and the housing 16.

The fixed tube 18 and the housing 16 define an annular reservoir space 118 therebetween having oppositely disposed ends 119 for collecting and storing lubrication. The housing 16 and the fixed tube 18 should be unperforated to retain the lubrication therebetween. The lubrication means 115 includes an upper passage 114 for conducting lubrication from the reservoir space 118 to the upper bearing 110. The lubrication means 115 also includes a lower passage 116 disposed below the upper passage 114 through the housing 16 for conducting lubrication from the reservoir space 118 to the lower bearing 112. Some of the lubrication from each passage 114, 116 passes down to lubricate the thrust bearing 36. Each passage 114, 116 includes a fitting 120 therein to facilitate the flow of lubrication to the bearing 110, 112.

The assembly 10 further includes a sanitary supply tube 122 which supplies the bottom end 46 of the fixed tube 18 with fluid. The supply tube 122 has a smaller diameter than that of the fixed tube 18. A sanitary transition ring 124 is disposed therebetween to provide a fluid connection. The transition ring 124 has a sanitary inner surface 126, an outer surface 128, a first end 130 telescopingly engaging in close tolerance with the bottom end 46 of the fixed tube 18 and a second end 132 disposed in fluid connection with the supply tube 122. The first end 130 is bevelled to provide a smooth fluid transition between the supply tube 122 and the fixed tube 18.

A sanitary clamp ring 134 clamps to the transition ring 124 and to the fixed tube 18. One function of the clamp ring 134 is to fix the fixed tube 18 with respect to the transition tube 124. The clamp ring 134 thus prevents "lift" of the fixed tube 18 when fluid flows through the fixed tube. The clamp ring 134 has a horizontal top surface 136 and at least one annular side surface 138. The clamp ring 134 is disposed between the housing 16 and the fixed tube 18 adjacent the bottom end 46 whereby one of the side surfaces 138 extends beyond the low end 17 and whereby the horizontal top surface 136 of the clamp ring 134 closes the end of the lubrication reservoir 118 adjacent the low end 17. The clamp ring 134 comprises a generally horizontal passage 140 having a first opening 142 on the side surface 138 of the clamp ring extending beyond the bottom end 46. The horizontal passage 140 fluidly connects with a vertical passage 144 having a second opening 146 disposed on the horizontal top surface 136. The vertical passage 144 is a channel formed between the clamp ring 134 and the outer surface 40 of the fixed tube 18. The horizontal passage 140 and the vertical passage 144 form a conduit for conducting lubrication from the first opening 142 to the second opening 146 and into the lubrication reservoir 118. The clamp ring 134 comprises a grease fitting 148 disposed within the horizontal passage 140 extending from the first opening 142. The clamp ring 134 further comprises a first lubrication seal 150 disposed between the clamp ring and the housing 16, and a second lubrication seal 152 disposed between the clamp ring and the transition ring 124. The seals are defined as sealing rings 150, 152. The clamp ring 134 includes annular grooves 154, 156 for receiving and retaining the sealing rings 150, 152, respectively. The clamp ring finally includes a clamp 158, usually a screw clamp, for tightening the fit of the clamp ring 134 around the transition ring 124.

The lubrication means 115 comprises a reservoir seal 160 between the housing 16 and the fixed tube 18 at the top end 44 for closing the end 119 of the reservoir 118 adjacent the high end. The reservoir seal 160 comprises a sealing ring.

The fluid distribution assembly 20 includes at least one distribution conduit 24. The preferred assembly 20 includes the use of four distribution conduits 24 spaced apart from one another at ninety degree intervals. However, the assembly 20 may include as many as twelve or more distribution conduits 24 spaced equally apart from each other. The distribution conduits 24 each include a curved section 163 disposed adjacent the second end of the rotating tube and a straight section 165 disposed adjacent the filling valves 12. The curved section 163 and the straight section 165 are joined with a joining clamp 167. Each distribution conduit 24 is disposed between the second end 52 of the rotating tube 22 and the valves 12, splitting and conducting the liquid to at least two remote locations for supplying the valves with liquid. The curved sections 163 each include a receiving end 164 adjacent the second end 52 of the rotating tube 22 for receiving liquid from the second end of the rotating tube. Each of the receiving ends 164 includes at least one cylindrical or rectangular solid section 166 having sides 169 and a receiving axis 168 parallel with the sides 169 forming an acute angle with the vertical axis 48. A rectangular solid is a rectangle translated into three dimensions. The acute angle formed by the receiving axis 168 and the vertical axis 48 is approximately forty-five degrees.

The fluid distribution means 20 further includes junction means generally indicated at 170 disposed between the second end 52 of the rotating tube 22 and the receiving ends 164 of the distribution conduits 24 for joining the distribution conduits to the second end of the rotating tube and for distributing the liquid from the rotating tube to the distribution conduits. The junction means 170 comprises a distribution head 170 having a cylindrical engaging portion 172 for telescopingly engaging in close tolerance over the second end 52 of the rotating tube 22, and a distribution portion 174 for dividing the liquid from the rotating tube and supplying the liquid to the distribution conduits 24.

The cylindrical engaging portion 172 of the distribution head 170 comprise's an inner surface 176 and an outer surface 178 and an annular seal groove 180 extending around the inner surface of the cylindrical portion. A sealing ring 182 is disposed in the seal groove 180. The cylindrical portion 172 includes a horizontal lower surface 184 through which several holes 186 are tapped.

The distribution portion 174 includes one straight conducting terminal 188 for each of the distribution conduits 24. Each conducting terminal 188 includes an axis therethrough coincident with the receiving axis 168 forming an acute angle with the vertical axis 48, for engaging telescopingly in close tolerance within the receiving end 164 of one of the distribution conduits 24 and for conducting liquid from the second end 52 to the distribution conduit.

The distribution means 20 further includes head retaining means generally indicated at 192 for retaining the distribution head 170 to the rotating tube 22. The retaining means 192 includes a retainer ring 194 extending around the second end 62 of the rotating tube 22. The retainer ring 192 has an upper surface 196 engaging the distribution head 170 and a lower surface 198 facing the annular cover ring 83 when the rotating tube 22 engages telescopingly within the fixed tube 18. The retainer ring 194 includes an inner surface 200 and an annular shoulder 204 extending from its inner surface 200 between the upper surface 196 of the ring and the lower surface 198 of the ring. A plurality of holes 206 are drilled through the retainer ring 194 from the lower surface 198 to the upper surface 196. These holes 206 are spaced to align with the holes 186 tapped into the distribution head 170. The distribution head 170 may be retained to the rotating tube 22 in other ways. For example, the distribution head 170 may be welded or bolted to the rotating tube 22.

A snap ring 208 is disposed in the retaining groove 64 for forming a retaining flange 210 for engaging the shoulder 204 and retaining the retainer ring 194 between the retaining flange 210 and the annular cover ring 83. The snap ring 208 may be made from any suitable material but is typically a piece of machine stock.

A fastening means 212 fastens the retainer ring 198 to the distribution head 170, whereby the distribution head is retained to the rotating tube 22. The fastening means 212, comprising the threaded bolts or screws 212, passes through the retainer ring 194 from the lower surface 198 to the distribution head 170.

The distribution means 20 further comprises outer sealing means generally indicated at 214 extending between the distribution head 170 and the covering means 26 for sealing moisture and foreign particles out of the telescoping engagement. The outer sealing means 214 comprises bellows 214 extending around the rotating tube 22 having a first end 216 and a second end 218. The first end 216 fastens to the cover 26, and the second end 218 fastens to the distribution head 170. The bellows 214 is made from impregnated filament or any other suitable material which can withstand ambient temperature and moisture. The bellows 214 includes a fastening ring 220 and a clamp ring 222 for fastening the first end 216 of the bellows to the covering portion 26. The fastening ring 220 has a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the first end of the bellows 214. The fastening ring 220 includes inner 226 and outer 224 sets of holes arranged concentrically. Bolts, screws, rivets or other suitable fasteners 228 pass through the outer holes 224 to fasten the fastening ring 220 to the cover 26. The clamp ring 222 has holes 230 which align with the inner holes 226 on the fastening ring 220. To fasten the first end of the bellows 214 to the fastening ring 220, the first end 216 fits over the area of the fastening ring including the inner holes 226. The clamp ring 222 is placed over the first end 216 of the bellows 214, aligning the clamp ring holes 230 with the inner holes 226 of the fastening ring 220. Fasteners 232 then fit through the holes 222, 230 and secure the clamp ring 222, the bellows 214 and the fastening ring 220 together. The second end 218 of the bellows 214 attaches to the cylindrical portion 172 of the distribution head 170 with a hose clamp 234 or other suitable means.

The assembly 10 further includes a mounting head 236 fixedly disposed on the distribution head 170 for supporting a gas apparatus 238. The mounting head 236 has a flat, horizontal surface 240 having a circular shape. The mounting head 236 mounts to the top of the distribution portion 174 of the distribution head 170. The mounting head 236 mounts in the nest or pocket formed by the four straight conducting terminals 188. The mounting head 236 also includes a mounting means 242 for mounting the mounting head to the distribution portion 174.

In operation, a carbonated liquid flows from the supply tube 122 through the transition ring 124 into the fixed tube 18. The fluid then flows up through the fixed tube 18 into the rotating tube 22. As the liquid passes through the rotating tube 22 and into the distribution head 170, the liquid flow is divided into the four conducting terminals 188, which in turn conduct the liquid into the distribution conduits 24. As the fluid passes into and through the distribution conduits 24 it is gently diverted from a generally vertical path to a generally horizontal path. Such a gentle transition reduces disturbance in the liquid which may result in foaming. The distribution conduits 24 supply the liquid to the filler valves 12, which fill the containers 14 with the liquid. Some liquid passes through the drain holes 60 and between the rotating tube 22 and the fixed tube 18, but this liquid is sealed in the assembly 10 by the sealing means 66. This liquid that passes between the rotating tube 22 and the fixed tube 18 in turn pressurizes the sealing means 66.

As the liquid flows through the entire assembly 10, the distribution assembly 20 including the rotating tube 22, the distribution head 170, the distribution conduits 24 and the cover 26 rotates around the vertical axis 48, and with respect to the fixed housing 16 and the fixed tube 18. At this time the rotating tube 22 may "lift" due to the upward flow of the liquid. This lifting can cause the lower surface 188 of the retainer ring 192 to separate several inches from the annular cover ring 83.

The tube bearings 100, 102 rotatably support the rotating tube 22 as it rotates with respect to the fixed tube 18. The tube bearings 100, 102 are lubricated by the liquid itself which was supplied from the drain holes 60 when the liquid first passed up through the fixed and rotating tubes 18, 22. The drain holes 60 also allow the liquid between the tubes, 18, 22 to escape after the pumping of liquid ceases.

The housing bearings 110, 112 rotatably support the cover 26 as it rotates with respect to the housing 16. The thrust bearing 36 axially supports the cover 26 on the housing 16. These bearings 110, 112 are lubricated by lubrication held in the reservoir 118 and supplied by the upper 114 and lower 116 passages through the housing 16.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than limitation.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims wherein reference numerals are merely for convenience and are not to be in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.