Filling element for counterpressure filling machines

Claim 1

A filling element, for single- and multi-chamber counter-pressure filling machines, for introducing liquid into a container, said filling element comprising: a filling element body; a filling tube having a main portion and a filling tube head, said filling element body being provided with a suitable recess for receiving said filling tube head therein from below so that said main portion of said filling tube projects downwardly from said filling element body into a pressed-on container to be filled, said filling tube head being provided with a downwardly directed shoulder, so that said filling tube head is stepped relative to said main portion of said filling tube; a liquid flow valve arranged in said filling element body and operatively associated with said filling tube; a switching member installed in the region of said filling tube for closing said liquid flow valve when the desired filling level of liquid in said container is obtained, said switching member being an electrical conductor which is placed on the outer side of said filling tube and is electrically insulated relative thereto; and an electrical connection device for switching member, including an electrically insulated contact pin which is axially displaceably supported in said filling element body and is sealed off relative thereto, said contact pin having a first end and a second end, said first end of said contact pin including an end face and an adjusting peripheral surface which is perpendicular to said end face, said end face being pressable into electrical contact against said switching member, and said peripheral surface adjoining said end face being engageable under, and retractable from, the region of said shoulder of said filling tube head.