Filling element for filling machines for dispensing a liquid filling material into containers

A filling element for filling machines for dispensing a liquid filling material into containers placed against said filling element, said filling element having a liquid channel that is provided with a liquid flow valve and that forms a discharge opening via which, during a filling phase, said liquid filling material flows into a container that has been placed against said filling element, said filling element further comprising:

• a sterilization tube;
• a control means for moving said sterilization tube, in the direction of an axis of said filling element, between a lower stroke position, in which a given length of said sterilization tube extends beyond an underside of said filling element and into said container that has been placed against said filling element, and an upper stroke position, in which at least a portion of said given length of said sterilization tube is retracted into said filling element;
• a source for sterilization medium;
• connecting means for connecting said source for a sterilization medium to said filling element;
• and
• a first control device for effecting connection of said connecting means between said source for a sterilization medium and said filling element such that in a sterilization phase, sterilization medium flows through said sterilization tube and treats an interior of said container, wherein a lower end portion of said give length of said sterilization tube is provided with an opening that during said sterilization phase is disposed so deeply within said container that said sterilization medium is also supplied to a base region of said container that is disposed opposite a mouth region thereof.