Cleaning method for cleaning a filling machine and filling machine for performing the cleaning method

Abstract

A method for cleaning a filling machine for filling packages open on at least one side with products is described and illustrated herein, wherein the filling machine has a transport device for transporting the packages open on at least one side through the filling machine. In order to be able to ensure a satisfactory cleaning result reproducibly within a defined and / or short time, it is provided that a preceding plurality of packages open on at least one side are at least partially transported through the filling machine by means of the transport device and are filled with products in the process, a cleaning device having at least one nozzle for applying a cleaning medium is at least partially transported through the filling machine by means of the transport device and a cleaning medium for cleaning the filling machine is applied in the process, and after the filling machine has been cleaned, a subsequent plurality of packages open on at least one side are at least partially transported through the filling machine by means of the transport device and are filled with products in the process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning method for cleaning a filling machine, the filling machine being used for filling products in packages open on at least one side, wherein the filling machine has a transport device for transporting the packages open on at least one side through or past the filling machine. The present invention further relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a filling machine, the filling machine being used for filling products in packages open on at least one side, the cleaning device comprising at least one nozzle for applying a cleaning medium in the filling machine, wherein the cleaning device has a connector for connecting, in particular detachably connecting, to a supply line for supplying the cleaning medium. The present invention further relates to a filling machine for filling products in packages open on at least one side, wherein the filling machine has a transport device for transporting the packages open on at least one side through the filling machine, and wherein the filling machine comprises a filling outlet for filling the packages open on at least one side. Background Art

[0002] Methods for filling packages with products, in particular products in the form of food, are known in different embodiments. In the sterile or aseptic environment of a filling machine, the packages are filled with preferably flowable food through a filling outlet.

[0003] Since the food should be storable at room temperature for a long time after the package is filled, aseptic filling is necessary. For this reason, the filling machine for example has a sterilization chamber or aseptic chamber, in which the package is sterilized and subsequently filled and closed under sterile conditions.

[0004] In particular, a package that is open on the upper side is used as a package to provide an opening for filling. The package can be a container, such as a cardboard composite package, which is composed of a laminate, which includes a cardboard layer and an outer, especially thermoplastic plastic layer, such as made of polyethylene (PE). The cardboard gives the package sufficient stability so that it can be easily handled and, for example, stacked. The plastic layer protects the cardboard from moisture and protects the food from absorbing undesirable substances from the package. It is also possible to provide an additional layer, such as an aluminum layer, which prevents oxygen and other gases from diffusing through the package. The package can preferably be produced from a package precursor in a filling machine. For example, a packaging material cutout can be used as a packaging precursor, and the packaging material cutout can be prefabricated as required, more precisely, for example, by sealing the longitudinal edges to form a package blank. The corresponding package blank is usually sleeved on the mandrel of a so-called mandrel wheel, wherein the cross section of the mandrel matches the cross section of the package blank, and the package blank initially protrudes outward beyond the mandrel. This protruding area of ​​the package blank is folded onto the end side of the mandrel and sealed there to form a package bottom or a package top.

[0005] Alternatively, the packaging material for the packaging precursor can be infinitely unfolded from a roll to a certain extent. In the case of a packaging material cut-out, it is folded at the bending line so as to first form a packaging sleeve and a packaging bottom. The packaging sleeve and the packaging bottom are closed by sealing the overlapping sections of the packaging material. The packaging top is initially still open. If necessary, the packaging top can also be closed first, and the packaging is filled by the preferably upward, still open bottom. Since this has basically no significant effect on the filling method of the packaging, therefore, hereinafter, in particular, the downward, closed part of the packaging during the filling process is considered as the packaging bottom, and in particular, the upper part of the packaging that is not yet closed during the filling process is considered as the packaging top. It is not yet determined whether the packaging is rotated for storage, transportation and / or sale, that is, where is the top and where is the bottom in the case of the finished product packaging.

[0006] The packages are then introduced into the sterilization zone of the filling machine. This is usually done by transferring the packages one by one to a chamber of a transport device that receives the packages. The transport device then ensures that the packages are transported through the sterilization zone of the filling machine at a defined speed and a defined distance relative to one another.

[0007] In the sterilization zone, the packages are preheated as required. For this purpose, hot sterile air is applied to the container. Subsequently, the inner surface of the package and at least the top area of ​​the outer surface of the package are treated with hydrogen peroxide and sterilized accordingly. The sterilized package can then be dried with sterile air. The sterilized package is transferred to the filling and sealing zone and preferably filled with food there. The food is particularly fluid. In many cases, the food is a beverage. The filled package is then closed, after which the closed package is transported out of the filling and sealing zone by a transport device and then taken out from the corresponding chamber of the transport device.

[0008] In the filling and sealing area, a so-called sterile zone is formed by supplying sterile filtered air. The sterile zone refers to the actually sterile or sterilized area in the upper section of the filling and sealing area. The sterile room comprises a sterile zone and a filling and sealing zone. The sterile room can be designed in the manner of a housing, wherein openings are provided for the input and output of the packages. In addition, the sterile room can have at least one opening at the lower end in order to vent the atmosphere from the sterile zone and / or the filling and sealing zone. The space below the sterile room is not sterile, but this does not affect the aseptic filling of the packages.

[0009] In some filling machines, the packages are transported through the filling machine in a straight line by means of a transport device. Corresponding filling machines are also referred to as linear filling machines. In other filling machines, so-called rotary filling machines, the packages perform a more or less arc-shaped movement, which may include one or more circular arc segments.

[0010] When filling packages that are open on one side, it is inevitable that the filling machine, in particular the filling and sealing area, will become increasingly contaminated over time. In order to prevent the product from being contaminated during the filling process, in particular to ensure filling under sterile conditions, the filling machine needs to be cleaned regularly. For this purpose, the filling process is interrupted and the packages that are open on one side are replenished. In this way, it can be achieved that before the filling machine is cleaned, there are no more packages that are open on one side in the filling machine. Therefore, the packages that are open on one side do not hinder cleaning and will not be damaged by cleaning. The actual cleaning is usually carried out manually during the downtime of the filling machine. For this purpose, the filling machine is opened so that the operator of the filling machine can access the area of ​​the filling machine that needs to be cleaned.

[0011] In practice, the cleaning of the filling machine often takes a long time if the operator wants to ensure that adequate cleaning is achieved, whereas if the cleaning is carried out faster, a partially insufficient cleaning effect is obtained. Summary of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve and design a method, a cleaning device and a filling machine of the type mentioned at the outset and described in detail above, respectively, in such a way that a satisfactory cleaning result can be ensured reproducibly within a defined and / or short time.

[0013] The technical problem is solved according to the invention by a method for cleaning a filling machine for filling packages open on at least one side with products, wherein the filling machine has a transport device for transporting the packages open on at least one side through the filling machine.

[0014] wherein a preceding plurality of packages which are open on at least one side are at least partially transported through the filling machine by means of the transport device and in the process are filled with the product,

[0015] wherein a cleaning device having at least one nozzle for applying a cleaning medium is at least partially transported by means of the transport device through the filling machine and in the process applies a cleaning medium for cleaning the filling machine,

[0016] - and wherein, after the filling machine has been cleaned, a subsequent plurality of packages which are open on at least one side are at least partially transported through the filling machine by means of the transport device and in the process are filled with the product.

[0017] Furthermore, the technical problem is solved according to the present invention by a cleaning device for cleaning a filling machine, preferably according to a method of the aforementioned type, the filling machine being used for filling products in packages open on at least one side, the cleaning device comprising at least one nozzle for applying a cleaning medium in the filling machine, wherein the cleaning device has a connector for connecting, in particular detachably connecting, to a supply line for supplying the cleaning medium, wherein provision is made for the cleaning device to be connected, in particular detachably connecting, to a transport device and to be transported at least in sections through the filling machine by means of the transport device.

[0018] The above-mentioned technical problem is also solved according to the present invention by a filling machine for filling products into a package open on at least one side, for executing the above-mentioned type of method, wherein the filling machine has a transport device for transporting the package open on at least one side through the filling machine, and wherein the filling machine includes a filling outlet for filling the package open on at least one side, wherein it is provided that a cleaning device of the above-mentioned type is provided, the connector of the cleaning device is connected to a supply pipeline for supplying a cleaning medium, in particular detachably connected, and the cleaning device is connected to the transport device, in particular detachably connected, and the cleaning device can be moved via the transport device.

[0019] The cleaning of the filling machine can be carried out automatically and reproducibly according to the present invention. That is, it is cleaned reliably in the same amount and at multiple positions so that the cleaning effect is satisfactory. But it is not cleaned excessively so that the cleaning time remains short and there is more time for actually filling the packaging that is open on at least one side. For this reason, after a plurality of packagings that are open on at least one side have been transported through the filling machine and preferably filled in the process, the dirt generated in the process is removed with a cleaning device. For this reason, the cleaning device has at least one nozzle, with which a cleaning medium can be applied, for example, sprayed, sprinkled or atomized. By applying the cleaning medium, the cleaning medium can reach the areas to be cleaned of the filling machine, without the need for these areas to contact the cleaning device. In order to be able to clean the filling machine over a large area, the cleaning device is transported at least section by section through the filling machine by means of a transport device. In this case, the applied cleaning medium can reach all positions of the filling machine that need to be cleaned.

[0020] In order to refit the filling machine so as to perform a corresponding cleaning method, a cleaning device can be provided, which can be designed according to the invention to be connected to a transport device. The cleaning device is connected to the transport device in such a way that it can be transported at least in sections by the transport device through the filling machine. The direction and type of movement of the cleaning device can be preset and realized by the transport device. If necessary, it is particularly suitable that the cleaning device can be detachably connected to the transport device. For example, after the filling machine is cleaned, the cleaning device can be separated from the transport device again and can therefore also be removed from the filling machine when necessary.

[0021] In order to apply the cleaning medium in a suitable manner for the cleaning device, it is provided in the case of the filling machine that the joint of the cleaning device is connected to the supply line, through which the cleaning medium can be supplied to the cleaning device and then the cleaning medium is applied by at least one nozzle to clean the filling machine. In addition, the cleaning device itself is connected to the transport device, so that the cleaning device can be transported in the filling machine at least section by section by means of the transport device. In this way, the different positions of the filling machine can be reliably cleaned. It is particularly suitable that the supply line is detachably connected to the joint of the cleaning device, for example, by a plug locking device and / or a quick locking device. In this way, a connection can be established for cleaning and separated again for actual packaging filling. Alternatively or additionally, it can be particularly preferred that the cleaning device itself is detachably connected to the transport device. In this case, the cleaning device can be connected to the transport device only for cleaning and separated from the transport device for actual packaging filling, that is, removed from the filling machine as required.

[0022] In order to be able to remove the cleaning device from the filling machine again after the cleaning of the filling machine, it is also suitable that the cleaning device is not only detachably connected to the transport device, but also detachably connected to the supply line. The cleaning device connected to the transport device is arranged to be movable in the filling machine by the transport device. After the cleaning is completed, the cleaning device can be separated from the transport device again as needed, because the cleaning device is needed again in the next cleaning step. Therefore, the cleaning device does not hinder the other packaging opened on at least one side by the transport device. Finally ensure that the cleaning device will not hinder the packaging opened on at least one side from being at least partially transported through the filling machine and preferably will not hinder the filling of the packaging opened on at least one side in the filling machine. When the corresponding number of packaging opened on at least one side has been transported through the filling machine at least partially and has been filled in the filling machine, it may be necessary to clean it again. Therefore, the aforementioned cleaning cycle can be repeated.

[0023] Although in many cases a package open on one side is transferred to a transport unit of a filling machine and filled in the filling machine, the method and the filling machine are not limited to the use of packages open on one side. However, it is in principle possible that the package has at least two openings and is therefore transferred to a transport device of a filling machine as a package open on both sides and as a package open on multiple sides and filled in the filling machine. However, it may also be preferred that the package is transferred to a transport device of a filling machine as a package open on at least two sides and at least one opening of the package is closed in the filling machine. For example, the package can be transferred to a transport device of a filling machine as a so-called packaging sleeve or sleeve having openings at its opposite ends.

[0024] One of the openings can then be closed and the package, which is still open on only one side, can be filled through the remaining opening. Completely independent of the number of openings originally present, all openings remaining after the package has been filled can be closed in the filling machine, so that no foreign matter can enter the package and no product can escape from the package after leaving the filling machine.

[0025] When speaking of applying a cleaning medium through a nozzle, this is because the cleaning agent can be applied in essentially different ways. Depending on the contamination to be removed and the cleaning medium used for this purpose, the cleaning medium can, for example, be sprayed, sprinkled or atomized.

[0026] For the sake of clarity and to avoid unnecessary repetition, the cleaning method and the filling machine will be described together below without distinguishing the filling machine from the cleaning method in detail. However, a person skilled in the art can infer from the context which features are particularly preferred when considering the cleaning method and the filling machine, respectively.

[0027] In the first particularly preferred design of the cleaning method, after filling a plurality of packages at least one side of which is open in front, a cleaning device is connected to a transport device. Subsequently, in particular when the filling machine is not originally equipped with a cleaning device, the cleaning device can be used to clean the filling machine. Alternatively or in addition, after filling a plurality of packages at least one side of which is open in front, a cleaning device can also be connected to a supply line. Subsequently, if the transport device has been connected with the cleaning device in advance, the filling machine can be cleaned. Otherwise, the cleaning device can be connected to the transport device and the supply line before cleaning. If the cleaning device is separated from the transport device after applying a cleaning medium in the filling machine, the cleaning device can be used for other filling machines after the filling machine is cleaned. But by separating the cleaning device from the transport device and / or the supply line, subsequent processes can also be prevented from being blocked. As an alternative or supplement to separating the cleaning device from the transport device, the cleaning device can also be separated only from the supply line. If necessary, when the cleaning device is separated from the supply line, the cleaning device can remain connected to the transport device. In this context, it can be expedient that after the cleaning device has been separated from the transport device and / or the supply line, a subsequent plurality of packages which are open on at least one side are at least partially transported through the filling machine by means of the transport device and are filled with the product in the process. This allows a higher productivity of the filling machine to be achieved which is not hampered by the cleaning device and / or the supply line.

[0028] Alternatively or in addition, the preceding multiple packages with at least one side open and / or the subsequent multiple packages with at least one side open are heated in a heating zone, sterilized in a sterilizing zone, dried in a drying zone, filled in a filling zone and / or sealed in a closed zone in a filling machine. For such filling machines, the present invention is particularly advantageous. Filling machines with at least one heating zone, sterilizing zone, drying zone, filling zone and / or closed zone are particularly difficult to clean, so the possibility of increased reproducibility can be particularly usefully utilized here. Therefore, it is particularly suitable to apply a cleaning medium for cleaning the filling machine in a heating zone, sterilizing zone, drying zone, filling zone and / or closed zone. Each of the mentioned zones can be cleaned separately in an appropriate manner as required. That is, cleaning can not only be at least partially automated but also can be controlled by a preset cleaning program.

[0029] It is more advantageous for the above advantages that heating is carried out by at least one hot air nozzle, sterilization is carried out by at least one sterilizing agent nozzle, drying is carried out by at least one hot air nozzle, filling is carried out by at least one filling outlet and / or sealing is carried out by at least one ultrasonic sealing device. The corresponding nozzles or sealing devices may be slightly dirty on the one hand and can be easily cleaned by the cleaning device when the cleaning device is moved by the transport device on the other hand. In this way, it can be specifically ensured that at least one hot air nozzle, sterilizing nozzle, filling outlet and / or ultrasonic sealing device are wetted by the cleaning device. Therefore, the corresponding wetting of the mentioned system components causes the filling machine to be at least partially cleaned.

[0030] The above-described cleaning method is also suitable for filling machines in which a plurality of preceding packages open on at least one side and / or a plurality of subsequent packages open on at least one side are at least partially transported through the filling machine in the form of a plurality of rows arranged side by side by means of a transport device. In the process, the packages open on at least one side are also filled regularly. The corresponding filling machines usually have a large width, so that manual cleaning is difficult, time-consuming and has low reproducibility without the above-described cleaning device.

[0031] Alternatively or in addition, the packagings opened on at least one side in front and / or the packagings opened on at least one side subsequently can be transported through the filling machine at least partially in the multiple chambers of the chamber chain. This simplifies the transportation and filling of the packaging opened on at least one side and can also realize the efficient installation of the cleaning device. That is, the cleaning device can be simply connected with the chamber chain and moved by the chamber chain as needed. If the packaging opened on at least one side should be transported through the filling machine at least partially in the form of a plurality of rows arranged side by side by the transport device so as to improve the output of the filling machine, then for the sake of simplicity, it can be suitable that these chambers are arranged in the form of continuous rows along the direction transverse to the transport direction of the chamber. Therefore, the defined transportation of the packaging opened on at least one side is realized, but this requires a fairly wide filling machine. The cleaning of this filling machine can be particularly suitably realized by this cleaning method. If the row of the chamber parallel to the chamber transport direction is at least partially connected to each other into a common chamber strip, the structural design of the filling machine is simplified and it can be realized that a fairly long cleaning device is simply assembled on the chamber chain.

[0032] The use of the cleaning device can be simplified, for example, by connecting the cleaning device to at least one chamber and / or at least one chamber strip before use. The cleaning device thus assembled can be easily transported through the filling machine in a similar manner to the chamber or chamber strip. In addition, the cleaning device can be disconnected from at least one chamber and / or at least one chamber strip after use in order to easily put the filling machine back into a state in which the packages opened on at least one side can be transported through the filling machine again and filled in the process.

[0033] Alternatively, before using the cleaning device, at least one chamber and / or at least one chamber strip can be removed to provide space for installing the cleaning device. The removed chamber or the removed chamber strip can be easily replaced by the cleaning device without causing space problems. Accordingly, after using the cleaning device, the cleaning device can be removed and replaced by at least one chamber and / or at least one chamber strip. In this way, the filling machine can be simply and reliably restored to a state in which the packaging with at least one side open is transported through the filling machine and filled in the process.

[0034] If the cleaning device extends from the outer chambers in the row of chambers and / or in the chamber strip to the opposite outer chambers in the row of chambers and / or in the chamber strip, the filler can be reliably cleaned at least substantially over its entire width. It is also possible to clean the inner side of the filler, for example by having the laterally arranged nozzles of the cleaning device pointed outwards for this purpose.

[0035] In order to improve the cleaning performance, the cleaning device can not only be moved in one direction by the transport device. Instead, it is suitable for the cleaning device to be moved in the filling machine by the transport device along the transport direction and against the transport direction. This is particularly suitable for the case where the cleaning medium is applied continuously during this period. In this way, the cleaning device for cleaning the filling machine can be transported by the transport device along the transport direction used when filling packages open on at least one side and against the transport direction used when filling packages open on at least one side at least once, preferably multiple times. It can also be carried out multiple times as required, for example, in order to first soften the dirt in certain areas of the filling machine and then finally remove the dirt from these areas in one or more subsequent cycles.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning performance can also be improved in the following manner, that is, a cleaning device connected to a transport device for cleaning a filling machine is rotated around the longitudinal axis of the cleaning device at at least one position in the filling machine. For this purpose, the cleaning device can be connected to a rotating device at a corresponding position of the cleaning device, especially connected in a form-fitting manner. However, it can also be provided that the rotating device remains connected to the cleaning device during the movement of the cleaning device by the transport device. Nevertheless, if necessary, the rotating device can be used to rotate the cleaning device only at certain positions in the filling machine. This situation may be because cleaning using nozzles pointing in different directions is only suitable at these positions, or because the cleaning device is first transported through the filling machine with the help of a transport device in one orientation so as to be subsequently rotated, and then moved through the filling machine in different orientations.

[0037] The cleaning device can apply the cleaning medium upwards, laterally and / or downwards completely independently of this in order to clean the filling machine. However, it is usually particularly important to apply it upwards and, if necessary, laterally, because the sterile area usually has to be established there. In many filling machines, it is not necessary to comply with a sterile environment at the height of the transport device or below. Alternatively or in addition, the cleaning device for cleaning the filling machine can apply at least one cleaning medium via a plurality of nozzles, wherein at least two, preferably at least four, in particular at least six nozzles have proven to be preferred in order to make the equipment-related expenditure not too great.

[0038] For example, water and / or water mixed with a cleaning agent, in particular an alkali or an acid, can be used as the cleaning medium. It can be particularly suitable to use different cleaning media in succession in order to achieve a satisfactory cleaning effect. For example, water and water mixed with a cleaning agent, in particular an alkali or an acid, can be used alternately at least once, in particular multiple times. In principle, it is also conceivable to change the temperature, pressure and / or volume flow of the cleaning medium during the cleaning process.

[0039] In order to make the filling machine quickly available again for filling packages open on at least one side after cleaning, the filling machine can be dried at least partially and / or in sections by blowing in air, for example hot air, after the cleaning device has been separated from the transport device and before a subsequent plurality of packages open on at least one side are filled in the filling machine. In order that the areas of the filling machine that were sterilized after cleaning are not contaminated again by air or hot air, it is particularly suitable to use sterile air or sterile hot air. Drying can be accelerated and simplified if the air or hot air is blown out of the same nozzles of the cleaning device as the nozzles that previously applied the cleaning medium in the filling machine.

[0040] In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the cleaning device, the cleaning device is designed to be connected to a transport device in the form of a chamber chain. This allows, for example, to simply connect the cleaning device to a filling machine and / or transport device that may already exist afterwards. It is particularly suitable for this connection and subsequent cleaning if the transport device is designed as a chamber chain. In the case of a chamber chain, for the sake of simplicity, it may be additionally suitable if the cleaning device is designed to be connected to the transport device in a manner that can replace at least one chamber of the chamber chain. It is even more suitable if the cleaning device is designed to be connected to the chamber chain in a manner that replaces at least one chamber strip of the chamber chain. In this case, the cleaning device can be installed more simply and integrated more simply in the filling machine.

[0041] In order to improve the cleaning performance of the cleaning device, it is expedient independently of this if a plurality of nozzles are distributed along a pipe of the cleaning device. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device can have a pipe which is rotatably held in the cleaning device. Due to the rotatability of the pipe, at least one nozzle, in particular a plurality of nozzles, can be easily rotated in order to improve the cleaning. However, in principle, the pipe can also be omitted in order to achieve the rotatability of the cleaning device and / or at least one nozzle.

[0042] In a first particularly preferred embodiment of the filling machine, a heating zone is provided, which preferably comprises a hot air nozzle for heating the package open on at least one side; a sterilization zone is provided, which preferably comprises a sterilant nozzle for sterilizing the package open on at least one side; a drying zone is provided, which preferably comprises a hot air nozzle for drying the package open on at least one side; and / or a closing zone is provided, which preferably comprises an ultrasonic sealing device for closing the filled package open on at least one side. These filling machines are preferred because they enable the product to be filled sterilely into the package open on at least one side. However, in the process, a great deal of contamination may occur, which has different characteristics in different areas. Therefore, the use of a cleaning method using a corresponding cleaning device can achieve particularly preferred results.

[0043] In order to transport the packaging with at least one side open reliably and simply in terms of method through the filling machine, it is suitable that the transport device has a chamber chain, which has a chamber for accommodating the packaging with at least one side open. Multiple rows of chambers can be arranged in a direction transverse to the transport direction of the chambers to increase the output of the filling machine. The chambers can be connected at least partially in a direction transverse to the transport direction of the chambers into chamber strips that are observed in sequence along the transport direction. But a single chamber strip can also be sufficient, so that the chamber strip can be replaced with a cleaning device in one operating step. In any case, the use of a transport device using a chamber chain is suitable, so that the cleaning device is connected to the transport device and the cleaning device is moved through the filling machine by the transport device. The more chamber rows are arranged in a direction transverse to the chamber transport direction, the more efficient and reproducible the cleaning method can be, at least compared with the corresponding manual cleaning.

[0044] If the cleaning device is connected to the transport device instead of at least one chamber or at least one chamber strip, the cleaning device can be installed particularly simply and space-savingly. The corresponding chamber neither hinders the installation of the cleaning device nor hinders the application of cleaning medium in the filling machine. In order to be able to simply and reliably move the cleaning device in the filling machine, it is suitable to alternatively or supplementarily that the cleaning device no longer extends upward and / or laterally and extends like a chamber chain of the previous and / or subsequent chamber and / or transport device. So avoided, when the cleaning device moves through the filling machine by means of the transport device, the cleaning device accidentally collides with the system components of the filling machine. Alternatively or supplementarily, a rotating device for rotating the cleaning device connected with the transport device can also be provided. This rotating device can be permanently connected with the cleaning device. For the sake of simplicity, it is suitable that the rotating device and the cleaning device are moved by the transport device through the filling machine. Nevertheless, the rotating device can rotate the cleaning device only at certain positions of the filling machine as needed. But the rotating device can also be arranged in the filling machine in a fixed position and connected with the cleaning device at certain positions of the filling machine, for example, in a form-fitting manner, so as to rotate the cleaning device at these positions. Thus, cleaning can be performed at the corresponding position by the rotatable cleaning device. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device can first be transported through the filling machine in one orientation in order to be subsequently rotated and then transported through the filling machine in a different orientation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings which show only one exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a filling machine according to the invention, which is suitable for carrying out the cleaning method according to the invention;

[0047] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Shown in perspective and top view Figure 1 Details of the filling machine in the transport equipment area;

[0048] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A three-dimensional detail view of the cleaning device according to the invention of a filling machine in FIG.

[0049] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Show Figure 1 3D detail of the filling machine in the rotary unit area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 1A filling machine 1 for forming, filling and closing packages is shown. The package 2 is in particular a cardboard composite package, which consists of a corresponding packaging material laminate, which has at least one cardboard layer, at least one barrier layer, for example composed of aluminum, polyamide and / or ethylene vinyl alcohol, and an outer layer made of a thermoplastic, in particular polyethylene (PE). The filling machine 1 shown and preferred has two stacks 3, 4 of packaging blanks 5, 6 in the form of packaging material cutouts, the longitudinal edges of which are sealed against each other and thus form packaging sleeves, which are prepared side by side in a folded manner in the stacks 3, 4. The packaging blanks 5, 6 are unfolded by a supply device 10. In the shown and preferred device, an application device, for example in the form of an injection molding machine, can also be provided for applying, in particular injecting, a casting element (not shown) on the packaging blanks 5, 6.

[0051] The mandrel wheel 7 shown and preferred has six mandrels 8 and rotates cyclically, i.e., in a counterclockwise direction. In the first mandrel wheel position I, the packaging blanks 5, 6 are pushed onto the mandrel 8. The spring clips not indicated in detail fix the packaging blanks 5, 6 in position on the mandrel 8. Subsequently, the mandrel wheel 7 is further rotated to the next mandrel wheel position II, in which the bottom area of ​​the packaging blanks 5, 6 is heated with hot air by a hot air blower not indicated in detail. The heated bottom area is pre-folded by a press 9 in the next mandrel wheel position III and is sealed into a bottom in the folding position by a sealing device not indicated in detail in the subsequent mandrel wheel position IV. In this way, a package 2 with one side closed and one side open is obtained, which is removed from the mandrel in the subsequent mandrel wheel position V and is transferred to a chamber 12 of a circulating transport device guided along a circle in a transfer position 11. The package 2 is partially accommodated in the chamber 12 and preferably retained there in a form-fitting manner. The transport device 13 shown and preferred is a so-called chamber chain. No work step is assigned to the next spindle wheel position VI. The number of spindle wheel positions or spindles 8 and the processing steps arranged there can be adjusted according to the needs. Figure 1 Different from what is shown and described.

[0052] From the transfer position 11, the package 2 with an open top area facing upward and open on one side is transported through the filling machine 1 in the associated chamber 12 by means of the transport device 13. If necessary, if the top area facing downward is closed, the package 2 can also be filled through the bottom area facing upward. The filling machine 1 has a sterile chamber 15, which includes a sterile zone 16 and a filling and sealing zone 17, and a row of packages 2 are transported through the sterile zone and the filling and sealing zone one by one. As shown by the arrow, the transport direction T of the package 2 points from left to right, wherein the transport of the package 2 does not have to be carried out along a straight line, but can also be carried out along at least one arc or even along a circle. The transport device 13 is not completely sterilized, so the sterile area of ​​the filling and sealing zone 17 on the transport device 13, especially the sterile zone 18, ends at least below the chamber 12. But the area in the filling and sealing zone 17 at least in the package 2 and above the package 2 is sterilized. This minimum area is represented by the hatched sterile zone 18 and should also be kept sterile when the product changes. At the lower end of the filling and sealing area 17 and beneath the transport device 13 there is a collecting basin 19 from which the collected liquid can be drained, for example, via a drain opening on the bottom side.

[0053] In order to avoid contamination of the sterile environment, ie the sterile zone 18, a sterile air flow from top to bottom is preferably maintained in the sterile room 15. For this purpose, corresponding sterile air connections 20 are provided along the sterile room 15 for supplying sterile air.

[0054] In the device shown, the sterilization zone 16 is separated from the filling and sealing zone 17 by a sterile air curtain, which is blown in from above and flows downward in a substantially laminar manner. As an alternative or supplement to the curtain, a gate or a narrow part can also be considered, which just allows the container or package 2 to enter the filling and sealing zone 17, but at least has a tendency to block the atmosphere from the sterilization zone 16.

[0055] After entering the sterilization zone 16, the packaging is preheated successively by the preheating device 21 in the form of hot air nozzles through the sterilized air blown hot in the heating zone. Subsequently, the packaging 2 is applied with a sterilizing agent, such as a mixture of steam, hydrogen peroxide and preferably filtered air by the sterilizing device 22 in the form of a sterilizing agent nozzle in the sterilization zone, so as to sterilize at least the inner side of the packaging 2 opened on one side. After this, the packaging 2 is dried in the drying zone by applying sterilizing air by the drying device 23 in the form of a hot air nozzle, and after transitioning from the sterilization zone 16 to the filling and sealing zone 17, the packaging is brought to the filling position 24 below the filling outlet 25 of the filling device 26 in the filling zone. There, the packaging 2 is filled successively, especially filled with food. The filled packaging 2 with one side open is then closed in the closed zone by the upper region and the seal of the folded packaging 2 with the closing device 27 in the form of an ultrasonic sealing device. The closed packaging 2 is then transported out of the sterile room 15 and the filling machine 1 by the transport device 13. In the removal position 28, the package 2 is removed from the chamber 12 of the transport device 13. The now empty chamber 12 is moved further in the direction of the transfer position 11 by the transport device 13 in order to receive a further package 2 there.

[0056] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B Shown in Figure 1 Detail of the filling machine 1 in the area of ​​the transport device 13. The transport device 13 shown is a chamber chain 30 with a plurality of chambers 12. Each chamber 12 can accommodate a package 2 which is open on one side, so that these packages 2 which are open on one side can be transported through the filling machine 1 by the chamber chain 30. For this purpose, the chamber chain 30 is arranged in a circular manner. The chambers 12 and the packages 2 which are open on one side are transported one after another along the transport direction T of the transport device 13. In addition, the chambers 12 and the packages 2 which are open on one side form rows R not only along the transport direction T but also in the transverse direction thereof. Therefore, a row of packages 2 which are open on one side are always heated, sterilized, dried, filled and closed together. In addition, the chambers 12 which are arranged side by side in a direction transverse to the transport direction T of the packages 2 which are open on one side are connected to each other to form chamber strips 31. In practice, the chamber strips 31 are arranged in a circular manner relative to the chamber chain 30 at regular distances. But in Figure 2A and Figure 2B , only a single chamber strip 31 is shown for the sake of clarity.

[0057] At least one such chamber strip 31 has been removed from the shown and preferred transport device 13 and replaced by a cleaning device 32. For this purpose, a quick locking device can be provided, which enables the rapid interchange of the chamber strip 31 and the cleaning device 32. The shown and preferred cleaning device 32 is designed in the style of the chamber strip 31, but cannot accommodate the packaging 2 with one side open in a suitable manner. Instead, the shown and preferred cleaning device 32 includes a pipe 33, which connects a total of six nozzles 34, 35 to each other, and the cleaning device 32 can spray or otherwise apply a cleaning medium from these nozzles. By applying, for example, spraying a cleaning medium, the filling machine 1 can be cleaned in the area where the applied cleaning medium reaches. In addition, since the cleaning device 32 is connected to the transport device 13, the cleaning device can be transported through the filling machine 1 by the transport device 13. In this way, different areas of the filling machine 1 can be cleaned with the cleaning device 32. At a position of the filling machine 1, the chamber chain 30 or the transport device 13 is equipped with a rotating device 36, by which the cleaning device 32 can be rotated at the corresponding position of the filling machine 1.

[0058] exist Figure 3 Detail of the cleaning device 32 is shown in FIG. A hose 37 in the form of a supply line 38 for the cleaning medium is connected to a pipe 33 of the cleaning device 32 via a connector for forming a plug lock 39. The cleaning medium is distributed to a total of six nozzles 34, 35 of the cleaning device 32 via the pipe 33 of the cleaning device 32, wherein the nozzles 34, 35 are distributed on the pipe 33. Four nozzles 34 pointing mainly upward are provided, which are used to clean the area above the transport device 13 or the chamber chain 30. In addition, two other nozzles 35 assigned to the ends opposite to each other are provided, which mainly point outward to clean the inner wall of the filling machine 1. However, the nozzle 35 is not mandatory in all cases. In addition, a nozzle pointing downward can also be provided, but this is usually unnecessary. In addition, different numbers of nozzles 34, 35 can also be provided. It is also conceivable to use multiple pipes 33, each of which is equipped with at least one nozzle 34, 35. Finally, alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable to connect multiple cleaning devices 32 to the chamber chain 30 at different positions of the transport device 13. In this case, for example, a plurality of regions of the filling machine 1 can be cleaned simultaneously, so that the cleaning time can be reduced overall.

[0059] exist Figure 4A30. The rotary device 36 is shown in the figure, which is fixed in position and arranged adjacent to the chamber chain 30. The projection 40 of the rotary device 36 shown and preferred points in the direction of the chamber chain 30. When the chamber chain 30 has been brought into a position in which the cleaning device 32 is aligned in a predetermined manner relative to the rotary device 36, the projection 40 of the rotary device 36 can be brought into contact with the groove 41 of the cleaning device 32. This relative position of the cleaning device 32 and the rotary device 36 is Figure 4B . The groove 41 of the cleaning device 32 and the projection 40 of the rotating device 36 are not engaged in this figure. But the projection 40 can be extended, for example, pneumatically or hydraulically, so as to engage with the groove 41 of the cleaning device 32. So, the rotation of the projection 40, for example, which can be realized pneumatically or hydraulically, causes the rotation or rotation of the cleaning device 32. Subsequently, the projection 40 can be rotated back or kept in the position after the rotation. If the projection 40 is retracted again so that it is disengaged from the groove 41, the cleaning device 32 can continue to be transported through the filling machine 1 with the orientation after the rotation. But alternatively, it can also be disengaged when the cleaning device 32 has been rotated back to the initial orientation by the projection 40. Here, the projection 40 and the groove 41 can certainly also be designed differently from what is shown. It is also feasible that the cleaning device 32 has the projection 40 and the rotating device 36 has the groove 41.

[0060] Figure 4B The quick-release locking device between the chamber chain 30 and the cleaning device 32 is also shown. After the cleaning device 32 has finished cleaning the filling machine 1, the cleaning device 32 can be removed by pulling the spring-loaded locking pin 43. In this way, the cleaning device 32 and the chamber chain 30 are disengaged in the area of ​​the quick-release locking device, so that the cleaning device 32 can be removed and replaced by a chamber chain 31 for accommodating packages 2 that are open on one side. In order to connect the chamber chain 31 to the chamber chain 30, the corresponding spring-loaded locking pin of the chamber chain 31 is pulled out against the spring force and the chamber chain 31 is inserted into the chamber chain 30. The locking pin of the chamber chain 31 is then released and the locking pin engages with the chamber chain 30 due to the restoring force of the associated spring.

[0061] Reference numerals list

[0062] 1 Filling machine

[0063] 2 Packaging

[0064] 3.4 Stack

[0065] 5.6 Packaging of blanks

[0066] 7 Spindle wheel

[0067] 8 Spindle

[0068] 9 Press

[0069] 10 Supply equipment

[0070] 11. Move location

[0071] 12 Chamber

[0072] 13 Transportation Equipment

[0073] 15 Sterile Room

[0074] 16 Sterilization Area

[0075] 17 Filling and sealing area

[0076] 18 Sterile Area

[0077] 19 Collection Basin

[0078] 20 Sterile air connector

[0079] 21 Preheating equipment

[0080] 22 Sterilization equipment

[0081] 23 Drying equipment

[0082] 24 Filling position

[0083] 25 Fill outlet

[0084] 26 Filling equipment

[0085] 27 Closed equipment

[0086] 28 Take out position

[0087] 30 Chamber Chain

[0088] 31 Chamber Strip

[0089] 32 Cleaning equipment

[0090] 33 Pipe fittings

[0091] 34, 35 Nozzle

[0092] 36 Rotating equipment

[0093] 37 Hose

[0094] 38 Supply line

[0095] 39 Plug locking device

[0096] 40 Bump

[0097] 41 Grooves

[0098] 43 Locking pin

[0099] R row

[0100] T Transport direction

Claims

1. A method for cleaning a filling machine (1) for filling a product into a package (2) which is open on at least one side, wherein: The filling machine (1) has a transport device (13) for transporting packages (2) open on at least one side through the filling machine (1). - wherein a plurality of preceding packages (2) which are open on at least one side are at least partially transported through the filling machine (1) by means of the transport device (13) and in the process are filled with the product, - wherein a cleaning device (32) having at least one nozzle (34, 35) for applying a cleaning medium and connected to a supply line (38) is at least partially transported through the filling machine (1) by means of the transport device (13) and in the process applies a cleaning medium for cleaning the filling machine (1), - and wherein, after the filling machine (1) has been cleaned, a subsequent plurality of packages (2) which are open on at least one side are at least partially transported through the filling machine (1) by means of the transport device (13) and in the process are filled with the product.

2. The cleaning method according to claim 1, -in, After filling a plurality of preceding packages (2) which are open on at least one side, the cleaning device (32) is connected to the transport device (13) and / or the supply line (38), and / or wherein, after the cleaning medium has been applied in the filling machine (1), the cleaning device (32) is separated from the transport device (13) and / or the supply line (38), - and wherein, after the cleaning device (32) is separated from the transport device (13) and / or the supply line (38), a subsequent plurality of packages (2) open on at least one side are at least partially transported through the filling machine (1) with the aid of the transport device (13) and are filled with product in the process.

3. The cleaning method according to claim 1, -in, The preceding plurality of packages (2) open on at least one side and / or the subsequent plurality of packages (2) open on at least one side are heated in the filling machine (1) in a heating zone, sterilized in a sterilization zone, dried in a drying zone, filled in a filling zone and / or closed in a closing zone, - and wherein a cleaning medium for cleaning the filling machine (1) is applied in the heating zone, sterilization zone (16), drying zone, filling zone and / or closing zone.

4. The cleaning method according to claim 3, -in, heating by at least one hot air nozzle, sterilizing by at least one sterilizing agent nozzle, drying by at least one hot air nozzle, filling by at least one filling outlet (25) and / or closing by at least one ultrasonic sealing device, - and wherein at least one hot air nozzle, a sterilization nozzle, a filling outlet (25) and / or an ultrasonic sealing device is loaded by the cleaning device (32) and thereby cleaned.

5. The cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein: A preceding plurality of packages (2) open on at least one side and / or a subsequent plurality of packages (2) open on at least one side are at least partially transported through the filling machine (1) in the form of a plurality of rows (R) arranged side by side by means of the transport device (13) and are filled with product in the process.

6. The cleaning method according to claim 1, -in, A preceding plurality of packages (2) open on at least one side and / or a following plurality of packages (2) open on at least one side are transported through the filling machine (1) at least partially in a plurality of chambers (12) of a chamber chain (30), - and wherein the chambers (12) are arranged in a continuous row (R) in a direction transverse to the transport direction (T) of the chambers (12), - and wherein the rows (R) of chambers (12) are at least partially interconnected to form a common chamber strip (31).

7. The cleaning method according to claim 6, - wherein the cleaning device (32) is connected to at least one chamber (12) and / or at least one chamber strip (31) before use and is disconnected from at least one chamber (12) and / or at least one chamber strip (31) after use, - or where Before using the cleaning device (32), at least one chamber (12) and / or at least one chamber strip (31) is removed and replaced by the cleaning device (32), and after using the cleaning device (32), the cleaning device (32) is removed and replaced by at least one chamber (12) and / or at least one chamber strip (31).

8. The cleaning method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The cleaning device (32) extends from an outer chamber (12) in a row (R) of chambers (12) and / or in a chamber strip (31) to an opposite outer chamber (12) in a row (R) of chambers (12) and / or in a chamber strip (31).

9. The cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device (32) for cleaning the filling machine (1) is transported at least once by the transport device (13) along the transport direction (T) used when filling packages (2) open on at least one side and counter to the transport direction (T) used when filling packages (2) open on at least one side, and / or -in, A cleaning device (32) connected to the transport device (13) for cleaning the filling machine (1) is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the cleaning device (32) at at least one location in the filling machine (1).

10. The cleaning method according to claim 1, - wherein the cleaning device (32) for cleaning the filling machine (1) applies the cleaning medium upwards, laterally and / or downwards, and / or -in, A cleaning device (32) for cleaning a filling machine (1) applies a cleaning medium via at least two nozzles (34, 35).

11. The cleaning method according to claim 1, - wherein water and / or water mixed with a cleaning agent is used as the cleaning medium, - and among them, Alternate between water and water mixed with detergent at least once.

12. The cleaning method according to claim 11, wherein: The cleaning agent is alkali or acid.

13. The cleaning method according to claim 1, -in, After the cleaning device (32) has been separated from the transport device (13) and before a subsequent filling of a plurality of packages (2) which are open on at least one side in the filling machine (1), the filling machine (1) is dried at least partially and / or in sections by blowing in air, - and wherein hot air is blown in through at least one nozzle of the cleaning device (32).

14. The cleaning method according to claim 13, wherein: The filling machine (1) is dried at least partially and / or sectionally by blowing in sterile air.

15. A cleaning device (32) for cleaning a filling machine (1) for filling packages (2) open on at least one side with products according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 14, the cleaning device comprising at least one nozzle (34, 35) for applying a cleaning medium in the filling machine (1), wherein: The cleaning device (32) has a connection for connecting to a supply line (38) for supplying the cleaning medium, characterized in that the cleaning device (32) is designed to be connected to a transport device (13) and to be transported at least in sections through the filling machine (1) by means of the transport device (13).

16. The cleaning device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The cleaning device (32) has a connection for detachably connecting to a supply line (38), and the cleaning device (32) is detachably connected to the transport device (13).

17. The cleaning device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The cleaning device is designed to be connected to a transport device (13) in the form of a chamber chain (30), and the cleaning device (32) is designed to be connected to the chamber chain (30) in place of at least one chamber strip (31) of the chamber chain (30).

18. The cleaning device according to claim 17, characterized in that: The cleaning device is designed to be connected to the transport device in place of at least one chamber (12) of a chamber chain (30).

19. The cleaning device according to claim 15, characterized in that: A plurality of nozzles (34, 35) are arranged distributed along the pipe (33), and / or the cleaning device (32) has a pipe (33) rotatably held in the cleaning device (32).

20. A filling machine (1) for filling a package (2) open on at least one side with a product, for carrying out the cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The filling machine (1) has a transport device (13) for transporting packages (2) with at least one side open through the filling machine (1), and wherein the filling machine (1) includes a filling outlet for filling packages (2) with at least one side open, characterized in that a cleaning device (32) according to any one of claims 15 to 19 is provided, the connector of the cleaning device (32) is connected to a supply line (38) for supplying a cleaning medium, and the cleaning device (32) is connected to the transport device (13), and the cleaning device (32) can be moved by the transport device (13).

21. The filling machine according to claim 20, characterized in that The connection of the cleaning device (32) is detachably connected to a supply line (38) for supplying a cleaning medium, and the cleaning device (32) is detachably connected to the transport device (13).

22. The filling machine according to claim 20, characterized in that A heating zone is provided, the heating zone comprising a hot air nozzle for heating the package (2) with at least one side open; a sterilization zone (16) is provided, the sterilization zone comprising a sterilant nozzle for sterilizing the package (2) with at least one side open; a drying zone is provided, the drying zone comprises a hot air nozzle for drying the package (2) with at least one side open; and / or a sealing zone is provided, the sealing zone comprises an ultrasonic sealing device for sealing the filled package (2) with at least one side open.

23. The filling machine according to claim 20, characterized in that The transport device (13) has a chamber chain (30), which has a plurality of chambers (12) for accommodating packages (2) with at least one side open, and these chambers (12) are at least partially connected to form a series of chamber strips (31) in a direction transverse to the transport direction (T) of the chambers (12).

24. The filling machine according to claim 23, characterized in that The cleaning device (32) is connected to the transport device (13) instead of at least one chamber (12) or at least one chamber strip (31), and / or the cleaning device (32) no longer extends upward and / or laterally and extends like a chamber chain of a preceding and / or succeeding chamber (12) and / or transport device (13), and / or a rotating device (36) is provided at at least one position of the filling machine (1) for rotating the cleaning device (32) connected to the transport device (13).

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