A series cleaning system that can accommodate multiple filling machines
By designing a series cleaning system and automatic control valves, the problems of low cleaning efficiency and high equipment cost of filling machines are solved, enabling efficient and low-cost cyclic cleaning of multiple filling machines and avoiding liquid dripping and space waste.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JUNLEBAO DAIRY GRP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing cleaning methods for filling machines require frequent disassembly and reassembly of pipelines, resulting in low efficiency, liquid dripping, high equipment costs, and significant waste of space resources.
A series cleaning system is adopted, which connects multiple filling machines through a CIP cleaning station. It uses cleaning pipelines and return pumps to achieve circulating cleaning, avoiding disassembly and assembly of pipelines, and optimizes the cleaning process through automatic control valves and steam sterilization pipelines.
It enables efficient cyclic cleaning of multiple filling machines, reduces equipment costs and space occupation, avoids liquid dripping, and improves cleaning efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN224578012U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of filling machines, specifically a series cleaning system that can accommodate multiple filling machines. Background Technology
[0002] Filling machines are used to fill dairy products or beverages. To avoid cross-contamination between different batches of products, the filling machine needs to be cleaned after each filling operation.
[0003] The current standard cleaning method for filling machines is as follows: each filling machine is equipped with an independent CIP cleaning tank, forming a "one-to-one" cleaning system. The specific operating procedure is as follows: after the filling machine completes the current batch of filling, the filling pipe (the pipe used to transport the material to be filled) connected to the filling machine must be manually disassembled and replaced with a cleaning pipe connected to the CIP cleaning tank. Subsequently, cleaning fluid (such as alkaline solution, acid solution, or clean water) is injected into the cleaning pipe and the internal pipes of the filling machine through the CIP cleaning tank to complete the rinsing and disinfection of the pipe walls. After cleaning is completed, the cleaning pipe is disassembled again and the filling pipe is reinstalled to resume filling operations.
[0004] However, the above cleaning method has the following drawbacks: First, it requires repeated disassembly and reassembly of the filling and cleaning tubes, resulting in low operational efficiency. Second, both the filling and cleaning tubes retain liquid residue before disassembly; for example, the filling tube may contain residual material to be filled, such as dairy products or beverages, while the cleaning tube may contain residual cleaning fluid. During disassembly, this liquid can easily drip onto the workshop floor, increasing cleaning costs. Third, each filling machine requires an independent CIP cleaning tank, significantly increasing equipment procurement costs. Furthermore, the layout of multiple cleaning tanks occupies additional workshop space, a particularly prominent issue of wasted space resources for large-scale production lines. Utility Model Content
[0005] The present invention aims to provide a series cleaning system that can accommodate multiple filling machines, in order to solve the problems of low efficiency, residual liquid dripping, high equipment purchase cost, and waste of space resources caused by frequent tube changing operations in existing cleaning methods.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0007] A series cleaning system that accommodates multiple filling machines includes a CIP cleaning station, cleaning pipelines, and multiple filling machines;
[0008] The cleaning pipeline includes an inlet cleaning pipeline connecting the CIP cleaning station to the first filling machine, an intermediate cleaning pipeline connecting two adjacent filling machines, and a return pipeline connecting the last filling machine to the CIP cleaning station. The inlet cleaning pipeline connects the CIP cleaning station to the inlet of the first filling machine, the intermediate cleaning pipeline connects the outlet and inlet of two adjacent filling machines, and the return pipeline connects the outlet of the last filling machine to the CIP cleaning station.
[0009] As a limitation of this utility model: a return pump for promoting the circulation of cleaning fluid is provided on the intermediate cleaning pipeline of the intermediate filling machine.
[0010] As another limitation of this utility model: connecting pipes are provided between the liquid inlet cleaning pipe and the intermediate cleaning pipe, between the intermediate cleaning pipes and the intermediate cleaning pipes, and between the intermediate cleaning pipes and the return pipe, and the connecting pipes are connected to the liquid inlet cleaning pipe, the connecting pipes to the intermediate cleaning pipe, and the connecting pipes to the return pipe.
[0011] An automatic control valve is installed at the inlet and outlet of each filling machine on the connecting pipeline.
[0012] As a further limitation of this utility model: it also includes a steam sterilization pipeline, which includes an inlet steam pipeline connected to the liquid inlet of the filling machine and an outlet steam pipeline connected to the liquid outlet of the filling machine; the number of inlet steam pipelines and outlet steam pipelines is the same as the number of filling machines; each of the inlet steam pipeline and outlet steam pipeline is equipped with an automatic control valve; the inlet end of the inlet steam pipeline is connected to a steam device.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this utility model compared with the prior art are as follows:
[0014] This invention includes multiple filling machines, a CIP cleaning station, and cleaning pipelines. The filling machines are arranged sequentially from left to right. The cleaning pipelines include an inlet cleaning pipeline connecting the CIP cleaning station to the first filling machine, an intermediate cleaning pipeline connecting two adjacent filling machines, and a return pipeline connecting the last filling machine to the CIP cleaning station. In practice, the cleaning solution from the CIP cleaning station enters the first filling machine through the inlet cleaning pipeline, then exits from the outlet of the first filling machine and enters the second filling machine through the intermediate cleaning pipeline. Subsequently, it exits from the outlet of the second filling machine and enters the third filling machine through the next intermediate cleaning pipeline, until the last filling machine is cleaned. After cleaning, the solution exits from its outlet and flows back to the CIP cleaning station through the return pipeline. This invention allows for the cyclical cleaning of multiple filling machines using a single CIP cleaning station, reducing procurement costs and minimizing the need for excessive workshop space.
[0015] In this invention, the cleaning pipeline and the filling pipeline do not interfere with each other. When cleaning is required, the cleaning pump in the CIP cleaning station is turned on, and the cleaning fluid will circulate and clean multiple filling machines along the inlet cleaning pipeline, the intermediate cleaning pipeline and the return pipeline. There is no need to disassemble the cleaning pipeline, which has high cleaning efficiency and also avoids the problem of liquid dripping caused by disassembling the pipeline.
[0016] In summary, this invention enables the cyclic cleaning of multiple filling machines using a single CIP cleaning station, resulting in low cost and small space occupation. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to disassemble pipelines during cleaning, ensuring high cleaning efficiency and preventing liquid leakage from the pipelines. This invention is suitable for the dairy or beverage filling industry for the simultaneous cyclic cleaning of multiple filling machines. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning pipeline in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] In the diagram: 1-1# filling machine, 2-2# filling machine, 3-3# filling machine, 4-4# filling machine, 5-CIP cleaning station, 6-inlet cleaning pipeline, 7-return pipeline, 8-first intermediate cleaning pipeline, 9-second intermediate cleaning pipeline, 10-third intermediate cleaning pipeline, 11-return pump, 12-first connecting pipeline, 13-second connecting pipeline, 14-third connecting pipeline, 15-fourth connecting pipeline, 16-pneumatic valve, 17-steam inlet pipeline, 18-steam outlet pipeline, 19-drain outlet, 20-steam equipment, 21-main drain pipeline. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and do not constitute a limitation thereof.
[0022] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment includes a CIP cleaning station 5, cleaning pipelines, and multiple filling machines. Multiple filling machines can be circulated and cleaned through one CIP cleaning station 5.
[0023] This embodiment uses four filling machines as an example, namely filling machine 1, filling machine 2, filling machine 3, and filling machine 4.
[0024] The cleaning pipeline includes an inlet cleaning pipeline 6 connecting the CIP cleaning station 5 to the first filling machine (i.e., filling machine #1), an intermediate cleaning pipeline connecting two adjacent filling machines, and a return pipeline 7 connecting the last filling machine (i.e., filling machine #4) to the CIP cleaning station 5. Specifically, the inlet cleaning pipeline 6 connects the outlet of the CIP cleaning station 5 to the inlet of filling machine #1. There are three intermediate cleaning pipelines, such as... Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the intermediate cleaning lines are, in order: first intermediate cleaning line 8, second intermediate cleaning line 9, and third intermediate cleaning line 10. The intermediate cleaning lines connect the outlet and inlet of two adjacent filling machines. Specifically, the first intermediate cleaning line 8 connects the outlet of filling machine 1 and the inlet of filling machine 2; the second intermediate cleaning line 9 connects the outlet of filling machine 2 and the inlet of filling machine 3; and the third intermediate cleaning line 10 connects the outlet of filling machine 3 and the inlet of filling machine 4. The return line 7 connects the outlet of filling machine 4 and the inlet of the CIP cleaning station 5.
[0025] During cleaning, the cleaning pump located in the CIP cleaning station 5 is turned on. The cleaning solution is injected into filling machine 1 (#1) through the inlet cleaning pipe 6. After cleaning filling machine 1, the cleaning solution flows out from the outlet of filling machine 1 and enters filling machine 2 (#2) through the first intermediate cleaning pipe 8. After cleaning filling machine 2, the cleaning solution flows out from the outlet of filling machine 2 and enters filling machine 3 (#3) through the second intermediate cleaning pipe 9. After cleaning filling machine 3, the cleaning solution flows out from the outlet of filling machine 3 and enters filling machine 4 (#4) through the third intermediate cleaning pipe 10. After cleaning filling machine 4, the solution finally flows back to CIP cleaning station 5 through the return pipe 7, completing one cycle of cleaning. Multiple cycles can be performed to achieve rigorous cleaning of multiple filling machines as needed.
[0026] This embodiment uses a single CIP cleaning station 5 to circulate and clean multiple filling machines, reducing procurement costs and minimizing workshop space requirements. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to disassemble cleaning pipelines during cleaning, resulting in high cleaning efficiency and avoiding liquid dripping caused by pipeline disassembly.
[0027] Because this embodiment requires the cyclic cleaning of multiple filling machines, and considering that a single cleaning pump cannot meet the flow rate and pressure requirements of the cleaning fluid during the cyclic cleaning process of multiple filling machines, a return pump 11 is installed in the intermediate cleaning pipeline of the middle filling machine to promote the circulation of the cleaning fluid in order to optimize the fluid drive performance. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the return pump 11 is installed on the second intermediate cleaning pipeline 9 between the No. 2 filling machine 2 and the No. 3 filling machine 3. Through the series configuration of the cleaning pump and the return pump 11, the driving capability of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning pipeline is synergistically improved.
[0028] Furthermore, connecting pipes are installed between the inlet cleaning pipe 6 and the intermediate cleaning pipe, between intermediate cleaning pipes, and between the intermediate cleaning pipe and the return pipe 7. These connecting pipes are all connected to the inlet cleaning pipe 6, the intermediate cleaning pipe, and the return pipe 7. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, there are four connecting pipes: a first connecting pipe 12 between the liquid inlet cleaning pipe 6 and the first intermediate cleaning pipe 8; a second connecting pipe 13 between the first intermediate cleaning pipe 8 and the second intermediate cleaning pipe 9; a third connecting pipe 14 between the second intermediate cleaning pipe 9 and the third intermediate cleaning pipe 10; and a fourth connecting pipe 15 between the third intermediate cleaning pipe 10 and the return pipe 7.
[0029] An automatic control valve is installed at the inlet and outlet of each filling machine on the connecting pipeline. In this embodiment, the automatic control valve is an existing pneumatic valve 16, but a solenoid valve or a hydraulic valve can also be selected, as long as it can achieve automatic opening and closing. The pneumatic valve 16 is shown in the figure for illustrative purposes only.
[0030] The installation locations of the automatic control valves are as follows: a pneumatic valve 16 is installed on each of the first connecting pipes 12 to the fourth connecting pipes 15. An automatic control valve is installed at both the inlet and outlet of each filling machine; specifically, a pneumatic valve 16 is installed on the inlet cleaning pipe 6 near the inlet of filling machine 1; a pneumatic valve 16 is installed on the first intermediate cleaning pipe 8 near the outlet of filling machine 1 and the inlet of filling machine 2; a pneumatic valve 16 is installed on the second intermediate cleaning pipe 9 near the outlet of filling machine 2 and the inlet of filling machine 3; a pneumatic valve 16 is installed on the third intermediate cleaning pipe 10 near the outlet of filling machine 3 and the inlet of filling machine 4; and a pneumatic valve 16 is installed on the return pipe 7 near the outlet of filling machine 4.
[0031] The cleaning principle is as follows: When four filling machines are cleaned simultaneously, the pneumatic valves 16 on the first connecting pipe 12 to the fourth connecting pipe 15 are closed, and the pneumatic valves 16 on the inlet cleaning pipe 6, the first intermediate cleaning pipe 8 to the third intermediate cleaning pipe 10, and the return pipe 7 are all opened, so that the cleaning liquid can achieve a series circulation cleaning of the four filling machines through the inlet cleaning pipe 6, the first intermediate cleaning pipe 8, the second intermediate cleaning pipe 9, the third intermediate cleaning pipe 10, and the return pipe 7. When one of the filling machines is operating alone, for example, filling machine 2 is filling, and the other three filling machines need cleaning, the pneumatic valves 16 on the first connecting pipe 12, the third connecting pipe 14, and the fourth connecting pipe 15 are closed, and the pneumatic valve 16 on the second connecting pipe 13 is open; the pneumatic valve 16 on the liquid inlet cleaning pipe 6 is open, the pneumatic valve 16 on the first intermediate cleaning pipe 8 near the liquid outlet of filling machine 1 is open, the pneumatic valve 16 on the first intermediate cleaning pipe 8 near the liquid inlet of filling machine 2 is closed, the pneumatic valve 16 on the second intermediate cleaning pipe 9 near the liquid outlet of filling machine 2 is closed, the pneumatic valve 16 on the second intermediate cleaning pipe 9 near the liquid inlet of filling machine 3 is open, and the two pneumatic valves 16 on the third intermediate cleaning pipe 10 and the pneumatic valve 16 on the return pipe 7 are all open. The cleaning solution enters the No. 1 filling machine 1 for cleaning through the inlet cleaning pipe 6. The cleaning solution coming out of the No. 1 filling machine 1 does not enter the No. 2 filling machine 2, but instead enters the No. 3 filling machine 3 for cleaning through the second connecting pipe 13 and the second intermediate cleaning pipe 9. Then it comes out of the No. 3 filling machine 3 and enters the No. 4 filling machine 4 for cleaning. This setting skips the No. 2 filling machine 2 which is currently performing filling operations and ensures that the other filling machines can be cleaned normally.
[0032] This embodiment allows for selective cleaning of portions of the filling machine. Simply control the opening and closing of the corresponding pneumatic valve 16. The entire process is automated, eliminating the need to disassemble any section of the cleaning pipeline, resulting in high cleaning efficiency.
[0033] This embodiment also includes steam sterilization piping, such as Figure 1 , 2As shown, the steam sterilization pipeline includes an inlet steam pipe 17 connected to the liquid inlet of the filling machine and an outlet steam pipe 18 connected to the liquid outlet of the filling machine. The number of inlet steam pipes 17 and outlet steam pipes 18 is the same as the number of filling machines. That is, each filling machine is equipped with one inlet steam pipe 17 and one outlet steam pipe 18 for high-temperature sterilization of the filling machine's interior. Specifically, on filling machine #1, the inlet steam pipe 17 is connected to the liquid inlet cleaning pipe 6, one end of the outlet steam pipe 18 is connected to the first intermediate cleaning pipe 8, and the other end is connected to the drain outlet 19 (which can be a wall drain or floor drain) for discharge. On filling machine #2, the inlet steam pipe 17 is connected to the first intermediate cleaning pipe 8, one end of the outlet steam pipe 18 is connected to the second intermediate cleaning pipe 9, and the other end is connected to the drain outlet 19 for discharge. On filling machine #3, the steam inlet pipe 17 is connected to the second intermediate cleaning pipe 9, and one end of the steam outlet pipe 18 is connected to the third intermediate cleaning pipe 10, while the other end is connected to the drain outlet 19 for discharge. On filling machine #4, the steam inlet pipe 17 is connected to the third intermediate cleaning pipe 10, and one end of the steam outlet pipe 18 is connected to the return pipe 7, while the other end is connected to the drain outlet 19 for discharge. The inlet end of the steam inlet pipe 17 is connected to a steam device 20, such as a boiler. This part is prior art.
[0034] The improvements to the steam sterilization pipeline in this embodiment are as follows: First, each steam inlet pipeline 17 and steam outlet pipeline 18 is equipped with an automatic control valve, which in this embodiment is a pneumatic valve 16. When cleaning is required, all pneumatic valves 16 on the steam inlet pipeline 17 and steam outlet pipeline 18 are closed, allowing the cleaning solution to circulate among the multiple filling machines. When high-temperature sterilization is required, the cleaning pump is turned off, the cleaning operation is stopped, and all pneumatic valves 16 on the steam inlet pipeline 17 and steam outlet pipeline 18 are opened, allowing high-temperature steam to enter the filling machine and then exit through the steam outlet pipeline 18. It should be noted that the high-temperature steam can also blow out the liquid in the first intermediate cleaning pipeline 8, the second intermediate cleaning pipeline 9, the third intermediate cleaning pipeline 10, and the return pipeline 7, which are located near the inlet and outlet of the four filling machines. Second, the four steam outlet pipelines 18 are connected to a main drain pipeline 21, the end of which is connected to a drain outlet 19. The high-temperature steam and liquid inside all the steam outlet pipes 18 are collected in the main drain pipe 21 and discharged together. Compared to the four steam outlet pipes 18 being connected to the drain outlets 19 respectively, setting up the main drain pipe 21 can save material costs.
[0035] It should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A series cleaning system for multiple filling machines, characterized in that, Includes a CIP cleaning station, cleaning pipelines, and multiple filling machines; The cleaning pipeline includes an inlet cleaning pipeline connecting the CIP cleaning station to the first filling machine, an intermediate cleaning pipeline connecting two adjacent filling machines, and a return pipeline connecting the last filling machine to the CIP cleaning station. The inlet cleaning pipeline connects the CIP cleaning station to the inlet of the first filling machine, the intermediate cleaning pipeline connects the outlet and inlet of two adjacent filling machines, and the return pipeline connects the outlet of the last filling machine to the CIP cleaning station.
2. The series cleaning system for multiple filling machines according to claim 1, characterized in that, A return pump is installed on the intermediate cleaning pipeline of the mid-section filling machine to promote the circulation of cleaning fluid.
3. A series cleaning system for multiple filling machines according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Connecting pipes are installed between the inlet cleaning line and the intermediate cleaning line, between intermediate cleaning lines, and between the intermediate cleaning line and the return line. The connecting pipes are connected to the inlet cleaning line, the intermediate cleaning line, and the return line. An automatic control valve is installed at the inlet and outlet of each filling machine on the connecting pipeline.
4. The series cleaning system for multiple filling machines according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a steam sterilization pipeline, which includes an inlet steam pipeline connected to the liquid inlet of the filling machine and an outlet steam pipeline connected to the liquid outlet of the filling machine; the number of inlet steam pipelines and outlet steam pipelines is the same as the number of filling machines; each of the inlet steam pipelines and outlet steam pipelines is equipped with an automatic control valve; the inlet end of the inlet steam pipeline is connected to a steam device.