A device for detecting abnormal operation of a filling valve
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522528113.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-28
AI Technical Summary
[0002]无菌灌装机的物料管路在完成在线灭菌(SIP)时,多个灌装阀必须全开,以保证过热纯蒸汽充分流经阀腔及下游管路;若阀芯因老化、卡滞以及控制线路或气管松脱、电磁阀损坏等原因导致灌装阀造成未完全开启,将会导致物料管路杀菌不彻底,容易造成产品染菌变质
[0005]所述的灌装阀动作异常的检测装置,通过假杯和隔膜阀构建封闭检测腔室,完成全部灌装阀的动作检测,保障了生产连续性和无菌效果。同时采用第一压力传感器监测灌装缸压力、第二压力传感器监测排气管压力的双重检测,基于第二压力传感器的检测压力判定灌装阀开启状态,避免误判漏检且检测效率高。且只需在现有灌装装置中增设第二压力传感器,并配合隔膜阀即可实现灌装阀动作检测,改造成本低且兼容性强。
Smart Images

Figure CN224899317U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a detection device for filling machines, specifically a detection device for abnormal operation of filling valves. Background Technology
[0002] During sterilization in line (SIP) in aseptic filling machines, multiple filling valves must be fully open to ensure that superheated pure steam flows sufficiently through the valve chambers and downstream pipelines. If the valve core is not fully opened due to aging, jamming, loose control circuitry or air pipes, or damaged solenoid valves, the sterilization of the material pipeline will be incomplete, easily leading to product contamination and spoilage. Current technology lacks devices and methods for detecting the opening and closing of filling valves during the SIP stage, making it impossible to detect these potential problems in a timely manner. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device that can detect the operational status of filling valves online during pipeline sterilization. Utility Model Content
[0003] The present invention aims to provide a detection device for abnormal operation of filling valve, which confirms that the filling valve is fully open during the online sterilization stage, ensuring that pure steam flows fully through the filling valve and downstream pipeline, and avoiding incomplete sterilization and product contamination risk caused by the filling valve not being fully open.
[0004] The detection device for abnormal operation of filling valves according to this utility model includes a filling cylinder, several filling valves connected to the filling cylinder through filling pipes, and a controller. The outlet of each filling valve is sealed with a dummy cup. The filling cylinder is connected to an air inlet pipe and a first pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the filling cylinder. The air inlet pipe is equipped with a first diaphragm valve for controlling the injection of gas into the filling cylinder. The dummy cup is connected to an exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe is equipped with a second diaphragm valve for controlling the exhaust of gas from the filling valve. A second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the exhaust pipe is also provided between the second diaphragm valve and the dummy cup. The controller is connected to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the filling valves, the first diaphragm valve, the second diaphragm valve, and the dummy cup.
[0005] The aforementioned detection device for abnormal filling valve operation constructs a closed detection chamber using a dummy cup and a diaphragm valve to complete the detection of all filling valve operation, ensuring production continuity and aseptic effect. Simultaneously, it employs dual detection: a first pressure sensor monitors the filling cylinder pressure, and a second pressure sensor monitors the exhaust pipe pressure. The opening status of the filling valve is determined based on the detection pressure of the second pressure sensor, avoiding false positives and missed detections while ensuring high detection efficiency. Furthermore, it only requires adding a second pressure sensor to existing filling equipment, along with a diaphragm valve, to achieve filling valve operation detection, resulting in low modification costs and strong compatibility.
[0006] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the exhaust pipe includes branch pipes that are respectively connected to each fake cup and a main pipe that connects each branch pipe.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, there are 80 filling valves.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the controller is a PLC or an industrial computer.
[0009] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the controller is also connected to an alarm. Attached Figure Description
[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a detection device for abnormal operation of a filling valve.
[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the controller connection and control principle. Detailed Implementation
[0012] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0013] It should be noted that if any directional indication (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, top, bottom, inside, outside, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, counterclockwise, clockwise, circumferential, radial, axial, etc.) is involved in the embodiments of this utility model, the directional indication is only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.
[0014] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," "equipped with," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0015] If the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," such descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, and "above," "below," and "within" are all understood to include the stated number. Furthermore, the technical features of each embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the embodiments are described; however, as long as these combinations of technical features do not contradict each other, they should be considered within the scope of this specification.
[0016] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a detection device for abnormal operation of a filling valve includes a filling cylinder 1, several filling valves 3 connected to the filling cylinder 1 via filling pipes 2, and a controller 4. A dummy cup 5 is sealed at the outlet of each filling valve. The filling cylinder is connected to an air inlet pipe 6 and a first pressure sensor 7 for detecting the pressure of the filling cylinder. The air inlet pipe is equipped with a first diaphragm valve 8 for controlling the injection of gas into the filling cylinder. The dummy cup is connected to an exhaust pipe 9. The exhaust pipe is equipped with a second diaphragm valve 10 for controlling the exhaust of gas from the filling valve. A second pressure sensor 11 for detecting the pressure of the exhaust pipe is also located between the second diaphragm valve and the dummy cup. The controller is connected to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the filling valves, the first diaphragm valve, the second diaphragm valve, and the dummy cup.
[0017] The detection method based on the detection device for abnormal operation of filling valves according to this utility model includes the following steps: S1. During the sterilization process, the discharge port of the filling valve 3 is sealed by the fake cup 5, the discharge port of the exhaust pipe 9 is sealed by the second diaphragm valve 10, and the pressurized gas is injected into the filling cylinder 1 by the first diaphragm valve 8 to form a closed detection chamber. S2, the controller 4 sequentially controls each of the multiple filling valves 3 to open individually; each time a single filling valve is opened, the pressure of the filling cylinder 1 is monitored by the first pressure sensor 7 and the pipeline pressure of the exhaust pipe is monitored by the second pressure sensor 11; when the detected pressure of the second pressure sensor 11 reaches the first preset threshold, it is determined that the filling valve 3 is opening normally; otherwise, it is determined that the opening is abnormal. S3. After completing the detection of a single filling valve 3, close the filling valve 3 and open the second diaphragm valve 10 to release the pressure in the filling valve pipeline; when the detection pressure of the second pressure sensor 11 drops below the second preset threshold, close the second diaphragm valve 11 and switch to the next filling valve for detection; if any filling valve is detected to be abnormally open, pause the sterilization process and issue an alarm signal.
[0018] The aforementioned detection device and method for abnormal filling valve operation constructs a closed detection chamber using a dummy cup and a diaphragm valve to complete the detection of all filling valve operation, ensuring production continuity and aseptic effect. Simultaneously, it employs dual detection: a first pressure sensor monitors the filling cylinder pressure, and a second pressure sensor monitors the exhaust pipe pressure. The opening state of the filling valve is accurately determined based on whether the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor reaches a pre-set first threshold, avoiding false positives and missed detections while achieving high detection efficiency. Furthermore, it only requires adding a second pressure sensor to existing filling equipment, along with a diaphragm valve, to achieve filling valve operation detection, resulting in low modification costs and strong compatibility.
[0019] The exhaust pipe 9 includes branch pipes 901 that connect to each dummy cup and a main pipe 902 that connects to each branch pipe. The exhaust pipe adopts a hierarchical structure with branch pipes that connect to each dummy cup and a main pipe that connects to each branch pipe, which facilitates centralized detection of multiple filling valves and reduces installation complexity.
[0020] The number of filling valves 3 is 80. Setting the number of filling valves to 80 is suitable for large-scale filling production lines, allowing for rapid testing of all filling valves at once, meeting the needs of large-scale industrial production.
[0021] The controller 4 is a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or an industrial computer. It features stable and reliable control, fast response speed, easy programming and integration, and strong adaptability to industrial environments, ensuring accurate execution of the testing process.
[0022] The controller 4 is also connected to an alarm 12, which can immediately issue an alarm signal when an abnormality is detected in the filling valve, promptly reminding the operator to handle the fault, improving system safety, and reducing the risk of quality accidents.
[0023] The first diaphragm valve 8 injects gas at a pressure of 1.3 bar into the filling cylinder. This 1.3 bar pressure provides a stable and reliable pressure source for the test, ensuring sufficient pressure without overload during the testing process, thus improving the effectiveness and safety of the test.
[0024] The first preset threshold is 0.4 bar (bar, a unit of pressure). Setting the first preset threshold to 0.4 bar provides a clear quantitative standard for determining whether the filling valve is open normally, ensuring that the detection sensitivity is appropriate and avoiding missed detections or false alarms due to improper threshold settings.
[0025] The second preset threshold is 0.3 bar. Setting the second preset threshold to 0.3 bar ensures that the pipeline pressure is fully released before switching to the next filling valve, avoiding residual pressure from interfering with subsequent testing and ensuring the independence and accuracy of the test results.
[0026] The detection time for a single filling valve is 1 second, which can significantly shorten the overall detection time, significantly improve production line efficiency, and reduce the time cost of the SIP process.
[0027] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the inventive concept of this utility model and the content of this specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this utility model. In the description of this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "embodiment," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Those skilled in the art will understand, explicitly and implicitly, that, without conflict, the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments, and the embodiments of this utility model and the features within those embodiments can be combined with each other.
Claims
1. A detection device for abnormal operation of filling valves, comprising a filling cylinder (1), a plurality of filling valves (3) connected to the filling cylinder (1) via filling pipes (2), and a controller (4), characterized in that, The outlet of the filling valve is sealed with a dummy cup (5). The filling cylinder is connected to an air inlet pipe (6) and a first pressure sensor (7) for detecting the pressure of the filling cylinder. The air inlet pipe is equipped with a first diaphragm valve (8) for controlling the injection of gas into the filling cylinder. The dummy cup is connected to an exhaust pipe (9). The exhaust pipe is equipped with a second diaphragm valve (10) for controlling the exhaust of the filling valve. The exhaust pipe is located between the second diaphragm valve and the dummy cup and is also equipped with a second pressure sensor (11) for detecting the pressure of the exhaust pipe. The controller is connected to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the filling valve, the first diaphragm valve, the second diaphragm valve and the dummy cup respectively.
2. The detection device for abnormal operation of the filling valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe (9) includes branch pipes (901) that connect to each fake cup and main pipe (902) that connects to each branch pipe.
3. The detection device for abnormal operation of the filling valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are 80 filling valves (3).
4. The detection device for abnormal operation of the filling valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller (4) is a PLC or an industrial computer.
5. The detection device for abnormal operation of the filling valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller (4) is also connected to an alarm (12).