Dispensing device, filling system and method for cleaning a dispensing device

Description

State of the art

[0001] Dosing devices that can be connected and / or coupled to a CIP system for regular cleaning are already known in the art. A cleaning process for the dosing device typically takes several hours, during which a production process is interrupted or completed. This cleaning process often consumes large quantities of energy and / or cleaning agents.A disadvantage of the prior art is that the cleaning process is usually based on time-based experience, which can often lead to a waste of resources. Depending on the products that are fed through the dosing device in the production process and filled using the dosing device, the prior art often cleans the various components and / or areas of the dosing device more thoroughly than necessary during individual steps of the cleaning process.While it is known in the prior art to compare the cleaning medium before and after cleaning the dosing device in order to determine the cleaning result, this is done independently and without regard to the various components and / or areas within the dosing device. Therefore, the cleaning result can only allow conclusions to be drawn about the overall cleaning of the dosing device. If, for example, the cleaning medium still contains product residues after cleaning, the prior art only reveals the possibility of continuing and / or extending the entire cleaning process until the cleaning medium is free of the product residues. This is independent of which components and / or areas within the dosing device the product residues came from, and regardless of which components and / or areas within the dosing device require further cleaning or no further cleaning at all.

[0002] Dosing devices are already known from DE 10 2014 109 447 A1 and EP 3 825 277 A2, which include at least a filling unit for conveying at least liquid or pasty products, an interface to a CIP system for cleaning the filling unit by means of a cleaning medium in at least one cleaning process, and a sensor unit for sensing at least one contamination characteristic of the cleaning medium in the cleaning process.

[0003] Furthermore, a system and a method for predicting dirt or impurities in a drinking water pipe, and in particular a system and a method for predicting dirt or impurities in a pipe through which a drinking water liquid, such as beer, flows, is known from EP 3 872 028 A1.

[0004] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic dosing device, a generic filling system, and / or a generic method with improved cleaning efficiency, especially with regard to the detection of impurities and / or contamination of the cleaning medium. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, claim 8, and claim 9, respectively, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to a dosing device, in particular a food dosing device, with at least one filling unit for conveying at least liquid or pasty products, with an interface to a CIP system for cleaning the filling unit by means of a cleaning medium in at least one cleaning process, with a sensor unit for sensing at least one contamination characteristic of the cleaning medium in the cleaning process, and with a receiving unit for receiving the cleaning medium, on which a first sensor element of the sensor unit is arranged.

[0006] It is proposed that the filling unit has a dosing unit and that the first sensor element of the sensor unit is arranged fluidically behind a product outlet of the dosing unit, wherein the receiving unit is provided for receiving the cleaning medium after cleaning at least the dosing unit, wherein the dosing unit has at least one dosing pump which is provided for dosing the products, wherein the dosing pump has the product outlet.

[0007] Such a design can increase cleaning efficiency. Furthermore, the cleaning process for a dosing device can be optimized and made more sustainable. Resources such as energy and / or cleaning media can also be used efficiently and thus saved. This, in turn, can increase cost, product, and / or labor efficiency. Additionally, cleaning can be adapted more efficiently and precisely to the specific cleaning needs of individual components and / or areas of the dosing device. By sensing at least one contamination parameter of the cleaning medium within the dosing device, the cleaning process can be individually and / or flexibly adjusted depending on the level of contamination and / or soiling of the cleaning medium in order to achieve a preferred cleaning result.This allows the cleaning process to be shortened or lengthened as needed, thus improving cleaning efficiency in terms of duration. Furthermore, for example, a production phase pause can be shortened, thereby increasing both production efficiency and user comfort.

[0008] Preferably, the dosing device is part of a filling system and forms a subassembly of the filling system. The filling system is, but is not limited to, designed for filling liquid, pasty, or solid products. The product may be, for example, a pharmaceutical product, a consumer good, and / or a beauty and / or personal care product, and / or advantageously a foodstuff such as sauces, dairy products, especially yogurts, spreads, pastes, ready meals, confectionery, creams, and / or shampoos or the like. In particular, the filling system is a food filling system. The filling system may comprise a variety of units and / or elements and / or devices that could be used for handling and / or processing and / or dosing and / or forming and / or packaging and / or sealing and / or storing products, especially foodstuffs.Preferably, the filling system includes a CIP system. In particular, the CIP system is a cleaning-in-place system known to those skilled in the art. The CIP system can comprise a variety of units and / or elements and / or devices designed and / or contributing to receiving, storing, pumping, conveying, analyzing, sensing, collecting, and / or processing the cleaning medium, especially further processing it.

[0009] The dosing device is designed for dosing at least liquid or pasty products. Alternatively and / or additionally, the dosing device could also be designed for dosing products in lumps. It is conceivable that the dosing device could, for example, be a hydraulic dosing device, particularly for a commercial vehicle and / or motor vehicle. Preferably, the dosing device is a food dosing device. In particular, the filling unit conveys the products from at least one inlet of the dosing device to at least one outlet of the dosing device. Preferably, the filling unit comprises a plurality of units and / or elements and / or devices that are suitable and / or provided for filling, specifically for dosing the products.

[0010] The interface between the dosing device and the CIP system can, for example, consist of at least one fluid line of the filling system, by means of which at least the filling unit can be connected to the CIP system. Preferably, the filling system has at least one fluid inlet line, in particular a cleaning agent inlet line, and at least one fluid outlet line, in particular a cleaning agent outlet line, to connect the filling unit to the CIP system. During the cleaning process, the cleaning medium can be conveyed from the CIP system to the filling unit via the fluid inlet line. Furthermore, during the cleaning process, the cleaning medium can be conveyed from the filling unit to the CIP system via the fluid outlet line.It is also conceivable that the filling system has a multitude of fluid inlet and / or outlet lines, specifically at least two fluid inlet lines and / or at least two fluid outlet lines. Furthermore, the fluid outlet line and / or the fluid inlet line could also be part of the CIP system and / or the dosing device. Preferably, the dosing device has at least a partial fluid line, in particular at least the fluid outlet line and / or the fluid inlet line, for connection to the CIP system. Advantageously, regardless of which elements and / or units and / or areas and / or components of the filling unit the cleaning medium is routed or guided through, the cleaning medium can always be routed and / or guided to the filling unit via the general fluid inlet line and can be drawn off and / or discharged from the filling unit via the general fluid outlet line.In the cleaning process, the dosing device could be connected to the CIP system at least partially automatically and / or manually, or fully automatically or manually.

[0011] The term "cleaning process" here refers to a process in which at least the filling unit is cleaned, at least partially and preferably to a large extent. In particular, the cleaning process cleans at least those parts of the filling unit that are in contact with the product during filling and / or in which the product is located and / or stored, at least temporarily, during filling. Preferably, the cleaning process is designed to remove product residues from at least parts of the filling unit, preferably from the entire filling unit, and in particular to remove them completely. The cleaning process can be either an intermediate cleaning, for example, during a product change within a production phase, or a final cleaning process, for example, at the end of the production phase.The product changeover can involve switching between products within the same product category, for example, from vanilla yogurt, which constitutes the first product, to chocolate yogurt, which constitutes the second product, or vice versa. Preferably, a cleaning process known as intermediate rinsing is performed between the filling of the different products to advantageously remove product residues from the first product before filling the second. In particular, the cleaning process, preferably the intermediate rinsing, takes place between two filling processes of different products during the production phase. It would be conceivable for the cleaning process to take place during the production phase while the filling unit is operating. Advantageously, the cleaning process, especially the intermediate rinsing, takes place during a downtime of the filling unit during the production phase.During intermediate rinsing, the cleaning medium can consist primarily, and advantageously entirely, of water. Because the product changeover occurs within the same product category, additional substances and / or chemicals in the cleaning medium during intermediate rinsing can be omitted. This allows for faster and more efficient product changeovers. Furthermore, resources such as energy and / or cleaning media, for example, water, can be used efficiently and thus saved.

[0012] Particularly preferably, chemicals and / or additional substances are used for cleaning in the final cleaning process, such that the cleaning medium contains these chemicals and / or additional substances. The cleaning process, specifically the final cleaning process, can take place at the end of the production phase, specifically at the end of the filling of preferably several different products, such as the first product and / or at least the second product. The term "to a large extent" shall, for example, be understood to mean at least 60%, advantageously at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90%, and particularly advantageously at most 99% of a volume and / or mass fraction.

[0013] The sensor unit is designed to detect and / or measure the contamination characteristic of the cleaning medium during the cleaning process. The sensor unit could comprise exactly one sensor element. This sensor element could measure and / or measure the contamination characteristic of the cleaning medium. Preferably, the sensor unit comprises several sensor elements for measuring the cleaning medium at individual and different locations within the filling unit. Each of the individual sensor elements of the sensor unit can measure and / or measure individual characteristics of the cleaning medium, for example, contamination characteristics and / or reference output characteristics for preferred comparisons with the contamination characteristics, by means of which the contamination and / or impurity of the cleaning medium can be determined.Preferably, by sensing and / or detecting parameters of the cleaning medium using multiple sensor elements arranged at different locations and / or positions within the filling unit, a precise assessment of the contamination and / or impurities of the cleaning medium, particularly at specific points within the filling unit, can be made. Advantageously, the sensor unit comprises at least one optical sensor element for sensing the parameter, in particular at least the contamination parameter.

[0014] In particular, the contamination parameter characterizes and / or defines the degree of contamination of the cleaning medium. For example, if the contamination parameter has a high value, the cleaning medium may be heavily contaminated. If the contamination parameter has a low value, especially one comparable to and / or relative to the high value, the cleaning medium may be low in contamination and at least largely, or preferably completely, free of contaminants. The contamination parameter can, for example, be compared as an absolute value with already known values, especially comparative values, in order to determine the degree of contamination of the cleaning medium.Alternatively or additionally, to determine the contamination and / or impurity of the cleaning medium, the contamination parameter can be related to another parameter also sensed by the dosing device.

[0015] The dosing device can include a control unit designed to control and / or regulate the cleaning process based on an analysis result of the contamination parameter. A "control unit" is understood to be an electronic unit that is advantageously designed to control and / or regulate at least the cleaning process. Preferably, the control unit comprises a processing unit and, in particular, in addition to the processing unit, a storage unit with a control and / or regulation program stored therein, which is intended to be executed by the processing unit.

[0016] In particular, the control unit is designed to start, pause, suspend, or terminate the cleaning process. Furthermore, the control unit can manage the duration and / or progression of the cleaning process. Based on the analysis of the contamination parameters, the control unit can, for example, terminate, shorten, lengthen, or pause the cleaning process. This allows for individual and flexible control of the cleaning process and the efficient use of resources, specifically the cleaning medium.

[0017] Preferably, in addition to controlling the cleaning process, the control unit is also designed to control and / or regulate the production phase, specifically the operation and filling of products using the filling unit. The control unit can stop the filling process and start the cleaning process. For example, the control unit can stop filling the first product and start an intermediate rinse. After completing the intermediate rinse, the control unit could start filling the second product. Alternatively, the control unit could stop the entire production phase and at least start, control, and / or regulate the final cleaning process.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for cleaning a dosing device, in particular the aforementioned dosing device, with a filling unit for conveying at least liquid or pasty products and with an interface to a CIP system for cleaning the filling unit by means of a cleaning medium in at least one cleaning process, wherein at least one contamination characteristic of the cleaning medium is sensed in the cleaning process, wherein the contamination characteristic of the cleaning medium is sensed and / or detected by a first sensor element of a sensor unit of the dosing device, in particular the sensor element already mentioned above, arranged on a receiving unit of the dosing device.It is proposed that the receiving unit receive the cleaning medium after cleaning at least one dosing unit of the dosing device, in particular at least one of the previously mentioned dosing pumps for dosing products. In a first cleaning step, the cleaning medium is directed through a cleaning agent inlet of a product tank unit of the filling unit to a product outlet of the dosing unit, with the dosing pump serving as the product outlet. Such a cleaning process can optimize cleaning efficiency and allow for more efficient use and advantageous savings of resources such as energy and / or cleaning media. Furthermore, cleaning efficiency can be optimized with regard to cleaning a product tank unit, specifically at least one product feed line of the product tank unit, as well as a dosing unit of a filling unit of a dosing device.Furthermore, the duration of a cleaning process, preferably at least the first cleaning step, can be individually and / or flexibly adjusted depending on the contamination and / or soiling of the cleaning medium. This, in turn, allows for more efficient use of resources such as energy and / or cleaning agents.

[0019] In particular, the filling unit mentioned is the filling unit already mentioned, the CIP system is the CIP system already mentioned, the cleaning process is the cleaning process already mentioned, the cleaning medium is the cleaning medium already mentioned, and the contamination parameter is the contamination parameter already mentioned. Advantageously, the cleaning process is controlled and / or regulated based on the analysis result of the contamination parameter. The method for cleaning the dosing device can have several process steps. Preferably, the method comprises at least a first cleaning step and a second cleaning step. Furthermore, the method can include additional cleaning steps, such as a third cleaning step and / or a fourth cleaning step.The first cleaning step can, but is not limited to, take place before the second, third, and / or at least fourth cleaning step in the sequence of the process. It is also conceivable that the order of the cleaning steps is interchangeable and / or modifiable, and / or that individual cleaning steps can be omitted and / or left out.

[0020] In this document, numerical prefixes such as "first" and "second" serve solely to distinguish between objects and / or to establish relationships between objects, and do not imply a total number or ranking of the objects. In particular, a "second object" does not necessarily imply the presence of a "first object." Furthermore, "intended" here and in the following text means specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function means that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0021] Contamination of the cleaning medium can occur, for example, from product residues. In particular, these product residues contribute to the contamination of the cleaning medium. Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor unit be designed to detect product residues in the cleaning medium. This allows for further optimization of cleaning efficiency and enables more efficient and precise adaptation of the cleaning process to the specific cleaning needs of individual components and / or areas within a dosing device. Moreover, it is possible to identify and / or determine from which components and / or areas within the dosing device the product residues entered the cleaning medium, thus allowing the cleaning process to be adapted individually and / or flexibly.

[0022] For example, the sensor unit can detect and / or sensing during the cleaning process, particularly during intermediate rinsing, whether residues of the first product are present in the cleaning medium. Only when the cleaning medium is advantageously free of product residues, such as those of the first product, can the control unit terminate the cleaning process. Regarding intermediate rinsing, once the cleaning medium is free of product residues from the first product, the control unit can start and / or activate and / or control and / or regulate the filling of the second product. Specifically, the contamination parameter includes information and / or a value that describes and / or characterizes whether product residues are present in the cleaning medium.Preferably, the contamination parameter additionally includes information and / or a value that describes and / or characterizes the level of product residue in the cleaning medium. In particular, the more product residue is contained in the cleaning medium, the greater the degree of contamination and / or pollution of the cleaning medium. Particularly preferably, the control unit can determine and / or analyze the level of product residue in the cleaning medium based on at least the contamination parameter, as well as the degree of contamination and / or pollution of the cleaning medium, and advantageously control and / or regulate the cleaning process based on the analysis result.

[0023] To further improve cleaning efficiency and the detection, determination, and / or analysis of a cleaning medium, it is proposed that the sensor unit be designed to sensing the turbidity level of the cleaning medium. This would also allow for further optimization of the cleaning process and enable it to be individually and / or flexibly adapted to the specific contamination and / or soiling of the cleaning medium in order to achieve a preferred cleaning result.

[0024] The sensor unit can include a turbidity sensor. Advantageously, one of the sensor elements incorporates the turbidity sensor or is designed as such. In particular, the turbidity parameter is a parameter of the turbidity level, which describes and / or characterizes the turbidity of the cleaning medium. Specifically, the higher the turbidity level of the cleaning medium, the greater the turbidity and thus, in turn, the degree of turbidity and / or impurities in the cleaning medium. Particularly preferably, the control unit can determine and / or analyze the turbidity of the cleaning medium based on the turbidity level and the degree of turbidity and / or impurities in the cleaning medium, and advantageously control and / or regulate the cleaning process based on the analysis result.In addition, the sensor unit can detect further parameters, such as temperature, volume flow, conductivity, or the like, to detect the contamination and / or impurities of the cleaning medium.

[0025] According to the invention, the filling unit comprises the dosing unit, wherein the first sensor element of the sensor unit is arranged fluidically downstream of the product outlet of the dosing unit. This allows for improved cleaning efficiency and the detection of cleaning results within a cleaning process, specifically fluidically downstream of the product outlet of a dosing unit of a filling unit or dosing device. Furthermore, based on the presence of contamination and / or soiling of the cleaning medium, the cleaning process can be individually and / or flexibly adjusted fluidically downstream of the product outlet, for example, by lengthening or shortening the duration of the cleaning process.

[0026] In particular, the dosing unit is designed for conveying at least liquid or pasty products. The dosing unit comprises at least one dosing pump, which is provided for dosing the products. Preferably, the dosing unit includes a plurality, preferably an integer multiple, of dosing pumps, which can advantageously be arranged side by side, for example, in a single row or in a matrix. Preferably, the dosing unit has an even number of dosing pumps. However, it is also conceivable that the dosing unit includes an odd number of dosing pumps, such as three or five dosing pumps. The dosing pumps are preferably individually connected to a product tank unit of the dosing device, especially the filling unit, via, in particular, individual feed lines of the dosing unit.The product tank unit comprises, in particular, at least one tank element in which at least the liquid or pasty product(s) can be arranged. Specifically, the product tank unit is designed for receiving and / or storing, especially temporarily storing, the product(s). The tank element is preferably designed as a tank and can alternatively also be designed, for example, as a bag or funnel. It is also conceivable that the product tank unit comprises a plurality of tank elements, with different products being arranged in the individual tank elements. These products can be conveyed and / or metered into product containers by means of the metering unit to enable multi-layered products or products with different components, such as a pudding with whipped cream in a cup, or the like.Depending in particular on the product and / or products, the product container may consist at least partially or at least to a large extent, in particular completely, of a metal, for example stainless steel, a mineral, for example glass and / or paper and / or a fiber-based material and / or wood and / or ceramic, a plastic and / or a composite material and / or be made of.

[0027] It is also conceivable that each metering pump is assigned a single tank element of the product tank unit. Preferably, the metering pumps are all individually connected to the same tank element via supply lines. The supply lines to the metering pumps are preferably fixed to the tank element by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection, such as a screw connection, a clamp connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, or the like, and in particular, fixed individually to the tank element. Advantageously, the supply lines are preferably individually reversible and removable. Further configurations and / or divisions of the product tank unit and the metering unit that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0028] The dosing pump has a product outlet. Through this outlet, the product can be filled, dosed, conveyed, introduced, and / or inserted into the product container. The first sensor element is specifically a sensor element of the sensor unit for sensing at least one contamination parameter of the cleaning medium downstream of the product outlet. After the cleaning medium has flowed through the product outlet, the first sensor element can detect and / or measure the contamination parameter of the cleaning medium.

[0029] Specifically, the product tank unit is the product tank unit already mentioned, the product outlet is the product outlet already mentioned, and the dosing unit is the dosing unit already mentioned. In at least the first cleaning step, the cleaning medium can be routed from the CIP system through the fluid inlet line to the filling unit. Preferably, in the first cleaning step, the fluid inlet line is connected to the cleaning agent inlet of the product tank unit to route and / or guide the cleaning medium from the CIP system to the product tank unit. In particular, the cleaning agent inlet is connected to and / or arranged on the tank element. The cleaning agent inlet could, for example, have at least one line for routing and / or guiding the cleaning medium from the fluid inlet line to at least the tank element.Preferably, the cleaning agent inlet comprises at least one spray ball, which is preferably rotatable and / or movable. Alternatively, the spray ball could also be designed as a stationary spray ball. In particular, the spray ball can also be referred to as a spray head. At least the spray ball can be arranged within the tank element and, in the first cleaning step, preferably move within the tank element, for example, at least rotate. The spray ball could move vertically, horizontally, and / or vertically within the tank element to clean the tank element. It is also conceivable that the cleaning agent inlet has several spray balls, for example, two, four, or seven spray balls.

[0030] In particular, during the first cleaning step, the cleaning medium is routed from the cleaning agent inlet through the tank element for cleaning the tank element, and subsequently to the dosing unit via the supply lines from the tank element to the dosing pumps, and further to the product outlet of the dosing unit. The cleaning medium exiting the product outlet is advantageously routed back to the CIP system via the fluid outlet line in at least the first cleaning step. Preferably, at least one contamination parameter is sensed and / or recorded by the first sensor element in at least the first cleaning step. The control unit can determine and / or analyze the degree of contamination of the cleaning medium based on at least this contamination parameter during the first cleaning step.Advantageously, the first cleaning step, or at least its duration, is controlled and / or regulated by the control unit based on the analysis result.

[0031] It would be conceivable for the first sensor element to be arranged fluidically directly downstream of the product outlet of the dosing unit, in particular the dosing pump. If the dosing unit has several dosing pumps, a first sensor element of the sensor unit could potentially be arranged at each individual product outlet of the dosing pumps, with the sensor unit having a plurality of first sensor elements. The sensor unit could have as many first sensor elements as the dosing unit has dosing pumps. Alternatively, the first sensor element could also be arranged fluidically downstream of the product outlet at a distance. Preferably, the sensor unit comprises exactly one first sensor element, which is arranged fluidly downstream of all individual product outlets of the dosing pumps.Preferably, the first sensor element is arranged downstream of the product outlet of the dosing unit from a fluid-technical perspective, but upstream of the fluid outlet line. Alternatively and / or additionally, however, the first sensor element could also be arranged on the fluid outlet line, and in particular, the fluid outlet line could include the first sensor element or an additional first sensor element.

[0032] According to the invention, the dosing device comprises the receiving unit for receiving the cleaning medium after cleaning at least the dosing unit, on which the first sensor element is arranged. This allows for an improved design with respect to receiving and / or collecting a cleaning medium, at least after cleaning a dosing unit, in a cleaning process, and for optimizing cleaning efficiency with respect to detecting contamination and / or soiling of the cleaning medium, at least after cleaning the dosing unit.

[0033] In particular, the receiving unit is arranged fluidically downstream of the product outlet of the dosing unit. The receiving unit can, for example, be a bag, a funnel, a tank, a tray, a bowl, or a collection basin, or be designed as such. Preferably, the receiving unit is a so-called rinsing plate. The receiving unit can collect the cleaning medium after it has passed through the product outlet and thus after the dosing unit, and in particular at least the dosing pump, has been cleaned. The cleaning medium exiting the product outlet is advantageously collected by the receiving unit in at least the first cleaning step and returned to the CIP system via the fluid outlet line.

[0034] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in the cleaning process, the receiving unit can be positioned below the dosing unit when viewed vertically. This would further increase efficiency in terms of product, work, design, and / or cleaning efficiency.

[0035] The receiving unit could be permanently, and in particular immovably, arranged below the metering unit, especially the metering pumps, in the vertical direction. Advantageously, the receiving unit is mounted so that it can move at least in the horizontal and / or vertical direction. Additionally and / or alternatively, the receiving unit could also be mounted so that it can move vertically. For example, the receiving unit can move vertically relative to the metering unit. In the cleaning process, the receiving unit can be arranged below the metering unit, especially the metering pumps, in the vertical direction to receive the cleaning medium. Preferably, in the first cleaning step, the receiving unit is arranged below the metering unit, especially the metering pumps, in the vertical direction. To arrange the receiving unit below the metering pumps, the metering pumps could be mounted so that they can be moved vertically.During the cleaning process, particularly in at least the first cleaning step, the metering pumps can be moved vertically to position the receiving unit below them. Alternatively, the metering pumps could be fixed in place, and the receiving unit could be mounted so that it is movable vertically, especially relative to the metering pumps.

[0036] In the first cleaning step, the cleaning medium is directed and / or guided to the receiving unit by the metering pumps. The receiving unit can be connected directly or indirectly to the aforementioned fluid outlet line. It is particularly preferred that the aforementioned fluid outlet line is at least partially arranged on the receiving unit, especially for directing and / or guiding the cleaning medium back to the CIP system. In addition to the connection to the receiving unit, the fluid outlet line can also have further connections during the cleaning process, particularly simultaneous connections, to other components and / or elements and / or units of the filling unit.

[0037] Regarding the method for cleaning the dosing device, it is further proposed that, in a second cleaning step, the cleaning medium is routed through a product supply line of the product tank unit to the product outlet of the dosing unit. This optimizes cleaning efficiency for cleaning a product tank unit, specifically at least one product supply line of the product tank unit, as well as a dosing unit of a filling unit of a dosing device. Furthermore, the duration of a cleaning process, preferably at least one second cleaning step, can be individually and / or flexibly adjusted depending on the level of contamination and / or soiling of the cleaning medium. This, in turn, allows for more efficient use of resources such as energy and / or cleaning media.

[0038] Regarding the timing of the process, the second cleaning step can be performed after the first. Preferably, the product feed line is connected to and / or attached to the tank element and is designed to convey and / or direct at least the product into the tank element for further processing, specifically for filling by means of the dosing unit. At least for cleaning the product feed line, the cleaning medium is passed through and / or guided through the product feed line in the second cleaning step. The fluid inlet line can be connected to and / or attached to the product feed line. In the second cleaning step, the cleaning medium can be passed from the CIP system through the fluid inlet line to at least the product feed line.

[0039] The only advantage of the second cleaning step compared to the first is the way the cleaning medium is routed to the tank element and how the tank element is cleaned. Specifically, the first and second cleaning steps differ in the arrangement and / or connection of the fluid inlet line to the product tank unit. While in the first cleaning step the cleaning medium can be routed through the fluid inlet line to the cleaning agent inlet of the product tank unit and through it, in the second cleaning step the cleaning medium can be routed through the fluid inlet line to the product supply line of the product tank unit and through it.

[0040] Preferably, in at least the second cleaning step, at least one contamination parameter is sensed and / or recorded by means of the first sensor element. In the second cleaning step, the control unit can determine and / or analyze the degree of contamination and / or impurity of the cleaning medium based on at least this contamination parameter. Advantageously, the second cleaning step, specifically at least a portion of its duration, is controlled and / or regulated by the control unit based on the analysis result.

[0041] Furthermore, it is proposed that the dosing device include a control unit designed to compare the contamination parameter with a cleaning agent output parameter, as detected by a second sensor element of the sensor unit at an inlet of the filling unit. This allows for the optimization of cleaning efficiency with regard to the control and / or regulation of the cleaning process. The cleaning process, specifically at least its duration and / or the use of cleaning media, can be individually and flexibly adapted, and resources, at least the cleaning medium and / or energy, can be used efficiently. In addition, the detection and / or analysis of contamination and / or soiling of the cleaning medium can be simplified and / or made more efficient.

[0042] In particular, the control unit is the control unit already mentioned. The second sensor element is preferably arranged on the fluid inlet line, especially when the fluid inlet line is part of the dosing device. The second sensor element can detect the cleaning agent output characteristic of the cleaning medium when the cleaning agent is conveyed from the CIP system to the filling unit via the fluid inlet line. In particular, the cleaning medium in the fluid inlet line is clean and / or free of contaminants, preferably free of product residues. Advantageously, the cleaning agent output characteristic serves as a reference value for determining and / or analyzing the contamination and / or impurities of the cleaning medium. In particular, the control unit is designed to perform a reference value analysis.Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable for the control unit to record and evaluate the determined and / or sensed contamination parameter, for example from the first sensor element, as an absolute value. The control unit can perform an absolute value analysis.

[0043] Preferably, in at least the first cleaning step and / or at least the second cleaning step, the cleaning agent output parameter is sensed and / or recorded by means of the second sensor element. The control unit can determine and / or analyze the degree of soiling and / or contamination of the cleaning medium in the first cleaning step and / or at least the second cleaning step based on a comparison of the soiling parameter with the cleaning agent output parameter. Advantageously, the first cleaning step and / or at least the second cleaning step, specifically at least a certain duration of the first cleaning step and / or at least a certain duration of the second cleaning step, is controlled and / or regulated by the control unit based on the analysis result.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that a third sensor element of the sensor unit be arranged in a rear outlet of a metering pump of the metering unit. This allows for further optimization of the cleaning of a metering unit and thus, in turn, increases cleaning efficiency. Furthermore, the cleaning process can be shortened or lengthened as needed, for example, depending on the requirements and / or necessity of cleaning the metering unit, thereby improving cleaning efficiency in terms of duration. Additionally, resources for cleaning the metering unit can be used more efficiently.

[0045] In particular, the metering pump is the metering pump already mentioned. Preferably, the rear outlet differs from the product outlet already mentioned. For metering and / or conveying the product to the product outlet, the metering pump can have at least one piston unit with at least one piston. Preferably, the piston unit has the rear outlet. The cleaning medium can be guided and / or directed through the piston unit for cleaning the pistons and at least one housing of the piston unit in which the piston is arranged. The third sensor element can detect and / or measure at least one contamination parameter of the cleaning medium at the rear outlet after the cleaning medium has passed through the piston unit.

[0046] Regarding the method for cleaning the dosing device, it is further proposed that, in a third cleaning step, the cleaning medium be routed through the product supply line of the product tank unit and to a rear outlet of a dosing pump of the dosing unit. This optimizes the cleaning efficiency of a product tank unit (at least one product supply line) and a dosing unit (at least one rear outlet of a dosing pump). Furthermore, the duration of a cleaning process, preferably at least one third cleaning step, can be individually and / or flexibly adjusted depending on the level of contamination and / or soiling of the cleaning medium. This, in turn, allows for more efficient use of resources such as energy and / or cleaning media.

[0047] In particular, the outlet in question is the one already mentioned. Regarding the timing of the process, the third cleaning step can be performed after the second cleaning step. Advantageously, in the third cleaning step, the cleaning medium is passed through the piston unit to clean the pistons and at least the housing. The cleaning medium can then be discharged from the rear outlet, which is preferably connected to the fluid outlet line through which the cleaning medium can subsequently be returned to the CIP system. Advantageously, the product outlet of the dosing unit is blocked and / or sealed in the third cleaning step, so that the cleaning medium must exit through the rear outlet when the dosing unit is cleaned.

[0048] Advantageously, in at least the third cleaning step, at least one contamination parameter is sensed and / or recorded by means of the third sensor element. Furthermore, in the third cleaning step, the cleaning agent output parameter can be sensed and / or recorded by means of the second sensor element. In the third cleaning step, the control unit can determine and / or analyze the degree of contamination and / or impurity of the cleaning medium based on a comparison of the contamination parameter with the cleaning agent output parameter. Preferably, the control unit controls and / or regulates the third cleaning step based on the analysis result, specifically for at least a certain duration of the third cleaning step.

[0049] If the filling unit has a fluid equalization line on which a fourth sensor element of the sensor unit is located, cleaning efficiency for cleaning the fluid equalization line can be increased. Furthermore, resources such as energy and / or cleaning agents can be used efficiently and saved, depending on the degree of contamination and / or soiling of the fluid equalization line.

[0050] The fluid equalization line can be arranged and / or mounted on the tank element. Preferably, the fluid equalization line serves to equalize the fluid level, specifically the product level within the tank element when the product is present during filling, in order to advantageously ensure and / or enable uniform filling of the product. During filling, it is possible that the product may enter and / or penetrate the fluid equalization line, at least partially and / or in sections. The fourth sensor element can detect and / or record at least one contamination parameter of the cleaning medium at the fluid equalization line after the cleaning medium has passed through the tank unit and at least partially through the fluid equalization line.

[0051] Regarding the method for cleaning the dosing device, it is further proposed that, in a fourth cleaning step, the cleaning medium be routed through the product supply line of the product tank unit and to a fluid equalization line of the filling unit, which is arranged on the product tank unit. This optimizes the cleaning efficiency of a product tank unit, specifically at least one product supply line of the product tank unit and one fluid equalization line of a filling unit of the dosing device. Furthermore, the duration of a cleaning process, preferably at least one fourth cleaning step, can be individually and / or flexibly adjusted depending on the level of contamination and / or soiling of the cleaning medium. This, in turn, allows for more efficient use of resources such as energy and / or cleaning media.

[0052] In the fourth cleaning step, the cleaning medium can be passed through the fluid equalization line to clean it and preferably to remove product residues. In this fourth cleaning step, the cleaning medium can be passed through the fluid inlet line to the product supply line and then through the product supply line to the tank element, analogous to cleaning steps two and three. Alternatively, the cleaning medium could also be passed through a different and / or additional access point to the tank element in at least the fourth cleaning step. Preferably, the tank element is completely filled with the cleaning medium, i.e., flooded, so that the cleaning medium enters and / or penetrates the fluid equalization line. In particular, the fourth cleaning step is carried out after the third cleaning step in the process.

[0053] Advantageously, in at least the fourth cleaning step, at least one contamination parameter is sensed and / or recorded by means of the fourth sensor element. Furthermore, in the third cleaning step, the cleaning agent output parameter can be sensed and / or recorded by means of the second sensor element. In the fourth cleaning step, the control unit can determine and / or analyze the degree of contamination and / or impurity of the cleaning medium based on a comparison of the contamination parameter with the cleaning agent output parameter. Preferably, the control unit controls and / or regulates the fourth cleaning step based on the analysis result, specifically for at least a certain duration of the fourth cleaning step.

[0054] If the cleaning process is intermediate rinsing, it is advantageous to perform only the first and second cleaning steps. If the cleaning process is final cleaning, it is particularly preferable to perform cleaning steps one through four.

[0055] The dosing device and / or the filling system and / or the method shall not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the dosing device and / or the filling system and / or the method may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, and units than specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified ranges in this document, even those within the stated limits, shall be considered disclosed and freely usable. Drawings

[0056] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0057] They show: Fig. 1 a dosing device of a filling system, Fig. 2 a rotated view of the dosing device according to the Figure 1 , Fig. 3 another view of the dosing device according to the Figure 1 and 2 Fig. 4 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for cleaning the dosing device according to the Figures 1 to 3 , Fig. 5 a first cleaning step of the process according to Figure 4 , Fig. 6 a second cleaning step of the process according to Figure 4 , Fig. 7 a third cleaning step of the process according to Figure 4and Fig. 8 a fourth cleaning step of the process according to Figure 4 . Description of the exemplary embodiment

[0058] In the following figures, of the objects that appear multiple times, only one is labeled with a reference symbol. Furthermore, the figures presented here are schematic and not to scale.

[0059] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a dosing device 12 of a filling system 10. In this case, the dosing device 12 is a food dosing device. For cleaning purposes, the dosing device 12 is designed to be connected to a CIP system 14. The CIP system 14 is also part of the filling system 10 (see Figure 1). Figures 5 to 8 Before discussing the construction and cleaning of the dosing device 12 in detail, it should be noted that the Figures 1 to 3to illustrate the structure and construction of the dosing device 12. Furthermore, the Figure 4 a schematic flowchart of a method for cleaning the dosing device 12, wherein in the Figures 5 to 8 The individual cleaning steps of the process are described in more detail.

[0060] The dosing device 12 has a filling unit 16 for conveying at least liquid or pasty products. The filling unit 16 has a product tank unit 70. The product tank unit 70 comprises at least one, and in this case exactly one, tank element 76. The tank element 76 is designed as a tank.

[0061] Furthermore, the filling unit 16 includes a dosing unit 20. The dosing unit 20 is designed for dosing and filling the product into product containers (not shown). In this example, the dosing unit 20 comprises a plurality of metering pumps 28, which are arranged side by side in a single row. Alternatively, the metering pumps 28 could, for example, also be arranged in a matrix configuration. The metering pumps 28 are individually connected to the product tank unit 70, specifically the tank element 76, via individual feed lines 68 of the dosing unit 20.

[0062] The dosing unit 20 has a product outlet 26. The product can be filled and / or dosed into the product container via the product outlet 26. In this case, the dosing pump 28 has the product outlet 26. When filling the product, it can be conveyed and / or directed from the product tank unit 70 through the feed lines 68 to the dosing unit 20, specifically at least to the dosing pumps 28, by means of which the product can be filled and / or dosed into the product containers via the product outlet 26.

[0063] For the introduction and / or insertion of the product into the tank element 76, the product tank unit 70 has a product supply line 74. The product supply line 74 is connected to and / or arranged on the tank element 76 and is intended to guide and / or direct at least the product into the tank element 76 for further processing, namely for filling by means of the dosing unit 20.

[0064] In at least one production phase, the filling system 10, specifically the dosing device 12, fills at least liquid or pasty products. For cleaning at least the filling unit 16, the CIP system 14 can be connected to and / or connected to the filling unit 16 via an interface of the dosing device 12. The interface of the dosing device 12 to the CIP system 14 consists of at least one fluid line of the filling system 10, by means of which at least the filling unit 16 can be connected to and / or connected to the CIP system 14. The filling system 10 has at least one fluid inlet line 80, specifically a cleaning agent inlet line, and at least one fluid outlet line 82, specifically a cleaning agent outlet line, to connect the filling unit 16 to the CIP system 14.Regardless of which elements, units, areas, or components of the filling unit 16 the cleaning medium is routed or guided through, the cleaning medium can always be routed and / or guided to the filling unit 16 via the general fluid inlet line 80 and discharged from the filling unit 16 via the general fluid outlet line 82. It is also conceivable that the filling system 10 has a plurality of fluid inlet and / or fluid outlet lines 80, 82, specifically at least two fluid inlet lines 80 and / or at least two fluid outlet lines 82 (not shown). Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the fluid inlet line 80 and the fluid outlet line 82 are at least partially part of the metering device 12 and can be connected to the filling unit 16 and the CIP system 14 for cleaning.

[0065] In at least one cleaning process, the CIP system 14 cleans the filling unit 16 using a cleaning medium. In this cleaning process, the cleaning medium can be conveyed and / or routed from the CIP system 14 to the filling unit 16 via the fluid inlet line 80. Furthermore, in this cleaning process, the cleaning medium can be conveyed and / or routed back from the filling unit 16 to the CIP system 14 via the fluid outlet line 82 (see figure). Figures 5 to 8 ).

[0066] The cleaning process can be either an intermediate rinse, for example, during a product change within the production phase, or a final cleaning process, for example, at the end of the production phase. The intermediate rinse takes place between the filling of different products to advantageously remove product residues from the first product before filling the second. During an intermediate rinse, the cleaning medium can consist at least largely, and preferably entirely, of water. In contrast, the final cleaning process uses chemicals and / or additional substances for cleaning, so the cleaning medium contains these chemicals and / or additional substances during cleaning.The cleaning process, specifically the final cleaning process, takes place at the end of the production phase, specifically at the end of the filling of preferably several and different products, such as the first product and / or at least the second product.

[0067] The dosing device 12 has a control unit 86, which is designed to control and / or regulate at least the cleaning process. Specifically, the control unit 86 is designed to start, pause, suspend, or terminate the cleaning process. Furthermore, the duration and / or progression of the cleaning process can be controlled and / or regulated by means of the control unit 86. In addition, the control unit 86 is designed to control and / or regulate the production phase, namely the operation and filling of products by means of the filling unit 16. The control unit 86 can terminate the filling of products and start the cleaning process. For example, the control unit 86 can terminate the filling of the first product and start the intermediate rinsing.After the intermediate rinsing is complete, control unit 86 can start filling the second product. Alternatively, control unit 86 could end the entire production phase and at least start, control, and / or regulate the cleaning process, specifically the final cleaning process.

[0068] To optimize the cleaning process and increase cleaning efficiency, the dosing device 12 includes a sensor unit 18 for detecting at least one contamination parameter of the cleaning medium during the cleaning process. The contamination parameter characterizes and / or defines contamination and / or impurities in the cleaning medium. The sensor unit 18 is designed to detect product residues in the cleaning medium. Furthermore, the sensor unit 18 is designed to detect at least the turbidity level of the cleaning medium. Additionally, the sensor unit 18 can detect other parameters, such as temperature, flow rate, conductivity, or the like, to determine the contamination and / or impurities in the cleaning medium.Based on the detection and / or sensing of the contamination parameter by the sensor unit 18, the degree of contamination and / or pollution of the cleaning medium can be determined by the control unit 86. The control unit 86 is designed to control and / or regulate the cleaning process based on the analysis result of the contamination parameter. Based on the analysis result of the contamination parameter, the control unit 86 can terminate, shorten, and / or extend the cleaning process. This allows for individual and flexible adjustment of the cleaning process control and advantageous, efficient use of resources, specifically the cleaning medium.

[0069] The sensor unit 18 could have or consist of exactly one sensor element, for example, an optical sensor element. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor unit 18 has four sensor elements 30, 32, 34, 36, which are arranged at different locations and / or positions within the filling unit 16. The individual sensor elements 30, 32, 34, 36 of the sensor unit 18 each detect and / or record individual parameters of the cleaning medium, by means of which the degree of soiling and / or contamination of the cleaning medium can be determined. This allows a precise statement to be made about the soiling and / or contamination of the cleaning medium, preferably at the respective different locations within the filling unit 16.

[0070] A first sensor element 30 of the sensor unit 18 is arranged fluidically behind the product outlet 26 of the dosing unit 20 (see Figures 5 to 8 ). The Figures 5 to 8It can be seen that the first sensor element 30 is located downstream of the product outlet 26 of the dosing unit 20 from a flight engineering perspective, but upstream of the fluid outlet line 82 from a fluid engineering perspective. Alternatively and / or additionally, it would also be conceivable that the fluid outlet line 82 has the first sensor element 30 or an additional first sensor element 30' (not shown).

[0071] Furthermore, the dosing device 12 has a receiving unit 50 for receiving the cleaning medium after cleaning at least the dosing unit 20, on which the first sensor element 30 is arranged. In this case, the receiving unit 50 is a so-called rinsing plate. The receiving unit 50 receives the cleaning medium after it has passed through the product outlet 26 and thus after cleaning the dosing unit 20, specifically at least the dosing pump 28.

[0072] The Figures 1 to 3to illustrate that the receiving unit 50, viewed in the vertical direction 52, can be arranged below the dosing unit 20, whereby the Figures 1 to 3 This section describes the positioning of the receiving unit 50 during the production phase. In the cleaning process, the receiving unit 50 can be arranged and / or positioned below the metering pumps 28 (viewed in the vertical direction 52) to collect the cleaning medium after it has passed through the product outlet 26. For this purpose, at least the receiving unit 50 is movably mounted and (depending on the perspective) displaceable in the horizontal direction 54 and / or in the vertical direction 56. To arrange the receiving unit 50 below the metering pumps 28, the metering pumps 28 are displaceable in the vertical direction 52. In the cleaning process, the metering pumps 28 are displaceable in the vertical direction 52 to arrange and / or position the receiving unit 50 below them.

[0073] The first sensor element 30 detects a contamination parameter of the cleaning medium downstream of the product outlet 26. The sensor unit 18 has a second sensor element 32, which is arranged at an inlet 62 of the filling unit 16. The second sensor element 32 detects and / or determines a cleaning agent outlet parameter. The second sensor element 32 detects the cleaning agent outlet parameter of the cleaning medium when the cleaning agent is conveyed from the CIP system 14 to the filling unit 16 via the fluid inlet line 80. In the fluid inlet line 80, the cleaning medium is clean and / or free of impurities, preferably free of product residues.

[0074] The control unit 86 could record and evaluate the determined and / or sensed contamination parameter, for example, of the first sensor element 30, as an absolute value. The control unit 86 can perform an absolute value analysis. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 86 is also designed to relate the determined and / or sensed contamination parameter, for example, of the first sensor element 30, to at least one other determined and / or sensed parameter within the dosing device 12. Furthermore, the control unit 86 is designed to perform a relational value analysis. However, to further improve the cleaning process, the control unit 86 is designed to compare the contamination parameter with the cleaning agent output parameter.This allows the control unit 86 to control and / or regulate the cleaning process more precisely, in order to preferably remove all product residues from the filling unit 16 and to clean the filling unit 16 completely.

[0075] Furthermore, the sensor unit 18 has a third sensor element 34, which is arranged at a rear outlet 29 of the metering pump 28 of the metering unit 20. The third sensor element 34 also detects a contamination characteristic of the cleaning medium, specifically at the rear outlet 29.

[0076] To equalize the product level in the tank element 76, the filling unit 16 has a fluid equalization line 66, on which a fourth sensor element 36 of the sensor unit 18 is arranged. The fourth sensor element 36 also detects a contamination parameter of the cleaning medium, specifically at the fluid equalization line 66. The fluid equalization line 66 is arranged and / or mounted on the tank element 76. In this case, the fluid equalization line 66 serves to equalize the fluid level, specifically the product level in the tank element 76 when the product is present in the tank element 76 during filling, preferably to ensure uniform filling of the product. During filling, it is possible that the product may enter and / or penetrate the fluid equalization line 66, at least partially and / or in sections.

[0077] The control unit 86 is designed to compare each contamination parameter of the cleaning medium, sensed and / or detected by the first sensor element 30, the third sensor element 34, and / or the fourth sensor element 36, with the cleaning agent output parameter, sensed and / or determined by the second sensor element 32. Based on the analysis result, the control unit 86 controls and / or regulates the cleaning process.

[0078] In the method for cleaning the dosing device 12, at least the contamination characteristic of the cleaning medium is sensed during the cleaning process. The method for cleaning the dosing device 12 is described by way of example in the Figures 4 to 8 This clarifies that the process can comprise several process steps and sub-steps. In the present case, the process has at least four cleaning steps: 100, 102, 104, and 106. Figure 5 shows the first cleaning step 100, which Figure 6the second cleaning step 102, figure 7 the third cleaning step 104 and the Figure 8 the fourth cleaning step 106. In the present case, the first cleaning step 100 takes place before the second cleaning step 102, the third cleaning step 104 after the second cleaning step 102, and the fourth cleaning step 106 after the third cleaning step 104. The individual cleaning steps are explained in more detail below.

[0079] In the first cleaning step 100, the cleaning medium is directed through a cleaning agent inlet 72 of the product tank unit 70 to the product outlet 26 of the dosing unit 20 (see figure). Figure 5In the first cleaning step 100, the cleaning medium is conveyed and / or guided through the fluid inlet line 80 to the cleaning agent inlet 72. In this embodiment, the cleaning agent inlet 72 is connected to and / or arranged on the tank element 76. The cleaning agent inlet 72 can, for example, have at least one line for conveying and / or guiding the cleaning medium from the fluid inlet line 80 to at least the tank element 76. In this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning agent inlet 72 comprises at least one preferably rotatable and / or movable or stationary spray ball 78. At least the spray ball 78 is arranged within the tank element 76 and is movable within the tank element 76 in the first cleaning step 100, specifically at least rotatable. The spray ball 78 can move in the vertical direction 52, the horizontal direction 54, and / or the vertical direction 56 within the tank element 76 to clean the tank element 76.

[0080] Furthermore, in the first cleaning step 100, the cleaning medium is conveyed from the cleaning agent inlet 72 through the tank element 76 for cleaning the tank element 76, and subsequently to the dosing unit 20 via the supply lines 68 from the tank element 76 to the dosing pumps 28, and further to the product outlet 26 of the dosing unit 20. The cleaning medium exiting the product outlet 26 is then collected by the receiving unit 50 in the first cleaning step 100 and returned to the CIP system 14 via the fluid outlet line 82. In at least the first cleaning step 100, the contamination parameter is sensed and / or recorded by means of the first sensor element 30. Furthermore, in the first cleaning step 100, the cleaning agent outlet parameter is sensed and / or recorded by means of the second sensor element 32.In the first cleaning step 100, the control unit 86 determines the degree of soiling and / or contamination of the cleaning medium based on a comparison of the soiling parameter with the cleaning agent output parameter. Based on the analysis result, the control unit 86 controls and / or regulates the first cleaning step 100, specifically for at least a certain duration.

[0081] In the second cleaning step 102, to clean at least the product supply line 74, the cleaning medium is directed through the product supply line 74 of the product tank unit 70 to the product outlet 26 of the dosing unit 20. Figure 6This clarifies that in the second cleaning step 102, the cleaning medium is conveyed and / or routed through the fluid inlet line 80 to the product supply line 74 and through this to the tank element 76. In the second cleaning step 102, the tank element 76 and the dosing unit 20 are also additionally cleaned. The second cleaning step 102 differs from the first cleaning step 100 only in the manner in which the cleaning medium is conveyed to the tank element 76 and how the tank element 76 is cleaned. The first cleaning step 100 and the second cleaning step 102 differ in the arrangement and / or connection of the fluid inlet line 80 to the product tank unit 70.In the first cleaning step 100, the cleaning medium is conveyed through the fluid inlet line 80 to the cleaning agent inlet 72 of the product tank unit 70 and through this to the tank element 76, while in the second cleaning step 102 the cleaning medium is conveyed through the fluid inlet line 80 to the product supply line 74 of the product tank unit 70 and through this to the tank element 76.

[0082] In at least the second cleaning step 102, the contamination parameter is sensed and / or recorded by means of the first sensor element 30. Furthermore, in at least the second cleaning step 102, the cleaning agent output parameter is sensed and / or recorded by means of the second sensor element 32. In the second cleaning step 102, the control unit 86 determines the degree of contamination and / or impurities of the cleaning medium based on a comparison of the contamination parameter with the cleaning agent output parameter. Based on the analysis result, the control unit 86 controls and / or regulates the second cleaning step 102, specifically for at least a certain duration of the second cleaning step 102.

[0083] If the cleaning process is intermediate rinsing, only the first cleaning step (100) and the second cleaning step (102) are performed. If the cleaning process is final cleaning, in addition to cleaning steps one (100) and two (102), cleaning steps three (104) and four (106) are also performed.

[0084] In the third cleaning step 104 according to Figure 7 The cleaning medium is routed through the product supply line 74 of the product tank unit 70 and to a rear outlet 29 of the metering pumps 28 of the metering unit 20. According to Figure 7It is evident that the supply of the cleaning medium from the CIP system 14 to the product tank unit 70 in the third cleaning step 104 is analogous to the second cleaning step 102. Cleaning steps two 102 and three 104 differ in this exemplary embodiment with regard to one aspect of the process, namely the routing and / or conveyance of the cleaning medium to the tank element 76. While in the third cleaning step 104 the cleaning medium is also conveyed through the supply lines 68 from the tank element 76 to the metering pumps 28, the rear outlet 29 of the metering pumps 28 differs from the previously mentioned product outlet 26 of the metering pumps 28.

[0085] For dosing and / or conveying the product to the product outlet 26, the dosing pump 28 has at least one piston unit 60 with at least one piston. In this case, the piston unit 60 has the rear outlet 29 (see figure). Figure 3In the third cleaning step 104, the cleaning medium is passed through the piston unit 60 to clean the pistons and at least one housing of the piston unit 60 in which the piston is located. The cleaning medium is then discharged from the rear outlet 29. The rear outlet 29 is connected to the fluid outlet line 82, through which the cleaning medium is subsequently returned to the CIP system 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the product outlet 26 is blocked and / or closed in the third cleaning step 104, so that the cleaning medium must exit through the rear outlet 29 when cleaning the dosing unit 20.

[0086] In at least the third cleaning step 104, the contamination parameter is sensed and / or recorded by means of the third sensor element 34. Furthermore, in the third cleaning step 104, the cleaning agent output parameter is sensed and / or recorded by means of the second sensor element 32. In the third cleaning step 104, the control unit 86 determines the degree of contamination and / or impurities of the cleaning medium based on a comparison of the contamination parameter with the cleaning agent output parameter. Based on the analysis result, the control unit 86 controls and / or regulates the third cleaning step 104, specifically for at least a certain duration.

[0087] In the fourth cleaning step 106, the cleaning medium is also directed through the product supply line 74 of the product tank unit 70 and then subsequently to the fluid equalization line 66 of the filling unit 16, which is located on the product tank unit 70. Figure 8 Figure 1 shows that in the fourth cleaning step 106, the cleaning medium is passed through the fluid equalization line 66 to clean the fluid equalization line 66 and preferably to remove product residues from the fluid equalization line 66. In the fourth cleaning step 106, the cleaning medium is passed and / or guided through the fluid inlet line 80 to the product supply line 76 and through this to the tank element 76, analogous to cleaning steps two 102 and three 104. The tank element 76 is completely filled with the cleaning medium, i.e., flooded, so that the cleaning medium enters the fluid equalization line 66.

[0088] Furthermore, in at least the fourth cleaning step 106, the contamination parameter is sensed and / or recorded by means of the fourth sensor element 36. Additionally, in the fourth cleaning step 106, the cleaning agent output parameter is sensed and / or recorded by means of the second sensor element 32. In the fourth cleaning step 106, the control unit 86 determines the degree of contamination and / or impurity of the cleaning medium based on a comparison of the contamination parameter with the cleaning agent output parameter. Based on the analysis result, the control unit 86 controls and / or regulates the fourth cleaning step 106, specifically for at least a certain duration.

Claims

1. A dosing device (12), in particular food dosing device, having at least one filling unit (16) for conveying at least liquid or pasty products, having an interface to a CIP system (14) for cleaning the filling unit (16) by means of a cleaning medium in at least one cleaning process, having a sensor unit (18) for sensing at least one contamination parameter of the cleaning medium in the cleaning process, and having a receiving unit (50) for receiving the cleaning medium, on which a first sensor element (30) of the sensor unit (18) is arranged, characterized in that the filling unit (16) has a dosing unit (20) and the first sensor element (30) of the sensor unit (18) is arranged fluidically downstream of a product outlet (26) of the dosing unit (20), wherein the receiving unit (50) is configured for receiving the cleaning medium after cleaning at least of the dosing unit (20), wherein the dosing unit (20) has at least one dosing pump (28) which is configured for dosing the products, wherein the dosing pump (28) has the product outlet (26).

2. The dosing device (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor unit (18) is configured for sensing residues of products in the cleaning medium.

3. The dosing device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor unit (18) is configured for sensing a degree of turbidity of the cleaning medium.

4. The dosing device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the cleaning process, the receiving unit (50) can be arranged below the dosing unit (20) as viewed in the height direction (52).

5. The dosing device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control unit (86) which is configured for comparing the contamination parameter with a cleaning agent output parameter sensed by a second sensor element (32) of the sensor unit (18) at an inlet (62) of the filling unit (16).

6. The dosing device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a third sensor element (34) of the sensor unit (18) is arranged at a rear outlet (29) of a dosing pump (28) of the dosing unit (20).

7. The dosing device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling unit (16) has a fluid equalization line (66) on which a fourth sensor element (36) of the sensor unit (18) is arranged.

8. A filling system (10) having at least one dosing device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims and having a CIP system (14) for cleaning the filling unit by means of a cleaning medium in at least one cleaning process.

9. A method for cleaning a dosing device (12), in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 7, having a filling unit (16) for conveying at least liquid or pasty products and having an interface to a CIP system (14) for cleaning the filling unit (16) by means of a cleaning medium in at least one cleaning process, wherein at least one contamination parameter of the cleaning medium is sensed in the cleaning process, wherein the contamination parameter of the cleaning medium is sensed and / or detected by a first sensor element (30) of a sensor unit (18) of the dosing device (12) arranged on a receiving unit (50) of the dosing device (12), characterized in that the receiving unit (50) receives the cleaning medium after cleaning at least of a dosing unit (20) of the dosing device (12) comprising at least one dosing pump (28) for dosing products, wherein, in a first cleaning step (100), the cleaning medium is conducted through a cleaning agent inlet (72) of a product tank unit (70) of the filling unit (16) to a product outlet (26) of the dosing unit (20), wherein the dosing pump (28) has the product outlet (26).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, in a second cleaning step (102), the cleaning medium is conducted through a product supply line (74) of the product tank unit (70) to the product outlet (26) of the dosing unit (20).

11. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that, in a third cleaning step (104), the cleaning medium is conducted through the product supply line (74) of the product tank unit (70) and to a rear outlet (29) of the dosing pump (28) of the dosing unit (20).

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, in a fourth cleaning step (106), the cleaning medium is conducted through the product supply line (74) of the product tank unit (70) and to a fluid equalization line (66) of the filling unit (16) which is arranged on the product tank unit (70).