Processing machine and method for cleaning a component to be cleaned of a processing machine

Abstract

Processing machine (100), in particular for products such as food and / or food packaging, the processing machine (100) comprising a component (103, 104) to be cleaned, an access area (101) for an operator, and a media line (102), wherein the media line comprises at least one dispensing opening (121, 122) corresponding to the component (103, 104) to be cleaned for dispensing cleaning medium (130), and wherein the media line is configured to be connected by an operator in the access area to a media supply (105) for cleaning medium and to direct the cleaning medium towards the dispensing opening (121, 122).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing machine, in particular for products such as food and / or packaging for food according to claim 1, and to a method for cleaning a component of a processing machine to be cleaned according to claim 9. State of the art

[0002] Processing machines and methods for cleaning components of these processing machines are generally known from the prior art.

[0003] It is known that cleaning work is carried out by operators who, for example, apply cleaning media to the components to be cleaned using a hose or other supply line. The cleaning media can be, for example, water or water enriched with cleaning agents. This includes, for example, slightly alkaline or slightly acidic cleaning media. However, cleaning media containing ozone or chlorine, especially water-based ones, can also be used.

[0004] As an alternative to manual cleaning, so-called Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems are known, in which the cleaning medium can be applied to the components to be cleaned using permanently installed cleaning devices located in the machine.

[0005] However, the well-known clean-in-place systems are complex, requiring sophisticated control electronics and extensive media supply systems. Manual cleaning, on the other hand, is laborious and sometimes only possible with considerable effort for operators in areas where accessibility is limited. Task

[0006] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to specify a processing machine and a method for cleaning a component of a processing machine that is to be cleaned, with which a complete cleaning of even difficult-to-access areas is possible with at the same time low component effort and in particular control effort. Solution

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by the processing machine according to claim 1 and the method for cleaning a component of a processing machine to be cleaned according to claim 9. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The processing machine according to the invention, in particular for products such as food and / or food packaging, comprises a component to be cleaned, an access area for an operator, and a media line, wherein the media line comprises at least one dispensing opening corresponding to the component to be cleaned for dispensing cleaning medium, and wherein the media line is designed to be connected by an operator in the access area to a media supply for cleaning medium and to direct the cleaning medium towards the dispensing opening.

[0009] The component to be cleaned is understood to be any part of the processing machine that requires contact with a cleaning medium. For example, this could include product-carrying, product-transporting, or product-interacting components. However, the invention is not limited with regard to the precise design of the component to be cleaned.

[0010] The access area is defined as an area that is generally accessible to an operator. This could, for example, be an unobstructed area of ​​the machine with a clear height of at least 1.90 meters or at least 2 meters. This area may, but need not, be separated from the outside environment by a safety door or other devices. Preferably, however, the access area does not include any moving components of the machine, so that an operator entering the access area faces no or a significantly reduced risk of injury, even while the machine is in operation.

[0011] The cleaning medium can be any medium suitable for cleaning the component to be cleaned, and the invention is not limited with regard to its precise design. In particular, however, water-based cleaning media can be used, which may be mixed with, for example, chlorine or ozone, or a weak acid or a weak base.

[0012] The media supply can be, in particular, a medium that is easy for an operator to transport, for example, a hose or a spray lance, and the media line is preferably designed so that it can be connected to this media supply, whereby holding the media supply in place when connected is preferably not necessary. Control of the flow rate of cleaning medium from the media supply to the media line can, however, still be carried out manually or automatically.

[0013] This processing machine allows even areas difficult for an operator to access to be reached with the same media supply, enabling the operator to introduce the cleaning medium without having to enter these hard-to-reach areas of the machine. At the same time, the cleaning of components becomes more flexible and requires less control and fewer components.

[0014] The dispensing opening can include a nozzle. A nozzle can be used to generate a directed and pressurized jet of the cleaning medium, thus improving the cleaning effect.

[0015] The nozzle can incorporate a variable dispensing direction for the cleaning medium. This dispensing direction can be automatically or manually adjustable, allowing it to be changed as needed, for example, to clean a specific part of the component. Particularly with an automatic variable dispensing direction, a drive element such as a servo drive or similar can be connected to the nozzle. This drive element can change the nozzle's dispensing direction, for example, by altering the nozzle's angle relative to the media line. This allows, for instance, the cleaning medium to be dispensed in one direction for a specific period during the cleaning process, followed by a second direction for a subsequent period. This enables the cleaning of the largest possible area of ​​the component by using as few components (especially fewer nozzles) as possible.

[0016] The media line may include a connection point for the media supply, and this connection point is designed to form a media-tight seal with the media supply. This media-tight seal can be achieved, for example, by one or more sealing elements at the connection point, which, when the connection point is made to the media supply, create a media-tight seal around the connection area. The requirements for the media-tight seal may depend on the cleaning medium. In particular, the media-tight seal may be liquid-tight. However, a gas-tight seal may also be provided. This ensures the reliable introduction of the cleaning medium into the media line and thus achieves a good cleaning result.

[0017] The connection point can include a locking element to secure the connection between the media supply and the media line. This design ensures that the connection between the media supply and the media line cannot be unintentionally disconnected, which could lead to an unwanted distribution of cleaning medium. This further improves the reliability of the cleaning process.

[0018] The locking element can form part of a bayonet fitting. A bayonet fitting can reliably and technically prevent the unintentional disconnection of the connection between the media supply and the media line. Furthermore, a bayonet fitting can be easily opened and closed by an operator.

[0019] In one embodiment, the media line comprises at least two dispensing openings, and these openings can be switched independently between an open and a closed position. By providing at least two dispensing openings, the cleaning medium can be reliably distributed. Furthermore, the switchability allows for reliable control of the timing of the cleaning process for parts of the component being cleaned.

[0020] The processing machine may include at least one cutting machine for cutting products, one packaging machine for placing products into packaging, and one transport device for transporting products. In connection with these machines, cleaning of components that are difficult for an operator to access, such as cutting elements, is usually necessary. With the processing machine according to the invention, this cleaning can be carried out efficiently and in a time-saving manner for the operator.

[0021] According to the invention, a method for cleaning a component of a processing machine, particularly for products such as food and / or food packaging, is further provided. The processing machine comprises the component to be cleaned, an access area for an operator, and a media line, wherein the media line includes at least one dispensing opening corresponding to the component to be cleaned for dispensing cleaning medium, and wherein the media line is configured to be connected by an operator in the access area to a media supply for cleaning medium and to direct the cleaning medium towards the dispensing opening. The method comprises directing the cleaning medium through the media line and dispensing the cleaning medium through the dispensing opening onto the component to be cleaned.

[0022] This method achieves reliable cleaning with minimal component and control effort.

[0023] The dispensing opening may include a nozzle. This can improve the cleaning result, particularly by increasing the pressure at which the cleaning medium is dispensed.

[0024] The nozzle may include a variable application direction for the cleaning medium, and the method includes changing the application direction during the application of the cleaning medium to the component to be cleaned.

[0025] By changing the application direction or changing the application direction during the application of the cleaning medium, the nozzle's range can be increased, thus reducing the number of nozzles required to clean the component.

[0026] In one embodiment, the media line includes a connection point for the media supply, and this connection point is designed to form a media-tight connection with the media supply. This allows for the reliable introduction of the cleaning medium into the media line.

[0027] The connection point can include a locking element to secure the connection between the media supply and the media line. This embodiment further improves the reliability with which the cleaning medium can be supplied to the media line.

[0028] The locking element can form part of a bayonet fitting. With this design, a secure connection between the media supply and the media line is easily achieved, while simultaneously allowing for easy disconnection of the media supply from the media line.

[0029] It may be provided that the media line comprises at least two dispensing openings and wherein the dispensing openings can be switched independently of each other between an open and a closed position and wherein the method comprises switching at least one of the at least two dispensing openings for at least a period of time during the dispensing of the cleaning medium into the open and the closed position.

[0030] This allows for easy control of the duration and position of the cleaning medium supply. Brief description of the characters

[0031] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a processing machine according to one embodiment, Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a media line according to one embodiment. Detailed description

[0032] Figure 1shows a processing machine 100, in particular for products such as food and / or food packaging according to one embodiment.

[0033] The processing machine can comprise a variety of components 103 and 104, which may come into contact with the product during operation of the processing machine. These components may include product-carrying lines, cutting elements, grippers, or support surfaces, or other parts, such as those of a housing of the packaging machine 100, which may intentionally or unintentionally (e.g., through product splashing) come into contact with a product, such as a liquid or solid foodstuff, during operation. The invention is not limited with regard to the precise design of the processing machine; however, it may, for example, be configured as a cutting machine for cutting products, a packaging machine for placing product into packaging, or a transport device for transporting products, or the processing machine may comprise one or more of these machines.

[0034] Since components 103 and 104 may come into contact with products, regular cleaning is usually necessary. Therefore, components 103 and 104 are referred to below as components requiring cleaning, and the terms "component" and "component requiring cleaning" are used interchangeably.

[0035] To clean components 103 and 104, it is necessary to expose them to a liquid or gaseous medium. For example, cleaning with water (especially hot water) or water containing food-grade chemicals can be carried out at regular intervals.

[0036] Depending on the spatial conditions in the area of ​​the processing machine 100, one or more of the components 103 and 104 may be difficult for an operator to access from the outside. However, the processing machine includes an access area 101, which can be reached by an operator, for example, by entering it. The access area 101 may, for example, be located within safety doors 151 and 152 and may at least partially allow an operator access to the interior (for example, to an area within a panel or housing) of the processing machine 100.

[0037] The access area can, in particular, be an area that is accessible to the operator without risk of injury. For example, it can also be provided that opening doors 151 and 152 activates a safety device of the processing machine 100, which prevents further operation of the processing machine or at least prevents the operation of components in the access area, thus reducing the risk of injury to the operator.

[0038] The access area can be distinguished, for example, by the fact that, if it is located within a housing or covering of the processing machine 100, it is designed in such a way that its geometric dimensions (i.e., height, width and depth) are designed so that a person can enter the access area 101.

[0039] Components in or near the access area 101 can therefore be easily reached and cleaned by an operator using a media supply 105, such as a media lance with a dispensing opening or nozzle. The media supply 105 can be connected, for example, to a media reservoir (not shown) in the form of a tank via a flexible hose (also not shown). The tank can be connected to the media supply via a pump that delivers cleaning medium from the tank to the media supply, allowing it to be dispensed by an operator, preferably at variable pressure. The media supply 105 can be considered part of the processing machine or a separate component.

[0040] However, one or more of the components 103 and 104 may be arranged in the processing machine 100, as already described, in such a way that they are inaccessible to an operator, or only accessible with great difficulty or at increased risk of injury. Cleaning these components is therefore initially impossible or very difficult for the operator.

[0041] According to the invention, the processing machine 100 comprises a media line 102 which can be connected to the media supply 105 in the access area. Through this connection, the cleaning medium dispensed by the operator from the media supply 105 can be fed to the media line 102. According to the invention, the media line 102 comprises at least one dispensing opening 121 and 122, which correspond to a component 103 or 104 to be cleaned, respectively.

[0042] This means that the dispensing opening(s) 121 and 122 are arranged so that they can dispense cleaning medium 130 in the direction of the component(s) to be cleaned. The dispensing openings 121 and 122 can, for example, be located above or next to the respective component to be cleaned and oriented so that the dispensing direction of the cleaning medium from the dispensing opening points towards the component to be cleaned.

[0043] This allows the operator to supply cleaning medium to the media line 102 via the media supply 105 for cleaning hard-to-reach components 103 and 104 without posing an increased risk of injury to the operator. At the same time, it is no longer necessary for the cleaning process to be fully automated, for example, by providing a complete cleaning system for the components 103 and 104, equipped with a media reservoir containing cleaning medium and suitable control devices and drive elements to effect the cleaning of the components 103 and 104.

[0044] The media line 102 can include a connection point 106 in the access area 101, to which the media supply 105 can be connected, allowing the cleaning medium to be introduced into the media line 102. The position of the connection point 106 is not restricted in principle, but it can preferably be designed so that it can be reached by an operator in an ergonomically simple manner. For example, the connection point can be located at a height of 0.65 m to 1.50 m or up to 1.20 m above the floor. Alternatively, the connection point can also be located above an operator, so that the operator has to move the media supply upwards to connect it to the connection point 106.This can be advantageous to prevent the connection point from being unintentionally exposed to cleaning medium during cleaning of the access area, and from this medium dripping or drying uncontrollably, which could pose an undesirable contamination risk at the connection point. This embodiment can be particularly advantageous if the cleaning medium coming into contact with the connection point is already contaminated, or could be contaminated, by product residues or other impurities.

[0045] Regardless of its position, the connection point 106 can be designed to form a media-tight connection with the media supply 105. This means that when the media supply is connected to the connection point, the cleaning medium can be introduced from the cleaning supply, via the connection point, into the media line without any cleaning medium escaping from the connection point into the outside. For example, the connection point 106 can include a sealing element 161, such as an O-ring or other commonly known seals. In particular, the sealing element can be made of or comprise a flexible material to ensure a media-tight connection even with slight movements of the media supply 105 relative to the connection point 106.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the connection point may include a locking element 162 for securing the connection between the media supply 105 and the media line 102. The locking element 162 may be designed to engage with a corresponding locking element 163, which may be (permanently) connected to the media supply 105, or to be connected to the locking element 163 in any other way in such a manner as to prevent unintentional disconnection of the connection between the media supply 105 and the media line 102.

[0047] For example, the locking element 162 can be designed as part of a bayonet fitting, so that together with the locking element 163 of the media supply 105, it forms a bayonet fitting that can be locked and unlocked by an operator to establish and then disconnect the connection between the media supply and the media line. Alternatively or additionally, the locking elements can also be magnets designed with such a strong attraction that the media supply 105 remains connected to the connection point 106 even when cleaning medium is flowing through the media line 102. Other mechanical connections, such as a screw cap or similar, can also be used as locking elements 162 to create a releasable but secure connection between the media supply 105 and the connection point 106 or the media line 102.

[0048] The discharge openings 121 and 122 can be of any shape. They can be, for example, bores or other openings introduced into the media line through which the cleaning medium can exit. If the media line is designed as a tube (round or polygonal, such as triangular, square, pentagonal, or hexagonal), the openings can be holes drilled through the wall thickness of the tube. The media line 102 can also be manufactured using 3D printing or another additive manufacturing process. In such a case, the discharge opening(s) in the media line 102 can be designed and structured during the manufacturing process. This allows, for example, for specific geometries for the discharge opening(s) that enable a desired flow pattern of the cleaning medium through the discharge opening(s).

[0049] Figure 2Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a media line 202 in which the dispensing opening or openings 221 to 223 are designed as nozzles. This is understood to refer to the Figure 2 , but also in connection with the description of the Figure 1 The invention is not limited with regard to the number of dispensing openings. However, at least one dispensing opening is provided in the media line 202.

[0050] However, it is also possible to provide more than one dispensing opening for each component to be cleaned. For example, two, three, four, or more dispensing openings may be provided for a single component to apply cleaning medium to different areas of the component. Furthermore, the number of dispensing openings assigned to each component is not limited. Thus, one component may have a first set of dispensing openings (e.g., only one, two, or more), while another component may have a second set of dispensing openings (e.g., seven, ten, or more or fewer), each positioned to clean a specific area of ​​the component.

[0051] Overall, the number and position of the dispensing openings in the media line can be selected such that the entire area of ​​the component to be cleaned can be supplied with cleaning medium through all of the dispensing openings in the media line assigned to that component. The area of ​​the component to be cleaned can be the entire surface of the component or only a true subset of the surface (i.e., less than the entire surface).

[0052] In the Figure 2As already mentioned, the dispensing openings 221 to 223 are designed as nozzles. These can be, in particular, injector nozzles with which the medium can be dispensed under high pressure. This can positively influence the cleaning result, as heavy soiling can be removed more effectively than with low media pressure. However, this design is not to be understood as limiting, and other nozzle designs are also conceivable.

[0053] In the embodiment shown here, each nozzle is assigned a drive element 231 to 233. These can be, for example, mechanical or electromechanical drive elements such as servo drives. These are designed to change the position and, in particular, the direction of discharge of cleaning medium 230 through the respective discharge openings. It can be in the Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, it is provided that each drive element is assigned to exactly one nozzle, or that at least two nozzles are connected to the same drive element, so that the change in the application direction of these nozzles is effected jointly by the drive element. It is also possible that only one drive element is connected to all nozzles, so that a change in the application direction of the respective nozzles is coupled.

[0054] To control the application direction, a control unit 280, such as a computer with an associated processor and memory, can be provided, which, by outputting suitable control signals, controls or can control the drive element(s) in such a way that they change the application direction of the nozzle(s) assigned to them.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that one or more of the nozzles or, more generally, dispensing openings in the described embodiments are selectively switchable between an open and a closed position. In the open position, the dispensing openings discharge cleaning medium towards the component to be cleaned. In the closed position, the discharge of cleaning medium is prevented. It can be provided that the dispensing openings or nozzles are only switchable in a binary fashion between the open and the closed position. This means that they are either fully open (in the open position) or fully closed (in the closed position). Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the amount of dispensed cleaning medium is controlled by controlling the degree of opening or flow rate of the respective dispensing opening. This can be done, for example, by...This can be achieved by arranging a controllable valve in the dispensing opening or in a supply line area upstream of the dispensing opening, in which cleaning medium flows from the media line specifically to a dispensing opening, which can also be controlled, for example, by the control unit 280 and associated actuators, in order to cause the dispensing opening to open or close gradually or in binary fashion.

[0056] With the in Figure 2 In the described embodiments and in particular the variable dispensing direction of the individual dispensing openings or nozzles, a component 203 to be cleaned can be flexibly supplied with cleaning medium, whereby in particular the number of dispensing openings can be reduced compared to dispensing openings that cannot be controlled with regard to their dispensing direction.

[0057] During cleaning, the control unit 280 can be configured to control the dispensing direction of the respective dispensing openings, for example, based on time, so that the dispensing direction points in one direction for a certain period and in a second direction for another period. This can be done for two or more, or even all, dispensing openings, either in conjunction or independently.

[0058] The opening and closing of the dispensing system can also be time-controlled, so that one or more primary dispensing openings are closed during an initial period of the cleaning process, while a second or more secondary dispensing openings are open during this same period. During a subsequent period, the primary dispensing openings can then be opened and the secondary dispensing openings closed, or the dispensing openings can be open simultaneously for a further period. This allows for precise control of the amount of cleaning medium dispensed through each opening. For example, the period during which the cleaning medium is applied to only slightly soiled areas of the component being cleaned can be shortened compared to the period during which the cleaning medium is applied to more heavily soiled areas.

Claims

1. Processing machine (100), in particular for products such as food and / or food packaging, the processing machine (100) comprising a component (103, 104) to be cleaned, an access area (101) for an operator, and a media line (102), wherein the media line comprises at least one dispensing opening (121, 122) corresponding to the component (103, 104) to be cleaned for dispensing cleaning medium (130), and wherein the media line is configured to be connected by an operator in the access area to a media supply (105) for cleaning medium and to direct the cleaning medium towards the dispensing opening (121, 122).

2. Processing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing opening (121, 122) comprises a nozzle (221-223).

3. Processing machine (100) according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle (221-223) comprises a variable discharge direction for the cleaning medium (230).

4. Processing machine (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the media line (102) comprises a connection point (106) for the media supply (105) and wherein the connection point is configured to enter into a media-tight connection with the media supply.

5. Processing machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein the connection point (106) comprises a locking element (162) for securing the connection between the media supply (105) and the media line (102).

6. Processing machine (100) according to claim 5, wherein the locking element (162) forms part of a bayonet lock.

7. Processing machine (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the media line (102) comprises at least two dispensing openings (121, 122) and wherein the dispensing openings can be switched independently of each other between an open and a closed position.

8. Processing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processing machine (100) comprises at least one of a cutting machine for cutting products, a packaging machine for placing product into packaging, and a transport device for transporting products.

9. Method for cleaning a component (103, 104) of a processing machine (100), in particular for products such as food and / or food packaging, the processing machine (100) comprising the component (103, 104) to be cleaned, an access area (101) for an operator, and a media line (102), wherein the media line (102) comprises at least one dispensing opening (121, 122) corresponding to the component (103, 104) to be cleaned for dispensing cleaning medium (130), and wherein the media line is configured to be connected by an operator in the access area (101) to a media supply (105) for cleaning medium and to direct the cleaning medium towards the dispensing opening (121, 122), wherein the method involves directing the cleaning medium (130) through the media line (102) and dispensing the cleaning medium through the dispensing opening. (121, 122) includes the component (103, 104) to be cleaned.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the dispensing opening (121, 122) comprises a nozzle (221-223).

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the nozzle (221-223) comprises a variable application direction for the cleaning medium (230) and wherein the method comprises changing the application direction during the application of the cleaning medium to the component (103, 104) to be cleaned.

12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the media line (102) comprises a connection point (106) for the media supply (105) and wherein the connection point (106) is configured to enter into a media-tight connection with the media supply (105).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the connection point (106) comprises a locking element (162) for securing the connection between the media supply (105) and the media line (102).

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the locking element (162) forms part of a bayonet lock.

15. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the media line (102) comprises at least two dispensing openings (121, 122) and wherein the dispensing openings can be switched independently of each other between an open and a closed position and wherein the method comprises switching at least one of the at least two dispensing openings for at least a period of time during the dispensing of the cleaning medium into the open and the closed position.

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