Filling Machine Nozzle Cleaning With Articulated Spray Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling machines face challenges in achieving thorough and efficient cleaning of filling nozzles due to their complex design and limited accessibility, particularly when using high-pressure water jets, which are ineffective in reaching all surfaces and require synchronized motor-driven systems.
Innovation Solution
A filling machine with a rotatable pipe and drive unit configured to rotate in small angular steps, utilizing a stepper or servo motor to position and hold spraying nozzles effectively, combined with movable arms to reach hard-to-reach areas, ensuring high-pressure cleaning impact without mechanical stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long spray pipes are arranged above packages to avoid collision, then packages are protected from damage, but filling nozzles cannot be cleaned thoroughly
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device employs movable arms with articulated joints that enable dynamic positioning of spray nozzles close to filling nozzles during cleaning operation, while the arms retract to a safe position during package filling to avoid collision. This dynamic configuration allows the system to achieve both package protection and effective cleaning of previously inaccessible areas.
2Force
If high-pressure water jets are used for cleaning, then cleaning impact is improved, but accessibility to all surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple independent spray nozzle units distributed across several movable arms, each capable of independently positioning high-pressure spray jets at different locations around the filling nozzles. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of all surfaces requiring cleaning while maintaining high cleaning impact at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arms with articulated joints provide multi-dimensional movement capability, enabling spray nozzles to reach filling nozzles from multiple angles and positions that were previously inaccessible. This dimensional approach allows high-pressure water jets to clean all surfaces of the filling nozzles effectively.
3Area of stationary object
If synchronized motor-driven systems are used for pipe rotation, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzles are designed to be self-driven by the high-pressure water flow itself, which creates rotational movement and spraying patterns without requiring external motors or complex synchronized control systems. The water pressure automatically generates the necessary motion for comprehensive cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-pressure water hydraulic system serves dual purposes: it provides both the cleaning medium and the driving force for nozzle movement and rotation. This eliminates the need for separate motor-driven systems while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage through fluid-dynamic actuation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables quick, thorough, and cost-effective cleaning of filling machines, particularly the nozzles, by maintaining high-pressure water jets and allowing focused cleaning patterns, enhancing hygiene standards in the food industry.
Implementation Method 1
cleaning impact is very high in the center or focus of the water jet
Implementation Method 2
clean filling machines by means of 'pressure washing' which means using a high-pressure water jet
Implementation Method 3
The drive unit is configured to rotate in small angular steps
Implementation Method 4
utilizing a stepper or servo motor to position and hold spraying nozzles effectively
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A filling machine (1) for filling pourable food products into package sleeves (2) or packages (P) according to claim 1 is described. Moreover, a method for cleaning filling machine (1) for filling pourable food products into package sleeves (2) or packages (P) according to claim 13 is described.