Filling Machine Intermediate Cleaning via Automated Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling machine cleaning processes are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and lack process safety due to manual cleaning, leading to prolonged downtime and potential contamination risks during product changes.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum filling machine equipped with a spraying device that distributes a cleaning medium onto the hopper inner wall and conveying mechanism, allowing for automated cleaning of product residues and components, with adjustable nozzles and a controller for customized cleaning programs to optimize efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning with foam and high pressure processes is used, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but cleaning time increases to 15-60 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated spraying device that uses fluid dynamics to deliver cleaning medium through multiple jets. The spraying device distributes cleaning medium onto the hopper inner wall and conveying mechanism without requiring manual disassembly or high-pressure mechanical scrubbing, thereby reducing cleaning time while maintaining thoroughness through systematic coverage of all surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system performs self-service by automatically cleaning all exposed areas including the hopper, feeding area, conveying mechanism, and outlet area without requiring manual intervention. The spraying device is positioned to automatically spray cleaning medium onto all surfaces, and the conveying mechanism itself helps transport the cleaning medium through its operation, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and reassembly steps.
2Ease of operation
If manual cleaning processes are used, then cleaning flexibility is improved, but process safety deteriorates due to manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cleaning operations with an automated spraying system that eliminates human contact with product residues and cleaning chemicals. The spraying device is positioned above or within the hopper and automatically distributes cleaning medium through multiple jets, removing the need for manual handling of contaminated surfaces and reducing exposure risks to operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning medium acts as an intermediary substance that transfers the cleaning action from the spraying device to the surfaces requiring cleaning. Instead of direct manual contact with product residues, the cleaning medium carries the cleaning function, allowing operators to remain isolated from potentially harmful substances while maintaining effective cleaning.
3Reliability
If complete disassembly of conveying mechanism is performed, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying mechanism performs self-service cleaning by transporting the cleaning medium through its own chambers and surfaces during operation. The spraying device positions cleaning medium at the inlet of the conveying mechanism, and the mechanism's operational motion distributes the cleaning medium throughout all chambers and surfaces, eliminating the need for disassembly while maintaining thorough cleaning accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The spraying device applies cleaning medium to the hopper inner wall and conveying mechanism inlet before the conveying mechanism operates. This preliminary application ensures that cleaning medium is already in position to be picked up and distributed by the conveying mechanism's operation, allowing cleaning to occur during normal operation without requiring prior disassembly.
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
Reduces cleaning time and ensures more reliable, reproducible cleaning processes by automating the intermediate cleaning step, minimizing downtime and preventing contamination, while allowing for efficient energy and resource usage through circulation and customization of cleaning parameters.
Implementation Method 1
The spraying device (3) is designed to distribute a cleaning medium (1, 4) onto the hopper inner wall (2a) and/or the conveying mechanism (8)
Data Source
AI summary
A filling machine and a method for intermediate cleaning of a filling machine, where the filling machine comprises a hopper for filling in a pasty substance, a conveying mechanism for conveying the pasty substance in the direction toward an outlet opening. The filling machine comprises at least one spraying device above or within the hopper for distributing the cleaning medium onto the hopper inner wall.