EP3959167B1 - Method for the cip-cleaning of a filling machine and filling machine - Google Patents

Method for the cip-cleaning of a filling machine and filling machine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3959167B1
EP3959167B1 EP20716419.5A EP20716419A EP3959167B1 EP 3959167 B1 EP3959167 B1 EP 3959167B1 EP 20716419 A EP20716419 A EP 20716419A EP 3959167 B1 EP3959167 B1 EP 3959167B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filling
level probe
cleaning
measurement
cleaning medium
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20716419.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3959167A1 (en
Inventor
Ludwig Clüsserath
Achim Kunz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KHS GmbH
Original Assignee
KHS GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by KHS GmbH filed Critical KHS GmbH
Priority to SI202030152T priority Critical patent/SI3959167T1/en
Publication of EP3959167A1 publication Critical patent/EP3959167A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3959167B1 publication Critical patent/EP3959167B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/001—Cleaning of filling devices
    • B67C3/002—Cleaning of filling devices using cups or dummies to be placed under the filling heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/032—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
    • B08B9/0321—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid
    • B08B9/0325—Control mechanisms therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/007—Applications of control, warning or safety devices in filling machinery
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/225—Means for filling simultaneously, e.g. in a rotary filling apparatus or multiple rows of containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/26—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B2209/00—Details of machines or methods for cleaning hollow articles
    • B08B2209/02—Details of apparatuses or methods for cleaning pipes or tubes
    • B08B2209/027—Details of apparatuses or methods for cleaning pipes or tubes for cleaning the internal surfaces
    • B08B2209/032—Details of apparatuses or methods for cleaning pipes or tubes for cleaning the internal surfaces by the mechanical action of a moving fluid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/26—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
    • B67C2003/2685—Details of probes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for CIP cleaning at least one filling element of a filling machine according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and to a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid product according to the preamble of patent claim 12.
  • Filling machines for filling containers with a liquid filling material have filling elements that have to be cleaned, disinfected or sterilized, for example after a certain time or when the filling material is changed. This is for the sake of hygiene and prevents contamination of a filling with residues of the previous filling.
  • CIP cleaning cleaning in place
  • a method for CIP cleaning of a filling element according to the preamble of claim 1 is from DE 10 2008 030291 A1 known.
  • the document describes DE 100 61 401 A1 a filling machine in which a rinsing cap is placed on each filling element for CIP cleaning and accommodates the respective filling tube in a rinsing chamber that is sealed off from the outside.
  • cleaning agents then flow, among other things, through a ring channel, through open liquid channels in the filling elements, past liquid valves and their valve seats, through the filling tube channel of each filling tube, through the rinsing chamber and past the outside of the filling tube through a gas path into another ring channel .
  • a disadvantage of the solution mentioned is that it is not checked whether each filling element has actually been cleaned and that it is therefore also impossible to provide proof that the filling machine has been completely cleaned.
  • the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved method for CIP cleaning of filling elements of a filling machine and a correspondingly improved filling machine which, in particular, check the cleaning and/or sterilization of the filling elements and thus enable verification that the filling machine has been completely cleaned .
  • the object is achieved by a method for CIP cleaning at least one filling element of a filling machine according to the features of independent patent claims 1 and solved by a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid product according to the features of the independent patent claim 12.
  • the respective dependent claims relate to particularly preferred embodiment variants of the invention.
  • CIP cleaning also includes SIP cleaning (sterilization in place cleaning), since the latter is a special case of CIP cleaning.
  • SIP cleaning sterilization in place cleaning
  • the filling machine is designed for filling containers with a liquid product.
  • Containers are understood to mean, for example, bottles, other bottle-like containers, cans, party cans or kegs.
  • the filling machine has a large number of filling positions on a revolving transport element. Each filling position has a filling element with a filling valve.
  • the filling element can also have an electric filling level probe or else a long filling tube designed as an electric probe. In the following, both the electric filling level probe and the long filling tube designed as an electric probe are referred to as electric filling level probes.
  • the filling position can also have a container carrier for carrying the containers.
  • the liquid filling material passes from the filling machine into the container via the filling valve, to which a filling pipe can be connected.
  • the electric filling level probe checks the level that the liquid filling has reached in the container. As soon as a predetermined height is reached, the filling of the container is stopped.
  • the electrical filling level probe works according to the principle that an electrical circuit is closed via the liquid filling material, with this closing of the circuit being detected by corresponding measuring devices.
  • the filling valve and the electric filling level probe are now accommodated in a rinsing space provided by a closing element.
  • the closing element is in particular a rinsing cap or a rinsing sleeve.
  • the rinsing chamber is sealed off from the outside by the closing element.
  • At least one cleaning medium, via which the filling element is cleaned, is then fed into the washing chamber.
  • the filling valve is cleaned both from the outside and from the inside.
  • cleaning liquids can be used as the cleaning medium, including disinfectants, acids and alkalis. It is possible to use different cleaning media in different cleaning steps. Water is also understood as a cleaning medium, which is used in particular as the final cleaning medium for rinsing.
  • At least one measurement is carried out with the electric filling level probe during the CIP cleaning.
  • the cleaning medium closes a circuit of the electric fill level probe, whereby it is recognized that there is cleaning medium in the wash cabinet. It can thus be checked for each filling element whether there is cleaning medium in the washing chamber or not, and the proper implementation of the cleaning itself can thus be checked. If this check is carried out for all cleaning steps and all filling elements, it is possible to verify that the filling machine has been completely cleaned.
  • the CIP cleaning of the filling element is significantly improved by the method according to the invention, even without the need for additional components.
  • the closing element is hung in manually at the filling position and/or activated automatically.
  • the capping element When hanging the capping element manually, it is possible to store the capping element away from the filling machine and only use CIP cleaning when required.
  • no complex mechanism is required to hang in the closing element.
  • the closing element if the closing element is activated automatically, CIP cleaning can be carried out more quickly and fewer personnel are required.
  • the closing element is attached manually and then activated automatically.
  • controllable valves which are arranged in gas and/or liquid channels of the filling machine are opened and/or closed in such a way that the cleaning medium is circulated through the filling valve. At least a partial flow of the cleaning medium then also goes through the flushing sleeve. In this way, the cleaning medium is repeatedly moved past the filling valve and can further improve cleaning via the flow.
  • both the measurement area and the ground area are designed to be electrically conductive and electrically insulated from one another.
  • the ground area can, but does not have to, have the electrical potential of 0 V.
  • the measurement is carried out between the measuring area and a mass area of the filling level probe and/or a mass area of the closing element.
  • an electric voltage is applied between the measuring area and the ground area and the resulting electric current flow is measured directly or indirectly.
  • a current flow indicates the presence of an electrically conductive liquid between the measuring area and the ground area, while a non-existent electrical current means that the measuring area is still electrically isolated from the ground area.
  • a periodic voltage is applied to the measuring area of the filling level probe for the measurement. This avoids electrolysis occurring in the measuring area and/or ground area, as could be the case with direct voltage.
  • This periodic voltage is preferably a square-wave voltage, which allows the magnitude of the electric current flow to be easily measured.
  • the level of an electrical current flow between the measuring range of the filling level probe and a ground area, the level of a voltage drop in the measuring circuit and/or the level of an electrical resistance between the measuring area of the filling level probe and a ground area since these measurements are in principle equivalent to one another, provided that the geometry between the measuring area and the ground area is known.
  • the electrical resistance between the measuring area and the ground area and thus the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium can then be easily calculated via the voltage drop at the series resistor or between the measuring area and the ground area and with a known applied voltage.
  • the series resistor is preferably adjusted in such a way that the most accurate possible measurement of the resistance lying between the measuring area and the ground area is made possible.
  • a reference measurement of the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium is advantageously carried out, in particular by means of a conductivity measuring device installed in a gas and/or liquid channel. This reference measurement is then used as a basis for checking whether the medium measured by the level probe has approximately the same conductivity as the cleaning medium.
  • the temperature of the cleaning medium is preferably measured at the point at which the reference measurement of the electrical conductivity is carried out.
  • the temperature of the cleaning medium is determined from the electrical conductivity measured by the level probe. Due to the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of liquids, the temperature of the cleaning medium in the area of the level probe can be determined from the conductivity measured by the level probe together with the reference measurement of the electrical conductivity and the temperature in this reference measurement. Deviations of this temperature from an expected temperature can indicate problems when cleaning the filling element.
  • the cleaning of the filling machine can also be proven afterwards or possible errors can be detected.
  • This predetermined time can be zero if it is only important that the cleaning medium has reached the filling element.
  • the predetermined time can also be greater than zero if the cleaning medium is to act on the filling element for a specific period of time.
  • the predetermined time can differ depending on the cleaning medium.
  • the predetermined time only begins to run when the filling level probes of all filling elements to be cleaned have detected the cleaning medium.
  • the CIP cleaning is carried out in such a way that the cleaning medium has safely reached all filling elements, so a certain time buffer is built in to ensure reliable cleaning of the filling elements.
  • This time buffer can be dispensed with by detecting the cleaning medium using level sensors, which speeds up CIP cleaning.
  • Containers are understood to mean, for example, bottles, other bottle-like containers, cans, party cans or kegs.
  • the filling machine has a large number of filling positions on a revolving transport element. Each filling position has a filling element with a filling valve and an electric filling level probe or with a long filling tube designed as an electric probe.
  • the filling position can also have a container carrier for carrying the containers.
  • the liquid filling material passes from the filling machine into the container via the filling valve, to which a filling pipe can be connected.
  • the electric filling level probe checks the level that the liquid filling has reached in the container.
  • the electrical filling level probe works according to the principle that an electrical circuit is closed via the liquid filling material, with this closing of the circuit being detected by corresponding measuring devices.
  • the filling valve and the electric filling level probe are in one of a closing element provided washing room recordable.
  • the closing element can be hung manually at the filling position and/or activated automatically.
  • at least one cleaning medium is then fed into the rinsing chamber, so that the filling element is cleaned.
  • the filling machine has a controller that is designed to carry out the method according to the preceding description.
  • at least one measurement is carried out with the electrical filling level probe during the CIP cleaning.
  • the cleaning medium closes the circuit of the filling level probe, whereby it is recognized that there is cleaning medium in the wash cabinet. In this way, it can be checked for each filling element whether there is cleaning medium in the wash chamber or not, and the cleaning itself can thus be checked. If this check is carried out for all cleaning steps and all filling elements, it is possible to verify that the filling machine has been completely cleaned.
  • Measuring electronics of the fill level probe advantageously have an adjustable series resistor. Since the electrical conductivities of water used for rinsing, for example, on the one hand, and alkalis or acids used for cleaning, on the other hand, are sometimes more than two orders of magnitude apart, the adjustable series resistor makes it possible to obtain a precise measurement result over this range of conductivities.
  • the filling machine has at least one conductivity measuring device installed in a gas and/or liquid channel for measuring a reference conductivity. From the comparison of the reference conductivity with the conductivity measured by the level probe, it can be concluded whether the medium measured by the level probe is the desired cleaning medium or not.
  • Figure 1a shows a schematic section through a filling element 1 of a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid product.
  • the filling element 1 has a filling valve 2 which is represented here by a cone 3 which interacts with a conical recess 4 in the filling element 1 .
  • This representation of the filling valve 2 is to be understood merely as an example and schematically. Many other forms of a filling valve 2 are conceivable and possible and these do not affect the present invention.
  • the filling valve 2 When filling a container, not shown here, which is preferably located below the filling valve 2, the filling valve 2 is opened so that the liquid filling material can flow into the container via the filling valve 2 and a liquid channel 5 in fluid communication with it. Air escaping from the container during filling is discharged via a gas channel 6 .
  • a filling level probe 7 is arranged centrally, which is preferably rod-shaped and preferably connects to the filling valve 2 in the direction of the container.
  • the level probe 7 has an electrically conductive measuring area 8 at its lower end, ie the end opposite the filling valve 2 .
  • This measurement area 8 is separated from a likewise electrically conductive ground area 10 of the level probe 7 by an insulating area 9 .
  • the Functionality of such a filling level probe 7 such that an electrical, preferably periodic, voltage U is initially applied between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 . Since the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 are separated from one another by the insulating area 9 , no current initially flows in the associated circuit since there is no electrically conductive connection between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 of the level probe 7 .
  • the filling level probe 7 reaches into the container to be filled in the known application, namely the transition between the insulating area 9 and the mass area 10 comes to lie in the area of the desired filling level of the filling material in the container.
  • the filling valve 2 is then opened and the filling material is filled into the container via the filling valve 2 and the liquid channel 5 connected thereto.
  • the circuit between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 is closed via the conductive filling material. Because of the applied voltage U, current can now flow in the circuit. It is thus reached the desired filling level of the filling in the container and the filling valve 2 can be closed again.
  • the filling element 1 has a connecting device 11 for connecting a closing element 12 to the filling element 1 .
  • FIG Figure 1b shows a schematic section through the filling element 1 according to FIG Figure 1a with a closing element 12 connected thereto, which is designed here by way of example as a flushing sleeve.
  • the closing element 12 seals tightly with the filling element 1 and thus forms a rinsing chamber 13, in which in particular the filling valve 2 and the filling level probe 7 are accommodated, i.e. the closing element 12 forms a fluid-tight rinsing chamber 13 with the filling element 1, which is located on the Underside of the closing element 12 adjoins the liquid channel 5 and in which at least the free-end end of the filling level probe 7 is accommodated.
  • the gas channel 6 is also fluidly connected to the flushing chamber 13.
  • Closing element 12 shown is, for example, manually hooked into connection device 11 or connected to it in a detachable manner. It is also possible that the closing element 12 is activated automatically.
  • the closing element 12 can be designed as a flushing cap. However, the respective embodiment of the closing element 12 has no influence on the present invention.
  • a cleaning medium is now introduced into the washing chamber 13 via the filling valve 2 and the liquid channel 5 .
  • the cleaning medium thus reaches both the filling valve 2 and the filling level probe 7.
  • the cleaning medium is preferably discharged again from the washing chamber 13 via the gas channel 6, so that the cleaning medium is guided in a circuit-like manner.
  • the cleaning medium can also be routed in the opposite direction, so that it enters the rinsing chamber 13 via the gas duct 6 and leaves the rinsing chamber 13 again via the liquid duct 5 and the filling valve 2 .
  • cleaning liquids can be considered as the cleaning medium, including very strong cleaning liquids such as acids and alkalis or water, which is used for rinsing. Different cleaning liquids are usually used one after the other. So could be cleaned first with an acid and then with a lye and then rinsed with water.
  • the cleaning medium fills the washing chamber 13 .
  • the cleaning medium creates an electrical connection between the measuring area 8 of the level probe 7 and the ground area 14 of the electrically conductive closing element 12 .
  • a circuit is closed via this electrically conductive connection created by the cleaning medium, as a result of which current flows in the circuit. This current flow is measured and an existing current flow indicates that the cleaning medium has reached the filling element 1 .
  • the circuit can also be closed via the ground area 10 of the level probe 7 .
  • the ground area 10 of the filling level probe 7 or via both ground areas 14 and 10 depends on the details of the circuit used. With an electrically isolated closing element 12, the closing of the Circuit over the ground area 14 of the closing element 12, for example, not possible.
  • a controller registers that a current flow has been detected via the filling level probe 7 . This is advantageously recorded on a storage medium together with the date and time, so that the cleaning of the filling element 1 can also be verified later.
  • the recording can be made directly via the control or via a central data processing system of the filling machine to which the measurement result was forwarded.
  • the resistance between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 14 and/or 10 is also determined in a preferred embodiment variant.
  • the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium can thus be calculated using a known factor, which results from the known geometry of the filling level probe 7 and the closing element 12 or is determined experimentally.
  • the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium determined via the level probe 7 is compared with the known value of the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium. If the values match within a certain tolerance, then there is a high probability that the correct cleaning medium has arrived in the washing compartment 13 . These values can also be recorded to enable later verification.
  • the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium can also be measured with a conductivity measuring device 15 arranged in the gas channel 6 .
  • the conductivity measuring device 15 can of course also be arranged in the liquid channel 5 or in a more central gas or liquid channel.
  • the temperature of the cleaning medium at the level probe 7 can also be calculated via the known temperature dependence of the conductivity and the conductivity measured at the level probe 7.
  • the controller records at least the point in time at which the cleaning medium has reached all of the filling elements 1 to be cleaned. From this point in time, the next cleaning step is initiated—possibly after a specified exposure time for the cleaning medium.
  • FIG 2 shows an exemplary measuring circuit 16.
  • a voltage U is applied between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 or 14 via a series resistor Rv.
  • Voltage U is preferably a periodic voltage, so that electrolysis in measuring area 8 and/or ground area 10 or 14 can be avoided.
  • the voltage U can be a square-wave voltage or square-wave voltage. Alternatively, a sinusoidal AC voltage can also be used.
  • the cleaning medium forms a load resistance Rm between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 or 14.
  • the value of the load resistance Rm can be calculated using the voltage present between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 or 14, the known voltage U and the known size of the series resistor Rv The conductivity of the cleaning medium can then be calculated from this.
  • the determination of the load resistance Rm and thus the conductivity of the cleaning medium is most accurate when the series resistance Rv and the load resistance Rm have the same magnitude.
  • the series resistor Rv is designed to be adjustable. This setting of the series resistor Rv preferably takes place automatically.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zur CIP-Reinigung zumindest eines Füllelements einer Füllmaschine gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1 und auf eine Füllmaschine zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem flüssigen Füllgut gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 12.The invention relates to a method for CIP cleaning at least one filling element of a filling machine according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and to a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid product according to the preamble of patent claim 12.

Füllmaschinen zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem flüssigen Füllgut weisen Füllelemente auf, die, beispielsweise nach einer bestimmten Zeit oder beim Wechsel des Füllguts, gereinigt, desinfiziert oder sterilisiert werden müssen. Dies dient der Hygiene bzw. verhindert die Verunreinigung eines Füllguts mit Resten des vorherigen Füllguts. Zur Reinigung der Füllelemente hat sich die aus dem Stand der Technik bestens bekannte CIP-Reinigung ("Cleaning in Place"-Reinigung) bewährt.Filling machines for filling containers with a liquid filling material have filling elements that have to be cleaned, disinfected or sterilized, for example after a certain time or when the filling material is changed. This is for the sake of hygiene and prevents contamination of a filling with residues of the previous filling. CIP cleaning ("cleaning in place"), which is well known from the prior art, has proven itself for cleaning the filling elements.

Ein Verfahren zur CIP-Reinigung eines Füllelements gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 ist aus DE 10 2008 030291 A1 bekannt.A method for CIP cleaning of a filling element according to the preamble of claim 1 is from DE 10 2008 030291 A1 known.

Darüber hinaus beschreibt die Druckschrift DE 100 61 401 A1 eine Füllmaschine, bei der für die CIP-Reinigung auf jedes Füllelement eine Spülkappe aufgesetzt wird, die das jeweilige Füllrohr in einem nach außen hin dicht abgeschlossenen Spülraum aufnimmt. Bei der CIP-Reinigung fließen dann Reinigungsmittel unter anderem durch einen Ringkanal, durch geöffnete Flüssigkeitskanäle der Füllelemente, an Flüssigkeitsventilen und deren Ventilsitzen vorbei, durch den Füllrohrkanal jedes Füllrohres, durch den Spülraum und an der Außenseite des Füllrohres vorbei durch einen Gasweg in einen weiteren Ringkanal. Nachteilig an der genannten Lösung ist, dass nicht überprüft wird, ob wirklich jedes Füllelement gereinigt wurde und dass es daher auch unmöglich ist, einen Nachweis einer vollständigen Reinigung der Füllmaschine zu erbringen.In addition, the document describes DE 100 61 401 A1 a filling machine in which a rinsing cap is placed on each filling element for CIP cleaning and accommodates the respective filling tube in a rinsing chamber that is sealed off from the outside. In CIP cleaning, cleaning agents then flow, among other things, through a ring channel, through open liquid channels in the filling elements, past liquid valves and their valve seats, through the filling tube channel of each filling tube, through the rinsing chamber and past the outside of the filling tube through a gas path into another ring channel . A disadvantage of the solution mentioned is that it is not checked whether each filling element has actually been cleaned and that it is therefore also impossible to provide proof that the filling machine has been completely cleaned.

Ausgehend hiervon liegt der vorliegenden Erfindung die Aufgabe zu Grunde, ein verbessertes Verfahren zur CIP-Reinigung von Füllelementen einer Füllmaschine und eine entsprechende verbesserte Füllmaschine bereitzustellen, die insbesondere die Reinigung und/oder Sterilisation der Füllelemente überprüfen und somit einen Nachweis einer vollständigen Reinigung der Füllmaschine ermöglichen.Proceeding from this, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved method for CIP cleaning of filling elements of a filling machine and a correspondingly improved filling machine which, in particular, check the cleaning and/or sterilization of the filling elements and thus enable verification that the filling machine has been completely cleaned .

Die Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren zur CIP-Reinigung zumindest eines Füllelements einer Füllmaschine gemäß den Merkmalen des unabhängigen Patentanspruchs 1 und durch eine Füllmaschine zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem flüssigen Füllgut gemäß den Merkmalen des nebengeordneten Patentanspruchs 12 gelöst. Die jeweiligen Unteransprüche betreffen dabei besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsvarianten der Erfindung.The object is achieved by a method for CIP cleaning at least one filling element of a filling machine according to the features of independent patent claims 1 and solved by a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid product according to the features of the independent patent claim 12. The respective dependent claims relate to particularly preferred embodiment variants of the invention.

Vorgeschlagen wird ein Verfahren zur CIP-Reinigung (Cleaning in Place-Reinigung) zumindest eines Füllelements einer Füllmaschine. Die CIP-Reinigung umfasst hierbei auch die SIP-Reinigung (Sterilization in Place-Reinigung), da letztere einen Spezialfall der CIP-Reinigung darstellt. Bei der CIP-Reinigung wird das Füllelement ortsgebunden gereinigt, ohne dass es demontiert werden muss.A method for CIP cleaning (cleaning in place) of at least one filling element of a filling machine is proposed. CIP cleaning also includes SIP cleaning (sterilization in place cleaning), since the latter is a special case of CIP cleaning. With CIP cleaning, the filling element is cleaned locally without having to be dismantled.

Die Füllmaschine ist zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem flüssigen Füllgut ausgebildet. Unter Behälter werden dabei beispielsweise Flaschen, weitere flaschenartige Behälter, Dosen, Party-Dosen oder Kegs verstanden. Die Füllmaschine weist eine Vielzahl von Füllpositionen an einem umlaufenden Transportelement auf. Dabei weist jede Füllposition ein Füllelement mit einem Füllventil auf. Ergänzend kann das Füllelement auch noch eine elektrische Füllhöhensonde oder aber auch ein als elektrische Sonde ausgebildetes langes Füllrohr aufweisen. Nachfolgend werden sowohl die elektrische Füllhöhensonde, als auch das als elektrische Sonde ausgebildete lange Füllrohr als elektrische Füllhöhensonde bezeichnet. Weiterhin kann die Füllposition noch einen Behälterträger zum Tragen der Behälter aufweisen. Über das Füllventil, an dem ein Füllrohr angeschlossen sein kann, gelangt das flüssige Füllgut von der Füllmaschine in die Behälter. Die elektrische Füllhöhensonde überprüft dabei, welche Höhe das flüssige Füllgut im Behälter erreicht hat. Sobald eine vorbestimmte Höhe erreicht ist, wird das Füllen des Behälters gestoppt. Die elektrische Füllhöhensonde arbeitet dabei nach dem Prinzip, dass über das flüssige Füllgut ein elektrischer Stromkreis geschlossen wird, wobei dieses Schließen des Stromkreises von entsprechenden Messgeräten erkannt wird.The filling machine is designed for filling containers with a liquid product. Containers are understood to mean, for example, bottles, other bottle-like containers, cans, party cans or kegs. The filling machine has a large number of filling positions on a revolving transport element. Each filling position has a filling element with a filling valve. In addition, the filling element can also have an electric filling level probe or else a long filling tube designed as an electric probe. In the following, both the electric filling level probe and the long filling tube designed as an electric probe are referred to as electric filling level probes. Furthermore, the filling position can also have a container carrier for carrying the containers. The liquid filling material passes from the filling machine into the container via the filling valve, to which a filling pipe can be connected. The electric filling level probe checks the level that the liquid filling has reached in the container. As soon as a predetermined height is reached, the filling of the container is stopped. The electrical filling level probe works according to the principle that an electrical circuit is closed via the liquid filling material, with this closing of the circuit being detected by corresponding measuring devices.

Zur CIP-Reinigung wird nun das Füllventil und die elektrische Füllhöhensonde in einem von einem Verschließelement bereitgestellten Spülraum aufgenommen. Bei dem Verschließelement handelt es sich dabei insbesondere um eine Spülkappe oder eine Spülhülse. Der Spülraum ist dabei durch das Verschließelement dicht nach außen hin abgeschlossen. In den Spülraum wird sodann wenigstens ein Reinigungsmedium geleitet, über welches das Füllelement gereinigt wird. Insbesondere wird das Füllventil sowohl von außen als auch von innen gereinigt.For CIP cleaning, the filling valve and the electric filling level probe are now accommodated in a rinsing space provided by a closing element. The closing element is in particular a rinsing cap or a rinsing sleeve. The rinsing chamber is sealed off from the outside by the closing element. At least one cleaning medium, via which the filling element is cleaned, is then fed into the washing chamber. In particular, the filling valve is cleaned both from the outside and from the inside.

Als Reinigungsmedium können unterschiedlichste Reinigungsflüssigkeiten verwendet werden, unter anderem auch Desinfektionsmittel, Säuren und Laugen. Dabei ist es möglich, in verschiedenen Reinigungsschritten unterschiedliche Reinigungsmedien einzusetzen. Auch Wasser wird als Reinigungsmedium verstanden, das insbesondere als letztes Reinigungsmedium zum Spülen verwendet wird.A wide variety of cleaning liquids can be used as the cleaning medium, including disinfectants, acids and alkalis. It is possible to use different cleaning media in different cleaning steps. Water is also understood as a cleaning medium, which is used in particular as the final cleaning medium for rinsing.

Erfindungsgemäß wird während der CIP-Reinigung zumindest eine Messung mit der elektrischen Füllhöhensonde durchgeführt. Das Reinigungsmedium schließt dabei einen Stromkreis der elektrischen Füllhöhensonde, wodurch erkannt wird, dass sich Reinigungsmedium im Spülraum befindet. So kann für jedes Füllelement überprüft werden, ob sich Reinigungsmedium im Spülraum befindet oder nicht und damit kann die ordnungsgemäße Durchführung der Reinigung an sich überprüft werden. Wird diese Überprüfung bei allen Reinigungsschritten und an allen Füllelementen durchgeführt, so ist ein Nachweis einer vollständigen Reinigung der Füllmaschine möglich. Durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren wird die CIP-Reinigung des Füllelements wesentlich verbessert, und das sogar ohne den Bedarf an zusätzlichen Komponenten.According to the invention, at least one measurement is carried out with the electric filling level probe during the CIP cleaning. The cleaning medium closes a circuit of the electric fill level probe, whereby it is recognized that there is cleaning medium in the wash cabinet. It can thus be checked for each filling element whether there is cleaning medium in the washing chamber or not, and the proper implementation of the cleaning itself can thus be checked. If this check is carried out for all cleaning steps and all filling elements, it is possible to verify that the filling machine has been completely cleaned. The CIP cleaning of the filling element is significantly improved by the method according to the invention, even without the need for additional components.

Vorteilhafterweise wird das Verschließelement manuell an der Füllposition eingehängt und/oder automatisch aktiviert. Beim manuellen Einhängen des Verschließelements ist es möglich, das Verschließelement entfernt von der Füllmaschine zu lagern und nur bei Bedarf einer CIP-Reinigung zu verwenden. Des Weiteren ist beim manuellen Einhängen kein aufwendiger Mechanismus notwendig, der das Einhängen des Verschließelements durchführt. Wird das Verschließelement jedoch automatisch aktiviert, dann kann die CIP-Reinigung schneller erfolgen und es ist weniger Personalaufwand nötig. Außerdem besteht keine Gefahr einer Verunreinigung des Verschließelements oder der Füllmaschine durch das Personal. Schließlich ist es auch denkbar, dass das Verschließelement manuell eingehängt und anschließend automatisch aktiviert wird.Advantageously, the closing element is hung in manually at the filling position and/or activated automatically. When hanging the capping element manually, it is possible to store the capping element away from the filling machine and only use CIP cleaning when required. Furthermore, when hanging in manually, no complex mechanism is required to hang in the closing element. However, if the closing element is activated automatically, CIP cleaning can be carried out more quickly and fewer personnel are required. In addition, there is no risk of contamination of the capping element or the filling machine by the personnel. Finally, it is also conceivable that the closing element is attached manually and then activated automatically.

Es ist von Vorteil, wenn in Gas- und/oder Flüssigkeitskanälen der Füllmaschine angeordnete und ansteuerbare Ventile derart geöffnet und/oder geschlossen werden, dass das Reinigungsmedium in einem Kreislauf durch das Füllventil gefahren wird. Zumindest ein Teilstrom des Reinigungsmediums geht dann auch durch die Spülhülse. So wird das Reinigungsmedium immer wieder am Füllventil vorbeigefahren und kann über die Strömung die Reinigung weiter verbessern.It is advantageous if controllable valves which are arranged in gas and/or liquid channels of the filling machine are opened and/or closed in such a way that the cleaning medium is circulated through the filling valve. At least a partial flow of the cleaning medium then also goes through the flushing sleeve. In this way, the cleaning medium is repeatedly moved past the filling valve and can further improve cleaning via the flow.

Weiterhin vorteilhaft ist es, wenn die Messung zwischen einem Messbereich der Füllhöhensonde und einem Massebereich durchgeführt wird. Sowohl der Messbereich als auch der Massebereich sind dabei elektrisch leitend ausgebildet und voneinander elektrisch isoliert. Der Massebereich kann dabei, muss aber nicht, das elektrische Potential 0 V haben. Insbesondere wird die Messung zwischen dem Messbereich und einem Massebereich der Füllhöhensonde und/oder einem Massebereich des Verschließelements durchgeführt. Zwischen dem Messbereich und dem Massebereich wird dazu eine elektrische Spannung angelegt und direkt oder indirekt der sich ergebende elektrische Stromfluss gemessen. Ein Stromfluss deutet dabei auf das Vorhandensein einer elektrisch leitenden Flüssigkeit zwischen Messbereich und Massebereich hin, während ein nicht vorhandener elektrischer Strom bedeutet, dass der Messbereich weiterhin vom Massebereich elektrisch isoliert ist.It is also advantageous if the measurement is carried out between a measuring range of the level probe and a mass range. Both the measurement area and the ground area are designed to be electrically conductive and electrically insulated from one another. The ground area can, but does not have to, have the electrical potential of 0 V. In particular, the measurement is carried out between the measuring area and a mass area of the filling level probe and/or a mass area of the closing element. For this purpose, an electric voltage is applied between the measuring area and the ground area and the resulting electric current flow is measured directly or indirectly. A current flow indicates the presence of an electrically conductive liquid between the measuring area and the ground area, while a non-existent electrical current means that the measuring area is still electrically isolated from the ground area.

Vorteilhafterweise wird zur Messung am Messbereich der Füllhöhensonde eine periodische Spannung angelegt wird. Somit wird vermieden, dass am Messbereich und/oder Massebereich Elektrolyse auftritt, wie es bei Gleichspannung der Fall sein könnte. Vorzugsweise ist diese periodische Spannung eine Rechteckspannung, was ein einfaches Messen der Höhe des elektrischen Stromflusses erlaubt.Advantageously, a periodic voltage is applied to the measuring area of the filling level probe for the measurement. This avoids electrolysis occurring in the measuring area and/or ground area, as could be the case with direct voltage. This periodic voltage is preferably a square-wave voltage, which allows the magnitude of the electric current flow to be easily measured.

Es ist von Vorteil, wenn das Vorhandensein eines Reinigungsmediums geprüft wird, da dies die Reinigung des Füllelements überprüft und einen Nachweis einer vollständigen Reinigung der Füllmaschine ermöglicht. Das Vorhandensein eines Reinigungsmediums wird dabei angenommen, wenn der elektrische Stromfluss zwischen Messbereich und Massebereich eine gewisse, relativ niedrige, Grenze überschreitet. Eine solche Messung lässt sich besonders einfach durchführen. Es ist aber auch von Vorteil, wenn die Größe der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit des zwischen dem Messbereich und Massebereich befindlichen Mediums gemessen wird. Ist diese Leitfähigkeit mit der Leitfähigkeit des Reinigungsmediums innerhalb einer gewissen Toleranz vereinbar, dann wird eine erfolgreiche Reinigung des Füllelements angenommen. Diese Messung ist zwar aufwendiger als die zuvor genannte Messung lediglich auf das Vorhandensein eines Reinigungsmediums, dafür erhält man durch die Messung der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit weitere wertvolle Informationen. Anstelle der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit kann auch die Höhe eines elektrischen Stromflusses zwischen dem Messbereich der Füllhöhensonde und einem Massebereich, die Höhe eines Spannungsabfalls in der Messschaltung und/oder die Höhe eines elektrischen Widerstands zwischen dem Messbereich der Füllhöhensonde und einem Massebereich, gemessen werden, da diese Messungen im Prinzip zueinander äquivalent sind, sofern die Geometrie zwischen dem Messbereich und dem Massebereich bekannt ist.It is an advantage if the presence of a cleaning medium is checked, as this verifies the cleaning of the filling element and allows a complete cleaning of the filling machine to be verified. The presence of a cleaning medium is assumed when the electrical current flow between the measuring area and the ground area exceeds a certain, relatively low limit. Such a measurement can be carried out particularly easily. However, it is also advantageous if the magnitude of the electrical conductivity of the medium located between the measuring area and the mass area is measured. If this conductivity is compatible with the conductivity of the cleaning medium within a certain tolerance, then a successful cleaning of the filling element is assumed. Although this measurement is more complex than the aforementioned measurement for the presence of a cleaning medium, more valuable information is obtained by measuring the electrical conductivity. Instead of the electrical conductivity, the level of an electrical current flow between the measuring range of the filling level probe and a ground area, the level of a voltage drop in the measuring circuit and/or the level of an electrical resistance between the measuring area of the filling level probe and a ground area, since these measurements are in principle equivalent to one another, provided that the geometry between the measuring area and the ground area is known.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn mit einem Vorwiderstand gemessen wird. Über den Spannungsabfall am Vorwiderstand bzw. zwischen Messbereich und Massebereich und bei bekannter angelegter Spannung lässt sich dann einfach der zwischen dem Messbereich und Massebereich liegende elektrische Widerstand und damit die elektrische Leitfähigkeit des Reinigungsmediums berechnen. Vorzugsweise wird der Vorwiderstand dabei so angepasst, dass eine möglichst genaue Messung des zwischen dem Messbereich und Massebereich liegenden Widerstands ermöglicht wird.It is particularly advantageous if measurements are made with a series resistor. The electrical resistance between the measuring area and the ground area and thus the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium can then be easily calculated via the voltage drop at the series resistor or between the measuring area and the ground area and with a known applied voltage. The series resistor is preferably adjusted in such a way that the most accurate possible measurement of the resistance lying between the measuring area and the ground area is made possible.

Vorteilhafterweise wird eine Referenzmessung der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit des Reinigungsmediums durchgeführt, insbesondere mittels eines in einem Gas- und/oder Flüssigkeitskanal installierten Leitfähigkeits-Messgeräts. Diese Referenzmessung wird sodann als Grundlage für die Überprüfung verwendet, ob das von der Füllhöhensonde gemessene Medium ungefähr die gleiche Leitfähigkeit aufweist wie das Reinigungsmedium. Vorzugsweise wird zudem die Temperatur des Reinigungsmediums an der Stelle gemessen, an der die Referenzmessung der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit durchgeführt wird.A reference measurement of the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium is advantageously carried out, in particular by means of a conductivity measuring device installed in a gas and/or liquid channel. This reference measurement is then used as a basis for checking whether the medium measured by the level probe has approximately the same conductivity as the cleaning medium. In addition, the temperature of the cleaning medium is preferably measured at the point at which the reference measurement of the electrical conductivity is carried out.

Von Vorteil ist es, wenn aus der von der Füllhöhensonde gemessenen elektrischen Leitfähigkeit die Temperatur des Reinigungsmediums bestimmt wird. Aufgrund der Temperaturabhängigkeit der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit von Flüssigkeiten lässt sich aus der von der Füllhöhensonde gemessenen Leitfähigkeit zusammen mit der Referenzmessung der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit und der Temperatur bei dieser Referenzmessung die Temperatur des Reinigungsmediums im Bereich der Füllhöhensonde bestimmen. Abweichungen dieser Temperatur von einer erwarteten Temperatur können dabei auf Probleme bei der Reinigung des Füllelements hindeuten.It is advantageous if the temperature of the cleaning medium is determined from the electrical conductivity measured by the level probe. Due to the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of liquids, the temperature of the cleaning medium in the area of the level probe can be determined from the conductivity measured by the level probe together with the reference measurement of the electrical conductivity and the temperature in this reference measurement. Deviations of this temperature from an expected temperature can indicate problems when cleaning the filling element.

Vorteilhaft ist es, wenn zumindest einige Messergebnisse weitergeleitet, beispielsweise an eine zentrale Datenverarbeitungsanlage, und/oder aufgezeichnet werden. So kann in der zentralen Datenverarbeitungsanlage die Reinigung der Füllmaschine überprüft werden.It is advantageous if at least some measurement results are forwarded, for example to a central data processing system, and/or recorded. The cleaning of the filling machine can be checked in the central data processing system.

Durch das Aufzeichnen der Messergebnisse können auch im Nachhinein die Reinigung der Füllmaschine nachgewiesen oder mögliche Fehler erkannt werden.By recording the measurement results, the cleaning of the filling machine can also be proven afterwards or possible errors can be detected.

Vorteilhafterweise wird eine vorbestimmte Zeit nach Erkennen des Reinigungsmediums durch zumindest eine Füllhöhensonde ein folgender Reinigungsschritt eingeleitet oderfalls es sich um das letzte Reinigungsmedium im Reinigungsprozess, vorzugsweise also Wasser zum Spülen, gehandelt hat - die Reinigung abgeschlossen. Diese vorbestimmte Zeit kann Null betragen, wenn es lediglich wichtig ist, dass das Reinigungsmedium das Füllelement erreicht hat. Die vorbestimmte Zeit kann aber auch größer als Null sein, wenn das Reinigungsmedium eine bestimmte Zeit lang am Füllelement einwirken soll. Insbesondere kann die vorbestimmte Zeit je nach Reinigungsmedium unterschiedlich sein. Vorzugsweise beginnt die vorbestimmte Zeit erst dann zu laufen, wenn die Füllhöhensonden aller zu reinigenden Füllelemente das Reinigungsmedium erkannt haben. Ohne ein Erkennen des Reinigungsmediums wird die CIP-Reinigung so durchgeführt, dass das Reinigungsmedium sicher alle Füllelemente erreicht hat, es wird also ein gewisser Zeitpuffer eingebaut, damit eine sichere Reinigung der Füllelemente gewährleistet wird. Auf diesen Zeitpuffer kann durch das Erkennen des Reinigungsmediums durch Füllhöhensonden verzichtet werden, was die CIP-Reinigung beschleunigt.Advantageously, a predetermined time after detection of the cleaning medium by at least one filling level probe, a subsequent cleaning step is initiated or if it was the last cleaning medium in the cleaning process, preferably water for rinsing, the cleaning is completed. This predetermined time can be zero if it is only important that the cleaning medium has reached the filling element. However, the predetermined time can also be greater than zero if the cleaning medium is to act on the filling element for a specific period of time. In particular, the predetermined time can differ depending on the cleaning medium. Preferably, the predetermined time only begins to run when the filling level probes of all filling elements to be cleaned have detected the cleaning medium. Without recognizing the cleaning medium, the CIP cleaning is carried out in such a way that the cleaning medium has safely reached all filling elements, so a certain time buffer is built in to ensure reliable cleaning of the filling elements. This time buffer can be dispensed with by detecting the cleaning medium using level sensors, which speeds up CIP cleaning.

Ferner wird eine Füllmaschine zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem flüssigen Füllgut vorgeschlagen. Unter Behälter werden dabei beispielsweise Flaschen, weitere flaschenartige Behälter, Dosen, Party-Dosen oder Kegs verstanden. Die Füllmaschine weist eine Vielzahl von Füllpositionen an einem umlaufenden Transportelement auf. Dabei weist jede Füllposition ein Füllelement mit einem Füllventil und einer elektrischen Füllhöhensonde oder mit einem als elektrische Sonde ausgebildeten langen Füllrohr auf. Darüber hinaus kann die Füllposition noch einen Behälterträger zum Tragen der Behälter aufweisen. Über das Füllventil, an dem ein Füllrohr angeschlossen sein kann, gelangt das flüssige Füllgut von der Füllmaschine in die Behälter. Die elektrische Füllhöhensonde überprüft dabei, welche Höhe das flüssige Füllgut im Behälter erreicht hat. Sobald eine vorbestimmte Höhe erreicht ist, wird das Füllen des Behälters gestoppt. Die elektrische Füllhöhensonde arbeitet dabei nach dem Prinzip, dass über das flüssige Füllgut ein elektrischer Stromkreis geschlossen wird, wobei dieses Schließen des Stromkreises von entsprechenden Messgeräten erkannt wird. Zum CIP-Reinigen des Füllelements sind das Füllventil und die elektrische Füllhöhensonde in einem von einem Verschließelement bereitgestellten Spülraum aufnehmbar. Das Verschließelement kann dabei manuell an der Füllposition eingehängt und/oder automatisch aktiviert werden. Beim CIP-Reinigen wird dann in den Spülraum wenigstens ein Reinigungsmedium geleitet, so dass das Füllelement gereinigt wird.Furthermore, a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid product is proposed. Containers are understood to mean, for example, bottles, other bottle-like containers, cans, party cans or kegs. The filling machine has a large number of filling positions on a revolving transport element. Each filling position has a filling element with a filling valve and an electric filling level probe or with a long filling tube designed as an electric probe. In addition, the filling position can also have a container carrier for carrying the containers. The liquid filling material passes from the filling machine into the container via the filling valve, to which a filling pipe can be connected. The electric filling level probe checks the level that the liquid filling has reached in the container. As soon as a predetermined height is reached, the filling of the container is stopped. The electrical filling level probe works according to the principle that an electrical circuit is closed via the liquid filling material, with this closing of the circuit being detected by corresponding measuring devices. For CIP cleaning of the filling element, the filling valve and the electric filling level probe are in one of a closing element provided washing room recordable. The closing element can be hung manually at the filling position and/or activated automatically. In the case of CIP cleaning, at least one cleaning medium is then fed into the rinsing chamber, so that the filling element is cleaned.

Erfindungsgemäß weist die Füllmaschine eine Steuerung auf, die ausgebildet ist, das Verfahren gemäß der vorangegangenen Beschreibung durchzuführen. Insbesondere wird also während der CIP-Reinigung zumindest eine Messung mit der elektrischen Füllhöhensonde durchgeführt. Das Reinigungsmedium schließt dabei den Stromkreis der Füllhöhensonde, wodurch erkannt wird, dass sich Reinigungsmedium im Spülraum befindet. So kann für jedes Füllelement überprüft werden, ob sich Reinigungsmedium im Spülraum befindet oder nicht und damit kann die Reinigung an sich überprüft werden. Wird diese Überprüfung bei allen Reinigungsschritten und an allen Füllelementen durchgeführt, so ist ein Nachweis einer vollständigen Reinigung der Füllmaschine möglich.According to the invention, the filling machine has a controller that is designed to carry out the method according to the preceding description. In particular, therefore, at least one measurement is carried out with the electrical filling level probe during the CIP cleaning. The cleaning medium closes the circuit of the filling level probe, whereby it is recognized that there is cleaning medium in the wash cabinet. In this way, it can be checked for each filling element whether there is cleaning medium in the wash chamber or not, and the cleaning itself can thus be checked. If this check is carried out for all cleaning steps and all filling elements, it is possible to verify that the filling machine has been completely cleaned.

Vorteilhafterweise weist eine Messelektronik der Füllhöhensonde einen einstellbaren Vorwiderstand auf. Da die elektrischen Leitfähigkeiten von beispielsweise zum Spülen verwendetem Wasser auf der einen Seite und zum Reinigen verwendeten Laugen oder Säuren auf der anderen Seite teilweise mehr als zwei Größenordnungen auseinanderliegen, ermöglicht es der einstellbare Vorwiderstand, über diesen Bereich von Leitfähigkeiten ein präzises Messergebnis zu erhalten.Measuring electronics of the fill level probe advantageously have an adjustable series resistor. Since the electrical conductivities of water used for rinsing, for example, on the one hand, and alkalis or acids used for cleaning, on the other hand, are sometimes more than two orders of magnitude apart, the adjustable series resistor makes it possible to obtain a precise measurement result over this range of conductivities.

Von Vorteil ist es auch, wenn die Füllmaschine zumindest ein in einem Gas- und/oder Flüssigkeitskanal installiertes Leitfähigkeits-Messgerät aufweist zur Messung einer Referenz-Leitfähigkeit. Aus dem Vergleich der Referenz-Leitfähigkeit mit der von der Füllhöhensonde gemessenen Leitfähigkeit kann geschlossen werden, ob das von der Füllhöhensonde gemessene Medium das gewünschte Reinigungsmedium ist oder nicht.It is also advantageous if the filling machine has at least one conductivity measuring device installed in a gas and/or liquid channel for measuring a reference conductivity. From the comparison of the reference conductivity with the conductivity measured by the level probe, it can be concluded whether the medium measured by the level probe is the desired cleaning medium or not.

Weiterbildungen, Vorteile und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Erfindung ergeben sich auch aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen und aus den Figuren. Dabei sind alle beschriebenen und/oder bildlich dargestellten Merkmale für sich oder in beliebiger Kombination grundsätzlich Gegenstand der Erfindung, unabhängig von ihrer Zusammenfassung in den Ansprüchen oder deren Rückbeziehung. Auch wird der Inhalt der Ansprüche zu einem Bestandteil der Beschreibung gemacht.Further developments, advantages and possible applications of the invention also result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All of the features described and/or illustrated are fundamentally the subject matter of the invention, either alone or in any combination, regardless of how they are summarized in the claims or how they relate back to them. The content of the claims is also made part of the description.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand der Figuren an Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert. Es zeigen beispielhaft:

Fig. 1a
einen schematischen Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Füllelement,
Fig. 1b
einen schematischen Schnitt durch das Füllelement aus Figur 1a mit angeschlossener Spülhülse und
Fig. 2
eine Messschaltung.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of exemplary embodiments. Examples show:
Fig. 1a
a schematic section through a filling element according to the invention,
Fig. 1b
a schematic section through the filling element Figure 1a with attached flushing sleeve and
2
a measurement circuit.

Für gleiche oder gleich wirkende Elemente der Erfindung werden in den Figuren identische Bezugszeichen verwendet. Ferner werden der Übersichtlichkeit halber nur Bezugszeichen in den einzelnen Figuren dargestellt, die für die Beschreibung der jeweiligen Figur erforderlich sind.Identical reference symbols are used in the figures for elements of the invention that are the same or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference numbers that are required for the description of the respective figure are shown in the individual figures.

Figur 1a zeigt einen schematischen Schnitt durch ein Füllelement 1 einer Füllmaschine zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem flüssigen Füllgut. Das Füllelement 1 weist ein Füllventil 2 auf, das hier durch einen Kegel 3 dargestellt ist, der mit einer kegelförmigen Aussparung 4 im Füllelement 1 zusammenwirkt. Diese Darstellung des Füllventils 2 ist lediglich beispielhaft und schematisch zu verstehen. Es sind viele andere Formen eines Füllventils 2 denkbar und möglich und diese nehmen keinen Einfluss auf die vorliegende Erfindung. Figure 1a shows a schematic section through a filling element 1 of a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid product. The filling element 1 has a filling valve 2 which is represented here by a cone 3 which interacts with a conical recess 4 in the filling element 1 . This representation of the filling valve 2 is to be understood merely as an example and schematically. Many other forms of a filling valve 2 are conceivable and possible and these do not affect the present invention.

Beim Füllen eines hier nicht dargestellten Behälters, welcher sich vorzugsweise unterhalb des Füllventils 2 befindet, wird das Füllventil 2 geöffnet, so dass das flüssige Füllgut über das Füllventil 2 und einen mit diesen in fluider Verbindung stehenden Flüssigkeitskanal 5 in den Behälter fließen kann. Beim Füllen aus dem Behälter austretende Luft wird dabei über einen Gaskanal 6 abgeführt.When filling a container, not shown here, which is preferably located below the filling valve 2, the filling valve 2 is opened so that the liquid filling material can flow into the container via the filling valve 2 and a liquid channel 5 in fluid communication with it. Air escaping from the container during filling is discharged via a gas channel 6 .

Des Weiteren ist zentral eine Füllhöhensonde 7 angeordnet, welche vorzugsweise stabförmig ausgebildet ist und sich vorzugsweise in Richtung des Behälters an das Füllventil 2 anschließt. Die Füllhöhensonde 7 weist an ihrem unteren, d.h. dem Füllventil 2 gegenüberliegenden Ende einen elektrisch leitenden Messbereich 8 auf. Durch einen isolierenden Bereich 9 ist dieser Messbereich 8 von einem ebenfalls elektrisch leitenden Massebereich 10 der Füllhöhensonde 7 getrennt. Beim Füllen von Behältern ist die Funktionsweise einer derartigen Füllhöhensonde 7 derart, dass zwischen dem Messbereich 8 und dem Massebereich 10 zunächst eine elektrische, vorzugsweise periodische Spannung U angelegt wird. Da der Messbereich 8 und der Massebereich 10 durch den isolierenden Bereich 9 voneinander getrennt sind, fließt zunächst im dazugehörigen Stromkreis kein Strom, da keine elektrisch leitende Verbindung zwischen dem Messbereich 8 und dem Massebereich 10 der Füllhöhensonde 7 besteht.Furthermore, a filling level probe 7 is arranged centrally, which is preferably rod-shaped and preferably connects to the filling valve 2 in the direction of the container. The level probe 7 has an electrically conductive measuring area 8 at its lower end, ie the end opposite the filling valve 2 . This measurement area 8 is separated from a likewise electrically conductive ground area 10 of the level probe 7 by an insulating area 9 . When filling containers, the Functionality of such a filling level probe 7 such that an electrical, preferably periodic, voltage U is initially applied between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 . Since the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 are separated from one another by the insulating area 9 , no current initially flows in the associated circuit since there is no electrically conductive connection between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 of the level probe 7 .

Die Füllhöhensonde 7 reicht beim an sich bekannten Anwendungsfall in den zu füllenden Behälter hinein, und zwar kommt der Übergang zwischen dem isolierenden Bereich 9 und dem Massebereich 10 im Bereich der gewünschten Füllstandshöhe des Füllgutes im Behälter zu liegen. Anschließend wird das Füllventil 2 geöffnet und über das Füllventil 2 und den daran anschließenden Flüssigkeitskanal 5 das Füllgut in den Behälter gefüllt.The filling level probe 7 reaches into the container to be filled in the known application, namely the transition between the insulating area 9 and the mass area 10 comes to lie in the area of the desired filling level of the filling material in the container. The filling valve 2 is then opened and the filling material is filled into the container via the filling valve 2 and the liquid channel 5 connected thereto.

Steigt nun der Flüssigkeitsspiegel bzw. die Füllhöhe des Füllgutes im Behälter so weit an, dass dieser den Übergang zwischen dem isolierenden Bereich 9 und dem Massebereich 10 übersteigt, dann wird über das leitende Füllgut der Stromkreis zwischen dem Messbereich 8 und dem Massebereich 10 geschlossen. Aufgrund der anliegenden Spannung U kann nun Strom im Stromkreis fließt. Es ist somit die gewünschte Füllhöhe des Füllgutes im Behälter erreicht und das Füllventil 2 kann wieder geschlossen werden.If the liquid level or the fill level of the filling material in the container rises to such an extent that it exceeds the transition between the insulating area 9 and the ground area 10, then the circuit between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 is closed via the conductive filling material. Because of the applied voltage U, current can now flow in the circuit. It is thus reached the desired filling level of the filling in the container and the filling valve 2 can be closed again.

Des Weiteren weist das Füllelement 1 eine Anschlussvorrichtung 11 zum Anschließen eines Verschließelements 12 am Füllelement 1 auf.Furthermore, the filling element 1 has a connecting device 11 for connecting a closing element 12 to the filling element 1 .

Figur 1b zeigt hier einen schematischen Schnitt durch das Füllelement 1 gemäß der Figur 1a mit einem daran angeschlossenen Verschließelement 12, das hier beispielhaft als Spülhülse ausgebildet ist. Das Verschließelement 12 schließt dabei dicht mit dem Füllelement 1 ab und bildet somit einen Spülraum 13, in dem insbesondere das Füllventil 2 und die Füllhöhensonde 7 aufgenommen sind, d.h. das Verschließelement 12 bildet mit dem Füllelement 1 einen fluiddichten Spülraum 13 aus, der sich an der Unterseite des Verschließelementes 12 an den Flüssigkeitskanal 5 anschließt und in welchen zumindest das freiendseitige Ende des Füllhöhensonde 7 aufgenommen ist. Auch steht der Gaskanal 6 in fluider Verbindung mit Spülraum 13. Figure 1b shows a schematic section through the filling element 1 according to FIG Figure 1a with a closing element 12 connected thereto, which is designed here by way of example as a flushing sleeve. The closing element 12 seals tightly with the filling element 1 and thus forms a rinsing chamber 13, in which in particular the filling valve 2 and the filling level probe 7 are accommodated, i.e. the closing element 12 forms a fluid-tight rinsing chamber 13 with the filling element 1, which is located on the Underside of the closing element 12 adjoins the liquid channel 5 and in which at least the free-end end of the filling level probe 7 is accommodated. The gas channel 6 is also fluidly connected to the flushing chamber 13.

Das in Figur 1b gezeigte Verschließelement 12 wird beispielsweise manuell in die Anschlussvorrichtung 11 eingehängt bzw. mit dieser lösbar verbunden. Es ist aber auch möglich, dass das Verschließelement 12 automatisch aktiviert wird. Beispielsweise kann das Verschließelement 12 als Spülkappe ausgebildet sein. Die jeweils Ausführungsform des Verschließelementes 12 hat jedoch keinen Einfluss auf die vorliegende Erfindung.This in Figure 1b Closing element 12 shown is, for example, manually hooked into connection device 11 or connected to it in a detachable manner. It is also possible that the closing element 12 is activated automatically. For example, the closing element 12 can be designed as a flushing cap. However, the respective embodiment of the closing element 12 has no influence on the present invention.

Zur CIP-Reinigung wird nun ein Reinigungsmedium über das Füllventil 2 und den Flüssigkeitskanal 5 in den Spülraum 13 eingeleitet. Somit erreicht das Reinigungsmedium sowohl das Füllventil 2 als auch die Füllhöhensonde 7. Vorzugsweise wird über den Gaskanal 6 das Reinigungsmedium wieder aus dem Spülraum 13 abgeleitet, so dass eine kreislaufartige Führung des Reinigungsmediums entsteht. Selbstverständlich kann das Reinigungsmedium auch in der umgekehrten Richtung geleitet werden, so dass es über den Gaskanal 6 in den Spülraum 13 eintritt und über den Flüssigkeitskanal 5 und das Füllventil 2 den Spülraum 13 wieder verlässt.For CIP cleaning, a cleaning medium is now introduced into the washing chamber 13 via the filling valve 2 and the liquid channel 5 . The cleaning medium thus reaches both the filling valve 2 and the filling level probe 7. The cleaning medium is preferably discharged again from the washing chamber 13 via the gas channel 6, so that the cleaning medium is guided in a circuit-like manner. Of course, the cleaning medium can also be routed in the opposite direction, so that it enters the rinsing chamber 13 via the gas duct 6 and leaves the rinsing chamber 13 again via the liquid duct 5 and the filling valve 2 .

Als Reinigungsmedium kommen unterschiedlichste Reinigungsflüssigkeiten in Betracht, unter anderem auch sehr starke Reinigungsflüssigkeiten wie Säuren und Laugen oder Wasser, das zum Spülen eingesetzt wird. Üblicherweise werden verschiedene Reinigungsflüssigkeiten hintereinander verwendet. So könnte zunächst mit einer Säure und sodann mit einer Lauge gereinigt und anschließend mit Wasser gespült werden.A wide variety of cleaning liquids can be considered as the cleaning medium, including very strong cleaning liquids such as acids and alkalis or water, which is used for rinsing. Different cleaning liquids are usually used one after the other. So could be cleaned first with an acid and then with a lye and then rinsed with water.

Von besonderer Bedeutung ist, dass sichergestellt wird, dass alle Füllelemente 1 einer Füllmaschine gereinigt und/oder gespült werden. Hierzu wird das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren angewandt. Wenn das Reinigungsmedium den Spülraum 13 füllt, dann stellt das Reinigungsmedium eine elektrische Verbindung zwischen dem Messbereich 8 der Füllhöhensonde 7 und dem Massebereich 14 des elektrisch leitenden Verschließelements 12 her. Über diese durch das Reinigungsmedium hergestellte elektrisch leitende Verbindung wird ein Stromkreis geschlossen, wodurch im Stromkreis Strom fließt. Dieser Stromfluss wird gemessen und ein vorhandener Stromfluss indiziert, dass das Reinigungsmedium das Füllelement 1 erreicht hat.It is of particular importance that it is ensured that all filling elements 1 of a filling machine are cleaned and/or rinsed. The method according to the invention is used for this purpose. When the cleaning medium fills the washing chamber 13 , the cleaning medium creates an electrical connection between the measuring area 8 of the level probe 7 and the ground area 14 of the electrically conductive closing element 12 . A circuit is closed via this electrically conductive connection created by the cleaning medium, as a result of which current flows in the circuit. This current flow is measured and an existing current flow indicates that the cleaning medium has reached the filling element 1 .

Alternativ oder zusätzlich dazu kann der Stromkreis auch über den Massebereich 10 der Füllhöhensonde 7 geschlossen werden. Ob der Stromkreis über den Massebereich 14 des Verschließelements 12, den Massebereich 10 der Füllhöhensonde 7 oder über beide Massebereiche 14 und 10 geschlossen wird, hängt von Details der verwendeten Schaltung ab. Bei einem elektrisch isolierten Verschließelement 12 ist das Schließen des Stromkreises über den Massebereich 14 des Verschließelements 12 beispielsweise nicht möglich.As an alternative or in addition to this, the circuit can also be closed via the ground area 10 of the level probe 7 . Whether the circuit is closed via the ground area 14 of the closing element 12, the ground area 10 of the filling level probe 7 or via both ground areas 14 and 10 depends on the details of the circuit used. With an electrically isolated closing element 12, the closing of the Circuit over the ground area 14 of the closing element 12, for example, not possible.

Eine hier nicht dargestellte Steuerung registriert, dass über die Füllhöhensonde 7 ein Stromfluss festgestellt wurde. Vorteilhafterweise wird dies, zusammen mit Datum und Uhrzeit, auf einem Speichermedium aufgezeichnet, so dass die erfolgte Reinigung des Füllelements 1 auch nachträglich noch nachgewiesen werden kann. Die Aufzeichnung kann dabei über die Steuerung direkt erfolgen, oder über eine zentrale Datenverarbeitungsanlage der Füllmaschine, an die das Messergebnis weitergeleitet wurde.A controller, not shown here, registers that a current flow has been detected via the filling level probe 7 . This is advantageously recorded on a storage medium together with the date and time, so that the cleaning of the filling element 1 can also be verified later. The recording can be made directly via the control or via a central data processing system of the filling machine to which the measurement result was forwarded.

Zusätzlich zur Feststellung, dass ein Stromfluss im Stromkreis vorhanden ist, wird in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsvariante auch noch der Widerstand zwischen dem Messbereich 8 und dem Massebereich 14 und/oder 10 bestimmt. Über einen bekannten Faktor, der sich aus der bekannten Geometrie der Füllhöhensonde 7 und des Verschließelements 12 ergibt oder experimentell bestimmt wird, kann damit die elektrische Leitfähigkeit des Reinigungsmediums berechnet werden.In addition to determining that there is a current flow in the circuit, the resistance between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 14 and/or 10 is also determined in a preferred embodiment variant. The electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium can thus be calculated using a known factor, which results from the known geometry of the filling level probe 7 and the closing element 12 or is determined experimentally.

Die über die Füllhöhensonde 7 bestimmte elektrische Leitfähigkeit des Reinigungsmediums wird mit dem bekannten Wert der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit des Reinigungsmediums verglichen. Stimmen die Werte innerhalb einer gewissen Toleranz überein, dann ist mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit das richtige Reinigungsmedium im Spülraum 13 angekommen. Auch diese Werte können aufgezeichnet werden, um einen späteren Nachweis zu ermöglichen.The electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium determined via the level probe 7 is compared with the known value of the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium. If the values match within a certain tolerance, then there is a high probability that the correct cleaning medium has arrived in the washing compartment 13 . These values can also be recorded to enable later verification.

Zusätzlich oder alternativ zum bekannten Wert der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit kann die elektrische Leitfähigkeit des Reinigungsmediums auch mit einem im Gaskanal 6 angeordneten Leitfähigkeits-Messgerät 15 gemessen werden. Das Leitfähigkeits-Messgerät 15 kann selbstverständlich auch im Flüssigkeitskanal 5 oder in einem zentraleren Gas- oder Flüssigkeitskanal angeordnet sein.In addition or as an alternative to the known value of the electrical conductivity, the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium can also be measured with a conductivity measuring device 15 arranged in the gas channel 6 . The conductivity measuring device 15 can of course also be arranged in the liquid channel 5 or in a more central gas or liquid channel.

Wenn in der Nähe des Leitfähigkeits-Messgeräts 15 zusätzlich die Temperatur des Reinigungsmediums gemessen wird, kann über die bekannte Temperaturabhängigkeit der Leitfähigkeit und die an der Füllhöhensonde 7 gemessene Leitfähigkeit auch die Temperatur des Reinigungsmediums an der Füllhöhensonde 7 berechnet werden.If the temperature of the cleaning medium is also measured in the vicinity of the conductivity measuring device 15, the temperature of the cleaning medium at the level probe 7 can also be calculated via the known temperature dependence of the conductivity and the conductivity measured at the level probe 7.

Die Steuerung erfasst zumindest den Zeitpunkt zu dem das Reinigungsmedium an allen zu reinigenden Füllelementen 1 angekommen ist. Von diesem Zeitpunkt ab wird - gegebenenfalls nach einer vorgegebenen Einwirkzeit des Reinigungsmediums - der nächste Reinigungsschritt eingeleitet.The controller records at least the point in time at which the cleaning medium has reached all of the filling elements 1 to be cleaned. From this point in time, the next cleaning step is initiated—possibly after a specified exposure time for the cleaning medium.

Figur 2 zeigt eine beispielhafte Messschaltung 16. Dabei wird zwischen Messbereich 8 und Massebereich 10 oder 14 über einen Vorwiderstand Rv eine Spannung U angelegt. Bei der Spannung U handelt es sich vorzugsweise um eine periodische Spannung, so dass eine Elektrolyse am Messbereich 8 und/oder Massebereich 10 oder 14 vermieden werden kann. Zur Erleichterung der Messung kann die Spannung U eine rechteckförmige Spannung bzw. Rechteckspannung sein. Alternativ kann auch eine sinusförmige Wechselspannung Verwendung finden. figure 2 shows an exemplary measuring circuit 16. A voltage U is applied between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 or 14 via a series resistor Rv. Voltage U is preferably a periodic voltage, so that electrolysis in measuring area 8 and/or ground area 10 or 14 can be avoided. To facilitate the measurement, the voltage U can be a square-wave voltage or square-wave voltage. Alternatively, a sinusoidal AC voltage can also be used.

Zwischen dem Messbereich 8 und dem Massebereich 10 oder 14 bildet das Reinigungsmedium einen Lastwiderstand Rm. Über die zwischen Messbereich 8 und Massebereich 10 oder 14 anliegende Spannung, die bekannte Spannung U und die bekannte Größe des Vorwiderstands Rv kann die Größe des Lastwiderstands Rm berechnet werden und daraus dann die Leitfähigkeit des Reinigungsmediums berechnet werden.The cleaning medium forms a load resistance Rm between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 or 14. The value of the load resistance Rm can be calculated using the voltage present between the measuring area 8 and the ground area 10 or 14, the known voltage U and the known size of the series resistor Rv The conductivity of the cleaning medium can then be calculated from this.

Die Bestimmung des Lastwiderstands Rm und damit der Leitfähigkeit des Reinigungsmediums ist dabei am genauesten, wenn der Vorwiderstand Rv und der Lastwiderstand Rm die gleiche Größenordnung haben. Um für unterschiedlichste Reinigungsmedien, die verschiedene Leitfähigkeiten aufweisen, genaue Messungen zu erhalten, ist der Vorwiderstand Rv einstellbar ausgebildet. Diese Einstellung des Vorwiderstands Rv erfolgt dabei vorzugsweise automatisch.The determination of the load resistance Rm and thus the conductivity of the cleaning medium is most accurate when the series resistance Rv and the load resistance Rm have the same magnitude. In order to obtain precise measurements for a wide variety of cleaning media that have different conductivities, the series resistor Rv is designed to be adjustable. This setting of the series resistor Rv preferably takes place automatically.

Die Erfindung wurde voranstehend an Ausführungsbeispielen beschrieben. Es versteht sich, dass eine Vielzahl von Änderungen oder Abwandlungen möglich sind, ohne dass dadurch der durch die Patentansprüche definierte Schutzbereich der Erfindung verlassen wird.The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It goes without saying that a large number of changes or modifications are possible without departing from the protective scope of the invention, which is defined by the patent claims.

BezugszeichenlisteReference List

11
Füllelementfilling element
22
Füllventilfilling valve
33
Kegelcone
44
kegelförmige Aussparungconical recess
55
Flüssigkeitskanalliquid channel
66
Gaskanalgas channel
77
Füllhöhensondelevel probe
88th
Messbereichmeasuring range
99
isolierender Bereichisolating area
1010
Massebereich der FüllhöhensondeMass range of the level probe
1111
Anschlussvorrichtungconnection device
1212
Verschließelementclosing element
1313
Spülraumdishwashing room
1414
Massebereich des VerschließelementsMass area of the closing element
1515
Leitfähigkeits-Messgerätconductivity meter
1616
Messschaltungmeasuring circuit
Rmrm
Lastwiderstandload resistance
Rvrev
Vorwiderstandseries resistor
Uu
Spannungtension

Claims (14)

  1. Method for the CIP cleaning of at least one filling element (1) of a filling machine for filling containers with liquid contents, wherein the filling machine has a multiplicity of filling positions on a circulating transport element, wherein each filling position has a filling element (1) with a filling valve (2) and an electric filling-level probe (7), and, for the CIP cleaning operation, the filling valve (2) and the electric filling-level probe (7) are accommodated in a flushing chamber (13), which is provided by a closure element (12), in particular a flushing cap or flushing sleeve, and at least one cleaning medium is directed into the flushing chamber (13), characterised in that, during the CIP cleaning, at least one measurement is carried out with the electric filling-level probe (7).
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the closure element (12) is suspended manually at the filling position and/or is automatically activated.
  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that actuatable valves (2), arranged in gas and/or liquid channels (6; 5) of the filling machine, are opened and/or closed in such a way that the cleaning medium is moved in a circuit through the filling valve (2).
  4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the measurement is carried out between a measurement region (8) of the filling-level probe (7) and an electrical ground (10; 14), in particular of the filling-level probe (7) and/or of the closure element (12).
  5. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that, for the measurement at the earth region (8) of the filling-level probe (7), a periodic voltage (U) is imposed, in particular a square-wave voltage.
  6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the presence of a cleaning medium is checked and/or measurement made of the size of the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium, the value of a current flow between the measurement region (8) of the filling-level probe (7) and an electrical ground (10; 14), the value of the voltage drop in a measurement circuit (16) and/or the value of an electrical resistance (Rm) between the measurement region (8) of the filling-level probe (7) and an electrical ground (10; 14), in particular of the filling-level probe (7) or of the closure element (12).
  7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the measurement is made with a series resistor (Rv), which is preferably adjusted.
  8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a reference measurement is carried out of the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium, in particular by means of a conductivity measuring device (15) installed in a gas and/or liquid channel (6; 5), and preferably the temperature of the cleaning medium is measured at this point.
  9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the temperature of the cleaning medium is determined from the electrical conductivity measured by the filling-level probe (7).
  10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least some measurement results are forwarded and/or displayed.
  11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, at a predetermined time after the detection of the cleaning medium by at least one filling-level probe (7), a following cleaning step is initiated or the cleaning is concluded.
  12. Filling machine for filling containers with liquid contents, wherein the filling machine comprises a multiplicity of filling positions at a circulating transport element, wherein each filling position comprises a filling element (1) with a filling valve (2) and an electrical filling-level probe (7), and the filling valve (2) and the electrical filling-level probe (7) can be accommodated in a flushing chamber (13) which is provided by a closure element (12), characterised in that the filling machine comprises a control unit, which is configured such as to carry out the method according to any one claims 1 to 11.
  13. Filling machine according to claim 12, characterised in that a measurement electronics element of the filling-level probe (7) comprises an adjustable series resistor (Rv).
  14. Filling machine according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the filling machine comprises at least one conductivity measuring device (15), installed in a gas and/or liquid channel (6; 5), for the measurement of a reference conductivity.
EP20716419.5A 2019-04-25 2020-03-30 Method for the cip-cleaning of a filling machine and filling machine Active EP3959167B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SI202030152T SI3959167T1 (en) 2019-04-25 2020-03-30 Method for the cip-cleaning of a filling machine and filling machine

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102019110665.6A DE102019110665A1 (en) 2019-04-25 2019-04-25 Method for CIP cleaning a filling element of a filling machine and filling machine
PCT/EP2020/058918 WO2020216579A1 (en) 2019-04-25 2020-03-30 Method for the cip cleaning of a filling element of a filling machine, and filling machine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3959167A1 EP3959167A1 (en) 2022-03-02
EP3959167B1 true EP3959167B1 (en) 2023-01-18

Family

ID=70154382

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20716419.5A Active EP3959167B1 (en) 2019-04-25 2020-03-30 Method for the cip-cleaning of a filling machine and filling machine

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US11427452B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3959167B1 (en)
CN (1) CN113727939B (en)
DE (1) DE102019110665A1 (en)
SI (1) SI3959167T1 (en)
WO (1) WO2020216579A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4848381A (en) * 1987-02-13 1989-07-18 Diversey Corporation Clean in place system
FR2711610B1 (en) * 1993-10-29 1996-02-02 Andre J J Graffin Method of filling a container with a reference net weight.
DE4408841C2 (en) * 1994-03-16 1999-03-18 Till Gea Gmbh & Co Process for cleaning bottling plants
DE19741242C1 (en) * 1997-09-18 1999-07-08 Diversey Lever Gmbh Plant for cleaning a bottling plant
AU728683B2 (en) * 1997-10-13 2001-01-18 Purelink Technology Pty Ltd Portion controlled dispenser of liquids, sauces and creams
US6161558A (en) * 1998-11-25 2000-12-19 Electrol Specialties Company Portable clean-in-place system for batch processing equipment
DE10061491C1 (en) 2000-12-09 2002-04-18 Porsche Ag Towing attachment for motor vehicle has cross member ends rigidly connected to respective mounting, with mountings and cross member fastened as assembly to body part of vehicle by longitudinally extending waisted bolts
DE10061401A1 (en) * 2000-12-09 2002-06-13 Khs Masch & Anlagenbau Ag Method and appliance for filling containers comprise filler elements, liquid path, and control valves
DE102004011101B4 (en) * 2004-03-06 2011-04-07 Khs Gmbh Filling elements and filling machine with such filling elements
US7614410B2 (en) * 2005-03-01 2009-11-10 Hydrite Chemical Co. Chemical concentration controller and recorder
ITPD20060365A1 (en) * 2006-10-04 2008-04-05 Mbf Spa ISOBARIC ROTARY FILLING MACHINE FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH LIQUIDS
DE102007014639A1 (en) * 2007-03-23 2008-09-25 Khs Ag Free-jet filling system with weighing unit
DE102007024106B4 (en) * 2007-05-22 2009-12-03 Khs Ag filling system
DE102008030291A1 (en) * 2008-06-30 2009-12-31 Khs Ag Filling element and filling machine for filling containers
DE102008030721A1 (en) * 2008-07-01 2010-01-07 Krones Ag Device for filling viscous media
DE102009032794A1 (en) * 2009-07-10 2011-01-13 Krones Ag Device for filling containers with multicomponent liquids
DE102009040977B4 (en) * 2009-09-11 2022-12-15 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Container treatment system and a container treatment method for treating containers that can be filled with a product
DE102010031873A1 (en) * 2010-07-21 2012-01-26 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus and method for filling containers with cleaning device
DE102011110488B4 (en) * 2011-08-17 2013-05-29 Flintec Gmbh Weighing device for filling machines for weight-dependent filling of containers as well as filling machine
DE102011111483A1 (en) * 2011-08-30 2013-02-28 Khs Gmbh Container handling machine
CN102786017B (en) * 2012-08-23 2014-05-28 广州达意隆包装机械股份有限公司 Filling machine
DE102013103393A1 (en) * 2013-04-05 2014-10-23 Khs Gmbh Filling plant and process for CIP cleaning of a filling element of a filling plant
ITMI20131163A1 (en) * 2013-07-10 2015-01-11 Smi Spa FILLING DEVICE
DE102014102960A1 (en) * 2014-03-06 2015-09-10 Krones Ag Device for filling a container with a filling product
DE102014216562A1 (en) * 2014-08-20 2016-02-25 Krones Ag Mold filling machine and method for molding and filling containers
DE102017102852A1 (en) * 2017-02-13 2018-08-16 Krones Ag Device for filling a container with a filling product

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3959167A1 (en) 2022-03-02
CN113727939A (en) 2021-11-30
US11427452B2 (en) 2022-08-30
DE102019110665A1 (en) 2020-10-29
US20220041424A1 (en) 2022-02-10
WO2020216579A1 (en) 2020-10-29
SI3959167T1 (en) 2023-03-31
CN113727939B (en) 2023-08-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2001789B1 (en) Filling element comprising a flowmeter
DE102017114665A1 (en) Dosing device u.a.
DE102008029208A1 (en) Freistrahlfüllsystem
EP2488440A2 (en) Method and device for filling containers with a filling material composed of multiple liquid components.
EP0514532A1 (en) Process for analysing a gas sample, analysis device, uses thereof and test installation with said device
DE102013101775A1 (en) Method and device for producing and filling containers
EP0786654A2 (en) Installation for leak testing of containers
EP3551569A1 (en) Filling device for filling a fillable container with a filler product, in a filler product filling installation
EP3593096A1 (en) Device for determining the filling level of a filling product in a filling product reservoir
DE102013103431A1 (en) Method and filling system for filling containers
WO2008104273A1 (en) Method and inspection device for examining containers
DE102009036633B4 (en) Measuring device
EP3959167B1 (en) Method for the cip-cleaning of a filling machine and filling machine
EP1935839B1 (en) Device for filling liquids in vessels or for rinsing vessels and method for detecting control function failures in such devices
EP0647842A1 (en) Procedure and apparatus for leak detection of a container, especially of a plastic bottle
EP2765115B1 (en) Device and method for treating at least one container
DE19708052C2 (en) Device for automatic calibration of gas sensors
DE2544809A1 (en) DOUBLE INSERTION JIG
EP3553545B1 (en) Transport device for temperature-controlled nmr measuring samples with double-tube system
DE102010009138A1 (en) Filling plant for filling containers and operating methods for a filling plant for filling containers
EP3449244B1 (en) Arrangement and method for detecting damage to an inner coating of a container
AT525776B1 (en) Method for filling and/or cleaning the measuring cell of a rotational viscometer
DE102020100722A1 (en) Pressure measuring device with sensor for detecting buildup on the measuring membrane and method for operating such a pressure measuring device
DE19947992C2 (en) Method and measuring system for checking a flow meter when installed
EP2291320B1 (en) Device and method for checking the leak tightness of caps on medical hollow bodies

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20211125

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20221104

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502020002407

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1544593

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20230215

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20230118

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230518

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230418

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230518

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230419

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502020002407

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230118

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20230331

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20231019

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230330

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230331

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230330

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230331

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240320

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Payment date: 20240321

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20240329

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240328

Year of fee payment: 5