US 7,143,793 B2 · Cleaning system for a filling machine

Abstract

An automatic cleaning apparatus and/or method for periodically cleaning a filling machine during a filling cycle without the need for human interaction to initiate the cleaning process. In some embodiments, a controller automatically initiates a cleaning sequence at predetermined intervals. The predetermined intervals can be a time interval, such as every thirty minutes for example, or based upon filling characteristics, such as after a predetermined number of containers are filled or a predetermined amount of product has flowed through the filling machine. In some embodiments, the controller performs many operations during the cleaning process. For example, the controller can prevent containers from entering the filling machine and control the operation of a cleaning manifold. Upon completion of the cleaning operation, the controller waits a predetermined period while filing operations commence before automatically initiating the next cleaning operation.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus for automatically cleaning a filling device on a periodic basis where the filling device has a container infeed, the apparatus comprising:

a spray manifold that is selectively movable between a first position placing portions of the spray manifold below portions of the filling device and a second position where the spray manifold does not interfere with the filing operations of the filling device;
a container stopping mechanism coupled to the container infeed to selectively control movement of containers into the filling device;
and
a controller in communication with the spray manifold and the container stopping mechanism, the controller periodically automatically initiating a cleaning sequence causing the container stopping mechanism to prevent containers from entering the filing device while the spray manifold is actuated by the controller to cause the spray manifold to move below a portion of the fill device.

1 more element

A method for automatically cleaning a filling device on a periodic basis with a controller, the method comprising:

initiating a cleaning operation and a temporary stoppage in filling operations with the controller, the cleaning operation initiated by the controller including the following:
communicating between the controller and a container stopping mechanism;
stopping an infeed of containers into the filling machine in response to the communication between the controller and the container stopping mechanism;
communicating between the controller and cleaning solution spray system;
spraying cleaning solution from the spray system toward the filling device in response to communication between the controller and the cleaning solution spray system;
sensing a first characteristic with the controller to determine when the first characteristic meets a first predetermined value;
communicating additional information between the controller and the cleaning solution spray system once the first characteristic meets the first predetermined value;
stopping the spray of cleaning solution in response to the communication of the additional information between the controller and the cleaning solution spray system;
communicating additional information between the controller and the container stopping mechanism;
and
allowing containers to pass by the container stopping mechanism in response to the communication of additional information between the controller and the container stopping mechanism;
commencing filling operations with the filling machine in response to containers passing by the container stopping mechanism;
sensing a second characteristic with the controller while filling operations commence;
and
initiating the cleaning operation and a temporary stoppage in filling operations once the second characteristic meets a second predetermined value.

12 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cleaning system for a filling machine

Life of this patent

Cleaning system for a filling machine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20