EP0377367A1 - Method and device for cleaning the outer surfaces of cylindrical objects, especially those of gas bottles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for cleaning the outer surfaces of cylindrical objects conveyed in a continuous series, said objects being arranged so that their axis is vertical. According to the invention the following steps are carried out: . a single object is kept still while an atomised detergent is delivered to it by operating a rotary atomising means at a station (I); . the object is transferred through the open air to a rinsing station (III), the length of time taken for this transfer corresponding to the time required for the chemical action of the atomised detergent; . the single object is again kept still at the rinsing station (III) and rinsed by spraying with water at high pressure, by operating a rotary spray means. Two additional stations will advantageously be provided, for brushing (II) between the atomising station (I) and the rinsing station (III), and a drying station (IV) downstream of the rinsing station (III). Application particularly to the cleaning of the outer surfaces of LPG bottles. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to washing the external surface of cylindrical objects, in particular but not exclusively bottles of liquefied petroleum gas or LPG.

The washing techniques currently used start from a continuous tunnel type design, in which the objects to be washed pass continuously.

The tunnel then generally comprises several successive treatment zones, but all these zones are arranged in the single casing of the tunnel.

It has thus been proposed to wash the outside of the LPG bottles in a tunnel comprising an upstream area for washing with detergent solution, and a downstream area for rinsing with hot water. Washing is carried out by means of transverse U-shaped spraying ramps, between the branches of which the bottles conveyed by chains pass; the sprayed detergent solution is discharged in a closed circuit by a pump, and filtered before pumping, a recovery tank being provided in the lower part of the tunnel. The rinsing with hot water is carried out in a similar manner, by means of spraying ramps, the hot water used being recycled without however being purified.

Such a principle has many drawbacks.

First of all, the installations have a large dimension making their installation sometimes very difficult, and imply a high energy cost due to the continuous watering of the conveyed objects.

Then, this type of installation makes it very difficult to organize the passage times of objects in the tunnel, which requires the use of spacers and / or means aimed at avoiding jamming of the queue of objects. It must indeed be understood that efficient washing requires regular passage times: if the object remains too long in an area of the tunnel, it risks being washed out, or even deteriorated in the event of a particularly aggressive detergent solution, and if the object does not stay long enough, washing may be insufficient.

Finally, the design in successive ramps for the spraying means does not allow a homogeneous and regular projection on the objects. It is indeed easy to understand that the distances of the jets sprayed from the lateral ramps differ according to the zones concerned of the cylindrical external surface of the objects to be washed, which induces a maximum action for short jets, and minimal or even zero for long jets (the generator zones located on the central axis scrolling are practically not affected): this then requires oversizing the equipment, which is more expensive.

Continuous washing and drying machines have also been proposed, based on the same principle of continuous tunnel, and also using transverse spraying ramps produced in the form of a rectangular frame.

To avoid excessive sizing of such machines, attempts have been made to bring the washing and rinsing zones closer together: in addition to the aforementioned drawbacks, this then results in an additional drawback resulting from the fact that washing product can pass into the rinsing zone, and thus mix with the rinsing circuit, which is obviously detrimental to the quality of the treatment.

It has also been proposed to add a washing-brushing system to the tunnel to improve the quality of the washing of LPG bottles: each gas bottle then passed over a lifting plate rotating freely around a vertical axis, brushing then being carried out. by direct drive of the bottle by the brushing elements organized in a tangential vertical column. This design probably improved the efficiency of the system, but the brushing elements wore out very quickly, and the problem of recycling the washing water was even more delicate to solve.

It should also be mentioned for the record other techniques already proposed for washing large cylindrical canisters.

It has thus been proposed to organize conveying, in a washing tunnel, of the cans arranged in the supine position (horizontal axis) on horizontal drive rollers: the rollers rotate the can around its axis, which makes it possible to provide fixed injectors producing roughly regular jets directed towards the axis of the can. However, this technique has the additional disadvantage of having to protect the drive mechanisms on which the washing liquid laden with dirt flows.

Another way of improving the homogeneity of the spraying on each container consisted in providing a set of fixed vertical ramps forming the four vertical edges of a rectangular parallelepiped. The series of jets are then for each edge, directed towards the vertical axis of the container, said container being lowered from the top to be disposed between the ramps, being suspended by a lifting hook, which moreover makes it possible to do turn the can on itself if it is not on the ground.

This technique may be suitable for a decontamination treatment of cans, but it is unthinkable for washing in series, since it is necessary to wash the cans one by one, by actuating the associated lifting system each time. In addition, this technique remains limited to very specific types of cylindrical objects, and in particular would be difficult to transpose to washing LPG bottles.

The object of the invention is to propose a method and a device making it possible to carry out an effective washing of the external surface of cylindrical objects, in particular LPG bottles (it could naturally be other objects, for example metallic food cans), the process can also be completely automated.

The invention also aims to implement a washing process with a projection of liquids which is both homogeneous and regular, on the walls of the object.

The object of the invention is also to implement an easy implantation washing process, thanks to a reduced dimensioning, and to the absence of bulky equipment and / or requiring a significant source of energy.

The invention finally aims to implement a washing process which can avoid having to provide a recycling system, thanks to a low consumption of water which can simply be discharged into the wastewater network after decantation.

It is more particularly a method of washing the external surface of cylindrical objects, in particular bottles of liquefied petroleum gas or LPG, conveyed in continuous scrolling by means of conveying means on which said objects are arranged so that their axis is essentially vertical, characterized in that it comprises the following successive steps:
. a detergent agent is sprayed in a spraying station on a unitary object, by actuating a rotary spraying means, said object being held stationary in a position such that its vertical axis coincides substantially with the axis of said spraying means;
. the unitary object is transferred to the open air via the conveying means to a rinsing station, the duration of the transfer being at least equal to the duration of the chemical action of the sprayed detergent agent;
. the unitary object is rinsed at the rinsing station by spraying water under high pressure, by actuating a rotary spraying means, said object being again held stationary in a position such that its vertical axis substantially coincides with the axis of said means of spraying.

According to a characteristic advantageously provided, the unitary object is transferred, downstream of the spraying station and upstream of the rinsing station, to a brushing station provided upstream of the rinsing station, where a rotary brushing means is actuated, said object being kept fixed in a position such that its vertical axis coincides substantially with the axis of said brushing means, the transfer of the unitary object upstream and downstream of the brushing station being done in the open air.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the unitary object is transferred, downstream of the rinsing station, to a drying station by blowing with compressed air, the object being driven in rotation about its vertical axis kept fixed in front of means of blowing arranged laterally to remove residual water on the walls of said object, the transfer of the unitary object upstream and downstream of the drying station being done in the open air.

We thus manage to implement a particularly effective unitary washing process, easily automated, and perfectly combining the detergent chemical action and the mechanical action exerted on the objects which pass continuously.

Preferably, the spraying of the detergent agent on the unit object located at the spraying station is carried out by rotating the rotary spraying means at constant speed, and / or by rotating the spraying means over a full revolution. advantageously carried out at low pressure, in particular under a pressure of the order of 3,000 to 4,000 HPa.

Preferably also, the brushing of the unitary object located at the brushing station is carried out by rotating the rotary brushing means lowered vertically at constant speed to be in contact with said object; brushing is advantageously carried out with simultaneous injection of water, at low pressure, into the rotary brushing means.

Preferably also, the spraying of water under high pressure on the unit object located at the rinsing station is carried out by rotating the rotary spraying means at constant speed; the spraying is advantageously carried out by flat jets, at a pressure at least equal to 100,000 HPa, and preferably close to 130,000 HPa.

More preferably, the drying of the unitary object by blowing air located at the drying station is carried out in two stages, with a pre-drying of the upper part of said object during transfer, followed by drying properly says during which the unitary object is driven in rotation around its axis.

Advantageously, in this case, the unitary object is maintained, during the actual drying, between a rotary turntable and an upper coaxial centering head previously lowered vertically to be in contact with said object; in particular, the upper centering head is lowered on the unitary object before the latter rests on the rotating drive plate, after which said head and said plate are raised in synchronism.

Preferably also, two unitary objects can be simultaneously at the drying station, the upstream object being awaiting transfer for a pre-drying and the downstream object undergoing proper drying; in particular, the air blowing is carried out alternately on one or the other unitary object, using blowing means permanently actuated to carry out either a pre-drying, or a drying proper.

Advantageously finally, the air blowing is carried out, during the actual drying, by flat and inclined air knives.

The invention also relates to a device for implementing the above-mentioned washing process, characterized in that it comprises, in addition to conveying means on which the cylindrical objects concerned are arranged:
. a spraying module constituted by a casing which crosses the line of travel of the objects, and in which are arranged a rotary spraying means, which can rotate about a vertical axis to spray a detergent agent on the unitary object inside said casing, and a stop means for stopping a unitary object conveyed so that its axis substantially coincides with said vertical axis;
. a rinsing module, independent of the spraying module and arranged downstream thereof, said rinsing module being constituted by a casing which crosses the line of passage of the objects, and in which are arranged a rotary spraying means, capable of rotate around a vertical axis to project water under high pressure onto the unitary object inside said casing, and a stop means making it possible to stop a unitary object conveyed in such a way that its axis substantially coincides with said axis vertical.

According to a characteristic advantageously provided, the device further comprises, between the spraying module and the rinsing module, an independent brushing module, constituted by a casing which crosses the line of travel of the objects, and in which are arranged a means of rotary brushing, being able to rotate by a vertical axis to brush the unitary object inside said casing, and a stop means making it possible to stop a unitary object conveyed in such a way that its axis coincides substantially with said vertical axis.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the device further comprises, downstream of the rinsing module, an independent drying module, constituted by a casing which crosses the line of travel of the objects, and in which are fixed blowing means, and a rotary drive means capable of rotating the unitary object inside said casing in front of said blowing means to remove residual water from its walls, the vertical axis of said object remaining fixed during this rotation.

We thus achieve a space-saving and very efficient installation, thanks to its modular design.

Preferably, the rotary spraying means essentially consists of a horizontal support driven in rotation, and at least one spray gun suspended in cantilever from said support in particular, the horizontal support is driven by a rotary jack whose piston rack is coupled to a vertical shaft integral with said support, the stroke of said rack piston corresponding to one complete revolution for the rotation of the horizontal support. Advantageously, a spray gun is suspended at each end of the horizontal support, with different vertical positions for said spray guns.

Preferably also, the inclination and / or the position of the spray gun (s) is adjustable, to adapt to the type of cylindrical object concerned advantageously further, the spray gun (s) are supplied by means external to the frame of the spray module, said means comprising a detergent agent tank and a dispensing pump.

According to a particular embodiment, the stop means consists essentially of telescopic fingers controlled by a jack, and preferably a set of two fingers arranged horizontally downstream of the vertical axis of rotation of the rotary spraying means and according to substantially intersecting directions with said vertical axis.

It is also advantageous for the frame of the spraying module to include an inlet tunnel and an outlet tunnel, stop means, preferably of the type with telescopic fingers, being furthermore provided at said inlet tunnel.

Preferably, the rotary brushing means essentially consists of a horizontal support driven in rotation by an associated motor, and at least one brush element suspended in cantilever fashion from this support, said support being movable vertically to bring said element brush in contact with the unit object concerned.

Preferably also, the horizontal support has the form of a cross supporting four brush elements; in particular, the brush elements have the shape of a brush sector, the conformation of which is adapted to the shape of the upper part of the unitary object concerned.

Also preferably, the horizontal support is suspended from a plate carrying a rotary drive motor and connected to the frame of the brushing module by means of a positional cylinder in particular, the plate supports a rotating joint connected to a source. water at low pressure, and at least one of the brush elements for simultaneous water injection.

According to a particular embodiment, the stop means is essentially constituted by telescopic fingers controlled by an actuator, and preferably a set of two fingers arranged horizontally downstream of the vertical axis of rotation of the rotary brushing means and in directions. substantially intersecting with said vertical axis; advantageously then, an additional holding means is further provided, preferably according to a set of two opposite pads each controlled by an associated jack, in order to hold in position the unitary object concerned.

Preferably, the rotary spraying means essentially consists of a support; horizontal driven in rotation by an associated motor, and at least one spray nozzle suspended in overhang to said support in particular, at least one spray nozzle, and preferably two, is suspended at each end of the horizontal support , with different vertical positions for said nozzles. Advantageously then, the inclination and / or the position of the spray nozzle (s) is adjustable, to adapt to the type of cylindrical object concerned; in addition the spray nozzle (s) are preferably supplied by means external to the rinsing module frame, and comprising a booster delivering high pressure water.

Preferably also, the stop means is essentially constituted by telescopic fingers controlled by a jack, and preferably a set of two fingers disposed horizontally downstream of the vertical axis of rotation of the rotary spraying means and in directions substantially intersecting with said vertical axis; in addition, the frame of the spray module comprises an inlet tunnel and an outlet tunnel, stop means, preferably of the type with telescopic fingers, being further provided at said inlet tunnel.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the fixed blowing means comprise first blowing means carrying out a pre-drying of the upper part of the object concerned during transfer, and second blowing means, downstream of the first, performing an actual drying of the object then driven in rotation about its axis.

Advantageously, in this case, the first blowing means are essentially constituted by at least one pre-drying nozzle connected to an air distribution box, and the second blowing means by at least one drying nozzle whose orifice outlet defines a thin air space, said drying nozzle being connected to an air distribution unit. In particular, the drying nozzle or nozzles end in a box having at least one outlet slot, preferably with a main slot inclined relative to the vertical; or the pre-drying and / or drying nozzles are advantageously adjustable vertically, preferably by means of associated jacks.

Preferably, the air distribution unit is common to the first and second blowing means arranged at the top of the frame of the drying module, and comprises shutter members making it possible to direct the air coming from a blower external to said frame. either to the pre-drying nozzles or to the drying nozzles.

Preferably also, the rotational drive means essentially consists of a turntable driven by an associated motor, said plate being movable vertically by means an associated jack, a stop means, preferably of the telescopic stop type, being further provided for stopping the unitary object conveyed so that its axis substantially coincides with the vertical axis of said turntable; in particular, the device further comprises an upper centering head coaxial with the turntable, said centering head being movable vertically by means of an associated jack.

Preferably finally, the frame of the drying module comprises an inlet tunnel and an outlet tunnel, stop means, preferably of the type with telescopic fingers, being further provided at said inlet tunnel.

• - la figure 1 est une représentation schématique du processus de lavage unitaire conforme à l'invention, mis en oeuvre de façon modulaire, avec des modules de pulvérisation, et de rinçage, mais aussi des modules optionnels de brossage et de séchage ;
• - la figure 2 est une vue en perspective illustrant le module de pulvérisation en action sur une bouteille unitaire GPL ;
• - la figure 3 est une vue en coupe transversale du module de pulvérisation, le plan de coupe passant par l'axe vertical du moyen de pulvérisation rotatif ;
• - la figure 4 est une vue schématique illustrant le cycle de fonctionnement du module de pulvérisation ;
• - la figure 5 est une vue en perspective illustrant le module de brossage en action sur une bouteille unitaire GPL ;
• - la figure 6 est une vue en coupe transversale du module de brossage, le plan de coupe passant par l'axe vertical du moyen de brossage rotatif ;
• - la figure 7 est une vue schématique illustrant le cycle de fonctionnement du module de brossage ;
• - la figure 8 est une vue en perspective illustrant le module de rinçage en action sur une bouteille unitaire GPL ;
• - la figure 9 est une vue en coupe transversale du module de rinçage, le plan de coupe passant par l'axe vertical du moyen d'aspersion rotatif ;
• - la figure 10 est une vue schématique illustrant le cycle de fonction­nement du module de rinçage ;
• - la figure 1 est une vue en perspective illustrant le module de séchage, ici réalisé pour permettre un pré-séchage suivi d'un séchage proprement dit, la bouteille unitaire GPL étant dans le premier cas simplement arrêtée sous des premiers moyens de soufflage, puis, dans un deuxième cas, entraînée en rotation sur elle-même devant des seconds moyens de soufflage à lames d'air ;
• - la figure 12 est une vue en coupe longitudinale du module de séchage, effectuée en fait selon la ligne XII-XII de la figure 14 ;
• - la figure 13 illustre un détail de la figure 12, permettant de mieux distinguer l'organisation des moyens de soufflage ;
• - la figure 14 est une coupe selon XIV-XIV de la figure 12 ;
• - la figure 15 est une coupe selon XV-XV de la figure 12 ;
• - la figure 16 est une vue schématique illustrant le cycle de fonction­nement du module de séchage.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description which follows and from the attached drawings, relating to a particular embodiment, with reference to the figures in which:

• - Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the unitary washing process according to the invention, implemented in a modular fashion, with spraying and rinsing modules, but also optional brushing and drying modules;
• - Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the spray module in action on a unitary LPG bottle;
• - Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the spray module, the cutting plane passing through the vertical axis of the rotary spray means;
• - Figure 4 is a schematic view illustrating the operating cycle of the spray module;
• - Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the brushing module in action on a unitary LPG bottle;
• - Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the brushing module, the cutting plane passing through the vertical axis of the rotary brushing means;
• - Figure 7 is a schematic view illustrating the operating cycle of the brushing module;
• - Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating the rinsing module in action on a unitary LPG bottle;
• - Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the rinsing module, the cutting plane passing through the vertical axis of the rotary spraying means;
• - Figure 10 is a schematic view illustrating the operating cycle of the rinsing module;
• - Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the drying module, here produced to allow pre-drying followed by actual drying, the unitary LPG bottle being in the first case simply stopped under first blowing means, then , in a second case, driven in rotation on itself in front of second air knife blowing means;
• - Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drying module, made in fact along the line XII-XII of Figure 14;
• - Figure 13 illustrates a detail of Figure 12, to better distinguish the organization of the blowing means;
• - Figure 14 is a section on XIV-XIV of Figure 12;
• - Figure 15 is a section along XV-XV of Figure 12;
• - Figure 16 is a schematic view illustrating the operating cycle of the drying module.

FIG. 1 illustrates by a very schematic representation the unitary washing process according to the invention, implemented in a modular fashion. The cylindrical objects whose external surface must be washed are conveyed in continuous movement by means of conveying means shown diagrammatically in 1, on which these objects are arranged so that their axis is essentially vertical, the conveying taking place in the direction arrow 2.

In accordance with an essential aspect of the invention, a detergent agent is sprayed at a spraying station I on a unitary object, by actuating a rotary spraying means (described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4), said object being held stationary in a position such that its vertical axis substantially coincides with the axis of said rotary spraying means. Then, the unitary object is transferred to the open air via the conveying means 1 to a rinsing station III, the duration of the transfer being at least equal to the duration of the chemical action of the agent. spray detergent. Finally, we rinse the object unitary to the aforementioned rinsing station III by spraying water under high pressure, by actuating a rotary spraying means (described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10), said object being again kept fixed in a position such that its vertical axis substantially coincides with the axis of said rotary spraying means.

In FIG. 1, two other additional stations II, IV have been illustrated, corresponding respectively to a brushing station and to a drying station. These two additional stations, although optional, are nevertheless advantageously integrated into the line of spraying stations I and rinsing stations III. In this case, the transfer to the open air of the unitary object coming from the spraying station I, transfer the duration of which must be at least equal to the duration of chemical action of the sprayed detergent agent as indicated above. , is done first towards the brushing station II, which is symbolized in diagrammatic figure 1 by a greater spacing.

According to this advantageous conception of the process, the unitary object is transferred, downstream of the spraying station I and upstream of the rinsing station III, to the brushing station II provided upstream of said rinsing station, where a brushing means is actuated rotary (described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7), said object being kept fixed in a position such that its vertical axis substantially coincides with the axis of said rotary brushing means, the transfer of the unitary object upstream and downstream of the brushing station II being done in the open air.

Likewise, at the end of the line, the unitary object is transferred, downstream from the rinsing station III, to the station IV for drying by blowing with compressed air, the object being driven in rotation about its vertical axis kept fixed in front of blowing means (described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 16) arranged laterally to eliminate the residual water on the walls of said object, the transfer of the unitary object upstream and downstream from the drying station IV taking place in the open air.

Even before proceeding to the detailed description of the functional modules provided for each of the aforementioned stations I, II, III, IV the modular organization of the washing process according to the invention already appears to be extremely advantageous for its ease of installation and its small size: it is understood in particular that the conveyor line does not necessarily have to be rectilinear between two successive stations, which allows great flexibility of implantation . The size of the devices used and the energy sources will be de facto smaller, and this design naturally implies a low consumption of water which can be discharged into the wastewater network after decantation: such a unitary washing process thus represents a considerable progress compared to conventional techniques using a tunnel through which objects pass. Such a design makes it possible to easily implement an effective washing installation, in particular for washing LPG bottles, in order to remove the greases and dust therefrom, and to clean their external surface, to improve their presentation and / or allow if necessary the application of a maintenance paint.

We will now describe the successive functional positions I, II, III, IV, in each of which an associated functional module is provided.

The structure and operation of the spraying module 100 provided at the spraying station I are illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4.

There is thus a spray module 100 consisting of a casing 101 through which the line for passing objects 10 crosses (the conveyor line 1 is shown diagrammatically by a continuous arrow in FIG. 2 and by a line in dashed lines in FIG. 4) , housing in which are arranged a rotary spraying means 102, which can rotate about a vertical axis 103 for spraying a detergent agent on the unitary object 10 inside said housing, as well as a stop means 104 making it possible to stop a unitary object conveyed 10 so that its axis substantially coincides with said vertical axis. The rotary spraying means 102 is here essentially constituted by a horizontal support 105 driven in rotation, and at least one spray gun 106 suspended in cantilever from said support. Support 105 is organized in the form of a cross member suspended from a shaft 107 passing through a rolling cage 108 itself mounted on a support plate 109 fixed to the frame 101 of the spraying module 100. The rotary spraying means 102 could be driven in continuous rotation by an associated motor, but a slightly different arrangement has been provided here giving excellent results for washing LPG bottles. The horizontal support 105 is in fact driven by a rotary actuator 110 whose rack piston 111 (visible only in FIG. 4) is coupled to the vertical shaft 107 secured to said support, by means of an internal screw in a housing. central 112 cooperating with the rack 111, and a coupling 113 of the elastic coupling type (such a known coupling includes torque transmission elements made of polyurethane elastomer such as the material sold under the name VULKOLLAN). In this case, the stroke of the rack piston 111 corresponds to one complete revolution for the rotation of the horizontal support 105, and therefore of the rotary spraying means 102. This arrangement makes it possible to spray the detergent agent on the unitary object. 10 located at the spraying station I by rotating the rotary spraying means 102 at a constant speed, and this over one complete revolution, the direction of rotation being reversed for the next unitary object. The arrangement described below of spray guns indeed makes it possible to carry out a correct spraying of a detergent agent on the unitary object with only one rotation, which avoids having to provide a rotary joint with a central supply of detergent in the upper part, which would be more complicated due to the presence of the two necessary circuits (the detergent agent circuit and the pneumatic control circuit). As can be seen in Figures 2 to 4, a spray gun 106 is suspended at each end of the horizontal support 105, with different vertical positions for said spray guns. Naturally, the inclination and / or the position of the spray guns 106 can be provided adjustable, in order to adapt to the type of cylindrical object concerned. For this, each gun 106 is pivotally mounted on an associated support 114 secured to a threaded rod 115 fixed to the horizontal support 105. Oblong holes (not shown here) may be provided in the horizontal support 105, so to be able to adjust the distance of the vertical rods 115 to the axis of rotation 103 of the rotary spraying means 102. Thus, each gun 106 can be suitably positioned, so as to direct a jet on the one hand towards the upper part of the unitary object (that is to say in particular towards the dome and the cap of an LPG bottle), and on the other hand towards the lower part of said object.

This arrangement makes it possible for the spray guns 106 to be supplied by means external to the frame 101 of the spraying module 100, as can be seen in FIG. 2. There is in fact a container of detergent agent 116, comprising a cold or hot solution composed of water added with biodegradable detergent, connected by a line 117 to a distribution pump 118, from which leaves a line 119 supplying each of the spray guns 106. As a guide, the detergent agent will be sprayed under a pressure of the order of 3 to 4,000 HPa. There will also be provided pipes (not shown here) supplying the air used for the pneumatic opening / closing control, for each of the spray guns, the connection being preferably made between each spray gun 106 and the associated support 114 The frame 101 of the spraying module 100 also includes a protective cover, and here also an inlet 120, and outlet 121 tunnel, as well as a side access door 122.

As has been said above, the spraying module 100 includes stop means 104 making it possible to stop a unitary object 10 at the spraying station so that its axis substantially coincides with the axis 103 of the spraying means rotary 102. These stop means 104 are preferably essentially constituted by telescopic fingers 123, each controlled by an associated actuator 124: there is here a set of two fingers 123 arranged horizontally, downstream of the vertical axis of rotation 103 of the rotary spraying means 102, and in directions substantially intersecting with said vertical axis. It is also advantageous to provide similar stop means 125 upstream of the previous ones, in order to achieve a pre-centering of the object upstream of the spraying station, that is to say for example under the entrance tunnel 120 of spray module 100.

Considering FIG. 3, it will be observed that two different sizes of LPG bottles have been illustrated at the level of the spraying station, in order to recall that the process can be applied to different types of unitary cylindrical objects 10. A distinction is made also on this section a lower recovery hopper 126, as well as elements of the conveyor chain constituting the means 1, that is to say here the upper 127 and lower 128 strands 128 of said chain conveying.

It will advantageously be provided to have a series of sensors associated on the one hand with the unitary objects passing through the spraying station, and on the other hand with certain members of the spraying module, these sensors forming part of the pneumatic logic of the assembly of automated installation. A distinction is thus made between array sensors 129 (better visible in FIG. 4) placed at the level of the line of scrolling of the unitary objects, making it possible to verify the presence of an object under the entry tunnel 120, then in the module of spraying 100 proper under the axis of the rotary spraying means 102, and finally downstream of said spraying module. A similar sensor 130 is also here provided at the level of the means for driving the horizontal support 105 in rotation: for this purpose, in FIG. 4, a disc 131 is secured to the rotation shaft 107, and having a protruding lug 132 cooperating with the information sensor 130. A similar sensor will also be provided as security with regard to the opening of the door 122 of the frame 101, such as a sensor 133. Finally, in FIG. 4, pneumatic valves are distinguished. 134 and 135 safety associated with the rotary cylinder 110, to immediately stop the movement of the rotary spraying means 102 as soon as the door 122 is opened.

The operating cycle is extremely simple: the three stages of this cycle include first the admission of a unitary object 10 to the spraying station, with precise centering of the vertical axis of said object, then setting in rotation of the rotary spraying means with spraying on the object of a detergent agent, and finally the evacuation of the object to the next station.

We will now describe, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the structure and the operation of the brushing module 200.

The brushing module 200 is constituted by a casing 201 which crosses the line of travel of the objects, in which are arranged a rotary brushing means 202 which can rotate around a vertical axis 203 to brush the unitary object 10 inside said casing, and stop means 204 making it possible to stop a conveyed unitary object 10 so that its axis substantially coincides with said vertical axis.

More specifically, the rotary brushing means 202 essentially consists of a horizontal support 205 driven in rotation by an associated motor 206 (for example a pneumatic motor), with at least one brush element 207 suspended in cantilever from this support. The horizontal support 205 is also movable vertically to bring said brush elements into contact with the unitary object concerned 10.

The mounting of the rotary brushing means is obtained for example by providing a support plate 208, above which the pneumatic drive motor 206 is disposed, said plate itself being suspended from a support plate 211 by means of two guide rods 209 passing through associated ball bushings 210 which are fixed to the support plate 211. A jack 212, the body of which is mounted on the support plate 211, thus ensures the vertical displacement of the rotary brushing means 202, to lower said brushing means on the unitary object 10 when the latter has been suitably centered in the brushing module by means of stop means 204. As previously, it is also possible to use an elastic coupling 213 interposed between the shaft of the pneumatic drive motor 206 and the shaft supporting the rotary brushing means 202.

Furthermore, it is advantageous for the plate 208 to support a rotary joint 214 connected to a source of water at low pressure, and to at least one of the brush elements 207, for the purpose of a simultaneous water injection. FIG. 5 makes it possible to distinguish here a pipe for bringing water at low pressure 215, to a control valve 216 fixed on the support plate 208. The water thus admitted comes out of the rotary joint 214 via 'a flexible pipe 217 leading to the different brush elements 207.

The horizontal support 205 here has the form of a cross supporting four brush elements 207, by means of threaded rods 219. The mounting of the threaded rods will naturally be provided in such a way that the position can be adjusted at the same time vertical and the radial position of the brush elements 207 (oblong slots not shown will for example be provided at the ends of the spider). Furthermore, each brush element 207 preferably has the shape of a brush sector, the active conformation of which is adapted to the external shape of the upper part of the unitary object concerned 10. More precisely, each brush element 207 is formed by a main body 218 secured to the suspension rods 219, and a brush sector proper 220, for example made of polyethylene lined with nylon.

The brushing of the unitary element 10 being at the brushing station II can thus be easily carried out by rotating the rotary brushing means 202 previously lowered vertically to be in contact with said object, this brushing being able to be carried out with injection of simultaneous water, at low pressure, in the rotary brushing means.

As before for the spraying module 100, a stop means 204 is provided for stopping the unit object 10 so that its vertical axis coincides substantially with the axis 203 of the rotary brushing means 202. This means of stop 204 may be identical to the previous means 104, thus being essentially constituted by telescopic fingers controlled by an associated jack, according to a set of two fingers arranged horizontally downstream of the vertical axis of rotation 203 of the rotary brushing means 202, and in substantially intersecting directions with said vertical axis.

However, given the effective friction action of the rotary brushing means, it is advantageous to provide an additional means for holding the unitary objects at the brushing station: such an additional means is illustrated here, referenced 221, preferably according to a set of two opposite pads 222 controlled each by an associated jack 223, which makes it possible to perfectly maintain in position the unit object concerned 10 during brushing.

As for the spraying module 100, a set of sensors 224 is also provided here at the level of the line of travel of the objects 10, preferably identical to the sensors 129 mentioned above. It is also possible to provide a stop means 228 with telescopic fingers, identical to the above-mentioned means 125, making it possible to center the unitary element 10 when it arrives at the brushing module 200. Finally, it is possible to provide a sensor 225 associated with the door 226 of the frame 201 of the brushing module, as for the spraying module.

FIG. 7 allows in operation to distinguish a valve 227 with piston control, for controlling the supply of water at low pressure arriving via the pipe 215, for the injection of water carried out simultaneously with mechanical brushing.

The operating cycle of the brushing module 200 takes place as follows: a unitary object is first admitted to the brushing station, then correctly centered and maintained under the rotary brushing means by means of the stop means and the additional means holding, after which a rotary brushing means is rotated and then lowered onto the unit object, the opening of the low pressure water valve being triggered simultaneously; once the actual brushing has been carried out, the rotary brushing means is reassembled, and the valve controlling the injection of water at low pressure is again closed, and finally the unitary object can be evacuated to the next station as soon as he was released from his means of arrest and his additional means of support.

We will now describe the rinsing module 300 provided at station III, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

The rinsing module 300 is constituted by a casing 301 which crosses the line of passage of the objects, in which are arranged a rotary spraying means 302 which can rotate around a vertical axis 303 to project water under high pressure onto the unitary object 10 inside said casing, and a stop means 304 making it possible to stop a conveyed unitary object 10 in such a way that its axis coincides substantially with said vertical axis.

More precisely, the rotary spraying means 302 essentially consists of a horizontal support 305 driven in rotation by an associated motor 306, with at least one spray nozzle 307 suspended in cantilever from said support. Preferably, two spray nozzles 307 are suspended at each end of the horizontal support 305, with different vertical positions for said nozzles. The inclination and / or the position of the spray nozzles 307 will preferably be provided adjustable, to adapt to the type of cylindrical object concerned 10, as was the case for spraying. Provision may be made for inclined lower spray nozzles 307, mounted directly on associated support rods 309, and upper spray nozzles 307 pivotally mounted on a yoke 308 fixed in the lower part of a threaded suspension rod 309 associated. To perform effective spraying, it is advantageous to provide flat jet nozzles, with for example an opening angle of 60 ° for the lower nozzles, while for the upper nozzles, a flat jet of 30 ° d may be provided. opening on one side, and 60 ° opening on the other side. The mounting of the rotary spraying means 302 on the frame 301 of the rinsing module 300 is analogous to the mounting of the above-mentioned rotary brushing means. There is thus a support plate 313 fixed to the frame 301, and, below the pneumatic motor 306, an elastic coupling 312, as well as a lower rotary joint 310 allowing the distribution of water under high pressure to each pipe 311 associated with the nozzles spray 307.

The spray nozzles 307 can thus be supplied by means external to the frame 301 of the rinsing module 300, these means comprising a booster 316 delivering water at high pressure by via a supply pipe 314 arriving at a control valve 315. The spraying of water under high pressure on the unit object 10 located at the rinsing module 300 can thus be easily carried out by rotating constant speed the rotary spraying means 302, this spraying being carried out by flat jets, at a pressure at least equal to 100,000 HPa, and preferably close to 130,000 HPa.

As before, a succession of sensors 321 will be provided, disposed at the level of the line of travel of the objects, as well as stop means 304 identical to those previously used in the spraying and brushing modules, and an identical means of pre-centering by telescopic fingers 326. A sensor 322 will also be associated with the door 320 of the frame 301 of the rinsing module. Finally, a sensor 323 will be provided for the information relating to the rotation of the rotary spraying means 302, by cooperation with a lug 325 secured to a disc 324, in a similar manner to what has been previously described for the module of spraying, except that, in this case, it will be possible to carry out several turns for the rotary spraying means 302. The frame 301 may also be equipped with an inlet tunnel 317 and a tunnel for exit 318; the stop means 326 of the telescopic finger type then ensure the pre-centering of a unitary object under said inlet tunnel. Finally, in FIG. 9 there is a recovery hopper 319 similar to the above-mentioned hopper 126.

The operating cycle at the rinsing station is carried out as follows: the unitary object is admitted into the rinsing module, and correctly positioned by the associated stop means; the rotary spraying means is then rotated, and performs a vigorous rinsing of the unit object. The pneumatic water inlet valve is then closed, and the rotation of the spraying means stopped in a position such that the object can be transferred to the next station.

We will now describe the drying module provided at station IV, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 16.

The drying module 400 consists of a casing 401 through which the line for passing objects passes, in which are fixed blowing means 410, 420, and a drive means in rotation 430 capable of rotating the unitary object 10 inside said casing in front of said blowing means, in order to eliminate from its walls the residual water, the vertical axis of said object remaining fixed during this rotation.

Although this is only optional, the drying of the unitary object 10 by air blowing is here carried out in two stages, with a pre-drying of the upper part of said object during transfer, followed by drying. proper during which the unitary object 10 is rotated about its axis by an associated means 430. One could of course, depending on the case, consider unitary drying carried out in one time, but it often turns out to be advantageous to provide a pre-drying, in particular for LPG bottles, which makes it possible to carry out an actual drying in a much more energetic second stage, by using air knife systems. Another advantage of two-stage drying lies in the possibility of carrying out a coarse pre-drying while the unitary object is being transferred, which avoids part of the projection of the liquid eliminated on the drive means. rotation which only intervene in the actual drying.

Thus, in FIG. 11, a distinction is made between first blowing means 410 carrying out a pre-drying of the upper part of the object concerned 10 during transfer, and second blowing means 420, downstream from the first, carrying out a actual drying of the object 10 then driven in rotation about its axis.

The first blowing means 410 essentially consist of at least one pre-drying nozzle 411 (here two nozzles are provided) connected to an air distribution box 440. The pre-drying nozzle or nozzles 411 end in a lower blowing sleeve 412, preferably adjustable in position and / or inclination, for pre-drying the object 10 during transfer, that is to say freed from associated stop means 413, advantageously made in the form of telescopic fingers actuated by a jack, like the stop means described above. The pre-drying can thus be carried out according to a sweeping in progress, whose action is very effective.

The second blowing means 420 are essentially constituted by at least one drying nozzle 421 (here two lateral drying nozzles 421 are provided), the outlet of which defines a thin layer of air, said drying nozzles being connected via upper sheaths 422 to a distribution box which is advantageously the distribution box 440 mentioned above. The drying nozzles 421 preferably end in a box having at least one outlet slot: a substantially vertical box 423 is distinguished here, having a main slot 425 which is preferably inclined relative to the vertical to improve the effect of liquid repulsion on the wall of the unit object, and surmounted by an upper part of box 424 having a slot 426, thus making it possible to direct two air knives directly on the upper part of the unit object. The detail in FIG. 13 makes it possible to better distinguish the particular structure of these blowing means, and in particular the main slot 425 of a drying nozzle 421, said slot itself being produced in two inclined sections to take account of the particular form of the unit object concerned which is here an LPG bottle. It goes without saying that adjustment means will be provided for positioning in several directions, and in particular in the vertical direction, the first and / or second blowing means 410, 420. FIG. 13 thus makes it possible to distinguish the support bracket 414 associated with a pre-drying nozzle 412 connected via a jack 415 to a support plate 427; the jack 415 thus allows a positional height adjustment, but provision will also be made for mounting the pre-drying nozzle 412 on its support bracket 414 also allowing angular adjustment. Likewise, there will be guide and adjustment means for the first blowing means, and there can thus be seen in FIG. 13 a ball bushing 428 mounted on the plate 427, and receiving a guide rod 429 connected to a associated positional adjustment cylinder (not visible here).

Returning to FIG. 11, it can be seen that the air distribution box 440, which is here common to the first 410 and second 420 blowing means, and disposed at the top of the frame 401 of the drying module 400, is connected to a blower assembly 441 outside the frame 401 of the drying module by an associated pipe 442. The air distribution box 440 further comprises here a movable flap 443, connected to an actuating cylinder 444 by a linkage 445 associated, mobile component which acts as a shutter member by cooperating with the orifices 446 associated with the first blowing means. A similar system can be provided for the second blowing means 420, so that the air from the blower 441 can thus be directed either to the pre-drying nozzles 412 or to the drying nozzles 421. D 'Other systems can naturally be provided, and there is illustrated in Figure 16 a variant of the air distribution means. There is in fact a set of four jacks 451, 451, 461, 461: the two jacks 451 have at the end of their rod a shutter member 452 which can cooperate, in the extended position of the jacks, with the orifice 453 d 'a sleeve 454 associated with the sheath 411. Likewise, the rod of the jacks 461 carries a closure member 462, capable of cooperating, in the extended position, with the orifice 463 of a sleeve 464 associated with the ducts 422, and therefore to the second blowing means. The control will naturally be such that the movement of the rods of the jacks 451 and 461 is reversed, so as to distribute the forced air either to the pre-drying nozzles 412 or to the drying boxes 421.

As said above, the unitary object is rotated during the actual drying. It is then preferably held between a rotating turntable 433 and a coaxial upper centering head 435 previously lowered vertically to be in contact with the unitary object 10. In FIG. 11, there is thus distinguished a turntable 433 driven by a associated motor 434, said plate being vertically movable by means of an associated jack 432 whose rod acts directly on the plate 431 supporting the turntable and the associated motor. A stop means 437, preferably of the telescopic stop type 438, is further provided for stopping the unitary object conveyed 10 in such a way that its axis coincides substantially with the vertical axis of the turntable 433. Also distinguished on Figure 11 an upper centering head 435, coaxial with the turntable 433, said centering head being movable vertically by means of an associated jack 436 via the rod thereof 439. In practice, we will begin by lowering the upper centering head 435 on the object unitary 10 before the latter rests on the rotary turntable 433, after which said head and said plate will be raised in synchronism until the unitary object is correctly positioned relative to the second blowing means 420, can then direct flat and inclined air knives acting optimally to dry the unit object perfectly.

The sections in FIGS. 12, 14, 15 make it possible to distinguish other structural members which will be quickly described, given that these members constitute only secondary equipment of the drying module 400.

FIG. 12 firstly makes it possible to better distinguish the structure of the rotary drive and lifting means associated with the second blowing means 420: there is thus a fixed plate 484 secured to the lower frame 500 of the drying module, and comprising ball guide bushings 485 receiving rods 486 secured to a movable support plate 487 which supports the turntable 433 and its associated pneumatic drive motor 434. The body of the actuating cylinder 432, making it possible to raise the movable plate 433, is mounted on the fixed plate 484, while its rod is secured to the movable plate 487. It will be noted the presence of elements 488 in the upper part of the movable plate 433, these elements 488 preferably being magnetized studs ensuring maintenance unit object stable. The elements 489 and 490, parallel to the ground, correspond to rails serving as a guide for the conveyor chain, respectively rails to guide the lower strands 128 and upper 127. A connection can also be seen in the upper part of FIG. 12 distribution 440 to the blowing source via a central cone 480 to which the pipe 442 is connected. There is also an inlet tunnel 482 and an outlet tunnel 483 equipping the frame 401 of the drying module 400, as for the modules previously described. The sections of FIGS. 14 and 15 associated allow a perfect understanding of these different organs. Finally, there is an additional mechanism for stopping objects, upstream of the entry tunnel 482, according to a stop foot 491 carrying a jack 492 whose rod ends in a shoe 493. In correspondence, there are, fixed on the lower part of the frame 500, a stop 495 equipped with a friction pad 496. Finally, there is the door 497 of the frame 401 of the drying module, articulated around its hinge 498 ° door which allows easy access to the various organs which are housed inside said frame. It should be noted that such an additional arrangement for stopping objects may advantageously be provided upstream of at least some of the other aforementioned modules.

FIG. 16 also makes it possible to distinguish a certain number of sensors similar to those previously described: there is thus a plurality of sensors 470 arranged at the level of the line of travel of the unitary objects, as well as a sensor 471 associated with the vertical movement of the plate 431 supporting the turntable 433 and its associated motor 434, other sensors not shown which can also be advantageously provided in association with different members adjustable in position (in particular the centering head 435, as well as the pre-drying nozzles 412 and drying 421).

The operating cycle of the drying module 400 will take place as follows:
. starting the ventilation, and admitting a unitary object into the drying module to its standby position against the stop means 413;
. pre-drying of the unitary object being transferred through the slot 413 ′ of the pre-drying nozzles 412;
. further transfer into the drying module of the unit object, until the vertical axis of the latter substantially coincides with that of the turntable 433, with the help of the stop means 437;
. lowering of the pre-centering head 435 via the associated jack 436 until it contacts the upper part of the unitary object, and opening of the drying nozzles 421 (which involves closing the pre-drying nozzles 412 );
. raising the turntable 433, in synchronism with the centering and holding head 435, which has the effect of rotating the unitary object around its axis, to the position provided for carrying out the actual drying;
drying the unitary object through the slots 425, 426 of the drying nozzles 421;
. stopping the rotation of the unitary object, then lowering the turntable 433 until the unitary object again rests on the conveying means 1, which makes it possible to evacuate said object towards the outlet of the installation .

The process and the device for implementation which have just been described allow maximum cleaning efficiency, thanks to:
. a homogeneous and perfectly regular automatic spraying on the walls of the object, with constant spraying, spraying and blowing speeds and distances relative to the walls (which was not possible in known installations);
. a chemical action of the detergent agent during transfer, the action time of which can be defined as a function of the distance between modules and of the speed of the conveying means;
. an effective mechanical action obtained by the brushes of shape adapted to the profile of the unitary object and rotating around a vertical axis on said object kept fixed;
. very effective rinsing by spraying water under high pressure from an automatic rotary device on the unitary object kept fixed;
. advanced drying carried out by air knives blowing at an optimal distance from the walls of the unitary object.

Among the many advantages, we note the ease of installation, the possible combination of different modules, the small sizing of the installation, the ease of intervention, the low consumption of water and energy (one liter of water per LPG bottle appears sufficient), this water can also be discharged into the wastewater network after decantation).

The invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described, but on the contrary encompasses any variant incorporating, with equivalent means, the essential characteristics appearing in the claims.

Claims (49)

1. A method of washing the external surface of cylindrical objects, in particular bottles of liquefied petroleum gas or LPG, conveyed in continuous scrolling by means of conveying means on which said objects are arranged so that their axis is essentially vertical, characterized in that it comprises the following successive stages:
. a detergent is sprayed in a spraying station (I) on a unitary object (10), by actuating a rotary spraying means (102), said object being kept fixed in a position such that its vertical axis substantially coincides with the axis (103) of said spraying means;
. the unitary object (10) is transferred to the open air via the conveying means (1) to a rinsing station (III), the duration of the transfer being at least equal to the duration of action chemical detergent spray;
. the unitary object (10) is rinsed at the rinsing station (III) by spraying water under high pressure, by actuating a rotary spraying means (302), said object being again held fixed in a position such that its vertical axis substantially coincides with the axis (303) of said spraying means. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the unitary object (10) is transferred, downstream of the spraying station (I) and upstream of the rinsing station (III), to a brushing station (II ) provided upstream of the rinsing station (III), where a rotary brushing means (202) is actuated, said object being kept fixed in a position such that its vertical axis coincides substantially with the axis (203) of said brushing means , the transfer of the unitary object (10) upstream and downstream of the brushing station (II) taking place in the open air. 3. Method according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the unitary object (10) is transferred, downstream of the rinsing station (III), to a drying station (IV) by blowing pressurized air, the object (10) being rotated about its vertical axis kept fixed in front of blowing means (410, 420) arranged laterally to eliminate the residual water on the walls of said object, the transfer of the unitary object (10 ) upstream and downstream of the drying station (IV) in the open air. 4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the spraying of the detergent agent on the unit object (10) located at the spraying station (I) is carried out by rotating the rotary spraying means at constant speed (102). 5. Method according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the spraying of the detergent agent on the unitary object (10) is carried out by rotating the rotary spraying means (102) over one complete revolution, the direction of rotation reversing for the next unit object. 6. Method according to one of claims 1, 4 and 5, characterized in that the spraying of the detergent agent on the unit object (10) is carried out at low pressure, in particular under a pressure of the order from 3,000 to 4,000 HPa. 7. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the brushing of the unitary object (10) located at the brushing station (II) is carried out by rotating the rotary brushing means (202) previously lowered vertically to be in contact with said object. 8. Method according to claim 2 or 7, characterized in that the brushing of the unitary object (10) is carried out with simultaneous injection of water, at low pressure, into the rotary brushing means (202). 9. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the spraying of water under high pressure on the unit object (10) located at the rinsing station (III) is carried out by rotating the means d at constant speed. '' rotating spray (302). 10. Method according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that the spraying of water on the unitary object (10) is carried out by flat jets, under a pressure at least equal to 100,000 HPa, and preferably close of 130,000 HPa. 11. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the drying of the unitary object (10) by blowing air located at the drying station (IV) is carried out in two stages, with a pre-drying of the upper part of said object being transferred, followed by proper drying during which the unitary object (10) is rotated about its axis by associated means (430). 12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the unitary object (10) is maintained, during the actual drying, between a rotary drive plate (433) and an upper centering head (435) coaxial beforehand lowered vertically to be in contact with said object. 13. The method of claim 12, characterized in that the upper centering head (435) is lowered on the unit object (10) before it rests on the turntable drive (433), after whereby said head and said plate are raised in synchronism. 14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the two unitary objects (10) can be simultaneously at the drying station (IV), the upstream object being awaiting transfer for a pre- drying and the downstream object undergoing proper drying. 15. The method of claim 14, characterized in that the air blowing is carried out alternately on one or the other unitary object (10), using blowing means (410, 420) actuated by permanently to carry out either pre-drying or actual drying. 16. Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the air blowing is carried out, during the actual drying, by flat and inclined air knives. 17. Device for implementing the washing method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, in addition to conveying means (1) on which the cylindrical objects concerned (10) are arranged:
. a spraying module (100) constituted by a casing (101) which crosses the line of travel of the objects (10), and in which are arranged a rotary spraying means (102), able to rotate around a vertical axis (103 ) for spraying a detergent agent on the unit object (10) inside said casing, and stop means (104) for stopping a unit object conveyed (10) so that its axis substantially coincides with said vertical axis ;
. a rinsing module (300), independent of the spraying module (100) and disposed downstream thereof, said rinsing module being constituted by a casing (301) which crosses the line of travel of the objects, and in which are arranged a rotary spraying means (302), which can rotate about a vertical axis (303) to project water under high pressure onto the unitary object (10) inside said casing, and a stop means ( 304) making it possible to stop a conveyed unitary object (10) so that its axis substantially coincides with said vertical axis. 18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises, between the spraying module (100) and the rinsing module (300), an independent brushing module (200), constituted by a housing ( 201) which crosses the line of travel of the objects, and in which are arranged a rotary brushing means (202), which can rotate about a vertical axis (203) to brush the unitary object (10) inside said casing, and stop means (204) for stopping a conveyed unit object (10) so that its axis substantially coincides with said vertical axis. 19. Device according to one of claims 17 and 18, characterized in that it further comprises, downstream of the rinsing module (300), an independent drying module (400), constituted by a casing (401) that crosses the line of travel of the objects, and in which are arranged fixed blowing means (410, 420), and a rotary drive means (430) capable of rotating the unitary object (10) inside said casing in front said blowing means for removing residual water from its walls, the vertical axis of said object remaining fixed during this rotation. 20. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the rotary spraying means (102) essentially consists of a horizontal support (105) driven in rotation, and at least one spray gun (106) suspended in door-to- -false said support. 21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the horizontal support (105) is driven by a rotary actuator (110) whose rack-and-pinion piston (111) is coupled to a vertical shaft (107) integral with said support, the stroke of said rack piston corresponding to one complete revolution for the rotation of the horizontal support (105). 22. Device according to one of claims 20 and 21, characterized in that a spray gun (106) is suspended at each end of the horizontal support (105), with different vertical positions for said spray guns. 23. Device according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the inclination and / or the position of the spray gun (s) (106) is adjustable, to adapt to the type of cylindrical object concerned. 24. Device according to one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the spray gun (s) (106) are supplied by means external to the frame (101) of the spray module (100), and comprising a tank detergent agent (116) and a dispensing pump (118). 25. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the stop means (104) consists essentially of telescopic fingers (123) controlled by cylinder (124), and preferably a set of two fingers (123, 123 ) arranged horizontally downstream of the vertical axis of rotation (103) of the rotary spraying means (102) and in directions substantially intersecting with said vertical axis. 26. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the frame (101) of the spray module (100) comprises an inlet tunnel (120) and an outlet tunnel (121), stop means (104 ), preferably of the type with telescopic fingers, being further provided at said entry tunnel. 27. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the rotary brushing means (202) essentially consists of a horizontal support (205) driven in rotation by an associated motor (206), and at least one brush element ( 207) suspended in cantilever from this support, said support being vertically movable to bring said brush element into contact with the unitary object concerned (10). 28. Device according to claim 27, characterized in that the horizontal support (205) has the form of a cross supporting four brush elements (207). 29. Device according to one of claims 27 and 28, characterized in that the brush elements (207) have the shape of a brush sector, the conformation of which is adapted to the shape of the upper part of the unit object concerned (10). 30. Device according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the horizontal support (205) is suspended from a plate (208) carrying a rotary drive motor (206) and connected to the frame (201) of the brushing module (200) via a positional cylinder (212). 31. Device according to claim 30, characterized in that the plate (208) supports a rotary joint (214) connected to a source of water at low pressure, and to at least one of the brush elements (207) for simultaneous water injection. 32. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the stop means (204) consists essentially of telescopic fingers controlled by a jack, and preferably a set of two fingers arranged horizontally downstream of the vertical axis of rotation (203) of the rotary brushing means (202) and in substantially intersecting directions with said vertical axis. 33. Device according to claim 32, characterized in that an additional holding means (221) is further provided, preferably according to a set of two opposite pads (222) each controlled by an associated jack (223), so to maintain in position the unit object concerned (10). 34. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the rotary spraying means (302) essentially consists of a horizontal support (305) driven in rotation by an associated motor (306), and at least one nozzle sprinkler (307) suspended cantilevered to said support. 35. Device according to claim 34, characterized in that at least one spray nozzle (307), and preferably two, is suspended at each end of the horizontal support (305), with different vertical positions for said nozzles . 36. Device according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that the inclination and / or the position of the spray nozzle (s) (307) are adjustable, to adapt to the type of cylindrical object concerned. 37. Device according to one of claims 34 to 36, characterized in that the spray nozzle (s) (307) are supplied by means external to the frame (301) of the rinsing module (300), and comprising a booster (316) delivering high pressure water. 38. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the stop means (304) consists essentially of telescopic fingers controlled by a jack, and preferably a set of two fingers arranged horizontally downstream of the vertical axis of rotation (303) of the rotary spraying means (302) and in substantially intersecting directions with said vertical axis. 39. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the frame (301) of the spray module (300) comprises an inlet tunnel (317) and an outlet tunnel (318), stop means ( 326), preferably of the type with telescopic fingers, being further provided at said entry tunnel. 40. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the fixed blowing means comprise first blowing means (410) carrying out a pre-drying of the upper part of the object concerned (10) during transfer, and second blowing means (420), downstream of the first, performing an actual drying of the object (10) then driven in rotation about its axis. 41. Device according to claim 40, characterized in that the first blowing means (410) essentially consist of at least one pre-drying nozzle (412) connected to an air distribution unit (440). 42. Device according to claim 40, characterized in that the second blowing means (420) essentially consist of at least one drying nozzle (421) whose outlet orifice defines a thin layer of air, said nozzle being connected to an air distribution box (440). 43. Device according to claim 42, characterized in that the drying nozzle (s) (421) end in a box (423, 424) having at least one outlet slot (425, 426), preferably with a main slot (425) inclined relative to the vertical. 44. Device according to one of claims 41 to 43, characterized in that the pre-drying nozzle (s) (412) and / or drying (421) are adjustable vertically, preferably by means of associated jacks (415 ; 429). 45. Device according to claims 41 and 42, and one of claims 43 and 44, characterized in that the air distribution unit (440) is common to the first (410) and second (420) blowing means arranged at the top of the frame (401) of the drying module (400), and comprises shutter members (443; 452, 462) making it possible to direct the air coming from a blower (441) external to said frame either towards the pre-drying nozzles (412), or to the drying nozzles (421). 46. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the rotary drive means (430) essentially consists of a turntable (433) driven by an associated motor (434), said plate being vertically movable by means of 'an associated jack (432), a stop means (437), preferably of the type with telescopic stop, being further provided for stopping the unitary object conveyed (10) so that its axis substantially coincides with the vertical axis of said turntable. 47. Device according to claim 46, characterized in that it further comprises an upper centering head (435) coaxial with the turntable (433), said centering head being movable vertically by means of an associated jack (436 ). 48. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the frame (401) of the drying module (400) comprises an inlet tunnel (482) and an outlet tunnel (483), stop means (413 ), preferably of the type with telescopic fingers, being further provided at said entry tunnel. 49. Washing device as described and shown in FIGS. 2 to 16.

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