EP2221118B1 - Container cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Container cleaning apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2221118B1
EP2221118B1 EP10150845A EP10150845A EP2221118B1 EP 2221118 B1 EP2221118 B1 EP 2221118B1 EP 10150845 A EP10150845 A EP 10150845A EP 10150845 A EP10150845 A EP 10150845A EP 2221118 B1 EP2221118 B1 EP 2221118B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning
station
containers
cleaning station
water
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EP10150845A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2221118A1 (en
Inventor
Frank Theising
Bernd Hansen
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Krones AG
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Krones AG
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    • 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 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
    • B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
    • B08B9/30—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking and having conveyors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for cleaning containers of the type explained in the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention finds particular application in the cleaning of bottles or other beverage containers prior to their filling with beverages.
  • the containers should be visually clean and shiny, on the other hand, the containers should be brought to a hygienically perfect condition before filling in order to avoid contamination of the beverage with microorganisms as far as possible.
  • the label or the like marking agent and the adhesives for their attachment must also be removed without residue.
  • This demanding cleaning process is carried out in a variety of cleaning stations, which must pass through the container in succession.
  • cleaning stations include, for example, Lauge awarenessen different design, and then rinsing treatments in which only water is used as a cleaning liquid.
  • the known construction has hitherto been used for rinsing the containers after they have undergone various lye treatments.
  • the principle of water recycling was both between a subsequent cold water catch basin and a previous hot water catch basin and between a subsequent hot water tank and a second previous Hot water tank used.
  • a disadvantage of this embodiment is the relatively low degree of dilution that the recycled water exerts on the more heavily polluted water supply in the collecting container of the previous cleaning station, since the recirculated water is always mixed with the entire volume of water of the previous cleaning station.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a device for cleaning containers, which offers a more effective use of the cleaning fluid used.
  • the object is achieved by the device described in claim 1 and by the method described in claim 8.
  • This particularly relates to cleaning stations, which have a collecting container for used cleaning liquid from which the cleaning liquid for spraying the container is removed continuously and in which the cleaning liquid is collected again after the spraying.
  • These collecting containers have a relatively large receiving volume, so that the proportion of the diluting, clean cleaning liquid from the subsequent cleaning process with respect to the volume fraction of the cleaning liquid circulated in the previous cleaning process is increased particularly strongly during the inventive return to the supply line.
  • the return line preferably opens via an overflow, which unfolds a collecting effect.
  • the return line leading to the pump ensures uniform mixing.
  • a filter ensures that coarse dirt can be filtered out of the collecting container.
  • the supply of fresh water to replace the carried by the container from the cleaning equipment detergent or other losses is preferably carried out again on the return of already used cleaning liquid from the last rinse.
  • the invention is applicable in any cleaning system in which a plurality of cleaning stations are provided, which use the same type of cleaning liquid.
  • the Fig. 1 shows section of a device 1 for cleaning containers 2.
  • the container 2 can be of various types, but are preferably beverage containers and in particular beverage bottles.
  • the device 1 can be designed as a single-end or double-end cleaning machine and is connected in the illustrated embodiment of a filling machine for filling the container 2 with beverage, but can be used wherever containers must be cleaned very clean and / or hygienic.
  • the containers 2 are arranged on one of the conventional conveying devices 3, the conveying device 3 transporting the containers 2 through the device 1 in the conveying direction F, preferably continuously.
  • a plurality of cleaning stations 4 are provided, which are passed through by the containers 2 in the conveying direction F successively for a cleaning treatment. Shown is a first cleaning station 4.1, a second cleaning station 4.2, a third cleaning station 4.3, a fourth cleaning station 4.4 and a fifth cleaning station 4.5; However, the number of cleaning stations is arbitrary and can be turned off to the desired cleaning result.
  • the containers 2 are treated with a cleaning liquid.
  • the section of the cleaning device 1 shown in FIG In the area of the first cleaning station 4.1 a treatment of the container 2 with washing liquor and in the cleaning stations 4.2 to 4.5, a treatment of the container 2 with the same type of cleaning liquid, here for example a rinsing device for rinsing the container 2 with water. It can be rinsed in the second cleaning station 4.2 with hot water at a first temperature in the third cleaning station 4.3 with hot water at a second, lower temperature in the fourth cleaning station 4.3 with cold water and in the fifth cleaning station 4.5 with fresh water.
  • the invention is not only used for rinsing containers 2 with water but everywhere where multiple rinses are to be performed with a cleaning liquid of the same kind.
  • the first four cleaning stations 4.1 to 4.4 each contain a collecting container 5.1 to 5.4, which are arranged below the conveyor 3. Each cleaning station further contains an injection device 6.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 and 7.5 supplied with cleaning agent by a supply line 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 for tapping the containers 2.
  • the injection device 7.1 to 7.5 may have any suitable configuration and contains in the illustrated embodiment in the cleaning stations 4.1 to 4.4 each an upper nozzle or nozzle group 8, the cleaning liquid from above or in the container 2, and a lower nozzle or nozzle group 9, the Cleaning liquid from below or into the container 2 injected, as z. B. in the EP 1 144 016 is described.
  • Each of the supply lines 6.1 to 6.4 contains a pump 10.1 to 10.4 and a pump upstream filter 11.1 to 11.4. Pump 10 and filter 11 are conventional.
  • the final cleaning station 4.5 in the conveying direction F serves for rinsing with fresh cleaning agent, in particular fresh water, and contains only the lower nozzle or nozzle group 9, but can be provided with upper and lower nozzles analogously to the other injection devices.
  • the last cleaning station 4.5 does not contain a catch tank but a gutter or catch plate 13 which is inclined to collect the collected cleaning liquid.
  • the last in the conveying direction F cleaning station 4.5 in turn has a supply line 6.5, which is connected to a fresh water source and to an injection device 7.5 leads, which contains only the lower nozzle or the lower nozzle group 9 in the illustrated embodiment.
  • cleaning liquid is gradually returned from downstream cleaning stations to upstream cleaning stations, in which use of the fresh cleaning agent is expedient and necessary in order, for.
  • a return device 12 cleaning liquid is gradually returned from downstream cleaning stations to upstream cleaning stations, in which use of the fresh cleaning agent is expedient and necessary in order, for.
  • the fresh cleaning agent is expedient and necessary in order, for.
  • these are the fourth, with cold water, and the third and the second cleaning station, both of which work with hot water.
  • the return device 12 contains in each case a return line 12.1, 12.2 and 12.3, wherein the return line 12.1 is a flow connection between the fifth and the fourth cleaning station 4.5 and 4.4, the return line 12.2 a connection between the fourth cleaning station and the third cleaning station 4.3 and the return line 12.3 a flow connection between the third cleaning station 4.3 and the second cleaning station 4.2 creates.
  • the return line 12.1 is arranged with its orifice 14.1 at or in the vicinity of the lowest point of the channel 13, while the orifices 14.2, 14.3 of the return lines 12.2, and 12.3 arranged in the associated collecting container 5.4 and 5.3 and are designed as an overflow, the same time Level of the respective collection container 5.3 or 5.4 determined.
  • the mouth opening 14.1 of the return line 12.1 is arranged in the collecting container 5.4 of the fourth cleaning station 4.4 and the mouth opening 14.2 of the return line 12.2 in the collecting container 5.3 of the third cleaning station 4.3.
  • the return lines 12.1 to 12.3 open with their other ends in the supply line 6.4, 6.3, 6.2 of the previous cleaning station 4.4, 4.3, 4.2.
  • the return line 12.1 connects the channel 13 of the fresh water station with the collecting container 5.4 of the fourth cleaning station, the cold water station, the return line 12.2 the collecting container 5.4 with the supply line 6.3 of the third cleaning station 4.3, the second hot water station, and the return line 12.3 the collecting container 5.3 with the supply line 6.2 of the second cleaning station 4.2.
  • the integration of the return lines 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 in the supply lines 6.4, 6.3, 6.2 respectively upstream of the pump 10 and the filter 11th
  • Return lines of the type described can also be provided between the second collecting container 5.2 or the first collecting container 4.1 and further upstream collecting containers, provided that they work with the same cleaning agent or if mixing of the cleaning agents of the different cleaning stations does not bother. Furthermore, only selected cleaning stations from a group of working with detergent of the same kind stations can be connected to a return line
  • connected to the overflow 14.3 line 15 leads either in a disposal facility or for further use of the withdrawn detergent, for example, to exploit the heat content of the cleaning liquid from the second cleaning station 4.3 or the like.
  • the collecting container 5.1 of the first cleaning station 4.1 is provided with an overflow 14.5, which is connected to a line 16 through which the liquor located in the collecting container 5.4 (in the illustrated embodiment) either deducted for disposal or, analogously to the above Return device in the rinsing area, is used again in a previous cleaning step.
  • the containers 2 are passed through the device 1, so that they first enter the first cleaning station 4.1 and are treated there with cleaning liquid from the collecting container 5.1. Then, the containers gradually pass through the second, third and fourth cleaning stations 4.2 to 4.4, in which they are each treated with the cleaning agent from the associated collecting container 5.2 to 5.4, respectively via the associated supply line 6.2 to 6.4 of the associated sprayer 7.2 to 7.4 (effected by the pumps 10.2 to 10.4) is supplied. Subsequently, the containers 2 reach the cleaning station 4.5 in the illustrated embodiment, in which they are rinsed clean with a surge of freshly supplied detergent, in the illustrated embodiment with a fresh water surge on the supply line 6.5 and the nozzle 9.
  • the here again dripping from the containers 2 detergent passes through the channel 13, the mouth 14.1 and the return line 12.1 in the supply line 6.4 of the previous cleaning station 4.4 and thinned there by the pump 10.4 extracted from the collecting container 5.4 detergent.
  • the cleaning agent passes over the container 2 and drips again into the collecting container 5.4. If the level in the collecting vessel 5.4 of the fourth cleaning station 4.4 rises to overflow 14.2, then the cleaning agent is returned from the collecting vessel 5.4 via the return line 12.2 into the supply line 6.3 of the previous cleaning station 4.3 and arrives there in the detergent stream passing through the pump 10.3 the collecting container 5.3 of the third cleaning station 14.3 is sucked off.
  • the diluted detergent in this way then passes into the sprayer 7.3 and is passed over the container 2. Subsequently, the cleaning liquid drips back into the collecting container 5.3.
  • the cleaning agent passes from the collecting container 5.3 in the return line 12.3 and is fed by this in the supply line 6.2 of the second, previous cleaning station 4.2, where it passes into the detergent stream, by the pump 10.2 from the Collecting container 5.2 of the second cleaning station 14.2 is sucked off and then into the sprayer 7.2 and is passed through the container 2. Then the cleaning liquid drips back into the collecting container 5.2. If the level in the second collecting container 4.2 is exceeded, cleaning agent can be removed via the overflow 14.4 and the line 15.
  • the volume of the supply line 6 is substantially smaller than the volume of the associated collection container 5, a much more effective mixing or dilution with a higher ratio factor can take place through the here recirculating return line, as would be the case, for example, if an overflow between the collection containers with each other would exist. Since normally the cleaning agent from the subsequent cleaning stage is not so heavily polluted or so heavily loaded with the cleaning liquor as the cleaning agent from the previous cleaning station, the recirculation via the recirculation line will result in an improvement, i. Dilution that reaches the cleaning fluid of the previous cleaning stage.
  • a direct overflow 17 between suitable cleaning stations 4 are provided, but preferably only become effective when the return line is overwhelmed and there is a risk of leakage.
  • a safety overflow 17.1, 17.2, 17.3 can z. B. between the channel 13 and the fourth collecting container 5.4 and between the collecting containers 5.4 and 5.3, and 5.3 and 5.2 are provided.
  • the invention can also be used in other cleaning devices in which cleaning liquid should be optimally utilized.
  • other nozzle arrangements or other nozzle combinations or other constructions of injection devices may be provided.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)

Abstract

The device (1) has a spraying device (7) for cleaning agent i.e. fresh water, and a conveying device (3) for conveying a container (2) in a predetermined conveying direction (F) through a set of cleaning stations (4) arranged in series. Each cleaning station includes a supply line (6) for supplying the cleaning agent to the spraying device. A return device (12) transfers the used agent from the cleaning station succeeding in the conveying direction into a preceding cleaning station. The return device includes return lines (12.1-12.3) terminating in the supply line for the spraying device.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Vorrichtung zum Reinigen von Behältern der im Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1 erläuterten Art.The invention relates to a device for cleaning containers of the type explained in the preamble of claim 1.

Die Erfindung findet besondere Anwendung bei der Reinigung von Flaschen oder anderen Getränkebehältern vor ihrer Befüllung mit Getränken. An den Reinigungsprozess für derartige Behälter werden hohe Anforderungen gestellt. Zum einen sollten die Behälter optisch sauber und glänzend sein, zum anderen sollten die Behälter vor der Befüllung in einen hygienisch einwandfreien Zustand gebracht werden, um eine Kontamination des Getränkes mit Mikroorganismen so weit wie möglich zu vermeiden. Beim Einsatz von Mehrwegbehältern muss weiterhin das Etikett oder dergleichen Kennzeichnungsmittel und die Klebstoffe zu ihrer Befestigung rückstandsfrei entfernt werden. Dieser anspruchsvolle Reinigungsprozess wird in einer Vielzahl von Reinigungsstationen durchgeführt, die der Behälter nacheinander durchlaufen muss. Derartige Reinigungsstationen enthalten beispielsweise Laugebehandlungen unterschiedlicher Ausgestaltung, und anschließend Spülbehandlungen, in denen lediglich Wasser als Reinigungsflüssigkeit verwendet wird. Üblicherweise wird zunächst mit warmem und anschließend mit kaltem Wasser gespült, wobei sich am Schluss noch eine Frischwasserspülung anschließt, die auch die letzten Verunreinigungen entfernt und den Behälter ggf. kühlt. Dementsprechend groß ist der Verbrauch an Reinigungsflüssigkeit, insbesondere der Wasserverbrauch, und Energie. Es hat deshalb nicht an Versuchen gefehlt, diese Ressourcen einzusparen. So hat man bisher das in Auffangbehältern aufgefangene Wasser der letzten Reinigungsstufe(n) kaskadenartig über ein Überlaufblech in Auffangbehälter vorangegangener Reinigungsstationen rückgeführt, so dass das relativ gering verschmutzte Wasser aus den letzten Reinigungsstationen die Reinigungsflüssigkeiten in den stromaufwärts liegenden Reinigungsstationen verdünnt. Auf diese Weise wird das relativ gesehen saubere Reinigungsmittel einer nachfolgenden Reinigungsstation nochmals in einer vorangegangenen Reinigungsstation verwendet, wo es eine weitere Schmutzfracht (Lauge) aufnehmen kann. Die bekannte Konstruktion wurde bisher für ein Spülen der Behälter eingesetzt, nachdem sie diverse Laugenbehandlungen durchlaufen haben. Das Prinzip der Wasserrückführung wurde sowohl zwischen einem nachfolgenden Kaltwasser-Auffangbecken und einem vorangegangenen Warmwasser-Auffangbecken als auch zwischen einem nachfolgenden Warmwasserbecken und einem zweiten vorangegangenen Warmwasserbecken eingesetzt. Nachteilig an dieser Ausgestaltung ist der relativ geringe Verdünnungsgrad, den das rückgeführte Wasser auf den stärker schmutzbefrachteten Wasservorrat im Auffangbehälter der vorangegangenen Reinigungsstation ausübt, da das rückgeführte Wasser immer mit dem gesamten Wasservolumen der vorangegangenen Reinigungsstation vermischt wird.The invention finds particular application in the cleaning of bottles or other beverage containers prior to their filling with beverages. At the cleaning process for such containers high demands are made. On the one hand, the containers should be visually clean and shiny, on the other hand, the containers should be brought to a hygienically perfect condition before filling in order to avoid contamination of the beverage with microorganisms as far as possible. When reusable containers are used, the label or the like marking agent and the adhesives for their attachment must also be removed without residue. This demanding cleaning process is carried out in a variety of cleaning stations, which must pass through the container in succession. Such cleaning stations include, for example, Laugebehandlungen different design, and then rinsing treatments in which only water is used as a cleaning liquid. Usually, first with warm and then rinsed with cold water, which is followed by a fresh water flush, which also removes the last impurities and possibly cools the container. Accordingly, the consumption of cleaning liquid, in particular water consumption, and energy is correspondingly high. There has been no lack of attempts to save these resources. So far, the trapped in collecting containers water of the last purification stage (s) has been cascaded over an overflow plate in collection container preceding cleaning stations, so that the relatively low polluted water from the last cleaning stations dilutes the cleaning liquids in the upstream cleaning stations. In this way, the relatively clean cleaner of a subsequent cleaning station is used again in a previous cleaning station, where it can accommodate a further pollution load (liquor). The known construction has hitherto been used for rinsing the containers after they have undergone various lye treatments. The principle of water recycling was both between a subsequent cold water catch basin and a previous hot water catch basin and between a subsequent hot water tank and a second previous Hot water tank used. A disadvantage of this embodiment is the relatively low degree of dilution that the recycled water exerts on the more heavily polluted water supply in the collecting container of the previous cleaning station, since the recirculated water is always mixed with the entire volume of water of the previous cleaning station.

Eine derart bekannte Vorrichtung ist in der DE-A-4105139 offenbart.Such a known device is in the DE-A-4105139 disclosed.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung zum Reinigen von Behältern bereitzustellen, die eine effektivere Ausnutzung der eingesetzten Reinigungsflüssigkeit bietet.The invention has for its object to provide a device for cleaning containers, which offers a more effective use of the cleaning fluid used.

Die Aufgabe wird durch die im Anspruch 1 beschriebene Vorrichtung und durch das im Anspruch 8 beschriebene Verfahren gelöst.The object is achieved by the device described in claim 1 and by the method described in claim 8.

Die erfindungsgemäße Rückführung der "saubereren" Reinigungsflüssigkeit eines nachfolgenden Reinigungsvorgangs direkt in die Zufuhrleitung zum Spritzen der Behälter in einem vorherigen Reinigungsvorgang führt zu einem wesentlich stärkeren Verdünnungsgrad der Reinigungsflüssigkeit, da die Volumenmengen in der Zufuhrleitung wesentlich geringer sind als es der gesamten im Umlauf befindlichen Menge an Reinigungsflüssigkeit in dieser Reinigungsstation entspricht; d. h. die zum Abspritzen der Behälter verwendete Reinigungsflüssigkeit im vorangegangenen Reinigungsprozess ist immer "sauberer" als die in dieser Reinigungsstation umgewälzte Reinigungsflüssigkeit. Dadurch kann z. B. die aus einer vorangegangenen Laugebehandlung verbliebene Alkalität besser abgebaut und die Behälter nach einer Warmwasserbehandlung effektiver gekühlt werden.The recycling of the "cleaner" cleaning liquid of a subsequent cleaning process according to the invention directly into the supply line for spraying the containers in a previous cleaning process leads to a much greater degree of dilution of the cleaning liquid, since the volumes in the supply line are substantially less than the total amount circulating Cleaning fluid in this cleaning station corresponds; d. H. the cleaning liquid used for spraying the containers in the previous cleaning process is always "cleaner" than the cleaning liquid circulated in this cleaning station. As a result, z. B. the remaining from a previous leaching treatment alkalinity degraded better and the containers are cooled more effectively after a hot water treatment.

Dies betrifft besonders Reinigungsstationen, die einen Auffangbehälter für benutzte Reinigungsflüssigkeit aufweisen, aus der die Reinigungsflüssigkeit zum Abspritzen der Behälter kontinuierlich entnommen wird und in der die Reinigungsflüssigkeit nach dem Abspritzen wieder gesammelt wird. Diese Auffangbehälter haben ein relativ großes Aufnahmevolumen, so dass sich bei der erfindungsgemäßen Rückführung in die Zufuhrleitung der prozentuale Anteil der verdünnenden, sauberen Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem nachfolgenden Reinigungsprozess in Bezug auf den Volumenanteil der im vorherigen Reinigungsprozess umgewälzten Reinigungsflüssigkeit besonders stark erhöht.This particularly relates to cleaning stations, which have a collecting container for used cleaning liquid from which the cleaning liquid for spraying the container is removed continuously and in which the cleaning liquid is collected again after the spraying. These collecting containers have a relatively large receiving volume, so that the proportion of the diluting, clean cleaning liquid from the subsequent cleaning process with respect to the volume fraction of the cleaning liquid circulated in the previous cleaning process is increased particularly strongly during the inventive return to the supply line.

Die Rückführleitung mündet bevorzugt über einen Überlauf, der eine Sammelwirkung entfaltet.The return line preferably opens via an overflow, which unfolds a collecting effect.

Durch die stromaufwärts der Pumpe einmündende Rückführleitung wird eine gleichmäßige Vermischung sichergestellt.The return line leading to the pump ensures uniform mixing.

Ein Filter stellt sicher, dass Grobschmutz aus dem Auffangbehälter abgefiltert werden kann.A filter ensures that coarse dirt can be filtered out of the collecting container.

Die Zufuhr von Frischwasser zum Ersatz des durch die Behälter aus der Reinigungsanlage geschleppten Reinigungsmittelanteils bzw. sonstiger Verluste erfolgt bevorzugt wiederum über die Rückführung von bereits benutzter Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem letzten Spülgang.The supply of fresh water to replace the carried by the container from the cleaning equipment detergent or other losses is preferably carried out again on the return of already used cleaning liquid from the last rinse.

Die Erfindung ist in jedem Reinigungssystem anwendbar, bei dem mehrere Reinigungsstationen vorgesehen sind, die die gleiche Art von Reinigungsflüssigkeit einsetzen.The invention is applicable in any cleaning system in which a plurality of cleaning stations are provided, which use the same type of cleaning liquid.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der einzigen Zeichnung näher erläutert, die in stark schematisierter Darstellung ein Schema der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zeigt.An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the single drawing, which shows in a highly schematic representation of a scheme of the device according to the invention.

Die Fig. 1 zeigt Ausschnitt einer Vorrichtung 1 zum Reinigen von Behältern 2. Die Behälter 2 können unterschiedlichster Art sein, sind jedoch bevorzugt Getränkebehälter und insbesondere Getränkeflaschen. Die Vorrichtung 1 kann als Einend- oder Doppelend-Reinigungsmaschine ausgebildet sein und ist im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel einer Befüllmaschine zum Befüllen der Behälter 2 mit Getränk vorgeschaltet, kann jedoch überall dort eingesetzt werden, wo Behälter besonders sauber und/oder hygienisch einwandfrei gereinigt werden müssen.The Fig. 1 shows section of a device 1 for cleaning containers 2. The container 2 can be of various types, but are preferably beverage containers and in particular beverage bottles. The device 1 can be designed as a single-end or double-end cleaning machine and is connected in the illustrated embodiment of a filling machine for filling the container 2 with beverage, but can be used wherever containers must be cleaned very clean and / or hygienic.

Die Behälter 2 sind auf einer der üblichen Fördereinrichtungen 3 angeordnet, wobei die Fördereinrichtung 3 die Behälter 2 in Förderrichtung F, bevorzugt kontinuierlich, durch die Vorrichtung 1 transportiert.The containers 2 are arranged on one of the conventional conveying devices 3, the conveying device 3 transporting the containers 2 through the device 1 in the conveying direction F, preferably continuously.

In der Vorrichtung 1 sind eine Vielzahl von Reinigungsstationen 4 vorgesehen, die von den Behältern 2 in Förderrichtung F nacheinander für eine Reinigungsbehandlung durchlaufen werden. Dargestellt ist eine erste Reinigungsstation 4.1, eine zweite Reinigungsstation 4.2, eine dritte Reinigungsstation 4.3, eine vierte Reinigungsstation 4.4 und eine fünfte Reinigungsstation 4.5; die Anzahl der Reinigungsstationen ist jedoch beliebig und kann auf das gewünschte Reinigungsergebnis abgestellt werden.In the device 1, a plurality of cleaning stations 4 are provided, which are passed through by the containers 2 in the conveying direction F successively for a cleaning treatment. Shown is a first cleaning station 4.1, a second cleaning station 4.2, a third cleaning station 4.3, a fourth cleaning station 4.4 and a fifth cleaning station 4.5; However, the number of cleaning stations is arbitrary and can be turned off to the desired cleaning result.

In jeder der hier dargestellten Reinigungsstationen 4 werden die Behälter 2 mit einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit behandelt. Der dargestellte Ausschnitt der Reinigungsvorrichtung 1 zeigt im Bereich der ersten Reinigungsstation 4.1 eine Behandlung der Behälter 2 mit Nachlauge und in den Reinigungsstationen 4.2 bis 4.5 eine Behandlung der Behälter 2 mit der gleichen Art einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit, hier beispielsweise eine Spüleinrichtung zum Spülen der Behälter 2 mit Wasser. Dabei kann in der zweiten Reinigungsstation 4.2 mit Warmwasser mit einer ersten Temperatur, in der dritten Reinigungsstation 4.3 mit Warmwasser mit einer zweiten, niedrigeren Temperatur, in der vierten Reinigungsstation 4.3 mit Kaltwasser und in der fünften Reinigungsstation 4.5 mit Frischwasser gespült werden.In each of the cleaning stations 4 shown here, the containers 2 are treated with a cleaning liquid. The section of the cleaning device 1 shown in FIG In the area of the first cleaning station 4.1 a treatment of the container 2 with washing liquor and in the cleaning stations 4.2 to 4.5, a treatment of the container 2 with the same type of cleaning liquid, here for example a rinsing device for rinsing the container 2 with water. It can be rinsed in the second cleaning station 4.2 with hot water at a first temperature in the third cleaning station 4.3 with hot water at a second, lower temperature in the fourth cleaning station 4.3 with cold water and in the fifth cleaning station 4.5 with fresh water.

Die Erfindung ist jedoch nicht nur zum Spülen von Behältern 2 mit Wasser sondern überall dort einsetzbar, wo mehrere Spülvorgänge mit einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit gleicher Art durchgeführt werden sollen.However, the invention is not only used for rinsing containers 2 with water but everywhere where multiple rinses are to be performed with a cleaning liquid of the same kind.

Die ersten vier Reinigungsstationen 4.1 bis 4.4 enthalten jeweils einen Auffangbehälter 5.1 bis 5.4, die unterhalb der Fördereinrichtung 3 angeordnet sind. Jede Reinigungsstation enthält weiterhin eine durch eine Zufuhrleitung 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 und 6.5 mit Reinigungsmittel versorgte Spritzeinrichtung 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 und 7.5 zum Abspitzen der Behälter 2. Dabei stehen die Zufuhrleitungen 6.1 bis 6.4 der Reinigungsstationen 4. 1 bis 4.4 mit den zugeordneten Auffangbehältern 5.1 bis 5.4 in Verbindung, wobei die Reinigungsflüssigkeit im Kreislauf aus dem jeweiligen Auffangbehälter 5.1 bis 5.4 zur Spritzeinrichtung 7.1 bis 7.4 der gleichen Reinigungsstation 4.1 bis 4.4 gefördert, über bzw. in die Behälter 2 geleitet und anschließend wieder aufgefangen wird. Die Spritzeinrichtung 7.1 bis 7.5 kann jede geeignete Ausgestaltung aufweisen und enthält im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel in den Reinigungsstationen 4.1 bis 4.4 jeweils eine obere Düse oder Düsengruppe 8, die Reinigungsflüssigkeit von oben an oder in den Behälter 2, und eine untere Düse bzw. Düsengruppe 9, die Reinigungsflüssigkeit von unten an oder in den Behälter 2 spritzt, wie dies z. B. in der EP 1 144 016 beschrieben ist. Jede der Zufuhrleitungen 6.1 bis 6.4 enthält eine Pumpe 10.1 bis 10.4 und einen der Pumpe vorgeschalteten Filter 11.1 bis 11.4. Pumpe 10 und Filter 11 sind herkömmlicher Art.The first four cleaning stations 4.1 to 4.4 each contain a collecting container 5.1 to 5.4, which are arranged below the conveyor 3. Each cleaning station further contains an injection device 6.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 and 7.5 supplied with cleaning agent by a supply line 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 for tapping the containers 2. The supply lines 6.1 to 6.4 of the cleaning stations 4. 1 to 4.4 with the associated collecting containers 5.1 to 5.4 in conjunction, wherein the cleaning liquid in the circulation from the respective collecting container 5.1 to 5.4 to the sprayer 7.1 to 7.4 the same cleaning station 4.1 to 4.4 promoted, passed over or into the container 2 and then collected again. The injection device 7.1 to 7.5 may have any suitable configuration and contains in the illustrated embodiment in the cleaning stations 4.1 to 4.4 each an upper nozzle or nozzle group 8, the cleaning liquid from above or in the container 2, and a lower nozzle or nozzle group 9, the Cleaning liquid from below or into the container 2 injected, as z. B. in the EP 1 144 016 is described. Each of the supply lines 6.1 to 6.4 contains a pump 10.1 to 10.4 and a pump upstream filter 11.1 to 11.4. Pump 10 and filter 11 are conventional.

Die in Förderrichtung F letzte Reinigungsstation 4.5 dient dem Klarspülen mit frischem Reinigungsmittel, insbesondere mit Frischwasser, und enthält lediglich die untere Düse oder Düsengruppe 9, kann jedoch analog der anderen Spritzeinrichtungen mit oberen und unteren Düsen versehen sein. Die letzte Reinigungsstation 4.5 enthält keinen Auffangbehälter sondern eine Rinne oder eine Auffangplatte 13, die zum Sammeln der aufgefangenen Reinigungsflüssigkeit geneigt ist. Die in Förderrichtung F letzte Reinigungsstation 4.5 weist wiederum eine Zufuhrleitung 6.5 auf, die mit einer Frischwasserquelle verbunden ist und zu einer Spritzeinrichtung 7.5 führt, die im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel lediglich die unteren Düsen oder die untere Düsengruppe 9 enthält.The final cleaning station 4.5 in the conveying direction F serves for rinsing with fresh cleaning agent, in particular fresh water, and contains only the lower nozzle or nozzle group 9, but can be provided with upper and lower nozzles analogously to the other injection devices. The last cleaning station 4.5 does not contain a catch tank but a gutter or catch plate 13 which is inclined to collect the collected cleaning liquid. The last in the conveying direction F cleaning station 4.5 in turn has a supply line 6.5, which is connected to a fresh water source and to an injection device 7.5 leads, which contains only the lower nozzle or the lower nozzle group 9 in the illustrated embodiment.

Über eine Rückführeinrichtung 12 wird nach und nach Reinigungsflüssigkeit von stromabwärts liegenden Reinigungsstationen in stromaufwärtige Reinigungsstationen rückgeführt, in denen eine Verwendung des frischen Reinigungsmittels zweckmäßig und geboten ist, um z. B., den pH Wert und/oder die Temperatur zu normalisieren (d.h. nach einer Lauge- und Warmwasserbehandlung den pH Wert und die Temperatur zu verringern) bzw. die Schmutzfracht zu verdünnen. Im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel sind dies die vierte, mit Kaltwasser, sowie die dritte und die zweite Reinigungsstation, die beide mit Warmwasser arbeiten.By means of a return device 12, cleaning liquid is gradually returned from downstream cleaning stations to upstream cleaning stations, in which use of the fresh cleaning agent is expedient and necessary in order, for. For example, to normalize the pH and / or temperature (i.e., to lower the pH and temperature after leaching and hot water treatment) or to dilute the contaminant load. In the illustrated embodiment, these are the fourth, with cold water, and the third and the second cleaning station, both of which work with hot water.

Die Rückführeinrichtung 12 enthält jeweils eine Rückführleitung 12.1, 12.2 und 12.3, wobei die Rückführleitung 12.1 eine Strömungsverbindung zwischen der fünften und der vierten Reinigungsstation 4.5 und 4.4, die Rückführleitung 12.2 eine Verbindung zwischen der vierten Reinigungsstation und der dritten Reinigungsstation 4.3 und die Rückführleitung 12.3 eine Strömungsverbindung zwischen der dritten Reinigungsstation 4.3 und der zweiten Reinigungsstation 4.2 schafft.The return device 12 contains in each case a return line 12.1, 12.2 and 12.3, wherein the return line 12.1 is a flow connection between the fifth and the fourth cleaning station 4.5 and 4.4, the return line 12.2 a connection between the fourth cleaning station and the third cleaning station 4.3 and the return line 12.3 a flow connection between the third cleaning station 4.3 and the second cleaning station 4.2 creates.

Die Rückführleitung 12.1 ist mit ihrer Mündungsöffnung 14.1 an oder in der Nähe des tiefsten Punktes der Rinne 13 angeordnet, während die Mündungen 14.2, 14.3 der Rückführleitungen 12.2, und 12.3 im zugeordneten Auffangbehälter 5.4 bzw. 5.3 angeordnet und als Überlauf ausgebildet sind, der gleichzeitig den Füllstand des jeweiligen Auffangbehälters 5.3 bzw. 5.4 bestimmt. Insbesondere ist die Mündungsöffnung 14.1 der Rückführleitung 12.1 im Auffangbehälter 5.4 der vierten Reinigungsstation 4.4 und die Mündungsöffnung 14.2 der Rückführleitung 12.2 im Auffangbehälter 5.3 der dritten Reinigungsstation 4.3 angeordnet.The return line 12.1 is arranged with its orifice 14.1 at or in the vicinity of the lowest point of the channel 13, while the orifices 14.2, 14.3 of the return lines 12.2, and 12.3 arranged in the associated collecting container 5.4 and 5.3 and are designed as an overflow, the same time Level of the respective collection container 5.3 or 5.4 determined. In particular, the mouth opening 14.1 of the return line 12.1 is arranged in the collecting container 5.4 of the fourth cleaning station 4.4 and the mouth opening 14.2 of the return line 12.2 in the collecting container 5.3 of the third cleaning station 4.3.

Die Rückführleitungen 12.1 bis 12.3 münden mit ihren anderen Enden in die Zufuhrleitung 6.4, 6.3, 6.2 der jeweils vorangegangenen Reinigungsstation 4.4, 4.3, 4.2. Insbesondere verbindet die Rückführleitung 12.1 die Rinne 13 der Frischwasserstation mit dem Auffangbehälter 5.4 der vierten Reinigungsstation, der Kaltwasserstation, die Rückführleitung 12.2 den Auffangbehälter 5.4 mit der Zufuhrleitung 6.3 der dritten Reinigungsstation 4.3, der zweiten Warmwasserstation, und die Rückführleitung 12.3 den Auffangbehälter 5.3 mit der Zufuhrleitung 6.2 der zweiten Reinigungsstation 4.2. Die Einbindung der Rückführleitungen 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 in die Zufuhrleitungen 6.4, 6.3, 6.2 erfolgt jeweils stromaufwärts der Pumpe 10 und des Filters 11.The return lines 12.1 to 12.3 open with their other ends in the supply line 6.4, 6.3, 6.2 of the previous cleaning station 4.4, 4.3, 4.2. In particular, the return line 12.1 connects the channel 13 of the fresh water station with the collecting container 5.4 of the fourth cleaning station, the cold water station, the return line 12.2 the collecting container 5.4 with the supply line 6.3 of the third cleaning station 4.3, the second hot water station, and the return line 12.3 the collecting container 5.3 with the supply line 6.2 of the second cleaning station 4.2. The integration of the return lines 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 in the supply lines 6.4, 6.3, 6.2 respectively upstream of the pump 10 and the filter 11th

Rückführleitungen der beschriebenen Art können auch zwischen dem zweiten Auffangbehälter 5.2 bzw. dem ersten Auffangbehälter 4.1 und weiter stromaufwärts liegenden Auffangbehältern vorgesehen sein, sofern diese mit dem gleichen Reinigungsmittel arbeiten bzw. sofern eine Vermischung der Reinigungsmittel der unterschiedlichen Reinigungsstationen nicht stört. Weiterhin können auch nur ausgewählte Reinigungsstationen aus einer Gruppe von mit Reinigungsmittel gleicher Art arbeitenden Stationen mit einer Rückführleitung verbunden werdenReturn lines of the type described can also be provided between the second collecting container 5.2 or the first collecting container 4.1 and further upstream collecting containers, provided that they work with the same cleaning agent or if mixing of the cleaning agents of the different cleaning stations does not bother. Furthermore, only selected cleaning stations from a group of working with detergent of the same kind stations can be connected to a return line

Im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel endet die Rückführung an der zweiten Reinigungsstation 4.2, wobei die zweite Reinigungsstation 4.2 allerdings ebenfalls mit einem Überlauf 14.4 versehen ist, der in bereits beschriebener Weise den Füllstand im Auffangbehälter 5.2 der zweiten Reinigungsstation 4.2 begrenzt. Die mit dem Überlauf 14.3 verbundene Leitung 15 führt jedoch entweder in eine Entsorgungseinrichtung oder zur Weiterverwendung des abgezogenen Reinigungsmittels, beispielsweise zur Ausnutzung des Wärmeinhalts der Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus der zweiten Reinigungsstation 4.3 oder dgl..In the illustrated embodiment, the return ends at the second cleaning station 4.2, the second cleaning station 4.2, however, also provided with an overflow 14.4, which limits the level in the collecting container 5.2 of the second cleaning station 4.2 in the manner already described. However, connected to the overflow 14.3 line 15 leads either in a disposal facility or for further use of the withdrawn detergent, for example, to exploit the heat content of the cleaning liquid from the second cleaning station 4.3 or the like.

In gleicher Weise ist auch der Auffangbehälter 5.1 der ersten Reinigungsstation 4.1 mit einem Überlauf 14.5 versehen, der mit einer Leitung 16 verbunden ist, durch die die sich im Auffangbehälter 5.4 befindende Lauge (im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel) entweder zur Entsorgung abgezogen oder, analog der oben beschriebenen Rückführeinrichtung im Spülbereich, in einen vorangegangenen Reinigungsschritt wieder verwendet wird.In the same way, the collecting container 5.1 of the first cleaning station 4.1 is provided with an overflow 14.5, which is connected to a line 16 through which the liquor located in the collecting container 5.4 (in the illustrated embodiment) either deducted for disposal or, analogously to the above Return device in the rinsing area, is used again in a previous cleaning step.

Beim Betrieb der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 1 werden die Behälter 2 durch die Vorrichtung 1 geschleust, so dass sie zunächst in die erste Reinigungsstation 4.1 eintreten und dort mit Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem Auffangbehälter 5.1 behandelt werden. Dann treten die Behälter nach und nach durch die zweite, dritte und vierte Reinigungsstation 4.2 bis 4.4 hindurch, in denen sie jeweils mit dem Reinigungsmittel aus dem zugeordneten Auffangbehälter 5.2 bis 5.4 behandelt werden, das jeweils über die zugeordnete Zufuhrleitung 6.2 bis 6.4 der zugeordneten Spritzeinrichtung 7.2 bis 7.4 (bewirkt durch die Pumpen 10.2 bis 10.4) zugeführt wird. Anschließend gelangen die Behälter 2 in die im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel letzte Reinigungsstation 4.5, in der sie mit einem Schwall frisch zugeführten Reinigungsmittel, im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem Frischwasserschwall über die Zufuhrleitung 6.5 und die Düse 9 klargespült werden. Das hier von den Behältern 2 wieder abtropfende Reinigungsmittel gelangt über die Rinne 13, die Mündung 14.1 und die Rückführleitung 12.1 in die Zuführleitung 6.4 der vorangegangenen Reinigungsstation 4.4 und verdünnt das dort durch die Pumpe 10.4 aus dem Auffangbehälter 5.4 abgesaugte Reinigungsmittel. Das Reinigungsmittel läuft über die Behälter 2 und tropft wieder in den Auffangbehälter 5.4. Steigt der Pegel im Auffangbehälter 5.4 der vierten Reinigungsstation 4.4 bis zum Überlauf 14.2 an, so wird das Reinigungsmittel aus dem Auffangbehälter 5.4 über die Rückführleitung 12.2 in die Zufuhrleitung 6.3 der vorangegangenen Reinigungsstation 4.3 rückgeführt und gelangt dort in den Reinigungsmittelstrom, der durch die Pumpe 10.3 aus dem Auffangbehälter 5.3 der dritten Reinigungsstation 14.3 abgesaugt wird. Das auf diese Weise verdünnte Reinigungsmittel gelangt dann in die Spritzeinrichtung 7.3 und wird über die Behälter 2 geleitet. Anschließend tropft die Reinigungsflüssigkeit wieder in den Auffangbehälter 5.3.During operation of the device 1 according to the invention, the containers 2 are passed through the device 1, so that they first enter the first cleaning station 4.1 and are treated there with cleaning liquid from the collecting container 5.1. Then, the containers gradually pass through the second, third and fourth cleaning stations 4.2 to 4.4, in which they are each treated with the cleaning agent from the associated collecting container 5.2 to 5.4, respectively via the associated supply line 6.2 to 6.4 of the associated sprayer 7.2 to 7.4 (effected by the pumps 10.2 to 10.4) is supplied. Subsequently, the containers 2 reach the cleaning station 4.5 in the illustrated embodiment, in which they are rinsed clean with a surge of freshly supplied detergent, in the illustrated embodiment with a fresh water surge on the supply line 6.5 and the nozzle 9. The here again dripping from the containers 2 detergent passes through the channel 13, the mouth 14.1 and the return line 12.1 in the supply line 6.4 of the previous cleaning station 4.4 and thinned there by the pump 10.4 extracted from the collecting container 5.4 detergent. The cleaning agent passes over the container 2 and drips again into the collecting container 5.4. If the level in the collecting vessel 5.4 of the fourth cleaning station 4.4 rises to overflow 14.2, then the cleaning agent is returned from the collecting vessel 5.4 via the return line 12.2 into the supply line 6.3 of the previous cleaning station 4.3 and arrives there in the detergent stream passing through the pump 10.3 the collecting container 5.3 of the third cleaning station 14.3 is sucked off. The diluted detergent in this way then passes into the sprayer 7.3 and is passed over the container 2. Subsequently, the cleaning liquid drips back into the collecting container 5.3.

Wird im Auffangbehälter 5.3 der vorgegebene Höchststand erreicht, so gelangt das Reinigungsmittel aus dem Auffangbehälter 5.3 in die Rückführleitung 12.3 und wird von dieser in die Zufuhrleitung 6.2 der zweiten, vorangegangenen Reinigungsstation 4.2 eingespeist, gelangt dort in den Reinigungsmittelstrom, der durch die Pumpe 10.2 aus dem Auffangbehälter 5.2 der zweiten Reinigungsstation 14.2 abgesaugt wird und dann in die Spritzeinrichtung 7.2 und wird über die Behälter 2 geleitet. Anschließend tropft die Reinigungsflüssigkeit wieder in den Auffangbehälter 5.2. Wird der Pegel im zweiten Auffangbehälter 4.2 überschritten, kann Reinigungsmittel über den Überlauf 14.4 und die Leitung 15 abgezogen werden.If the predetermined maximum level is reached in the collecting container 5.3, the cleaning agent passes from the collecting container 5.3 in the return line 12.3 and is fed by this in the supply line 6.2 of the second, previous cleaning station 4.2, where it passes into the detergent stream, by the pump 10.2 from the Collecting container 5.2 of the second cleaning station 14.2 is sucked off and then into the sprayer 7.2 and is passed through the container 2. Then the cleaning liquid drips back into the collecting container 5.2. If the level in the second collecting container 4.2 is exceeded, cleaning agent can be removed via the overflow 14.4 and the line 15.

Da das Volumen der Zufuhrleitung 6 wesentlich geringer ist als das Volumen des zugeordneten Auffangbehälters 5, kann durch die hier einmündende Rückführleitung eine wesentlich effektivere Vermischung bzw. Verdünnung mit einem höheren Verhältnisfaktor stattfinden, als dies beispielsweise der Fall wäre, wenn zwischen den Auffangbehältern untereinander ein Überlauf bestehen würde. Da normalerweise das Reinigungsmittel aus der nachfolgenden Reinigungsstufe nicht so stark verschmutzt bzw. nicht so stark mit der Reinigungslauge belastet ist wie das Reinigungsmittel aus der vorangegangenen Reinigungsstation, wird durch die Rückführung über die Rückführleitung eine Aufbesserung, d.h. Verdünnung, der Reinigungsflüssigkeit der vorangegangenen Reinigungsstufe erreicht.Since the volume of the supply line 6 is substantially smaller than the volume of the associated collection container 5, a much more effective mixing or dilution with a higher ratio factor can take place through the here recirculating return line, as would be the case, for example, if an overflow between the collection containers with each other would exist. Since normally the cleaning agent from the subsequent cleaning stage is not so heavily polluted or so heavily loaded with the cleaning liquor as the cleaning agent from the previous cleaning station, the recirculation via the recirculation line will result in an improvement, i. Dilution that reaches the cleaning fluid of the previous cleaning stage.

Werden die Auffangbehälter 5 und die Rinne 13, wie in Fig.1 ersichtlich, in Nachbarschaft und höhengestaffelt angeordnet, kann zusätzlich ein direkter Überlauf 17 zwischen geeigneten Reinigungsstationen 4 vorgesehen werden, die jedoch bevorzugt erst dann wirksam werden, wenn die Rückführleitung überfordert ist und die Gefahr eines Auslaufens besteht. Ein derartiger Sicherheits-Überlauf 17.1, 17.2, 17.3 kann z. B. zwischen der Rinne 13 und dem vierten Auffangbehälter 5.4 und zwischen der Auffangbehältern 5.4 und 5.3, sowie 5.3 und 5.2 vorgesehen werden.Be the collecting container 5 and the channel 13, as in Fig.1 can be seen, arranged in proximity and staggered height, in addition, a direct overflow 17 between suitable cleaning stations 4 are provided, but preferably only become effective when the return line is overwhelmed and there is a risk of leakage. Such a safety overflow 17.1, 17.2, 17.3 can z. B. between the channel 13 and the fourth collecting container 5.4 and between the collecting containers 5.4 and 5.3, and 5.3 and 5.2 are provided.

Im praktischen Versuch wurden Mischungsverhältnisse von 1 : 5, d.h. ein Teil "bessere" Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus einer nachfolgenden Reinigungsstufe auf fünf Teile der von der Pumpe 10 angesaugten Reinigungsflüssigkeit einer vorangegangenen Reinigungsstufe, erreicht.In practical experiment, mixing ratios of 1: 5, i. a part of "better" cleaning liquid from a subsequent cleaning stage on five parts of sucked by the pump 10 cleaning liquid of a previous cleaning stage achieved.

Praktische Versuche wurden mit folgenden Betriebsparametern durchgeführt: Innenspritzung 14 m3/h Außenspritzung 12 m3/h Gesamt 26 m3/h Inhalt des Auffangbehälters: Kaltwasser (5.4) 0,49 m3 Warmwasser (5.2, 5.3) 0,56 m3 Frischwasser (6.5) 5 m3/h Practical experiments were carried out with the following operating parameters: Indoor spraying 14 m 3 / h Outdoor spraying 12 m 3 / h total 26 m 3 / h Contents of the collection container: Cold water (5.4) 0.49 m 3 Hot water (5.2, 5.3) 0.56 m 3 Fresh water (6.5) 5 m 3 / h

Es wurde festgestellt, dass durch die erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung die Behälter besser gekühlt und der Alkalitätsabbau optimiert wurde. Eine überschlägige Berechnung mittels Wärmemengenberechnung ergibt eine Reduzierung der Spritzungstemperatur um ca. 2 °C. Die Behälter wurden dadurch mit einer kälteren und weniger alkalischen Flüssigkeit ausgespritzt.It was found that the container was cooled better and the degradation of alkalinity was optimized by the inventive design. An approximate calculation by means of heat quantity calculation results in a reduction of the spraying temperature by approx. 2 ° C. The containers were thereby ejected with a colder and less alkaline liquid.

In Abwandlung des beschriebenen und gezeichneten Ausführungsbeispiels kann die Erfindung auch bei anderen Reinigungseinrichtungen eingesetzt werden, bei denen Reinigungsflüssigkeit optimal ausgenutzt werden soll. Je nach Behälterart und Reinigungsaufgabe können andere Düsenanordnungen oder andere Düsenkombinationen oder andere Konstruktionen von Spritzeinrichtungen vorgesehen sein.In a modification of the described and illustrated embodiment, the invention can also be used in other cleaning devices in which cleaning liquid should be optimally utilized. Depending on the container type and cleaning task, other nozzle arrangements or other nozzle combinations or other constructions of injection devices may be provided.

Claims (8)

  1. An apparatus (1) for the cleaning of containers (2) with an injection device (7) for cleaning liquid, a conveying device (3) for conveying the containers (2) in a pre-determined conveying direction (F) through a plurality of cleaning stations (4) which are arranged one behind the other and which have in each case a supply line (6) for cleaning agent to the injection device (7), and with a return device (12) by which used cleaning agent is capable of being transferred out of a cleaning station following in the conveying direction (T) into a previous cleaning station, characterized in that the return device (12) contains a return line (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) which opens into the supply line (6) to the injection device (7).
  2. An apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the previous cleaning station (4) has a collecting tank (5) from which the supply line (6) issues.
  3. An apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the return line (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) has an opening aperture (14.1, 14.2, 14.3) connected to an overflow.
  4. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the supply line (6) is connected to a pump (10), and the return line (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) opens into the supply line (6) downstream in front of the pump (10).
  5. An apparatus according to Claim 4, characterized in that a filter (11) is arranged after the opening of the return line (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) and in front of the pump (10).
  6. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the last cleaning station (4.5) in the conveying direction is a fresh-water cleaning station, the used cleaning liquid of which is introduced into a collecting tank (5.4) of the penultimate cleaning station (4.4) in the conveying direction (F).
  7. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one warm-water cleaning station (4.2, 4.3) and at least one cold-water cleaning station (4.4) are arranged in the conveying direction (F) of the containers (2), wherein a return device (12) is provided between the cold-water and the warm-water stations (4.2, 4.3) amongst one another and between adjacent cold-water and warm-water stations (4.3, 4.4).
  8. A method for the cleaning of containers (2), in which the cleaning liquid is returned from a following cleaning stage into a preceding cleaning stage, characterized in that the cleaning liquid is returned directly into a supply line (6) to the injection device (7) of the preceding cleaning stage.
EP10150845A 2009-02-23 2010-01-15 Container cleaning apparatus Active EP2221118B1 (en)

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DE102009010182A DE102009010182A1 (en) 2009-02-23 2009-02-23 Device for cleaning containers

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EP2221118B1 true EP2221118B1 (en) 2011-08-17

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CN104858192A (en) * 2015-05-11 2015-08-26 成都中牧生物药业有限公司 Cleaning method for reagent bottles facilitating completely cleaning inner walls of reagent bottles

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CN102114486A (en) * 2010-09-27 2011-07-06 楚天科技股份有限公司 Washing device for bottle washing machine
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ATE520477T1 (en) 2011-09-15
DE102009010182A1 (en) 2010-08-26

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