EP2328831B1 - Transfer conveyor with an automatic container washing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of used food oil management and proposes, in particular, a ferry equipped with an automatic container washing system.

To transport used food liquids from their place of use to the storage container, it is known to use a ferry consisting of a mobile container mounted on two wheels and a fulcrum. The ferry is provided with a filling opening which is positioned under the outlet of the cooking device, for example a deep fryer, to collect the used oil. Once the device is emptied or when the ferry is full, this ferry is then moved to the storage container in which its contents are emptied via a drain pipe and a manual or motorized pump.

The document FR 2 827 590 proposes a ferry intended in particular for transport between a place or device of use and a place of storage or disposal of oils, fats or liquid food, for example cooking oils. The used liquid food transloader comprises at least one mobile container provided with at least one filling opening and at least one emptying line. The filling opening comprises sealing means capable of cooperating with closure means, to prevent liquid effusions during transport shaking, including at the maximum temperature of the liquid food.

This type of technology designed to be off-road is intended for transferring, from below the cooking device, used food liquid in the fixed container to the ferry, and pumping the used food liquid from the container to the storage device. The Draining the cooker may result in splashing hazards for the operator if the ferry has not been positioned correctly. Moreover, this type of ferry is not adaptable to any type of cooking device and this is problematic when changing models of cooking devices. In addition, the ferry is made of metal materials that can cause burns by contact operators on the walls.

It is also known transloaders, equipped with at least one pumping system, comprising a mechanical structure equipped with wheels, a holding device on which is fixed at least one fixed container having at least one volume, the upper part of said structure allowing an operator to maneuver said ferry for transporting the fixed container (s). Each pumping system is attached to the structure, is connected to a pumping rod having safety elements and is connected to the fixed container to perform liquid feed transfer operations. Each pumping system is reversible, one for fresh food liquids and another for used food liquids, the fresh liquid food pumping system being separate from the used liquid food pumping system.

But to clean this type of ferry, the user must dismount the container attached to the holding system of the ferry, open the container and then clean it by hand or arrange it in a self-cleaning machine. Therefore, the cleaning of the container is tedious, long and more generally, the users of the ferry do not clean the used food oil container which causes a proliferation of bacteria detrimental to the quality of the used oil.

The present invention aims to overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art and proposes a ferry equipped with an automatic container washing system to prevent the proliferation of bacteria inside the container.

To achieve this goal, the ferry comprising a mechanical structure equipped with wheels, a liquid container attached to the structure mechanical, the mechanical structure allowing an operator to maneuver the said ferry, the ferry being equipped with a reversible pumping system connected to a pump rod by a first flexible pipe and sealingly connected to the container by a rigid pipe, is characterized in that the ferry is equipped with an automatic container washing system and a management and control system for the pumping system and the automatic washing system to allow filling, emptying and automatic cleaning of the container. container.

According to another feature, the automatic washing system comprises at least one module for receiving control signals from the management and control system and a self-rotating washing nozzle immersed in the container through a sealed orifice provided on the top of the container. container.

• une interface utilisateur ;
• un module de réception des informations issues, d'une part d'un système de mesure de température équipant l'extrémité libre de la canne de pompage, d'autre part d'un système de détection du niveau de remplissage du liquide dans le conteneur, et enfin d'un système de détection de la présence de la canne de pompage dans un logement et d'un contrôleur de charge de la batterie ;
• un module de traitement desdites informations reçues ;
• un module d'émission de signaux de commande à destination soit du système de lavage soit du système de pompage selon le mode de fonctionnement choisi par l'utilisateur via l'interface utilisateur du système de gestion et de commande.

According to another particularity, the management and control system is powered by a battery and comprises:

• a user interface;
• a module for receiving information from, on the one hand, a temperature measurement system equipping the free end of the pump cane, on the other hand a system for detecting the filling level of the liquid in the container and finally a system for detecting the presence of the pump rod in a housing and a charge controller of the battery;
• a module for processing said received information;
• a control signal transmission module for either the washing system or the pumping system according to the operating mode chosen by the user via the user interface of the management and control system.

• un bouton marche/arrêt permettant à l'utilisateur respectivement de mettre sous tension ou d'arrêter le système de gestion et de commande ;
• un interrupteur permettant à l'utilisateur de sélectionner soit le mode de fonctionnement dit « aspiration » du système de pompage, soit le mode de fonctionnement dit « refoulement » du système de pompage soit le mode « arrêt » du fonctionnement du système de pompage ;
• un écran d'affichage permettant d'afficher pour l'utilisateur des messages d'erreurs ou informatifs ;
• un voyant lumineux indiquant à l'utilisateur un défaut de fonctionnement d'un des éléments équipant le transbordeur ; et
• un indicateur de niveau de charge de la batterie d'alimentation du système de gestion et de commande.

According to another particularity, the user interface comprises at least:

• an on / off button allowing the user respectively to turn on or off the management and control system;
• a switch allowing the user to select either the operating mode called "suction" of the pumping system, or the mode said "discharge" operation of the pumping system is the "stop" mode of operation of the pumping system;
• a display screen for displaying error or informational messages for the user;
• an indicator light indicating to the user a malfunction of one of the elements equipping the ferry; and
• a charge level indicator of the power supply of the management and control system.

According to another particularity, the processing module of the management and control system is able to control the display of an error or informative message on the display screen of the user interface or the lighting of the indicator light. illuminated indicating malfunction or charge level indicator.

According to another particularity, the management and control system is able to control, by sending control signals via the transmission module of the management and control system, a thermal safety system fitted to the free end of the control system. the pump cane to prevent pumping at a temperature above a regulated threshold and a closure system of the free end of the pump cane to prevent the residual liquid present in the pump cane from spilling on the ground once the pumping is complete.

• le cumul des paramètres de fonctionnement du système de pompage et du système de lavage,
• les défauts de fonctionnement d'un des éléments équipant le transbordeur.

According to another particularity, the management and control system comprises a memory intended to store at least:

• the cumulation of the operating parameters of the pumping system and the washing system,
• malfunctions of one of the elements equipping the ferry.

In another feature, said information stored in the memory of the management and control system can be retrieved by a portable maintenance system of an authorized operator by connecting the portable maintenance system to at least one output port of the management system. and control to detect a failure of operation of the ferry, perform maintenance, determine the operating conditions of the ferry to improve the use and ergonomics of the ferry.

According to another feature, the pumping system, the washing system except the washing nozzle, the management and control system and battery are positioned in a sealed housing attached to the mechanical structure of the ferry and on top of the container.

According to another feature, a housing is provided in the housing to receive the pump cane and is equipped with the presence detection system of the pump cane in its housing and a clamping system for holding by clamping the cane pumping into his home.

According to another particularity, the system for detecting the presence of the pumping rod in its housing is able to transmit the information relating to the presence of the pumping rod in its housing intended for the management and control system so that, when the pump cane is not positioned in its housing during an operation other than the pumping of a liquid, the system for detecting the presence of the pump rod in its housing sends a signal to the management system and command that after analysis and detection of this handling error controls the display of a message on the screen of the management and control system so as to inform the user.

According to another particularity, the system for detecting the filling level of the container is able to transmit information relating to the filling level of the container to the management and control system so that once this information is processed, if the container is full, the management and control system can issue an error message on the display of the management and control system and block the filling by suction of a new liquid in the full container.

According to another feature, the level of the filling level detection system is of mechanical type such as a gauge and can be replaced by any other mechanical or electronic indication device.

In another feature, the mechanical structure of the ferry has an upper portion for the user to operate the ferry and equipped with a removable housing for receiving an absorbent paper and a trash.

According to another particularity, the pumping system is of electric or thermal or pneumatic type.

According to another feature, the end of the second pipe connecting the container and the pumping system opens near the bottom of the container so that the distance between the end of the second pipe near the bottom of the container and the bottom the container is chosen to allow suction of almost all the liquid present in the container.

According to another feature, the end of the second conduit opens into a boss made in the bottom of the container and forming a receptacle.

According to another feature, the pump cane is equipped, at its free end, that is to say the end that is in contact with the liquid to be pumped, the thermal safety system to prevent handling of used liquid food at high temperatures that can cause burns to users.

According to another feature, the free end of the pumping rod in contact with the liquid to be pumped is equipped with the temperature measuring system to provide information representative of the temperature of the liquid food to be pumped to the management system and to control of the ferry.

According to another feature, the free end of the pump cane is equipped with a filtering system that allows the liquids to pass and retains the solids larger than a given dimension in order to avoid the introduction of unwanted solid waste in the container and whether or not from the cooking device.

According to another feature, the free end of the pumping rod in contact with the liquid to be pumped is optionally equipped with a shut-off system actuated by the management and control system as soon as the pumping of the liquid is completed to avoid the flow on the ground of the liquid residues in the pump cane when the transfer operations are completed.

In another feature, the pump cane is equipped with a handle covered with an adherent material and heat-resistant to allow the user to easily grasp the pump cane without burning.

According to another feature, the invention enables the transport of used food liquid, the emptying or filling of the container (2) via the pumping system (12), the automatic cleaning and rinsing of the container via an automatic washing system.

According to another particularity, the cleaning step requires pumping (120) of a volume of water not exceeding the volume of the container (2) accompanied by a certain quantity of detergent and the pumping device (120). expulsion of the same volume once the cleaning cycle is complete.

According to another particularity, the rinsing step requires pumping (120) of a volume of water not exceeding the volume of the container (2), the expulsion of the same volume once the cycle has been completed. cleaning completed.

• la figure 1 illustre le transbordeur muni d'un système de lavage automatique d'un conteneur ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue de côté du transbordeur selon l'invention ;
• la figure 3 représente une vue de face du transbordeur selon l'invention ;
• la figure 4 représente une vue de dessus du transbordeur selon l'invention ;
• la figure 5 illustre l'interface utilisateur du système de commande et de gestion du transbordeur selon l'invention ; et
• la figure 6 illustre le système de gestion et de commande du système de pompage du transbordeur.

The invention will be better understood and other objects, characteristics, details and advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the following explanatory description given with reference to the appended figures given as non-limiting examples in which:

• the figure 1 illustrates the ferry with an automatic container washing system;
• the figure 2 represents a side view of the ferry according to the invention;
• the figure 3 represents a front view of the ferry according to the invention;
• the figure 4 represents a top view of the ferry according to the invention;
• the figure 5 illustrates the user interface of the control and management system of the ferry according to the invention; and
• the figure 6 illustrates the management and control system of the pumping system of the ferry.

The invention will now be described with reference to the figures mentioned above.

The invention relates to a transloader (1) with an automatic washing system for preventing the proliferation of bacteria in the container (2) of the transloader (1). The invention is more particularly intended for catering establishments equipped with a recovery or storage tank of larger size than the container (2) of the ferry (1) and makes it possible, in a simple and safe manner, for the users to empty the used cooking oil from their cooking appliance into the larger recovery tank.

• d'une partie inférieure (100) sur le dessous de laquelle est fixé le système de roues (11) et sur le dessus de laquelle est fixé au moins un conteneur (2) ; et
• d'une partie supérieure (101) permettant à un opérateur de manoeuvrer ledit transbordeur (1).

The ferry (1) consists of a tubular mechanical structure (10) fixedly mounted on a wheel system (11). The mechanical structure (10) in the form of a carriage consists of:

• a lower part (100) on the underside of which is fixed the wheel system (11) and on top of which is fixed at least one container (2); and
• an upper portion (101) allowing an operator to operate said transloader (1).

Advantageously, the upper portion (101) is in the form of an arch, at the height of man and integral with the mechanical structure (10) to allow an operator to move the ferry (1) without stooping.

In order to ensure a permanently stable equilibrium and to be able to immobilize the ferry (1) safely, for example and in a nonlimiting manner, during the liquid feed transfer operations or the washing operations of the container (2), the wheel system (11) consists of 2, 3 or 4 wheels, omnidirectional or unidirectional, which can be provided with a known type of braking system. In the example shown, the ferry (1) is equipped with four wheels (11).

Advantageously, the ferry (1) has a minimized size so as to facilitate its passage in cramped areas or in hoists.

The ferry (1) is intended to be used with a container (2) fixed to the structure (10) of the ferry (1) by means of clamping screws so that the container (2) is positioned on the above the lower part (100) of the mechanical structure (10) of the ferry (1).

The container (2) consists of a rigid material, for example and in a non-limiting manner, of the plastic type or of the metallic type, for containing a determined volume of fresh or used liquid food or a mixture of water and detergent during the cleaning operation of the container (2). In the example shown, the container (2) is cylindrical. In a nonlimiting manner, all other forms of container (2) can be envisaged.

In addition, the ferry (1) is equipped with a reversible pumping system (12), that is to say is able to operate alternately in liquid pumping and liquid injection. The pumping system (12) is disposed in a housing (13) fixed on top of the container (2).

The pumping system (12) comprises a pumping circuit, for example and without limitation, a motor with at least one pumping cell. In a nonlimiting manner, the pumping system (12) is of electric or thermal or pneumatic type. The pumping system (2) of the electric type is, in a nonlimiting manner, a vane pump or a diaphragm pump or a flexible impeller pump or a peristaltic pump.

The pumping system (12) is sealingly connected to a pumping rod (120) by a first flexible pipe (120a) and sealingly connected to the container (2) positioned on the transhipment (1) by a second rigid pipe (121) which opens in the vicinity of the bottom of the container (2).

The distance between the end of the second pipe (121) near the bottom of the container (2) and the bottom of the container (2) is chosen to allow suction of almost all the liquid present in the container (2).

The end of the second pipe (121) opens into a boss (20) formed in the bottom of the container (2) and forming a receptacle. The end of the second pipe (121) is then positioned at a level below the bottom of the container (2). Therefore, when emptying the container (2) by suction, all the liquid, except a small amount corresponding substantially to the volume of the boss minus the depth of depression of the second pipe (121) in the boss, is sucked. This characteristic then makes it possible to keep a negligible quantity of liquid in the container (2). In an exemplary embodiment, the boss is, for example, cylindrical in shape with a diameter greater than the diameter of the second conduit (121).

The pump rod (120) cooperating with the pumping system (12) is intended to suck either a liquid food, such as for example used cooking oil from a cooking device in the container (2) or a mixture water and detergents from a container, for example a washing tub of the catering establishments, to inject it into the container (2) and also to suck up the liquid food or the water / detergent mixture from the container (2). ) to inject it respectively into the larger recovery tank or into a grease trap for disposal.

The pump rod (120) is equipped, at its free end, that is to say the end which is in contact with the liquid to be pumped, a thermal safety system (not shown).

The thermal safety system is, for example, of the electric type (bimetallic) to prevent carrying out the operations of emptying used food liquid from the cooking device to the container (2) above a regulated temperature threshold of used food liquid. The electrical type thermal safety system is, for example and without limitation, a bimetallic control pump switch. The thermal safety system is triggered by a control signal issued by a management and control system (16) of the ferry (1) and depends on the information provided by a temperature measurement system (not shown) also placed at the free end of the pumping rod (120). Indeed, if the temperature is above a regulated temperature threshold, the thermal safety system is actuated and the user can not pump the liquid.

Advantageously, this thermal safety system makes it possible to prevent the handling of used food liquid at high temperature, which may cause burns to the users.

When the thermal safety system has been actuated, the thermal safety system is reset either automatically or manually with or without changing the active safety elements to allow again to perform transfer operations with the same pump rod (120).

As previously described, the free end of the pumping rod (120) in contact with the liquid to be pumped is equipped with the temperature measuring system to provide information representative of the temperature of the liquid to be pumped to the pump. management and control system (16) of the ferry (1). This temperature measurement system is of all types common to direct or non-direct contact temperatures, for example and without limitation, a temperature sensor or a remote infrared measurement.

In order to prevent the introduction of unwanted solid waste into the container (2) and whether or not from the cooking device, the free end of the pumping rod (120) is equipped with a filtering system (not shown) passing liquids and retaining solids larger than a given dimension. Indeed, the filtering system is set according to the particle size of the solid waste accepted in the liquid to be pumped.

In order to avoid the flow on the ground of the liquid residues in the pump rod (120) when the transfer operations are completed, the free end of the pump rod (120) in contact with the liquid to pumping is optionally equipped with a shutter (not shown) operated by the management and control system (16) as soon as the pumping of the liquid is completed.

The pump cane (120) is also equipped with a handle (122) covered with an adherent material and anti-heat to allow the user to easily enter the pump rod (120) without burning.

The upper part (101) of the mechanical structure (10) of the ferry (1) serving the user to maneuver the ferry (1) is equipped with a removable or non removable housing (14) for receiving an absorbent paper and a trash can (15) to allow the user to have at hand the necessary equipment in case, for example, leakage of the pump cane (120), edible oil spills, etc. The housing (14) of paper towels and the trash (15) are fixed on the arch forming the upper part (101) of the mechanical structure (10) of the ferry (1).

The housing (13) disposed on the top of the container (2) and receiving the pumping system (12) is also provided to receive inside the management system and control (16) of the ferry (1) and a housing (19) serving as support for the pumping rod (120) of the pumping system (2).

The management and control system (16) is powered by a rechargeable battery (17) also disposed within the sealed housing (13) fixedly but removably disposed on top of the container (2).

To recharge the battery (17), for example a 12-volt, 12-amp lead-acid battery, an electrical plug is provided on the housing (13) of the ferry (1) to connect a charger to the battery (17) of the power supply. management and control system (16).

The management and control system (16) comprises a user interface (160) which is connected to a processing module (162) of the information of the management and control system (16).

It should be noted that the term "module", used in the following description, defines a set of electronic circuits associated with applications or programs that make it possible to achieve the advertised features for each module.

• un bouton marche/arrêt ou sélecteur (1600) permettant à l'utilisateur respectivement de mettre sous tension ou d'arrêter le système de gestion et de commande (16) ;
• un interrupteur ou sélecteur (1601) permettant à l'utilisateur de sélectionner soit le mode de fonctionnement dit « aspiration » du système de pompage (12), soit le mode de fonctionnement dit «refoulement» du système de pompage (12) soit le mode « arrêt » du fonctionnement du système de pompage (12) ;
• un écran d'affichage (1602), par exemple de type LCD, permettant d'afficher pour l'utilisateur des messages d'erreurs, par exemple « Danger ! Huiles brûlantes », ou informatifs, par exemple des messages indiquant le mode de fonctionnement du système de pompage (12) «Arrét», « Aspiration », « Refoulement » ou encore « Nettoyage », des messages indiquant la température du liquide à pomper, le décompte du temps du cycle de lavage du conteneur (2), etc.
• un voyant lumineux (1603) indiquant à l'utilisateur un défaut de fonctionnement d'un des éléments équipant le transbordeur (1) ; et
• un indicateur de niveau de charge (1604) de la batterie (17) d'alimentation du système de gestion et de commande (16).

With reference to the figure 5 the user interface (160) has at least:

• an on / off button or selector (1600) allowing the user respectively to turn on or off the management and control system (16);
• a switch or selector (1601) allowing the user to select either the so-called "suction" operating mode of the pumping system (12), or the so-called "discharge" operating mode of the pumping system (12) or the "Stopping" the operation of the pumping system (12);
• a display screen (1602), for example of the LCD type, making it possible to display error messages for the user, for example "Danger! "Hot" or informative oils, for example messages indicating the operating mode of the pumping system (12) "Stop", "Suction", "Delivery" or "Cleaning", messages indicating the temperature of the liquid to be pumped, the count of the washing cycle time of the container (2), etc.
• a warning light (1603) indicating to the user a malfunction of one of the elements equipping the ferry (1); and
• a charge level indicator (1604) of the power supply battery (17) of the management and control system (16).

It should be noted that the previously described elements of the user interface (160) are positioned on the top of the housing (13).

A receiving module (161) of the management and control system (16) of the pumping system (12) is intended to receive the information from the temperature measurement system equipping the free end of the pumping rod (120). , a system for detecting the filling level (21) of the liquid in the container (2), a system for detecting the presence (not shown) of the pump rod in the housing housing (19) ( 13) and a charge controller of the battery (17).

This information is processed by the processing module (162) of the management and control system (16) shown in FIG. figure 6 . Depending on the operating mode chosen by the user via the user interface (160), the management and control system (16) is able to control the pumping system (12) or the washing system by sending signals control by a transmission module (163) of the management and control system (16) for either the pumping system (12) or the washing system of the container (2).

In addition, the processing module (162) of the management and control system (16) is able to control the display of an error message or informative on the display screen (1602) of the interface user (160) or the illumination of the indicator light (1603) indicating a malfunction or the load indicator (1604).

Finally, the management and control system (16) is able to control, by sending control signals via the transmission module (163) of the management and control system (16), the thermal safety system. to prevent pumping at a temperature above a regulated threshold and the sealing system of the cane to prevent the residual liquid in the pump cane (120) from spilling onto the ground once the pumping is complete .

• le cumul des paramètres de fonctionnement du système de pompage (12) et du système de lavage,
• les défauts de fonctionnement d'un des éléments équipant le transbordeur, par exemple, le débranchement du système de sécurité thermique disposé à l'extrémité libre de la canne de pompage (120).

In addition, the management and control system (16) includes a memory (164) for storing at least:

• the cumulative operating parameters of the pumping system (12) and the washing system,
• malfunctions of one of the elements equipping the ferry, for example, the disconnection of the thermal safety system disposed at the free end of the pump rod (120).

This information stored in the memory (164) can be retrieved by a portable maintenance system of an authorized operator. This portable maintenance system is connected by the operator enabled on at least one output port of the management and control system (16) to recover the information stored in the memory (164). Advantageously, it is possible for the authorized operator to detect the operational failure of the ferry (1) and thus to carry out maintenance, to determine the operating conditions of the ferry (1) in order to improve the use and the ergonomics of the ferry (1).

The housing (19) of the pump rod (120) is similar to a cylindrical tube inserted in a bore provided in the housing (13) disposed on the top of the container (2). This tube or housing (19) for holding the pump rod (120) is positioned substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the housing (13) and has a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the pump rod (120).

The tube or housing (19) for holding the pump rod (120) is equipped with the presence detection system (not shown) of the pump rod (120) in its housing (19) and a clamping system. (190) for holding by clamping the pump rod (120) in its housing (19).

In a nonlimiting manner, any other system for maintaining a pump rod (120) can be envisaged.

The system for detecting the presence of the pump rod (120) in its housing (19) is able to transmit the information relating to the presence of the pump rod (120) in its housing (19) for the management system and control (16). It should be noted that pumping rod (120) must be present in its housing (19) during any operation except the operations of pumping a liquid. When the pumping rod (120) is not positioned in its housing (19) during an operation other than pumping a liquid, the presence detection system of the pump rod (120) in its housing (19) sends a signal to the management and control system (16) after analysis and detection of this handling error controls the display of a message, for example "Attention! Pumping rod not present in its housing "on the screen (1602) of the management and control system (16) so as to inform the user. The user can thus position the pump rod (120) in its housing (19) to continue these operations.

The system for detecting the filling level (21) of the container (2) is able to transmit information relating to the filling level of the container (2) to the management and control system (16). Once this information has been processed, the management and control system (16) can issue an error message "Attention! Container full "and block the filling by suction of a new liquid in the container (2) full. The error message displayed on the screen (1602) of the management and control system (16) makes it possible to inform the user of the filling status of the container (2) and consequently to provide a possible transfer of the liquid from the container (2) into a storage tank of greater capacity. In a nonlimiting manner, the level detection system (21) is of mechanical type such as a gauge and can be replaced by any other mechanical or electronic indication device.

The detection system of the filling level (21) of the liquid in the container (2) is, for example, positioned on the top of the container (2).

The washing system comprises a module for receiving control signals from the management and control system (16) and a control module for a self-rotating washing nozzle (18) in the container (2). The washing system operates, for example with a pressure of 2 to 5 bar and a maximum liquid temperature of 100 ° C. The washing nozzle (18) is immersed inside the container (2) by a sealed orifice provided on the container (2).

It should also be noted that when cleaning, it is necessary to use a mixture of water and detergents. The detergent is, for example, very low-dose caustic soda to fight scale and prevent the proliferation of bacteria inside the container (2).

We will now describe a use of the ferry (1) according to the invention.

The ferry (1) according to the invention is used to transport the fixed container (2), in a circuit from a place of use of the liquid food to a place of storage of used food liquid.

The ferry (1) is also used for draining from the pumping system (12) a used food liquid from a cooking device into the fixed container (2) of the ferry (1) and filling, by means of the pumping (12), a used liquid food storage tank with the used food liquid from the fixed container (2) of the ferry (1).

To fill the used food oil in the container (2), the user must unclamp the pump rod (120), select the desired operating mode, in this example, the operating mode "suction" on the switch (1601) of the user interface (160), dip the free end of the pump rod (120) into the cooking tray containing the food oil to be pumped, and then press and hold the on / off button user interface (160) of the management and control system (16) in the on position.

Pressing the on / off button (1600) to the on position triggers the activation of the control and management system (16) and thus the temperature measurement of the liquid food to be pumped by the temperature measuring system. disposed at the free end of the pump rod (120). The temperature measurement system sends the necessary information to the management and control system (16) that analyzes them. Depending on the temperature of the food liquid to be pumped, the management and control system (16) sends either a pumping blocking command to the pumping system (12) or a pump authorization command to the pump. pumping system (12).

In an exemplary embodiment, for pumping used food oil, if the temperature of the food oil to be pumped is less than 20 ° C, the pumping system (12) receives a blocking control so as not to damage the pumping system (12) by pumping solidified oil, if the temperature is higher than 45 ° C, the pumping system (12) receives a blocking command to avoid any risk of burns to personnel otherwise pumping is allowed (temperature between 20 ° C and 45 ° C in this case).

It should be noted that the management and control system (16) can in parallel control the display of a message on the screen (1602) such as in the case where the pumping is not allowed. burning "or in the case where the pumping is authorized" Pumping in progress ".

After finishing the aspiration of the oil, the user can drain the hose in the case where the free end of the pump rod (120) is not equipped with a shutter system. For this, the user must tilt the pump rod (120) upward and press a few seconds on / off button (1600) of the user interface (160).

If the free end of the pump rod (120) is equipped with the shutter system, the management and control system (16) sends a shutter control signal from the pump rod (120) to said pump system. shutter so as to avoid the spilling of the food oil on the ground.

When the filling of the container (2) is finished, the user must reposition the pump rod (120) in its housing (19) and clamp the pump rod (120) to the housing (19) and then return the selector or start button / stop (1600) in the "off" mode.

To drain the used food oil from the container (2) into a larger storage tank, the user must unclamp the pump cane (120), select the desired operating mode, in this example the operating mode "discharge" on the switch (1601) of the user interface (160), position the free end of the pump rod (120) in the filling hole of the storage tank or any other means filling a storage tank, and then maintain pressing the start / stop button of the user interface (160) of the management and control system (16) in the on position.

Pressing the start / stop button (1600) activates the control and management system (16) and thereby sends a pump authorization command to the pump system (12). ).

It should be noted that the management and control system (16) can in parallel control the display of a message on the screen (1602) such as "Pumping in progress".

After finishing the aspiration of the oil, the user can drain the hose in the case where the free end of the pump rod (120) is not equipped with a shutter system. For this, the user must tilt the pump rod (120) upward and press a few seconds on the on / off button (1600) in the on position of the user interface (160).

If the free end of the pump rod (120) is equipped with the shutter system, the management and control system (16) sends a shutter control signal from the pump rod (120) to said pump system. shutter so as to avoid the spilling of the food oil on the ground.

When the emptying of the container (2) is finished, the user must reposition the pump rod (120) in its housing (19) and clamp the pump rod (120) to the housing (19), then put back the selector or button on / off (1600) in the "off" mode.

It should be noted that the operation of filling the container (2) can be interrupted by the management or control system (16) when it detects that the container (2) is full via the analysis of the signal emitted by the level detection system.

Similarly, the filling, emptying and cleaning operations can be interrupted by the management or control system (16) when it detects that the battery (17) of the management and control system (16) is no longer loaded. via the analysis of the signal sent by the charge controller.

Finally, to perform the cleaning of the container (2), the user must unclamp the pump rod (120), select the operating mode "suction" on the switch (1601) of the user interface (160), dilute the contents of a given cleaning bag in a container containing a quantity of hot water of a temperature below 45 ° C, position the end of the pump rod (120) in the container containing the water / detergent mixture then maintain pressing the start / stop button of the user interface (160) of the management and control system (16) in the on position to suck the water / detergent mixture from the container and fill the container (2) with this mixture.

Once the container (2) filled with this mixture water / detergent, the user must position the pump rod (120) in its housing (19), then clamp it through the clamping system (190), put the selector ( 1600) to "on" for the management and control system (16) to send a control signal to the washing system in parallel which triggers a cleaning cycle and a control signal of the display of a message, such as as "Cleaning in progress" displayed on the screen (1602) of the user interface (160).

In an exemplary embodiment, the wash cycle lasts about two minutes and 30 seconds.

It should be noted that stopping is possible during cleaning by setting the selector (1600) to "off".

When the cleaning cycle is completed, the user must unclamp the pump rod (120) and place the end of the pump rod (120) in a drain connected to a grease trap, then position the selector (1600) on "on" so as to empty the container (2) of the water / detergent mixture used for cleaning.

It should be noted that if the temperature of the water / detergent mixture is greater than 45 ° C, the pumping system (12) receives a blocking control in order to avoid any risk of burns to personnel.

Advantageously, once cleaning is done, a rinsing step of the container (2) is provided in order not to pollute the used liquid food with detergent.

This rinsing step consists in putting the selector (1601) on "suction", refilling the container used for the dilution of the water and the detergent with a determined quantity of hot water whose temperature does not exceed 45 ° C. to prevent a blockage of the pump, set the selector (1600) to "on" so as to suck the hot water contained in the container to inject it into the container (2).

Once the container (2) filled with hot water, the user must position the pump rod (120) in its housing, clamp it via the clamping system (190) and engage a new cleaning cycle as mentioned above.

When the cleaning cycle is finished, the user must unclamp the pump rod (120) and place the end of the pump rod (120) in a drain connected to a grease tank, then position the selector (1600) in operation so as to empty the container (2) of the hot water which has been used for rinsing.

One of the advantages of the invention is that the ferry (1) according to the invention makes it possible to automatically clean the container (2) and thus to prevent the proliferation of bacteria in the container (2).

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention. the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration, but may be modified within the scope defined by the scope of the appended claims, and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.

Claims (15)

1. Transfer conveyor (1) comprising a mechanical structure (10) equipped with wheels (11), a container (2) for liquid fixed to the lower part (100) of the mechanical structure (10), the upper part (101) of the mechanical structure (10) enabling an operator to manoeuvre the said transfer conveyor (1), the transfer conveyor (1) being equipped with a reversible pumping system (12) connected to a pumping line (120) by a first flexible conduit (120a) and connected in a sealed manner to the container (2) by a rigid conduit (121), characterised in that the transfer conveyor (1) is equipped with an automatic washing system for the container (2) and with a management and control system of (16) for the pumping system (12) and for the automatic washing system in order to enable the transport of liquid and the filling, emptying and automatic cleaning of the container (2).
2. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the automatic washing system comprises at least one module for reception of control signals emitted by the management and control system (16) and an auto-rotating washing nozzle (18) dipping into the container (2) via a sealed orifice provided on the top of the container (2).
3. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the management and control system (16) is supplied by a battery (17) and comprises:

   - a user interface (160);

   - a module for reception (161) of data emitted by a temperature measurement system at the free end of the pumping line (120), a system for detecting the liquid filling level (21) in the container (2), a system for detecting the presence of the pumping line in a compartment (19) and a charge controller for the battery (17);;

   - a module (162) for processing the said received data;

   - a module (163) for emission of control signals either to the washing system or to the pumping system (12) depending upon the user-selected mode of operation via the user interface (160) of the management and control system (16).
4. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in Claim 3, characterised in that the user interface (160) includes at least:

   - an on/off button (1600) enabling the user respectively to turn the management and control system (16) on or off;

   - an interrupter (1601) enabling the user to select either the mode of operation known as "suction" of the pumping system (12), or the mode of operation known as "return" of the pumping system (12) or the "stop" mode of operation of the pumping system (12);

   - a display screen (1602) enabling error or information messages to be displayed for the user;

   - a warning light (1603) indicating to the user a functional defect or one of the elements of the transfer conveyor (1); and

   - a charge level indicator (1604) for the battery (17) for supplying the management and control system (16).
5. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in Claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the processing module (162) of the management and control system (16) is adapted to control the display of an error or information message on the display screen (1602) of the user interface (160) or the illumination of the warning light indicating a functional defect or a defect of the charge level indicator (1604).
6. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the management and control system (16) is adapted to control, by sending control signals via the emission module (163) of the management and control system (16), a thermal safety system at the free end of the pumping line (120) in order to prevent pumping at a temperature higher than a set threshold and a system for sealing the free end of the pumping line (120) in order to prevent the residual liquid present in the pumping line (120) from spilling on the floor once the pumping is ended.
7. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in any one of Claims or 6, characterised in that the management and control system (16) includes a memory (164) intended to store at least:

   - all of the functional parameters of the pumping system (12) and of the washing system,

   - the functional defects of one of the elements of the transfer conveyor (1).
8. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in that the said data stored in the memory (164) of the management and control system (16) may be retrieved by a portable maintenance system by a qualified operator by connecting the portable maintenance system to at least one outlet port of the management and control system (16) in order to detect a functional breakdown of the transfer conveyor (1), to effect maintenance, to determine the operating conditions of the transfer conveyor (1) in such a way as to improve the use and the ergonomics of the transfer conveyor (1).
9. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in any one of Claims 1 or 8, characterised in that the pumping system (12), the washing system except for the washing nuzzle (18), the management and control system (16) and battery (17) are positioned in a sealed housing (13) fixed to the mechanical structure (10) of the transfer container (1) and on the top of the container (2).
10. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a compartment (19) is provided in the housing (13) in order to receive the pumping line (120) and is equipped with the system for detecting the presence of the pumping line (120) in its compartment (19) and a clamping system (190) making it possible to keep the pumping line (120) gripped in its compartment (19).
11. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in Claim 3, characterised in that the system for detection of the filling level (21) of the container (2) is capable of transmitting data relating to the filling level of the container (2) to the management and control system (16) so that once these data have been processed, if the container (2) is full the management and control system (16) can send an error message which is displayed on the screen (1602) of the management and control system (16) and to stop the filling by suction of more liquid into the full container (2).
12. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in Claim 11, characterised in that the system for detection of the filling level (21) is of the mechanical type such as a gauge and can be replaced by any other mechanical or electronic level indication device.
13. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the pumping line (120) is equipped at its free end, that is to say the end which is in contact with the liquid to be plumped, of the thermal safety system in order to prevent the handling of waste food liquid at high temperature which can cause the users to be at risk of burns.
14. Transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the free end of the pumping line (120) is equipped with a filtering system which allows liquids to pass through and retains solids larger than a given dimension in order to avoid the introduction of undesirable solid waste, which may or may not originate from the cooking device, into the container (2).
15. Use of the transfer conveyor (1) as claimed in Claims 1 to 14, characterised that it enables the transport of waste food liquid, emptying or filling of the container (2) via the pumping system (12), cleaning and automatic rinsing of the container via an automatic washing system.

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