EP2994411B1 - Feather washing machine equipped with a washing cylinder having multiple chambers - Google Patents

Description

1. DOMAIN OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is that of feather treatment.

More specifically, the invention relates to a feather washing machine, in particular, but not exclusively, feathers of poultry or palmipeds.

2. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Traditionally, feather washing machines comprise a tank containing a washing and / or rinsing liquid, into which is introduced a rotating drum containing the feathers to be washed.

The patent document EP 0401 181 describes a machine for the automatic and continuous washing of feathers based on the use of rotating drums and successive baths. The principle is to introduce a volume of feathers into a rotating drum and transfer it into several successive tanks, each comprising a specific bath: soaking, prewash, wash, rinse.

This known solution is however technically complex to implement since it requires a mechanical transfer of drums in rotation from tank to tank. It also requires a relatively bulky installation (as many tanks as necessary treatments).

In addition, such a machine does not allow to perform an optimal washing of the feathers: in fact, because of the large amount of treated feathers, it is likely that some of the washing waste remains in the plumes, the latter having tend to form a sort of sieve retaining some of the particles in the wash water.

Another disadvantage is the lack of flexibility of use successive baths, the order of successive baths being frozen. In addition, the transfer from one bath to another is done in water that is very close in quality, which is not optimal for washing.

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in at least one embodiment, is intended in particular to overcome these various disadvantages of the state of the art.

More specifically, in at least one embodiment of the invention, one objective is to provide a new design of a feather washing machine which makes it possible to improve the quality of the washing (in particular by avoiding the formation of a sieve), while having reduced water consumption.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feather washing machine that is not bulky compared to the solution of the state of the art described above.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feather washing machine which is simple to use and of relatively inexpensive design. In particular, one goal is to provide a machine that is inexpensive to mechanical maintenance.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feather washing machine that allows a wash time, for a given lot of feathers, reduced by at least half, this for an equivalent quality of washing.

4. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

• une première zone destinée à brasser lesdites plumes à traiter avec un premier liquide de lavage,
• une deuxième zone destinée à égoutter lesdites plumes brassées,
• une troisième zone destinée à mouiller lesdites plumes égouttées avec un deuxième liquide de lavage,
• une quatrième zone destinée à transférer lesdites plumes mouillées vers la chambre suivante.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a machine for washing feathers comprising a washing cylinder rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis and divided into a plurality of successive treatment chambers by feather transfer means from one chamber to another, each treatment chamber comprising a reception space of a predetermined volume of feathers to be treated and four treatment zones of said feathers to be treated, namely:

• a first zone intended to stir said feathers to be treated with a first washing liquid,
• a second zone intended to drain said brewed feathers,
• a third zone for wetting said drained feathers with a second washing liquid,
• a fourth zone for transferring said wet feathers to the next chamber.

The invention provides a machine for washing feathers based on a division of the washing cylinder into multiple chambers, each of which is subdivided into four distinct treatment zones, each treatment zone playing a specific role in the feather wash cycle. The volume of feathers to be treated is subject four processing operations implemented successively as the cylinder rotates about its axis and by means, respectively, of the four treatment zones. The processing operations are therefore performed successively as the cylinder rotates in a given direction, the volume of feathers to be treated contained in a given chamber passing from one treatment zone to another, under the effect of the force of gravity acting on the feathers, then from one room to another. The separation of the rooms is provided by the transfer means, each chamber may contain a different wash bath. Each feather volume is processed simultaneously in each treatment chamber as the cylinder rotates about its axis.

Thus, by subdividing each chamber into specific treatment zones and by multiplying the number of chambers, it is possible to treat a smaller volume of feathers, which in particular limits the problem of sieving impurities and thus making the washing and rinsing feathers more effective than currently known solutions. The washing being more efficient (thanks to the fragmentation which makes it possible to treat reduced volumes of feathers), the washing time necessary to wash each volume of feathers with such a machine is reduced.

In addition, thanks to this clever configuration, the invention provides a feather washing machine implementation simple and compact, unlike conventional installations that require a complex and imposing mechanics. This optimization is related to the nature of the product to be treated, namely the feathers. The machine according to the invention thus mobilizes less electrical energy and offers reduced water consumption.

Washing liquid means a liquid belonging to the group comprising: a pure water, a soap, a dye, a disinfectant, an acid, a bleaching agent or a combination of these elements. A mixture of an acid and water allows for example effective degreasing of the feathers. An optical brightener for example makes it possible to give a feather whiteness appearance.

Advantageously, the washing liquid introduced into the treatment chambers has a known washing temperature, which can be, for example, between 10 ° C. and 90 ° C. The cylinder is made of a metallic material so maintain a stable wash fluid temperature. With equal washing quality, we save energy.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the first treatment zone comprises stirring means provided with at least one rotation shaft on which is mounted at least one stirring arm.

This has the effect of achieving a simple and effective mixing of the volume of feathers to be treated, without having to move the entire machine. The brewing arm (s) have a shape suitable for improving brewing, for example a blade or spoon shape.

According to a first embodiment, said at least one rotation shaft is controlled so that said at least one stirring arm performs a circular motion.

According to a second embodiment, the machine comprises a rotation shaft and a stirring arm, said rotation shaft being controlled so that said stirring arm performs reciprocating movement over a predetermined angular range.

In this variant, the stirring arm is substantially in the form of a rocker driven reciprocatingly over a predetermined angular range. Unlike the particular embodiment in which at least one brewing arm performs a complete circular movement, the brewing arm according to this embodiment releases space to be able to accommodate a volume of washing liquid and feathers to be processed more important in each of the treatment rooms, resulting in a gain in productivity.

According to a particular characteristic, the second treatment zone comprises filtration means arranged to separate the pens from the first used washing liquid and storage means arranged to store the first used washing liquid.

By used washing liquid is meant the washing liquid loaded with impurities and / or fats and / or soap after having been separated from the feathers.

According to a particularly advantageous characteristic, the second treatment zone further comprises means for conveying the first used washing liquid, from the second treatment zone of said chamber to the third treatment zone of at least one preceding chamber, the second washing liquid being the first used washing liquid.

The used washing liquid can therefore be reused several times, which reduces the water consumption. This spent wash liquid travels countercurrently (from a downstream chamber to an upstream chamber) relative to the progression of the feathers through the cylinder so as to optimize the washing of the feathers. Indeed, the feathers contained in an upstream chamber undergo wetting (or "rewetting" since the feathers contained in the mixing zone are already mixed with a first liquid) with a recycled washing liquid from a chamber located downstream of the cylinder, which is cleaner than the washing liquid from the upstream chambers.

Advantageously, said conveying means are adapted to convey the first used washing liquid, by gravity effect, as the cylinder rotates about its axis.

This arrangement avoids the need for an expensive and energy-intensive pumping system. In addition, the pumping systems are generally complex to implement.

The conveying means and the treatment chambers are further configured to allow simultaneous circulation of spent wash liquors in each of the chambers concerned.

According to one particular characteristic, the machine further comprises feeding means arranged in the cylinder for supplying at least one treatment chamber with a second washing liquid, said supply means being activated when said at least one treatment chamber is not serviced first wash liquid used by a next room.

Thus, when a treatment chamber is not fed with the first used washing liquid per downstream chamber, means for supplying clean washing liquid are provided for (re) wetting the feathers contained in said chamber prior to to be transferred to the next room. This allows to supply "new" liquid chambers preferably located downstream of the machine to make the countercurrent washing process more efficient.

Advantageously, said supply means are arranged in the axis of the cylinder.

This arrangement makes it possible not to disturb the rotation of the cylinder or the stirring means during the start-up of the machine.

According to a particular characteristic, the second treatment zone comprises an outlet orifice of the first used washing liquid.

The machine according to the invention therefore provides means for emptying the chambers for which the used washing liquid is not reused after draining. The upstream chambers, for example, generally have a used washing liquid with a high level of impurities and / or greases, which can not be reused.

According to a particular feature, the fourth treatment zone comprises means for pouring wet feathers from said chamber to the next chamber.

Thus, after having been drained and (re) wet, the feathers contained in each chamber are transferred to the next chamber to undergo a new treatment cycle.

• la rotation du cylindre dans un sens donné entraine le transfert des plumes mouillées depuis ladite chambre vers la chambre suivante ;
• la rotation du cylindre dans le sens contraire du sens donné entraine la retenue des plumes dans ladite chambre.

According to a particular characteristic, said feather transfer means are configured so that:

• the rotation of the cylinder in a given direction causes the transfer of wet feathers from said chamber to the next chamber;
• the rotation of the cylinder in the opposite direction of the given direction causes the retention of the feathers in said chamber.

Thus, the transport of feathers from one chamber to another is effected by a rotational movement in the given direction ("forward movement") whereas a rotational movement in the opposite direction ("reverse") allows changing the washing liquid of the same chamber while keeping the feathers in said chamber, in order to proceed to a complete treatment cycle again without resorting to an additional chamber. This makes it possible to increase the number of baths for each volume of pen (the number of baths being greater than the number of chambers).

According to a particular characteristic, said transfer means comprise a plurality of walls delimiting said processing chambers.

The delimitation of the rooms allows a separation of the washing baths from one room to another. This allows to wash at the same time several volumes of feathers.

Advantageously, each of the walls comprises a first annular portion and a second flat portion, connected to the first annular portion and inclined relative to the first annular portion at a predetermined angle, and wherein each second flat portion connects two successive walls.

The assembly of the walls is therefore substantially in the form of an endless helical conveyor screw. The predetermined angle is selected to allow easy feather transfer from one chamber to another as the cylinder adopts the orientation to carry out the fourth processing operation.

1. (a) brasser des plumes d'un volume prédéterminé de plumes à traiter avec un premier liquide de lavage,
2. (b) égoutter lesdites plumes brassées,
3. (c) mouiller lesdites plumes égouttées avec un deuxième liquide de lavage,
4. (d) transférer lesdites plumes mouillées vers la chambre suivante.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of washing feathers by means of a washing cylinder rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis and divided into a plurality of successive treatment chambers by means of transfer of feathers from one chamber to another, each treatment chamber comprising a receiving space of a predetermined volume of feathers to be treated, which are subjected to four processing stages implemented successively as the cylinder rotates in a given direction about its axis and by means, respectively, of four treatment zones included in said chamber, said four steps of the method consisting of, for a given treatment chamber:

1. (a) brewing feathers of a predetermined volume of feathers to be treated with a first wash liquid,
2. (b) draining said brewed feathers,
3. (c) wetting said drained feathers with a second wash liquid,
4. (d) transferring said wet feathers to the next chamber.

Thus, after being brewed, drained and rewetted, the feathers contained in each treatment chamber are transferred to the next chamber to undergo a new treatment cycle.

• transférer le premier liquide de lavage usé de ladite chambre vers au moins une chambre précédente, au fur et mesure que le cylindre tourne autour de l'axe horizontal dans le sens donné, le deuxième liquide de lavage étant le premier liquide de lavage usé ;
• si ledit premier liquide de lavage usé n'est pas transféré vers ladite chambre de traitement, alimenter ladite chambre de traitement en deuxième liquide de lavage.

Advantageously, the dewatering step comprises a filtration step for separating the plumes of the first used washing liquid and a storage step of the first used washing liquid,
and further comprising one of the following two steps:

• transferring the first used wash liquid from said chamber to at least one preceding chamber, as the cylinder rotates about the horizontal axis in the given direction, the second wash liquid being the first used wash liquid;
• if said first used washing liquid is not transferred to said treatment chamber, supplying said treatment chamber with second washing liquid.

The used washing liquid can therefore be reused several times, which reduces the water consumption. This spent wash liquid travels countercurrently through the cylinder (from a downstream chamber to an upstream chamber) and independently from the transfer of feathers. Indeed, the feathers contained in an upstream chamber are wetted with a recycled washing liquid from a chamber located downstream of the cylinder, which is cleaner than the washing liquid from the upstream chambers.

When a treatment chamber is not fed with first used washing liquid, the feathers contained in said chamber are rewetted before transfer to the next chamber by means of the second liquid. This allows to supply "new" liquid chambers preferably located downstream of the machine to make the countercurrent washing process more efficient.

According to a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, the method further comprises, after performing said step (c) of wetting said drained feathers, a step of rotating in the opposite direction of the given direction to cause the retaining the feathers in said chamber, the steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) being implemented again, in the given direction, at the end of said step consisting in making a rotation in the opposite meaning of the given meaning.

Thus, the invention provides that a rotation of the cylinder continuously in the given direction, after the wetting step, causes the transfer of wet feathers in the next chamber, while a rotation of the cylinder in the opposite direction of the sense given, after the wetting step, causes the retention of feathers in the same chamber to achieve a new wash cycle. This avoids having to use an additional chamber in the washing cylinder, to subject the feathers an additional bath.

5. LIST OF FIGURES

• les figures 1A, 1B et 1C illustrent chacune une vue en perspective d'une machine à laver des plumes selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention : les figures 1A et 1B représentant des vue de biais, la figure 1C représentant une vue de côté) ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de coupe transversale illustrant la structure d'une chambre de traitement d'une machine à laver des plumes selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention ;
• les figures 3A, 3B, 3C et 3D représentent, en vue de coupe transversale, la chambre de traitement de la figure 2 illustrant le principe de fonctionnement de la machine à laver des plumes selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of indicative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings, in which:

• the Figures 1A, 1B and 1 C each illustrate a perspective view of a feather washing machine according to a particular embodiment of the invention: Figures 1A and 1B representing views of bias, the figure 1C representing a side view);
• the figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a processing chamber of a feather washing machine according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
• the FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D represent, in cross-section view, the treatment chamber of the figure 2 illustrating the operating principle of the feather washing machine according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In all the figures of this document, the elements and identical steps are designated by the same numerical reference.

The general principle of the invention consists in equipping the washing machine with the feathers of a washing cylinder with multiple treatment chambers, each of which is composed of treatment zones, each treatment zone fulfilling a specific role as and when the cylinder rotates around its axis of rotation. This allows fragmentation by small batches of feathers for washing. The productivity of the machine according to the invention is directly related to the number of treatment chambers. The fact of treating a smaller volume of feathers makes it possible to overcome the problem of sieving impurities. Feather treatment is therefore more effective that currently known solutions. The washing time required to wash the batches of feathers is reduced.

Structure of the feather washing machine

The Figures 1A, 1B and 1 C illustrate three perspective views of a feather washing machine according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

The washing machine according to the invention comprises a washing cylinder 1 rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis 5. The axis 5 of the cylinder is rotated by a mechanical drive device (not shown in the figure). The drive device may comprise for example a pulley connected to a belt which cooperates with a transmission shaft of a motor.

The washing cylinder 1 is divided into six identical processing chambers (referenced C ₁ to C ₆ ) by feather transfer means 2 from one chamber to another. 2 the transfer means comprises a plurality of transverse walls (referenced 2 _a to 2 _g) defining the processing chambers C ₁ -C _6. The delimitation of the chambers C ₁ to C ₆ by the walls has the effect of being able to wash at the same time several volumes of feathers with different washing baths. The number of rooms depends on the number of baths considered necessary for the treatment of feathers.

The number of rooms represented here is given for illustrative purposes only. For example, a larger number of treatment chambers may be needed to wash particularly dirty feather volumes.

Each wall _2a to _2f comprises an annular portion 8 and a plane portion 7. The flat portion 7 extends from the annular portion 8 in an inclined manner at an inclination angle of about 45 ° relative to the annular portion 8 and connects the next wall. Each flat portion 7 connects two successive transverse walls. The assembly of the walls 2 _a to 2 _g thus appears substantially as a helical transport screw whose "turns" divide the cylinder chambers C ₁ -C _6. The angle of inclination is chosen so as to allow easy evacuation of the feathers from one chamber to another. The shape of the transfer means 2 makes it possible not to mix the outgoing and incoming materials of each of the chambers during the rotation of the washing cylinder 1.

This delimitation by arrangement of transverse walls, however, implies the need to supply each chamber with washing liquid. This function is performed either by means of a central feed tube 4 disposed in the axis 1 of the cylinder 1 to bring a "new" washing liquid, or by means of a delivery system 6 of liquid "recycled" washing (the principle of which is detailed below in relation to the Figures 3A to 3D ).

The treatment chamber C ₁ is the chamber furthest upstream of the cylinder 1, through which the pens to be treated are introduced in the direction of the arrow Z. The treatment chamber C ₆ is the chamber located furthest downstream of the cylinder 1 , by which the treated pens are discharged in the direction of the arrow Z. Each treatment chamber C ₁ to C ₆ contains a predetermined volume of feathers to be treated.

• une première zone 10, dite de brassage, destinée à brasser lesdites plumes à traiter avec un premier liquide de lavage,
• une deuxième zone 20, dite d'égouttage, destinée à égoutter lesdites plumes brassées,
• une troisième zone 30, dite de remouillage, destinée à remouiller lesdites plumes égouttées avec un second liquide de lavage (qui peut être de différentes natures en fonction de l'emplacement de la chambre considérée),
• une quatrième zone 40, dite de transfert, destinée à transférer lesdites plumes remouillées vers une chambre suivante.

Each of the chambers C ₁ to C ₆ comprises a receiving space of a feather volume to be treated 9 and consists of four distinct treatment zones 10, 20, 30 and 40 which are arranged substantially on the inner periphery of the washing cylinder. 1, each fulfilling a specific role, as illustrated on the figure 2 , to know :

• a first zone 10, called stirring zone, intended to stir said feathers to be treated with a first washing liquid,
• a second zone 20, called dewatering, for draining said brewed feathers,
• a third zone 30, called rewetting, intended to rewet said drained feathers with a second washing liquid (which may be of different types depending on the location of the chamber in question),
• a fourth zone 40, called transfer zone, for transferring said refilled feathers to a next chamber.

In the example shown here, the brewing zone 10 comprises a receiving space 9 of a predetermined volume (or lot) of feathers. It also comprises stirring means constituted by first and second rotation shafts 11 and 13 on which first and second stirring arms 12 and 14 are respectively mounted. The shafts 11, 13 are controlled so that the stirring arms 12 and 14 perform a uniform circular motion. To ensure efficient mixing of the feathers with the washing liquid contained in the treatment zone 10, blades in the form of blades are advantageously used. Virtual circles symbolizing the space occupied by the blades 12 and 14 are shown in the figures for purely illustrative purposes.

Other suitable forms of stirring arms can of course be envisaged to ensure the same function, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Alternatively, the stirring means may consist of a shaft on which is mounted an arm, said shaft being controlled so that the stirring arm is in the form of a pendulum with a movement of movement. and back on a predetermined angular range (for example between -90 ° and + 90 ° with respect to a vertical reference axis).

The treatment zones 10, 20, 30, 40 according to the invention are designed to accommodate a reduced amount of feathers to be treated. Each treatment operation is optimized. The brewing is therefore more effective than the amount of feathers introduced into the room is small.

The dewatering zone 20 comprises a filtering grid 21 arranged to separate the feathers from the wash liquid laden with dirt (hereinafter referred to as a used washing liquid). A storage space 22 is also provided for storing spent wash liquid before it is discharged. The filtration grid 21 more particularly comprises a perforated portion 210 through which only the spent washing liquid can flow, and a partitioned portion 215. This perforated portion 210 is located near the mixing zone 10 so that from the the feathers to be treated in the drip zone 20, the spent washing liquid is separated from the feathers and stored therein in the storage space 22. The storage area 22 is formed between the cylinder wall 1 of a part and the partitioned portion 215 of the filtering grid 21 on the other hand.

The dewatering zone 20 may furthermore comprise, on the periphery of the cylinder 1, a first outlet orifice 23 provided for evacuating the used washing liquid, stored in the space 22, out of the machine. This outlet orifice 23 is generally provided for the treatment chambers located upstream of the washing machine (chambers C ₁ , C ₂ and C ₃ for example). Indeed, at this level, the liquid of worn washing has a relatively high dirt content, making the washing liquid non-reusable.

• la canalisation 6_a est agencée de sorte que la chambre de traitement C₆ peut desservir en liquide de lavage recyclé l'une des chambres de traitement C₂, C₃, C₄ situées en amont de la machine,
• la canalisation 6_b est agencée de sorte que la chambre de traitement C₅ peut desservir en liquide de lavage recyclé l'une des chambres de traitement C₁, C₂, C₃ situées en amont de la machine,
• la canalisation 6_c est agencée de sorte que la chambre de traitement C₄ peut desservir en liquide de lavage recyclé l'une des chambres de traitement C₁, C₂ situées en amont de la machine,
• la canalisation 6_d est agencée de sorte que la chambre de traitement C₃ peut desservir en liquide de lavage recyclé la chambre de traitement C₁ située en amont de la machine.

The dewatering zone 20 may further comprise, on the periphery of the cylinder 1, a second outlet orifice 24 provided for conveying the spent washing liquid to a piping system 6 opening onto one or more other chambers situated upstream of the machine. The used washing liquid of a given downstream chamber (in the case of the chambers C ₃ , C ₄ , C ₅ , C ₆ ) can thus be reused for another chamber situated upstream (in the case of the chambers C ₁ , C ₂ , C ₃ , C ₄ ). In the example of Figures 1A-1C :

• the pipe 6 _a is arranged so that the treatment chamber C ₆ can serve recycled washing liquid one of the treatment rooms C ₂ , C ₃ , C ₄ located upstream of the machine,
• the pipe _6b is arranged so that the treatment chamber C ₅ can serve recycled washing liquid one of the treatment chambers C ₁ , C ₂ , C ₃ located upstream of the machine,
• the pipe 6 _c is arranged so that the treatment chamber C ₄ can serve recycled washing liquid one of the treatment chambers C ₁ , C ₂ located upstream of the machine,
• the pipe 6 _d is arranged so that the treatment chamber C ₃ can serve recycled washing liquid treatment chamber C ₁ located upstream of the machine.

The rewetting zone 30 may comprise an inlet opening cooperating with one of the pipes of the piping system 6 for conveying the used washing liquid from a chamber downstream of the machine (in the case of the chambers C ₃ , C ₄ , C ₅ , C ₆ ).

Operating principle of the feather washing machine

We present below, in relation with the FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D , the operating principle of a treatment chamber, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

Consider a given processing chamber, noted C _n with n an integer such that: 1≤n≤6.

The feathers and the washing liquid contained in the reception space 9 of the treatment chamber C _n are subjected to four treatment operations implemented. works successively as the washing cylinder 1 rotates about its axis 5: a feather stirring operation, a feather draining operation (and possible transfer of spent liquids), a rewetting feather operation and an operation feather transfer. Under the effect of the rotation of the cylinder 1 about its axis 5 in the direction of the arrow X ("forwards"), the feathers and the washing liquids will flow from one treatment zone to another within of the same chamber C _n , then of a chamber C _n to another C _{n + 1} in the direction of the arrow Z. The machine according to the invention uses the force of gravity for the displacement of the feathers and liquids washing.

The feathers as well as the washing liquids are not shown, for reasons of simplification of the drawings.

The figure 3A shows the position occupied by the treatment chamber C _n to perform the feather stirring operation.

It is considered that a volume of feathers to be treated and a washing liquid have been introduced beforehand into the treatment chamber. By gravity effect, the feathers to be treated and the washing liquid are forced to remain substantially towards the lowest zone of the chamber C _n .

In this position, the stirring means 11, 12, 13, 14 of the stirring zone 10 are activated. The axes 11 and 13 respectively cause the stirring arms 12 and 14 to rotate so as to mix the washing liquid with the feathers to be treated, so that they undergo an enema.

The washing cylinder 1 is rotated by the driving device (not shown in the figures), which has the effect of rotating the treatment chamber C _n in the direction of the arrow X so that the it takes a second position ( Fig. 3B ). The force of gravity acting on the feathers and the washing liquid forces them to remain in the lowest zone of the chamber. This has the effect of progressively moving, as the cylinder 1 rotates, the feathers and the washing liquid from the mixing zone 10 to the dewatering zone 20.

The figure 3B shows the position occupied by the treatment chamber C _n to perform the feather draining operation.

Upon arrival in the drip zone 20, the feathers are separated from the washing liquid loaded with dirt, by means of the filtering grid 21. The "washed" feathers are found above the filtration grid 21, while the used washing liquid is stored under the filtration grid 21 at the storage space 22. The perforated portion 210, positioned next to the arrival of the feathers during the rotation of the cylinder 1, has the effect to drain the feathers to be treated and to recover the used liquid.

The filtration grid 21 and the stirring arm 12 are configured in such a way that the stirring arm 12 rotates past the filtering grid 21. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to finish the stirring together with the dewatering and to unclog the grid on the other hand to facilitate drainage.

After dripping, the rotation of the cylinder in the direction of the arrow X makes it possible to keep the used washing liquid in the storage zone 22 and progressively, as the cylinder 1 rotates, to be redirected towards an outlet orifice . At this stage of the treatment, two cases may arise depending on the treatment chamber C _n to consider.

In the first case, the used washing liquid is discharged from the cylinder 1 via the outlet orifice 23. This first case concerns the processing chambers located essentially upstream of the machine (the chambers C ₁ , C ₂ and C ₃ for example) because at this level the used washing liquid has a relatively high dirt content, rendering the used washing liquid non-reusable. Under the effect of gravity, the used washing liquid is then discharged from the machine by means of a pipe (not shown in the figures) when the outlet orifice 23 is at the lowest point of the cylinder 1 .

In the second case, the used washing liquid is conveyed to another processing chamber located upstream of the machine. This second case relates to the treatment chambers located essentially downstream of the machine (the rooms C ₃ , C ₄ , C ₅ , C ₆ for example) because at this level, the used washing liquid is present a rate of dirt relatively low and can be reused by another chamber during the rewetting operation (the principle is described below in connection with Figure 4C). Under the effect of gravity, the used washing liquid is discharged via the orifice of output 24 to the pipe system 6 when the outlet 24 is located at the lowest point of the cylinder 1. For this purpose, each duct (6 _a, 6 _b, 6 _c, 6 _d) of the pipe system 6 is arranged to convey the used washing liquid from the dewatering zone 20 of the chamber C _n to the rewetting zone 30 of another chamber upstream, by gravity effect, and as the cylinder 1 turns in the direction of arrow X. This has the effect of avoiding the use of an expensive pumping system that mobilizes energy. In addition, the pumping systems are generally complex to implement.

The used washing liquid can therefore be recycled to upstream chambers, thereby reducing the water consumption. The wash liquid to be recycled moves countercurrently with respect to feather progression through the barrel 1 (i.e., in the opposite direction of the Z arrow). This backwashing process optimizes feather washing, since the feathers contained in the upstream chambers can be rewetted with a recycled wash liquid from a chamber downstream of the cylinder 1.

The rotation of the washing cylinder 1 in the direction of the arrow X allows the processing chamber C _n to progressively adopt a third position ( Fig. 3C ). The force of gravity acting on the drained feathers forces them to remain in the lowest zone of the chamber until ending up in the rewetting zone 30.

The figure 3C shows the position occupied by the treatment chamber C _n for the rewetting operation of the feathers.

The previously drained feathers are constrained, under the effect of gravity, to move in the rewetting zone 30 which is supplied with washing liquid, as the chamber rotates. At this stage of the treatment, two cases may arise depending on the treatment chamber C _n to consider.

In the first case, the treatment chamber C _n is fed with a "new" washing liquid via the supply line 4 disposed in the center of the cylinder 1. This arrangement makes it possible not to disturb the rotation of the cylinder 1, nor the brewing arm 12 and 14 during the operation of the washing machine. This first case concerns downstream chambers (chambers C ₃ , C ₄ , C ₅ , C ₆ ), which can not be supplied with liquid from another chamber.

In the second case, the treatment chamber C _n is supplied with "recycled" washing liquid from a downstream chamber via the piping system 6. This second case concerns the treatment chambers located essentially upstream of the machine (chambers C ₁ , C ₂ , C ₃ ).

The used washing liquids go downstream upstream of the cylinder 1: the cleanest water from the downstream chambers is redirected to the upstream chambers (because the feathers undergo their first washing bath) by effect gravity, and as the cylinder 1 rotates in the direction of the arrow X. The washing liquids are thus recycled simultaneously from several rooms downstream to several rooms upstream.

The treatment chambers C _n located upstream can be supplied with soap via dedicated feed tubes arranged in the center of the cylinder 1 in parallel with the supply line 4 with washing liquid, each supply tube serving a given chamber (a dedicated tube per chamber) by means of a solenoid valve preferably located outside the machine. Alternatively, the treatment chambers C _n located upstream can be supplied with soap via a single feed tube serving each of said chambers by means of a set of solenoid valves each dedicated to a given chamber.

The rotation of the washing cylinder 1 around its axis 5 gradually rotates the treatment chamber C _n in the direction of the arrow X so that it gradually adopts a fourth position ( Fig. 3C ). The force of gravity acting on the (re) wet feathers forces them to remain the lowest zone of the cylinder 1 and to progressively transfer to the transfer zone 40.

The 3D figure shows the position occupied by the treatment chamber C _n to implement the feather transfer operation.

Once in the transfer zone 40, the force of gravity acting on the feathers (re) wetted forced them to slide on the inclined portion 8 of the transfer means 2 towards the next processing chamber C _{n + 1} . This inclined portion 8 acts as a weir causing the materials, under the effect of their weight, to pour into the next chamber, without mixing with the materials that are there through the inclined portion 8 of said next chamber C _n . In other words, Inclined portions 8 of two successive chambers form a guide corridor for the transfer of materials from one chamber to another. This effect is obtained thanks to the arrangement of the walls delimiting the chambers, which is in the form of substantially a helical transport screw. In addition, because of their weight and their sufficiently viscous state (because they are wet), the transfer of the feathers from one chamber C _n to the other C _{n + 1} is carried out easily.

The rotation of the washing cylinder 1 about its axis 5 makes the treatment chamber rotate progressively in the direction of the arrow X so that the latter again adopts the starting position, represented in FIG. Fig. 3A , so that the cylinder 1 has completed a complete revolution (360 °). By this complete turn, the feathers were transported from the chamber C _n considered to the next chamber C _{n + 1} while having undergone a complete washing cycle. This washing and transport process is repeated as many times as there are treatment chambers. The washing machine illustrated here can thus operate up to six wash cycles to wash a given set of feathers, from room C ₁ to room C ₆ .

In particular it can be provided that the washing machine is combined with a supply device and a feather discharge device adapted to supply and discharge, respectively, batches of feathers at regular intervals.

Alternatively, after performing the rewetting step with the processing chamber oriented as shown in FIG. Figure 3C it is possible to control the rotation of the cylinder so that it rotates in the direction of the arrow Y (opposite direction of the arrow X) and that it performs a "reverse". The rotation of the cylinder (1) in the opposite direction to the direction of transport of the feathers has the effect of causing the retention of the feathers in the treatment chamber to undergo again the brewing, dewatering and rewetting. This is possible thanks to the shape of the transfer means 2 (whose structure is detailed above). This variant has the advantage of increasing the number of baths for each lot of feathers to be treated.

Claims (17)

1. Feather washing machine characterised in that it comprises a washing cylinder (1) mounted rotatably on a horizontal axis and divided into a plurality of successive treatment chambers (C₁-C₆) by means (2) of transferring feathers from one chamber to another, each treatment chamber (C₁-C₆) comprising a space (9) for receiving a predetermined volume of feathers to be treated and four zones for treating the said feathers to be treated, i.e.:

   - a first zone (10) intended for agitating the said feathers to be treated with a first washing liquid,

   - a second zone (20) intended for draining the said agitated feathers,

   - a third zone (30) intended for wetting the said drained feathers with a second washing liquid,

   - a fourth zone (40) intended for transferring the said wet feathers to the next chamber.
2. Machine according to claim 1, in which the first treatment zone comprises agitating means provided with at least one rotation shaft (11, 13) on which at least one agitating arm (12, 14) is mounted.
3. Machine according to claim 2, in which the said at least one rotation shaft is pilot controlled so that the said at least one agitating arm performs a circular motion.
4. Machine according to claim 2, comprising a rotation shaft and an agitating arm, the said rotation shaft being pilot controlled so that the said agitating arm performs an alternating movement through a predetermined angular range.
5. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 4, in which the second treatment zone (20) comprises filtration means (21) arranged to separate the feathers from the first used washing liquid and storage means (22) arranged to store the first used washing liquid.
6. Machine according to claim 5, also comprising means (6) of conveying the first used washing liquid from the second treatment zone (20) of the said chamber to the third treatment zone (30) of at least one previous chamber, the second washing liquid being the first used washing liquid.
7. Machine according to claim 6, in which the said conveying means (6) are adapted to convey the first used washing liquid, by the effect of gravity, as the cylinder (1) turns on its axis (5).
8. Machine according to any of claims 5 to 7, also comprising supply means (4) arranged in the cylinder (1) for supplying at least one treatment chamber with a second washing liquid, the said supply means being activated when the said at least one treatment chamber is not provided with a first used washing liquid by a following chamber.
9. Machine according to claim 8, in which the said supply means (4) are arranged on the cylinder axis.
10. Machine according to any of claims 5 to 9, in which the second treatment zone (20) comprises a hole (23) for outlet of the first used washing liquid.
11. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 10, in which the fourth treatment zone (40) comprises means for emptying the wet feathers from the said chamber into the next chamber.
12. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 11, the said means (2) of transferring feathers being formed so that:

    - the rotation of the cylinder (1) in a given direction brings about the transfer of the wet feathers from the said chamber to the next chamber;

    - the rotation of the cylinder (1) in the direction opposite to the given direction brings about the retention of the feathers in the said chamber.
13. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 12, in which the said means of transferring comprise a plurality of walls (2_a-2_g) defining the said treatment chambers (C₁-C₆).
14. Machine according to claim 13, in which each of the walls comprises a first annular portion (8) and a second flat portion (7), joined to the first annular portion (8) and inclined relative to the first annular portion (8) at a predetermined angle and in which each second flat portion (8) [sic] joins together two successive walls.
15. Method of washing feathers by means of a washing cylinder mounted rotatably on a horizontal axis and divided into a plurality of successive treatment chambers by means of transferring feathers from one chamber to another, each treatment chamber comprising a space for receiving a predetermined volume of feathers to be treated, which are subjected to four treatment stages used successively as the cylinder turns in a given direction on its axis, the said four stages of the method consisting, for a given treatment chamber, of:

    (a) agitating feathers of a predetermined volume of feathers to be treated with a first washing liquid,

    (b) draining the said agitated feathers,

    (c) wetting the said drained feathers with a second washing liquid,

    (d) transferring the said wet feathers to the next chamber.
16. Method according to claim 15, in which the said stage consisting of draining the said agitated feathers comprises a filtration stage for separating the feathers from the first used washing liquid and a stage of storing the first used washing liquid and also comprising one of the following two stages, carried out before the said stage consisting of wetting the said drained feathers:

    - transferring the first used washing liquid from the said chamber to at least one previous chamber, as the cylinder turns on the horizontal axis in the given direction, the second washing liquid being the first used washing liquid;

    - if the said first used washing liquid is not transferred to the said treatment chamber, then supplying the said treatment chamber with the second washing liquid.
17. Method according to either of claims 15 or 16, also comprising, after the carrying out of the said stage (c) consisting of wetting the said drained feathers, a stage consisting of carrying out rotation in the direction opposite to the given direction to bring about the retention of the feathers in the said chamber, the stages (a), (b), (c) and (d) being used again, in the given direction, at the end of the said stage consisting of carrying out rotation in the direction opposite to the given direction.

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