EP3656479B1 - Waschmaschine und entsprechendes verfahren zum waschen von leeren behältern - Google Patents

Waschmaschine und entsprechendes verfahren zum waschen von leeren behältern Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3656479B1
EP3656479B1 EP18207283.5A EP18207283A EP3656479B1 EP 3656479 B1 EP3656479 B1 EP 3656479B1 EP 18207283 A EP18207283 A EP 18207283A EP 3656479 B1 EP3656479 B1 EP 3656479B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
containers
acid
zone
path
medium
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EP18207283.5A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3656479A1 (de
Inventor
Claudio Berzaghi
Andrea Sterzi
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Sidel SpA
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Sidel SpA
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Priority to EP18207283.5A priority Critical patent/EP3656479B1/de
Publication of EP3656479A1 publication Critical patent/EP3656479A1/de
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
    • B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
    • B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
    • B08B9/30—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking and having conveyors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
    • B08B9/42—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus being characterised by means for conveying or carrying containers therethrough

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a washing machine for washing empty containers.
  • the invention also relates to a method for washing empty containers, in particular through the same washing machine.
  • washing machines are known with the purpose of cleaning the empty containers upstream of a filling and a labelling station, in which the containers are respectively filled with a pourable product and labelled with respective labels.
  • washing machine is known, e.g. from EP2727660 in the name of the same Applicant.
  • washing machine as defined in the preamble of claim 1.
  • known washing machines comprise, essentially:
  • the chain conveyor comprises a plurality of bars, which are fed at the inlet station by the feeding system with respective rows of containers.
  • each bar comprises a plurality of aligned pockets, which receive, convey and outlet the respective washed containers.
  • the treatment zones comprise a prewash zone, a first cleaning zone, a second cleaning zone and a final rinsing zone.
  • the prewash zone, the first cleaning zone, and the second cleaning zone comprise respective baths that are filled with a washing chemical agent and through which the containers are advanced.
  • each of the treatment zones comprises a respective plurality of nozzles for ejecting the same washing chemical agent inside the inner volume of the containers, as they are upside down advanced.
  • washing machines available on the market further include the functionality of removing possible tough calcium deposits from containers by sprinkling the inner volumes and the outer surfaces of the containers themselves with an acid solution. In other words, these washing machines are used to descale the inner volumes and/or the external surfaces of the containers.
  • the treatment zones further comprise an acid washing zone, which is arranged immediately upstream of the final rinsing zone along the washing path.
  • the acid washing zone is provided with nozzles for injecting the acid solution inside the inner volume of the advancing containers.
  • the acid solution is normally an aqueous solution comprising a strong corrosive acid, like nitric acid, in high concentrations, such as 5.6% of the total volume of the solution.
  • the invention further relates to a method for washing empty containers, as claimed in claim 15.
  • numeral 1 indicates a washing machine for washing containers 2, in particular empty bottles intended to be filled with a pourable product.
  • each container 2 has an external surface 2a delimiting an inner volume 2b adapted to receive the pourable product and extends along an axis A (lying on a vertical plane, in the embodiment shown) from a base portion 2c to a neck portion 2d.
  • the neck portion 2d is provided with an inlet opening 2f about axis A, which allow the filling of the inner volume 2b of the corresponding container 2.
  • Washing machine 1 comprises ( Figure 1 ):
  • chain conveyor 4 comprises specifically:
  • Each beam 16 extends between two ends 16a, 16b that are each fastened to a corresponding one of chains 15, in particular by means of bolted joints 16c.
  • each beam 16 comprises a horizontal support element 52 and a plurality of pockets 17, which are arranged between the ends 16a, 16b, aligned orthogonally to path P, fixed to the support element 52, and adapted to receive corresponding containers 2.
  • containers 2 carried by a corresponding beam 16 are aligned orthogonally to path P and housed inside the respective pockets 17.
  • the stationary guide 80 ( Figure 3 ) comprises a frame 81 straddling beams 16 and a couple of tracks 82 arranged on opposite sides of beams 16, facing each other orthogonally to path P, and respectively engaged by chains 15.
  • each of tracks 82 has an upper wall 82a and a lower wall 82b fixed to the frame 81 and both cooperating in contact with a corresponding chain 15.
  • Washing machine 1 comprises also a feeding system 8 ( Figure 1 ), which is configured to feed a sequence of rows 20 ( Figure 3 ) of empty containers 2 along a direction F and at an inlet station I of washing tunnel 3.
  • Feeding system 8 comprises:
  • the most forward containers 2 of each row 20 are transferred by sequencing device 105 to the respective pockets 17 of the beam 16 that is travelling at inlet station I.
  • direction F is horizontal and orthogonal to axes A of containers 2 fed along the same direction F. Moreover, direction F is the alignment direction of the rows 20.
  • Washing machine 1 further comprises an outfeed conveyor 14 ( Figure 1 ), which receives a sequence of rows 20 of cleaned containers 2 from chain conveyor 4 at an outlet station O of washing tunnel 3.
  • path P comprises:
  • washing machine 1 in order to perform washing of the advancing containers 2 through conveyor chain 4, washing machine 1 comprises a plurality of treatment zones 5 arranged inside washing tunnel 3 along washing branch Q of path P.
  • Treatment zones 5 comprise a prewash zone P1, a first cleaning zone C1, and a second cleaning zone C2 arranged along the washing branch Q in sequence, according to the advancing direction of containers 2.
  • the prewash zone P1, the first cleaning zone C1, and the second cleaning zone C2 comprise respective baths 11, 12, 13 filled with a cleaning agent, preferably a basic aqueous solution comprising sodium hydroxide.
  • the cleaning agent within baths 11, 12, 13 is brought to a relatively high temperature, for instance between 60° and 85° Celsius, so that containers 2 are heated up and cleaned as they travel inside bath 11, 12, 13.
  • the temperature of the cleaning agent is sufficient to guarantee the removal of possible labels arranged on containers 2.
  • washing machine 1 further comprises:
  • the containers 2 are conveyed along the stretch Q1 by chain conveyor 4 in a right side up configuration.
  • washing machine 1 further comprises in sequence along washing branch Q:
  • the heat exchange zone H1 comprises a cooling device 102 for decreasing the temperature of containers 2 conveyed out from bath 13, while the same containers 2 advance through the heat exchange zone H1 itself.
  • cooling device 102 is aimed to reduce the chemical risks inherent to delivering an acid medium into relatively hot elements such as the containers 2 conveyed out from the bath 13.
  • containers 2 are conveyed through the acid treatment zone A1 in an upside down configuration, i.e. with the inlet openings 2f arranged below the corresponding base portions 2c.
  • washing branch Q has through acid treatment zone A1:
  • Containers 2 are conveyed throughout the whole stretch Q1 having inside their inner volumes 2b a portion of the acid medium delivered at acid treatment zone A1.
  • the descaling action of the delivered acid medium is exploited for a relatively prolonged amount of time, during which no need is felt of constantly introducing new acid medium in the inner volumes 2b downstream of acid treatment zone A1.
  • containers 2 are conveyed throughout the whole stretch Q1 in a time lapse of at least 5 minutes. Such time lapse is due to the length of stretch Q and to the speed at which containers 2 are conveyed by chain conveyor 4.
  • containers 2 are conveyed along stretch Q1 with a speed between 0.03 and 0.07 m/s, while stretch Q1 has a length between 2.5 and 7 m.
  • stretch Q1 has at least one horizontal portion Q11 along which containers 2 are conveyed with respective axes A oriented vertically.
  • the delivered acid medium is a weakly acid aqueous solution containing, in particular, nitric acid with a concentration in the aqueous solution between 0.5% and 2% of the total volume thereof.
  • the supplied acid medium may comprise weak acids in higher concentrations, such as citric acid.
  • acid emitting apparatus 28 comprises at least one injector assembly 29 ( Figures 2 , 3 , and 4 ). More precisely, acid emitting apparatus 28 comprises a couple of identical injector assemblies 29.
  • Each injector assembly 29 is configured to direct jets of the abovementioned acid medium toward inner volumes 2b of containers 2, while the latter are advancing through the acid treatment zone A1.
  • injector assemblies 29 are both supplied with acid medium from an acid source; specifically, washing machine 1 comprises a tank T1 that contains the acid medium itself and is fluidly connected to both injector assemblies 29, so to define the above acid source.
  • the injector assemblies 29 have respective bases 30 fixed with respect to the stationary guide 80; such bases 30 are horizontally spaced from one another along stretch Q2 and vertically spaced from chains 15 according to respective equal vertical distances, such that injector assemblies 29 are both arranged below advancing containers 2.
  • Each injector assembly 29 comprises:
  • Nozzles 31 are equally spaced from each other along axis B, so that each of them results arranged under a corresponding pocket 17 of any beam 16 advancing above axis B.
  • each nozzle 31 specifically comprises:
  • Each shutter 33 is movable between:
  • each distributor 32 and the corresponding shutter 33 respectively comprise an angularly fixed duct 35 in fluid communication with ejection channel 34 and a rotary duct 36 radially extending with respect to axis B.
  • rotary ducts 36 are fluidly isolated from the corresponding angularly fixed ducts 35.
  • rotary ducts 36 fluidly communicate with the corresponding angularly fixed ducts 35 and have ideal prolongations aligned with inlet openings 2f of containers 2 that are carried by a beam 16 advancing above axis B.
  • shutters 33 are co-ordinately controlled such to rotate through their respective open angular positions, in which the acid medium is delivered within the inner volumes 2b of containers 2 carried by the same beam 16.
  • rotary ducts 36 are aligned with corresponding injection direction, which are fixed and radially oriented with respect to axis B, in the embodiment shown.
  • each injector assembly 29 comprises an acid-resistant shield 40 arranged about ejection channel 34, such to cover radially the ejection channel 34 itself.
  • shield 40 is made of metal.
  • shield 40 comprises:
  • Inclined walls 42a, 42b are connected to one another at an upper edge 43 that is vertically aligned above axis B.
  • shield 40 is provided with a plurality of through openings 45, which are respectively aligned along the aforementioned injection directions.
  • openings 45 are aligned with the prolongations of rotary ducts 36 in the respective open angular positions of shutters 33.
  • each opening 45 is obtained onto sloping roof 42 and is shaped as a slit arranged orthogonally to axis B. More in particular, each opening 45 is obtained onto both the walls 42a, 42b in a symmetric manner with respect to upper edge 43.
  • shield 40 prevents the delivery of acid jets along directions outside from the injection directions. On the contrary, jets directed along such injection directions pass through the openings 45 to reach inlet openings 2f of the advanced containers 2 above axis B.
  • each injection assembly 29 comprises a transmission wheel member 47 ( Figure 4 ) that is arranged about axis B and is fixed with respect to shutters 33, so that a rotation of the transmission wheel member 47 itself about axis B corresponds to an equal rotation of all shutters 33.
  • shutters 33 rigidly rotate with transmission wheel member 47.
  • transmission wheel member 47 comprises a star shaped wheel 48 coaxial to ejection channel 34, i.e. arranged about axis B, and fixed at an end of the same ejection channel 34.
  • Star shaped wheel 48 comprises, in turn, a star shaped plate 49 orthogonal to axis B and a plurality of knobs 50 respectively protruding from the tips of the star shaped plate 49 along parallel directions to axis B from the side of the ejection channel 34.
  • each beam 16 comprises a driving element 51 ( Figures 2 and 3 ), which is arranged at end 16a, is fixed to support element 52, and is preferably defined by an elongated bar extending orthogonally to path P from support elements 52.
  • Each driving element 51 has dimensions such to meet in contact one transmission wheel member 47 when the corresponding beam 16 approaches the respective axis B.
  • driving element 51 exerts a driving torque on transmission wheel member 47 based on the contact with the latter.
  • driving element 51 touches one knob 50 and pushes the knob 50 itself along a direction parallel to stretch Q2, i.e. along a direction tangential to transmission wheel member 47.
  • Each driving element 51 is fixedly mounted to the corresponding support element 52 with an actual position, which is the result of a known mounting procedure of the washing machine 1.
  • each driving element 51 needs to be mounted correctly, namely the actual position thereof has to coincide with a nominal desired position.
  • transmission wheel member 47 rotates in a perfectly coordinated manner with the translation of each driving element 51, so that shutters 33 rotate exactly through their open angular positions.
  • washing machine 1 further comprises a sensor assembly SS, which:
  • sensor assembly SS is arranged immediately upstream of acid treatment zone A1 and comprises a couple of sensors S1, S2 arranged at respective separate points V, W of washing branch Q.
  • Sensors S1, S2 are configured to detect corresponding physical quantities that are respectively indicative of the presence of driving elements 51 at points V, W.
  • Points V, W are spaced one another of a distance equal to that of two driving elements 51 having a nominal position and belonging to corresponding two consecutive beams 16.
  • the detection of the presence of only one of such two driving elements 51 at point V or at point W is indicative that at least one of the driving elements 51 themselves has an actual position that differs from the nominal position.
  • both sensors S1, S2 are of inductive type and are specifically defined by respective magnetic rods fixed with respect to stationary guide 80.
  • Such magnetic rods extend parallel to axis B through the corresponding points V, W, such to face driving elements 51 at the same points V, W.
  • each driving element 51 comprises a magnetic material, so that two currents are respectively induced through the magnetic rods once two corresponding driving elements 51 are at points V, W.
  • Such currents are the above physical quantities indicative of the respective presences of driving elements 51 at points V, W.
  • sensors S1, S2 may be respectively of optic or conductive types.
  • sensor assembly SS may comprise a group of cameras configured to take images of beams 16, so that the actual position of each driving element 51 may be derived from such images.
  • washing machine 1 In order to stop the operations of washing machine 1, in case the actual position of any one of the driving elements 51 differs from the nominal position thereof, the same washing machine 1 further comprises a control unit 60 that is connected to sensor assembly SS.
  • Control unit 60 is configured to receive from the sensor assembly SS all the physical quantities detected by the latter and to stop operations of washing machine 1 when at least one of such physical quantities is indicative that the actual position of at least one driving element 51 differs from the nominal position thereof.
  • control unit 60 and of sensor assembly SS allows the monitoring of the correct positions of driving elements 51, so that the jets of acid medium ejected by acid emitting apparatus 28 result correctly directed toward inner volumes 2b of containers 2.
  • Washing machine 1 further comprises for each chain 15 a corresponding covering structure 61 ( Figure 3 ), which is arranged around the corresponding chain 15 in the area of the acid emitting apparatus 28, i.e. within acid treatment zone A1.
  • Each covering structure 61 is configured to cover the corresponding chain 15 from possible sprinkles of acid medium emitted by acid emitting apparatus 28 and comprises a couple of sheet metals 62, 63 arranged in a fixed position with respect to path P and respectively above and below the corresponding covered chain 15.
  • sheet metals 62 are fixed to frame 81 through respective fastening elements (specifically, screws).
  • each sheet metal 62 comprises two portions 62a, 62b, preferably horizontal, that are respectively arranged above the corresponding track 82 and beams 16.
  • sheet metals 63 are fixed to frame 81 through respective fastening elements (specifically, screws).
  • each sheet metal 63 comprises two portions 63a, 63b, of which the portion 63a is horizontal and the portion 63b extends vertically downward from the portion 63a, so to face beams 16 and in particular driving elements 51.
  • washing machine 1 further comprises an acid-resistant cover 65, which is arranged in acid treatment zone A1 and in a fixed position above acid emitting apparatus 28, in particular above both the injector assemblies 29.
  • Cover 65 comprises a deflecting grate 66, preferably horizontal, and a plate roof 67 arranged over grate 66.
  • Cover 65 is intended to collect the jets of the acid medium ejected by injector assemblies 29, so as to contain spreading of acid sprinkles outside acid treatment zone A1.
  • the fins of deflecting grate 66 are particularly suitable for withholding the received acid medium due to friction exerted on the medium itself.
  • cover 65 is particularly useful in case one or more pockets 17 of a beam 16 are devoid of respective containers 2. Indeed, in the latter case, the jets of acid medium ejected by nozzles 31 would be directed toward cover 65, which would prevent an excessive spreading of the acid medium throughout acid treatment zone A1.
  • cover 65 and covering structures 61 are made of stainless steel, so as to constitute valid protections for the components of washing machine 1 from the corrosive power of the acid medium.
  • washing machine 1 comprises in one embodiment also a bath 70 holding a basic medium and arranged downstream of acid treatment zone A1, in particular within descaling zone D1.
  • Bath 70 is arranged along stretch Q1 in a position such that beams 16 are conveyed by chains 15 through bath 70, so that possible residues of acid medium remaining onto beams 16 are neutralized by the basic medium within bath 70.
  • containers 2 are conveyed through bath 70 in a right side up configuration and the respective external surfaces 2a of the same containers 2 are here almost totally immersed.
  • neck portions 2d emerge from bath 70, so that the basic medium remains outside of inner volumes 2b.
  • bath 70 is supplied by a basic source; in particular, washing machine 1 comprises a tank T2 containing the basic medium and fluidly connected to bath 70, such to define the above basic source.
  • the basic medium is of the same kind of that held by baths 11, 12, and 13.
  • tank T2 contains a further acid medium, whereby the bath 70 itself holds the same further acid medium. Therefore, also external surfaces 2a of containers 2 and the beams 16 carrying the same containers 2 are treated through bath 70 with the further acid medium.
  • such acid medium is of the same kind of that delivered to inner volumes 2b at acid treatment zone A1.
  • containers 2 are conveyed through dripping zone D2 with their axes A inclined with respect to a vertical direction.
  • each container 2 advancing through dripping zone D2 has a corresponding orientation that is intermediate in respect of two extremal orientations, according to which axis A is vertical and inlet opening 2f is respectively above and below the base portion 2c.
  • each container 2 assumes a plurality of progressive orientations, among which at least one is distinguished by that the corresponding axis A is horizontal.
  • containers 2 are conveyed through dripping zone D2 with respective axes A forming angles with the vertical direction between 30° and 140°, more preferably between 60° and 120°.
  • dripping zone D2 is arranged along a stretch Q4 of washing branch Q and comprising at least one curvilinear portion so as to provoke centrifugal acceleration of the acid medium in inner volumes 2b toward the respective inlet openings 2f.
  • containers 2 to be further descaled are conveyed by chain conveyor 4 through acid treatment zone A2 in an upside down configuration.
  • washing machine 1 comprises a bath 74 that is arranged in acid treatment zone A2, holds the acid medium and stays along washing branch Q, so that containers 2 are conveyed through the bath 74 itself by chain conveyor 4.
  • bath 74 is arranged at a vertical distance from chains 15, such that only neck portions 2d of containers 2 are immersed into bath 74, while the same containers 2 are advanced through acid treatment zone A2.
  • acid emitting apparatus 73 in acid treatment zone A2 is constructively and functionally similar to acid emitting apparatus 28 in acid treatment zone A1; specifically, acid emitting apparatus 73 comprises a couple of injector assemblies 75 that are identical to injector assemblies 29 and, therefore, are not described further in detail.
  • acid emitting apparatus 73 may also comprise one or more acid ejectors (not shown), e.g. acid sprinkling devices like acid showers, adapted to distribute the acid medium onto external surfaces 2a, while the corresponding containers 2 are conveyed through acid treatment zone A2.
  • acid ejectors e.g. acid sprinkling devices like acid showers, adapted to distribute the acid medium onto external surfaces 2a, while the corresponding containers 2 are conveyed through acid treatment zone A2.
  • Such ejectors would constitute an ejection assembly together with injector assemblies 29.
  • both the acid emitting apparatus 73 and the bath 74 are supplied by same acid source; in particular, washing machine 1 comprises a tank T3 defining the above acid source.
  • Tank T3 is fluidly connected to both the acid emitting apparatus 73 and the bath 74, and contains the acid medium that, more in particular, is of the same kind of that delivered at acid treatment zone A1.
  • containers 2 to be further descaled are conveyed by chain conveyor 4 through descaling zone D4 still in an upside down configuration.
  • Descaling zone D4 is arranged along a stretch Q5 that is significantly shorter than stretch Q1, since a preliminary descaling stage of containers 2 has been already performed by the acid medium delivered at acid treatment zone A1.
  • rinsing apparatus 77 preferably comprises a plurality of sprinkling devices 78.
  • the latter sprinkling devices comprise, for instance, a series of showers arranged along the washing branch Q and acting one after the other on external surfaces 2a of containers 2.
  • rinsing apparatus 77 comprises also a plurality of injector assemblies 79 respectively arranged below sprinkling devices 78 and constructively identical to injector assemblies 29, 75.
  • Rinsing apparatus 77 is supplied by a source of rinsing medium; specifically washing machine 1 comprises a tank T4 defining the above source of rinsing medium.
  • Tank T4 contains the rinsing medium and fluidly communicates, in particular, with at least one sprinkling device 78 and to at least one injector assembly 79.
  • rinsing zone R1 has an identical layout with respect to heat exchange zone H1.
  • rinsing apparatus 77 is identical to cooling device 102, which is aimed to cool down containers 2 while the latter are advanced through heat exchange zone H1.
  • Cooling device 102 is therefore defined by a rinsing apparatus that, in particular, is supplied by a further source of rinsing medium, in order to remove cleaning agent from containers 2 prior to the acid treatment at the acid treatment zone A1.
  • washing machine 1 comprises a tank T5 that is fluidly connected to the same rinsing apparatus and contains the rinsing medium, so as to define the above source of rinsing medium.
  • the above rinsing medium has a temperature lower than the temperature of containers 2 conveyed out from the bath 13 in second cleaning zone C2.
  • the rinsing apparatus defining cooling device 102 is further supplied with rinsing medium withdrawn in a known and not described manner from rinsing zone R1.
  • heat exchange zone H1 may be provided with other known cooling means adapted to decrease the temperature of containers 2.
  • washing machine 1 comprises a rinsing apparatus 106 similar to rinsing apparatus 77; rinsing apparatus 106 is provided at prewash zone P1 along washing branch Q, immediately upstream of bath 11.
  • rinsing apparatus 106 has a reduced number of sprinkling devices and injector assemblies with respect to rinsing apparatus 77.
  • washing machine 1 further comprises a bath 104 holding a further basic medium and arranged along return branch R.
  • Bath 104 is supplied by a further basic medium source; specifically, washing machine 1 comprises a tank T6 fluidly connected to the bath 104 and containing the further basic medium, so to define the above further basic medium source.
  • such further basic medium is of the same kind of that filling bath 70.
  • Beams 16 devoid of containers 2 are conveyed through bath 104, so that the pH level of the same beams 16 is neutralized therein.
  • washing machine 1 The operation of washing machine 1 is described in detail in the following.
  • Feeding system 8 advances a plurality of rows 20 of containers 2 to be washed through conveyor 103 in a parallel manner to direction F.
  • the properly positioned containers 2 are arranged with respective axes A orthogonal to path P and with respective base portions 2c lying on conveyor 103.
  • Beams 16 of chain conveyor 4 withdraw respective rows 20 of containers 2 at inlet station I from sequencing device 105, advance containers 2 inside washing tunnel 3 along the washing branch Q, discharge rows 20 of cleaned and descaled containers 2 at outlet station O onto outfeed conveyor 14, and return along return branch R without containers 2.
  • containers 2 of each row 20 are first carried by pockets 17 through the prewash zone P1, where the same containers are preliminary rinsed through rinsing apparatus 106 and then immersed through bath 11.
  • containers 2 are advanced in an upside down configuration through the heat exchange zone H1, where rinsing medium is delivered into the corresponding inner volumes 2b and onto the external surfaces 2a to cool down the containers 2 themselves before any acid treatment.
  • the corresponding carrying beam 16 reaches the point W, in which sensor S2 detects the presence of the beam 16 itself.
  • conveyor chain 4 continues in advancing containers 2 toward acid treatment zone A1; otherwise, the operation of machine 1 is stopped to allow the maintenance of the same machine 1.
  • shutters 33 rotate about the axis B itself through the open angular positions thereof, such that nozzles 31 eject acid medium through openings 45 towards inlet openings 2f of containers 2.
  • shield 40 operates to avoid sprinkles of acid medium along directions outside from the aforementioned injection directions.
  • covering structures 61 protects chains 15 from possible sprinkles of acid medium within acid treatment zone A1.
  • the same protective function is carried out by cover 65, which contains possible received sprinkles of acid medium, especially in case of pockets 17 lacking of containers 2.
  • containers 2 and in particular external surfaces of base portions 2c have been immersed into bath 70 already filled with basic medium, so that the pH levels of both the corresponding external surfaces 2a and the corresponding beam 16 are neutralized after having been possibly soaked by acid sprinkles at the acid treatment zone A1.
  • Containers 2 are then advanced through the dripping zone D2, where the acid medium escapes from inner volumes 2b due to gravity action and centrifugal acceleration imparted to the acid medium itself through stretch Q4.
  • containers 2 are perfectly rinsed at the rinsing zone R1, so that no acid medium remains on containers 2 discharged at outlet station O.
  • an elongated stretch Q1 through which containers 2 are advanced in a right side up configuration, allows the acid medium kept within the corresponding inner volumes 2b to perform its descaling function for a prolonged time with respect to prior-art solutions.
  • the strength of the acid medium can be reduced without having losses of overall descaling performances of washing machine 1 with respect to such prior-art solutions.
  • the above acid strength reduction has a significant effect on overall costs and increases, moreover, environmental safety and reliability of washing machine 1, in view of the reduced corrosive and polluting power of the weaker acid medium used.
  • washing machine 1 Such environmental safety and reliability of washing machine 1 are further increased by the several safety and/or protective components provided to acid treatment zone A1, like in particular sensor assembly SS, shield 40, covering structures 61, and cover 65.
  • the latter cover 65 is particularly effective in protecting the components of machine 1 in case of pockets 17 lacking of respective containers 2.
  • baths 70, 104, filled with a basic medium are particularly effective in preserving the integrity of beams 16, which are in any case subjected to receive sprinkles of acid medium.
  • rinsing apparatus 102 is a particularly effective kind of cooling means for decreasing the temperature of containers 2 before the acid treatment at acid treatment zone A1.
  • rinsing apparatus 102 is at least partially supplied by rinsing medium already used to supply rinsing apparatus 77. In such a manner, the energy expenditure to cool down containers 2 is reduced at minimum.
  • each nozzle 31 may be supplied by a respective acid source, instead of being supplied by acid medium flowing through ejection channel 34.
  • nozzles 32 may be lacking of distributors 32, so to be entirely rotating about the respective axes B.

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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Claims (18)

  1. Waschmaschine (1) zum Waschen leerer Behälter (2), umfassend Beförderungsmittel (4) zum Vorschieben einer Vielzahl der Behälter (2) entlang eines Waschbehandlungsweges (Q) von einer Einlassstation (I) zu einer Auslassstation (O), die Behälter (2) umfassend:
    - entsprechende Basisabschnitte (2c);
    - entsprechende Endabschnitte (2d), von den Basisabschnitten (2c) entlang entsprechenden Achsen (A) beabstandet und mit entsprechenden Einlassöffnungen (2f) versehen; und
    - entsprechende Außenoberflächen (2a), die entsprechende Innenvolumina (2b) begrenzen, welche dazu angepasst sind, ein fließfähiges Produkt aufzunehmen;
    ferner umfassend:
    - eine erste Säurebehandlungszone (A1), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) und umfassend eine erste Säureausgabevorrichtung (28), dazu konfiguriert, die Einführung eines ersten Säuremediums in die inneren Volumina (2b) durch die Einlassöffnungen (2f) zu ermöglichen; und
    - eine erste Entkalkungszone (D1), angeordnet entlang einer ersten Strecke (Q1) des Weges (Q) und stromabwärts der ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1) bezogen auf die Vorschubrichtung der Behälter (2) entlang des Weges (Q);
    wobei das Beförderungsmittel (4) dazu konfiguriert ist, im Gebrauch die Behälter (2) durch die erste Entkalkungszone (D1) mit den Einlassöffnungen (2f) jeweils über den entsprechenden Basisabschnitten (2c) zu befördern, sodass mindestens ein Abschnitt des ersten Säuremediums, das von den Behältern (2) in der ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1) aufgenommen wird, aufgrund von Schwerkraftwirkung im Gebrauch innerhalb der entsprechenden Innenvolumina (2b) gehalten wird;
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Beförderungsmittel (4) Folgendes umfassen:
    - eine Vielzahl von Trägern (16), geeignet zum Tragen jeweiliger Reihen (20) der Behälter (2) und sich quer zu dem Weg (Q) zwischen jeweiligen ersten und zweiten Endabschnitten (16a, 16b) erstreckend;
    - eine Beförderungskette (15), die sich parallel zu dem Weg (Q) erstreckt und mit den ersten Endabschnitten (16a) gekoppelt ist, um die Träger (16) entlang des Weges (Q) zu befördern;
    die Waschmaschine (1) ferner umfassend eine Abdeckstruktur (61), angeordnet in der ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1) um die Beförderungskette (15) herum im Bereich der ersten Säureausgabevorrichtung (28) und dazu konfiguriert, die Beförderungskette (15) mit Spritzern des ersten Säuremediums abzudecken; die Abdeckstruktur (61) umfassend ein erstes Metallblech (62) und ein zweites Metallblech (63), die in entsprechenden festen Positionen in Bezug auf den Weg (Q) jeweils über und unter der Beförderungskette (15) angeordnet sind,
    und wobei die erste Säureausgabevorrichtung (28) Folgendes umfasst:
    - eine Vielzahl von Düsen (31), die entlang einer Drehachse (B) ausgerichtet sind, welche fest und quer zu dem Weg (Q) ist, und die jeweils dazu konfiguriert sind, Strahlen des ersten Säuremediums zu den Einlassöffnungen (2f) auszustoßen; und
    - einen Ausstoßkanal (34), der sich entlang der Drehachse (B) erstreckt, mit einer Quelle des ersten Säuremediums (T1) in Fluidverbindung steht und die Düsen (31) trägt;
    wobei die Düsen (31) entsprechende Verschlüsse (33) aufweisen, die um die Achse B drehbar sind, selektiv mit der Quelle (T1) auf der Grundlage ihrer Winkelpositionen verbindbar sind und jeweils bewegbar sind zwischen:
    - einer Vielzahl entsprechender offener Winkelpositionen, in denen die Verbindung mit der Quelle (T1) durch den Ausstoßkanal (34) erfolgt und ein Ausstoß des Säuremediums aus dem Ausstoßkanal (34) entlang einer entsprechenden Vielzahl von Einspritzrichtungen ermöglicht wird; und
    - einer Vielzahl entsprechender geschlossener Winkelpositionen, in denen die Verbindung mit der Quelle (T1) unterbrochen ist und ein Ausstoß des Säuremediums aus dem Ausstoßkanal (34) verhindert wird;
    die Säureausgabevorrichtung (28) ferner umfassend:
    - ein Übertragungsradelement (47), das koaxial zu der Achse (B) ist und sich starr mit den Verschlüssen (33) um die Achse (B) dreht; jeder der Träger (16) umfassend ein Stützelement (52) und ein Antriebselement (51), das fest an dem Stützelement (52) befestigt ist, mit einer derartigen Ist-Position, dass sie in Kontakt mit dem Übertragungsradelement (47) zusammenwirkt, und entsprechend beim Drehen das Übertragungsradelement (47) antreibt, um die Verschlüsse (33) durch die jeweiligen offenen Winkelpositionen zu drehen, sodass das erste Säuremedium entlang den Einspritzrichtungen zu den Einlassöffnungen (2f) ausgestoßen wird; und
    - eine säurebeständige Abschirmung (40), angeordnet um den Ausstoßkanal (34) derart, dass sie den Ausstoßkanal (34) radial abdeckt und eine Vielzahl von Durchgangsöffnungen (45) aufweist, die entlang der Einspritzrichtungen ausgerichtet sind.
  2. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend:
    - eine Sensoranordnung (SS), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) zwischen der Einlassstation (I) und der ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1) und dazu konfiguriert, mindestens eine physikalische Größe zu erfassen, die eine Abweichung der Ist-Position von einer angestrebten Soll-Position angibt; und
    - eine Steuereinheit (60), verbunden mit der Sensoranordnung (SS) und dazu konfiguriert, dass sie von der Sensoranordnung (SS) die erfasste physikalische Größe empfängt und den Betrieb der Waschmaschine (1) stoppt, wenn die erfasste Größe angibt, dass die Ist-Position von der Soll-Position abweicht.
  3. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die erste Säureausgabevorrichtung (28) eine Einspritzanordnung (29) umfasst, dazu konfiguriert, Strahlen des ersten Säuremediums durch die Einlassöffnungen (2f) auf die Innenvolumina (2b) zu richten.
  4. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1 oder 3, ferner umfassend:
    - eine zweite Säurebehandlungszone (A2), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) zwischen der ersten Entkalkungszone (D1) und der Auslassstation (O); die zweite Säurebehandlungszone (A2) umfassend eine zweite Säureausgabevorrichtung (73), dazu konfiguriert, ein zweites Säuremedium an die Behälter (2) auszugeben;
    - eine zweite Entkalkungszone (D4), angeordnet entlang einer zweiten Strecke (Q5) des Weges (Q) zwischen der zweiten Säurebehandlungszone (A2) und der Auslassstation (O).
  5. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 4, wobei die Beförderungsmittel (4) dazu konfiguriert sind, im Gebrauch die Behälter (2) durch die zweite Entkalkungszone (D4) mit den Einlassöffnungen (2f) jeweils unter den entsprechenden Basisabschnitten (2c) zu befördern.
  6. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, wobei die erste Strecke (Q1), angeordnet zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Säurebehandlungszone (A1, A2), länger ist als die zweite Strecke (Q5).
  7. Waschmaschine nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 6, wobei:
    - die zweite Säureausgabevorrichtung (73) eine Ausstoßanordnung (75) umfasst, dazu konfiguriert, Strahlen des zweiten Säuremediums durch die Einlassöffnungen (2f) auf die Innenvolumina (2b) zu richten und/oder das zweite Säuremedium auf die Außenoberflächen (2a) zu verteilen; und/oder
    - die zweite Säurebehandlungszone (A2) ein Säurebehandlungsbad (74) zum Halten des zweiten Säuremediums umfasst, wobei das Beförderungsmittel (4) dazu konfiguriert ist, die Behälter (2) durch das Säurebehandlungsbad (74) zu befördern, sodass mindestens die Endabschnitte (2d) in das zweite Säuremedium eingetaucht werden.
  8. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend ein Bad (70) zum Halten eines flüssigen Behandlungsmediums, angeordnet stromabwärts der ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1) bezogen auf die Vorschubrichtung der Behälter (2); wobei das Beförderungsmittel (4) dazu konfiguriert ist, im Gebrauch die Behälter (2) durch das Bad (70) zu befördern, sodass Außenoberflächen der Basisabschnitte (2c) in das flüssige Behandlungsmedium eingetaucht werden.
  9. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 8, ferner umfassend:
    - eine Säurequelle (T2), verbunden mit dem Bad (70), um das Bad (70) mit einem dritten Säuremedium zu füllen, um die Außenoberflächen (2a) der Behälter (2), die sich im Gebrauch durch das Bad (70) bewegen und Beförderungsmittel (4) dieser Behälter (2) zu entkalken; und/oder
    - eine Basenquelle (T1), verbunden mit dem Bad (70), um das Bad (70) mit einem Basenmedium zu füllen, um die Außenoberflächen (2a) der Behälter (2), die sich im Gebrauch durch das Bad (70) bewegen und Beförderungsmittel (4) dieser Behälter (2) zu neutralisieren.
  10. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend:
    - ein Neutralisierungsbad (104) zum Halten eines basischen flüssigen Behandlungsmediums, angeordnet stromabwärts von der Auslassstation (O) bezogen auf die Vorschubrichtung der Behälter (2); das Beförderungsmittel (4) umfassend eine Vielzahl von Elementen (16), die entlang des Weges (Q) und durch das Neutralisierungsbad (104) bewegbar sind, sodass die Elemente (16) in das basische flüssige Behandlungsmedium eingetaucht werden; und
    - eine weitere Basenquelle (T6), verbunden mit dem Neutralisierungsbad (104), zum Befüllen des Neutralisierungsbads (104) mit dem basischen flüssigen Behandlungsmedium, um die Elemente (16) zu neutralisieren, die sich im Gebrauch durch das Neutralisierungsbad (104) bewegen.
  11. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend:
    - eine Heißwaschzone (C2), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) zwischen der Einlassstation (I) und der ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1); und
    - eine Wärmeaustauschzone (H1), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) in einer Position direkt zwischen der Heißwaschzone (C2) und der ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1) und umfassend Kühlmittel, dazu konfiguriert, die Temperatur der Behälter (2) zu senken, die im Gebrauch von der Heißwaschbehandlungszone (C2) zu der ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1) herausbefördert werden.
  12. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 11, wobei das Kühlmittel eine Vorspülvorrichtung (102) umfasst, dazu konfiguriert, ein Spülmedium bei einer ersten Temperatur, die im Gebrauch niedriger ist als eine zweite Temperatur der Behälter (2), die aus der Heißwaschbehandlungszone (C2) herausbefördert werden, in die Innenvolumina (2b) und/oder auf die Außenoberflächen (2a) der aus der Heißwaschbehandlungszone (C2) herausbeförderten Behälter (2) zu verteilen;
    die Waschmaschine vorzugsweise umfassend eine abschließende Spülzone (R1), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) stromaufwärts der Auslassstation (O), bezogen auf die Vorschubrichtung der Behälter (2) entlang des Weges (Q); die abschließende Spülzone (R1) umfassend eine Spülvorrichtung (77), dazu konfiguriert, die Innenvolumina (2b) und/oder die Außenoberflächen (2a) der Behälter (2) zu spülen; wobei das Spülmedium insbesondere aus der abschließenden Spülzone (R1) abgesaugt wird.
  13. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend eine Tropfzone (D2), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) und unmittelbar stromabwärts der ersten Entkalkungszone (D1), bezogen auf die Vorschubrichtung der Behälter (2) entlang des Weges (Q); wobei das Beförderungsmittel (4) konfiguriert ist zum Befördern der Behälter (2) durch die Tropfzone (D2) mit fortschreitenden Zwischenorientierungen zwischen einer ersten Orientierung, in der die Einlassöffnungen (2f) vertikal über den Basisabschnitten (2c) ausgerichtet sind, und einer zweiten Ausrichtung, in der die Einlassöffnungen (2f) vertikal unter den Basisabschnitten (2c) ausgerichtet sind, sodass das Tropfen des ersten Säuremediums aus den Behältern (2) ermöglicht wird.
  14. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend eine säurebeständige Abdeckung (65), angeordnet in der ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1) in einer festen Position über der ersten Säureausgabevorrichtung (28) und dazu angepasst, Spritzer des ersten Säuremediums lokal zu enthalten; die Abdeckung (65) umfassend einen Ablenkrost (66) und ein über dem Rost (66) angeordnetes Plattendach (67) .
  15. Verfahren zum Waschen von Behältern (2) für fließfähige Produkte unter Verwendung der Waschmaschine nach einem der Ansprüche 1-14, das Verfahren umfassend die Schritte:
    i) Vorschieben einer Vielzahl von Behältern (2) entlang eines Waschbehandlungsweges (Q) von einer Einlassstation (I) zu einer Auslassstation (O), die Behälter (2) umfassend:
    - entsprechende Basisabschnitte (2c);
    - entsprechende Endabschnitte (2d), von den Basisabschnitten (2c) entlang entsprechenden Achsen (A) beabstandet und mit entsprechenden Einlassöffnungen (2f) versehen; und
    - entsprechende Außenoberflächen (2a), die entsprechende Innenvolumina (2b) begrenzen, dazu angepasst, ein fließfähiges Produkt aufzunehmen;
    das Verfahren ferner umfassend die Schritte:
    ii) Einführen eines ersten Säuremediums in die inneren Volumina (2b) durch die Einlassöffnungen (2f) in einer ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q);
    iii) Befördern der Behälter (2) durch eine erste Entkalkungszone (D1), wobei die Einlassöffnungen (2f) sich jeweils über den entsprechenden Basisabschnitten (2c) befinden; wobei die erste Entkalkungszone (D1) entlang einer ersten Strecke (Q1) des Weges (P) und stromabwärts der ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1) angeordnet ist, bezogen auf die Vorschubrichtung der Behälter (2) entlang des Weges (Q); und
    iv) Halten mindestens eines Teils des ersten Säuremediums innerhalb der Innenvolumina (2) der jeweiligen Behälter aufgrund von Schwerkraftwirkung.
  16. Verfahren nach Anspruch 15, ferner umfassend den Schritt:
    v) Befördern der Behälter (2) durch ein Bad (70), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) zwischen der ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1) und der ersten Entkalkungszone (D1); wobei das Bad (70) gefüllt ist mit einem dritten Säuremedium beziehungsweise mit einem Basenmedium, um die Außenoberflächen (2a) der Behälter (2), die sich durch das Bad (70) bewegen und Beförderungsmittel (4) dieser Behälter (2) zu entkalken oder zu neutralisieren.
  17. Verfahren nach Anspruch 15 oder 16, ferner umfassend die Schritte:
    vi) Einführen, in die Innenvolumina (2b), durch die Einlassöffnungen (2f) und/oder Verteilen, auf den Außenoberflächen (2a), eines zweiten Säuremediums in einer zweiten Säurebehandlungszone (A2), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) zwischen der ersten Entkalkungszone (D1) und der Auslassstation (O);
    vii) Befördern der Behälter durch eine zweite Entkalkungszone (D4), angeordnet entlang einer zweiten Strecke (Q5) des Weges (Q) zwischen der zweiten Säurebehandlungszone (A2) und der Auslassstation (O), insbesondere wobei die Einlassöffnungen (2f) sich jeweils unter den entsprechenden Basisabschnitten (2c) befinden; und/oder
    viii) Abtropfen des ersten Säuremediums aus den Behältern (2) in einer Tropfzone (D2), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) und unmittelbar stromabwärts der ersten Entkalkungszone (D1), bezogen auf die Vorschubrichtung der Behälter (2) entlang des Weges (Q) durch Befördern der Behälter (2) durch die Tropfzone (D2) mit fortschreitenden Zwischenorientierungen zwischen einer ersten Orientierung, in der die Einlassöffnungen (2f) vertikal über den Basisabschnitten (2c) ausgerichtet sind, und einer zweiten Ausrichtung, in der die Einlassöffnungen (2f) vertikal unter den Basisabschnitten (2c) ausgerichtet sind.
  18. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 15 bis 17, ferner umfassend die Schritte:
    ix) Waschen der Behälter (2) bei einer ersten Temperatur, höher als die Umgebungstemperatur, in einer Heißwaschzone (C2), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) zwischen der Einlassstation (I) und der ersten Säurebehandlungszone (A1);
    x) Abkühlen der Behälter (2) in einer Wärmeaustauschzone (H1), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) in einer Position direkt zwischen der Heißwaschzone (C2) und der ersten Säurebehandlungszone; und/oder
    xi) Spülen der Innenvolumina (2b) und/oder der Außenoberflächen (2a) der Behälter (2) in einer abschließenden Spülzone (R1), angeordnet entlang des Weges (Q) stromaufwärts der Auslassstation (O), bezogen auf die Vorschubrichtung der Behälter (2) entlang des Weges (Q);
    wobei die Behälter (2) insbesondere abgekühlt werden, indem den Behältern (2) ein Spülmedium zugeführt wird, das aus der abschließenden Spülzone (R1) abgesaugt wird, bei einer zweiten Temperatur, die niedriger ist als die erste Temperatur.
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GB101253A (en) * 1916-04-05 1916-08-31 Alfred Augustus Thornton Bottle Washing Machines.
US1445359A (en) * 1919-09-16 1923-02-13 Scarborough Apparatus for cleaning bottles and like containers
FR981098A (fr) * 1948-02-21 1951-05-22 Procédé et appareil pour le nettoyage de bouteilles
DE1087922B (de) * 1956-08-31 1960-08-25 Enzinger Union Werke Ag Behandlungsmaschine fuer Flaschen, Kannen u. dgl.
DE9310151U1 (de) * 1993-07-08 1993-09-16 Holstein & Kappert Maschf Flaschenreinigungsmaschine mit mehreren hintereinander angeordneten Behandlungsabteilungen
EP2727660B1 (de) 2012-11-05 2015-08-26 Gebo Packaging Solutions Italy SRL Einheit zum Behandeln von Behältern und Verfahren für die Neukonfiguration einer Einheit zum Behandeln von Behältern

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