EP3666407B1 - A cooling process for cooling hot washed containers in a washing machine and washing machine carrying out the same process - Google Patents
A cooling process for cooling hot washed containers in a washing machine and washing machine carrying out the same process Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3666407B1 EP3666407B1 EP18212340.6A EP18212340A EP3666407B1 EP 3666407 B1 EP3666407 B1 EP 3666407B1 EP 18212340 A EP18212340 A EP 18212340A EP 3666407 B1 EP3666407 B1 EP 3666407B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- basin
- transfer medium
- heat transfer
- containers
- zone
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims description 68
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 title claims description 36
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 23
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000004506 ultrasonic cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 230000001902 propagating effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 12
- 239000012459 cleaning agent Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000012163 sequencing technique Methods 0.000 description 4
- HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+] HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000013043 chemical agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 208000004434 Calcinosis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
- B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
- B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
- B08B9/30—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking and having conveyors
Definitions
- the invention relates to a cooling process for cooling hot washed containers in a washing machine and to a washing machine that carries out the same process.
- 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.
- Known washing machines essentially comprise:
- 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, in sequence, a prewash zone, a first cleaning zone, a second cleaning zone and a plurality of consecutive rinsing zones.
- the prewash zone, the first cleaning zone, and the second cleaning zone comprise respective cleaning baths, which are filled with a washing chemical agent at high temperature and through which the containers are advanced.
- Each rinsing zone comprises a corresponding rinsing bath filled with rinsing liquid and/or ejecting devices for directing sprinkles of rinsing liquid toward the containers.
- the rinsing liquid delivered to the containers has both the function of removing therefrom any residuals of washing chemical agent and of cooling down the same containers after being conveyed out from the cooling baths.
- the same containers are cooled more and more and the temperatures of the rinsing liquid in each of the rinsing zones reach respective values decreasing according to the advancing direction of the containers.
- the overall quantity of rinsing liquid that needs to be used for bringing the containers at room temperature is generally significant.
- the invention further relates to a washing machine, as claimed in claim 7.
- 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:
- chain conveyor 4 comprises:
- each beam 16 comprises a row of pockets 17 aligned orthogonally to path P 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.
- Washing machine 1 comprises also a feeding system 8 for feeding a sequence of empty containers 2 along a direction F and at an inlet station I of washing tunnel 3.
- containers 2 fed along direction F are arranged in rows orthogonal to path P.
- Feeding system 8 comprises:
- the most forward containers 2 of each row of containers 2 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.
- Washing machine 1 further comprises an outfeed conveyor 14, which receives rows of cleaned containers 2 from chain conveyor 4 at an outlet station 0 of washing tunnel 3.
- path P comprises:
- washing machine 1 comprises in sequence along washing branch Q:
- washing machine 1 comprises respective baths 11, 12, 13 filled with a cleaning agent, preferably a basic aqueous solution comprising sodium hydroxide.
- a cleaning agent preferably a basic aqueous solution comprising sodium hydroxide.
- washing machine 1 comprises also a plurality of sprinkling devices 106 arranged in sequence along washing branch Q.
- Sprinkling devices 106 deliver, in use, sprinkles of the above cleaning agent to external surfaces 2a and inner volumes 2b of containers 2, while the latter are advanced through the prewash zone P1 itself.
- the cleaning agent within bath 11 and the cleaning agent ejected by sprinkling devices 106 are brought to a relatively high temperature, for instance between 45 °C and 60 °C, so that the encrusted dirt on containers 2 starts to dissolve as containers 2 themselves advance through prewash zone P1.
- the cleaning agent within baths 12, 13 is brought to a higher temperature, for instance between 65 °C and 80 °C, so that dirt on advancing containers 2 is fully removed together with possible labels arranged thereon.
- containers 2 come out from bath 13 cleaned and heated up to a temperature likely between 60 °C and 70 °C, so that the same containers 2 needs to be cooled down to environmental temperature before being discharged at outlet station 0.
- washing machine 1 comprises a cooling apparatus 101, which is arranged within heat exchange zone H1 and allows containers 2 and beams 16 to come in thermal contact with heat transfer medium having a temperature lower than that of the cleaning agent within bath 13, such that the same containers 2 and beams 16 are cooled for a first time while the corresponding heat transfer medium is heated.
- a cooling apparatus 101 which is arranged within heat exchange zone H1 and allows containers 2 and beams 16 to come in thermal contact with heat transfer medium having a temperature lower than that of the cleaning agent within bath 13, such that the same containers 2 and beams 16 are cooled for a first time while the corresponding heat transfer medium is heated.
- washing machine 1 comprises another cooling apparatus 102, which is arranged within heat exchange zone H2 and allows containers 2 and beams 16 to come in thermal contact with further heat transfer medium having a lower temperature, such that the same containers 2 and beams 16 are cooled for a second time while the corresponding heat transfer medium is heated.
- another cooling apparatus 102 which is arranged within heat exchange zone H2 and allows containers 2 and beams 16 to come in thermal contact with further heat transfer medium having a lower temperature, such that the same containers 2 and beams 16 are cooled for a second time while the corresponding heat transfer medium is heated.
- each mentioned heat transfer medium comprises a rinsing medium, in particular water, which is brought in contact with containers 2 and beams 16, while the latter are advanced through heat exchange zones H1, H2.
- the equilibrium temperatures respectively reached by containers 2, beams 16 and the heat transfer medium at heat exchange zone are between 45 °C and 60 °C, while the equilibrium temperatures respectively reached by containers 2, beams 16 and the heat transfer medium at heat exchange zone H2 is between 25 °C and 35 °C.
- cooling apparatus 101 comprises a basin 70 suitable for holding heat transfer medium and arranged within heat exchange zone H1, in particular along a stretch Q1 of washing branch Q.
- Basin 70 is filled with heat transfer medium and is arranged in a position such that beams 16 are conveyed by chains 15 through the same basin 70.
- basin 70 may be considered part of a rinsing apparatus aimed to remove cleaning agent from containers 2 and from beams 16 by delivering rinsing medium to the containers 2 and beams 16 themselves.
- washing branch Q comprises a stretch Q2 within heat exchange zone H1 and along which containers 2 are advanced with their axes A inclined with respect to a vertical direction.
- each container 2 advancing along stretch Q2 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 stretch Q2 with respective axes A that progressively form angles with the vertical direction between 30° and 140°, more in particular between 60° and 120°.
- washing machine 1 comprises a basin 74 that is suitable for holding heat transfer medium and is arranged in heat exchange zone H1 below stretch Q2, so as to receive and gather the portion of the heat transfer medium fallen down from containers 2 and beams 16.
- cooling apparatus 102 comprises a rinsing apparatus arranged within heat exchange zone H2, and configured to deliver a rinsing medium onto containers 2 and beams 16, while the latter are advanced through heat exchange zone H2.
- the above rinsing apparatus is defined by an ejection assembly 77 and the rinsing medium comprises a liquid defining the heat transfer medium within heat exchange zone H2.
- Ejection assembly 77 comprises a plurality of sprinkling devices 78 arranged in sequence along washing branch Q for delivering sprinkles of the rinsing medium to external surfaces 2a and inner volumes 2b of containers 2, as well as to beams 16 carrying the same containers 2.
- At least one of the sprinkling devices 78 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 supplies only the last sprinkling device 78 of the respective sequence, according to the advancing direction of containers 2.
- ejection assembly 77 comprises also a plurality of basins 79 respectively arranged in sequence below sprinkling devices 78 and fluidly connected thereto.
- the last basin 79 in the respective sequence gather rinsing medium that is ejected by the corresponding sprinkling device 78, since the same ejected rinsing medium falls down from containers 2 and beams 16 that advance above the same last basin 79.
- the previously referred last basin 79 supplies, in use, all the other basins 79, which in turn supply the corresponding sprinkling devices 78.
- each basin 79 comprise at the top a corresponding spillway 80 toward the immediately upstream basin 79.
- the last basin 79 in the respective sequence is the first one that is completely filled since indirectly receiving rinsing medium from tank T4 via the corresponding sprinkling device 78; the other basins 79 are completely filled in succession according to a direction opposite to the advancing direction of containers 2.
- the first basin 79 of the respective sequence is adjacent to basin 74 and comprises at the top a spillway 81 toward the same basin 74.
- washing machine 1 further comprises:
- the equilibrium temperatures respectively reached by beams 16 and heat transfer medium at return zone R1 are between 25 °C and 35 °C.
- Heating apparatus 36 comprises a basin 104, which is suitable for holding heat transfer medium and is arranged within return zone R1 in a position such that beams 16 passes through the same basin 104, while the beams 16 themselves are conveyed by chains 15 along return branch R.
- basin 104 is filled with heat transfer medium, such that beams 16 advanced through basin 104 result fully in contact with the heat transfer medium itself and, in particular, immersed therein.
- Circulation system 35 comprises a fluidic circuit 110, which:
- fluidic circuit 110 comprises a fluidic line L1, which fluidly connects the basin 104 to the basin 70 so as to allow flowing of the above second portion from basin 104 to basin 70.
- fluidic line L1 is provided with a tank T1, which is filled with the heat transfer medium at the same temperature of the second portion, is arranged below basin 104, and is connected to basin 104 for receiving the second portion.
- fluidic circuit 110 is provided also with a pump 114 arranged along fluidic line L1 for pumping the second portion from tank T1 to basin 70, which is arranged above both tank T1 and basin 104.
- Fluidic circuit 110 further comprises another fluidic line L2, which fluidly connects basin 104 to basin 74 so as to allow transport of the above first portion from basin 74 to basin 104.
- Basin 74 is arranged above basin 104, such that the first portion is conveyed by fluidic line L2 due to gravity action, without the needing of any pump.
- washing machine 1 comprises another fluidic circuit 111, which withdraws a further portion of the heat transfer medium heated at heat exchange zone H1 to convey the same further portion to prewash zone P1.
- fluidic circuit 111 comprises a fluidic line L3, which fluidly connects basin 74 with sprinkling devices 106, so as to supply the same sprinkling devices 106 with the above further portion of the heat transfer medium.
- the washing machine 1 comprises an ultrasonic wave generator UG, which is coupled to the basin 104 and is configured to propagate ultrasonic waves through the heat transfer medium within basin 104 itself, such that beams 16 receive an ultrasonic cleaning treatment while advancing through basin 104.
- an ultrasonic wave generator UG which is coupled to the basin 104 and is configured to propagate ultrasonic waves through the heat transfer medium within basin 104 itself, such that beams 16 receive an ultrasonic cleaning treatment while advancing through basin 104.
- the ultrasonic wave generator comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 90 ( Figure 2 ), which are conveniently plate-shaped, configured to convert electric power into ultrasounds, and sequentially arranged adjacent and parallel to each other along a stretch R2, which is part of return branch R and is placed within basin 104.
- Ultrasonic transducers 90 preferably emit ultrasonic waves having an action range of at least 350 mm and a frequency between 25 kHz and 28 kHz.
- ultrasonic transducers 90 are parallel to stretch R2 and fixed with respect to basin 104, so as to be placed immediately below the advancing beams 16.
- ultrasonic transducers 90 have a maximum clearance from beams 16 that is equal to 10 mm, according to a direction orthogonal to stretch R2.
- beams 16 advances through stretch R2, the same beams 16 have respective lower portions facing ultrasonic transducers 90 in close proximity.
- Stretch R2 is preferably rectilinear and, more preferably horizontal. Moreover, stretch R2 conveniently has a length between 0.5 m and 2 m.
- beams 16 are advanced throughout the whole stretch R2 during a time interval between 20 s and 60 s, in order to have optimal performances of the ultrasonic cleaning treatment.
- Washing machine 1 further comprises:
- control unit ECU controls the activation of ultrasonic transducers 90 in a periodic or discontinuous manner, e.g. for a duration of 30 s after each period of 420 working hours of the washing machine 1.
- Ultrasonic waves generated by ultrasonic wave generator UG have a relative periodic motion with respect to the heat transfer medium in which the same waves propagate; therefore, local micro-zones within the heat transfer medium pass periodically from a depressurized to a pressurized state.
- Such energy is useful to disaggregate possible tough calcium deposit or encrusted dirt on the beams 16 themselves.
- washing machine 1 The operation of washing machine 1 is described in detail in the following.
- Feeding system 8 advances a plurality of rows 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 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 of cleaned containers 2 at outlet station 0 onto outfeed conveyor 14, and return along return branch R without containers 2.
- containers 2 of each row are first carried by pockets 17 through prewash zone P1, where containers 2 are preliminary washed and heated through immersion within bath 11 and by means of sprinkling devices 106.
- both containers 2 and beams 16 continue to receive heat from cleaning agent within baths 12, 13 up to reach elevated temperatures, for instance between 60 °C and 70° C.
- containers 2 and beams 16 are advanced through basin 70 within heat exchange zone H1, where the containers 2 and the beams 16 themselves are immersed into heat transfer medium and establish a thermal equilibrium with the latter, so as to reach intermediate temperatures, for instance between 45 °C and 60 °C.
- part of the heated heat transfer medium is dragged out from basin 70 by containers 2 and beams 16, while the latter are conveyed out from the basin 70 itself.
- the entire heat transfer medium gathered within basin 74 has a temperature essentially equal to that of the above part; then, two different further parts of the heat transfer medium within the same basin 74 are split to be respectively supplied to sprinkling devices 106 via fluidic line L3 and transported to basin 104 via fluidic line L2.
- containers 2 and beams 16 When containers 2 and beams 16 reach the heat exchange zone H2, the containers 2 and beams 16 themselves receive the heat transfer medium by means of sprinkling devices 78, so as to be further cooled down to low temperatures, for instance between 25 °C and 35 °C.
- Cooled beams 16 are immersed within basin 104 while advancing through the return branch R; here, a heat exchange occur between the heat transfer medium within basin 104 and the cooled beams 16.
- beams 16 receive a complete ultrasonic cleaning treatment by means of ultrasonic wave generator UG, with above described modes.
- beams 16 are warmed and conveyed toward inlet station I, whereas the heat transfer medium is cooled down.
- basin 70 part of the cooled down heat transfer medium is transported to basin 70, so as to be re-used for cooling other containers 2 and beams 16, which advance through basin 70 itself.
- Basin 70 is supplied with recycled heat transfer medium from basin 104, which is maintained at low temperatures by beams 16 cooled at heat exchange zone H2 and passing through basin 104 itself.
- Fresh heat transfer medium is supplied just only to one sprinkling device 78; thanks to the peculiar arrangement of basins 79, all the other sprinkling devices 78 are effectively supplied with recycled heat transfer medium.
- basin 104 may be supplied by exploiting other collecting means, possibly suitable for actively withdrawing heat transfer medium from heat exchange zone H1, such as pumping systems that trap heat transfer medium from basin 70.
- cooling or heating apparatus may be used to allow heat transfers between beams 16 and heat transfer media at heat exchange zones H1, H2, and at return zone R1, including heat exchangers, fans, nebulizers, and the like.
- basin 70 may be placed within heat exchange zone H2 whereas ejection assembly 77 may be placed within heat exchange zone H1, as well as heat exchange zones H1, H2 may be provided with rinsing apparatus including further basins and/or ejection assemblies.
- washing machine 1 may comprise many more heat exchange zones between cleaning zone C2 and outlet station 0. Possibly, some of such heat exchange zones may be placed between heat exchange zones H1, H2.
- fluidic circuit 111 may connect heat exchange zone H1 also or only with bath 11.
Description
- The invention relates to a cooling process for cooling hot washed containers in a washing machine and to a washing machine that carries out the same process.
- In general, 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.
- An example of washing machine is known, e.g. from
EP2727660 in the name of the same Applicant. - Known washing machines essentially comprise:
- a feeding system;
- a washing tunnel;
- a looped chain conveyor advancing the containers along a closed washing path and extending inside the washing tunnel from an inlet station to an outlet station; and
- a plurality of sequential treatment zones arranged between the inlet station and the outlet station, and through which the chain conveyor advances the containers.
- In detail, the chain conveyor comprises a plurality of bars, which are fed at the inlet station by the feeding system with respective rows of containers.
- In particular, each bar comprises a plurality of aligned pockets, which receive, convey and outlet the respective washed containers.
- According to the advancing direction of containers along the washing tunnel, the treatment zones comprise, in sequence, a prewash zone, a first cleaning zone, a second cleaning zone and a plurality of consecutive rinsing zones.
- The prewash zone, the first cleaning zone, and the second cleaning zone comprise respective cleaning baths, which are filled with a washing chemical agent at high temperature and through which the containers are advanced.
- Each rinsing zone comprises a corresponding rinsing bath filled with rinsing liquid and/or ejecting devices for directing sprinkles of rinsing liquid toward the containers.
- The rinsing liquid delivered to the containers has both the function of removing therefrom any residuals of washing chemical agent and of cooling down the same containers after being conveyed out from the cooling baths.
- As the containers are sequentially conveyed through the consecutive rinsing zones of the washing machine, the same containers are cooled more and more and the temperatures of the rinsing liquid in each of the rinsing zones reach respective values decreasing according to the advancing direction of the containers.
- According to known processes for cooling containers, the overall quantity of rinsing liquid that needs to be used for bringing the containers at room temperature is generally significant.
- Such remark introduces an issue regarding the energetic and environmental impact of the known cooling processes, and the costs related to an increased consumption of rinsing liquid.
- In view of that, a need is felt within the sector for a cooling process using a reduced amount of rinsing liquid in respect to known solutions, without losing cooling performances.
- Documents
DE2454100 A1 andEP0637472 A1 disclose cooling processes with heat exchange in a bottle washing machine. - It is an object of the invention to provide a process for cooling hot washed containers in a washing machine, which allows meeting the abovementioned need in a simple and economic manner.
- This object is achieved by the invention as it relates to a cooling process for cooling hot washed containers in a washing machine, as claimed in claim 1.
- The invention further relates to a washing machine, as claimed in claim 7.
- One preferred embodiment is hereinafter disclosed for a better understanding of the present invention, by way of non-limitative example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a lateral view of a washing machine for washing empty containers and for carrying out a process for cooling hot washed containers, according to the invention; and -
Figure 2 is a lateral view in an enlarged scale of some components of the washing machine ofFigure 1 . - With reference to
Figure 1 , numeral 1 indicates a washing machine forwashing containers 2, in particular empty bottles intended to be filled with a pourable product. - Each
container 2 has anexternal surface 2a delimiting aninner volume 2b adapted to receive the pourable product and extends along an axis A (lying on a vertical plane, in the embodiment shown) from abase portion 2c to aneck portion 2d. - The
neck portion 2d is provided with an inlet opening 2f about axis A, which allow the filling of theinner volume 2b of thecorresponding container 2. - Washing machine 1 comprises:
- a washing tunnel 3, in which
empty containers 2 are fed and accordingly washed; and - a chain conveyor 4 for advancing
containers 2 inside washing tunnel 3 along a closed loop path P, in particular lying on a vertical plane. - In detail, chain conveyor 4 comprises:
- a pair of
chains 15 elongated parallel to path P and parallel to one another; and - a plurality of
subsequent conveying beams 16, which extend betweenchains 15 in a transversal and, more in detail, orthogonal manner tochains 15 and path P. - Specifically, each
beam 16 comprises a row ofpockets 17 aligned orthogonally to path P and adapted to receivecorresponding containers 2. - In such a manner,
containers 2 carried by acorresponding beam 16 are aligned orthogonally to path P and housed inside therespective pockets 17. - Washing machine 1 comprises also a feeding system 8 for feeding a sequence of
empty containers 2 along a direction F and at an inlet station I of washing tunnel 3. In particular,containers 2 fed along direction F are arranged in rows orthogonal to path P. - Feeding system 8 comprises:
- a plurality of endless conveyors 103 (of which only one is schematically shown) configured to convey the rows of
containers 2 towards the inlet station I; - a motor (not shown), which drives
conveyors 103; and - a
sequencing device 105, arranged between inlet station I andendless conveyors 103 and configured to receive a row ofcontainers 2 at a time fromconveyors 103 and to feed the received row to the chain conveyor 4 at inlet station I. - In particular, the most
forward containers 2 of each row ofcontainers 2 are transferred bysequencing device 105 to therespective pockets 17 of thebeam 16 that is travelling at inlet station I. - The operation and construction of the
sequencing device 105 in known as such and, therefore, not described further in detail. - In the embodiment shown, direction F is horizontal and orthogonal to axes A of
containers 2 fed along the same direction F. - Washing machine 1 further comprises an outfeed
conveyor 14, which receives rows of cleanedcontainers 2 from chain conveyor 4 at an outlet station 0 of washing tunnel 3. - In view of the above, path P comprises:
- a washing branch Q, which extends from inlet station I to outlet station 0 and along which
containers 2 are advanced by chain conveyor 4; and - a return branch R, which extends from outlet station 0 to inlet station I and defines a return zone R1, through which beams 16 return towards inlet station I without
containers 2. - Furthermore, according to the advancing direction of the
same containers 2, washing machine 1 comprises in sequence along washing branch Q: - a prewash zone P1;
- a first cleaning zone C1;
- a second cleaning zone C2;
- a first heat exchange zone H1; and
- a second heat exchange zone H2.
- In the foregoing of the present disclosure, for the sake of clarity, terms like "upstream of" and "downstream of" are to be intended throughout the whole description with reference to such advancing direction of the
containers 2 along path P. - Within prewash zone P1, first cleaning zone C1, and second cleaning zone C2, washing machine 1 comprises
respective baths - Moreover, within prewash zone P1, washing machine 1 comprises also a plurality of
sprinkling devices 106 arranged in sequence along washing branch Q. -
Sprinkling devices 106 deliver, in use, sprinkles of the above cleaning agent toexternal surfaces 2a andinner volumes 2b ofcontainers 2, while the latter are advanced through the prewash zone P1 itself. - The cleaning agent within
bath 11 and the cleaning agent ejected by sprinklingdevices 106 are brought to a relatively high temperature, for instance between 45 °C and 60 °C, so that the encrusted dirt oncontainers 2 starts to dissolve ascontainers 2 themselves advance through prewash zone P1. - On the other hand, the cleaning agent within
baths containers 2 is fully removed together with possible labels arranged thereon. - Therefore,
containers 2 come out frombath 13 cleaned and heated up to a temperature likely between 60 °C and 70 °C, so that thesame containers 2 needs to be cooled down to environmental temperature before being discharged at outlet station 0. - In view of that, washing machine 1 comprises a
cooling apparatus 101, which is arranged within heat exchange zone H1 and allowscontainers 2 andbeams 16 to come in thermal contact with heat transfer medium having a temperature lower than that of the cleaning agent withinbath 13, such that thesame containers 2 andbeams 16 are cooled for a first time while the corresponding heat transfer medium is heated. - Moreover, washing machine 1 comprises another
cooling apparatus 102, which is arranged within heat exchange zone H2 and allowscontainers 2 andbeams 16 to come in thermal contact with further heat transfer medium having a lower temperature, such that thesame containers 2 andbeams 16 are cooled for a second time while the corresponding heat transfer medium is heated. - In detail, each mentioned heat transfer medium comprises a rinsing medium, in particular water, which is brought in contact with
containers 2 andbeams 16, while the latter are advanced through heat exchange zones H1, H2. - In this manner, the cleaning agent remaining onto
containers 2 and ontobeams 16 is gradually removed therefrom, as well as dissolved in the rinsing medium. - In particular, the equilibrium temperatures respectively reached by
containers 2, beams 16 and the heat transfer medium at heat exchange zone are between 45 °C and 60 °C, while the equilibrium temperatures respectively reached bycontainers 2, beams 16 and the heat transfer medium at heat exchange zone H2 is between 25 °C and 35 °C. - In the embodiment shown,
cooling apparatus 101 comprises abasin 70 suitable for holding heat transfer medium and arranged within heat exchange zone H1, in particular along a stretch Q1 of washing branch Q. -
Basin 70 is filled with heat transfer medium and is arranged in a position such that beams 16 are conveyed bychains 15 through thesame basin 70. - In such a manner, beams 16 and
external surfaces 2a ofcontainers 2 advancing through thebasin 70 are fully in contact with such heat transfer medium and, in particular, immersed therein. - Since the above heat transfer medium comprises a rinsing medium,
basin 70 may be considered part of a rinsing apparatus aimed to remove cleaning agent fromcontainers 2 and frombeams 16 by delivering rinsing medium to thecontainers 2 and beams 16 themselves. - Immediately downstream of stretch Q1, washing branch Q comprises a stretch Q2 within heat exchange zone H1 and along which
containers 2 are advanced with their axes A inclined with respect to a vertical direction. - In other words, each
container 2 advancing along stretch Q2 has a corresponding orientation that is intermediate in respect of two extremal orientations, according to which axis A is vertical andinlet opening 2f is respectively above and below thebase portion 2c. - More in detail, while advancing throughout the whole stretch Q2, each
container 2 assumes a plurality of progressive orientations, among which at least one is distinguished by that the corresponding axis A is horizontal. - In particular,
containers 2 are conveyed through stretch Q2 with respective axes A that progressively form angles with the vertical direction between 30° and 140°, more in particular between 60° and 120°. - In such a manner,
containers 2 and beams 16, which advance throughbasin 70 push a portion of the heat transfer medium toward stretch Q2, at which the same portion falls down fromcontainers 2 and beams 16 themselves due to gravity action. - Moreover, still with reference to the embodiment shown, washing machine 1 comprises a basin 74 that is suitable for holding heat transfer medium and is arranged in heat exchange zone H1 below stretch Q2, so as to receive and gather the portion of the heat transfer medium fallen down from
containers 2 and beams 16. - Furthermore,
cooling apparatus 102 comprises a rinsing apparatus arranged within heat exchange zone H2, and configured to deliver a rinsing medium ontocontainers 2 and beams 16, while the latter are advanced through heat exchange zone H2. - Specifically, the above rinsing apparatus is defined by an
ejection assembly 77 and the rinsing medium comprises a liquid defining the heat transfer medium within heat exchange zone H2. -
Ejection assembly 77 comprises a plurality of sprinklingdevices 78 arranged in sequence along washing branch Q for delivering sprinkles of the rinsing medium toexternal surfaces 2a andinner volumes 2b ofcontainers 2, as well as tobeams 16 carrying thesame containers 2. - At least one of the sprinkling
devices 78 is supplied by a source of rinsing medium; specifically washing machine 1 comprises a tank T4 defining the above source of rinsing medium. - In the embodiment shown, tank T4 supplies only the
last sprinkling device 78 of the respective sequence, according to the advancing direction ofcontainers 2. - To supply all the
other sprinkling devices 78,ejection assembly 77 comprises also a plurality ofbasins 79 respectively arranged in sequence below sprinklingdevices 78 and fluidly connected thereto. - The
last basin 79 in the respective sequence gather rinsing medium that is ejected by the corresponding sprinklingdevice 78, since the same ejected rinsing medium falls down fromcontainers 2 and beams 16 that advance above the samelast basin 79. - As it will be explained in the foregoing of the disclosure, the previously referred
last basin 79 supplies, in use, all theother basins 79, which in turn supply thecorresponding sprinkling devices 78. - In detail, as schematically illustrated in
Figure 1 and according to the advancing direction ofcontainers 2, eachbasin 79, with exception of the first of the respective sequence, comprise at the top a correspondingspillway 80 toward the immediatelyupstream basin 79. - Therefore, when a basin 79 (excluded the first one of the respective sequence) is completely filled with rinsing medium, a superficial portion of the latter falls by means of the spillway 80 into the immediately
upstream basin 79. - The
last basin 79 in the respective sequence is the first one that is completely filled since indirectly receiving rinsing medium from tank T4 via thecorresponding sprinkling device 78; theother basins 79 are completely filled in succession according to a direction opposite to the advancing direction ofcontainers 2. - In the embodiment shown, the
first basin 79 of the respective sequence is adjacent to basin 74 and comprises at the top a spillway 81 toward the same basin 74. - Advantageously, washing machine 1 further comprises:
- a
circulation system 35 for circulating heat transfer medium between first heat exchange zone H1 and return zone R1; and - a
heating apparatus 36 forheating beams 16 at return zone R1 by allowing thermal contact between thesame beams 16 and the circulated heat transfer medium, such that the same heat transfer medium is cooled by transferring part of the heat absorbed at first heat exchange zone H1 to thebeams 16 themselves before being returned to first heat exchange zone H1 for coolingcontainers 2. - In particular, the equilibrium temperatures respectively reached by
beams 16 and heat transfer medium at return zone R1 are between 25 °C and 35 °C. -
Heating apparatus 36 comprises abasin 104, which is suitable for holding heat transfer medium and is arranged within return zone R1 in a position such that beams 16 passes through thesame basin 104, while thebeams 16 themselves are conveyed bychains 15 along return branch R. - In use,
basin 104 is filled with heat transfer medium, such thatbeams 16 advanced throughbasin 104 result fully in contact with the heat transfer medium itself and, in particular, immersed therein. -
Circulation system 35 comprises a fluidic circuit 110, which: - withdraws a first portion of heat transfer medium heated at heat exchange zone H1 to supply the same first portion to the
basin 104; and - withdraws a second portion of heat transfer medium cooled within the
basin 104 to convey the same second portion back to heat exchange zone H1. - In particular, fluidic circuit 110 comprises a fluidic line L1, which fluidly connects the
basin 104 to thebasin 70 so as to allow flowing of the above second portion frombasin 104 tobasin 70. - More in particular, fluidic line L1 is provided with a tank T1, which is filled with the heat transfer medium at the same temperature of the second portion, is arranged below
basin 104, and is connected tobasin 104 for receiving the second portion. - Moreover, fluidic circuit 110 is provided also with a pump 114 arranged along fluidic line L1 for pumping the second portion from tank T1 to
basin 70, which is arranged above both tank T1 andbasin 104. - Fluidic circuit 110 further comprises another fluidic line L2, which fluidly connects
basin 104 to basin 74 so as to allow transport of the above first portion from basin 74 tobasin 104. - Basin 74 is arranged above
basin 104, such that the first portion is conveyed by fluidic line L2 due to gravity action, without the needing of any pump. - Furthermore, washing machine 1 comprises another fluidic circuit 111, which withdraws a further portion of the heat transfer medium heated at heat exchange zone H1 to convey the same further portion to prewash zone P1.
- In particular, fluidic circuit 111 comprises a fluidic line L3, which fluidly connects basin 74 with sprinkling
devices 106, so as to supply thesame sprinkling devices 106 with the above further portion of the heat transfer medium. - Preferably, the washing machine 1 comprises an ultrasonic wave generator UG, which is coupled to the
basin 104 and is configured to propagate ultrasonic waves through the heat transfer medium withinbasin 104 itself, such thatbeams 16 receive an ultrasonic cleaning treatment while advancing throughbasin 104. - More in detail, the ultrasonic wave generator comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 90 (
Figure 2 ), which are conveniently plate-shaped, configured to convert electric power into ultrasounds, and sequentially arranged adjacent and parallel to each other along a stretch R2, which is part of return branch R and is placed withinbasin 104. -
Ultrasonic transducers 90 preferably emit ultrasonic waves having an action range of at least 350 mm and a frequency between 25 kHz and 28 kHz. - Specifically,
ultrasonic transducers 90 are parallel to stretch R2 and fixed with respect tobasin 104, so as to be placed immediately below the advancing beams 16. - In particular,
ultrasonic transducers 90 have a maximum clearance frombeams 16 that is equal to 10 mm, according to a direction orthogonal to stretch R2. - While
beams 16 advances through stretch R2, thesame beams 16 have respective lower portions facingultrasonic transducers 90 in close proximity. - Stretch R2 is preferably rectilinear and, more preferably horizontal. Moreover, stretch R2 conveniently has a length between 0.5 m and 2 m.
- Preferably, beams 16 are advanced throughout the whole stretch R2 during a time interval between 20 s and 60 s, in order to have optimal performances of the ultrasonic cleaning treatment.
- Washing machine 1 further comprises:
- an electric power generator EG connected to
ultrasonic transducers 90; and - a control unit ECU connected to the electric power generator EG and configured to control power supply of each
ultrasonic transducer 90 by operating electric power generator EG. - In particular, control unit ECU controls the activation of
ultrasonic transducers 90 in a periodic or discontinuous manner, e.g. for a duration of 30 s after each period of 420 working hours of the washing machine 1. - Ultrasonic waves generated by ultrasonic wave generator UG have a relative periodic motion with respect to the heat transfer medium in which the same waves propagate; therefore, local micro-zones within the heat transfer medium pass periodically from a depressurized to a pressurized state.
- During the depressurized state, air dissolved within the heat transfer medium tends to form many microbubbles, which implode when pressure increases, so as to release energy towards
beams 16 that are advanced throughbasin 104. - Such energy is useful to disaggregate possible tough calcium deposit or encrusted dirt on the
beams 16 themselves. - The operation of washing machine 1 is described in detail in the following.
- Feeding system 8 advances a plurality of rows of
containers 2 to be washed throughconveyor 103 in a parallel manner to direction F. - The properly positioned
containers 2 are arranged with respective axes A orthogonal to path P and withrespective base portions 2c lying onconveyor 103. -
Beams 16 of chain conveyor 4 withdraw respective rows ofcontainers 2 at inlet station I from sequencingdevice 105,advance containers 2 inside washing tunnel 3 along the washing branch Q, discharge rows of cleanedcontainers 2 at outlet station 0 ontooutfeed conveyor 14, and return along return branch R withoutcontainers 2. - In detail,
containers 2 of each row are first carried bypockets 17 through prewash zone P1, wherecontainers 2 are preliminary washed and heated through immersion withinbath 11 and by means of sprinklingdevices 106. - Hence, the
same containers 2 are conveyed also through followingbaths containers 2 are completely cleaned and deprived of any labels attached thereon. - Here, both
containers 2 and beams 16 continue to receive heat from cleaning agent withinbaths - At this point, a cooling process is carried out for cooling the hot washed
containers 2 before thesame containers 2 are discharged at outlet station 0. - In particular,
containers 2 and beams 16 are advanced throughbasin 70 within heat exchange zone H1, where thecontainers 2 and thebeams 16 themselves are immersed into heat transfer medium and establish a thermal equilibrium with the latter, so as to reach intermediate temperatures, for instance between 45 °C and 60 °C. - Here, part of the heated heat transfer medium, at a similar temperature to the above intermediate temperatures, is dragged out from
basin 70 bycontainers 2 and beams 16, while the latter are conveyed out from thebasin 70 itself. - The dragged part falls down within basin 74 while the
same containers 2 and thesame beams 16 advance through the stretch Q2. - The entire heat transfer medium gathered within basin 74 has a temperature essentially equal to that of the above part; then, two different further parts of the heat transfer medium within the same basin 74 are split to be respectively supplied to sprinkling
devices 106 via fluidic line L3 and transported tobasin 104 via fluidic line L2. - When
containers 2 and beams 16 reach the heat exchange zone H2, thecontainers 2 and beams 16 themselves receive the heat transfer medium by means of sprinklingdevices 78, so as to be further cooled down to low temperatures, for instance between 25 °C and 35 °C. - Then, cooled
beams 16 advance through the return branch R whereascontainers 2 at the above low temperatures are discharged at outlet station O. - Cooled beams 16 are immersed within
basin 104 while advancing through the return branch R; here, a heat exchange occur between the heat transfer medium withinbasin 104 and the cooled beams 16. - During heat exchange, beams 16 receive a complete ultrasonic cleaning treatment by means of ultrasonic wave generator UG, with above described modes.
- After such heat exchange, beams 16 are warmed and conveyed toward inlet station I, whereas the heat transfer medium is cooled down.
- Then, part of the cooled down heat transfer medium is transported to
basin 70, so as to be re-used for coolingother containers 2 and beams 16, which advance throughbasin 70 itself. - From an analysis of the features of the cooling process and washing machine 1 according to the invention, the advantages they allow to obtain are apparent.
-
Basin 70 is supplied with recycled heat transfer medium frombasin 104, which is maintained at low temperatures bybeams 16 cooled at heat exchange zone H2 and passing throughbasin 104 itself. - Thanks to that, there is no need of supplying
basin 70 with fresh heat transfer medium at low temperatures; in other words, the amount of heat transfer medium circulated bycirculation system 35 is sufficient to guarantee effective cooling ofcontainers 2. - Fresh heat transfer medium is supplied just only to one
sprinkling device 78; thanks to the peculiar arrangement ofbasins 79, all theother sprinkling devices 78 are effectively supplied with recycled heat transfer medium. - Therefore, the usage of fresh heat transfer medium is reduced at the minimum necessary, so that costs and environmental impact of washing machine 1 are cut down.
- Besides, part of the heat accumulated by heat transfer medium within heat exchange zone H1 is conveniently exploited at the prewash zone P1 thanks to fluidic circuit 111.
- Clearly, changes may be made to the process for cooling hot washed
containers 2 and washing machine 1 as described and illustrated herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims. - In particular, instead of being supplied with heat transfer medium gathered into basin 74,
basin 104 may be supplied by exploiting other collecting means, possibly suitable for actively withdrawing heat transfer medium from heat exchange zone H1, such as pumping systems that trap heat transfer medium frombasin 70. - Many kinds of cooling or heating apparatus may be used to allow heat transfers between
beams 16 and heat transfer media at heat exchange zones H1, H2, and at return zone R1, including heat exchangers, fans, nebulizers, and the like. - In view of that,
basin 70 may be placed within heat exchange zone H2 whereasejection assembly 77 may be placed within heat exchange zone H1, as well as heat exchange zones H1, H2 may be provided with rinsing apparatus including further basins and/or ejection assemblies. - Moreover, washing machine 1 may comprise many more heat exchange zones between cleaning zone C2 and outlet station 0. Possibly, some of such heat exchange zones may be placed between heat exchange zones H1, H2.
- Eventually, fluidic circuit 111 may connect heat exchange zone H1 also or only with
bath 11.
Claims (15)
- - A cooling process for cooling hot washed containers (2) in a washing machine (1), the method comprising the steps of:- advancing, by means of a conveyor device (4), a plurality of said hot washed containers (2) and at least one member (16) of said conveyor (4) along a washing path (P) with an outlet station (O) and a return zone (R1) downstream of said outlet station (O) and upstream of the inlet station (I), according to an advancing direction of said member (16) along said path (P);- sequentially cooling said member (16) and said containers (2) for a first and a second time by putting said member (16) in thermal contact respectively with a first and a second heat transfer medium, respectively at a first and a second heat exchange zone (H1, H2) arranged in sequence along said path (P) and upstream of said outlet station (O) according said advancing direction, such that said first heat transfer medium is heated up to a temperature higher than that of said second heat transfer medium;- discharging said containers (2) at said outlet station (O) further comprising the steps of:- circulating said first heat transfer medium between said first heat exchange zone (H1) and said return zone (R1);- heating said member (16) and cooling said first heat transfer medium by putting said member (16) in thermal contact with said first heat transfer medium at said return zone (R1); and- returning the cooled said first heat transfer medium to said first heat exchange zone (H1) for cooling said containers (2).
- - The process of claim 1, wherein said step of circulating said first heat exchange medium comprises the step of filling a first basin (104) within said return zone (R1) with a first portion of the first heat transfer medium heated at said first heat exchange zone (H1);
the process further comprising the step of advancing said member (16) through said first basin (104) to come in thermal contact with said first portion. - - The process of claim 2, further comprising the step of propagating ultrasonic waves through said first portion, such that said member (16) receives an ultrasonic cleaning treatment while advancing through said first basin (104).
- - The process of any one of the foregoing claims, wherein said step of circulating said first heat transfer medium comprises the step of filling a second basin (70) within said first heat exchange zone (H1) with a second portion of the first heat transfer medium cooled at said return zone (R1);
the process further comprising the step of advancing said member (16) through said second basin (70) to come in thermal contact with said second portion. - - The process of any one of the foregoing claims, wherein said step of circulating said first heat transfer medium comprises the steps of:- gathering into a third basin (74) within said first heat exchange zone (H1) a third portion of the first heat transfer medium heated at said first heat exchange zone (H1) by said member (16) and said containers (2) during said step of advancing through said first heat exchange zone (H1); and- transporting a fourth portion of said first heat transfer medium from said third basin (74) to said return zone (R1).
- - The process of any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising the steps of:- washing said containers (2) through a prewash zone (P1) arranged along said path (P) upstream of said first heat exchange zone (H1), according to said advancing direction;- advancing said member (16) through said prewash zone (P1); and- transporting a fifth portion of the first heat transfer medium heated at said first heat exchange zone (H1) to said prewash zone (P1) for heating said containers (2) during said step of advancing said member (16) through said prewash zone (P1).
- - A washing machine (1) comprising:- a conveyor device (4) for advancing a plurality of containers (2) along a washing path (P) and comprising at least one member (16) movable along said path (P);- an outlet station (O) arranged along said path (P) and configured to allow discharging of said containers (2);- a first and a second heat exchange zone (H1, H2) arranged in sequence along said path (P) and upstream of said outlet station (O), according to an advancing direction of said containers (2);- cooling means (101, 102) operable for sequentially cooling said member (16) and said containers (2) for a first and a second time, respectively at said first and second heat exchange zone (H1, H2), by allowing thermal contact between said member (16) and, respectively, a first and a second heat transfer medium, such that said first heat transfer medium is heated up to a temperature higher than that of said second heat transfer medium; and- a return zone (R1) arranged along said path (P) downstream of said outlet station (O)and upstream of the inlet station (I), according to said advancing direction;characterized by further comprising:- circulation means (35) operable for circulating said first heat transfer medium between said first heat exchange zone (H1) and said return zone (R1); and- heating means (36) operable for heating said member (16) at said return zone (R1) by allowing thermal contact between said member (16) and said first heat transfer medium, such that said first heat transfer medium is, in use, cooled by transferring part of the heat absorbed at said first heat exchange zone (H1) to said member (16) before being returned to said first heat exchange zone (H1) for cooling said containers (2).
- - The washing machine of claim 7, wherein:- said heating means (36) comprise a first basin (104) arranged within said return zone (R1) and suitable for holding said first heat transfer medium; and- said circulation means (35) comprise a fluidic circuit (110) for moving a first portion of the first heat transfer medium heated at said first heat exchange zone (H1) to said first basin (104) and a second portion of the first heat transfer medium cooled within said first basin (104) to said first heat exchange zone (104);said path (P) extending through said first basin (104), such that said member (16) comes in thermal contact with said first portion.
- - The washing machine of claim 8, wherein:- said cooling means (35) further comprise a second basin (70) arranged within said first heat exchange zone (H1) and suitable for holding said first heat transfer medium; and- said fluidic circuit (110) comprises a first fluidic line (L1) fluidly connecting said second basin (70) with said first basin (104), such that said second basin (70) is supplied with said second portion;said path (P) extending through said second basin (70), such that said member (16) comes in thermal contact with said second portion; and/or whereinsaid fluidic circuit (110) comprises a pump (114) arranged along said first fluidic line (L1) between a first branch of said first fluidic line (L1), in which said second portion flows due to gravity action, and a second branch of said first fluidic line (L1), in which said second portion is pushed by said pump (114) to said second basin (70).
- - The washing machine of claim 8 or 9, further comprising a third basin (74) arranged within said first heat exchange zone (H1) and configured to receive and gather a third portion of the first heat transfer medium heated at said first heat exchange zone (H1);
wherein said fluidic circuit (110) comprises a second fluidic line (L2) fluidly connecting said third basin (74) with said first basin (104), such that said first basin (104) is supplied with said first portion. - - The washing machine of claim 10, further comprising:- a prewash zone (P1) arranged along said path (P) upstream of said first heat exchange zone (H1), according to said advancing direction;- a prewashing apparatus (106, 11) arranged along said path (P) within said prewash zone (P1) and configured to wash said containers (2); and- a third fluidic line (L3) fluidly connecting said third basin (74) with said prewashing apparatus (106, 11), such that said prewashing apparatus (106, 11) is supplied with a fifth portion of said first heat transfer medium withdrawn from said third basin (74).
- - The washing machine of any one of claims from 8 to 11, further comprising an ultrasonic wave generator (UG) coupled to said first basin (104) for propagating ultrasonic waves through said first portion, such that said member (16) receives an ultrasonic cleaning treatment while advancing through said first basin (104).
- - The washing machine of any one of claims from 7 to 12, further comprising a rinsing apparatus (70; 77) arranged within at least one of said first and second heat exchange zone (H1, H2) and configured to deliver a rinsing medium toward said containers (2) and, preferably, to said member (16); said rinsing medium being correspondingly part of one of said first and second heat transfer medium.
- - The washing machine of claim 13, when dependent on claim 9, wherein said rinsing apparatus (70; 77) comprises:- said second basin (70) for holding said rinsing medium and arranged along said path (P), such that said member (16) advances, in use, through said second basin (70) coming into contact with said rinsing medium; and/or- at least one ejection assembly (77) configured to direct sprinkles of said rinsing medium toward said containers (2) and said member (16);said ejection assembly (77) comprising, in particular, a plurality of sprinkling devices (78) and a respective plurality of fourth basins (79) arranged below the corresponding said sprinkling devices, fluidly connected to the corresponding said sprinkling devices, and being fluidly communicating with one another through spillways (80).
- - The washing machine of any one of claims from 7 to 14, wherein said conveyor (4) comprises:- a plurality of beams (16) suitable for carrying respective rows of said containers (2) and extending transversally to said path (P); and- a conveying chain (15) extending parallel to said path (P) and configured to convey said beams (16) along said path (P);said beams (16) defining a respective plurality of said members (16) for exchanging heat with said first and second heat transfer medium.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP18212340.6A EP3666407B8 (en) | 2018-12-13 | 2018-12-13 | A cooling process for cooling hot washed containers in a washing machine and washing machine carrying out the same process |
BR112021011418-1A BR112021011418B1 (en) | 2018-12-13 | 2019-12-12 | COOLING PROCESS FOR COOLING HOT WASHED CONTAINERS IN A WASHING MACHINE, AND WASHING MACHINE USING SAID PROCESS |
PCT/EP2019/084935 WO2020120693A1 (en) | 2018-12-13 | 2019-12-12 | A cooling process for cooling hot washed containers in a washing machine and washing machine carrying out the same process |
MX2021007015A MX2021007015A (en) | 2018-12-13 | 2019-12-12 | A cooling process for cooling hot washed containers in a washing machine and washing machine carrying out the same process. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP18212340.6A EP3666407B8 (en) | 2018-12-13 | 2018-12-13 | A cooling process for cooling hot washed containers in a washing machine and washing machine carrying out the same process |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3666407A1 EP3666407A1 (en) | 2020-06-17 |
EP3666407B1 true EP3666407B1 (en) | 2023-02-22 |
EP3666407B8 EP3666407B8 (en) | 2023-03-22 |
Family
ID=64870306
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18212340.6A Active EP3666407B8 (en) | 2018-12-13 | 2018-12-13 | A cooling process for cooling hot washed containers in a washing machine and washing machine carrying out the same process |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3666407B8 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112021011418B1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2021007015A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020120693A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1303493C2 (en) * | 1962-07-06 | 1974-02-21 | Enzinger Union Werke AG, 6800 Mann heim | BOTTLE WASHING MACHINE |
DE2454100B2 (en) * | 1974-11-14 | 1980-03-06 | Ortmann & Herbst Gmbh, 2000 Hamburg | Container cleaning machine |
DE3003663A1 (en) * | 1980-02-01 | 1981-08-06 | Holstein Und Kappert Gmbh, 4600 Dortmund | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REDUCING THE LOSS OF HEATING THROUGH CIRCULAR VESSEL CARRIER |
DE3512463A1 (en) * | 1985-04-04 | 1986-10-16 | Holstein Und Kappert Gmbh, 4600 Dortmund | METHOD FOR REDUCING HEAT CONSUMPTION ON BOTTLE CLEANING MACHINES |
DE3677520D1 (en) * | 1985-07-19 | 1991-03-14 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | DEVICE FOR TREATING CONTAINERS. |
DE4322733C1 (en) * | 1993-07-08 | 1994-08-18 | Holstein & Kappert Maschf | Bottle cleaning machine with a number of treatment compartments arranged one behind another |
ITUD20090113A1 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2010-12-04 | Internat Steel Co S P A | MACHINE AND PROCEDURE FOR THE TREATMENT OF LIQUID CONTAINERS, AND TREATMENT DEVICE |
EP2727660B1 (en) | 2012-11-05 | 2015-08-26 | Gebo Packaging Solutions Italy SRL | A unit for treating containers and a method for the reconfiguration of a unit for treating containers |
DE102013114607B4 (en) * | 2013-12-20 | 2021-08-19 | Khs Gmbh | Method for cleaning containers and container cleaning machine |
-
2018
- 2018-12-13 EP EP18212340.6A patent/EP3666407B8/en active Active
-
2019
- 2019-12-12 WO PCT/EP2019/084935 patent/WO2020120693A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-12-12 BR BR112021011418-1A patent/BR112021011418B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2019-12-12 MX MX2021007015A patent/MX2021007015A/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3666407B8 (en) | 2023-03-22 |
WO2020120693A1 (en) | 2020-06-18 |
MX2021007015A (en) | 2021-07-21 |
BR112021011418B1 (en) | 2024-02-15 |
BR112021011418A2 (en) | 2021-08-31 |
EP3666407A1 (en) | 2020-06-17 |
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