EP4117832B1 - Procédé et appareil pour nettoyer un empilement d'objets - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil pour nettoyer un empilement d'objets Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4117832B1
EP4117832B1 EP20718838.4A EP20718838A EP4117832B1 EP 4117832 B1 EP4117832 B1 EP 4117832B1 EP 20718838 A EP20718838 A EP 20718838A EP 4117832 B1 EP4117832 B1 EP 4117832B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
stack
liquid
objects
conveyor
washing conveyor
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.)
Active
Application number
EP20718838.4A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP4117832A1 (fr
Inventor
Rolf van der Heide
Jacobus Johannes Maria NIEUWEBOER
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Moba Group BV
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Moba Group BV
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Moba Group BV filed Critical Moba Group BV
Publication of EP4117832A1 publication Critical patent/EP4117832A1/fr
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Publication of EP4117832B1 publication Critical patent/EP4117832B1/fr
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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
    • B08B9/0861—Cleaning crates, boxes or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
    • B08B3/041—Cleaning travelling work
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B7/00—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
    • B08B7/02—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by distortion, beating, or vibration of the surface to be cleaned

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning objects stacked in the manner of a stack, for example trays, more particularly trays for eggs or food products as fruit or vegetables, the apparatus comprising at least a cleaning unit with basin with cleaning liquid for cleaning the trays.
  • a stack of plates is cleaned after first having been placed, centered, on a central support in a rack with support edges for each plate separately, after which cleaning liquid is guided trough the interspace.
  • WO2012/047094 relates to a device for mechanized emptying of poultry holders and subsequent cleaning of a support structure of the emptied poultry holders on an underside only. It discloses an apparatus and a method for cleaning objects stacked in the manner of a stack, the method comprising providing the stack of objects, and passing this stack through a cleaning liquid.
  • KR101923481 relates to a tray cleaning apparatus having a pressure cleaning structure.
  • GB2137717 discloses a tray washing apparatus comprising a tank for containing washing liquid, means defining a path of travel for trays through the tank for contact with the washing liquid, and a series of rotatable brushes arranged along said path and mounted for rotation.
  • US3783560 discloses an apparatus for washing packing cases and delivery trays, having a downwardly sloping trough leading onto a grate in a receptacle filled with a detergent solution in which sand is suspended.
  • CTW3250 and CTW6500 see www.moba.net under tray washer
  • the method according to the invention provides a method which comprises dropping a stack of objects to be cleaned (for example a stack of nested trays) into a cleaning liquid.
  • the stack is released above the cleaning liquid so as to make a (brief) falling motion.
  • the objects can briefly come loose from each other, and land in the cleaning liquid as a stack (to nest again directly). It is then additionally advantageous when the stack as a result of the fall is completely immersed in the cleaning liquid. After falling (and impact in the liquid), the stack can remain intact, for example when the stack of objects retains a nested condition.
  • the method comprises:
  • the method can comprise:
  • the stack may be discharged in an advantageous manner, by transporting the stack being in the liquid by means of a conveyor extending above the stack (set up above or in the basin).
  • the stack may for instance under the influence of an upward force be pressed against a transport side of the conveyor facing the stack. This applies in particular if the objects concerned have a lower density than a density of the cleaning liquid.
  • an aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning trays, more particularly trays for eggs or food products as fruit or vegetables, comprising:
  • the hammering that is used in these systems is not suitable for the type of objects such as trays which will get damaged upon such impulse transfer. Nor is the use of cleaning liquid mentioned.
  • the present invention has been chosen to set in motion the objects themselves, namely the stack of trays here, more specifically, to have them move in a drop tower and fall along a well-defined trajectory whereafter the stack to be cleaned ends up in a basin.
  • the invention provides a method and an apparatus for displacing objects which are to be cleaned through a basin with liquid, in particular cleaning liquid.
  • the apparatus comprises a washing conveyor.
  • the apparatus comprises a supply conveyor 2 for feeding stacks of objects (i.e., stacked objects) T.
  • a supply conveyor 2 may be implemented in different manners (for example, comprising a conveyor belt, roller conveyor, robotic gripper conveyor or the like).
  • the apparatus comprises a cleaning unit 8 with basin 9 with cleaning liquid 10 (which the trays are brought into contact with during use).
  • the apparatus comprises a discharge conveyor 11 for passing a stack of objects as mentioned (preferably in stacked condition) out of the cleaning unit.
  • Means 1 are provided for dropping a stack of objects T supplied by the supply conveyor 2. These drop means comprise a drop tower 1.
  • the present drop tower 1 extends from and/or above the basin 9.
  • the present drop tower 1 is configured for dropping the objects substantially vertically, into the basin 9. Thus, each stack of objects can be briefly set in (falling) motion, to be caught in the cleaning liquid in the basin 9.
  • FIGURE 1 there are shown, in particular, in isometric view:
  • the drop tower 1 further comprises support plates 7 which rest on the bottom of the basin 9 (see FIG. 2 ).
  • a direction of fall of the stack is schematically indicated with arrow C in FIGURE 2 .
  • a liquid level in the basin 9 is preferably so high (and the basin is deep enough) that the stack 3 falling into the basin 9 can be completely immersed in the liquid (with immersion taking place in particular under the influence of gravity and the falling motion).
  • FIGURE 1 a non-limiting example of an embodiment of the invention is shown.
  • the drop tower may be implemented in different manners. Depending on preferences and requirements, corner posts and walls (of such a stack drop tower 1) can be changed and adapted, or also other guides may be employed for such a fall.
  • corner posts and walls of such a stack drop tower 1
  • other guides may be employed for such a fall.
  • machine parts that can be hosed down will be used, namely of suitable plastics or stainless steel.
  • the conveyors used will conventionally be endless in most cases.
  • FIGURE 2 in side view, there is shown schematically (cut-away) a cleaning unit 8 in which the drop tower 1 is used.
  • a cleaning unit or system 8 is often referred to as washer.
  • the liquid 10 has a density which is greater than that of the objects to be cleaned, for example the trays (of stack 3).
  • the exemplary embodiment comprises a washing conveyor 11.
  • the washing conveyor is configured to engage a stack of objects being under it (in the washing liquid).
  • the washing conveyor 11 may for instance be placed at least partly in the liquid 10.
  • the washing conveyor 11 placed at least partly in the liquid 10 leads the stack 3, which is pushed against that conveyor 11 by the liquid 10, in a transport direction M through the liquid.
  • This liquid 10 functions as cleaning liquid.
  • the washing conveyor 11 may for instance comprise a drive mechanism for steering the washing conveyor 11.
  • a direction which the (preferably completely immersed) stack 3 can follow in the liquid 10 is schematically indicated with an arrow L which indicates that the stack 3 (as a result of the fall) for a moment shoots through in the liquid 10 and by the liquid 10 is pushed up again against the washing conveyor 11 (in particular against a part of that washing conveyor 11 facing down, through upward force).
  • This washing conveyor 11 is configured to carry along the stack 3, pushed against it, in the direction S (through the basin, in a direction away from the drop tower 1).
  • the stack 3 being in the liquid can remain intact, for example in a nested condition of the respective objects (as shown in FIGURE 1 ).
  • the stack 3 is preferably not singulated during the stack transport carried out by the washing conveyor 11.
  • the washing conveyor 11 At an end of the washing conveyor 11 (not represented), there is for instance provided a device, not shown, for taking up and further transporting this stack 3.
  • a device for taking up and further transporting this stack 3.
  • the trays treated as described above may each individually be cleaned once more, or also as a stack, duly cleaned, be discharged and stored.
  • Such a washing conveyor 11 may for instance be endless, and may be configured in different manners, which will be clear to a person skilled in the art.
  • a part of the conveyor 11 may extend above the liquid 10 that is in the basin (as is shown in the drawing).
  • turbulences may be applied in the cleaning liquid, for example by gas input with a gas injecting unit, or with a paddle wheel, to further improve and shorten the method of cleaning.
  • a (stack engaging) transport part of the washing conveyor 11 extends (at a relatively short distance) above the surface of washing liquid 10 contained in the basin 9.
  • a stack 3 of objects may, during use, also be led under the washing conveyor 11, so as to be pushed against the washing conveyor by upward force, and to be carried along by the washing conveyor 11 in the discharge direction S (the stack 3 may then still be substantially immersed in the liquid 10).
  • This configuration has also been found to achieve the purpose of cleaning or also pre-soaking to a sufficient extent, while wear on the conveyor 11 is thereby reduced.
  • objects having a density greater than that of the liquid being in the basin can be used, whereby in particular the objects are stackwise dumped (i.e. make a falling motion) into the liquid.
  • the objects can:

Landscapes

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

Claims (15)

  1. Procédé de nettoyage d'objets empilés à la manière d'une pile, par exemple des plateaux, plus particulièrement des plateaux pour oeufs ou pour produits alimentaires comme des fruits ou des légumes, comprenant les étapes suivantes :
    - fournir une pile (3) d'objets (T) empilés les uns dans les autres ;
    - mettre ladite pile (3) dans un mouvement de chute, dans lequel la pile en chute (3) tombe dans un liquide de nettoyage (10) ;
    et
    - faire passer cette pile (3) dans le liquide de nettoyage (10).
  2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la pile (3) est constituée en plaçant des objets (T) les uns dans les autres sur un élément de support (4a, 4b).
  3. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que le mouvement comprend un mouvement de chute, avec arrivée sur un support, dans lequel le support comprend la surface d'un volume de liquide, le volume de liquide comprenant le liquide de nettoyage (10).
  4. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le procédé comprend en outre les étapes suivantes :
    - déplacer ladite pile d'objets (T) dans le liquide de nettoyage (10), les objets (T) ayant de préférence une densité qui est inférieure à une densité du liquide de nettoyage (10), dans lequel les objets (T) sont amenés sous un convoyeur de lavage (11), par exemple une bande transporteuse,
    - activer le convoyeur de lavage (11) pour déplacer les objets (T), dans lequel les objets (T) sont en particulier poussés contre le convoyeur de lavage (11) par le liquide, plus particulièrement sous l'influence d'une force dirigée vers le haut, dans lequel le convoyeur de lavage (11) s'étend de préférence dans le liquide de nettoyage (10), ou est placé juste au-dessus du liquide de nettoyage (10).
  5. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des précédentes revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que l'on met en outre le liquide de nettoyage (10) en mouvement, dans lequel le liquide de nettoyage (10) est de préférence mis en mouvement en injectant un gaz.
  6. Appareil pour nettoyer des plateaux, plus particulièrement des plateaux pour oeufs ou pour produits alimentaires comme des fruits ou des légumes, comprenant :
    - un convoyeur d'alimentation (2) pour transporter une pile d'au moins deux plateaux (T),
    - une unité de nettoyage (8) comportant une cuve (9) avec du liquide de nettoyage (10),
    caractérisé en ce que l'unité de nettoyage (8) comprend en outre une tour de chute (1) pour laisser tomber la pile (3) de plateaux (T) dans la cuve, la tour de chute (1) étant par exemple configurée pour guider la pile de plateaux (T) de façon substantiellement verticale du convoyeur d'alimentation (2) à la cuve.
  7. Appareil selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la tour de chute (1) comprend un boîtier comportant des guides pour guider les objets (T) vers le bas, jusqu'à la cuve (9).
  8. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 7, caractérisé en ce que l'unité de nettoyage comprend en outre :
    - un convoyeur de lavage (11) pour déplacer ladite pile (3) d'objets (T) dans le liquide de nettoyage (10) contenu dans la cuve (9),
    - un dispositif de transport de convoyeur de lavage optionnel pour transporter les objets (T) dans le liquide de nettoyage (10) jusque sous ledit convoyeur de lavage (11), et
    - un dispositif de déchargement de convoyeur de lavage optionnel pour décharger les objets (T) hors du liquide de nettoyage après le déplacement réalisé par le convoyeur de lavage,
    dans lequel de préférence :
    le convoyeur de lavage (11) est placé au moins en partie dans le liquide de nettoyage (10), en particulier pour se mettre en prise avec une pile d'objets se trouvant sous le convoyeur de lavage en utilisation ;
    ou
    le convoyeur de lavage (11) est placé juste au-dessus du liquide de nettoyage (10).
  9. Appareil selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre un dispositif pour mettre le liquide de nettoyage (10) en mouvement, comprenant de préférence une unité d'injection de gaz.
  10. Procédé pour déplacer dans un liquide une pile d'objets ayant une densité inférieure à une densité du liquide, par exemple une pile de plateaux (T), comprenant les étapes suivantes :
    - amener la pile (3) d'objets (T) dans le liquide (10) jusque sous un convoyeur de lavage (11), par exemple un convoyeur de lavage (11) placé dans le liquide (10) ou juste au-dessus du liquide (10), et
    - activer le convoyeur de lavage (11) pour conduire la pile (3) substantiellement immergée sous ce dernier dans le liquide (10), par exemple de telle manière que le convoyeur de lavage (11) se déplace dans le liquide (10), moyennant quoi les objets (T), poussés contre le convoyeur de lavage (11), sont transportés.
  11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, comprenant l'étape suivante :
    - amener les objets (T) dans le liquide (11), à un niveau se trouvant sous un niveau du convoyeur de lavage (10), par un mouvement de chute (C).
  12. Appareil permettant de déplacer dans un liquide une pile d'objets, comprenant :
    - une cuve (9) remplie dudit liquide (10),
    - un convoyeur de lavage (11) dont au moins une partie est placée dans ou juste au-dessus du liquide (10), pour le transport d'une pile qui est substantiellement immergée dans le liquide ;
    - un dispositif de transport (1) pour transporter la pile (3) d'objets (T) dans le liquide (10) jusque sous ladite partie du convoyeur de lavage (11), et
    - un dispositif de déchargement optionnel pour décharger les objets (T) hors du liquide (10) après le déplacement réalisé par le convoyeur de lavage (11).
  13. Appareil selon la revendication 12, comprenant un appareil d'entraînement pour entraîner le convoyeur de lavage.
  14. Appareil selon la revendication 12 ou 13, caractérisé en ce que le liquide comprend un liquide de nettoyage (10).
  15. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 14, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de transport comprend une tour de chute (1) pour laisser tomber ladite pile d'objets (T) dans le liquide (10).
EP20718838.4A 2019-03-12 2020-03-09 Procédé et appareil pour nettoyer un empilement d'objets Active EP4117832B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19020121 2019-03-12
PCT/NL2020/050155 WO2020185076A1 (fr) 2019-03-12 2020-03-09 Procédé et appareil pour nettoyer un empilement d'objets

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4117832A1 EP4117832A1 (fr) 2023-01-18
EP4117832B1 true EP4117832B1 (fr) 2024-05-15

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20718838.4A Active EP4117832B1 (fr) 2019-03-12 2020-03-09 Procédé et appareil pour nettoyer un empilement d'objets

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EP (1) EP4117832B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020185076A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3783560A (en) * 1971-06-28 1974-01-08 Judeteana De Morarit Si Panifi Apparatus for washing packing cases
DE2549551C3 (de) 1975-11-05 1979-05-03 Fa. Jean Netter, 6200 Wiesbaden Pneumatisch arbeitender Klopfer
US4227938A (en) * 1978-06-13 1980-10-14 Country Pride Foods Ltd. Method of washing egg incubating and/or hatching trays and buggies therefor
SU902880A1 (ru) 1980-05-30 1982-02-07 Опытно-Конструкторское Бюро Нестандартного Оборудования Главного Управления Микробиологической Промышленности При Совете Министров Ссср Установка дл мойки пакета тарелок сепаратора
GB2137717B (en) * 1980-06-28 1985-07-17 Newsmith Stainless Limited Apparatus for cleaning trays
SE454234B (sv) 1984-03-24 1988-04-18 Wexioedisk Ab Sett att mata likformiga foremal, foretredesvis brickor till diskmaskin samt anordning att genomfora settet
JP2004154292A (ja) * 2002-11-06 2004-06-03 Kato Yokeijo:Kk トレイ洗浄用ラック及びトレイ洗浄法
ES2259437T3 (es) 2003-01-28 2006-10-01 Findeva Ag Batidor que funciona neumaticamente.
US8770568B2 (en) * 2009-09-30 2014-07-08 James R. Buck Apparatus for separating stacked pallets
NL2005448C2 (nl) * 2010-10-04 2012-04-05 Marel Stork Poultry Proc Bv Inrichting en werkwijze voor het reinigen van een draagstructuur voor pluimveehouders.
US9004084B2 (en) 2011-10-13 2015-04-14 Northwestern Systems Corp. Method and apparatus for removing waste from a soiled container
CN203494817U (zh) * 2013-09-09 2014-03-26 卞小龙 一种蛋盘清洗机
CN108067487A (zh) 2016-11-11 2018-05-25 三佳泰克诺（天津）机械设备有限公司 一种托盘清洗机
US10512945B2 (en) * 2016-12-14 2019-12-24 Nicholas Glen Littleton Process and apparatus for performing buoyant forced oscillatory cleaning
KR101923481B1 (ko) * 2018-03-16 2018-11-29 (주)자숨 압착 세정구조를 갖는 식판 세정장치

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Publication number Publication date
EP4117832A1 (fr) 2023-01-18
WO2020185076A1 (fr) 2020-09-17

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