EP4367312A1

EP4367312A1 - Apparatus for washing and sanitizing objects made of heat-sensitive materials

Info

Publication number: EP4367312A1
Application number: EP22743564.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mauro DENNI; Maurizio TASINATO
Original assignee: Tecwash Srl
Current assignee: Tecwash Srl
Priority date: 2021-07-09
Filing date: 2022-06-24
Publication date: 2024-05-15
Also published as: IT202100018101A1; WO2023281341A1

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for washing and sanitizing objects made of heat- sensitive materials with one or more fluids (F), designed to be installed on an industrial washing machine (W) or the like, adapted to stand on a base plate (P), which apparatus (1) comprises a drum (2) rotating about a longitudinal rotation axis (R) and having a substantially tubular sidewall (3) with an open axial end (4) and an axial end (5) closed by a substantially radial bottom wall (6), to define a holding chamber (7) for holding the objects to be treated, a hydraulic circuit (9) connected to the drum (2) for feeding the fluid (F) in the chamber (7) and having a plurality of ducts (10) for feeding the fluid (F), equipped with nozzles (11) oriented toward the interior of the chamber (7). The drum (2) is removable and the rotation axis (R) can be selectively tilted between two operating positions.

Description

APPARATUS FOR WASHING AND SANITIZING OBJECTS MADE OF HEAT-SENSITIVE MATERIALS

Technical field

[0001] The present invention generally finds application in the field of treatment and sanitization of objects and particularly relates to an apparatus for washing and sanitizing objects made of heat-sensitive materials.

Background Art

[0002] Industrial washing machines or similar equipment have long known in the field of object treatment to be used for washing and sanitizing objects, namely objects made of heat-sensitive materials.

[0003] Generally, this particular type of industrial washing machines comprises a drum rotating about a rotation axis and having a substantially tubular sidewall with an open axial end and an axial end closed by a bottom wall, to define a holding chamber.

[0004] A hydraulic circuit is also provided, which is connected to the drum for feeding fluid into the holding chamber and has a plurality of fluid feeding ducts within the chamber.

[0005] Generally, washing and sanitization are conducted by placing the objects inside the holding chamber, immersing the objects in the washing fluid and rotating the drum about the axis of the drum.

[0006] Nevertheless, with such treatment, objects made of heat-sensitive materials or having a small size are likely to float in the fluid, thus decreasing the sanitizing effect of the industrial washing machine.

[0007] A further drawback is that, even when increasing the quantity of objects in the holding chamber and decreasing the floating space for the objects, the latter would be likely to be inadequately sanitized due to the inability to rotate within the rotating drum.

[0008] In an attempt to at least partially obviate these drawbacks, object washing apparatus have been developed which use a pressurized fluid capable of dissolving the dirt on the objects by simple immersion thereof. [0009] WO9954540 discloses an industrial clothes washing machine equipped with a removable drum rotating about a longitudinal axis having a hydraulic circuit for feeding a liquid into the holding chamber of the drum. [0010] The hydraulic circuit comprises a plurality of fluid feeding ducts with holes oriented toward the interior of the chamber and located inside the drum. [0011] In addition, the longitudinal axis is substantially tilted to facilitate loading and unloading of objects into and from the holding chamber of the drum.

[0012] A first drawback to this well-known arrangement is that the objects are washed with the drum tilted at an angle, which means that it must be filled with more liquid for efficient treatment of the objects.

[0013] A further drawback is that the tilt of the drum during spinning generates high vibration levels, which may cause the drum to warp.

[0014] In an attempt to at least partially obviate these drawbacks, object washing apparatus have been developed which have a drum rotating about a tilting rotation axis, to facilitate loading and unloading, as disclosed in ES2394974.

[0015] Nevertheless, one drawback of this known solution is that the plurality of feeding ducts is located inside the drum, leading to apparent complications during removal and repositioning of the drum inside the washing machine.

Technical Problem

[0016] In the light of the prior art, the technical problem addressed by the present invention is to simplify loading and unloading of the drum containing the objects to be treated while improving the level of sanitization as the objects are being washed.

Disclosure of the invention

[0017] The object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problem by providing an apparatus for washing and sanitizing objects made of heat-sensitive materials with one or more fluids, adapted to be installed on an industrial washing machine or the like, that is highly efficient and relatively cost effective.

[0018] One particular object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for washing and sanitizing objects made of heat-sensitive materials of the above-described type, that can simplify loading and unloading of the drum containing the objects to be treated.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide a washing and sanitization apparatus of the above-described type, that can improve the level of sanitization as objects are being washed by means of a pressure-treatment system.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for washing and sanitizing objects made of heat-sensitive materials of the above- described type, that ensures high versatility.

[0021] A further object the present invention is to provide an apparatus for washing and sanitizing objects made of heat-sensitive materials of the above- described type, that can be used with different treatment fluids.

[0022] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for washing and sanitizing objects made of heat-sensitive materials of the above-described type, that may be also used for treating objects other than those made of heat-sensitive materials.

[0023] These and other objects, as more clearly explained hereafter, are fulfilled by an apparatus for washing and sanitizing objects made of heat- sensitive materials with one or more fluids, designed to be installed on an industrial washing machine or the like, and to stand on a base plate, as defined in claim 1 , which comprises a removable drum, rotating about a longitudinal rotation axis and having a substantially tubular sidewall with an open axial end and an axial end closed by a substantially radial bottom wall, to define a holding chamber for holding the objects to be treated.

[0024] In addition, the apparatus comprises a hydraulic circuit connected to the drum for feeding fluid into the holding chamber of the drum and having a plurality of fluid feeding ducts oriented toward the chamber.

[0025] Advantageously, the rotation axis can be selectively tilted between a first operating position in which the rotation axis is substantially parallel to the base plate and a second operating position in which the rotation axis is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the washing machine base plate.

[0026] Furthermore, the drum may be positioned in the second tilted operating position with the drum stationary to assist loading/unloading of the chamber, and may be positioned in the first operating position with the drum rotating to facilitate object treatment.

[0027] Advantageously, the plurality of feeding ducts is located outside the drum, which has an outer surface with a plurality of seats for accommodating the plurality of ducts, for removal and repositioning of the drum.

[0028] This combination of features simplifies loading and unloading of the drum containing the objects to be treated while improving the sanitization level as the objects are being washed.

[0029] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are as defined in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent upon reading of the detailed description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of an apparatus for washing and sanitizing objects made of a heat-sensitive materials with one or more fluids, which is described as a non limiting example with the help of the annexed drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B is a broken-away lateral view of an industrial washing machine equipped with the apparatus of the invention, in first and second operating positions respectively;

FIG. 2 is a lateral view of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first detail of the apparatus of Fig. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are sectional views of a second detail of the apparatus of Fig. 2 according to first and second embodiments, respectively;

FIG. 6 is a lateral view of a third detail of the apparatus of Fig. 2.

Detailed description of a preferred exemplary embodiment [0031] Particularly referring to the figures, there is shown an apparatus, designated by numeral 1, for washing and sanitizing objects made of heat- sensitive materials with one or more washing fluids F, designed to be installed in an industrial washing machine W or a similar washing machine, which can stand on a base plate P.

[0032] By way of example and without limitation, the apparatus 1 of the invention may be used for the treatment, washing and/or sanitization of small and medium-sized objects of low weight and made from non-impregnable, substantially rigid or at least partially flexible, heat-sensitive materials such as toys, figurines, or objects for infant use.

[0033] As used herein, the term “fluid” and its derivatives refer to a treating, washing or disinfecting medium in a liquid or gaseous state, at atmospheric pressure or above the atmospheric pressure.

[0034] According to a preferred configuration of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the apparatus 1 comprises a substantially tubular drum 2, rotating about a longitudinal rotation axis R by the action of first known electromechanical means M.

[0035] The drum 2 has a substantially tubular sidewall 3 with an open axial end 4 and an axial end 5 closed by a substantially radial bottom wall 6, to define a holding chamber 7 for holding the objects to be treated.

[0036] Conveniently, the open axial end 4 may be possibly closed by a cap, not shown, tightened to the edge of the end 4 or coupled to the sidewall 3 of the drum 2 by suitable fastening systems.

[0037] The sidewall 3 of the drum 2 may have a plurality of through holes 8 to allow the fluid F to flow into and/or out of the chamber 7 and may be formed with a number of radial blades, not shown, projecting toward the interior of the chamber 7 to promote agitation of objects as they are being treated.

[0038] In a well-known manner, the washing machine W may have a frame W’ for accommodating the rotating drum 2, which has a front opening proximate the open axial end 4 of the drum 2 and a door W” for selectively closing the opening 4 during the operation of the washing machine W, as schematically shown in FIG. 1.

[0039] The apparatus 1 further comprises at least one hydraulic circuit, generally designated by numeral 9, connected to the drum 2 for feeding the fluid F into the chamber 7 and having a plurality of ducts 10 for feeding the fluid F, having nozzles 11 and/or micro-holes, oriented toward the interior of the chamber 7.

[0040] Here, the fluid F introduced into the drum 2 can improve sanitization of objects by pressure washing.

[0041] In the embodiment of the figures, the apparatus 1 comprises three feeding ducts 10, but the hydraulic circuit 9 may comprise a different number of ducts 10 depending on treatment requirements or on the user of the washing machine W.

[0042] As best shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the hydraulic circuit 9 comprises a hollow shaft 12 coaxial with the longitudinal rotation axis R, which comprises a first end 13A connected in fluid communication to the plurality of feeding ducts 10.

[0043] Conveniently, the shaft 12 is connected in fluid communication to a fluid F source, not shown, by a plurality of supply openings 14 and a supply element 15 sliding on the shaft 12 by means of at least a first pair of bearings

16

[0044] Thus, a user may connect the fluid F source to the shaft 12 by means of a flexible connection hose, not shown, fitted into the supply element 15 by means of the coupling 15’.

[0045] In a first embodiment of the apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of supply openings 14 with the supply element 15 are placed in a second end 13B of the shaft 12, opposite to the first end 13A.

[0046] In a second embodiment of the apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of supply openings 14 with the supply element 15 is placed between the first end 13A and the second end 13B.

[0047] Therefore, the first electromechanical means M for rotating the hollow shaft 12 may be alternately placed between the first end 13A and the second end 13B or at the second end 13B, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively. [0048] In addition, the first end 13A of the hollow shaft 12 comprises a plate 17, that is suitably shaped for connection of the hollow shaft 12 with the plurality of supply ducts 10 and for positioning of the drum 2.

[0049] The plate 17 may comprise at least one outlet port 18 for the fluid F inside the chamber 7, connected in fluid communication to the hollow shaft 12. [0050] In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the outlet port 18 is designed to be connected to a channel or a supply member 19 which extends inside the chamber 7 of the drum 2 and also has nozzles 11.

[0051] This can increase object-treating efficiency as fluid F is introduced both at the sidewall 3 via the plurality of ducts 10 and at the back wall 6 via the supply channel 19.

[0052] Conveniently, the drum 2 is removable relative to the industrial washing machine W to allow a user of the machine to remove and store it during loading and unloading of the objects to be treated/already treated. [0053] According to a peculiar aspect of the invention, the plurality of feeding ducts 10 is located outside the drum 2, and the latter comprises an outer surface 3’ with a plurality of seats 10’ for accommodating the plurality of ducts 10, for removal and repositioning of the drum 2.

[0054] Also, the rotation axis R can be selectively tilted between a first operating position in which the rotation axis R is substantially parallel to the base plate P and a second operating position in which the rotation axis R is tilted at a predetermined angle a relative to the base plate P.

[0055] Preferably, the predetermined angle a ranges from 0 to 60°.

[0056] Conveniently, the drum 2 can be placed in the tilted second operating position with the drum 2 stationary, to facilitate loading/unloading of objects into/out of the chamber 7 once the drum 2 has been pulled out, as shown in FIG. 1B

[0057] In addition, the drum 2 can be placed in the first horizontal operating position with the drum 2 rotating, to facilitate treatment of objects inside the washing machine W, as shown in FIG. 1A.

[0058] This feature can simplify loading and unloading of the drum 2 while improving sanitization during treatment of the objects which, as is known, is facilitated when the drum 2 operate parallel to the base plate P of the washing machine W.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the hollow shaft 12 is rotatably mounted, via a second pair of bearings 20, to support means 21 that can be selectively tilted between the first and second operating positions.

[0060] These support means 21 comprise a tilting member 22 coaxial with the hollow shaft 12 and hinged to a pivot 23 designed to be rigidly applied to the frame W of the washing machine W.

[0061] In addition, the tilting member 22 also comprises at least one surface 24 having a frame 25 mounted thereto and suitably driven by second electromechanical means, not shown, for providing alternation from the first operating position to the second operating position and vice versa.

[0062] These second electromechanical means are automatically driven when door W” of the washing machine W is closed/opened or at the beginning/end of the object treatment cycle.

[0063] Electronic control means are obviously provided for managing the cycles of treatment, washing and/or sanitization of the objects inside the chamber 7 of the apparatus 1.

[0064] It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the apparatus for washing and sanitizing objects made of heat-sensitive materials with one or more fluids according to the invention, designed to be installed in an industrial washing machine or the like fulfills the intended objects and namely simplifies loading of the drum containing the objects to be treated and improves the sanitization level as the objects are being washed.

[0065] The apparatus of this invention is susceptible of a number of changes and variants, within the inventive principle disclosed in the appended claims. [0066] While the apparatus has been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosure and claims are only used for the sake of a better intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner.

[0067] Reference herein to "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" or "some embodiments" indicates that a particular characteristic, structure or member that is being described is included in at least one embodiment of the inventive subject matter.

[0068] Furthermore, the particular characteristics, structures or members may be combined together in any suitable manner to provide one or more embodiments.

Industrial Applicability

[0069] The present invention may find application in industry, because it can be produced on an industrial scale in the field of object treatment and sanitization.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for washing and sanitizing objects made of heat- sensitive materials with one or more fluids (F), designed to be installed in an industrial washing machine (W) or the like, adapted to stand on a base plate (P), which apparatus (1) comprises:

- a drum (2) rotating about a longitudinal rotation axis (R) and having a substantially tubular sidewall (3) with an open axial end (4) and an axial end (5) closed by a substantially radial bottom wall (6), to define a holding chamber (7) for holding the objects to be treated;

- a hydraulic circuit (9) connected to said drum (2) for feeding the fluid (F) into said chamber (7) and having a plurality of ducts (10) for feeding the fluid (F) equipped with nozzles (11) and/or micro-holes, oriented toward the interior of said chamber (7); wherein said drum (2) is removable; characterized in that said plurality of feeding ducts (10) is placed outside said drum (2), said drum (2) having an outer surface (3') with a plurality of seats (10') for accommodating said plurality of ducts (10) for removal and repositioning of said drum (2).

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said rotation axis (R) is selectively tiltable between a first operating position in which said rotation axis (R) is substantially parallel to the base plate (P) and a second operating position in which said rotation axis (R) is tilted at a predetermined angle (a) relative to the base plate (P).

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said drum (2) is positionable in said tilted second operating position with said drum (2) stationary to facilitate loading-unloading of said chamber (7), said drum (2) being positionable in said first operating position with said drum (2) rotating to improve object treatment.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that said hydraulic circuit (9) comprises a hollow shaft (12) coaxial with said longitudinal rotation axis (R), said hollow shaft (12) having a first end (13A) connected in fluid communication with said plurality of feeding ducts (10).

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said first end (13A) of the hollow shaft (12) comprises a plate (17) that is suitably shaped for connection of said hollow shaft (12) with said plurality of feeding ducts (10) and for positioning of said drum (2).

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that said plate (17) has at least one outlet port (18) for the fluid (F) inside said chamber (7) in fluid communication with said hollow shaft (12).

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said outlet port (18) is adapted to be connected to a channel or a supply member (19) having nozzles (11) and extending into the chamber (7) of said drum (2).

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said hollow shaft (12) is in fluid communication with a fluid (F) source via a plurality of supply openings (14) located at a second end (13B) of the shaft (12), opposite to said first end (13A), or between said first end (13A) and said second end (13B).

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said hollow shaft (12) is rotatably mounted to support means (21) which are selectively tiltable between said first and second operating positions.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said support means (21) comprise at least one surface (24) on which a frame (25) is mounted that is suitably driven to provide alternation from the first operating position to the second operating position and vice versa.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that said predetermined angle (a) ranges from 0° to 60°.