EP4670860A1

EP4670860A1 - Washing machine for washing empty containers that can be filled with a flowable product

Info

Publication number: EP4670860A1
Application number: EP24184740.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea Solfa; Simeone CONTOLINI
Original assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Current assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Priority date: 2024-06-26
Filing date: 2024-06-26
Publication date: 2025-12-31

Abstract

A washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) for washing empty containers (2) including a tunnel (3), a conveyor device (4) for conveying the containers (2) along a washing path (P), at least one tank (8, 10, 10') containing a cleaning medium through which the washing path (P) extends, and at least one passageway (PA, PA') for accessing the conveyor device (4) that is conveying the plurality of containers (2) along the washing path (P) and within the at least one tank (8, 10, 10') containing the cleaning medium therein. The passageway (PA, PA') can be defined at an upper floor (17) of the tunnel (3), along a side (16) of the tunnel (3), or at both the upper floor (17) and the side (16).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing (and cleaning) empty containers adapted to be filled with a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product.

BACKGROUND ART

Washing machines are known which are configured for washing and cleaning containers (usually used containers which have been emptied from the pourable product they are adapted to contain) upstream of a filling machine and a labelling machine, in which the containers are respectively filled with the pourable product and labelled with respective labels.
An example of washing machine is disclosed in the patent, e.g. from EP2727660 B1 in the name of the same Applicant.
A typical washing machine of the above type essentially comprises:

a washing tunnel;
a looped chain conveyor advancing the containers along a closed washing path which extends inside the washing tunnel from an inlet station to an outlet station;
a feeding system for feeding containers to be treated to the chain conveyor; and
a plurality of consecutive treatment zones arranged between the inlet station and the outlet station, crossed by the washing path, and through which the chain conveyor advances the containers.

In detail, the chain conveyor comprises a plurality of beams, which are fed at the inlet station by the feeding system with respective rows of containers.
In greater detail, each beam comprises a plurality of aligned pockets organized in respective rows, each pocket being configured to receive one container to be treated at a time, to convey such container from the inlet station to the outlet station through the washing tunnel and along the washing path, and to deliver the respective washed container at the outlet station.
More precisely, each beam is discharged of the respective washed containers at the outlet station and then is returned along a return path to the inlet station, where it receives new empty containers to be washed.
According to the advancing direction of the containers along the washing path and inside the washing tunnel, the treatment zones comprise, in sequence: a prewash zone, at least first and second cleaning zones, and a plurality of consecutive rinsing zones.
The prewash zone, the first cleaning zone, and the second cleaning zone comprise respective cleaning baths, defined by respective tanks which are filled with washing chemical agents and through which the containers are advanced.
Each rinsing zone comprises several rinsing baths filled with rinsing liquid and/or ejecting devices for directing sprinkles of rinsing liquid toward the containers.
In general, the containers need to be treated through the cleaning zones for a relatively long time and at relatively high temperatures in order to be effectively deprived from the most encrusted dirt mounds, especially the ones heavily sedimented at the bottom of the containers themselves.
This can lead to high energy consumption or to a longer cleaning time.
The use of ultrasonic waves has been proposed, such as in WO-A-2020119958 in the name of the same Applicant, for aiding the cleaning process, in order to reduce energy consumption and/or cleaning time.
Briefly, the ultrasonic waves propagate in water and, more in general, in a medium with a relative periodic motion with respect to the medium itself, such that local micro-zones within the medium pass periodically from a depressurized to a pressurized state.
During the depressurized state, air dissolved within the medium tends to form many microbubbles, which implode when pressure increases so as to release energy.
Such energy may be useful to disaggregate the aforementioned encrusted dirt mounds, such that cleaning the containers results significantly eased, thus requiring less energy and/or less time.
The use of an inspection tunnel has been proposed, such as in WO-A-2020119958 in the name of the same Applicant, which extends through the cleaning bath and is fluidly isolated therefrom, for allowing access by a maintenance operator, for aiding inner inspection of the washing machine, for example including components of ultrasonic wave generators that are generating the ultrasonic waves.
The need for using ultrasonic waves for aiding the cleaning process, in order to reduce energy consumption and/or cleaning time is known in the field.
However, the inspection tunnel disclosed in WO-A-2020119958 is large and cumbersome, and is typically adapted for use in new washing machines which are undergoing assembly for which componentry thereof is specifically designed to accept the inspection tunnel.
In particular, the inspection tunnel disclosed in WO-A-2020119958 is unlikely to be applied to already existent and operative washing machines, as many modifications would be required including cutting and removing large portions of the washing machine, resulting in an overly costly procedure without much, if any, realization of the washing machine owner's return on investment.
Although the known washing machines are functionally valid, the Applicant has observed that they are still open to further improvement, in particular as per the efficacy of the modification of existent and operative washing machines.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine which is designed to meet the above-mentioned need in a straightforward and low-cost manner.
This object, and other objectives set out below, are achieved by the invention, which discloses a washing machine configured to wash empty containers adapted to be filled with a pourable product, the washing machine comprising:

a tunnel;
a conveyor device configured to convey a plurality of containers along a washing path in an advancement direction;
at least one tank for holding a bath including a cleaning medium, the washing path extending within and along the tank; and
at least one passageway for accessing the conveyor device conveying the plurality of containers along the washing path and within the at least one tank containing the cleaning medium therein.

In example embodiments, the at least one passageway is defined at an upper floor of the tunnel.
In example embodiments, the at least one passageway is defined along a side of the tunnel.
In example embodiments, the washing machine further includes at least one ultrasonic generator insertable and removable through the passageway for coupling engagement with the at least one tank.
In example embodiments, at least one ultrasonic generator is removably coupled within the at least one tank in close proximity to base portions of the containers being advanced through the cleaning medium.
In example embodiments, the at least one ultrasonic generator remains fluidly isolated from the cleaning medium of the bath.
In example embodiments, the at least one ultrasonic generator is at least partially or fully submerged within the cleaning medium.
In example embodiments, the at least one ultrasonic generator comprises a single-sided ultrasonic generator comprising a plurality of transducers all facing in the same direction.
In example embodiments, the at least one ultrasonic generator includes a dual-sided ultrasonic generator having a first ultrasonic generator including a plurality of transducers facing a first direction and a second ultrasonic generator having a plurality of transducers facing a second direction substantially opposite the first direction.
In example embodiments, the ultrasonic generators further include a housing containing the plurality of transducers oppositely opposed from each other.
In example embodiments, the ultrasonic generators further include a housing defined between the first ultrasonic generators and the second ultrasonic generators.
In example embodiments, the housing is fluid tight.
In example embodiments, the housing has at least one opening for permitting the ingress and egress of fluid therein.
In example embodiments, a door is provided for opening and closing the passageway, thereby selectively providing access thereto.
In example embodiments, the user), while remaining outside of the tunnel of the washing machine, can insert and/or remove the at least one ultrasonic generator during the respective installation and removal thereof.
In example embodiments, the washing machine includes at least a first cleaning zone, the first cleaning zone including the tank and the bath thereof, wherein the chain conveyor defines an inlet sector and an outlet sector, and wherein at least one ultrasonic generator is configured to be permanently or removably coupled near its respective inlet and outlet sectors thereof.
In example embodiments, the washing machine comprises at least a second cleaning zone, the second cleaning zone including the tank and the bath thereof, wherein the chain conveyor defines an inlet sector and an outlet sector, and wherein at least one ultrasonic generator is installed, maintained or removed from the floor of a top side of the tunnel, the at least one ultrasonic generator configured to be permanently or removably coupled near its respective inlet and outlet sectors thereof.
In example embodiments, at least one ultrasonic generator is installed, maintained or removed remotely via a wired or wireless connection with a control module installed within the generator, and further including a drive system to cause displacement of the generator into or out of the tunnel of the first and second cleaning zones relative to the floor (17). at least one ultrasonic generator is installed and removed from the floor of an upper side of the tunnel.
In example embodiments, washing machine further includes a lifting device to assist the operator in raising or lowering the generators through the passageways to their respective locations within the first and second cleaning zones.
In example embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of installing at least one ultrasonic generator in a washing machine The method includes:

providing a washing machine; the washing machine comprising the tunnel, a conveyor device configured to convey a plurality of containers along a washing path in an advancement direction, and the at least one passageway for accessing the conveyor device conveying the plurality of containers along the washing path and within the at least one tank containing the cleaning medium therein;
providing at least one ultrasonic generator;
inserting the at least one ultrasonic generator through the at least one passageway; and
displacing the at least one ultrasonic generator within the tunnel for coupling engagement in close proximity to the base portions of the containers being advanced along the washing path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a lateral view of a first embodiment of a washing machine for washing empty containers, according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a lateral view, partially sectioned, and with parts removed for clarity of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 3 is a lateral view, partially sectioned, and with parts removed for clarity of a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 is a lateral view of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1, number 1 indicates as a whole a washing machine configured to wash empty containers 2 adapted to be filled with a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product, such as beer, wine, water, juice, soft drinks, milk or the like. The containers 2 can reasonably be any particular desired shape and for example, may be formed from glass or recyclable plastics.
In particular, containers 2 are defined by respective empty bottles (for example, returnable glass bottles) intended to be filled with the pourable product.
Washing machine 1 comprises:

a washing tunnel 3 into which empty containers 2 are fed and accordingly washed; and
a conveyor device 4 configured to convey a plurality of containers 2 along a washing path P in an advancement direction.

Preferably, the conveyor device comprises a chain conveyor 4 for advancing containers 2 along a closed-loop washing path P inside washing tunnel 3, so as to convey containers 2 from one end of the tunnel 3 to the other end along a general direction D, preferably horizontal with respect to gravity.
In detail, chain conveyor 4 is of the type described in WO-A-2020119958 and comprises:

a pair of chains (not shown) elongated parallel to path P and parallel to one another; and
a plurality of subsequent conveying beams (not shown), which extend between the chains in a transversal and, more in detail, orthogonal manner to the chains and path P.

Specifically, each beam comprises a row of pockets (not shown) aligned orthogonally to path P and configured to receive corresponding containers 2.
In such a manner, containers 2 carried by a corresponding beam are aligned orthogonally to path P and housed inside the respective pockets, individually.
Washing machine 1 comprises also a feeding system 5 of the known type (only schematically shown in Figure 1) for feeding a sequence of empty containers 2 along direction D and at an inlet station I of washing tunnel 3. Expediently, containers 2 are fed by feeding system 5 along direction D arranged in rows orthogonal to path P.
In use, the most forward containers 2 of each row of containers 2 are transferred by feeding system 5 to the respective pockets of the beam that is travelling at inlet station I.
Washing machine 1 further comprises an outfeed conveyor 14, which receives rows of cleaned containers 2 from chain conveyor 4 at an outlet station O 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 O and along which containers 2 are advanced by chain conveyor 4; and
a return branch R, which extends from outlet station O to inlet station I and defines a return zone R1 through which the beams return towards inlet station I after having discharged containers 2.

According to the aforementioned advancing direction of the containers 2 along path P, washing machine 1 comprises in sequence along washing branch Q:

a prewash zone P1;
a first cleaning zone C1;
a second cleaning zone C2; and
a final rinsing zone H1.

In the present disclosure, for the sake of clarity, terms like "upstream of" and "downstream of" are to be intended throughout the whole description and claims with reference to the advancing direction of the containers 2 along path P.
The operation of washing machine 1 at the prewash zone P1 and final rinsing zone H1 is well-known, for example from WO-A-2020119958 , and therefore will not be described in detail herein.
Reference will be made in the following to first cleaning zone C1 and second cleaning zone C2.
Within first cleaning zone C1, washing machine 1 comprises a respective tank 8 for holding a corresponding cleaning medium or agent.
In detail, tank 8 is filled with a cleaning agent which, in use, is brought to a temperature higher than that within the prewash zone P1, for instance between 65°C and 80°C, so that dirt on advancing containers 2 is fully removed.
In greater detail, path P, and particularly a portion of washing branch Q, extends within and along tank 8. In some example embodiments, the chain conveyor 4 may travel along one or more looped profiles, or for example, wherein the chain conveyors of existent and operative washing machines may be modified according to a desired path thereof within the tank.
Hence, tank 8 defines a cleaning (hot) bath 12 of washing machine 1 for cleaning the containers 2.
In example embodiments, the prewash zone P1 and the second cleaning zone C2 comprise respective tanks 7, 10 which are filled with cleaning agents at different respective temperatures (according to a manner known and not described herein), thus defining respective further cleaning baths of washing machine 1. For example, tank 7 defines a bath 11 and tank 10 defines a bath 13.
Conveniently, the cleaning agents filling the respective tanks 7, 8, 10 comprise corresponding basic aqueous solutions that include, in particular, sodium hydroxide.
As visible in Figure 1, washing machine 1 comprises one or more ultrasonic wave generators 18 within portions of the first and second cleaning zones C1, C2, and more specifically within or nearby the baths 12, 13 (and chain conveyor 4 moving therethrough).
According to example embodiments, the one or more ultrasonic generators 18 may be partially or fully submerged within the baths 12, 13, or for example, may be arranged nearby one or more desired portions of the baths 12, 13, and for example be configured to propagate ultrasonic waves through the cleaning agent within baths 12, 13 themselves, respectively, such that containers 2 may receive an ultrasonic cleaning treatment while advancing through the respective baths 12, 13.
According to example embodiments, the first cleaning zone C1 comprises the tank 8 containing the bath 12 therein, and wherein an inlet sector or stretch Q1 is provided for advancing containers 2 into tank 8, an outlet sector or stretch Q3 is provided for advancing containers 2 out from the tank 8, and an intermediate sector or stretch Q2 is provided for advancing containers 2 between the inlet sector Q1 and the outlet sector Q3. According to the depicted embodiment, the intermediate sector Q2 defines one of two generally elongate sectors and a curved or radiused end joining the two elongate sectors. According to some example embodiments, the first cleaning zone C1 may not comprise an intermediate sector Q2. Or for example, the intermediate sector Q2 may be configured as desired, or for example, one or more elongate sectors of the chain conveyors 4 thereof (and/or various other componentry thereto) of existent and operative washing machines may be modified according to a desired path thereof within the tank 8 of the first cleaning zone C1.
Optionally, as depicted in the second cleaning zone C2, a spaced-apart pair of ultrasonic generators 18 are arranged outside or external the bath 13 (e.g., entirely external the tank of the bath), yet substantially nearby such that containers 2 may receive an ultrasonic cleaning treatment while advancing through the bath 13.
The one or more ultrasonic generators 18 may be arranged in any desired configuration, for example in either of the first or second cleaning zones C1, C2. In other example embodiments, one or more ultrasonic generators 18 may be provided elsewhere within the machine 1.
According to the depicted embodiment of Figure 1, the first cleaning zone C1 comprises three ultrasonic generators 18a, 18b, and 18c, and the second cleaning zone C2 comprises two ultrasonic generators 18d, 18e. Referring to the first cleaning zone C1, the generator 18a is provided along the inlet sector Q1, the generator 18b is provided along the intermediate sector Q2 and the generator 18c is provided along the outlet sector Q3. And referring to the second cleaning zone C2, the generator 18d is provided along an inlet sector or stretch Q4 and the generator 18e is provided along an outlet sector or stretch Q5. According to some embodiments, at least one of the cleaning zones (C1, C2) comprises at least one ultrasonic generator (18, 300, 400, 500). According to some embodiments, the generators 18a, 18b, and 18c are each entirely submerged within the bath 12 of the first cleaning zone C1, and for example the generators 18d, 18e remain external of the bath 13 of the cleaning zone C2.
The components of the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e is well-known for example from WO-A-2020119958 , which typically comprise ultrasonic transducers that are typically plate-shaped, configured to convert electric power into ultrasounds, and sequentially arranged adjacent and parallel to each other along the sectors Q1-Q5. Typically, the ultrasonic transducers comprise a thickness between 70 mm and 110 mm and have preferred planar dimensions about 500 mm x 300 mm. The ultrasonic transducers preferably emit ultrasonic waves having an action range of at least 350 mm and a frequency between 25 kHz and 28 kHz. According to other example embodiments, the transducers may be sized, shaped and configured as desired, and may have a desired action range and frequency. In example embodiments, the washing machine 1 includes one or more electric power generators EG for supplying one or more of the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e with electric energy and a control unit ECU is provided for controlling the electric power generator EG.
In example embodiments, the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e are configured to be parallel relative to their respective sector Q1-Q5 and are generally fixedly mounted with respect to the baths 12, 13, so as to be generally placed immediately below (or adjacent) the conveying beams of the chain conveyor 4. Accordingly, the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e (and the transducers thereof) face in close proximity to the base portions of the containers 2 being advanced through the baths 12, 13.
According to example embodiments, the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e are in the form of cassette-like assemblies, for example, which are conveniently insertable and removable from the cleaning zones C1, C2 through upper external accesses or passageways PA of the tunnel 3 of the washing machine 1. In example embodiments, an upper or top side of the tunnel 3 that is proximal the cleaning zones C1, C2 comprise a door DR, which may be opened / closed by an operator U to access the passageways PA, for example, to install / remove one or more of the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e, or for example, perform any maintenance thereon. According to example embodiments, the top side of the tunnel (3) defines a floor (17).
According to example embodiments, a hoist or lifting device 200 can be provided to assist the operator U, for example so that a winch or lifting component 210 (and line 220 thereof) can raise or lower the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e through the passageways PA to their respective locations within the first and second cleaning zones C1, C2. Accordingly, the operator U remains entirely external of the tunnel 3 and machine 1 thereof during installation or removal of the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e. According to example embodiments, the operator U remains on the floor 17 of the top side of the tunnel (3) during installation and removal. According to one example embodiment, the insertion and/or removal of the generators may be a manual operation performed by one or more operators U and not require the use of the lifting device 200 and/or the lifting component 210. For example, according to some example embodiments, the lifting device 200 may be used with or without the lifting component 210, or for example, one or more operators may optionally insert and/or remove the one or more generators manually by using either of the lifting device 200 and lifting component 210, or for example without either of them.
According to example embodiments, the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e may be permanently or removably mounted within their respective cleaning zones C1, C2. For example, in one example, one or more bolts or other fasteners can be provided to mount the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e. In the alternative, the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e can be configured to slidingly engage with one or more portions of the zones C1, C2, the tanks 8, 10, or may otherwise be engageable so as to remain fixed therein until it is desired to remove them therefrom. According to one example embodiment, a track may extend from the passageway PA to a desired location within one or more of the zones C1, C2, for example, such that the operator U can engage the generator with the track at a location near the door DR, and then permit sliding engagement of the generator to its desired location within one of the zones C1, C2. In example embodiments, one or more portions of the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e can comprise engagement features for permitting complementary engagement with one or more components or features within the zones C1, C2, thereby permitting a fixed, yet removable engagement within the zones C1, C2.
According to one example, the installation or removal of the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e includes a guided engagement, and thus, lessen the likelihood of an improper or incorrect placement therein. In other example embodiments, other engagement features, couplings, male / female couplings, magnetics, or other attachments, couplers, componentry or hardware can be provided for fixedly securing (at least temporarily until removal is desired) the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e within the zones C1, C2.
According to one example embodiment, the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e may be installed, maintained or removed remotely via a wired or wireless connection with the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e. A control module can be installed within the generator, and a drive system can be incorporated in at least one of the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e to cause displacement thereof into or out of the tunnel (3) of the first and second cleaning zones (C1, C2) relative to the floor (17). According to example embodments, the drive system is capable of removably coupling with a track that extends from the passageway PA to a desired location within one or more of the zones C1, C2. Activating the drive system permits displacement of at least one of the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e along track within and out of the tunnel 3.
With reference to Figure 2, numeral 1' indicates a washing machine for washing empty containers 2, according to a second embodiment of the invention. The washing machine 1' is generally similar to the washing machine 1, and wherein various components thereof have been removed for clarity of a washing machine according to the second embodiment of the invention. As depicted, the tunnel 3 comprises a cleaning zone CX, which may be either of the first or second cleaning zones (as described in Figure 1). The cleaning zone CX comprises a tank 10' containing a bath 13, wherein an inlet sector Q6 is provided for advancing containers 2 into tank 10' and outlet sector Q7 is provided for advancing containers 2 out from the tank 10'. A passageway PA is defined between the inlet and outlet sectors Q6, Q7, which is accessible by door DR, and which remains unexposed to the bath 13 for which ultrasonic generators 18g, 18g and 18h may be arranged adjacent the conveying beams and along the inlet and outlet sectors Q6, Q7.
According to example embodiments, the generator 18f is a single-sided generator having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers all facing in the same direction, and the generators 18g, 18h are assembled together to form a dual-sided generator 300 having a width that is generally similar to the with or spacing defined between the interior surfaces of the tank 10' of the inlet and outlet sectors Q6, Q7. According to example embodiments, the transducers of the generator 18g are facing in a first direction that is substantially opposite the direction that the transducers of the generator 18h face. According to example embodiments, the dual-sided generator 300 comprises a fluid tight structure or housing 310, and for example, a void or space can be defined therein between the generators 18g, 18h. In other example embodiments, the dual-sided generator 300 can be configured to have not much (if any) void or spacing between the generators 18g, 18h, and for example, may comprise a housing 310 in which fluids may ingress or egress. Accordingly, the housing 310 may fluidly seal the generators (18g, 18h) from its surrounding environment (e.g., fluid tight) and can comprise at least some amount of spacing or void defined therebetween. Or for example, the housing 310 can be configured to permit fluid communication with the surrounding environment, and can either comprise a void therebetween or can remain free from any void or spacing between the generators (18g, 18h).
With reference to Figure 3, numeral 1" indicates a washing machine for washing empty containers 2, according to a third embodiment of the invention. The washing machine 1" is generally similar to the washing machine 1' wherein which the tunnel 3 comprises a cleaning zone CX, which may be either of the first or second cleaning zones (as described in Figure 1). The cleaning zone CX comprises a tank 10' containing a bath 13, wherein an inlet sector Q8 is provided for advancing containers 2 into tank 10' and outlet sector Q9 is provided for advancing containers 2 out from the tank 10'. A passageway PA is defined between the inlet and outlet sectors Q8, Q9, which is accessible by door DR, and which remains unexposed to the bath 13 for which either dual-sided generator 400, 500 can be arranged adjacent the conveying beams and along the inlet and outlet sectors Q8, Q9. According to example embodiments, the dual-sided generators 400, 500 are generally similar to each other, for example, comprising oppositely facing generators affixed to opposing sides of a central housing component. Specifically, the dual-sided generator 400 comprises generator 18j affixed to a first side of a housing 410 and another generator 18j affixed to a second side of the housing 410. In example embodiments, the housing 410 comprises dimensions suitable so as to permit its insertion within the passageway PA and between opposing surfaces of the tank 10', for example, once the generators 18i, 18j are affixed to opposing surfaces thereof. According to example embodiments, the housing 410 comprises a void 420 therein, which is fluidly isolated from the environment. One or more elements / accessories may be provided or incorporated with the housing (and/or generators affixed thereto) so as to facilitate the insertion and removal of the generator 400 to / from the cleaning zone QX between the inlet and outlet sectors Q8, Q9.
In a similar manner, the dual-sided generator 500 comprises generator 18k affixed to a first side of a housing 510 and another generator 181 affixed to a second side of the housing 510. In example embodiments, the housing 510 comprises dimensions suitable so as to permit its insertion within the passageway PA and between opposing surfaces of the tank 10', for example, once the generators 18k, 181 are affixed to opposing surfaces thereof. According to example embodiments, the housing 510 comprises a void 520 therein, which is at least partially in fluid communication with the environment. According to example embodiments, one or more sides of the housing 510 comprise at least one opening or conduit fluidly connecting the void 520 to the environment external the housing. Similarly, as described above, one or more elements/accessories may be provided or incorporated with the housing (and/or generators affixed thereto) so as to facilitate the insertion and removal of the generator 500 to / from the tunnel 3 between the inlet and outlet sectors Q8, Q9.
Referring to Figures 2-3, the generators 18f, 300, 400 and 500 are preferably easily installable and removable from the cleaning zone QX. As similarly described in Figure 1, a hoist or lifting device may be provided to assist the operator U in installing (inserting) or removing (withdrawing) the generators to / from the cleaning zone QX. According to other example embodiments, one or more mechanisms can be incorporated with the generators 18f, 300, 400, 500, for example, so as to lift or lower itself without requiring a separate lifting device. In such a case, one or more tracks, guide rails or engagement features may be provided along the passageway to permit engagement of the one or more mechanisms therewith.
With reference to Figure 4, reference numeral 1‴ indicates a washing machine for washing empty containers 2, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The washing machine 1‴ is generally similar to the washing machine 1, and wherein various components thereof have been hidden for clarity of a washing machine according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. As depicted, the tunnel 3 comprises outer side surfaces or panels 16 enclosing the sides of the washing machine 1''', for example, enclosing the sides of the looped chain conveyor 4 advancing the containers along a closed washing path extending through the tunnel and through the one or more cleaning zones arranged between the inlet station and the outlet station.
According to one example embodiment, one or more passageways PA' may be provided on one or both of the sides 16 of the tunnel 3 and configured to be accessible for permitting the insertion and/or removal of one or more ultrasonic generators to / from the tunnel 3, for example so as to face in close proximity to the base portions of the containers 2 being advanced as described above. According to one example embodiment, each of the passageways PA' can be equipped with a door DR' for permitting access to the passageways PA'.
Thus, according to example embodiments of the present invention, rather than providing accessibility to the cleaning zones C1, C2 and passageways PA thereof through doors DR on the top of the tunnel 3 (as shown in Figure 1), access to one or more cleaning zones (and chain conveyor 4 thereof passing therethrough) from a side of the tunnel 3, for example such that the generators are capable of being inserted and removed horizontally, for example orthogonal relative to the insertion and removal through doors DR on the top of the tunnel 3.
In example embodiments, a horizontal track may be provided at one or more desired locations, for example, to permit one or more generators to be horizontally guided into and out of the one or more cleaning zones. According to example embodiments, one or more rollers or wheels can be rotatably mounted to the one or more generators, thereby permitting ease of use during the insertion and removal thereof along the horizontal track.
According to one example embodiment, the present invention comprises a washing machine according to one or more of the elements as described and shown herein. According to example embodiments, the washing machine comprises a first passageway and a second passageway, and wherein the first passageway generally extends vertically and the second passageway generally extends horizontally, and wherein the first and second passageways are oriented generally orthogonal relative to each other, and wherein the first and second passageways can be provided for inserting and/or removing one or more ultrasonic generators within / from the tunnel 3 of a washing machine.
For example, according to one example embodiment, the passageways PA' can permit passage of the generators 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e therethrough for the installation / removal thereof, for example, rather than via the passageways PA. Or for example, according to example embodiments, the tunnel 3 can comprise passageways PA and passageways PA'. According to example embodiments, the passageways (PA, PA') can be configured to permit passage of the generators 18a-18f, 300, 400, 500 during the installation / removal.
The invention also relates to a method of installing at least one ultrasonic generator 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 18lL, 300, 400, 500 in a washing machine 1, 1', 1", 1‴ comprising:

providing a washing machine 1, 1', 1", 1‴ comprising the tunnel 3, a conveyor device 4 configured to convey a plurality of containers 2 along the washing path (P) in an advancement direction, and the at least one passageway PA for accessing the conveyor device 4 that is conveying the plurality of containers 2 along the washing path P and within the at least one tank 8, 10, 10' containing the cleaning medium therein;
providing at least one ultrasonic generator 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 18lL, 300, 400, 500;
inserting the at least one ultrasonic generator 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 18lL, 300, 400, 500 through the at least one passageway PA; and
displacing the at least one ultrasonic generator 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 18lL, 300, 400, 500 within the tunnel 3 for coupling engagement in close proximity to the base portions of the containers 2 being advanced along the washing path P.

In particular, access to the cleaning zones C1, C2 from the upper or top side of the tunnel 3 via doors DR as described above ensures minimal modifications to existent and operative washing machines, such that one or more generators can be incorporated therein for enhanced cleaning capabilities while maintaining a slender and compact architecture. Furthermore, the operator conveniently remains external the tunnel 3 during the entirety of the installation and/or removal of the generators, which also allows for convenient, non-invasive access during maintenance activities.
Clearly, changes may be made to washing machine 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) configured to wash empty containers (2) adapted to be filled with a pourable product, the washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) comprising:
- a tunnel (3);

- a conveyor device (4) configured to convey a plurality of containers (2) along a washing path (P) in an advancement direction;

- at least one tank (8, 10, 10') for holding a bath (12, 13) comprising a cleaning medium, the washing path (P) extending within and along the tank (8, 10, 10'); and

- at least one passageway (PA, PA') for accessing the conveyor device (4) conveying the plurality of containers (2) along the washing path (P) and within the at least one tank (8, 10, 10') containing the cleaning medium therein.
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one passageway (PA) is defined at an upper floor (17) of the tunnel (3).
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one passageway (PA') is defined along a side (16) of the tunnel (3).
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) as claimed in claim 2-3, further comprising at least one ultrasonic generator (18) insertable and removable through the passageway (PA, PA') for coupling engagement with the at least one tank (8, 10, 10').
The washing machine (1, 1', 1' ' , 1‴) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one ultrasonic generator (18) is removably coupled within the at least one tank (8, 10, 10') in close proximity to base portions of the containers (2) being advanced through the cleaning medium.
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one ultrasonic generator (18) remains fluidly isolated from the cleaning medium of the bath (12, 13).
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) as claimed in claims 4-5, wherein the at least one ultrasonic generator (18) is at least partially or fully submerged within the cleaning medium.
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) as claimed in claims 4-7, wherein the at least one ultrasonic generator (18) comprises a single-sided ultrasonic generator (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f) comprising a plurality of transducers all facing in the same direction.
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) as claimed in claims 4-7, wherein the at least one ultrasonic generator (18) comprises a dual-sided ultrasonic generator (300, 400, 500) comprising a first ultrasonic generator (18g, 18i, 18k) comprising a plurality of transducers facing a first direction and a second ultrasonic generator (18h, 18j, 18L) comprising a plurality of transducers facing a second direction substantially opposite the first direction.
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a housing (310) containing the plurality of transducers oppositely opposed from each other.
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a housing (410, 510) defined between the first ultrasonic generators (18i, 18k) and the second ultrasonic generators (18j, 18L).
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) as claimed in claims 10-11, wherein the housing (310, 410, 510) is fluid tight.
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) as claimed in claims 10-11, wherein the housing (310, 410, 510) comprises at least one opening for permitting the ingress and egress of fluid therein.
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) as claimed in claims 2-3, wherein a door (DR, DR') is provided for opening and closing the passageway (PA, PA'), thereby selectively providing access thereto.
The washing machine of claims 4, wherein the user (U), while remaining outside of the tunnel (3) of the washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴), can insert and/or remove the at least one ultrasonic generator (18) during the respective installation and removal thereof.
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) of claim 1, wherein the washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) comprises at least a first cleaning zone (C1, CX), the first cleaning zone (C1, CX) comprising the tank (8, 10') and the bath (12, 13) thereof, wherein the chain conveyor (4) defines an inlet sector (Q1, Q6, Q8) and an outlet sector (Q3, Q7, Q9), and wherein at least one ultrasonic generator (18a, 18b, 18c, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k , 18ll) is configured to be permanently or removably coupled near its respective inlet and outlet sectors thereof.
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) of claim 1, wherein the washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) comprises at least a second cleaning zone (C2, CX), the second cleaning zone (C2, CX) comprising the tank (10, 10') and the bath (13)thereof, wherein the chain conveyor (4) defines an inlet sector (Q4, Q6, Q8) and an outlet sector (Q5, Q7, Q9), and wherein at least one ultrasonic generator (18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k , 18lL) is installed, maintained or removed from the floor (17) of a top side of the tunnel (3), the at least one ultrasonic generator (18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 18lL) configured to be permanently or removably coupled near its respective inlet and outlet sectors thereof.
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) of claim 1, wherein at least one ultrasonic generator (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k , 18lL) is installed, maintained or removed remotely via a wired or wireless connection with a control module installed within the generator, and further comprising a drive system to cause displacement of the generator into or out of the tunnel (3) of the first and second cleaning zones (C1, C2, CX) relative to the floor (17).
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) of claims 1-2, wherein at least one ultrasonic generator (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 18lL) is installed and removed from the floor (17) of an upper side of the tunnel (3) .
The washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴) of claims 4, 15-17 and 19, further comprising a lifting device 200 to assist the operator in raising or lowering the generators (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 18lL, 300, 400, 500) through the passageways PA to their respective locations within the first and second cleaning zones C1, C2, CX.
A method of installing at least one ultrasonic generator (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 18lL) in a washing machine (1, 1', 1", 1‴), the method comprising:
- providing a washing machine (1, 1', 1'', 1‴) according to claim 1; the washing machine comprising the tunnel (3), a conveyor device (4) configured to convey a plurality of containers (2) along a washing path (P) in an advancement direction, and the at least one passageway (PA, PA') for accessing the conveyor device (4) conveying the plurality of containers (2) along the washing path (P) and within the at least one tank (8, 10, 10') containing the cleaning medium therein;

- providing at least one ultrasonic generator (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 18lL);

- inserting the at least one ultrasonic generator (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 18lL) through the at least one passageway (PA); and

- displacing the at least one ultrasonic generator (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k, 18lL) within the tunnel (3) for coupling engagement in close proximity to the base portions of the containers (2) being advanced along the washing path (P).