JP2023026253A - container washing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide container washing equipment that enables choices of an installation place to be broadened without necessitating connection to water and sewerage while achieving space saving, maintenance saving and cost reduction by relatively reducing a device scale.SOLUTION: Container washing equipment according to the present invention removes foreign matter adhering to inner surfaces of a bottom and a peripheral wall part of a bottomed cylinder-like container comprising the bottom and the peripheral wall part. The container washing equipment comprises a cylindrical washing mechanism that sucks up a cleaning fluid by interaction of application of positive pressure and application of negative pressure from the container and that sprays the cleaning fluid on the inner surfaces of the bottom and the peripheral wall part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning device for containers such as paper cups and resin cups.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, beverages such as water and coffee are sealed in containers and provided in vending machines, shops, and the like. Materials for such containers include, for example, paper, synthetic resins such as PET, glass, and metals such as aluminum.

In recent years, beverages to be poured into containers have also diversified, and in addition to the above-mentioned water and coffee, beverages to which foamed milk, caramel sauce, mousse foam, etc. are further added are gaining popularity. Therefore, when the drinker has finished drinking the beverage, not only the beverage but also some of the toppings such as foamed milk and sauce may remain in the container and be discarded.
On the other hand, for example, as in the patent documents exemplified below, there is also known a cleaning device for beverage containers that is installed in a production line of a factory or in a vending machine.

For example, in Patent Document 1, holding means for a container brought by a user, washing means for washing the container, drying means for removing and drying droplets after washing, and sterilization for sterilizing after drying A beverage vending machine has been proposed comprising means and control means for controlling the operation of these means.

Further, for example, Patent Document 2 proposes a rotary cleaning device for PET containers, which is installed in a large-scale filling line for PET bottles. Furthermore, as disclosed in Patent Document 3, for example, there is a washing apparatus for a beverage container that is washed by immersing at least part of the cup in a washing tank in which the container is immersed.

JP 2017-51904 A JP 2007-75703 A Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 57-194455

In the cleaning apparatus of the conventional structure including the above-mentioned patent documents, there are still the following points to be improved.
That is, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to reduce the environmental load and to save resources and energy, and the reuse of containers that have finished drinking has also been emphasized. For example, the paper cups and resin cups described above are collected and reused after being discarded. Cost will increase.

Therefore, for example, it is effective for the user or the like to wash the container in advance before discarding it, in terms of contributing to energy saving and resource saving in the subsequent recycling process. However, in the configuration using a cleaning tank as proposed in Patent Document 3, for example, not only does the scale of the apparatus for cleaning become large, but also complicated mechanisms such as measures against water leakage are required.

In addition, although the cleaning apparatus proposed in Patent Document 2 is suitable for production lines of factories suitable for mass production, it is needless to say that it is not suitable for use in small shops or homes, for example. .
Furthermore, the cleaning device proposed in Patent Document 1 is also simple in that it can be attached to a beverage vending machine, but it also has a mechanism and a sterilization mechanism that cleans not only the inside of the beverage container but also the outside. However, it must be said that the introduction barrier is considerably high in that the apparatus configuration is large in size and maintenance of the cleaning mechanism and the sterilization mechanism is also required.

The present invention has been made in view of one example of the above-described problems, and requires connection with water supply and sewerage while achieving relatively small equipment scale, space saving, maintenance saving and cost reduction. To provide a cleaning device for a container capable of widening the options of the installation place without removing the container.

A container cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises (1) container cleaning for removing foreign matter adhering to the inner surfaces of the bottom portion and the peripheral wall portion of a cylindrical container with a bottom portion and the peripheral wall portion; The apparatus comprises a cylindrical washing mechanism that sucks up the washing liquid by the alternating action of applying positive pressure and applying negative pressure to the container and sprays the washing liquid onto the inner surfaces of the bottom and the peripheral wall. Characterized by

Further, in the container cleaning apparatus described in (1) above, (2) a liquid storage tank capable of storing the cleaning liquid; It is preferable to further have a waste liquid tank for storing the liquid.
Further, in the container cleaning apparatus described in (1) or (2) above, (3) the container placement means includes a receiving position for receiving the container, and a cleaning device for cleaning the bottom portion and the peripheral wall portion of the container. It is preferable that the container is mounted at a position and a housing position for housing the container after washing so that the container can be moved.

Further, in the container cleaning apparatus described in (3) above, (4) the container placement means includes a holding portion that holds the container, and a holding portion that rotates to move between the receiving position, the cleaning position and the cleaning position. It is preferable to include a rotation mechanism for positioning each of the containers at the accommodation positions, and a container rotation motor electrically connected to the rotation mechanism.

Further, in the container cleaning apparatus described in (4) above, (5) the holding portion includes a mounting member facing the bottom portion of the container, and a mounting member erected from the mounting member to insert and hold the container. an insertion/removal guide that guides removal, a locking guide that prevents the container from dropping due to gravity at the cleaning position and retains the container at the cleaning position, and a guide for dropping the container at the accommodation position due to gravity. It is preferred to have a containment guide.

Alternatively, in the container cleaning apparatus described in (4) above, (6) the holding section includes a mounting member having a suction hole formed facing the bottom of the container, and a mounting member that holds the container at the accommodation position. It is preferable to further include a negative pressure applying means that has a recovery guide bar that guides dropping due to gravity, and that applies negative pressure to the suction hole to cause the mounting member to adsorb the bottom of the container.

Further, in the container cleaning apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6) above, (7) the cylindrical cleaning mechanism includes a cylindrical body having a space capable of storing the cleaning liquid, and an injection nozzle that injects the discharged cleaning liquid onto the inner surfaces of the bottom portion and the peripheral wall portion; an eccentric shaft mechanism that is connected to a piston that can reciprocate in the space of the cylinder; and a rotational force to the eccentric shaft mechanism. and a piston driving motor for applying the force.

Further, in the container cleaning apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6) above, (8) the cylindrical cleaning mechanism includes a cylindrical body having a space capable of storing the cleaning liquid, and an injection nozzle that injects the discharged cleaning liquid onto the inner surfaces of the bottom portion and the peripheral wall portion; an air tank that supplies compressed air for applying the positive pressure to the cylinder; and a compressor that generates the compressed air. and suction means for applying the negative pressure to the space of the cylindrical body to move the piston in the housing.

Further, in the container cleaning apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6) above, (9) the cylindrical cleaning mechanism includes a cylindrical body having a space capable of storing the cleaning liquid, and an injection nozzle that injects the discharged cleaning liquid onto the inner surfaces of the bottom portion and the peripheral wall portion; an eccentric shaft that is connected to a piston that can reciprocate in the space of the cylindrical body; and a pressing force applied by a user of the cleaning device. and a manual drive mechanism that applies a rotational force to the eccentric shaft based on.

Further, in the container cleaning apparatus described in (9) above, (10) the manual drive mechanism is preferably either a rack and pinion mechanism or a toggle link mechanism.

Further, in the container cleaning apparatus according to any one of (7) to (10) above, (11) a first supply pipe having a flow path connecting the cylinder and the injection nozzle; a second supply pipe having a flow path connecting a liquid storage tank that stores the cleaning liquid to the cylindrical body; a first check valve that prevents the cleaning liquid from flowing back from the injection nozzle to the cylindrical body; and a second check valve that prevents the cleaning liquid from flowing back from the cylindrical body to the liquid storage tank.

According to the present invention, it is possible to relatively reduce the size of the apparatus, thereby saving space, saving maintenance, and reducing costs, while expanding options for installation locations.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing the front appearance of the container cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the side surface of the container cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the rear appearance of the container cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a container cleaning apparatus according to a first embodiment; FIG. Partially enlarged view schematically showing the details of the α part in FIG. FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram schematically showing state transitions of the rotation mechanism in the first embodiment; Partially enlarged view schematically showing the details of the β part in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a container cleaning apparatus according to a modification (modification 1) of the first embodiment; Schematic diagram showing a container cleaning apparatus according to a second embodiment Block diagram showing the configuration of a container cleaning apparatus according to a modification (modification 2) of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a container cleaning apparatus according to another modification (modification 3) of the second embodiment; A block diagram showing the configuration of a container cleaning apparatus according to a third embodiment. A block diagram showing the configuration of a container cleaning apparatus according to a modification (modification 4) of the third embodiment. A block diagram showing the configuration of a container cleaning apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

Hereinafter, the container cleaning apparatus according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. It should be noted that the following embodiment describes an example of the present invention, and does not unintentionally limit the present invention. good too. Also, hereinafter, the vertical direction when the cleaning apparatus 100 is placed on the floor is set as the Z direction, and the plane orthogonal to the Z direction is set as the X direction and the Y direction for convenience.

<<First embodiment>>
[Container 200]
A suitable container 200 in this embodiment is a known cylindrical container with a bottom that has a bottom portion 210 and a peripheral wall portion 220 and that allows the beverage to be poured from an opening edge 230 at the upper edge of the peripheral wall portion 220 . Examples of such containers include known cups and edible cans made of paper, glass, resin or metal.

Examples of objects that can be injected into the container 200 include drinking liquids (beverages) such as coffee, black tea, water, carbonated drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Although a beverage container is exemplified below as an example of the container 200 that can be applied to the cleaning device 100, objects to be cleaned by the cleaning device 100 in the present invention are not limited to beverage containers as described above.

That is, containers applicable to the present invention include not only beverages but also solid foods, for example, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention, in which foreign matter adhering to the container can be easily washed in a small store or at home. Various containers in general can be applied, such as a container for food and drink that can be stored, and a storage container that can store articles such as medicines and detergents.

[Container cleaning device 100]
Next, a container cleaning apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. As described above, the container 200 will be described below as an example of a paper cup for drinking or a resin cup.

As can be understood from FIG. It is configured to have the function of removing foreign matter adhering to the inner surface 220 a of the portion 220 . In addition, the "foreign matter" in the present embodiment includes dirt such as dust as well as part of the content (residue) remaining in the container 200 described above.

Specifically, the container cleaning apparatus 100 includes container placement means 10 , cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20 , liquid storage tank 30 , waste liquid tank 40 , frame body 50 and control means 60 .
As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 4, the container placing means 10 has a receiving position RP for receiving the container 200, a cleaning position WP for cleaning the bottom portion 210 and the peripheral wall portion 220 of the container 200, and the cleaned container 200. It is configured to have a function of loading and moving the container in each of the accommodation positions CP for accommodation.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the container placing means 10 in this embodiment includes a holding portion 11 that holds the container 200 while preventing it from falling, and a holding portion 11 that rotates to the receiving position. It includes a rotation mechanism 12 that positions the container 200 at the RP, the washing position WP, and the storage position CP, respectively, and a container rotation motor 13 electrically connected to the rotation mechanism 12 .

1 to 4, the holding portion 11 of this embodiment includes a mounting member 11A, an insertion/removal guide 11B, a locking guide 11C, and an accommodation guide 11D. there is

The mounting member 11A faces the bottom of the container 200 and has a function of mounting the container 200 in contact with the bottom 210 of the container 200 . As a specific example of such a mounting member 11A, for example, a known plate member made of metal or resin can be exemplified.

The insertion/removal guide 11B is erected from the mounting member 11A and has a function of guiding the insertion and removal of the container 200. As shown in FIG. As a specific example of such an insertion/removal guide 11B, for example, a bar made of known metal or resin can be exemplified. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like, four bars erected from the four corners of the upper surface of the mounting member 11A are used as the insertion/removal guides 11B. Note that the insertion/removal guide 11B is not limited to four bars as long as the above-described functions can be achieved. For example, three bars or an annular frame may be used.
These mounting member 11A and insertion/removal guide 11B are configured to rotate from a receiving position RP to a housing position CP by the action of a rotating mechanism 12, which will be described later.

The locking guide 11C is configured to have a function of preventing the container 200 from dropping due to gravity at the cleaning position WP and retaining the container 200 at the cleaning position WP. Such a locking guide 11C is arranged between the container placing means 10 and the injection nozzle 22, as illustrated in FIG. A known rail material manufactured by As understood from FIGS. 1 to 4, the locking guide 11C has a function of preventing the container 200 from unintentionally falling while the container 200 moves from the receiving position RP to the containing position CP. are doing.

The accommodation guide 11D is configured to have a function of guiding the fall of the container 200 due to gravity at the accommodation position CP. As a specific example of such an accommodation guide 11D, for example, a bar made of known metal or resin can be exemplified. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the accommodation guide 11D of the present embodiment employs four rods erected from the four corners of the upper surface of the accommodation tray CT. The storage guide 11D is not limited to four rods as long as the above functions are exhibited, and may be, for example, three rods or an annular frame.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the rotating mechanism 12 is rotatable by being connected to a container rotating motor 13, which will be described later. or welding).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, by rotating the rotation mechanism 12 around the rotation axis via the container rotation motor 13, a part of the holding portion 11 (the mounting member 11A and the insertion/removal movement) fixed to the rotation mechanism 12 is rotated. The guide 11B) is configured to rotate around the rotation axis.

Materials for the holding portion 11 and the rotating mechanism 12 are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include known synthetic resins such as plastics and metal materials such as aluminum. Further, a specific example of the container rotating motor 13 is not particularly limited, and for example, a known three-phase AC motor connectable to a commercial power supply or household power supply (100 V) can be exemplified. Further, the container rotating motor 13 does not necessarily require a power source via an outlet, and may be supplied with power from a known storage battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

The tubular washing mechanism 20 sucks up the washing liquid from the container 200 positioned at the washing position WP by the alternating action of positive pressure application and negative pressure application, and also against the inner surface 220a of the bottom portion 210 and the peripheral wall portion 220 of the container 200. It is configured to have a function of injecting the cleaning liquid. As a result, the tubular cleaning mechanism 20 of the present embodiment can jet the cleaning liquid to the container 200 by a water gun method.
The cleaning liquid suitable for this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it can remove the above-described foreign matter, and examples thereof include tap water and known alcohol-containing water.

More specifically, as can be understood from FIGS. to the bottom 210 of the container 200 and the inner surface 220a of the peripheral wall 220; and a piston driving motor 24 for applying rotational force.

Among them, the cylindrical body 21 can be exemplified by a known hollow cylindrical cylinder made of metal or resin, and is a member that supplies the cleaning liquid to the injection nozzle 22 by a water gun method as described later.
The injection nozzle 22 is a known nozzle that is connected to the space of the cylindrical body 21 (the space in which the cleaning liquid can be stored) via a first supply pipe _SP1 , which will be described later. Specific examples of such a spray nozzle 22 include various known spray nozzles having a structure capable of spraying the cleaning liquid linearly or radially.

As shown in FIG. 5, the eccentric shaft mechanism 23 includes an eccentric lever 23A that rotates in conjunction with the output shaft of the piston drive motor 24, an eccentric shaft 23B connected to the eccentric lever 23A, and an eccentric shaft 23B at one end. and a piston shaft 23</b>C connected to the piston 21</b>H, the other end of which is housed in the space of the cylindrical body 21 .

A specific example of the piston driving motor 24 is not particularly limited, and for example, a known three-phase AC motor connectable to a commercial power supply or household power supply (100 V) can be exemplified. Further, the piston driving motor 24 does not necessarily require a power supply through an outlet, and may be supplied with power from a known storage battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

The liquid storage tank 30, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, is a known container that can be mounted on a frame body 50, which will be described later, and that can store the cleaning liquid described above. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the waste liquid tank 40 is a well-known container that can be mounted on a frame body 50 described later and that can collect the cleaning liquid flowing out of the container 200 after cleaning.
As described above, the cleaning device 100 of the present embodiment may include the liquid storage tank 30 and the waste liquid tank 40 . As a result, the cleaning device 100 can be installed without being connected to the water supply and sewage system, and the degree of freedom in the location of installation can be significantly improved.

As shown in FIG. 4, the waste liquid tank 40 of this embodiment is arranged directly below the cleaning position WP of the container 200 described above.
Materials for the liquid storage tank 30 and the waste liquid tank 40 are not particularly limited, and metal materials such as aluminum and resin materials such as plastic may be appropriately applied.

Further, as can be understood from FIG. 4 and the like, the cleaning apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a first supply pipe _SP1 having a flow path connecting the cylindrical body 21 and the injection nozzle 22 and a cleaning liquid reservoir. and a second supply pipe SP ₂ having a flow path connecting the liquid storage tank 30 and the cylinder 21 .

Furthermore, a first check valve CV ₁ is installed in the first supply pipe SP ₁ to prevent the cleaning liquid from flowing back from the injection nozzle 22 to the cylinder 21, and the cleaning liquid flows into the cylinder _. A second check valve CV ₂ is installed in the second supply pipe SP ₂ to prevent backflow from 21 to the storage tank 30 . As shown in FIG. 7, the first supply pipe _SP1 and the second supply pipe _SP2 are connected to the space inside the cylindrical body 21, which will be described later, via a known cheese pipe (T-shaped pipe) 23D. . This allows the cleaning liquid to flow between the liquid storage tank 30 , the space of the cylindrical body 21 and the injection nozzle 22 .

The frame body 50 is a frame-shaped housing on which the above-described container mounting means 10, the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20, and the like are mounted. As for the material of the frame body 50, as long as it has strength and durability to the extent that the liquid storage tank 30 and the waste liquid tank 40 as well as the container mounting means 10 can be installed as required. There are no particular restrictions, and examples include known metal materials such as steel and aluminum, and synthetic resins such as engineering plastics.

A well-known PLC (programmable logic controller) capable of controlling the driving of the container rotating motor 13 and the piston driving motor 24 can be applied to the control means 60 . By controlling the container rotating motor 13, for example, by such a control means 60, the container 200 can be positioned at any position between the receiving position RP and the containing position CP via the rotating mechanism 12 and the like. It's becoming Further, the control means 60 controls discharge of the cleaning liquid by the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20, which will be described later.

<Ejection (Spraying) Mode of Cleaning Liquid by Cylindrical Cleaning Mechanism 20>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, the discharge and jetting of the cleaning liquid by the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20 in this embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the control means 60 detects that the container 200 is positioned at the cleaning position WP by the container placing means 10, the control means 60 starts driving the piston driving motor 24. control.

5 and 6, the eccentric lever 23A connected to the piston driving motor 24 rotates, and the eccentric shaft 23B is driven following the rotation of the eccentric lever 23A, whereby the piston shaft 23C is driven. Start reciprocating motion.
When the reciprocating motion of the piston shaft 23C is started, the piston 21H arranged in the space of the cylindrical body 21 also starts reciprocating motion in the space of the cylindrical body 21 following the movement of the piston shaft 23C. do.

6 and 7 together, when the piston 21H moves (outward movement) in the space and negative pressure is generated in the cylindrical body 21, the action of this negative pressure causes the second The cleaning liquid is supplied from the liquid storage tank 30 into the space of the cylindrical body 21 through the supply pipe _SP2 and the cheese pipe 23D.

On the other hand, when the piston 21H moves in the opposite direction (backward movement) in the space and a positive pressure is generated in the cylindrical body 21, the positive pressure causes the cleaning liquid supplied into the space to flow into the cheese pipe 23D and the first pipe. It is discharged from the cylindrical body 21 toward the injection nozzle 22 through the supply pipe _SP1 .

As described above, since the second check valve _CV2 for preventing reverse flow from the cylinder 21 to the liquid storage tank 30 is installed in the second supply pipe _SP2 , a positive pressure is generated inside the cylinder 21. When the cleaning liquid is discharged from the cylindrical body 21, the cleaning liquid is prevented from flowing back to the second supply pipe _SP2 .

Similarly, since the first check valve CV ₁ is installed in the first supply pipe SP ₁ to prevent the washing liquid from flowing back from the injection nozzle 22 to the cylindrical body 21 , a negative pressure is generated in the cylindrical body 21 . When the cleaning liquid is supplied (sucked) into the cylindrical body 21, the cleaning liquid is also prevented from flowing back from the first supply pipe _SP1 to the cylindrical body 21. As shown in FIG.

After the cleaning liquid is discharged from the cylindrical body 21 to the injection nozzle 22 through the first supply pipe _SP1 as described above, the cleaning liquid is applied to the inner surface 220a of the bottom portion 210 and the peripheral wall portion 220 of the container 200 positioned at the cleaning position WP. A cleaning liquid is jetted from the jet nozzle 22 .

In the present embodiment, the cleaning liquid is automatically discharged by the control means 60 after the container 200 is positioned at the cleaning position WP. The cleaning liquid may be ejected from the ejection nozzle 22 by pressing a switch or the like.

<Container collection mode after washing>
After the cleaning liquid is jetted from the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20 to the container 200 for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds to ten and several seconds) as described above, the control means 60 controls the container rotation motor 13 to clean the container 200. A control is executed to move from the position WP to the accommodation position CP.

More specifically, the control means 60 moves the container 200 toward the accommodation position CP via the rotating mechanism 12 . At this time, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, etc., since the container 200 is continuously guided by the locking guide 11C from the cleaning position WP to the accommodation position CP, the container 200 is moved from the cleaning position WP to the accommodation position CP. It is suppressed that it falls off without doing it.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the rotation of the rotating mechanism 12 is continued and the container 200 approaches the storage position CP, the container 200 enters the space surrounded by the storage guide 11D, and is then guided by the storage guide 11D. while the container 200 falls to the accommodation position due to the action of gravity.
By repeating the above operation, the containers 200 to which the above-described foreign substances are adhered are cleaned at the cleaning position WP and then transported to the accommodation position CP, where the cleaned containers 200 are stacked.

According to the cleaning apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described above, the container 200 can be cleaned simply by using a control device (PLC) storing a simple control program and a power source (motor) capable of operating with a power of about 100V. Foreign matter adhering to the surface can be easily cleaned. Furthermore, since the control mechanism and drive mechanism can be realized with a simple configuration, the frequency of equipment maintenance can be greatly reduced.

In addition, if the cleaning apparatus 100 is provided with the liquid storage tank 30 and the waste liquid tank 40, the above-described cleaning process can be performed on the container 200 with a power supply of 100 V, for example. Therefore, it is possible to realize the cleaning apparatus 100 which does not necessarily require the connection of the .
That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to greatly expand options regarding the installation location of the cleaning device while achieving space saving, maintenance saving, and cost reduction by relatively reducing the size of the device.

<Modification 1>
Next, a modification (modification 1) of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As can be seen from the figure, the container cleaning apparatus 110 according to Modification 1 differs from the cleaning apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the container placing means 10 . There is a feature. Therefore, in the present modified example 1, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations as those of the cleaning apparatus 100 in the first embodiment described above, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate (other embodiments and modified examples to be described later will also be omitted). as well).

That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the holding portion 11 in the container placing means 10 of Modification 1 includes a placing member 11A provided with one or a plurality of suction holes VH, and a container 200 holding the container 200 through the suction holes VH. It is configured including suction means 11E for sucking the bottom portion 210 .

More specifically, the suction means 11E includes a known cylinder _11E1 , which is a cylindrical body having a space for generating negative pressure, and a known piston (not shown) arranged in the space of the cylinder _11E1 . and a cylinder driving motor _11E2 for moving in space. Of these, as the cylinder drive motor _11E2 , a known three-phase AC motor or the like that can be driven with a 100V power source like the other motors may be applied.

Therefore, for example, after the container 200 is placed on the container placing means 10, the user may press a switch or the like (not shown) to suck and hold the container 200. FIG. That is, due to the depression of the switch described above, the control means 60 controls the cylinder driving motor _11E2 to drive the piston and generate negative pressure in the cylinder _11E1 . The action of the negative pressure generated in the cylinder _11E1 enables the bottom portion 210 of the container 200 to be held by suction through the suction holes VH of the holding portion 11. FIG.

As described above, in the cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the holding portion 11 includes the mounting member 11A having the suction hole VH formed facing the bottom portion 210 of the container 200 and the container 200 dropping due to gravity at the accommodation position CP. and a negative pressure applying means (suction means 11E) for applying negative pressure to the suction holes VH to cause the bottom portion 210 of the container 200 to be attracted to the mounting member 11A. may be configured.

The cleaning device 110 according to Modification 1 described above can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the cleaning device 110 according to Modification 1, positioning members such as the insertion/removal guide 11B and the locking guide 11C can be omitted simply by adding a simple configuration such as a motor and a cylinder as a mechanism for generating negative pressure. can.

<<Second embodiment>>
Next, a container cleaning apparatus 120 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As can be seen from the figure, the cleaning device 120 of the present embodiment differs from the cleaning device 100 of the first embodiment in that it includes a cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20 that discharges cleaning liquid using compressed air. It has main features.

That is, the tubular cleaning mechanism 20 in the cleaning apparatus 120 of the present embodiment has one end connected to the above-described tubular body 21 and a piston 21H disposed in the space within the tubular body 21 and movable in the space. A moving shaft 23C' having a reference end CE at the other end, and a compressed air supply means capable of supplying compressed air to a space in the cylindrical body 21 that is partitioned by the piston 21H and to which the cleaning liquid is not supplied ( Air tank 25 and compressor 26), and known elastic member 27 such as a spring disposed between reference end CE and cylindrical body 21 for urging reference end CE toward fixed end Fx. It is

As shown in the figure, it is desirable that the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20 further include a fixed end Fx that regulates the movement range of the moving shaft 23C' at the reference end CE.
In the initial state of the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20 in this embodiment, the reference end CE is positioned close to the fixed end Fx, and the cleaning liquid is supplied from the liquid storage tank 30 into the cylindrical body 21 to fill it. state is desirable.

Then, when the container 200 placed on the container placing means 10 is positioned at the cleaning position WP, the control means 60 controls the compressor 26 to supply compressed air into the cylindrical body 21 through the air tank 25. Execute supply control.
Then, the piston 21H in the cylindrical body 21 moves within the cylindrical body 21, whereby the cleaning liquid supplied to the cylindrical body 21 is discharged to the injection nozzle 22 through the cheese pipe 23D and the first supply pipe _SP1 . be. Further, after the cleaning liquid is discharged from the cylinder 21 , the action of the elastic member 27 moves the moving shaft 23</b>C′ toward the fixed end Fx, thereby generating a negative pressure inside the cylinder 21 . When the negative pressure is generated in the cylindrical body 21 in this manner, new cleaning liquid is supplied from the liquid storage tank 30 into the cylindrical body 21 by the action of this negative pressure.

As described above, the tubular cleaning mechanism 20 of the present embodiment can intermittently eject cleaning liquid to the injection nozzle 22 by repeating the operation of the water gun method described above using compressed air. It's becoming
In other words, in the cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20 includes a cylindrical body 21 having a space capable of storing the cleaning liquid, and a bottom portion 210 of the container 200 for receiving the cleaning liquid discharged from the cylindrical body 21 . An injection nozzle 22 that injects onto the inner surface 220a of the peripheral wall portion 220, an air tank 25 that supplies compressed air for applying positive pressure to this cylinder 21, a compressor 26 that generates this compressed air, and this cylinder. A suction means (elastic member 27) for moving the piston 21H in the cylindrical body 21 in order to apply a negative pressure to the space 21 may be included.

The cleaning device 120 according to the second embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the cleaning device 120 of the second embodiment, by using a compressor instead of a motor as a drive source for the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20, the compressed air generated thereby can be used for other purposes (for example, for cleaning containers after cleaning). Drainage treatment, etc.) can also be used, and the performance of the device can be improved.

<Modification 2>
Next, modification 1 (modification 2) of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As can be seen from the figure, the cleaning device 130 of the present embodiment has a mounting member 11A formed with suction holes VH as in the first modification, and a cleaning device 120 of the second embodiment. The main feature is that the container 200 is held by suction using suction means (the air tank 11E ₃ and the first suction pump VP ₁ , which are well-known, respectively).

More specifically, as shown in the figure, in the container cleaning apparatus 130 according to Modification 2, the compressor 26 is connected to the air tank 25 and the air tank _11E3 , respectively, while the air tank _11E3 is connected to the first air tank 11E3. It is connected to the suction pump _VP1 . The first suction pump _VP1 communicates with the suction holes VH of the mounting member 11A. The first suction pump _VP1 is not particularly limited, and a known suction pump using compressed air may be applied.

Therefore, the user who uses the cleaning device 130 may, for example, place the container 200 on the container placing means 10 and then press a switch (not shown) to suck and hold the container 200 . That is, due to the depression of the switch described above, the control means 60 controls the compressor 26 described above to generate a negative pressure in the suction hole VH via the first suction pump _VP1 . As a result, the bottom portion 210 of the container 200 can be sucked and held through the suction holes VH of the holding portion 11 .
Although two air tanks are used for the compressor 26 in this example, the configuration is not limited to this, and a single air tank may also be used.

<Modification 3>
Next, modification 2 (modification 3) of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As can be seen from the figure, the cleaning device 140 of the present embodiment provides an alternating effect of applying positive pressure and applying negative pressure to the cylindrical body 21 as compared with the cleaning device 120 of the second embodiment described above. The main feature is that the mechanism is different.

More specifically, as shown in the figure, in a container cleaning device 130 according to Modification 3, the other end ( The reference end CE) is installed movably within the second cylindrical body 21'.

In addition, a second suction pump _VP2 that applies a negative pressure to the space is connected to a space on the moving shaft 23C' side of the second cylindrical body 21' with respect to the reference end CE. An air tank 25 that applies positive pressure is connected to the space on the opposite side of the moving shaft 23C' with reference to CE.
Both the air tank 25 and the second suction pump _VP2 are connected to a compressor 26, and the action of the compressed air generated by the compressor 26 can generate positive pressure and negative pressure, respectively. The second suction pump _VP2 is not particularly limited as long as it does not interfere with the function of generating negative pressure, and a known suction pump using compressed air can be applied.

Therefore, after the container 200 is positioned at the cleaning position WP by the rotating mechanism 12, the control means 60 of the cleaning device 140 controls the compressor 26 to perform the second cleaning via the air tank 25 and the second suction pump _VP2 . Control is performed to alternately apply positive pressure and apply negative pressure to the two cylinders 21'. As a result, similarly to the cleaning device 120 of the second embodiment, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the liquid storage tank 30 into the cylindrical body 21 by reciprocating the moving shaft 23C', and the cleaning liquid is injected from the cylindrical body 21. The discharge of the cleaning liquid to the nozzles 22 is alternately repeated.

<<Third Embodiment>>
Next, a container cleaning apparatus 150 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the first and second embodiments described above, devices such as motors and compressors that can be connected to known power sources (commercial power sources, secondary batteries, etc.) are used as drive sources for the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20 . On the other hand, the container cleaning apparatus 150 according to the present embodiment is mainly characterized in that it has a manual drive mechanism 28 that can be driven manually without requiring a power source or working fluid (compressed air).

That is, the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20 in the cleaning device 150 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical body 21 having a space capable of storing the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid discharged from the cylindrical body 21 is applied to the inner surfaces of the bottom portion 210 and the peripheral wall portion 220 of the container 200 . 220a, an eccentric shaft mechanism (eccentric lever 23A, eccentric shaft 23B, and piston shaft 23C) connected to a piston 21H reciprocally movable in the space of the cylindrical body 21; and a manual drive mechanism 28 that applies a rotational force to the eccentric shaft mechanism based on the pressing force applied by the user.

Of these, the manual drive mechanism 28 of this embodiment includes a rack and pinion mechanism 28A that converts linear movement into rotational movement.
More specifically, the rack-and-pinion mechanism 28A of this embodiment includes a booster gear 28A- ₁ that is screwed with the eccentric lever 23A to impart rotation to the eccentric lever 23A, and a booster gear 28A- ₁ that is screwed together with the a mobile rack 28A- ₂ that can be pushed by a user, a guide post 28A- ₃ that guides the vertical movement of the mobile rack 28A- ₂ , an elastic member 28A _-4 that pushes back the pushed-down mobile rack 28A- ₂ vertically upward, is configured with

The material and shape of the guide post 28A- ₃ are not particularly limited as long as they can guide the vertical movement of the movable rack 28A- ₂ . A columnar member can be applied.
Further, a specific example of the elastic member _28A4 is not particularly limited as long as it has a desired elasticity and can push back the movable rack _28A2 vertically upward.

In the cleaning apparatus 150 configured as described above, when the user pushes down the movable rack 28A- _{2, the booster gear 28A-1 rotates} as the movable rack 28A- ₂ is lowered, and the booster gear 28A-2 is rotated. ₁ rotation is transmitted to the eccentric lever 23A and the piston 21H moves in the space of the cylindrical body 21, whereby the washing liquid is supplied from the liquid storage tank 30 into the cylindrical body 21.
On the other hand, when the movable rack 28A- ₂ is pushed back and raised by the action of the elastic member 28A- ₄ , the booster gear 28A- ₁ follows the upward movement of the movable rack 28A _-2 and reversely rotates, causing the washing liquid in the cylindrical body 21 to move by the piston 21H. is discharged toward the injection nozzle 22 .

By repeating the above operation, the moving rack _28A2 is moved up and down by the user (human power) and the elastic member _28A4 , and the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the liquid storage tank 30 through the cylindrical body 21 to the injection nozzle 22 in a water gun manner. It will be jetted intermittently.

The cleaning device 150 according to the third embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the cleaning device 150 of the third embodiment, since a power supply and compressed air are not required for feeding the cleaning liquid, the device cost can be greatly reduced while maintaining the container cleaning function.

<Modification 4>
Next, a modification (modification 4) of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As can be seen from the figure, in the cleaning device 160 of Modification 4, unlike the cleaning device 150 of the third embodiment described above, the manual drive mechanism 28 has a toggle link mechanism 28B instead of the rack and pinion mechanism 28A. The main feature is that it has a

More specifically, as shown in the figure, the toggle link mechanism 28B includes a toggle link 28B ₁ , a push plate 28B ₂ that can be pushed by the user, a fixed support 28B ₃ , and a moving shaft 23C'. and a connecting portion _28B4 connected to the end CE. The configuration around the cylindrical body 21 including the moving shaft 23C' is the same as that of the cleaning device 120 in the above-described second embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

In the cleaning device 160 configured as described above, it is desirable that the cylindrical body 21 is filled with the cleaning liquid as an initial setting at the start of operation.
When the user (such as a drinker) lowers the pressing plate _28B2 vertically downward by a predetermined distance d, the predetermined distance d is doubled and the piston 21H moves in the space of the cylindrical body 21. As a result, the cleaning liquid inside the cylindrical body 21 is discharged to the injection nozzle 22 .

On the other hand, when the push-down plate _28B2 is pushed back by the action of the elastic member 27 and rises to its original position, a negative pressure is generated in the cylindrical body 21 by the movement of the piston 21H following the rise of the moving shaft 23C'. A new cleaning liquid is supplied from the liquid storage tank 30 to the space inside the cylindrical body 21 by the action of the generated negative pressure.
As described above, in the container cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the manual drive mechanism 28 may be the rack and pinion mechanism 28A described above, or the toggle link mechanism 28B described in the modified example. good.

<<Fourth Embodiment>>
Next, a container cleaning apparatus 170 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the above-described first to third embodiments, the container 200 was washed by the container placing means 10 while being sequentially moved from the receiving position RP to the containing position CP.
On the other hand, in the container cleaning apparatus 170 according to the present embodiment, the container placing means 10 does not move the container 200 to each of the positions described above, but can move (lower) downward in the vertical direction. The main feature is that the control means 60 controls the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20 to perform cleaning processing of the container 200 when detecting that the container placing means 10 has been lowered by a predetermined distance.

That is, as understood from the figure, the container placing means 10 in this embodiment has an upper surface (container placing surface PS) on which the container 200 can be placed in contact with the opening edge 230 of the container 200. It is configured. Further, as shown in the figure, the injection nozzle 22 capable of injecting the cleaning liquid is installed on the upper surface of the container mounting means 10 . A specific example of such container mounting means 10 is a known rectangular parallelepiped mounting table that can be mounted on a housing (not shown) or the like.

Further, the container mounting means 10 in this embodiment includes a third supply path SP ₃ that communicates with the above-described first supply pipe SP ₁ and can supply the cleaning liquid from the cylindrical body 21 to the injection nozzle 22, and on the above-described upper surface. It is configured to have an opening (drainage port) and a second drainage channel _DP2 through which the cleaning liquid after cleaning the container 200 is drained.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the second drainage channel _DP2 in the container mounting means 10 is connected to the waste liquid tank ₄₀ via the above-described first drainage channel DP1. As a result, the cleaning liquid that has washed the container 200 can flow from the opening on the upper surface of the container mounting means 10 to the waste liquid tank 40 via the second drainage channel _DP2 and the first drainage channel _DP1 . It has become. As the first drainage channel _DP1 , for example, various known pipes made of metal, resin, or the like can be applied.

Further, the container placing means 10 in this embodiment includes a known urging means 14 such as a spring or a recinder mechanism for urging the container placing means 10 vertically upward. As will be described later, when the user releases the pressing of the container placing means 10, the container placing means 10 can be pushed back upward to return to the initial position.

By using the container cleaning apparatus 170 configured as described above, for example, the user can clean the bottom portion 210 and the inner surface 220a of the peripheral wall portion 220 of the container 200 as follows.
That is, the user who has finished drinking from the container 200 first places the container 200 upside down on the upper surface of the container placing means 10 with the opening edge 230 facing downward.

Next, the user pushes down the container placing means 10 through the container 200 by a predetermined distance while placing the container 200 on the container placing means 10 . On the other hand, the control means 60 detects whether or not the container placing means 10 has been lowered by a predetermined distance, and when it is detected that the container placing means 10 has been lowered by a predetermined distance, it controls the tubular washing mechanism 20 to perform a water gun method. Control for injecting the cleaning liquid from the injection nozzle 22 is executed.

When the user decides that the cleaning process of the container is completed and removes the container 200 from the upper surface of the container placing means 10, the above-mentioned biasing means 14 acts to move the container placing means 10 upward. It will be pushed back and return to the initial position. At this time, the control means 60 controls the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20 to stop the injection of the cleaning liquid when the lifting of the container placing means 10 is detected.

Accordingly, when the user presses the upper surface of the container placing means 10 with the container 200, the cleaning liquid is intermittently sprayed onto the bottom portion 210 of the container 200 and the inner surface 220a of the peripheral wall portion 220 via the cylindrical cleaning mechanism 20. be.
According to the cleaning apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment described above, the container can be cleaned simply by using a control device (PLC) storing a simple control program and a power source (motor) capable of operating with a power of about 100V. Foreign matter adhering to 200 can be easily cleaned. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the container placing means 10 does not need to move the container 200 from the receiving position RP to the containing position CP, so the maintenance frequency of the apparatus can be greatly reduced with a simpler configuration. .

Each embodiment described above is an example embodying the gist of the present invention, and modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, known structures and techniques may be appropriately added and modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used, for example, to manufacture a washing apparatus capable of efficiently washing a container with a foreign substance such as leftover drink in a small-scale store or at home with a simple structure.

100 to 170 cleaning device 10 container mounting means 20 cylindrical cleaning mechanism 30 liquid storage tank 40 waste liquid tank 50 frame body 60 control means

Claims (11)

A container cleaning apparatus for removing foreign matter adhering to the inner surfaces of a bottom portion and a peripheral wall portion of a cylindrical container having a bottom portion and a peripheral wall portion,
A container characterized by comprising a cylindrical washing mechanism that draws up a washing liquid from the container by the alternating action of applying a positive pressure and applying a negative pressure and sprays the washing liquid onto the inner surfaces of the bottom and the peripheral wall. cleaning equipment. a liquid storage tank capable of storing the cleaning liquid;
a waste liquid tank disposed immediately below the cleaning position for collecting cleaning liquid flowing out of the container after cleaning;
The container cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 . The container mounting means mounts the container at a receiving position for receiving the container, a cleaning position for cleaning the bottom portion and the peripheral wall portion of the container, and an accommodation position for accommodating the cleaned container. configured to be movable,
The container cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The container placement means is
a holding part that holds the container;
a rotating mechanism that rotates the holding part to position the container at the receiving position, the washing position and the containing position, respectively;
a container rotating motor electrically connected to the rotating mechanism;
consists of
The container cleaning apparatus according to claim 3. The holding part is
a mounting member facing the bottom of the container;
an insertion/removal guide erected from the mounting member and guiding insertion and removal of the container;
a locking guide that prevents the container from falling due to gravity at the cleaning position and retains the container at the cleaning position;
an accommodation guide that guides the drop of the container due to gravity at the accommodation position;
having
The container cleaning apparatus according to claim 4. The holding part has a placement member having a suction hole formed facing the bottom of the container, and a recovery guide bar that guides the drop of the container due to gravity at the accommodation position,
Further comprising negative pressure applying means for applying a negative pressure to the suction hole to cause the mounting member to adsorb the bottom of the container,
The container cleaning apparatus according to claim 4. The cylindrical cleaning mechanism is
a cylindrical body having a space capable of storing the cleaning liquid;
an injection nozzle for injecting the cleaning liquid discharged from the cylindrical body onto the inner surfaces of the bottom portion and the peripheral wall portion;
an eccentric shaft mechanism connected to a piston capable of reciprocating in the space of the cylindrical body;
a piston driving motor that imparts rotational force to the eccentric shaft mechanism;
consists of
The container cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The cylindrical cleaning mechanism is
a cylindrical body having a space capable of storing the cleaning liquid;
an injection nozzle for injecting the cleaning liquid discharged from the cylindrical body onto the inner surfaces of the bottom portion and the peripheral wall portion;
an air tank that supplies compressed air for applying the positive pressure to the cylindrical body;
a compressor that produces the compressed air;
a suction means (elastic member or pump) that applies the negative pressure to the space of the cylindrical body to move the piston in the housing;
consists of
The container cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The cylindrical cleaning mechanism is
a cylindrical body having a space capable of storing the cleaning liquid;
an injection nozzle for injecting the cleaning liquid discharged from the cylindrical body onto the inner surfaces of the bottom portion and the peripheral wall portion;
an eccentric shaft mechanism connected to a piston capable of reciprocating in the space of the cylindrical body;
a manual drive mechanism that imparts a rotational force to the eccentric shaft mechanism based on a pressing force applied by a user of the cleaning device;
consists of
The container cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The manual drive mechanism is either a rack and pinion mechanism or a toggle link mechanism,
The container cleaning apparatus according to claim 9 . a first supply pipe having a flow path connecting the cylinder and the injection nozzle;
a second supply pipe having a flow path connecting a liquid storage tank storing the cleaning liquid and the cylindrical body;
a first check valve that prevents the cleaning liquid from flowing back from the injection nozzle to the cylindrical body;
a second check valve that prevents the cleaning liquid from flowing back from the cylindrical body to the liquid storage tank;
consists of
The container cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

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