WO2011141354A1

WO2011141354A1 - System for cleaning the inside of an enclosure, cleaning equipment including such a system and method for cleaning the inside of an enclosure

Info

Publication number: WO2011141354A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/057249
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédéric MICHAUD GROSBENOIT
Original assignee: Michaud Grosbenoit Frederic
Priority date: 2010-05-11
Filing date: 2011-05-05
Publication date: 2011-11-17
Also published as: FR2959946B1; EP2569101A1; FR2959946A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning system (1) that comprises: a carrier (10) movable in a longitudinal direction (X); a washing head (30) pivotally mounted on a front surface of the carrier (10) and about an axis of said washing head (30); at least one vertical rinsing line (50) mounted on the carrier (10) so as to be capable of moving between a first position in which said line diffuses a rinsing fluid in a transverse direction (Y) and a second position in which said line diffuses the rinsing fluid in the longitudinal direction (X); a control device adapted so as to control the supply and pivoting of the washing head (30) during a washing operation, and so as to control the supply and movement of the vertical rinsing line (50) during a rinsing operation.

Description

Pregnant interior cleaning system, cleaning installation comprising such a system and method of interior enclosure cleaning

The invention relates to an enclosure interior cleaning system, to a cleaning installation comprising such a system and to a method of cleaning the interior of the enclosure.

The invention is particularly applicable to cleaning a container for receiving goods, for example for storage or transport.

In particular, the invention applies to the cleaning of a container, possibly refrigerating, for perishable products, for example food or pharmaceutical, mounted or intended to be mounted on a truck. In fact, the users of refrigerated containers have an obligation of cleaning and disinfection result before taking care of food products (Standards CE 852/2004 and CE 853/2004).

Beyond the refrigerated containers, the invention can however be applied to cleaning any enclosure requiring regular cleaning, such as containers, trailers, semi-trailers, cold rooms, wagons, etc..

WO-A-2008/125659 discloses an enclosure interior cleaning system of the type comprising:

a support having opposite front and rear faces and spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction, said support being movable in the longitudinal direction,

a washing assembly comprising a washing fluid supply circuit and a washing fluid diffusion device connected to said washing fluid supply circuit, said washing fluid diffusion device being mounted on the support,

a rinsing assembly comprising a rinsing fluid supply circuit and a rinsing fluid diffusion device connected to said rinsing fluid supply circuit, said rinsing fluid dispensing device being mounted on the support,

a control device connected to the washing and rinsing assemblies. In particular, in the document WO-A-2008/125659, the device for diffusing the washing fluid is in the form of a static washing nozzle and the device for diffusing rinsing fluid is in the form of a swiveling rinsing head.

The invention aims to improve the cleaning efficiency achieved by the cleaning system.

For this purpose, according to one aspect, the invention proposes a cleaning system of the aforementioned type in which

the washing fluid diffusion device comprises a washing head which extends along an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, and which comprises at least one nozzle arranged to diffuse the washing fluid in a direction distinct from the longitudinal direction, said washing head being pivotally mounted on the front face of the support around the axis of said washing head,

the rinsing fluid diffusion device comprises at least one vertical rinsing ramp which extends along an axis parallel to a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and which comprises at least one nozzle arranged to diffuse the rinsing fluid according to a radial direction relative to the axis of said vertical rinsing ramp, said vertical rinsing ramp being movably mounted on the support between a first position, wherein said nozzle is oriented to diffuse the rinsing fluid in a transverse direction perpendicular to the directions longitudinal and vertical, and a second position, wherein said nozzle is oriented to diffuse the flushing fluid in the longitudinal direction,

the control device being adapted for

during a washing operation, controlling the washing fluid supply of the washing fluid diffusion device and the pivoting of the washing head around the axis of said washing head and,

during a rinsing operation, controlling the rinsing fluid supply of the rinsing fluid diffusion device and moving the vertical rinsing ramp between the first and second positions.

Thus, the cleaning system according to the invention makes it possible to perform a complete cleaning of an enclosure, including in particular washing, possibly disinfection, and rinsing, quickly and uniformly. The efficiency of the cleaning system is improved.

In addition, the cleaning system according to the invention performs a cleaning complete automatically and with a minimum of diffusion device, which simplifies cleaning.

In particular, the washing fluid supply circuit can be adapted to supply the washing fluid diffusion device with low pressure washing fluid, in particular under a pressure of less than 10 bar, preferably of between 4 bar and 9 bar. bars. Furthermore, the washing fluid supply circuit may comprise a supply line and a reserve of washing product connected to the supply line.

As for the rinsing fluid supply circuit, it can be adapted to supply the rinsing fluid diffusion device with high pressure rinsing fluid, in particular under a pressure greater than 30 bars, preferably between 90 bars and 160 bars. bars.

In one embodiment, the support is a carriage movable in the longitudinal direction, the washing and rinsing units and the control device being mounted on the carriage.

These provisions make it possible to obtain a one-piece cleaning system.

In another embodiment, the support is a gantry, the washing and rinsing devices being mounted on the gantry, the cleaning system further comprising a base and an extensible member in the longitudinal direction, said expandable member having a first end connected to the base and a second end supporting the gantry. The gantry can then mounted on the second end of the extensible member so as to be displaceable in translation in at least one of the transverse and vertical directions.

In addition, the extensible member may be hollow, the washing and rinsing fluid supply circuits may comprise at least one supply line, a pressurizing member connected to the supply line and a delivery member. distribution in the supply line of one of the fluids selected from the washing fluid and the rinsing fluid, the pressurizing member and the dispensing member being placed on the base, the supply line s extending inside the extensible organ.

The washing head may comprise:

at least two equidistributed nozzles each having an axis which forms an angle of less than 90 °, in particular between 10 ° and 50 °, preferably between 15 ° and 30 °, with the axis of the washing head, - A central nozzle having an axis extending along the axis of the washing head.

The rinsing fluid diffusion device may comprise two vertical rinsing ramps spaced from each other in the transverse direction.

In addition, the rinsing fluid diffusion device may comprise:

- A lower rinsing ramp which extends along an axis parallel to the transverse direction, and which comprises at least one nozzle arranged to diffuse the rinsing fluid in a radial direction relative to the axis of said lower rinsing ramp, said lower rinsing ramp being mounted on the front face of the support, and / or

- An upper rinsing ramp which extends along an axis in a horizontal plane parallel to the longitudinal and transverse directions, and which comprises at least one nozzle arranged to diffuse the rinsing fluid in a radial direction relative to the axis of said upper rinsing ramp, said upper rinsing ramp being pivotally mounted on the support about a pivot axis parallel to the vertical direction.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to an enclosure interior cleaning installation, in particular a container intended to receive goods, said enclosure extending generally in an extension direction between an access opening and a wall. base, and having two side walls arranged in the direction of extension, said installation comprising a cleaning system as defined above, and a mobile station adapted to bring said cleaning system opposite the access opening, the front face of the support facing the access opening, the longitudinal direction being parallel to the direction of extension.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method of cleaning an enclosure interior, in particular a container intended to receive goods, said cleaning method implementing

an enclosure extending generally in an extension direction between an access opening and a bottom wall, and having two side walls disposed in the extension direction, and

a cleaning system comprising:

a support having front and rear faces opposite and spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, said support being movable in the longitudinal direction, a washing assembly comprising a washing fluid supply circuit and a washing fluid diffusion device connected to said washing fluid supply circuit, said washing fluid diffusion device comprising a washing head which is extends along an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, and which comprises at least one nozzle arranged to diffuse the washing fluid in a direction distinct from the longitudinal direction, said washing head being pivotally mounted on the front face of the support around the axis of said washing head,

a rinsing assembly comprising a rinsing fluid supply circuit and a rinsing fluid diffusion device connected to said rinsing fluid supply circuit, said rinsing fluid dispensing device comprising at least one vertical ramp of rinsing which extends along an axis parallel to a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and which comprises at least one nozzle arranged to diffuse the rinsing fluid in a direction radial to the axis of said vertical rinsing ramp, said vertical rinsing ramp being movably mounted on the support between a first position, wherein said nozzle is oriented to diffuse the rinsing fluid in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions, and a second position, in which said nozzle is oriented to diffuse the rinsing fluid in the longitudinal direction,

a control device connected to the washing and rinsing assemblies,

said cleaning method comprising the steps of:

bringing the cleaning system opposite the access opening, the front face of the support facing the access opening, the longitudinal direction being parallel to the direction of extension,

during a washing operation, supplying washing fluid to the washing fluid diffusion device, rotating the washing head around the axis of said washing head and moving the support in the longitudinal direction towards the washing head; the bottom wall, so as to diffuse the washing fluid inside the chamber,

after the washing operation, during a rinsing operation, placing the vertical rinsing ramp in the second position and supplying the rinsing fluid dispensing device with rinsing fluid, so as to diffuse the rinsing fluid onto the rinsing fluid; the bottom wall, move the vertical rinsing ramp to the first position and move the support in the longitudinal direction towards the access opening, so as to diffuse the rinsing fluid on the side walls.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of particular embodiments given by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of a front face of an enclosure interior cleaning system according to a first embodiment, the cleaning system being in the form of a carriage,

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a rear face of the cleaning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a representation in longitudinal section of a washing head mounted on the front face of the cleaning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a side face of an enclosure interior cleaning system according to a second embodiment, the cleaning system being in the form of a gantry mounted to the end of a telescopic tube, the cleaning system being illustrated in use in an enclosure,

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a front face of the cleaning system of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an enclosure interior cleaning installation comprising the cleaning system of FIG. 1 mounted on a mobile station in order to bring the cleaning system into an enclosure to be cleaned;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation in plan view of a washing operation of the inside of an enclosure carried out by the cleaning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation, seen from above, of two first steps of a rinsing operation of the inside of an enclosure carried out by the cleaning system of FIG. 1, illustrating (a) a first rinsing of a bottom wall of the enclosure and (b) a first rinsing of the side walls of the enclosure during a rearward movement of the cleaning system,

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view in side view of the detail referenced IX in FIG. 8,

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation, seen from above, of two second steps of the rinsing operation carried out by the cleaning system of FIG. 1, illustrating (a) a second rinsing of the side walls of the enclosure during a forward movement of the cleaning system and (b) a second rinsing of the bottom wall of the enclosure,

- Figure 11 is an enlarged representation in side view of the detail referenced XI in Figure 10.

In the figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a cleaning system 1 intended to be introduced inside an enclosure in order to proceed with the cleaning of the inside of the enclosure, and in particular with the washing, rinsing and possibly disinfecting the inside of the enclosure.

An example of an enclosure that can be cleaned by the cleaning system according to the invention is constituted by a container 2, of the type of those shown in Figure 6, for receiving goods for storage or transport. Such a container 2, possibly refrigerating, may for example be mounted on a truck 3. The invention is however not limited to this type of enclosure.

In a manner known per se, a container 2 of this type defines a space 4 extending in a direction of extension between an access opening 5 and a bottom wall 6. In two directions perpendicular to each other and to the direction of extension, the space 4 may be delimited by a horizontal floor 7, an upper wall 8 parallel and spaced from the floor 7 and two parallel vertical side walls 9 at a distance from one another and extending between the floor 7 and the upper wall 8.

In this first embodiment, the cleaning system 1 constitutes a mobile unit, monobloc of generally parallelepipedal shape, for example cubic. Depending on the application, the cleaning system 1 may be moved manually or may be self-propelled and optionally controlled from outside the container 2 to be cleaned, for example using a remote control in manual or automatic mode.

The cleaning system 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a trolley 10 serving as support for washing and rinsing assemblies, described below, adapted to carry out the cleaning of the interior of the container 2.

In the embodiment shown, the carriage 10 generally has a tubular structure. It comprises a frame 1 1 extending in a generally horizontal plane, parallel to the plane of the surface on which the carriage moves, in particular the floor 7 of the container 2. In particular, the frame 1 1, by metal example, especially stainless steel, comprises two longitudinal members 12 extending in a longitudinal direction X, horizontal, and spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction Y, horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The longitudinal members 12 are connected to each other by two cross members 13.

The frame 1 1 is supported by wheels 14 mounted on the longitudinal members 12 pivoting along transverse axes, that is to say parallel to the transverse direction Y. In particular, two pairs of wheels 14, each comprising two wheels 14 spaced apart. of the other in the transverse direction Y, are mounted on the frame 1 1, the two pairs of wheels being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction X. In the embodiment shown, the wheels 14 are motors that can be driven by a motor 15, particularly electrical, via a transmission device 16.

The carriage 10 is then movable in the longitudinal direction X. The carriage 10 is then defined with front and rear transverse faces, opposite and spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction X. Side faces, opposite, spaced apart. from one another in the transverse direction Y, extend between the front and rear faces. In other embodiments, it could be provided that the carriage 10 is also movable in the transverse direction Y.

In a general manner, in the remainder of the description, the terms "front" and "rear" will be understood with respect to the orientation thus defined of the cleaning system 1 and in the direction of movement of the cleaning system 1 according to the direction longitudinal X.

To guide the movement of the carriage 10 in the longitudinal direction X, the frame 1 1 is equipped with guide members which, as will be apparent from the following description, allow to center it in the container 2 by resting on the walls The guide members comprise two U-shaped structures 17 which each extend transversely outwardly from one of the longitudinal members 12 and which each support, on a longitudinal base 18, a pair of wheels. lateral members 19 pivotally mounted along vertical axes, that is to say parallel to a vertical direction Z perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions. The longitudinal base 18 of each of the structures 17 is spaced from the corresponding spar 12 by a distance adjustable in the transverse direction Y to be able to bring the side wheels 19 in contact with the side walls 9 of the container 2. Beyond the lateral guidance, there are provided, on the front and rear faces of the carriage 10, end-of-travel sensors of the carriage. The end-of-stroke sensors 20 each comprise a rod 21 extending in the longitudinal direction X from one of the front and rear faces of the carriage 10. The free ends of the rods 21 are then equipped with any suitable element to detect a contact. for example an electrical, photoelectric or electro-acoustic sensor. In particular, two forward limit sensors 20 may be provided on the front face of the longitudinal members 12 and two rear limit sensors 20 may be provided on the rear face of the longitudinal members 12.

The carriage 10 comprises a frame 22, for example metal, in particular stainless steel, horizontal, generally rectangular, consisting of two longitudinal bars 23 connected by two transverse bars 24. Four vertical uprights 25 hold the frame 22 parallel and at a distance from the frame 1 1.

The washing assembly for carrying out the washing, and optionally the disinfection, of the space of the container 2 by the diffusion in the container 2 of a washing fluid is mounted on the carriage 10. The washing fluid consists of a fluid, usually water in liquid form, supplemented with a washing product, and optionally disinfection. Alternatively, the fluid may be water vapor or a mixture of liquid water and water vapor.

The washing assembly comprises a washing fluid supply circuit and a washing fluid diffusion device connected to the washing fluid supply circuit.

The washing fluid supply circuit comprises a supply pipe 26 having upstream and downstream ends and at least one pressurizing member, such as a pump 27, connected to the upstream end of the pipe. food 26.

The washing is generally carried out at low pressure and, in any case, at a pressure lower than that of the rinsing. The pump 27, for example electric, is then adapted to supply the supply line 26 and the washing fluid diffusion device with low pressure washing fluid, in particular under a pressure of less than 10 bar, preferably of between 4 bars and 9 bars.

The pump 27 of the washing fluid supply circuit is, moreover, intended to be connected to an inlet pipe 28, visible in FIGS. 7, 8 and 10, bringing the fluid, in the present case of the liquid water from a source external power supply. Alternatively, the supply circuit may comprise a buffer tank supplied with liquid water by the inlet pipe 28 and to which the pump 27 is connected. The buffer tank makes it possible to compensate for any variations in the flow rate of the external power source. It also allows a return of overflows equipping the pump 27.

The washing fluid supply circuit also comprises one or more reserves 29 of detergent with which the supply line 26 can be fed via a metering pump.

The washing fluid diffusion device comprises a washing head 30 which extends along an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction X, in a median longitudinal plane XZ of the carriage 10.

In the figures, the washing head 30, made for example of plastic, such as P4, comprises nozzles 31 adapted to project pressurized washing fluid jets forward, but also vertically and transversely, and under In particular, the jets produced by the nozzles 31, composed of droplets, can be conically shaped, the nozzles 31 being arranged so that the jets intercross in part and that cones of jet of washing fluid formed by the jets overlap in part.

In FIG. 3, the washing head 30 comprises a hollow cylindrical trunk 32 surmounted by a hollow cupola 33 equipped with three nozzles 31. The trunk 32 and the cupola 33 are arranged coaxially with the axis of the washing head 30 and internally delimit a housing in which the supply pipe 21 is disposed in washing fluid. The supply line 26 is, for example, fitted into the trunk 32 coaxially with the axis of the washing head 30.

The three nozzles 31 are equidistributed, spaced from each other by an angle of 120 °. Moreover, each of the nozzles 31 extends along an axis between an upstream mouth 34 in fluid communication with the housing of the washing head 30 and the downstream end of the feed pipe 26 with washing fluid, and a downstream mouth 35 opening outwards. Between the upstream and downstream mouths, each nozzle 31 diverges relative to the axis of the washing head 30. Thus, for each nozzle 31 of the washing head 30, the upstream mouth 34 is closer to the axis of the washing head 30. the washing head 30 as the downstream mouth 35. In particular, the axis of each nozzle 31 forms an angle less than 90 °, in particular between 10 ° and 50 °, preferably between 15 ° and 30 °, for example of the order of 20 °, with the axis of the washing head 30. The downstream mouth 35 of each of the nozzles 31 may be equipped with a device making it possible to regulate in particular the shape of the jet that it produces, for example an angle of opening of the cone, and the size of the droplets.

In the embodiment shown, the dome 33 is also equipped with a central nozzle 36 having an axis extending along the axis of the washing head 30. This nozzle 36 can diffuse the washing fluid, the case in the form of a projection cone, in the longitudinal direction X.

The described invention with a washing head 30 having three uniformly distributed nozzles 31 and a central nozzle 36 is not limited to such an embodiment of the washing head 30. As a variant, one, two or more nozzles may be provided. , Equidistributed or not, arranged to diffuse the washing fluid in a direction distinct from the longitudinal direction X. In addition, the washing head may be devoid of central nozzle.

The washing head 30 is pivotally mounted about its axis on the front face of the carriage 10. In connection with FIG. 3, a particular embodiment of the pivoting mounting of the washing head 30 is described. To be scheduled.

In the embodiment shown, the washing head 30 is mounted on a housing 37 having a circular bottom 38 pierced with a central opening, and an annular side wall 39 extending from the bottom 38 along an axis. A circular cover 40 is secured by any appropriate means, for example screwing, to a free end of the side wall 39 opposite the bottom 38. The cover 40 is also pierced with a circular opening adapted to receive the trunk 32 of the head of the washing 30. The washing head 30 is thus placed coaxially with the axis of the side wall 39, on the bottom 38 of the housing 37 and extends through the central opening of the lid 40, the supply pipe 26 in washing fluid extending through the central opening of the bottom 38. A sealing member 41, such as a seal may be interposed between the central opening of the lid 40 and the trunk 32 of the washing head 30. The housing 37 is then secured, by screwing or otherwise, to the carriage 10, for example to the crossbar 24 before the frame 22.

To enable rotation of the washing head 30, the washing product diffusion device comprises rotational driving members of the washing head 30. These drive members comprise a motor, in particular an electric motor, not shown, and gear wheels arranged to transmit the rotation of the motor to the washing head 30. In particular, a first gear wheel 42 is fitted on the trunk 32 of the washing head 30, at the end opposite to the dome 33. This first gear meshes with a second gear 43 connected to the electric motor through the bottom 38 of the housing 37. The rotation speed of the washing head 30 may, for example, be between 1 and 20 rpm, advantageously between 5 and 10 rpm. On the other hand, an annular ball stop 44 may be disposed between the downstream end of the feed pipe 26 and the trunk 32 of the washing head 30 so as to allow it to pivot relative to the pipe. food 26.

The rinsing assembly for rinsing the space of the container 2 by the diffusion in the container 2 of a rinsing fluid is mounted on the carriage 10. The rinsing fluid is, for example, water liquid.

The rinsing assembly includes a rinsing fluid supply circuit and a rinsing fluid dispensing device connected to the rinsing fluid supply circuit.

The rinsing fluid supply circuit comprises a supply line, not shown, having upstream and downstream ends and at least one pressurizing member, such as a pump 45, connected to the upstream end of the rinsing fluid. supply line.

As indicated above, rinsing is generally carried out at high pressure and at a pressure greater than that of washing. The pump 45 of the rinsing fluid supply circuit is then adapted to feed the rinsing fluid diffusion device with high pressure rinsing fluid, in particular at a pressure greater than 30 bar, preferably between 90 bar and 160 bar. bars.

In a first variant shown in the figures, the pump, for example also electric, is distinct from that of the washing fluid supply circuit. Each of the pumps 27, 45 can then be controlled or preset to apply the appropriate pressure. A solenoid valve, not visible, forming a dispenser member, is then provided for dispensing the liquid water from the inlet pipe 28 to either the pump 27 of the washing fluid supply circuit or to the pump 45 of the circuit supplying rinsing fluid.

In a second variant not shown, the pump may be the same as that of the washing fluid supply circuit, the pump 27 being controlled to apply the appropriate pressure. A dispensing member, in the form of a solenoid valve, is then interposed between the pump 27 and the pipes supplying the washing fluid supply circuits and the rinsing fluid to distribute liquid water from the pump 27 as appropriate.

The rinsing fluid diffusion device comprises two vertical rinsing ramps 50 spaced from each other in the transverse direction Y and pivotally mounted on the lateral faces of the carriage 10.

Each of the vertical rinsing ramps 50 extends along an axis parallel to the vertical direction Z and comprises one or more nozzles 51 arranged to diffuse the rinsing fluid in a direction radial to the axis of the vertical rinsing ramp 50 It can be provided that each vertical rinsing ramp 50 comprises two series of aligned nozzles 51, one series being arranged in an upper half 50a of the vertical rinsing ramp 50, and the other series in a lower half 50b of the vertical rinsing ramp 50. The nozzles 51 of the upper half 50a can then be supplied with liquid water independently of the nozzles 51 of the lower half 50b, and vice versa.

Each of the vertical rinsing ramps 50 is supported by an arm 52 extending perpendicular to the axis of the vertical rinsing ramp 50 to one end. The end of the arm 52 is pivotally mounted along a vertical axis of articulation on one of the longitudinal bars 23 of the frame 22 of the carriage 10. Two sets of guide rods, each comprising rods 53 articulated end to end with each other. other, extend between each of the vertical rinsing ramps 50 and the corresponding upright 25 of the carriage 10.

To allow rotation of each vertical rinsing ramp 50 about the hinge axis, the rinsing agent diffusion device comprises rotational drive members of the vertical rinsing ramps 50. These drive members comprise a actuator, in particular an electric actuator, such as a motor, a jack or the like, not shown, and, for each vertical rinsing ramp 50, an actuating rod 54 in an arc of a circle connected on the one hand to the actuator and on the other hand at the vertical rinsing ramp 50. The actuator and the actuating rod 54 are selected so as to be able to move the vertical rinsing ramp 50 between a first position, in which the nozzles 51 are oriented to diffuse the fluid rinsing in the transverse direction Y, in particular to the side walls 9 of the container 2, and a second position, in which the nozzles 51 are oriented to diffuse the rinsing fluid in the direction lo ngitudinal X, especially towards the bottom wall 6 of the container 2.

Alternatively, the rinsing fluid diffusion device could not understand that only one vertical rinsing ramp 50 or more than two vertical rinsing ramps 50.

The rinsing fluid diffusion device further comprises a lower rinsing ramp 55 which extends along an axis parallel to the transverse direction Y, and which comprises one or more nozzles arranged to diffuse the rinsing fluid in a radial direction by relative to the axis of the lower rinsing ramp, in particular in the direction of the surface on which the carriage 10 moves, for example the floor 7 of the container 2. The lower rinsing ramp 55 is mounted on the front face of the longitudinal members 12 of the carriage 10, for example being carried by the rods 21 before.

It can also be provided that the rinsing fluid diffusion device comprises an upper rinsing ramp 56 for diffusing the rinsing water vertically. The upper rinsing ramp 56, supported by a tubular structure 57 resting on the frame 22 of the carriage 10, extends along an axis in a horizontal plane. The upper rinsing ramp 56 comprises one or more nozzles 61 arranged to diffuse the rinsing fluid in a direction radial with respect to the axis of the upper rinsing ramp 56, in particular in the direction of the upper wall 8 of the container 2. A central zone of the upper rinsing ramp 60 is pivotally mounted on the structure 57 around a pivot axis parallel to the vertical direction Z. Drive members, not shown, are provided to drive the upper rinsing ramp 56 in rotation.

As for the washing head 30, the nozzles of the rinsing fluid diffusion device can be adapted to project the rinsing fluid in the form of fog into the entire container. In particular, jets produced by the nozzles, composed of droplets, may be conically shaped, the nozzles being arranged and / or adjustable so that the jets intersect in part and that rinsing fluid projection cones formed by the jets overlap in part.

The cleaning system also comprises a control device, in the form of an electronic unit, connected to the various drive members (motors, actuator, pumps, etc.) and sensors of the carriage 10 to drive them appropriately and in particular according to the cleaning method described below in connection with Figures 7 to 1 1. The controller may include a communication interface allowing a user to select from a set of pre-set programs or program the cleaning system 1. The control interface can also include an emergency stop button.

To ensure that the carriage 10 is supplied with water, the chassis 1 1 comprises, for example on the rear face of the rear crossmember 13, a connection terminal 58, visible in FIG. 2. The inlet pipe 28 can then be connected, on the one hand, to the external water supply source and, on the other hand, to the connection terminal.

Moreover, the various drive members (motors, actuator, pumps, etc.) and sensors described above are advantageously electric although the invention is not limited to such an embodiment. These electrical components can be powered by an external source of electrical energy to which the carriage 10 can be connected by an electric cable 59 visible in FIGS. 7, 8 and 10. For this purpose, as can be seen in FIG. the carriage 10 comprises, next to the connection terminal 58 to the inlet pipe 28, a connection terminal 60 to the electrical cable connected to an external source of electrical energy. However, it could be provided that these drive members and sensors are supplied with electrical energy by an autonomous source comprising for example one or more batteries.

The carriage 10 may comprise an enhancer member of the inlet pipe 28 and the electrical cable 59 capable of being connected to the connecting terminals 58, 60 provided for this purpose, so as to prevent the inlet pipe 28 and the electrical cable 59 does not drag on the ground at the rear of the carriage 10 during its operation.

The tubular structure of the carriage 10 may be dressed by a bodywork, made for example of stainless steel sheet metal, and designed to prevent the washing and rinsing fluids from penetrating inside, and in such a way as to promote the flow and the evacuation. of these fluids.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a second embodiment of the cleaning system 1 according to the invention. The cleaning system 1 according to the second embodiment differs mainly from the cleaning system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the support is not a mobile carriage 10 but a gantry 70.

On the other hand, the cleaning system 1 according to the second embodiment generally takes up the washing and rinsing assemblies of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment. These wash sets and rinsing will not be described again in detail and reference will be made to the description made previously to know the details.

Gantry 70 is formed by a tubular structure extending generally in a transverse plane YZ. Like the carriage 10, the gantry 70 laterally supports the guide members 17, 19 and the vertical rinsing ramps 50. It also supports the washing head 30, the lower rinsing ramp 55 and the forward limit sensors 20 on. a front face, and the rear limit sensors 20 as well as the connection terminals 58, 60 on the rear face. On an upper face, the gantry 70 supports the upper rinsing ramp 56. The actuating members associated with the washing head and the rinsing ramps are also mounted on the gantry 70.

As can be seen in the figures, the cleaning system 1 according to the second embodiment further comprises a base 71 and an extensible member in the longitudinal direction X. The extensible member has a first end mounted on the base 71 and a second end, mounted on wheels 73 and supporting the frame 70.

In the illustrated embodiment, the extensible member is in the form of a telescopic tube 72 composed of several hollow sections 74 of different dimensions. In particular, the sections 74 have sections, for example rectangular, of decreasing size from the base 71 so that each section 74 can be nested in the section 74 preceding it. Drive members, comprising for example a drive and a chain or belt transmission, or jacks, are provided for moving the segments 74 in translation in the longitudinal direction X relative to each other to thereby deploy or retract the telescopic tube.

In this embodiment, it is possible to provide a single pressurizing pump, the dispensing solenoid valve and optionally the detergent reserves and the associated metering pump, and washing and rinsing fluid supply circuits. be placed on the base. The washing fluid and rinse supply circuits then comprise a feed pipe, not shown, connected, on the one hand, to the pump via the solenoid valve and, on the other hand, to the pipes. respectively supplying the washing and rinsing fluid supply circuits for supplying the water, possibly containing detergent, under pressure to the washing and rinsing agent diffusion devices. The supply pipe can then extend inside the tube Alternatively, when each supply circuit has its own pump, two supply lines can be provided extending in the telescopic tube. The supply line (s) may be connected to the connection terminal provided on the gantry.

In addition, the electric cable 59 can also be arranged in the telescopic tube 72 to supply electrical energy to the drive members and the sensors mounted on the gantry 70.

Moreover, in order to be able to center the gantry 70 with respect to the container 2 despite possible offsets between the container 2 and the base 71 of the cleaning system 1, the gantry 70 is mounted on the second end of the telescopic tube 72 so as to be displaceable in translation in at least one of the transverse directions Y and vertical Z. Such an assembly can be achieved by means of slides extending in the desired direction and comprising a female member carried by one selected from the frame 70 and the telescopic tube 72 and a male member engaged in the female member, movable relative thereto and carried by the other selected from the frame 70 and the telescopic tube 72. The displacement of the frame 70 relative to the telescopic tube 72 can be automated.

Fig. 6 shows a container indoor cleaning installation 2 comprising a cleaning system 1 according to the first embodiment and a mobile station adapted to move the cleaning system. It should be noted that the cleaning system 1 according to the second embodiment could replace the cleaning system 1 according to the first embodiment in a similar installation.

In Figure 6, several containers 2 are shown. The mobile station is in particular adapted to bring the carriage 10 opposite the access opening 5, the front face of the carriage 10 facing the access opening 5, the longitudinal direction X being parallel to the direction of access. extension of the housing 4 of the container 2.

In a first configuration called "loading / unloading platform", the mobile station comprises a platform 80 carrying the truck 10 and movable on a loading / unloading platform 82 via rails 81. The unloading wharf 82 may be contiguous with a warehouse used for the storage of goods and enclosing a technical room including in particular a source of electric power supply and a water supply source. In a second so-called "washing station" configuration, the mobile station comprises a swiveling, lifting and 85 bracket 85 equipped with a gangway 86 supporting the carriage 10. In a particular application, the bracket 85 can be associated with a car wash station. rollers or high pressure from the outside of the container 2. Here again, the technical room mentioned above can be provided near the gallows.

In a third so-called "mobile service" configuration, the mobile station is a transport vehicle 90 of the truck 10 equipped with a platform 91 and a hatch 92, at the rear, of loading / unloading of the truck 10 on the platform 91. In one embodiment, it can be provided that the platform 91 is adjustable in height to allow the carriage 10 to pass directly from the transport vehicle 90 to the container 2 to be cleaned. In the figures, side walls 93 extend from the platform 91 to define a closed space accommodating the carriage 10. At least one of the side walls 93 may be retractable, at least in part, to allow the passage of the carriage 10 In this configuration, the technical room is mobile, embedded either on the platform 91 or on a trailer. The source of power supply can then be a generator and the water supply source, a large capacity tank.

In relation to FIGS. 7 to 11, a method of cleaning the interior of the enclosure 2 which implements the carriage 10 as described above is described. Figures 7 to 1 1 illustrate the cleaning process implementing the carriage 10 according to the first embodiment. The cleaning method described could however be implemented with the cleaning system 1 according to the second embodiment.

The cleaning process includes mainly the following steps which consists of:

A- bring the carriage 10 or the frame 70, facing the access opening 5 of the container 2 by means of the mobile station, the front face of the carriage 10 or the frame 70 facing the access opening 5, the longitudinal direction X being parallel to the direction of extension,

B- during a washing operation, supply washing fluid to the washing head 30 and rotate it about its axis, then move the carriage 10 or the frame 70 in the longitudinal direction X towards the bottom wall 6 of the container 2, so that the washing fluid is diffused in the form of fog in the entire space 4 of the container 2, on the floor 7, the upper wall 8, the side walls 9 and the bottom wall 6,

C- after the washing operation, during a rinsing operation, place the vertical rinsing ramps 50 in their second position and supply water to the rinsing fluid diffusion device, so as to diffuse the rinsing fluid on the bottom wall 6 of the container 2, move the vertical rinsing ramps 50 to their first position and move the carriage 10 or the frame 70 in the longitudinal direction towards the access opening 5, so as to diffuse the fluid rinsing on the side walls 9.

During the rinsing operation, at least during the displacement of the carriage 10 or the frame 70 to the access opening 5, the method may comprise the steps of supplying water to the lower ramps 55 and 56 upper rinsing and rotating the upper rinsing ramp 56 to flush the floor 7 and the upper wall 8.

The dirt is thus first peeled off by the action of the washing fluid, then they are then easily discharged by the water under high pressure by the nozzles of the rinsing fluid diffusion device.

In particular, it is possible during step A to:

- Position the mobile station carrying the carriage 10 or the base 71, the telescopic tube 72 and the gantry 70 facing the access opening 5 of the container 2 to be cleaned, open the technical room and immobilize the mobile station,

- possibly verify the connection of the carriage 10 or the gantry 70 and the telescopic tube 72 to an external water supply source and a power supply source,

- possibly check the level of the detergent in the reserves 29,

- select a washing program via the communication interface of the control device, for example from "cold water vegetable", "hot water vegetable", "hot water meat 3/4 (without ceiling)" and " Hot water total meat (with ceiling) ",

- start the cycle corresponding to the selected program.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 7, it is possible during step B to:

- Control the intake of water in the inlet pipe 28 and optionally the filling of the buffer tank,

- order the dosing pump to take the dose of the detergent appropriate in the reserves 29 of detergent and introduce it into the water to form the washing liquid,

- control the start of the pump 27 of the washing fluid supply circuit,

- control the opening of the solenoid valve to the supply line 26 of the washing fluid supply circuit and then in the washing head 30, and control the start of the rotating drive members of the head of the washing 30,

after a time t1, for example of the order of two minutes, of diffusion of the washing fluid, controlling the drive wheels 14 of the carriage 10 (or the deployment of the telescopic tube 72) in translation along the longitudinal direction X towards the bottom wall 6, translation during which the diffusion of washing fluid continues,

read the event corresponding to the contact of the limit sensors 20 before the carriage 10 (or gantry 70) with the bottom wall 6 of the container 2 and stop the movement of the carriage 10 (or the deployment of the telescopic tube 72) ,

possibly prolonging the diffusion of the washing fluid for a time t2, for example of the order of four minutes, so that the washing fluid is effective and then stop the dosing pump, the pump of the washing fluid supply circuit and supplying pressurized washing fluid to the washing head 30 by means of the solenoid valve.

In FIG. 8, the carriage 10 (or the gantry 70) is illustrated in two distinct positions identified by the marks (a) and (b) and corresponding to two successive substeps of the step C.

In the sub-step corresponding to the carriage 10 (or the gantry 70) in the position identified by the reference (a), the step C may comprise:

- control the displacement of the vertical rinsing ramps 50 to the second position, as illustrated by the arrows, so that the nozzles 51 of these ramps 50 are oriented towards the bottom wall 6,

- Switching on the pump of the flushing fluid supply circuit and opening the solenoid valve to the supply line of the flushing fluid supply circuit and then to the vertical flushing ramps 50,

stopping the pump of the washing fluid supply circuit and the supply of pressurized washing fluid of the vertical ramps of rinsing 50,

- Control the movement of the vertical rinsing ramps 50 to the first position.

In the sub-step corresponding to the carriage 10 (or the gantry 70) in the position identified by the reference (b), the step C may comprise:

- control the start of the pump of the flushing fluid supply circuit and the opening of the solenoid valve to the supply line of the flushing fluid supply circuit and then in the lower half 50b of the vertical ramps rinsing 50, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in the lower rinsing ramp 55 and in the upper rinsing ramp 56, and controlling the start of the rotational drive members of the upper rinsing ramp 56,

- Command drive the drive wheels 14 of the carriage 10 (or the retraction of the telescopic tube 72) in translation in the longitudinal direction X to the access opening 5 as illustrated by the arrow,

read the event corresponding to the contact of the rear limit sensors 20 and stop the movement of the carriage 10 (or the retraction of the telescopic tube 72).

In FIG. 10, the carriage 10 (or the gantry 70) is illustrated in two distinct positions identified by the marks (a) and (b) and corresponding to two successive sub-steps of a new rinsing operation that can be carried out at following the step C.

In the sub-step corresponding to the carriage 10 (or the gantry 70) in the position identified by the reference (a), the new rinsing operation may comprise:

- control the start of the pump of the flushing fluid supply circuit and the opening of the solenoid valve to the feed line of the flushing fluid supply circuit and then in the upper half 50b of the vertical ramps rinsing 50, as illustrated in FIG. 11, in the lower rinsing ramp 55 and in the upper rinsing ramp 56, and controlling the starting of the rotational drive members of the upper rinsing ramp 56,

- Control the drive wheel drive 14 of the carriage 10 (or the deployment of the telescopic tube 72) in translation in the longitudinal direction X to the bottom wall 6 as illustrated by the arrow, read the event corresponding to the contact of the limit sensors 20 before the carriage 10 (or gantry 70) with the bottom wall 6 of the container 2 and stop the movement of the carriage 10 (or the deployment of the telescopic tube 72) ,

- stop the pump of the flushing fluid supply circuit and the flushing fluid supply.

In the sub-step corresponding to the carriage 10 (or the gantry 70) in the position identified by the mark (b), the new rinsing operation may comprise:

- Control the movement of the vertical rinsing ramps 50 to the first position and the supply of the lower ramps 55 and 56 upper rinsing,

- After a time t3, for example of the order of two minutes, control the drive wheel drive 14 of the carriage 10 (or the retraction of the telescopic tube 72) in translation in the longitudinal direction X to the access opening While the rinsing fluid diffusion continues,

read the event corresponding to the contact of the rear limit sensors 20 and stop the movement of the carriage 10 (or the retraction of the telescopic tube 72),

- stop the pump of the flushing fluid supply circuit.

The speeds of movement of the carriage 10 or of the gantry 70 and the timers can be expected to achieve a cleaning of a total duration of the order of twelve to fifteen minutes per container 2.

At the end of the cleaning operation, provision can be made for printing the traceability ticket and washing time, then closing the technical room in position and storing the cleaning system in a warehouse.

Claims

An interior cleaning system (1) of an enclosure (2), in particular a container for receiving goods, said cleaning system (1) comprising:

a support (10; 70) having opposite front and rear faces and spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction (X), said support (10; 70) being displaceable in the longitudinal direction (X),

a washing assembly comprising a washing fluid supply circuit and a washing fluid diffusion device connected to said washing fluid supply circuit, said washing fluid diffusion device being mounted on the support (10). 70),

a rinsing assembly comprising a rinsing fluid supply circuit and a rinsing fluid diffusion device connected to said rinsing fluid supply circuit, said rinsing fluid dispensing device being mounted on the rinsing fluid supplying device; 70),

a control device connected to the washing and rinsing assemblies,

said cleaning system (1) being characterized in that

the washing fluid diffusion device comprises a washing head (30) which extends along an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction (X), and which comprises at least one nozzle (31) arranged to diffuse the washing fluid according to a direction distinct from the longitudinal direction (X), said washing head (30) being pivotally mounted on the front face of the support (10; 70) about the axis of said washing head (30),

the rinsing fluid diffusion device comprises at least one vertical rinsing ramp (50) which extends along an axis parallel to a vertical direction (Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), and which comprises at least one nozzle (51) arranged to diffuse the rinsing fluid in a radial direction relative to the axis of said vertical rinsing ramp (50), said vertical rinsing ramp (50) being movably mounted on the support (10; 70) between a first position, wherein said nozzle (51) is oriented to diffuse the rinsing fluid in a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal (X) and vertical (Z) directions, and a second position, wherein said nozzle (51) ) is oriented to diffuse the rinsing fluid in the longitudinal direction (X), the control device being adapted for

during a washing operation, controlling the washing fluid supply of the washing fluid diffusion device and the pivoting of the washing head (30) around the axis of said washing head (30), and

during a rinsing operation, controlling the rinsing fluid supply of the rinsing fluid diffusion device and moving the vertical rinsing ramp (50) between the first and second positions.

2. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the washing fluid supply circuit is adapted to supply the washing fluid diffusion device low pressure washing fluid, in particular under a pressure lower than 10 bars, preferably between 4 bars and 9 bars.

The cleaning system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the washing fluid supply circuit comprises a supply line (26) and a supply (29) of detergent connected to the water line. power supply (26).

4. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flushing fluid supply circuit is adapted to supply the rinsing fluid diffusion device with high pressure rinsing fluid, in particular at a pressure greater than 30 bars, preferably between 90 bars and 160 bars.

5. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the carrier is a carriage (10) movable in the longitudinal direction

(X), the washing and rinsing units and the control device being mounted on the carriage (10).

6. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support is a gantry (70), the washing and rinsing devices being mounted on the gantry (70), the cleaning system further comprising a base (71) and an expandable member (72) in the longitudinal direction (X), said expandable member (72) having a first end connected to the base (71) and a second end supporting the gantry (70) .

The cleaning system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the gantry (70) is mounted on the second end of the expandable member (72) so as to be translationally movable in at least one of the transverse directions. (Y) and vertical (Z).

8. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the expandable member (72) is hollow, the washing fluid and rinse supply circuits comprise at least one supply line, an organ pressurizing device connected to the supply line and a dispensing member in the supply line of one of the fluids chosen from the washing fluid and the rinsing fluid, the pressurizing member and the distribution member being placed on the base (71), the supply line extending inside the expandable member (72).

Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the washing head (30) comprises:

at least two equal-part nozzles each having an axis which forms an angle of less than 90 °, in particular between 10 ° and 50 °, preferably between 15 ° and 30 °, with the axis of the washing head ( 30),

- A central nozzle (36) having an axis extending along the axis of the washing head (30).

10. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rinsing fluid diffusion device comprises two vertical rinsing ramps (50) spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction (Y).

The cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the rinsing fluid diffusion device further comprises a lower rinsing ramp (55) which extends along an axis parallel to the rinsing fluid. transverse direction (Y), and which comprises at least one nozzle arranged to diffuse the rinsing fluid in a radial direction relative to the axis of said lower rinsing ramp (55), said lower rinsing ramp (55) being mounted on the front face of the support (10; 70).

Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the rinsing fluid diffusion device further comprises an upper rinsing ramp (56) which extends along an axis in a horizontal plane parallel to the longitudinal (X) and transverse (Y) directions, and which comprises at least one nozzle (61) arranged to diffuse the rinsing fluid in a direction radial to the axis of said upper rinsing ramp (56); ), said upper rinsing ramp (56) being pivotally mounted on the support (10; 70) about a pivot axis parallel to the vertical direction (Z).

13. An enclosure interior cleaning installation (2), in particular a container for receiving goods, said enclosure (2) extending generally in an extension direction between an access opening (5) and a bottom wall (6), and having two side walls (9) arranged in the direction of extension, said installation comprising a cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and a mobile station (80). 85; 90) adapted to bring said cleaning system (1) opposite the access opening (5), the front face of the support (10; 70) facing the access opening (5) the longitudinal direction (X) being parallel to the direction of extension.

14. A method of cleaning an enclosure interior (2), in particular a container for receiving goods, said cleaning method using an enclosure (2) extending generally in an extension direction between an opening access (5) and a bottom wall (6), and having two side walls (9) arranged in the direction of extension, and

a cleaning system (1) comprising:

a support (10; 70) having opposite front and rear faces and spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (X), said support (10; 70) being movable in the longitudinal direction (X),

a washing assembly comprising a washing fluid supply circuit and a washing fluid diffusion device connected to said washing fluid supply circuit, said washing fluid diffusion device comprising a washing head (30). ) which extends along an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction (X), and which comprises at least one nozzle (31) arranged to diffuse the washing fluid in a direction distinct from the longitudinal direction (X), said washing head (30) being pivotally mounted on the front face of the support (10; 70) around the axis of said washing head (30),

a rinsing assembly comprising a rinsing fluid supply circuit and a rinsing fluid diffusion device connected to said rinsing fluid supply circuit, said rinsing fluid dispensing device comprising at least one vertical rinsing device; flushing (50) which extends along an axis parallel to a vertical direction (Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X), and which comprises at least one nozzle (51) arranged to diffuse the flushing fluid in a radial direction by in relation to the axis of said vertical rinsing ramp (50), said vertical rinsing ramp (50) being displaceably mounted on the support (10; 70) between a first position, wherein said nozzle (51) is oriented to diffuse the flushing fluid in a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal (X) and vertical (Z) directions, and a second position, wherein said nozzle (51) is oriented to diffuse the flushing fluid in the longitudinal direction (X),

a control device connected to the washing and rinsing assemblies,

said cleaning method comprising the steps of:

- bringing the cleaning system (1) opposite the access opening (5), the front face of the support (10; 70) facing the access opening (5), the longitudinal direction (X ) being parallel to the extension direction,

- during a washing operation, supplying washing fluid to the washing fluid diffusion device, rotating the washing head (30) about the axis of said washing head (30) and moving the support ( 10; 70) in the longitudinal direction (X) towards the bottom wall (6), so as to diffuse the washing fluid inside the chamber (2),

after the washing operation, during a rinsing operation, placing the vertical rinsing ramp (50) in the second position and supplying the rinsing fluid dispensing device with rinsing fluid, so as to diffuse the fluid for rinsing on the bottom wall (6), moving the vertical rinsing ramp (50) to the first position and moving the support (10; 70) in the longitudinal direction (X) towards the access opening ( 5), so as to diffuse the rinsing fluid on the side walls (9).