WO2020217263A1

WO2020217263A1 - Device for cleaning shelving structures

Info

Publication number: WO2020217263A1
Application number: PCT/IT2020/050090
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cornelio FAVERO; Oriano BORGHI
Original assignee: Officine Alpi S.U.R.L.; Funghi Valentina Soc. Agr. S.S.
Priority date: 2019-04-26
Filing date: 2020-04-08
Publication date: 2020-10-29
Also published as: IT201900006388A1

Abstract

The invention subject matter of this patent application finds application in the washing procedure of shelving structures, in particular shelving structures designed for the temporary housing of organic material. In particular, the invention which is the subject matter of the present patent application finds application in the washing procedure of shelving structures in rooms where champignon mushrooms are grown. For the cultivation of champignon mushrooms, the use of culture beds is well known, mainly formed of organic or synthetic material that acts as a substrate for the growth of the mushrooms.

Description

Title: Patent application for the invention titled "Device for cleaning shelving structures ".

DESCRIPTION

The invention subject matter of this patent application finds application in the washing procedure of shelving structures, in particular shelving structures designed for the temporary housing of organic material.

In particular, the invention which is the subject matter of the present patent application finds application in the washing procedure of shelving structures in rooms where champignon mushrooms are grown.

For the cultivation of champignon mushrooms, the use of culture beds is well known, mainly formed of organic or synthetic material that acts as a substrate for the growth of the mushrooms.

As is known, the rooms for mushroom cultivation are closed, air-conditioned rooms, generally with high humidity and temperatures around 18°C.

For the cultivation of champignon mushrooms, it is customary to place culture beds on suitably made shelving structures called cultivation shelving structures.

Usually the cultivation shelving structures are arranged in rows and are shaped so as to have an internal width - distance between the sides - between 1150mm and 1600mm.

As is known, the shelving structures are equipped with several shelves having an interaxis between one and the other of 600mm-650mm and the first shelf is generally positioned 250mm-300mm from the ground.

There are generally 5 or 6 shelves - more rarely 3,4 or 7 - for a maximum height of the last shelf from the ground between 3300mm and 3500mm.

Once the cultivation stage is over, the exhausted culture beds are unloaded from the shelves, which will be loaded again with organic material in order to facilitate a new processing cycle.

Due to the shape of the culture beds, some residues of substrate material remain anchored to the shelves during the unloading stage; once the unloading operations are completed, these residues must be removed from the shelves in order to guarantee correct and effective cleaning.

The cleaning stage must necessarily be accurate in order to reduce, as much as possible, the risk of contamination in the subsequent cultivation stage coming from the residues of dirt, in particular in the recesses and in the lateral sides of the shelves.

In fact, it is known that the cultivation of champignon mushroom requires high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in order to avoid the onset of diseases that can spread from one cultivation room to another, reducing the amount of mushrooms produced.

Description of the state of the art In the state of the art, it is known that the shelving structures are cleaned by means of pressurized water jets; as is known, the individual shelves are washed manually by operators who use suitable lances, associated with high-pressure cleaners.

The main disadvantage of the solutions adopted so far are:

Need to use dedicated manpower,

Difficulty in cleaning the upper shelves and the lower shelves as they are not easily accessible,

Long execution periods of the washing operation,

Operator safety risks,

Irregularities and non-uniformity of the cleaning procedure.

In the state of the art, there are also known washing devices for closed spaces, in particular containers. For example, document FR2963254 "device and method for washing the internal surfaces of a chamber" describes a device of the mobile carriage type consisting of a central body, equipped with wheels associated with the lower end of said central body. In particular, the invention described in document FR2963254 relates to the embodiment of a device suitable for cleaning the internal surfaces of closed and preferably parallelepiped-shaped chambers, in particular storage containers for perishable goods. The device described in document FR2963254 therefore comprises means for pressurizing and emitting the cleaning fluid and a series of adjustable nozzles from which said fluid flows out. Furthermore, the device described in document FR2963254 comprises a series of wheels positioned at the base of the central body, said wheels being suitable for moving the device itself inside the closed container. The device described in the aforementioned document comprises a first carriage which in turn comprises a frame and four first wheels for sliding on a surface. The first carriage furthermore comprises a tank for the washing liquid, a metering element, a first frame and sixteen nozzles which are arranged on the periphery of the first frame so as to project outwards from the first frame towards internal surfaces such as walls and floor of the container. The carriage furthermore comprises structures and means for the distribution of the washing fluid. As indicated in the aforementioned document, the device is also equipped with a second positioning carriage suitable for positioning the first carriage inside the container to be washed. In particular, the second positioning carriage is equipped with at least one pair of wheels to allow the device to approach the container. Inside the second positioning carriage there is also an air compressor and a compressed air accumulator for powering the devices associated with the first carriage. According to the Description, the second positioning carriage is equipped with a longitudinal "tray" type element capable of rotating horizontally on which the first carriage rests, said tray ending with a "ramp" type element moved by an actuator.

The purpose of the presence of the ramp is to support the carriage while it is moving and guide it, upwards or downwards, towards the surfaces of the container. The ramp and the actuator therefore form the means for positioning the carriage towards the surfaces of the container. The second positioning carriage furthermore comprises a winch which includes a cable, not shown, attached to the carriage, said winch having the function of towing the first carriage, so as to move it along the container. Therefore, as described in the aforementioned document, the height adjustment action of the washing unit is carried out exclusively by adjusting the ramp whose height nonetheless depends on the height of the second positioning carriage.

The device described in the document cannot be used in the washing procedures of shelving-type structures since said structures are typically made up of a series of overlapping elements having an interaxis between one another of about 600 mm - 650 mm and an overall height of approximately 3300 mm - 3500 mm from the ground. Given the structural characteristics of the device described in the aforementioned document, a washing system made according to what described and claimed by the state of the art could not be used, even in the case of miniaturization of the components themselves, since the positioning of the ramp can be carried out only at a determined height (on average corresponding to the first shelf), but not at superior heights.

Document FR2925372 "enclosure cleaning robot for mechanically refrigerated van, has self-propelled carriage that is displaced alternatively towards front and back, where carriage has cleaning heads at each ends or opposite end parts" describes a device for cleaning closed spaces, in particular containers or similar, equipped with means for the distribution of the washing liquid.

According to what has been described and claimed, the device subject to patent application FR2925372 can be used to wash and / or disinfect any enclosure or closed space, such as: containers, trailers, semitrailers, cold rooms for food, freight wagons, tunnels, etc.

The device described in document FR2925372 does not appear to be equipped with washing unit lifting means for correct positioning inside the chamber to be cleaned. Furthermore, the shape of the nozzle supports as described in documents FR2925372 and FR2963254 is not suitable for washing shelving-type structures.

The purpose of the invention which is the subject matter of the present patent application, therefore, is to construct a device for cleaning the shelves of shelving structures, in particular shelving structures for housing champignon mushroom culture beds, which resolves the disadvantages of the state of the art underlined above.

A further purpose of the invention which is the subject matter of the present patent application is to construct a device for cleaning the shelves of shelving structures, in particular shelving structures for housing champignon mushroom culture beds, which reduces the use of manpower in heavy duty jobs.

A further purpose of the invention which is the subject matter of the present patent application is to construct a device for cleaning the shelves of shelving structures, in particular shelving structures for housing champignon mushroom culture beds which enables reduction of time and costs of the cleaning procedure.

A further purpose of the invention which is the subject matter of the present patent application is to construct a device for cleaning the shelves of shelving structures, in particular shelving structures for housing champignon mushroom culture beds which enables effectiveness of the cleaning procedure for said shelves.

The invention which is the subject matter of the present patent application is shown in the attached tables in which

Figure 1 - overall view of the washing unit (1) subject matter of the present patent application;

Figure 2 - view of a detail of the washing unit (1) subject matter of the present patent application;

Figure 3 - side view of the washing unit (1) subject matter of the present patent application;

Figure 4 - bottom view of the washing unit (1) subject matter of the present patent application;

Figure 5 - detail of the washing unit (1) subject matter of the present patent application;

Figure 6 - detail of the washing unit (1) subject matter of the present patent application;

Figure 7 - first preferred embodiment of the lifting unit (2);

Figure 8 - second preferred embodiment of the lifting unit (2);

Figure 9 - third preferred embodiment of the lifting unit (2).

The invention which is the subject matter of the present patent application consists of a washing unit (1) and a lifting unit (2).

Description of the washing unit (1)

With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, the washing unit (1) is in turn constituted by a frame (1.1), preferably but not exclusively in stainless steel, inside which is housed a gearmotor (1.2) with transmission to control the movement of at least four drive wheels (1.3) each of which supported on the corresponding axle by generic bearings (1.3.1).

Preferentially, but not exclusively, the at least four drive wheels (1.3) are externally covered in rubber with grooves (1.4) to allow greater adherence to the metal mesh or aluminum profiles that constitute the surface of the shelving structures.

Preferentially, but not exclusively, each bearing (1.3.1) of each drive wheel (1.3) is sealed.

The washing unit (1) also includes at least one front bar (1.5) equipped with a series of fixed nozzles (1.5.1) for discharging water to clean the shelves of the shelving structure.

On the front of the washing unit (1) there are also two adjustable side arms (1.5.2) equipped with at least one pair of nozzles each (1.5.2.1).

In a preferential but not exclusive embodiment, the nozzles (1.5.2.1) can be suitably adjusted so as to obtain the optimal washing direction. In a preferential but not exclusive embodiment, by means of a generic regulation means, preferably but not exclusively of the "open / closed" type (1.6), it is possible to determine the exclusion of part of the series of fixed nozzles (1.5.1) in order to increase the washing pressure on the other nozzles.

At the rear, the washing unit (1) is equipped with at least two arms (1.7) also equipped with nozzles for the discharge of water, that are not visible in the attached figures.

In a preferential but not exclusive embodiment, the nozzles with which the rear arms are equipped can also be adjusted and oriented so as to obtain the optimal washing direction.

In a preferential but not exclusive embodiment, the rear arms (1.7) of the washing unit are articulated to allow cleaning outside the sides of the shelving structures; in particular, on contact with the uprights of the shelving structure said articulated arms (1.7) bend to return to the original position thanks to the water pressure in the hydraulic circuit with which the washing unit (1) is equipped.

Located at the lateral ends of the front (1.5.2) and rear (1.7) arms, the washing unit (1) has at least four roller type means (1.8) for guiding and centering the washing device with respect to the shelving structure to be subjected to cleaning.

The series of nozzles with which the washing unit (1) is equipped is water-fed through a hydraulic circuit consisting of pipes and fittings fixed to the frame of the washing unit (1): this hydraulic circuit is in turn supplied via a hose of the hose reel of the lifting unit, in turn connected to the pump that supplies the water.

Description of the lifting unit

The washing unit (1) embodied as previously described, can be associated with different types of lifting units (2), without modifying the essential features of the invention which is the subject matter of the patent application.

First preferential embodiment

In a first preferential embodiment (Figure 7), the washing unit (1) is associated with a lifting unit (2) essentially consisting of a hydraulic lift.

The hydraulic lift is equipped with a frame (2.1), preferably in stainless steel, equipped with at least 4 swivel wheels associated with the base.

The lifting unit (2) is also equipped with at least two telescopic columns (2.2), associated with the sides of the frame (2.1), said telescopic columns being operated by generic means such as cylinders and belts. The lifting unit (2) is also equipped with a mobile platform (2.3), preferably in stainless steel, suitably shaped to house the washing unit (1), a cable-winding device (2.4) for the electrical power supply of the washing unit (1) and a hose reel device (2.5) for the water supply to the washing unit (1). The lifting unit (2) built as previously described, is also equipped with a suitable hydraulic system, inserted at the bottom of the mobile platform (2.3) and not visible in the attached Tables, and with an appropriate electrical system.

Second preferential embodiment

In a second preferential embodiment (Figure 8), the washing unit (1) is associated with a lifting unit (2) essentially constituted by an electrical cable-type lifter consisting of a lower frame (3), preferably equipped with at least four swivel wheels, of which at least two are equipped with braking devices.

At the lateral ends of the lower base (3) are housed at least two columns (3.1) that can be reclined for lifting the mobile platform (3.2) suitably structured to house the washing unit (1) and to house a cable winding device (3.4) for electrical power supply to the washing unit (1) and a hose reel device (3.5) for the water supply to the washing unit (1).

The cable lifting action of the mobile platform (3.2) takes place by means of a generic gearmotor, not visible in the attached Tables, inserted at the bottom of the mobile platform (3.2). Associated with the lifting unit (2) there is also a generic electrical system (12) for powering said lifting unit.

Third preferred embodiment

In a third preferred embodiment (Figure 9), the washing unit (1) is associated with a lifting unit (2) essentially constituted by a generic platform (4) consisting of a frame (4.1) equipped with suitable recesses (4.2) for inserting the forks of a generic forklift truck.

The platform (4) is suitably structured to house the washing unit (l),to house a cable winding device (4.4) for the electrical power supply of the washing unit (1), to house a hose reel device (4.5) for the water supply to the washing unit (1), and to house the electrical power supply unit (4.3).

Operating description

Regardless of the preferred embodiments of the lifting unit (2), the washing unit (1) according to the dictates of the present invention application, is positioned in front of the head of the shelving structure to be cleaned and associated to it with generic means.

By means of a pump associated with the hose of the reel hose (2.5, 3.5, 4.5) in turn associated with the lifting unit (2), water is introduced into the hydraulic circuit with which the washing unit (1) is equipped. By means of the lifting unit (2) the washing unit (1) is brought to the level of the shelf to be washed.

The washing unit (1) is advanced along the shelf and by means of the series of nozzles with which the washing unit (1) is equipped, the sides and shelf of the shelving structure are washed using the fixed nozzles (1.5 .1) installed on the front bar (1.5) and by the series of nozzles (1.5.2.1) associated with the side arms (1.5.2). Preferably, once the washing unit (1) is activated, the presence of the operator will be necessary to monitor the correct sliding operation of the washing unit (1) along the shelf, without however intervening in the washing operation.

In a preferred embodiment, a mechanical stop is positioned at one end of the shelf surface so as prevent the washing unit to fall (1).

Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations can be made to the washing unit (1) described and illustrated so far without thereby departing from the protective scope of the present invention.

In particular, unlike those illustrated and described could be the automation means of the washing unit (1) which can be implemented for carrying out vertical as well as horizontal movements by, for example, inserting a rod type limit switch device associated with the mobile platform in order to detect its alignment with the various shelves to be washed.

The alignment operation to the shelves of the shelving structures can, for example, be carried out automatically by the machine once the operator has carried out the preliminary fixing operations on the shelf and manually aligned the mobile platform to the top shelf of the shelving structure.

Further modification and variation without departing from the protective scope of the present invention may be constituted by automation of the forward and return movement of the washing unit (1) determined, for example, by the association with a draw-wire encoder which detects the position of "stroke end" or shelf end and determines the movement of said washing unit in the opposite direction. Further modification and variation without departing from the protective scope of the present invention may be constituted by the association of a solenoid valve to the hydraulic circuit in order to automatically determine the closure of the water supply.

Further modification and variation without departing from the protective scope of the present invention may be constituted by the provision of an appropriate alarm which forwards a signal to a mobile device, of the smartphone or tablet type, to signal various process stages, including, by way of example, the end of the cleaning cycle of a shelf or the accidental interruption of the cleaning cycle.

Further modification and variation without departing from the protective scope of the present invention may be constituted by the association of brushes, preferably but not exclusively associated with the drive wheels (1.3).

Claims

I) Device for cleaning shelving structures consisting of a washing unit (1) comprising a frame (1.1) inside of which is housed a gearmotor (1.2) with transmission and equipped with a hydraulic circuit and at least four drive wheels (1.3), said washing unit (1) comprising at least one front bar (1.5) equipped with a series of fixed nozzles (1.5.1) and having at the front two adjustable lateral arms (1.5.2) equipped with at least one pair of nozzles each (1.5 .2.1) said washing unit (1) characterized in that it is associated with a lifting unit (2), said lifting unit consisting of means for adjusting the height of the washing unit (1) from the ground and having at the rear at least two arms (1.7) also equipped with nozzles.

2) Device as claimed in claim 1 characterized in that the washing unit (1) has at least four means (1.8) for centering the device, said at least four means (1.8) are located at the lateral ends of the front arms (1.5.2) and rear arms (1.7).

3) Device as per the preceding claims characterized in that the at least four drive wheels (1.3) are externally coated with rubber having grooves (1.4).

4) Device as per the preceding claims characterized in that each drive wheel (1.3) is supported at the corresponding axle by bearings (1.3.1).

5) Device as per the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the nozzles (1.5.2.1) are equipped with means for direction adjustment in the space.

6) Device as per the preceding claims characterized in that the nozzles of the rear arms (1.7) are equipped with means for direction adjustment in the space.

7) Device as per the preceding claims characterized in that the rear arms (1.7) of the washing unit (1) are equipped with pivoting means.

8) Device as per the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydraulic system of the washing unit (1) is supplied by a tube to be connected to a generic pump.

9) Device as per the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting unit (2) consists of a hydraulic lifting element equipped with a frame (2.1) with at least four swivel wheels and equipped with at least two telescopic columns (2.2), associated at the sides of the frame (2.1), said telescopic columns being operated by generic means of the cylinders and belts type.

10) Device as per claims 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 characterized in that the lifting unit (2) consists of an electric cable-lifting element consisting of a lower frame ( 3), equipped with at least four swivel wheels, of which at least two are equipped with braking devices, at the base of said frame (3) are lodged at least two columns (3.1) that can be reclined for lifting the mobile platform (3.2).

II) Device as per claims 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 characterized in that the lifting unit (2) consists of a platform (4) having a frame (4.1) and equipped with appropriate recesses (4.2) for the insertion of the forks of a generic forklift.