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    • 专利摘要:
    5 FIG. 1 The present invention provides a drying arm comprising a plurality of air knives for drying (insulated) containers. In addition, an (insulated) container dryer which uses said drying arm is provided. Furthermore, devices for cleaning and drying (insulated) containers are described, as well as methods for cleaning and / or drying (insulated) containers. FIG. 1
    公开号:BE1022673B1
    申请号:E2016/5192
    申请日:2016-03-16
    公开日:2016-07-13
    发明作者:Troos Wouter Van；Eric Van Pottelbergh
    申请人:LVP Engineering & Constructions BVBA；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CLEANING HOLDER FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    The present invention provides a drying arm comprising a plurality of air knives for drying (insulated) containers, primarily used for food, medical and pharmaceutical products. In addition, an (insulated) container dryer which uses said drying arm is provided. Furthermore, devices for washing and drying (insulated) containers are described, as well as methods for washing and / or drying (insulated) containers.
    BACKGROUND
    Holders that are often isolated and used for shipping are, in many sectors, expensive and widely used tools to maintain the cold chain during transportation. A cooling chain is a supply chain where the temperature of goods is continuously controlled at a reduced temperature. More specifically, an uninterrupted refrigeration chain is an uninterrupted concatenation of storage and transport whereby the temperature of goods is maintained within a given temperature range.
    In many sectors, such as the pharmaceutical, chemical and fresh food industries, uninterrupted cooling chains are useful to ensure that the shelf life of products is maintained and / or extended.
    Holders, often insulated holders, are cleaned regularly. Ideally, the cleaning procedure usually includes a wash cycle and a drying cycle. The washing cycle serves to purify (insulated) containers and the drying cycle ensures that cleaning agents and / or rinsing fluids are widened before the (insulated) containers are reused. The drying procedure makes it possible to prevent an ice layer from forming during the cooling of the (insulated) container to temperatures below the freezing point of water after the cleaning procedure. Both the cleaning cycle and the drying cycle are usually carried out while maintaining the temperature of the (insulated) container at a relatively low temperature, slightly above 0 ° C, for example 5 ° C. This way no time is wasted during the heating and cooling of (insulated) containers. In addition, this ensures that the energy efficiency of the cleaning cycle improves, since no energy is required to heat or cool (insulated) containers.
    However, the drying cycle in particular can be challenging if it is carried out at relatively low temperatures. This is due to the fact that the water-based cleaning agents commonly used during the cleaning cycle do not easily evaporate at these reduced temperatures. The challenge of drying (insulated) containers at reduced temperatures has been solved in the prior art by providing centrifugation systems. These systems are relatively slow. There is therefore a need to quickly clean and dry (insulated) containers, and in an energy efficient manner, at low temperatures, preferably just above 0 ° C.
    The present invention provides a solution for one or more of the above needs.
    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    In a first aspect, the present invention comprises a drying arm (200) for drying food, medical or pharmaceutical containers, comprising a body (210) and a head piece (220), wherein - the body (210) has a proximal end and has a distal end; - the proximal end of the body (210) is adapted to engage on drive means (310); - the distal end of the body (210) is rotatably connected to the head piece (220); - the head piece (220) comprises a first air knife (222) and a second air knife (224); - the first air knife (222) comprises one or more notches (2221,2222); and, - the body (210) comprises a third air knife (226) and a fourth air knife (228).
    In particular embodiments, the drying arm (200) further comprises an air switch for selectively directing compressed air to one or more air knives (222, 224, 226, 228) selected from the list consisting of: the first air knife (222), the second air knife ( 224), the third air knife (226) and the fourth air knife (228).
    In particular embodiments, the drying arm (200) further comprises container characterizing means configured to determine the type of container, the drying arm (200) being configured to perform a specific program for drying containers based on the particular type of container.
    In a second aspect, the present invention comprises a device (100) for drying food, medical or pharmaceutical containers, comprising: - a drying arm (200) according to any of claims 1 to 3; and - optionally container door drying means (400) comprising a fifth air knife (410). In special embodiments: - the door drying means (400) comprise a hollow rod (420) with a proximal and a distal end; - the proximal end of the hollow rod (420) comprises a rotary connection (450); - the fifth air knife (410) comprises a plurality of air knife segments (411,412,413); and - two air knife segments (412,413) are attached to the distal end of the hollow rod (420), preferably at an oblique angle.
    In a third aspect, the present invention comprises a line for cleaning containers (500) for food, medical or pharmaceutical products, comprising: - container transport means (600); - one or more devices for washing containers (700), preferably one or more spraying systems for spraying a mixture comprising water and one or more cleaning agents; - optionally, a water filter, preferably a candle filter, for protecting the spraying system; and - a device for drying containers (100) according to the second aspect of the present invention.
    In special embodiments, the container transport means (600) comprise a chain conveyor.
    In a fourth aspect, the present invention comprises a method for drying food containers, medical or pharmaceutical products, comprising a top, a back, two side faces and a bottom, comprising the following steps: - providing a drying arm (200) according to the first aspect of the present invention; - scanning the top with the first air knife (222) comprising one or more notches (2220,2221); - turning the head piece (220); - simultaneously scanning the rear side with the second air knife (224) and the side faces with the third air knife (226) and the fourth air knife (228); - turning the head piece (220); and - scanning the underside with the second air knife (224).
    In particular embodiments, the head piece (200) is rotated during each rotation at an angle of at least 80 ° to at most 100 °, preferably at least 85 ° to at most 95 °, more preferably about 90 °.
    In particular embodiments, the drying process is carried out at temperatures in the range of at least 1.0 ° C to at most 7.0 ° C, preferably at least 1.5 ° C to at most 6.0 ° C, more preferably at least 2.0 ° C to at most 4.0 ° C, and ideally about 3.0 ° C.
    In particular embodiments, the method further comprises the following steps: - collecting effluent; - purifying the effluent; and - recycling the effluent as a cleaning agent or as an element of a cleaning agent mixture for cleaning containers.
    In a fifth aspect, the present invention comprises a method for cleaning containers for food, medical or pharmaceutical products, comprising the following steps: a. Providing a line for cleaning containers (500) according to the second aspect of the present invention; b. transporting a container (900) with container transport means (600); c. applying a cleaning agent to the container; and d. drying the container (900) using a method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.
    In special embodiments, step b is followed by the following step: ba. rinsing the container (900) using a rinsing means.
    In special embodiments, step d is followed by the following steps: e. providing the holder (900) with one or more ice packs; and, f. optionally, cooling the container (900) to a temperature between -20 and -3 ° C.
    In special embodiments, the container is continuously moved during the cleaning process with the aid of container transport means.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    The following description of the Figures of certain embodiments of the invention is intended as an example only and is not intended to limit the subject matter, application or use thereof. In the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote identical or corresponding parts and features.
    Figure 1 shows a device for drying containers (100) comprising a drying arm (200) and a trolley (300).
    Figure 2 shows a device for drying containers (100) comprising a drying arm (200), a trolley (300) and door drying means (400).
    Figure 3 shows door drying means (400) comprising a fifth air knife (410), a hollow rod (420) and a rotary joint (450).
    Figure 4 shows a line (500) for cleaning containers including a device for drying containers (100), a device for washing containers (700), container transport means (600) and a pump (800).
    Figure 5 shows a line (500) for cleaning containers comprising a device for drying containers (100), a device for washing containers (700), container transport means (600) and a pump (800).
    Figure 6 shows a head piece (220) comprising a first air knife (222) and a second air knife (224).
    Figure 7 shows a holder (900) comprising hooks for holding cooling elements (910) and a door (920).
    Figure 8 shows an apparatus for washing containers (700) comprising one or more door cleaning nozzles (720), at least one inner container cleaning nozzle (730), a rinsing tool (740) and a rack (750).
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments, but the invention is not limited thereto, but solely by the claims. Some reference marks in the claims will not be interpreted as limiting their scope.
    As used herein, the singular forms "a," "the," and "the" include both the singular and plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
    The terms "comprising", "includes" and "include" as used herein are synonymous with "inclusive", "include" or "contain", "contain", and are inclusive or open and include additional, unnamed members, elements or process steps do not matter. If the terms "comprising", "includes" and "include" are used to refer to named members, elements or process steps, these also include embodiments that "consist of" said named members, elements or process steps.
    Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to indicate a sequential or chronological order, unless expressly indicated. It is to be understood that the terms used such as these are interchangeable under suitable conditions and that the embodiments of the invention described herein may function in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.
    The term "about" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a duration, and the like, is intended to include variations, in particular variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably + / -5% or less, more preferably +/- 1% or less, and even more preferably +/- 0.1% or less of and from the specified value, as far as such variations are applicable to the disclosed invention to function. It is to be understood that the value to which the term "approximately" refers, has in itself also been specifically and preferably disclosed.
    The enumeration of numerical values based on numerical ranges includes all values and fractions within the respective ranges, as well as the cited endpoints. All documents cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
    Unless otherwise stated, all terms used to disclose the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. As further guidance, the definitions of the terms used in the description are included to better understand the subject matter of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided for the purpose of understanding the invention.
    Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or feature described in connection with the embodiment is present in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, not all cases where the formulations "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" are used at different places in this specification need to refer to the same embodiment, but this may be the case. Furthermore, the specific features, structures or features may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure. Furthermore, although some embodiments described herein include some features that include other embodiments, but others do not, combinations of features of different embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the invention and to form different embodiments, as those skilled in the art would appreciate. For example, in the claims below, all described embodiments can be used in any desired combination.
    In one or more aspects, the present invention relates to devices for washing and / or drying (insulated) containers (900).
    As used herein, the term "washing" with reference to (insulated) containers (900) refers to the application of one or more cleaning agents, preferably one or more cleaning agents in an aqueous solution, to the inner shell of an (insulated) container (900) and / or on the outer casing of an (insulated) container (900) with the specific intention of removing contaminants. The term "washing" may include applying one or more rinsing agents, preferably one or more aqueous rinsing agents, after applying one or more cleaning agents. Rinsing agents may support the removal of detergent residues. As used herein, the term "drying" refers to the removal of liquid from surfaces, for example, the surface of (insulated) containers (900).
    As used herein, the term "cleaning" refers to washing and drying sequences. Devices for cleaning (insulated) containers (500) according to the present invention can form highly effective, fast and / or energy-efficient means for cleaning (insulated) containers (900). Such holders (900) can, for example, have a substantially rectangular base surface with sides of approximately 1200 mm and 800 mm, i.e. roughly corresponding to the base surface of euro pallets.
    The height of the (insulated) holders (900) can be between 1.75 m and 2.15 m, but can also be higher or lower. The inner shell of (insulated) containers (900) usually includes one or more hooks (910) configured to hold one or more ice packs.
    Devices for cleaning (insulated) containers (500) according to the present invention usually include (insulated) container transport means (600) with one or more chain conveyors. Preferably, the (insulated) containers (900) move continuously along the (insulated) container transport means (600). In special embodiments, the (insulated) container transport means (600) may comprise a chain line with a series of mechanical stoppers.
    As used herein, the term "mechanical stoppers" refers to devices for guiding and / or positioning (insulated) containers (900). In particular, mechanical stoppers can be clamping devices included in container transport means (600), for example included in a chain line. The mechanical stoppers may comprise one or more devices for positioning (insulated) holders (900) in the conveying direction and / or one or more devices for positioning (insulated) holders (900) in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. Mechanical stoppers can permit the accurate positioning of (insulated) containers (900) at washing stations and / or drying stations. The accurate positioning of (insulated) holders (900) can be particularly advantageous at a drying station for the accurate alignment of air knives and (insulated) holders (900). This can make drying of the (insulated) containers (900) more efficient.
    Also, the doors (920) of (insulated) containers are preferably opened during washing and drying, so that their inner jacket is easily accessible for cleaning.
    A cleaning installation for (insulated) containers can comprise two lines for cleaning (insulated) containers (500). Each line (500) preferably comprises a device for washing (insulated) containers (700) with one or more nozzles (720) arranged to apply cleaning agents to the inner and / or outer jacket of (insulated) containers (900) ).
    The device for washing (insulated) containers (700) can further comprise one or more nozzles (720) which are designed to apply rinsing agent to the inner and / or outer jacket of the (insulated) containers (900). Preferably, the one or more nozzles are operatively connected to a fluid system for providing rinsing and / or cleaning means to the one or more nozzles. The nozzles may comprise one or more door cleaning nozzles (720), at least one inner container cleaning nozzle (730) and / or a flushing tool (740). The one or more door cleaning nozzles (720), at least one inner container cleaning nozzle (730) and / or a flushing tool (740) can be rotatably mounted on a rack (750).
    A filter, preferably a candle filter, may be provided for the nozzles. This filter can be used to protect the nozzles against particulate contamination.
    The pressure in the filter can be measured using a manometer. The pressure difference across the filter is preferably also measured, for example by means of two pressure sensors. The two pressure sensors may be included in the filter. The pressure difference can be used to determine the contamination of the filter, with higher pressure differences across the filter corresponding to higher degrees of contamination, if all other factors are equal. If the pressure difference is greater than a predetermined value that can be set to indicate excessive contamination of the filter, the filter can be cleaned. The cleaning of the filter can be carried out by temporarily reversing the direction of the water flowing through the filter.
    The fluid system may comprise one or more, preferably two, reservoirs for temporarily storing a detergent supply, preferably an aqueous one. detergent supply. This can be useful to ensure a continuous supply of cleaning agents, preferably aqueous solutions of cleaning agents.
    Water can be supplied to the fluid system by means of a pump (800), the pump (800) carrying water under pressure to the line for cleaning (insulated) containers (500). The pump (800) is preferably protected by means of two basket filters of different sizes, the basket filters being in front of the pump (800).
    Cleaning agents can be added to water in the fluid system by means of a dosing pump. There is preferably a pressure reducing valve for the dosing pump. This can be advantageous to protect the dosing pump against excessive water pressure.
    Devices for drying (insulated) containers (100) according to the present invention generally include a drying arm (200) with a body (210) and a head piece (220), and a plurality of air knives (222,224,226,228,410) for drying at least the inner casing and the door of (insulated) holders (920). The body (210) can be considered to have a distal end and a proximal end. Preferably, devices for drying containers (100) are arranged to have an adjustable height and to be rotatable at two joints, one joint at the proximal end of the body and one joint at the distal end of the body. The joint at the proximal end of the body (210) may be adapted to rotatably engage a trolley (300) which may be adapted to liftably engage a lifting rack (350). The joint at the distal end of the body (210) is preferably adapted to rotatably engage the head piece (220). The lifting rack preferably comprises a plurality of sensors, for example three sensors, which are adapted to determine and possibly limit the amount that the trolley (300) is lifted by the lifting rack (350) during a lifting operation.
    The devices for drying (insulated) containers (100) are preferably adapted to dry (insulated) containers (900) by means of compressed air. The compressed air can be pressurized by one or more high-pressure fans and can be led to the device for drying (insulated) containers (100) by means of a fluid system with a plurality of compressed air lines. The fluid system preferably comprises at least one valve, for example a change-over valve, which is adapted to direct air to one or more air knives (222,224,226,228,410) selected from the plurality of air knives (222,224,226,228,410).
    Preferably, the devices for drying (insulated) containers (100) comprise safety mechanisms that are arranged to prevent obstacles in the path of movement of the drying arm (200) and / or other moving parts of devices for drying (insulated) containers (100) ) to observe. The safety mechanisms may comprise one or more sensors, for example one or more force sensors, to determine the force required to move the drying arm.
    The drying arm (200) can be rotated by means of an actuator, preferably an electric motor. In particular embodiments, the actuator can drive a shaft with a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being driven by the motor and the distal end comprising an encoder adapted to record the rotation of the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft may pass through a hollow rod connected to the carriage (300) by means of one or more hinges.
    The trolley (300) preferably comprises one or more sensors, for example 3 sensors adapted to detect the position of the drying arm and / or to limit the movement of the drying arm (200) to within the limits defined by one or more more extreme positions are determined.
    In some embodiments, the body (210) of the drying arm (200), which has a proximal end and a distal end, includes a central rod for directing compressed air to the air knives (222,224,226,228) of the drying arm (200). At the proximal end of the body, the central rod can be rotatably connected, for example by means of a rotary connection, to a fluid system comprising an air pump. At the distal end of the body, the central rod can be rotatably connected to the head piece (220) of the drying arm (200), for example by means of a rotary connection. The rotary joint can comprise one or more ball bearings and / or one or more rubber o-rings to provide a degree of freedom of rotation and also to ensure airtightness.
    The head piece (220) is preferably rotatably coupled to the body (210), for example by means of one or more hinges, ball bearings and sealing elements. The sealing elements can for instance be selected from the list comprising rubber sealing elements, silicone sealing elements or other sealing elements. The sealing elements may comprise o-rings.
    The head piece (220) can be turned by means of a chain. Preferably, the head piece (220) is adapted to allow rotations of 90 ° with respect to the body (210). The chain can run over a sprocket in the carriage (300) to drive the rotation of the head piece (200). The sprocket in the carriage (300) can be operatively coupled to a pneumatic cylinder with one or more sensors, for example inductive sensors, adapted to determine the angle over which the head piece (220) is rotated. The pneumatic cylinder can also include one or more flow control valves to determine the speed at which the head piece (220) is turned.
    The head piece preferably comprises one or more air knives; for example, two air knives, a first air knife (222) and a second air knife (224). The first air knife (222) can include a plurality of notches (2220, 2221) that can support the drying process in that the shape of the first air knife closely matches the shape of the surface of an (insulated) container (900). The head piece may include a selection mechanism, for example, a slidable selection mechanism, to direct a stream of compressed air to one or more of the air knives (222,224).
    In a first aspect, the present invention comprises a drying arm (200) for drying (insulated) containers (900), comprising a body (210) and a head piece (220), wherein - the body (210) has a proximal end and a distal end; - the proximal end of the body (210) is adapted to engage on drive means (310); - the distal end of the body (210) is rotatably connected to the head piece (220); - the head piece (220) comprises a first air knife (222) and a second air knife (224); - the first air knife (222) comprises one or more notches (2221,2222); and, - the body (210) comprises a third air knife (226) and a fourth air knife (228).
    Such drying arms can be highly efficient means for drying (insulated) containers (900). In particular, the use of air knives for drying (insulated) containers (900) can efficiently blow off aqueous cleaning agents and / or rinsing water after washing (insulated) container (900), even at temperatures where water not easily evaporated. Such temperatures can be, for example, 1 ° C, 2 ° C, 3 ° C, 4 ° C, 5 ° C, 6 ° C.
    In some embodiments, the body comprises a central rod adapted to supply compressed air to the head piece, the central rod being operatively coupled to pressure generating means.
    As used herein, the term "air knife" refers to a device for producing a leaf-shaped air flow by driving air through a slit. The air flow emerging from a gap can be properly described with the terms "streamline flow" or "laminar flow". Preferably, the gap has a width of at least 0.10 mm to at most 10 mm, more preferably a width of at least 0.50 to at most 2.0 mm, and most preferably a width of at least about 1.0 mm to at most about 1.2 mm. This can ensure an optimum efficiency of drying due to the speed of the air flow, the air flow amount and the air flow thickness without the necessity of using heated air flows.
    As used herein, the term "slit" refers to an elongated opening. The dimensions of a gap can be characterized by two characteristic dimensions: its length and its width; wherein the width is many times smaller than the length. The length of a slit can be interpreted as the size of its longest characteristic dimension, as measured along the longitudinal extension of the slit. As used herein, when a slit is designated herein, the term "width" can be interpreted as the characteristic length of the slit in the direction transverse to the direction in which the slit length is measured. In the case of curved gaps, the direction in which the length and the direction in which the width of the gap is measured can vary along the longitudinal extension of the gap.
    In some embodiments, the drying arm (200) includes an air switch for selectively sending compressed air to one or more air knives (222, 224, 226, 228) selected from the list consisting of: the first air knife (222), the second air knife (224) ), the third air knife (226) and the fourth air knife (228).
    The air flow coming from the air knives can be used to blow away liquid drops from a surface in a certain direction. By directing the air flow to a certain selection of air knives, the direction in which liquid is blown off the surface of (insulated) containers (900) can be chosen extremely efficiently.
    In some embodiments, the drying arm (200) further comprises (insulated) container characterizing means adapted to determine the type of (insulated) container, the drying arm (200) being adapted to perform a specific program for drying (insulated) containers based on the particular type of (insulated) container.
    As such, the drying program can be efficiently adapted to various types of (insulated) container.
    The (isolated) holder marking means may comprise one or more laser sensors which are adapted to determine the height of an (isolated) holder (900). The movement of a drying arm (200) and / or container door drying means (400) is preferably adjusted according to the determined height of the (insulated) containers (900) so that optimum drying sequences can be carried out.
    In a second aspect, the present invention comprises a device (100) for drying (insulated) containers, comprising: - a drying arm (200) according to the present invention; - optionally container door drying means (400) comprising a fifth air knife (410). Container door drying means (400) can be provided for drying doors (920) with (insulated) containers (900) while, for example, their inner jacket is dried by means of a drying arm (200). This can speed up the drying process. The (insulated) container door drying means (400) are preferably rotatably connected, for example by means of a rotary connection, to a fluid system for conveying compressed air.
    By providing door drying means (400) and a drying arm (200) at the same time, devices for drying (insulated) containers (100) can be arranged to simultaneously dry the door and the inner casing of (insulated) containers (900). This can speed up the drying process.
    The device for drying (insulated) holders (900) preferably comprises one or more sensors for limiting the movement of the drying arm. The movement of the door drying means (400) of the (insulated) holder (900) can be limited in a similar manner.
    The (insulated) door drying means (400) preferably comprises a hollow rod (420) with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the hollow rod (420) is preferably rotatably coupled to a fluid system adapted to transport compressed air. The distal end of the hollow rod (420) preferably comprises two air knife segments (412,413), which may be oriented relatively at an oblique angle, for example an angle of about 70 °. Preferably, the hollow rod (420) comprises a further air knife segment (411).
    In some embodiments, the door drying means (400) comprises a hollow rod (420) with a proximal and a distal end; wherein - the proximal end of the hollow rod (420) comprises a swivel joint (450); - the fifth air knife (410) comprises a plurality of air knife segments (411,412,413); and - two air knife segments (412,413) are preferably attached at an oblique angle to the distal end of the hollow rod (420).
    The rotary joint (450) can be a particularly efficient way of providing a degree of freedom of rotation for the door drying means (400) and at the same time providing an effective coupling of the hollow rod (420) of the door drying means (400) with a fluid system for supplying of compressed air at the door drying means (400).
    The two air knife segments (412,413) that are preferably attached at an oblique angle to the distal end of the hollow rod (420) can allow for more efficient removal of liquid residues from the surface of (insulated) containers (900).
    In a third aspect, the present invention comprises a line for cleaning (insulated) containers (500), comprising: - (insulated) container transport means (600): - one or more devices for washing (insulated) containers (700), preferably one or more spraying systems for spraying a mixture comprising water and one or more cleaning agents; - optionally a water filter, preferably a candle filter, for protecting the spraying system; and - a device for drying (insulated) containers (100) according to the present invention.
    The line for cleaning (insulated) containers (500) can provide highly effective, fast and / or energy-efficient means for cleaning (insulated) containers.
    The (insulated) container transport means (600) preferably comprise one or more stoppers, for example two stoppers. Some stoppers can be arranged to align (insulated) containers along the conveying direction of (insulated) containers or transversely to the conveying direction of (insulated) containers. The stoppers can be retractably driven by one or more pneumatic cylinders. The stoppers preferably comprise one or more sensors, for example one or more inductive sensors, for detecting the position of the stopper.
    In some embodiments, the (insulated) container transport means (600) comprises a chain conveyor.
    This can be an extremely efficient means for transporting (insulated) containers along an (insulated) container cleaning line (500).
    In a fourth aspect, the present invention comprises a method for drying (insulated) containers (900) with an upper side, a rear side, two side surfaces and a lower side, comprising the following steps: - providing a drying arm (200) according to the present invention; - scanning the top with the first air knife (222) with one or more notches (2220,2221); - turning the head piece (220); - simultaneously scanning the rear side with the second air knife (224) and the side faces with the third air knife (226) and the fourth air knife (228); - turning the head piece (220); and - scanning the underside with the second air knife (224).
    This can be an extremely effective and / or efficient way of drying (insulated) containers (900).
    The drying arm is preferably placed in a trolley with a roller guide. The trolley is preferably suspended from a closed system of chains. In some embodiments, the trolley comprises a shaft with chain wheels which are operatively coupled to a lifting motor and an encoder.
    In some embodiments, the trolley is part of a device for drying (insulated) containers (100) as described in Example 1.
    In some embodiments, the trolley (300) comprises wheels (320) which are adapted to be conductive in guide means, for example guide means with a U-shaped cross-section.
    In some embodiments, the trolley (300) may be arranged to be vertically movable by means of a linear actuator, for example a linear actuator with one or more chains. The one or more chains may be adapted to engage on one or more sprockets.
    In some embodiments, the head piece (200) is rotated during each rotation at an angle of at least 80 ° to at most 100 °, preferably at least 85 ° to at most 95 °, more preferably about 90 °.
    In this way, the air knives can accurately follow the contours of the inner casing of (insulated) containers (900). This can improve the effectiveness of the drying processes of (insulated) containers.
    In some embodiments, the head piece (200) is rotated at an angle of less than 80 ° during one or more rotations. In some embodiments, the head piece (200) is rotated at an angle of more than 80 ° during one or more rotations.
    In some embodiments, the drying process is carried out at temperatures in the range of at least 1.0 ° C to at most 7.0 ° C, preferably at least 1.5 ° C to at most 6.0 ° C, more preferably at least 2.0 ° C to at most 4.0 ° C, and ideally at about 3.0 ° C.
    Drying at low temperatures can have the advantage that (insulated) containers do not have to be heated excessively for the cleaning / drying process. This can increase the throughput and / or the energy efficiency of (insulated) container cleaning lines (500).
    In addition, the washing and drying process is preferably carried out at temperatures higher than the melting temperature of the cleaning agents and rinsing agents used, and which is usually around 0 ° C for aqueous cleaning agents and aqueous rinsing agents.
    In some embodiments, the method for drying (insulated) containers (900) further comprises the following steps: - collecting effluent; - purifying the effluent; and - recycling the effluent as a cleaning agent or as an element of a cleaning agent mixture for cleaning (insulated) containers (900).
    This can improve the environmental friendliness of cleaning procedures for (insulated) containers (900). Moreover, such procedures can lead to a lower need for detergent mixtures, which can lead to a reduction in overall process costs.
    In a fifth aspect, the present invention comprises a method for cleaning (insulated) containers (900), comprising the following steps: a. Providing a line for cleaning (insulated) containers (500) according to the present invention; b. transporting an (insulated) container using (insulated) container transport means (600); c. applying a cleaning agent to the (insulated) container (900); and d. drying the (insulated) container (900) using a method for drying (insulated) containers according to the present invention.
    This can be an extremely effective way of cleaning (insulated) containers.
    In some embodiments, step b is followed by the following step: ba. rinsing the (insulated) container (900) using a rinsing agent.
    This can be an effective way to minimize the presence of cleaning agent residues after the cleaning and drying sequence of the (insulated) containers.
    In some embodiments, step d is followed by the following steps: e. providing the holder (900) with one or more ice packs; and f. optionally, cooling the (insulated) container (900) to a temperature between -20 and -3 ° C.
    This is an efficient way to prepare the (insulated) containers (900) for use after the washing and drying sequence. Preferably insulated containers are used if this process step is carried out. This can improve energy efficiency.
    In some embodiments, the (insulated) container (900) is continuously moved during the cleaning process using (insulated) container transport means.
    This can improve the overall throughput of the washing and drying sequence.
    EXAMPLES
    Example 1
    The present example provides a special embodiment of a device for drying (insulated) containers (100) according to the present invention. This particular embodiment is described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The device for drying (insulated) containers (100) comprises a drying arm (200) with a body (210) and a head piece (220). The proximal end of the drying arm (200) is operatively and rotatably connected to a trolley (300) by means of drive means (310). The trolley (300) further comprises wheels (320) which are adapted to be conductive in guide means, for example guide means with a U-shaped cross-section. The trolley (300), the drying arm (200) and a door drying arm (400) can be lifted by means of an arm lifting rack (350). The distal end of the body (210) of the drying arm (200) is operatively connected to the head piece (220). The head piece (220) comprises two air knives (222,224): a first air knife (222) and a second air knife (224). The first air knife (222) comprises two notches (2220, 2221) formed along the contours of the upper inner shell of an (insulated) container, thereby allowing optimum drying of the upper inner shell of the (insulated) container.
    The carriage (300) is furthermore operable by means of a rotary connection (450) and rotatably connected to a door drying arm (400). The door drying arm comprises a hollow rod (420) and a fifth air knife (410).
    Example 2
    The present example provides a particular embodiment of a door drying arm (400) with a proximal end and a distal end, as shown in Figure 3. The door drying arm (400) is adapted to be operatively and rotatably connectable to a carriage (300) by means of of a pivotal connection (450) at the proximal end of the door drying arm. The door drying arm (420) comprises a hollow rod (420) and a fifth air knife (410). The fifth air knife (410) comprises three air knife segments (411,412,413). A first air knife segment (411) is connected to the hollow rod (420). The second air knife segment (412) and the third air knife segment (413) are connected to the distal end of the door drying arm (400). The second air knife segment (412) and the third air knife segment (413) are arranged at an angle of about 90 °.
    Example 3
    The present example provides a special embodiment of a line for cleaning (insulated) containers (500), as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The line for cleaning (insulated) containers (500) comprises a device for washing (insulated) containers (700), (insulated) container transport means (600), and a device for drying (insulated) containers (100). The line for cleaning (insulated) containers (500) further comprises a drain system (510) for collecting excess cleaning fluids.
    A pump (800) is also provided. The pump (800) serves to supply pressurized water to the line for cleaning (insulated) containers (500). The pump (800) is protected by two basket filters of different sizes, the basket filters for the pump (800) being arranged.
    The device for drying (insulated) containers (100) comprises a trolley (300) and a drying arm (200) with a body (210) and a head piece (220). The vertical position of the trolley (300) can be changed by means of a hoisting chain (610).
    The device for washing (insulated) containers (700) comprises a filter, for example a candle filter with a stainless steel filter element. The filter is adapted to protect one or more nozzles located in the device for washing (insulated) containers (700). The device for washing (insulated) containers (700) further comprises a valve rack (710) with one or more valves.
    Example 4
    Referring to Figure 6 (A, B), the present example provides a particular embodiment of a head piece (220) of a drying arm (200). The head piece (220) comprises a first air knife (222) and a second air knife (224). The head piece (220) also includes a valve, preferably an air switch, for selectively directing compressed air to the first air knife (222) or to the second air knife (224). Both the first air knife (222) and the second air knife (224) comprise an air knife slit (2223). The air gap has a width of 1.1 mm. The first air knife (222) comprises two notches (2220,2221) adapted to the shape of the top of the inner casing of an (insulated) container, which usually contains two cooling suits. In particular, the notches (2220.2221) are formed such that the distance between the air slit (2223) of the first air knife (222) and the surface to be dried can be kept smaller in operation than 1.0 cm to 2.0 cm . The special shape of the first air knife also makes it possible to direct an air flow on the surface of the (insulated) holder at approximately right angles; i.e. at angles between at least 80 ° and at most 100 °, preferably angles of about 90 °.
    Example 5
    Referring to Figure 7, the present example provides a specific embodiment of an (insulated) container (900). The (insulated) holder (900) comprises two hooks for holding cooling elements (910) and a door (920). Furthermore, the (insulated) holder (900) is adapted to be positionable on a pallet (930), for example a Euro pallet.
    Example 6
    Referring to Figure 8, the present example provides a specific embodiment of a device washing device (700). The device washing device (700) comprises two or more nozzles (720, 730). In particular, the two or more nozzles (720,730) comprise one or more door cleaning nozzles (720), preferably conical nozzles, such as hollow conical nozzles or solid conical nozzles. Furthermore, the two or more nozzles (720,730) comprise at least one inner container cleaning nozzle (730), such as a nozzle with a round head piece. The device washing device (700) further comprises a rinsing tool (740) adapted to rinse (insulated) containers after they have been washed. Finally, the device for washing (insulated) containers comprises a rack (750). The two or more nozzles (720,730) and the flushing tool (740) are rotatably connected to the rack (750).
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [1]
    CONCLUSIONS
    A drying arm (200) for drying food, medical or pharmaceutical containers, comprising a body (210) and a head piece (220), wherein - the body (210) has a proximal end and a distal end; - the proximal end of the body (210) is adapted to engage on drive means (310); - the distal end of the body (210) is rotatably connected to the head piece (220); - the head piece (220) comprises a first air knife (222) and a second air knife (224); - the first air knife (222) comprises one or more notches (2221,2222); and, - the body (210) comprises a third air knife (226) and a fourth air knife (228).
    [2]
    The drying arm (200) according to claim 1, further comprising an air switch for selectively directing compressed air to one or more air knives (222, 224, 226, 228) selected from the list consisting of: the first air knife (222), the second air knife (224), the third air knife (226) and the fourth air knife (228).
    [3]
    Drying arm (200) according to one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising container marking means adapted to determine the type of container, wherein the drying arm (200) is adapted to carry out a specific program for drying containers on the basis of the particular type of holder.
    [4]
    Device (100) for drying food, medical or pharmaceutical product containers, comprising: - a drying arm (200) according to any of claims 1 to 3; and - optionally container door drying means (400) comprising a fifth air knife (410).
    [5]
    The device of claim 4 wherein - the door drying means (400) comprises a hollow rod (420) with a proximal and a distal end; - the proximal end of the hollow rod (420) comprises a swivel joint (450); - the fifth air knife (410) comprises a plurality of air knife segments (411,412,413); and - two air knife segments (412,413) are attached to the distal end of the hollow rod (420), preferably at an oblique angle.
    [6]
    A line for cleaning containers (500) for food, medical or pharmaceutical products, comprising: - container transport means (600); - one or more devices for washing containers (700), preferably one or more spraying systems for spraying a mixture comprising water and one or more cleaning agents; - optionally, a water filter, preferably a candle filter, for protecting the spraying system; and - a device for drying containers (100) according to one of claims 4 or 5.
    [7]
    The device of claim 6, wherein the container transport means (600) comprises a chain conveyor.
    [8]
    A method for drying containers for food, medical or pharmaceutical products, comprising an upper side, a rear side, two side surfaces and a lower side, comprising the following steps: - providing a drying arm (200) according to one of claims 1 to 3 ; - scanning the top with the first air knife (222) comprising one or more notches (2220,2221); - turning the head piece (220); - simultaneously scanning the rear side with the second air knife (224) and the side faces with the third air knife (226) and the fourth air knife (228); - turning the head piece (220); and - scanning the underside with the second air knife (224).
    [9]
    The method of claim 8, wherein the head piece (200) is rotated during each rotation at an angle of at least 80 ° to at most 100 °, preferably at least 85 ° to at most 95 °, more preferably about 90 ° .
    [10]
    The method of claim 9, wherein the drying process is carried out at temperatures in the range of at least 1.0 ° C to at most 7.0 ° C, preferably at least 1.5 ° C to at most 6.0 ° C C, more preferably at least 2.0 ° C to at most 4.0 ° C, and ideally about 3.0 ° C.
    [11]
    A method according to any of claims 8 to 10, further comprising the steps of: - collecting effluent; - purifying the effluent; and - recycling the effluent as a cleaning agent or as an element of a cleaning agent mixture for cleaning containers.
    [12]
    A method for cleaning containers for food, medical or pharmaceutical products, comprising the following steps: a. Providing a line for cleaning containers (500) according to any of claims 4 to 7; b. transporting a container with the aid of container transport means (600); c. applying a cleaning agent to the container; and d. drying the container using a method according to any of claims 8 to 11.
    [13]
    The method of claim 12, wherein step b is followed by the following step: ba. rinsing the container with the aid of a rinsing agent.
    [14]
    A method according to any of claims 12 or 13, wherein step d is followed by the following steps: e. providing the holder with one or more ice packs; and f. optionally, cooling the container to a temperature between -20 and -3 ° C.
    [15]
    A method according to any of claims 8 to 14, wherein the container is continuously moved during the cleaning process with the aid of container transport means.
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    EP15163553.9|2015-04-14|
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