washer, washing machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning machine. The cleaning machine (1) is provided with a holding portion (5), a nozzle (3), and a pump (9). The holding portion (5) holds a container (B) so that an opening portion (E) of the container (B) is lower than a bottom surface (M) of the container (B). The nozzle (3) sprays a cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the container (B) toward the inside of the container (B). The pump (9) causes the cleaning liquid to be sprayed from the nozzle (3) so that the cleaning liquid sprayed from the nozzle (3) reaches an inner bottom surface of the container (B) along an inner side surface of the container (B) after coming into contact with the inner side surface of the container (B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cleaning machine for cleaning containers, etc. Background Technology

[0002] As a technique for cleaning bottles used for beverages, etc., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-102813 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) discloses the following sterilization and cleaning method. First, the plastic bottle is inverted while its opening is held open. Next, a rotating force is applied to the sterilization and cleaning solution using a spiral nozzle inserted into the plastic bottle, spraying the solution in a cone shape. Finally, the droplets are brought into direct contact with the entire bottom and inner surface of the plastic bottle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the sterilization and cleaning method of Patent Document 1, the sterilization and cleaning solution is sprayed into droplets. Therefore, the mechanical cleaning force per unit area is relatively weak. This disclosure provides a technique for improving the cleaning power of a cleaning machine.

[0004] The cleaning machine disclosed herein includes a holding part, a nozzle, and a spraying part. The holding part holds the container such that the opening of the container is lower than the bottom surface of the container. The nozzle sprays cleaning fluid for cleaning the interior of the container into the container.

[0005] The spray section sprays the cleaning fluid from the nozzle so that the cleaning fluid sprayed from the nozzle contacts the inner side of the container and then travels along the inner side of the container to the inner bottom surface of the container.

[0006] According to the technology disclosed herein, the cleaning power of a cleaning machine can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2A It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the spraying of cleaning fluid into the interior of a container.

[0009] Figure 2B This is a top view schematically showing the spraying of cleaning fluid into the interior of a container.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the water flow along the inner surface of the container and the stains.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing another example of a nozzle.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the inside of a cleaning container.

[0013] Figure 6AThis is a schematic diagram illustrating the washing of a container with shoulders.

[0014] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the washing of a container with shoulders.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing another example of a nozzle.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing another example of a nozzle.

[0017] Figure 9 Observed from above Figure 8 The figure shows an observation of the nozzle cleaning the container. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following is for reference Figures 1-9 Embodiments of this disclosure will be described. In these embodiments, descriptions of known items and repetitive descriptions of the same or substantially the same structures may be omitted. The cleaning machine of this embodiment is primarily used for cleaning beverage containers.

[0019] [1-1. Structure]

[0020] Figure 1 The structure of the cleaning machine 1 according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the cleaning machine 1 includes a nozzle 3, a holding part 5, a pump 9, a piping 13, and a rotary drive part 15.

[0021] Nozzle 3 sprays cleaning fluid into the interior of container B. Holding part 5 holds container B such that its opening E is lower than its bottom surface M. Therefore, under the influence of gravity, the cleaning fluid sprayed into container B can be discharged to the outside of container B. Figure 1 In the example shown, the holding part 5 holds container B in an inverted state. However, the holding part 5 can also hold container B in a tilted state.

[0022] The retaining part 5 is configured to move up and down along the guide 6. The user can grasp the handle 7 mounted on the retaining part 5 to move the retaining part 5 up and down. Alternatively, a structure can be provided that allows the retaining part 5 to move up and down automatically along the guide 6.

[0023] Pump 9 draws cleaning fluid from a tank (not shown) or similar container for storing cleaning fluid, and sprays the cleaning fluid from nozzle 3 via piping 13. Pump 9 functions as a spraying unit that causes the cleaning fluid to be sprayed from nozzle 3. As a result, as described later, the cleaning fluid sprayed from nozzle 3 contacts the inner surface of container B and then travels along the inner surface of container B to the inner bottom surface of container B.

[0024] Nozzle 3 is configured to rotate about a vertical axis under the reaction force acting on nozzle 3 by spraying cleaning fluid from nozzle 3. Cleaning machine 1 uses the linear flow of cleaning fluid sprayed from nozzle 3 to clean the interior of container B. Nozzle 3 is rotated to clean the entire inner surface and bottom of container B.

[0025] Container B can also be configured to rotate around a vertical axis under the force acting on container B by the cleaning fluid sprayed from nozzle 3 contacting the inner surface of container B. A rotation drive unit 15 can also be provided to rotate nozzle 3 or container B around a vertical axis using electric drive force.

[0026] Figure 2A and Figure 2B These are schematic cross-sectional and top views illustrating the spraying of cleaning fluid into the interior of container B. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the cleaning fluid sprayed from nozzle 3 comes into contact with the inner side of container B and then travels along the inner side of container B to the inner bottom surface of container B.

[0027] Pump 9 uses hydraulic pressure and volume to spray cleaning fluid from nozzle 3, such that the water flow 14 flows in a straight line along the inner side of container B to the inner bottom surface of container B. In order for the water flow 14 to reach the inner bottom surface of container B, it is preferable that the angle of incidence θ1 of the cleaning fluid sprayed from nozzle 3 toward the inner side is acute relative to the vertical direction.

[0028] Figure 3 The relationship between the water flow 14 flowing along the inner surface W of container B and the stain 25 is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the stains 25 adhering to the inner surface W of container B are peeled off by the water flow 14 flowing along the inner surface W. This allows for efficient cleaning of the stains 25 adhering to the inner surface W. Consequently, the cleaning time can be reduced.

[0029] By making the water flow 14 straight, the stains 25 on the inner surface W of container B can be cleaned with stronger mechanical force. This increases the cleaning power. By rotating the nozzle 3 or container B about the vertical axis, the stains 25 can be removed not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction.

[0030] Alternatively, the nozzle 3 can be rotated in the opposite direction to the container B. In order to use the water flow 14 to peel off the stains 25 adhering to the inner surface W, it is preferable that the cleaning liquid sprayed from the nozzle 3 toward the inner side has an acute angle of incidence θ1 relative to the vertical direction and an acute angle of incidence θ2 relative to the horizontal direction.

[0031] The closer the incident angle θ1 of the cleaning fluid is to 0°, the greater the vertical component of the force on container B when the cleaning fluid comes into contact with the inner surface of container B or when the water flow 14 reaches the inner bottom surface.

[0032] Therefore, by setting the incident angle θ1, the force in the vertical direction acting on container B can be reduced. This prevents container B from being blown away by the force exerted by the cleaning fluid. When container B is fixed by the holding part 5, the force exerted on container B by the cleaning fluid can be disregarded.

[0033] From the above perspective, the incident angle θ1 of the cleaning fluid sprayed from nozzle 3 onto the inner side of container B relative to the vertical direction can be greater than 0° and less than 60°. The upper limit of the incident angle θ1 can also be any one of 60°, 50°, 40°, 30°, 25°, 20°, 15°, 10°, 9°, 8°, 7°, 6°, 5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, and 1°.

[0034] The incident angle θ2 of the cleaning fluid sprayed from nozzle 3 onto the inner side of container B relative to the horizontal direction can be greater than 0° and less than 60°. The upper limit of the incident angle θ2 can also be any one of 60°, 50°, 40°, 30°, 25°, 20°, 15°, 10°, 9°, 8°, 7°, 6°, 5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, and 1°.

[0035] Figure 4 Another example of nozzle 3 is shown. Figure 1 The nozzle 3 of the cleaning machine 1 shown has a straight shape. On the other hand, Figure 4 The nozzle 3 shown has a spiral shape. Therefore, the inner surface of container B can be cleaned with a spiral water flow 14.

[0036] Above container B (in) Figure 4 The lower part (in the middle) is prone to forming a waterline for beverages and other contents, thus often resulting in a higher degree of contamination. By using a nozzle 3 with a spiral shape, a strong water flow 14, just ejected from the nozzle 3, can be used to draw water from above the heavily contaminated container B (in the middle). Figure 4 Clean the middle section (bottom section) in sequence.

[0037] This improves cleaning efficiency. By spraying the cleaning fluid obliquely upwards from nozzle 3, the nozzle 3 can be rotated under the action of its reaction force. Similarly, when rotating container B, the rotation of container B can be assisted by having the cleaning fluid obliquely contact the inner surface of container B.

[0038] Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates the condition of the inner surface Wa of the cleaning container B. Figure 5In the diagram of the inner side Wa, the portion being cleaned by the water flow 14 is indicated by a diagonal line. The water flow 14, ejected from the nozzle 3 which has a spiral shape, flows diagonally upwards along the inner side Wa of the container B.

[0039] When the rotary drive unit 15 rotates the nozzle 3 around the vertical axis, the position of the spray nozzle moves horizontally. Consequently, the position of the water flow 14 also moves horizontally. As a result, the entire inner surface Wa of container B can be cleaned by scanning the inner surface Wa.

[0040] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The illustration schematically depicts the washing of a container B with a shoulder S. (As shown) Figure 6A As shown, when the cleaning fluid sprayed from nozzle 3 comes into direct contact with the inner surface of shoulder S, the cleaning fluid will bounce off the inner surface of shoulder S. Therefore, water flow 14 has difficulty flowing upward along the inner side of container B.

[0041] Therefore, as Figure 6B As shown, the height and orientation of the spray nozzle 3a of the nozzle 3 relative to the opening of the container B are adjusted so that it is positioned higher than the shoulder S (at... Figure 6B (The middle part is above) so that the cleaning fluid comes into contact with the inner side of container B. For example, the height h2 of the spray nozzle 3a is higher than the height h1 of the shoulder S from the opening of container B.

[0042] Figure 7 Another example of nozzle 3 is shown. Figure 7 The nozzle 3 shown has a branched flow path structure and has two injection ports. Nozzle 3b serves as... Figure 4 The nozzle 3, which has a spiral shape, functions as shown. The nozzle 3c is positioned opposite the inner side of the container B at a position that is either below or at the shoulder S of the container B.

[0043] therefore, Figure 7 The nozzle 3 shown can clean the area higher than the shoulder S using nozzle 3b and can clean the area lower than the shoulder S using nozzle 3c.

[0044] Figure 8 Another example of nozzle 3 is shown. Figure 8 The nozzle 3 shown also has a branched flow path structure and has two injection ports. Nozzle 3d serves as... Figure 1 The nozzle 3, which has a straight shape, is used to perform its function. The nozzle 3e is configured to bring the cleaning fluid into contact with the outside of the opening D of the container B.

[0045] therefore, Figure 8 The nozzle 3 shown can clean the inside of container B using nozzle 3d and at the same time clean the outside of opening D using nozzle 3e.

[0046] Figure 9 Observed from above Figure 8 The diagram shows an observation of nozzle 3 cleaning container B. Figure 9 As shown, when water 14 is ejected from nozzle 3e, a reaction force F acts on nozzle 3. The reaction force F has a component in the tangential direction of the circle centered on the rotation axis of nozzle 3. Therefore, nozzle 3 can be rotated using this tangential component.

[0047] Nozzle 3 may have three or more branched flow paths or three or more injection ports. For example, nozzle 3 may have three or more of nozzles 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e, or it may have nozzles with other shapes or functions.

[0048] [1-2. Actions]

[0049] The operation and function of the cleaning machine 1 configured as described above will be explained below.

[0050] The user places the object to be cleaned, container B, into the holding part 5. The user grasps the handle 7 and moves the holding part 5 so that the spray nozzle 3 enters the interior of container B. The cleaning machine 1 drives the pump 9 and sprays the cleaning fluid from the nozzle 3 into the interior of container B, thereby cleaning the interior of container B.

[0051] When the cleaning fluid is sprayed for a predetermined time or in a predetermined amount, the cleaning machine 1 stops the pump 9. After the cleaning fluid inside container B is discharged to the outside of container B, the user removes container B from the holding part 5.

[0052] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the cleaning machine 1 includes a holding part 5, a nozzle 3, and a pump 9. The holding part 5 holds the container B such that the opening E of the container B is lower than the bottom surface M of the container B. The nozzle 3 sprays cleaning fluid for cleaning the interior of the container B into the interior of the container B.

[0054] Pump 9 sprays cleaning fluid from nozzle 3, so that the cleaning fluid sprayed from nozzle 3 contacts the inner surface of container B and then travels along the inner surface of container B to the inner bottom surface of the container. This improves the cleaning force and cleaning efficiency of cleaning machine 1.

[0055] In this embodiment, the nozzle 3 may also have a spiral structure. This improves the cleaning force and efficiency of the cleaning machine 1.

[0056] In this embodiment, preferably, the container B or nozzle 3 is able to rotate about a vertical axis under the action of a force or electric driving force acting on the container B or nozzle 3 by spraying cleaning fluid from the nozzle 3. This improves the cleaning force and cleaning efficiency of the cleaning machine 1.

[0057] In this embodiment, it is preferable that, when the container B has a shoulder S, the cleaning liquid sprayed from the nozzle 3 is configured such that it contacts the inner surface of the container B at a position higher than the shoulder S. This improves the cleaning force and efficiency of the cleaning machine 1.

[0058] In this embodiment, the nozzle 3 may have two or more spray ports, and be configured such that the cleaning liquid sprayed from at least one spray port contacts the inner surface of the container B at a position at or below the shoulder S. This improves the cleaning force and efficiency of the cleaning machine 1.

[0059] In this embodiment, the nozzle 3 may have two or more spray ports, and be configured such that the cleaning liquid sprayed from at least one spray port contacts the outside of the opening D of the container B. This improves the cleaning force and efficiency of the cleaning machine 1.

[0060] (Other implementation methods)

[0061] The above embodiments were primarily described for beverage containers. However, the technology of this embodiment can be applied to containers for any purpose.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the nozzle 3 has a circular orifice. However, the nozzle 3 can also have a slit orifice. This allows for suppression of mechanical force reduction and enables cleaning of a larger area inside the container B in a shorter time.

[0063] This disclosure can be used in cleaning machines for cleaning containers, etc.

Claims

1. A cleaning machine, wherein, This cleaning machine has the following features: A retaining part configured to hold the container such that the opening of the container is lower than the bottom surface of the container; and The nozzle has two or more spray holes to spray a cleaning solution for cleaning the container. The nozzle is configured such that the cleaning fluid ejected from at least one of the nozzle's spray ports contacts the inner surface of the container, and that the cleaning fluid ejected from at least another spray port of the nozzle contacts the outer surface of the container's opening. The nozzle is rotated about a vertical axis by bringing the cleaning fluid ejected from at least one of the nozzle's nozzle ports into contact with the outside of the container's opening.

2. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle has a helical structure.

3. The cleaning machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The container or the nozzle is capable of rotating about a vertical axis under the action of a force or an electric driving force acting on the container or the nozzle by spraying the cleaning fluid from the nozzle.

4. The cleaning machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The container has a shoulder. The cleaning fluid sprayed from at least one of the nozzles contacts the inner surface of the container at a position higher than the shoulder.

5. The cleaning machine according to claim 4, wherein, The cleaning fluid ejected from at least one of the nozzles contacts the inner surface of the container at or below the shoulder.

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