Cleaning machine for cleaning empty containers suitable for being filled with pourable products

Abstract

The present application describes a cleaning machine (1) configured to clean empty containers (2) adapted to be filled with pourable products, the cleaning machine (1) comprising: a conveying device (4) configured to convey a plurality of containers (2) in an advancing direction along a cleaning path (P); at least one pot (7) for holding a cleaning medium, a cleaning path (P) within the pot (7) extending along the pot (7); and a hollow channel (11) extending through the pot (7) and fluidly isolated from the pot (7); the washing machine (1) further comprises a pair of extraction means (12a, 12b) arranged in fluid communication with the pot (7), fluidly isolated from the hollow channel (11), and configured to detach / remove the label from the container (2) advancing in the pot (7) and to receive the detached / removed label, thereby extracting the label from the pot (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a washing machine for washing (and cleaning) empty containers suitable for being filled with a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product. Background Art

[0002] Washing machines are known which are configured to wash and clean containers, typically used containers which have been emptied of the pourable product they are adapted to contain, upstream of filling and labelling machines, in which the containers are respectively filled with the pourable product and labeled with a corresponding label.

[0003] An example of a cleaning machine is known for example from EP-A-2727660 in the name of the same applicant.

[0004] Typical cleaning machines of the above types basically include:

[0005] - cleaning channel;

[0006] - an endless chain conveyor that propels the containers along a closed cleaning path that extends inside the cleaning tunnel from the entry station to the exit station;

[0007] a feeding system for feeding the containers to be processed to the chain conveyor; and

[0008] - A plurality of successive treatment zones, arranged between the inlet station and the outlet station, intersecting the cleaning path, and through which the chain conveyor propels the containers.

[0009] In detail, the chain conveyor comprises a plurality of beams to which a feeding system feeds corresponding rows of containers at an inlet station.

[0010] In more detail, each beam comprises a plurality of aligned pockets organized into respective rows, each pocket being configured to receive one container to be processed at a time, to convey such container from an inlet station through a cleaning channel and along a cleaning path to an outlet station, and to deliver a respective cleaned container at the outlet station.

[0011] More precisely, each beam discharges a respective cleaned container at an exit station and then returns along a return path to an entry station where it receives a new empty container to be cleaned.

[0012] According to the advancing direction of the container along the cleaning path and in the cleaning channel, the treatment zone comprises in sequence: a pre-cleaning zone, at least a first cleaning zone and a second cleaning zone, and a plurality of consecutive rinsing zones.

[0013] The pre-cleaning zone, the first cleaning zone and the second cleaning zone include respective cleaning baths defined by respective tanks filled with cleaning chemicals and through which the containers are advanced.

[0014] Each rinsing zone comprises several rinsing baths filled with rinsing liquid and / or spraying devices for directing a spray of rinsing liquid to a container.

[0015] Typically, the container needs to be processed through the cleaning zone for a relatively long time and at a relatively high temperature to effectively strip away most of the encrusted dirt piles, especially the heavily settled dirt piles at the bottom of the container itself.

[0016] This can result in higher energy consumption or longer cleaning times.

[0017] In order to reduce energy consumption and / or cleaning time, it has been proposed, for example in WO-A-2020119958 in the name of the same applicant, to use ultrasound to assist the cleaning process.

[0018] In short, ultrasonic waves propagate in water, and more generally, propagate in a medium in a relatively periodic motion relative to the medium itself, causing local micro-regions within the medium to periodically transition from a decompressed state to a pressurized state.

[0019] During decompression conditions, the air dissolved in the medium tends to form numerous microbubbles, which burst when the pressure increases, thereby releasing energy.

[0020] This energy can be used to deagglomerate the aforementioned encrusted dirt piles, making cleaning the container significantly easier, requiring less energy and / or less time.

[0021] The need to extract labels from cans during the above-mentioned cleaning operations is known in the art.

[0022] To this end, WO-A-2020119958 discloses suction devices, each of which is arranged at the bottom of a tank defining an associated cleaning bath.

[0023] Specifically, each suction device is configured to suck labels removed from containers during cleaning bath washing in the first cleaning zone or the second cleaning zone, and the labels settle to the bottom of the can due to gravity and due to the pushing effect applied by the chain conveyor.

[0024] Although the known cleaning machines are functionally effective, the Applicant has observed that they still leave room for further improvement, particularly with regard to the effectiveness of removing labels from containers during cleaning of the containers. Summary of the invention

[0025] It is therefore an object of the present application to provide a cleaning machine designed to meet the above-mentioned needs in a straightforward and low-cost manner.

[0026] This object is achieved by a cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Non-limiting embodiments of the present application will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic side elevational view, partially cut away, of a cleaning machine according to the present application, with parts removed for clarity; and

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged side view of a portion of a cleaning machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] refer to Figure 1 , numeral 1 denotes a cleaning machine as a whole, which is configured to clean empty containers 2 suitable for being filled with pourable products, preferably pourable foods such as beer, wine, water, juice, soft drinks, milk, etc.

[0031] In particular, the container 2 is defined by a corresponding empty bottle (for example a returnable glass bottle) intended to be filled with a pourable product.

[0032] The cleaning machine 1 comprises:

[0033] a washing channel 3 into which the empty containers 2 are fed and cleaned accordingly; and

[0034] A conveying device 4 configured to convey a plurality of containers 2 along a cleaning path P in a forward direction.

[0035] Preferably, the conveying device includes a chain conveyor 4, which is used to make the container 2 advance along a closed loop cleaning path P in the cleaning channel 3 so as to convey the container 2 from one end of the channel 3 along a general direction D to the other end, preferably along a horizontal direction relative to gravity.

[0036] In detail, the chain conveyor 4 is of the type described in WO-A-2020119958 and comprises:

[0037] - a pair of chains (not shown), elongated parallel to the path P and parallel to each other; and

[0038] a plurality of subsequent conveyor beams (not shown) extending between the chains transversely to the chains and to the path P and, in more detail, perpendicularly to the chains and to the path P.

[0039] In particular, each beam comprises a row of pockets (not shown) aligned perpendicularly to the path P and configured to receive a respective container 2 .

[0040] In this way, the containers 2 carried by the respective beams are aligned perpendicularly to the path P and are respectively contained in the respective pockets.

[0041] The cleaning machine 1 also comprises a supply system 5 of known type (only Figure 1 ), the supply system 5 is used to supply a series of empty containers 2 along the direction D and at the inlet station 1 of the washing channel 3. Conveniently, the containers 2 are supplied by the supply system 5 along the direction D, and the containers 2 supplied along the direction D are arranged in rows perpendicular to the path.

[0042] In use, the frontmost container 2 of each row of containers 2 is transferred by the feed system 5 to a corresponding pocket of a beam travelling at the inlet station 1 .

[0043] The cleaning machine 1 also comprises an output conveyor 6 which receives the rows of cleaned containers 2 from the chain conveyor 4 at the outlet station O of the cleaning tunnel 3 .

[0044] Given the above, path P consists of:

[0045] a washing branch Q extending from the inlet station I to the outlet station O and along which the containers 2 are advanced by means of a chain conveyor 4; and

[0046] a return branch R extending from the exit station O to the entry station I and defining a return zone through which the beam returns towards the entry station I after having discharged the container 2 .

[0047] According to the above-mentioned advancing direction of the container 2 along the path P, the cleaning machine 1 includes in sequence along the cleaning branch Q:

[0048] - Pre-cleaning zone P1;

[0049] - First clean zone C1;

[0050] - preferably, a second cleaning zone C2; ​​and

[0051] - Final rinse zone H1.

[0052] In the present disclosure, for the sake of clarity, terms like “upstream” and “downstream” are intended to refer to the direction of advancement of the container 2 along the path P throughout the specification and claims.

[0053] The operation of the cleaning machine 1 in the pre-cleaning zone P1 , the second cleaning zone C2 and the final rinsing zone H1 is well known, for example from WO-A-2020119958, and will therefore not be described in detail here.

[0054] Reference will be made below to the first cleaning zone C1.

[0055] In the first cleaning zone C1 , the cleaning machine 1 comprises corresponding tanks 7 for holding corresponding cleaning media or agents.

[0056] In detail, the tank 7 is filled with a cleaning agent which, in use, is brought to a temperature higher than that in the pre-cleaning zone P1 , for example between 65° C. and 80° C., so that the dirt on the advancing container 2 is completely removed.

[0057] In more detail, the path P, and in particular the portion of the washing branch Q, extends inside and along the canister 7 .

[0058] The tank 7 thus defines a cleaning (hot) bath of the washing machine 1 for cleaning the containers 2 .

[0059] Preferably, the pre-cleaning zone P1 and the second cleaning zone C2 comprise respective tanks 8 , 10 filled with cleaning agents at different respective temperatures (according to known, not described herein) defining respective further cleaning baths of the cleaning machine 1 .

[0060] Conveniently, the cleaning agent filling each canister 7, 8, 10 comprises a respective alkaline aqueous solution, in particular the alkaline aqueous solution comprises sodium hydroxide.

[0061] like Figure 1 and in more detail as shown in Figure 2 As shown in , the cleaning machine 1 comprises a hollow channel 11 which extends through the canister 7 and is fluidically isolated from the canister 7 .

[0062] Specifically, the path P, in particular the cleaning branch Q, has an inlet section Q1 inside the tank 7 for advancing the container 2 in the tank 7 and an outlet section Q2 for removing the container 2 from the tank 7 .

[0063] Conveniently, the hollow passage 11 extends through the pot 7 in such a way as to be interposed between the inlet section Q1 and the outlet section Q2 .

[0064] Conveniently, the hollow passage 11 defines a passage (eg an inspection and / or maintenance passage) accessible by a service operator OP from outside the cleaning machine 1 .

[0065] More specifically, the size of the hollow passage 11 enables an operator OP, ie, a person of normal size, to fit in and perform inspection and / or maintenance operations in the hollow passage 11 .

[0066] Due to the presence of the hollow passage 11 , inspection and / or maintenance of components located at and near the canister 7 is facilitated and improved.

[0067] According to the preferred embodiment shown, the hollow channel 11 is blind, ie its inlet corresponds to its outlet.

[0068] Therefore, the inspection and / or maintenance passage defined by the hollow passage 11 is a blind passage or a blind hole, and is not a through passage or a through hole.

[0069] Alternatively, the hollow passage 11 is defined by a through hole, ie the hollow passage extends through the pot-like member 7 from one side to the other side.

[0070] Advantageously, the cleaning machine 1 further comprises a pair of extraction devices 12a, 12b, which are arranged to be fluidically connected to the can 7, fluidly isolated from the hollow channel 11, and configured to remove / remove labels (not shown) from the container 2 advancing in the can 7 during use, and to receive the removed / removed labels, thereby extracting such labels from the can 7 (and from the cleaning machine 1).

[0071] Specifically, the pair of extraction devices includes: a first extraction device 12a arranged downstream of the entrance section Q1 relative to the advancing direction along the path P, and a second extraction device 12b arranged downstream of the first extraction device 12a and upstream of the exit section Q2.

[0072] As in Figure 2 As shown in detail in FIG. 1 , the pot-shaped element 7 has an open annular cross section with a substantially U-shaped contour surrounding the hollow channel 11 .

[0073] In detail, the inlet section Q1 and the outlet section Q2 extend respectively along the two free arms of the U-shaped profile.

[0074] In more detail, the path P has inside the canister 7 an extraction section Q3 connecting the inlet section Q1 and the outlet section Q2 to each other and extending along the bottom part of the U-shaped profile arranged between the two free arms, ie at the bottom part of the canister 7 .

[0075] Conveniently, the extraction devices 12a, 12b are arranged at the extraction section Q3.

[0076] This configuration is particularly advantageous because the labels can also be removed before reaching the first extraction device 12a, for example due to the high temperature of the cleaning agent in the can 7. Therefore, by arranging the extraction devices 12a, 12b at the bottom part of the can 7, the labels that have been removed in advance reach this bottom part due to gravity and can be easily extracted at this bottom part.

[0077] As in Figure 2 As shown in detail in FIG. 1 , each extraction device 12a, 12b comprises:

[0078] an extraction duct 13 extending through the canister 7, inserted between the canister 7 and the hollow passage 11 and configured to receive said detached / removed label from the canister 7 and to extract it from the washing machine 1; and

[0079] - an inlet conduit 14 configured to feed a removal fluid, preferably a high pressure and / or high velocity removal fluid, such as water or a cleaning medium, into the canister 7 at the extraction section Q3 to separate / remove labels from the containers 2 advancing along the extraction section Q3 itself in use.

[0080] More specifically, each inlet duct 14 is associated with a respective extraction duct 13 and is arranged opposite this extraction duct 13 with respect to the extraction section Q3 so as to guide the removal fluid through the canister 7 into this extraction duct 13 .

[0081] More specifically, the cleaning machine 1 comprises pumping means 15 (shown only schematically in the drawings) for feeding the removal fluid into the inlet duct 14, preferably at high pressure and / or high velocity.

[0082] In one embodiment, the pumping device 15 is configured to recirculate the cleaning medium through the inlet conduit 14 and within the canister 7 .

[0083] Conveniently, the pumping device 15 is arranged at the aforementioned bottom part of the U-shaped profile, that is, at the bottom part of the tank 7, and in particular, the pumping device 15 is arranged in the housing 16 adjacent to the said bottom part of the tank 7 (and below the bottom part of the tank 7), and therefore adjacent to the extraction section Q3.

[0084] Therefore, each inlet pipe 14 is configured to convey the removal fluid from the pumping device 15 to the relevant extraction pipe 13 through the tank 7 (in particular through the bottom part of the tank 7), so that the removal fluid contacts and cooperates with the container 2 to remove the label during use, and guides the removed label to the relevant extraction pipe 13.

[0085] In other words, the container 2 advances sequentially between the inlet duct 14 and the extraction duct 13 of each extraction device 12a, 12b.

[0086] Due to this particular configuration of the extraction devices 12a, 12b, the labels are actively removed under the action of the removal fluid supplied through the inlet duct 14 and then extracted through the extraction duct 13 after being guided into the extraction duct 13 by the same action of the removal fluid. In this way, complete removal of the labels from the container 2 is ensured.

[0087] Advantageously, the pot 7 is shaped so that the U-shaped profile comprises two lobes 17a, 17b at the aforementioned bottom portion, which define the opposite ends of the respective bends of the extraction section Q3, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 Specifically shown in.

[0088] In other words, the pot-shaped member 7 has a substantially U-shaped, curved and protruding profile at the bottom.

[0089] Advantageously, each extraction duct 13 extends through a respective projection 17 a , 17 b , such that each projection 17 a , 17 b extends around a respective extraction duct 13 , in particular partially around a respective extraction duct 13 .

[0090] In view of the above, each inlet duct 14 is arranged relative to a relative projection 17a, 17b in a position opposite to the extraction duct 13 associated with the inlet duct 14 itself.

[0091] Due to the above configuration, the first cleaning zone C1 and thus the cleaning machine 1:

[0092] - Due to the projections 17a, 17b, a longer cleaning bath of the container 2 is ensured in the tank 7 with the same occupied space;

[0093] - Has a compact, slender and simpler structure, since the extraction duct 13 extends through the projections 17a, 17b, while leaving space to include the hollow channel 11, thereby also ensuring easy inspection and maintenance.

[0094] In use, the container 2 in the can 7 and moving along the can 7 is first conveyed along the inlet section Q1 and then along the extraction section Q3, the label of the container 2 is removed at the extraction section Q3 and then the label of the container 2 is extracted, and finally the container 2 is conveyed along the outlet section Q2, and the container 2 leaves the can 7 through the outlet section Q2.

[0095] Thus, the hollow channel 11 has a quadrilateral shape, preferably substantially rectangular, and is surrounded by the pot 7 at least at three of its sides.

[0096] Conveniently, the cleaning machine 1 comprises at least one ultrasonic generator 18a, 18b, which is connected to the tank 7, arranged adjacent to the path P extending in the tank 7, and configured to propagate ultrasonic waves through the cleaning medium so that the container 2 can be subjected to ultrasonic cleaning during its advancement through the tank 7.

[0097] In detail, the generators 18a, 18b are of the type described in WO-A-2020119958 and comprise a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (not shown) which are conveniently plate-shaped and configured to convert electrical energy into ultrasound and are arranged sequentially adjacent to and parallel to each other along the inlet section Q1 and / or the outlet section Q2.

[0098] In more detail, the generator 18a, 18b comprises:

[0099] a first generator member 18a arranged adjacent the inlet section Q1 to propagate ultrasonic waves towards the container 2 advancing on the inlet section Q1 , in use; and

[0100] - a second generator member 18b arranged adjacent the outlet section Q2 to propagate ultrasonic waves towards the container 2 advancing on the outlet section Q2, in use.

[0101] The ultrasonic transducer preferably emits ultrasonic waves having a range of at least 350 mm and a frequency between 25 kHz and 28 kHz.

[0102] Preferably, the cleaning machine 1 comprises a power generator (not shown) for supplying electric energy to the generators 18a, 18b and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the power generator.

[0103] Conveniently, the generator 18a, 18b comprises a serviceable portion accessible from the hollow passage 11, enabling an operator OP to perform maintenance operations on the generator 18a, 18b.

[0104] More specifically, the cleaning machine 1 preferably comprises a compartment 19, which is at least selectively connected to the hollow passage 11, and the maintainable part is accommodated in the compartment 19, so that the operator OP can perform the maintenance operation on the maintainable part by approaching the compartment 19 from the hollow passage 11, such as Figure 2 Schematically shown in FIG.

[0105] Advantageously, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pot-shaped member 7 has a substantially symmetrical configuration relative to its center plane C, more specifically, a substantially symmetrical configuration relative to the center position C of the U-shaped profile.

[0106] Specifically, the protrusions 17a, 17b are arranged on opposite sides of the center plane C at respective positions symmetrical with respect to the center plane C itself.

[0107] The central plane C is perpendicular to said direction D.

[0108] The Applicant has observed that such a structure ensures a more ergonomic configuration of the hollow channel 11, thereby improving the working conditions of the operator OP, for example during maintenance, since the components are arranged at substantially equal distances from the hollow channel 11. In addition, the structure of the cleaning machine 1 is simpler and more compact.

[0109] The operation of the cleaning machine 1 will now be briefly described.

[0110] The feed system 5 advances the rows of containers 2 to be cleaned in a manner parallel to the direction D towards the cleaning channel 3 .

[0111] Suitably positioned containers 2 are arranged with their respective longitudinal axes perpendicular to path P.

[0112] The beam of the chain conveyor 4 retracts (or supplies) the corresponding row of containers 2 at the entrance station 1, pushes the containers 2 along the cleaning branch Q in the cleaning channel 3, discharges the rows of cleaned containers 2 onto the output conveyor 6 at the exit station O, and returns along the return branch R without containers 2.

[0113] In detail, the containers 2 of each row are first carried by the corresponding bags through the pre-cleaning zone P1 , then through the first cleaning zone C1 , then through the second cleaning zone C2 , and then through the rinsing zone H1 .

[0114] From the foregoing description, the advantages of the cleaning machine 1 according to the present application will be clear.

[0115] In particular, the presence of two extraction devices 12a, 12b in the above-described particular arrangement ensures a complete removal of the label from the container 2, while the presence of the hollow passage 11 provides an easy and straightforward inspection and / or maintenance.

[0116] The particular configuration of the canister 7, i.e. its substantially U-shaped configuration with two projections 17a, 17b, provides for a longer bathing time while occupying the same space within the channel 3. In addition, the particular position of the extraction conduit 13, which is substantially surrounded or "bounded" by the projections 17a, 17b, provides for a slender and compact structure.

[0117] However, it is obvious that changes may be made to the washing machine 1 as described herein without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning machine (1) configured to clean empty containers (2) suitable for being filled with a pourable product, the cleaning machine (1) comprising: - a conveying device (4) configured to convey a plurality of containers (2) in a forward direction along a cleaning path (P); - at least one pot (7) for holding a cleaning medium, said cleaning path (P) extending inside and along said pot (7); as well as - a hollow passage (11) extending through the can (7) and being fluidically isolated from the can (7); The cleaning machine (1) further comprises a pair of extraction devices (12a, 12b), wherein the extraction devices (12a, 12b) are arranged to be fluidically connected to the can (7), fluidically isolated from the hollow channel (11), and configured to remove / remove labels from the container (2) advancing in the can (7), and to receive the removed / removed labels, thereby extracting the labels from the can (7).

2. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein: The cleaning path (P) has an inlet section (Q1) and an outlet section (Q2) in the can (7), the inlet section (Q1) being used to advance the container (2) in the can (7), and the outlet section (Q2) being used to remove the container (2) from the can (7), and the hollow channel (11) extending through the can (7) in a manner interposed between the inlet section (Q1) and the outlet section (Q2); as well as Wherein, the pair of extraction devices include: a first extraction device (12a) arranged downstream of the inlet section (Q1) relative to the forward direction along the cleaning path (P); and a second extraction device (12b) arranged downstream of the first extraction device (12a) and upstream of the outlet section (Q2).

3. The cleaning machine according to claim 2, wherein: The can (7) has an open annular cross section having a substantially U-shaped profile around the hollow channel (11), the inlet section (Q1) and the outlet section (Q2) extending along two free arms of the U-shaped profile, the cleaning path (P) having an extraction section (Q3) inside the can (7), the extraction section (Q3) connecting the inlet section (Q1) and the outlet section (Q2) to each other, and extending along a bottom portion of the U-shaped profile arranged between the two free arms; as well as Wherein, the extraction device (12a, 12b) is arranged at the extraction section (Q3).

4. The cleaning machine according to claim 3, wherein: The pot (7) is shaped so that the U-shaped profile comprises two projections (17a, 17b) at the bottom portion, the two projections (17a, 17b) defining respective curved opposite ends of the extraction section (Q3) outlet section; wherein each extraction device (12a, 12b) comprises an extraction pipe (13), the extraction pipe (13) extending through the can (7), inserted between the can (7) and the hollow passage (11), and configured to receive the detached / removed label from the can (7) and extract the detached / removed label from the cleaning machine (1); and Each extraction conduit (13) extends through a corresponding protrusion (17a, 17b), so that each protrusion (17a, 17b) extends around a corresponding extraction conduit (13).

5. The cleaning machine according to claim 4, wherein: Each extraction device (12a, 12b) further comprises an inlet conduit (14) configured to supply a removal fluid into the canister (7) at the extraction section (Q3) to detach / remove the label from the container (2) advancing along the extraction section (Q3) in use; Each inlet duct (14) is associated with a respective extraction duct (13) and is arranged opposite the extraction duct (13) relative to the extraction section (Q3) to guide the removal fluid through the tank (7) into the extraction duct (13).

6. The cleaning machine according to claim 5, wherein: Each inlet duct (14) is arranged relative to a relative projection (17a, 17b) in a position opposite to the extraction duct (13) associated with the inlet duct (14) itself.

7. A cleaning machine according to claim 5 or 6, comprising pumping means (15) for supplying the removal fluid into the inlet duct (14); Each inlet conduit (14) is configured to convey the removal fluid from the pumping device (15) to the associated extraction conduit (13) through the canister (7), so that the removal fluid cooperates in contact with the container (2) to remove the label in use and direct the removed label to the extraction conduit (13).

8. A cleaning machine according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein: The hollow passage (11) has a quadrilateral shape, and the hollow passage (11) is surrounded by the pot-shaped member (7) at least at three sides of the hollow passage (11).

9. A cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The hollow passage (11) defines a passage accessible by a maintenance operator (OP) from outside the cleaning machine (1).

10. A cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one ultrasonic generator (18a, 18b), which is connected to the tank (7), arranged adjacent to the cleaning path (P), and configured to propagate ultrasonic waves through the cleaning medium so that the container (2) can undergo ultrasonic cleaning treatment during the advancement of the container (2) through the tank (7).

11. A cleaning machine according to claims 9 and 10, wherein: The ultrasonic generator (18a, 18b) comprises a maintainable portion which is accessible from the passage (11) so that the maintenance operator (OP) can perform maintenance operations on the ultrasonic generator (18a, 18b).

12. A cleaning machine according to claims 2 and 10, wherein: The ultrasonic generator comprises: - a first generator member (18a) arranged adjacent to said inlet section (Q1) for transmitting, in use, ultrasonic waves towards said container (2) advancing on said inlet section (Q1); and - a second generator member (18b) arranged adjacent to said outlet section (Q2) to transmit, in use, ultrasonic waves towards said container (2) advancing on said outlet section (Q2).

13. A cleaning machine according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a compartment (19) at least selectively communicating with the passage (11); in, The maintainable part is accommodated in the compartment (19) so that the maintenance operator (OP) can perform the maintenance operation on the maintainable part by accessing the compartment (19) from the passage (11).

14. The cleaning machine according to claim 3, wherein: The pot-shaped member (7) has a generally symmetrical configuration relative to a central plane (C) of the U-shaped profile.

15. A cleaning machine according to claims 4 and 14, wherein: The protrusions (17a, 17b) are arranged on opposite sides of the central plane (C) at respective positions symmetrical with respect to the central plane (C) itself.

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