Container cleaning device for cleaning containers

Abstract

A container cleaning apparatus for cleaning containers, comprising a first treatment zone for heating the containers by applying a first liquid, a second treatment zone for cooling the containers by applying a second liquid, the second treatment zone being arranged downstream of the first treatment zone with respect to a transport direction of the containers, and a circulation device, the first treatment zone comprises at least two treatment sub-zones through which the first liquid can be circulated by means of a circulation device, and wherein the circulation device is connected to the second treatment zone via a thermal coupling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a container cleaning device for cleaning containers according to independent claim 1 and a corresponding method according to independent claim 9 . Background Art

[0002] Container cleaning devices are known from the prior art.

[0003] Typically, at the start of the cleaning process, the containers are first heated in the container inlet area, then cleaned in a special cleaning basin, and finally cooled again in the container outlet area. Furthermore, it is known to utilize the heat released during cooling of the containers in the container outlet area to heat the containers in the container inlet area, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the container cleaning system. To achieve this, prior art container cleaning systems often provide a water cascade, wherein fresh water flows through the container cleaning system counter to the direction of container transport. As the fresh water flows through the container outlet area and through the tempering container, it is heated and can release this heat back to the containers entering the container cleaning system in the container inlet area.

[0004] A disadvantage of the tank cleaning systems known from the prior art is that the fresh water supply can usually only be heated to approximately 60° C., since, depending on the hardness of the fresh water, at higher temperatures, significant lime deposits can be expected in the areas through which the fresh water flows. Furthermore, the continuous flow of the tank cleaning system is accompanied by a significant consumption of fresh water. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Purpose

[0006] Starting from the known prior art, the technical problem to be solved is to specify a container cleaning device with the aid of which the containers can be cleaned in a particularly energy- and resource-efficient manner.

[0007] Solution

[0008] This object is achieved by a container cleaning device for cleaning containers according to independent claim 1 and a method for cleaning containers according to independent claim 9. Preferred developments are given in the dependent claims.

[0009] The container cleaning device for cleaning containers according to the present invention comprises a first treatment zone for heating the container by applying a first liquid, a second treatment zone for cooling the container by applying a second liquid, and a circulation device, wherein the second treatment zone is arranged downstream of the first treatment zone with respect to the transport direction of the container, and the first treatment zone comprises at least two treatment sub-zones, wherein the first liquid can be circulated through the at least two treatment sub-zones by means of the circulation device, wherein the circulation device is connected to the second treatment zone via a thermal coupling.

[0010] The container may be a bottle, a can, or the like used in the beverage industry. However, any other type of container can also be cleaned with the container cleaning device. For example, the container may also be a can, a cup, a tube, or any other type of container suitable for receiving a liquid or pasty medium, as used in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, food, or beverage industry.

[0011] Applying can be understood, for example, as spraying or impinging a container with the first or second liquid. For example, the container can be sprayed with the first liquid in a first treatment zone and sprayed with the second liquid in a second treatment zone. Furthermore, applying can also be understood as guiding the container through an immersion bath filled with the first or second liquid. Furthermore, applying can include a combination of the aforementioned application types. For example, the container can be sprayed with the first liquid in a first treatment zone and guided through an immersion bath filled with the second liquid in a second treatment zone. Any other combination of the aforementioned application types is also conceivable.

[0012] The container cleaning device can be configured, for example, as a single-ended container cleaning machine, wherein the first and second treatment zones each comprise a spray zone. Furthermore, for example, the container cleaning device can be configured as a double-ended container cleaning machine, wherein the first treatment zone comprises a spray zone and the second treatment zone comprises an immersion bath.

[0013] The first and second liquids may comprise water or consist of water. Water may also be demineralized water. However, the first or second liquid may also be any other liquid suitable for heating or cooling the container.

[0014] By circulating the first liquid through the at least two treatment subzones, the container can be gradually heated during transport through the at least two treatment subzones, without requiring a continuous supply of fresh water. This allows for particularly energy-efficient heating of the container. Furthermore, resources are conserved and scale deposits are prevented. Furthermore, due to the thermal coupling of the circulation device to the second treatment zone, the heat released during cooling of the container in the second treatment zone can be used to heat the first liquid, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the container cleaning system.

[0015] In one embodiment, the at least two treatment subzones may be arranged along the transport direction of the container, and the circulation device may be configured to circulate the first liquid through the at least two treatment subzones in a direction counter to the transport direction of the container. Thus, the container can be gradually heated in a particularly efficient manner during transport through the at least two treatment subzones.

[0016] It may be provided that each of the at least two treatment sub-zones includes at least one nozzle for applying the first liquid to the container and a collecting device for collecting the first liquid applied to the container, and the circulation device is configured to remove the collected first liquid from the first treatment sub-zone of the at least two treatment sub-zones and resupply the collected first liquid to the second treatment sub-zone of the at least two treatment sub-zones. Thus, the first liquid applied to the container in the first treatment sub-zone can be collected and can be applied to the container again in the second treatment sub-zone.

[0017] In one refinement, the first treatment subzone may be arranged upstream of the second treatment subzone relative to the direction of transport of the containers, and a first temperature of the first liquid before being applied to the containers in the first treatment subzone may be lower than a second temperature of the first liquid before being applied to the containers in the second treatment subzone. Thus, the containers in the second treatment subzone can be heated to a higher temperature than in the first treatment subzone.

[0018] In a refinement of the two preceding embodiments, the thermal coupling allows the temperature of the first liquid to be increased after being discharged from the first treatment subzone and before being supplied to the second treatment subzone. Thus, even when the first liquid circulates through at least two treatment subzones, it is possible to ensure that the temperature of the first liquid before being applied to the container in the second treatment subzone is higher than the temperature of the first liquid before being applied to the container in the first treatment subzone.

[0019] The container cleaning device can also be configured such that the thermal coupling includes a first heat exchanger, and the first liquid can be circulated through the first heat exchanger via the circulation device. By means of the heat exchanger, the heat released in the second treatment zone during container cooling can be used in a particularly efficient manner to heat the first liquid circulated through the circulation device.

[0020] In one refinement, the thermal coupling may include at least two heat exchangers, and the container cleaning apparatus may include a second circulation device, wherein the second circulation device may be configured to circulate a heat exchange medium through the second heat exchanger, and the second circulation device may include a heat pump, wherein the circulation device may be thermally connected to the second circulation device via the first heat exchanger. By providing the second circulation device with a heat pump and two heat exchangers, the temperature of the first liquid circulated through the circulation device by the thermal coupling can be further increased compared to an embodiment including a heat exchanger, thereby achieving stronger heating of the container in the first treatment zone.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be provided that the circulation device comprises filtering means and / or means for preventing stone formation in the first liquid. Thus, contamination of the circulation device and the first treatment zone by contamination and unwanted scale deposits can be prevented.

[0022] According to the present invention, a method for cleaning containers in a container cleaning device is also provided, wherein the container cleaning device includes a first treatment zone for heating the container by applying a first liquid, a second treatment zone for cooling the container by applying a second liquid, and a circulation device, wherein the second treatment zone is arranged downstream of the first treatment zone with respect to the transport direction of the container, and the first treatment zone includes at least two treatment sub-zones, and the first liquid is to be circulated through the at least two treatment sub-zones by means of the circulation device, and the circulation device is connected to the second treatment zone via thermal coupling.

[0023] By circulating the first liquid through the two treatment sub-zones, the containers in at least two treatment sub-zones can be gradually heated without requiring a continuous supply of fresh water. Consequently, the containers can be heated by the first liquid in a particularly energy-efficient manner, and scale deposits can be prevented. Furthermore, the heat released in the second treatment zone can be used to heat the first liquid, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the container cleaning system.

[0024] In one embodiment of the method, at least two treatment subzones may be arranged along the transport direction of the container, and the first liquid may be circulated through the at least two treatment subzones counter to the transport direction of the container by means of a circulation device. Thus, the container can be gradually heated in a particularly efficient manner during transport through the at least two treatment subzones.

[0025] Furthermore, it may be provided that each of the at least two treatment sub-zones includes at least one nozzle for applying the first liquid to the container and a collecting device for collecting the first liquid applied to the container, and the collected first liquid is removed from the first treatment sub-zone of the at least two treatment sub-zones by the circulation device and resupplied to the second treatment sub-zone of the at least two treatment sub-zones. Thus, the first liquid applied to the container in the first treatment sub-zone can be collected and can be applied to the container again in the second treatment sub-zone.

[0026] In one refinement, the first treatment subzone may be arranged upstream of the second treatment subzone relative to the direction of transport of the containers, and a first temperature of the first liquid before being applied to the containers in the first treatment subzone is lower than a second temperature of the first liquid before being applied to the containers in the second treatment subzone. Thus, the containers in the second treatment subzone can be heated to a higher temperature than in the first treatment subzone.

[0027] In a refinement of one of the two aforementioned embodiments, the temperature of the first liquid discharged from the first treatment subzone can be increased by thermal coupling before being resupplied to the second treatment subzone. Therefore, even when the first liquid circulates through at least two treatment subzones, the temperature of the first liquid before being applied to the container in the second treatment subzone can be ensured to be higher than the temperature of the first liquid before being applied to the container in the first treatment subzone.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that the thermal coupling can include a first heat exchanger, and that the first liquid is circulated through the first heat exchanger by the circulation device. By means of the heat exchanger, the heat released in the second treatment zone during cooling of the container can be used in a particularly efficient manner to heat the first liquid circulated by the circulation device.

[0029] In one refinement, the thermal coupling may include at least two heat exchangers, the container cleaning apparatus may include a second circulation device, the heat exchange medium may be circulated through the second heat exchanger by means of the second circulation device, the second circulation device may include a heat pump, and the circulation device may be thermally connected to the second circulation device via the first heat exchanger. By providing the second circulation device with a heat pump and two heat exchangers, the temperature of the first liquid circulated through the circulation device by the thermal coupling can be further increased compared to an embodiment including a heat exchanger, thereby achieving stronger heating of the container in the first treatment zone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 A container cleaning device for cleaning a container according to an embodiment is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 A container cleaning device for cleaning a container according to another embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Figure 1 A container cleaning device 100 for cleaning a container 101 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0033] According to the invention, the container cleaning device 101 comprises a first treatment zone 110 for heating the container 101 by applying a first liquid 107, and a second treatment zone 112 for cooling the container 101 by applying a second liquid 104. According to the invention, it is also provided that the first treatment zone 110 comprises at least two treatment subzones 116, 117, and that the second treatment zone 112 is arranged downstream of the first treatment zone 110 with respect to the transport direction 115 of the container 101.

[0034] Applying can be understood as, for example, spraying the container with the first / second liquid or impacting the container. In addition, applying can also be understood as guiding the container through an immersion bath filled with the first / second liquid. In addition, applying can be provided including a combination of the types of application just described.

[0035] In combination Figure 1 In the described embodiment, the first / second treatment zones 110, 112 are configured as first / second spraying zones 110, 112, and the two treatment sub-zones 116, 117 are configured as two spraying sub-zones 116, 117. This type of embodiment is to be understood as exemplary.

[0036] For example, it can also be provided that the first / second treatment zone 110 , 112 is configured as an immersion bath zone comprising at least one immersion bath, and the two treatment sub-zones 116 , 117 are each configured as a sub-immersion bath.

[0037] Alternatively, it is also possible to provide for the container to pass through an immersion bath in one of the two treatment zones 110 , 112 and to be sprayed in the other of the two treatment zones 110 , 112 .

[0038] It is also conceivable that the first and / or second treatment zones 110, 112 are configured as combined spray and immersion bath zones. In this case, for example, the first treatment sub-zone of the first treatment zone 110 may comprise a spray zone and the second treatment sub-zone may comprise an immersion bath.

[0039] Any other combination of the above-mentioned application types is also conceivable.

[0040] Figure 1 The container cleaning apparatus 100 shown is configured as a single-end container cleaning machine, wherein the first treatment zone 110 and the second treatment zone 112 comprise spray zones.

[0041] Alternatively, a design of the container cleaning device 100 as a double-ended container cleaning machine is also conceivable, for example, in which the first treatment zone 110 comprises a spray zone and the second treatment zone 112 comprises an immersion bath.

[0042] The container 101 may be a bottle, a can, or the like used in the beverage industry. However, the container cleaning device 100 may also clean any other container. For example, the container 101 may also be a can, a cup, a tube, or any other type of container suitable for receiving a liquid or pasty medium used in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, food, or beverage industries.

[0043] The first liquid 107 and the second liquid 104 can include or consist of water. The water can also be demineralized water. However, this particular configuration of the first liquid 107 and the second liquid 104 should be understood as exemplary, such that the first liquid 107 and the second liquid 104 can also be any other liquid suitable for heating or cooling the container 101.

[0044] In the embodiment shown here, the first treatment zone 110 includes two treatment sub-zones 116, 117 arranged along the transport direction 115 of the container 101. The first treatment sub-zone 116 is arranged upstream of the second treatment sub-zone 117 relative to the transport direction 115 of the container. The design type of the first treatment zone 110 described here with two treatment sub-zones 116, 117 should be understood as exemplary. In alternative embodiments, for example, it is also possible to provide a first treatment zone 110 that includes three, four, five or more treatment sub-zones. By increasing the number of treatment sub-zones in the first treatment zone, the heating process of the container can be designed more efficiently. A transport device 118 can be provided for transporting the container through the container cleaning equipment. For example, the transport device 118 can be a ring-shaped transport vehicle that includes a plurality of bottle units in which the containers can be accommodated and transported through the container cleaning equipment.

[0045] The first treatment zone 110 and the second treatment zone 112 can include at least one spray device 102, 105a, 105b for applying a first liquid 107 and a second liquid 104, respectively, to the container 101. The spray devices 105a, 105b, 102 can include nozzles 106a, 106b, 103 for applying the first liquid 107 and the second liquid 104, respectively, to the container 101 and are configured to apply the first liquid 107 and the second liquid 104, respectively, to both the interior and exterior of the container. To this end, the spray devices 105a, 105b, 102 can, for example, be configured to be movable or include movable subcomponents and can be introduced at least partially into the interior of the container 101 through the container opening. The design types of the spray devices 105a, 105b, 102 just described should be understood as exemplary. In particular, the spray devices 105a, 105b, 102 can also include more than one nozzle or any other component suitable for applying the first liquid to the container.

[0046] Furthermore, the first treatment zone 110 and the second treatment zone 112 may include at least one collecting device 113, 114, 119 for collecting the first liquid 107 and the second liquid 104 applied to the container 101 and dripping from the container. In alternative embodiments, it may also be provided that, for example, separately configured collecting devices 114, 113, 119 for collecting the first liquid 107 and the second liquid 104 dripping from the container are not provided in the first treatment zone 110 and the second treatment zone 112, but rather the first liquid 107 and the second liquid 104 may be collected in the bottom region of the first treatment zone 110 and / or the second treatment zone 112.

[0047] In combination Figure 1In the embodiment discussed herein, the first treatment sub-zone 116 includes a first spraying device 105a and a first collecting device 113, and the second treatment sub-zone 117 includes a second spraying device 105b and a second collecting device 114, wherein the first collecting device 113 and the second collecting device 114 are respectively used to collect the first liquid 107 applied to the container 101 by the first spraying device 105a and the second spraying device 105b. The first collecting device 113 and the second collecting device 114 can be arranged vertically below the container transported through the first treatment sub-zone, so that the first liquid 107 dripping from the container 101 can be collected by the first collecting device 113 and the second collecting device 114. In the embodiment discussed herein, the second treatment zone 112 includes a third spraying device 102 for applying the second liquid 104 to the container 101 transported through the second treatment zone 112, and a third collecting device 119 for collecting the second liquid 104 applied to the container 101.

[0048] This type of design of the first and second treatment zones or two treatment sub-zones is to be understood as exemplary. In particular, one or more spraying devices or one or more collecting devices may also be provided in the first treatment sub-zone or the second treatment sub-zone. In one embodiment, the collecting devices may also be directly integrated into the first treatment sub-zone, the second treatment sub-zone, and / or the bottom region of the second treatment zone.

[0049] An optional container cleaning area 111 can be provided between the first treatment area 110 and the second treatment area 112. In the optional container cleaning area 111, the container 101 can be cleaned by applying a cleaning liquid, such as a cleaning solution. In one embodiment, the container cleaning area can be configured, for example, as an immersion tank. For example, the container cleaning area 111 can include multiple immersion tanks, such as two, three, or more, arranged along the transport direction of the container, through which the container can pass sequentially. The container cleaning area 111 can also include a spraying area in which the cleaning liquid can be sprayed onto the container 101.

[0050] According to the invention, the container cleaning apparatus further comprises a circulation device 108, by means of which the first liquid 107 can be circulated through the at least two treatment subzones 116, 117 of the first treatment zone 110. The circulation device is connected to the second treatment zone via a thermal coupling 109.

[0051] In the embodiment shown here, the first liquid 107 is circulated by a circulation device through the two treatment subzones 116, 117 counter to the transport direction 115 of the containers 101. Thus, a gradual heating of the containers can be achieved as they are transported through the two treatment subzones 116, 117, and the heat contained in the first liquid 107 is used in a particularly efficient manner to heat the containers.

[0052] Since the circulation device 108 is thermally connected to the second treatment zone 112 via the thermal coupling 109, when the second liquid 104 is applied to the container 101, the heat transferred from the hot container 101 to the second liquid 104 in the second treatment zone 112 can also be used to heat the first liquid 107 circulating in the circulation device. Therefore, the energy consumption of the container cleaning equipment can be reduced because no additional heating device is required to heat the first liquid.

[0053] To circulate the first liquid 107 through the two treatment sub-zones 116 and 117, the second collection device 114 can be connected to the first spraying device 105a via a first circulation sub-line 108a, and the first collection device 113 can be connected to the second spraying device 105b via a second circulation sub-line 108b. Thus, the first liquid 107 collected by the second collection device 114 and dripped from the container 101 in the second treatment sub-zone 117 and applied to the container by the second spraying device 105b can be transported to the first spraying device 105a via the first circulation sub-line 108a. Furthermore, the first liquid 107 dripped from the container 101 in the first treatment sub-zone 116 by the first collection device 113 and applied to the container by the first spraying device 105a can be transported back to the second spraying device 105b via the second circulation sub-line 108b. Thus, the first liquid 107 can be circulated through the first and second treatment sub-zones 116, 117 of the first treatment zone 110. The first circulation sub-line 108a and the second circulation sub-line 108b can each include a pumping device for conveying the first liquid along the first and second circulation sub-lines. In an alternative embodiment where the first treatment area 110 includes more than two treatment sub-areas 116, 117, additional treatment sub-areas can be configured corresponding to the first and second treatment sub-areas described above, so that the first liquid can also circulate through more than two treatment sub-areas.

[0054] In combination Figure 1 In the embodiment discussed, a thermal coupling 109 between the circulation device 108 and the second treatment zone 112 is arranged downstream of the first collecting device and upstream of the second spraying device, in the circulation direction of the first liquid at the second circulation sub-line 108b, so as to temper the first liquid 107 after it is discharged from the first collecting device 113 and before the first liquid 107 is supplied to the second spraying device 105b again. Figure 1 The specific type of thermal coupling arrangement shown should be understood as an example. Therefore, the thermal coupling can also be provided at any other location of the circulation device.

[0055] As described above, in the container cleaning apparatus 100, containers introduced into the first treatment zone in an untempered state via the transport device 118, e.g., having a temperature corresponding to the prevailing ambient temperature, are heated in the first treatment zone 110 by the application of the first liquid 107. Thus, the first liquid may have a temperature higher than the container temperature before being sprayed onto the container 101. Since the first liquid 107 circulates through the two treatment subzones 116, 117 counter to the transport direction 115 of the container 101, the container 101 can be gradually heated by the first liquid 107 as it is transported through the two treatment subzones 116, 117. This, in turn, results in the temperature of the first liquid 107 in the first and second treatment subzones 116, 117 gradually decreasing after application to the container.

[0056] On the other hand, in the second treatment zone 112, the temperature of the hot container will be lowered by applying the second liquid. Therefore, before the second liquid 104 is applied to the container 101 in the second treatment zone, the second liquid 104 may have a temperature lower than the temperature of the container 101 introduced into the second treatment zone 112 by the transport device. This in turn causes the temperature of the second liquid 104 to increase after being applied to the container due to the heat absorbed by the hot container.

[0057] Therefore, the heat released when the container 101 is cooled in the second treatment zone 112 can be used to increase the temperature of the first liquid 107 in the circulation device 108 by means of the thermal coupling 109, and then the first liquid 107 is supplied again to the second treatment sub-zone 117 and applied to the container 101 by means of the second spraying device 105b. Therefore, even in the case where the first liquid circulates continuously through the two treatment sub-zones 116 and 117, it can be ensured that the container 101 is gradually heated during transportation through the two treatment sub-zones 116 and 117 without the need for a separately configured heating device.

[0058] As mentioned above, in an alternative embodiment, a plurality of treatment sub-zones may also be provided and the first liquid may be circulated through the plurality of treatment sub-zones, e.g. by means of Figure 1 An embodiment is explained as an example in which the first treatment zone comprises two treatment subzones. In this case, it can be provided, for example, that after the first liquid 107 is discharged from the first outermost treatment subzone of the first treatment zone, it is tempered by means of a thermal coupling 109 before it is supplied again to the second outermost treatment subzone of the first treatment zone, wherein the first outermost treatment subzone can be arranged downstream of the second outermost treatment subzone.

[0059] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the thermal coupling 109 comprises a heat exchanger. In this case, it can be provided that the first liquid is circulated through the first heat exchanger by means of a circulation device in order to temper the first liquid.

[0060] In one embodiment, for example, it may be provided that the heat exchanger is arranged in the second treatment zone, and the second circulation sub-line of the first circulation device at least partially passes through the second treatment zone.

[0061] For example, the second circulation sub-line 108b of the circulation device 108 can be provided to at least partially pass through the third collection device 119 of the second treatment area 112, wherein the second liquid 104 dripping from the container 101 can be collected, for example, before being transported back to the third spraying device 102 of the second treatment area 112 or discharged from the third collection device 119. To improve heat exchange between the first liquid circulated by the circulation device 108 and the second liquid collected in the third collection device 119, for example, the second circulation sub-line 108b can be configured as a spiral in the area where it directly contacts the second liquid collected in the third collection device, so as to achieve the largest possible contact surface with the second liquid and thus achieve the best possible heat exchange. To improve heat exchange between the first liquid and the second liquid, the second circulation sub-line 108b can also be provided to include a metal with good thermal conductivity, such as copper, in the area where it directly contacts the second liquid collected in the third collection device 119.

[0062] However, optionally, the heat exchanger can also be arranged outside the second treatment area 112 and in thermal contact with the second treatment area 112. Thus, for example, it is also possible to provide for the second liquid collected in the third collecting device 119 to be directed to a tank that can also be arranged outside the second treatment area, and for the heat exchanger to be arranged in the tank. In this case, for example, it is possible to provide for the second circulation sub-line 108b to at least partially pass through the tank. It can also be provided that a portion of the second circulation sub-line 108b passing through the tank is configured as a spiral so as to increase the contact surface between a portion of the second circulation sub-line and the second liquid located in the tank, thereby achieving the best possible heat exchange between the first liquid and the second liquid located in the tank. In addition, it is possible to provide for a portion of the second circulation sub-line to include a material with good thermal conductivity, such as copper.

[0063] However, for example, the second circulation sub-line 108b may be provided at least partially in thermal contact with a discharge line, through which the second liquid collected in the third collecting device 119 of the second treatment zone 112 can be discharged from the third collecting device 119. The discharge line may, for example, be connected to the third spraying device 102 so that the second liquid collected by the third collecting device 119 can be reapplied to the container 101 by means of the third spraying device 102. Alternatively, the second liquid 104 collected in the third collecting device 119 may be discharged from the container cleaning device 100 via the discharge line, and fresh water may be supplied to the third spraying device 102. Thus, for example, the discharge line and the second circulation sub-line 108b may be provided at least partially in direct thermal contact with each other. For example, the second circulation sub-line may be guided as a spiral around the discharge line. In this case, the first liquid and the second liquid may flow through the second circulation sub-line 108b and the discharge line in the same direction or in opposite directions. In this case, it may also be provided that the second circulation sub-line 108b and the discharge line include a metal with good thermal conductivity, such as copper, in the region where they are in thermal contact with each other.

[0064] In another embodiment, a circulation device may also be provided that includes a filtering device and / or a device for preventing stone formation. The device for preventing stone formation may be configured as, for example, an ion exchanger. The filtering device may be a conventional filtering device that is configured to filter foreign matter having a specific particle size (e.g., greater than 5 mm, greater than 1 mm, or greater than 0.1 mm) from the first liquid circulated through the circulation device. For example, such foreign matter may be deposited in the container to be cleaned and, when applied to the at least two treatment sub-areas, may be released from the container and enter the first liquid. By providing a filtering device and / or a device for preventing stone formation, clogging of the spraying device, for example, caused by lime or foreign matter, may be prevented, thereby ensuring trouble-free operation of the container cleaning device.

[0065] Figure 2 A container cleaning device 200 for cleaning a container 101 according to another embodiment is shown.

[0066] If already combined Figure 1 As described, according to the present invention, Figure 2 The container cleaning device 200 shown also includes a first treatment zone 110 for heating the containers and a second treatment zone 112 for cooling the containers, wherein the second treatment zone 112 is arranged downstream of the first treatment zone 110 relative to the transport direction 115 of the containers, and the first treatment zone includes at least two treatment sub-zones 116, 117.

[0067] With regard to the design of the first treatment zone 110 with two treatment sub-zones 116, 117 and the second treatment zone 112 as well as the optional container cleaning zone 111 and the optional transport device 118, reference is made to Figure 1 In particular, Figure 2 The design type of the first treatment zone described in with two treatment sub-zones is also to be understood as an example, so that in alternative embodiments the first treatment zone can also comprise three, four, five or more treatment sub-zones.

[0068] If already combined Figure 1 Described in Figure 2 In the embodiment, the first treatment zone 110 is configured as a first spraying zone as an example, the second treatment zone 112 is configured as a second spraying zone as an example, and the treatment sub-zones 116 and 117 are configured as spraying sub-zones as an example. Figure 1 The embodiment of the container cleaning machine 200 is described as a single-end container cleaning machine.

[0069] If already combined Figure 1 As described, the first and second treatment zones 110, 112 can alternatively be configured as immersion bath zones or zones suitable for impact. This also applies to the two treatment sub-zones 116, 117. Any combination of the above-mentioned application types is also conceivable. For further details, reference is made here to the Figure 1 Explanation given.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment of the container cleaning machine 200 as a double-ended container cleaning machine, it can be provided, for example, that the first treatment zone 110 comprises a spray zone and the second treatment zone 112 comprises an immersion bath.

[0071] According to the present invention, combined Figure 2 The container cleaning machine 200 shown is further provided with a circulation device 108, by means of which the first liquid can be circulated through the at least two treatment sub-zones. According to the invention, the circulation device 108 is further connected to the second treatment zone 112 via a thermal coupling.

[0072] Combined with Figure 1 Compared with the container cleaning device 100 shown, Figure 2 The container cleaning machine 200 has an improved thermal coupling and includes two heat exchangers 201 and 205. In the embodiment discussed here, the container cleaning machine 200 also includes a second circulation device 206, which is configured to circulate a heat exchange medium through the second heat exchanger 201 and also includes a heat pump 204. The second circulation device 206 is again connected to the circulation device 108 via the first heat exchanger 205.

[0073] pass Figure 2 The embodiment described in the thermal coupling with two heat exchangers 201, 205 and a heat pump 204 is similar to Figure 1 Compared to the embodiment discussed in , in which only one heat exchanger 109 is provided, a stronger heating of the first liquid in the circulation device 108 can be achieved by thermal coupling.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, the second circulation device 206 can be thermally connected to the second processing area 112 via the second heat exchanger 201. Figure 1 This can be achieved by referring to one of the embodiments discussed above for the heat exchanger 109 of the container cleaning device. For example, in the region of the second heat exchanger 201, the second circulation device 206 can be thermally connected to a discharge line, via which the second liquid from the third collecting device 119 is discharged from the container cleaning device or supplied to the third spraying device, or a portion of the second circulation device 206 can be arranged in the third collecting device 119. Alternatively, the second circulation device 206 can also be thermally connected to the second treatment zone 112, for example, via another circulation device, or to an optional tank, in which the second liquid discharged from the third collecting device 119 of the second treatment zone can be temporarily stored.

[0075] In addition, in combination Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the second circulation device 206 includes a heat pump 204 having a compressor 202 for increasing the temperature of the heat exchange medium and a throttle valve 203 for decreasing the temperature of the heat exchange medium. The compressor 202 may be positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger 201 and upstream of the first heat exchanger 205 in the direction 207 of circulation of the heat exchange medium in the second circulation device 206. The throttle valve 203 is positioned downstream of the first heat exchanger 205 and upstream of the second heat exchanger 201 in the direction 207 of circulation of the second liquid in the second circulation device 206. The first heat exchanger 205 may be, for example, a liquefier, and the second heat exchanger 201 may be an evaporator. In this case, the heat exchange medium may be selected so that it transitions from a liquid phase to a vapor phase when passing through the second heat exchanger 201, and transitions from a vapor phase to a liquid phase when passing through the first heat exchanger 205. The heat released when the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchanger 205 is liquefied can be transferred to the first liquid circulating in the circulation device 108 and used to heat the first liquid.

[0076] To achieve the best possible heat exchange between the heat exchange medium circulating in second circulation device 206 and the first liquid circulating in circulation device 108, a portion of second circulation sub-line 108b in the region of first heat exchanger 205 can be spirally routed around second circulation device 206, thereby achieving the largest possible contact surface between circulation device 108 and second circulation device 206 in the region of first heat exchanger 205. Accordingly, for example, an optional discharge line, through which the second liquid can be discharged from third collecting device 119 of second treatment zone 112, can also be spirally routed around the second circulation device in the region of second heat exchanger 201, or a portion of second circulation device 206 can be spirally routed around the optional discharge line. In the regions of first heat exchanger 205 and second heat exchanger 201, second circulation sub-line 108b, the optional discharge line, and / or second circulation device 206 can also be made of a metal with good thermal conductivity, such as copper, to enhance heat exchange between the first liquid and the heat exchanger, and between the second liquid and the heat exchanger.

[0077] Combined with Figure 1 Compared with the embodiment discussed above in which only one heat exchanger is provided, Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, by providing two heat exchangers in combination with a heat pump, the temperature of the first liquid can be further increased by thermal coupling with the second treatment zone.

Claims

1. A container cleaning device for cleaning a container (101), comprising a first treatment zone (110) for heating the container by applying a first liquid (107), a second treatment zone (112) for cooling the container by applying a second liquid (104), and a circulation device (108), wherein: The second treatment zone (112) is arranged downstream of the first treatment zone (110) with respect to the transport direction (115) of the container (101), and the first treatment zone (110) comprises at least two treatment sub-zones (116, 117), wherein the first liquid can be circulated through the at least two treatment sub-zones (116, 117) by means of the circulation device (108), wherein the circulation device (108) is connected to the second treatment zone (112) via a thermal coupling.

2. The container cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least two treatment sub-areas (116, 117) are arranged along the transport direction (115) of the container (101), wherein the circulation device (108) is configured to circulate the first liquid through the at least two treatment sub-areas (116, 117) counter to the transport direction (115) of the container.

3. The container cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The at least two processing sub-zones (116, 117) each include at least one nozzle (106a, 106b) for applying the first liquid (107) to the container and a collecting device (113, 114) for collecting the first liquid applied to the container, wherein the circulation device (108) is configured to remove the collected first liquid from the first processing sub-zone of the at least two processing sub-zones and resupply the collected first liquid to the second processing sub-zone of the at least two processing sub-zones.

4. The container cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein: The first treatment sub-zone (116) is arranged upstream of the second treatment sub-zone (117) with respect to the transport direction (115) of the container, and a first temperature of the first liquid before being applied to the container in the first treatment sub-zone (116) is lower than a second temperature of the first liquid before being applied to the container in the second treatment sub-zone (117).

5. The container cleaning device according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein: The thermal coupling allows increasing the temperature of the first liquid after discharge from the first treatment sub-zone (116) and before supply to the second treatment sub-zone (117).

6. The container cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The thermal coupling comprises a first heat exchanger (109), wherein the first liquid can be circulated through the first heat exchanger by the circulation device.

7. The container cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein: The thermal coupling comprises at least two heat exchangers (201, 205), wherein the container cleaning device comprises a second circulation device (206), wherein the second circulation device (206) is configured to circulate a heat exchange medium through the second heat exchanger (205), wherein the second circulation device comprises a heat pump (204), wherein the circulation device (108) is thermally connected to the second circulation device (206) via the first heat exchanger (205).

8. The container cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The circulation device (108) comprises filtering means and / or means for preventing the formation of stones in the first liquid.

9. A method for cleaning a container in a container cleaning device, wherein: The container cleaning device comprises a first treatment zone (110) for heating the container (101) by applying a first liquid (107), a second treatment zone (112) for cooling the container by applying a second liquid (104), and a circulation device (108), wherein the second treatment zone (112) is arranged downstream of the first treatment zone (110) with respect to a transport direction (115) of the container, and the first treatment zone (110) comprises at least two treatment sub-zones (116, 117), wherein the first liquid is circulated through the at least two treatment sub-zones (116, 117) by means of the circulation device (108), wherein the circulation device (108) is connected to the second treatment zone (112) via a thermal coupling.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The at least two treatment subzones (116, 117) are arranged along the transport direction (115) of the container, wherein the first liquid is circulated through the at least two treatment subzones (116, 117) counter to the transport direction (115) of the container by means of the circulation device (108).

11. The method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein The at least two processing sub-zones (116, 117) each include at least one nozzle (106a, 106b) for applying the first liquid (107) to the container and a collecting device (113, 114) for collecting the first liquid applied to the container, wherein the collected first liquid is removed from the first processing sub-zone of the at least two processing sub-zones by the circulation device and re-supplied to the second processing sub-zone of the at least two processing sub-zones.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The first treatment sub-zone (116) is arranged upstream of the second treatment sub-zone (117) with respect to the transport direction (115) of the container, and a first temperature of the first liquid before being applied to the container in the first treatment sub-zone (116) is lower than a second temperature of the first liquid before being applied to the container in the second treatment sub-zone (117).

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein The first liquid discharged from the first treatment sub-zone (116) has its temperature increased by the thermal coupling before being resupplied to the second treatment sub-zone (117).

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein The thermal coupling comprises a first heat exchanger (109), wherein the first liquid is circulated through the first heat exchanger (109) by the circulation device (108).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The thermal coupling comprises at least two heat exchangers (201, 205), wherein the container cleaning device comprises a second circulation device (206), wherein a heat exchange medium circulates through the second heat exchanger (201) by means of the second circulation device (206), wherein the second circulation device (206) comprises a heat pump (204), and wherein the circulation device (108) is thermally connected to the second circulation device (206) via the first heat exchanger (205).

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