Device for cleaning reusable containers, especially plastic cups

Abstract

Device for cleaning reusable containers (11), through which the reusable containers (11) are guided in a transport direction (13) by means of at least one conveyor device (17), which conveyor device (17) has at least one conveyor belt (18) on which the reusable containers (11) are positioned one behind the other with their opening (16) facing downwards, characterized in that in the region of the opening of the reusable containers (11) there is at least one UV light source (20, 23) which emits UV light into the reusable containers (11), that lower UV light sources (20) are arranged below the reusable containers (11), and that the conveyor device comprises at least two parallel conveyor belts (18) and the lower UV light sources (20) are arranged between the conveyor belts (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for cleaning reusable containers, through which the reusable containers are guided in a transport direction by at least one conveyor device, which conveyor device has at least one conveyor belt on which the reusable containers are arranged one behind the other with their opening facing downwards.

[0002] The invention relates to a device for cleaning reusable containers, comprising a washing unit for removing contaminants and a drying unit for drying the reusable containers. The reusable containers are guided through the washing unit and the drying unit in a transport direction by at least one conveyor device, which conveyor device has at least one conveyor belt on which the reusable containers are positioned one behind the other with their openings facing downwards. In particular, the invention relates to a device for cleaning plastic cups or similar containers that are open on one side and are guided through the devices with their openings facing downwards. Therefore, the following primarily refers to plastic cups, without implying any restriction.

[0003] Furthermore, instead of a continuous conveyor, a basket can be provided, which is filled with the containers and either placed in batches in the device or transported along the conveyor. Instead of a conveyor belt, a so-called finger conveyor can also be used, with the containers placed on its upward-facing fingers with their openings facing down.

[0004] With increased environmental awareness, efforts are constantly being made to produce as little waste as possible. For example, reusable containers are often used for serving drinks and / or food at large events. These reusable containers must be cleaned after use. Dishwashers are known to have a dish basket into which the plastic containers to be cleaned are placed. The filled dish basket is placed in the dishwasher, and cleaning can begin. After cleaning, the dish basket is removed from the dishwasher, and a new basket containing used dishes is inserted.

[0005] Such dishwashers have proven their worth, but they have the disadvantage that dishes can only be cleaned one rack at a time. Furthermore, it is always necessary to handle the dishes several times before they are cleaned and ready to use again.

[0006] GB 565 183 A shows a dishwasher for cleaning cups. The cups are moved through the dishwasher upright on a conveyor belt with their openings facing downwards. The cups are then moved away from the dishwasher in this position on a roller conveyor.

[0007] In the cleaning device according to DE 19 44 125 A, the cleaned containers are dried in a drying unit adjacent to the rinsing unit and then conveyed to a collecting container, into which they fall in a disordered manner. This is unfavorable for subsequent container handling.

[0008] Due to their robustness and ease of printing, plastic containers, especially plastic cups, have become increasingly popular, especially for large events. These plastic cups have the advantage of being relatively impact-resistant and do not produce sharp shards if damaged. Another advantage is their relative lightness compared to a beverage glass. This minimizes transport costs.

[0009] A cleaning device of the type described above is described in DE 10 2009 016 245 B4. The plastic cups are thoroughly cleaned and dried. However, given the increasing prevalence of resistant and rapidly spreading germs, sterile cleaning of reusable containers is becoming increasingly important, especially at mass events.

[0010] In principle, plastic containers can be cleaned germ-free. DE 44 42 702 A1 describes a cleaning device in which the containers are intermittently irradiated with UV light in a housing.

[0011] The invention is based on the object of designing a cleaning device in such a way that reliable germ-free cleaning is possible without a significant extension of the cleaning time.

[0012] The object is achieved according to the invention in that at least one UV light source is provided in the area of ​​the opening of the reusable containers, which emits UV light into the reusable containers, that lower UV light sources are arranged below the reusable containers, and that the conveyor device comprises at least two parallel conveyor belts, with the lower UV light sources arranged between the conveyor belts. This arrangement makes it possible to continuously sterilize the containers in a single operation. The device can be easily integrated into or connected to existing cleaning devices in which the containers are transported in the transport direction.

[0013] The lower UV light sources shine light from below into the reusable container, which is positioned with the opening facing down, through the two parallel conveyor belts. This ensures that the UV light particularly illuminates the opening rim of the container or cup, which must be kept germ-free because it comes into contact with a person's mouth. This also ensures that the interior of the container is well illuminated, allowing any germs contained within to be killed.

[0014] In a cleaning device with a washing unit, it can be provided that at least one UV light source is located behind the washing unit in the transport direction, in the area of ​​the opening of the reusable containers, which emits UV light into the reusable containers. The invention takes advantage of the fact that any germs present can be killed by exposure to UV light. By arranging the UV light sources behind the washing unit in the transport direction, the containers are already clean, and only germs that have not yet been removed remain. These can be reliably killed by the UV light.

[0015] The design of the conveyor system with two parallel conveyor belts allows for good illumination of the container interior. According to the invention, the lower UV light sources are projected above the conveyor belts in a side view. This allows the UV light sources to be permanently mounted below the level of the conveyor belts. They thus do not interfere with the movement of the containers. It is also possible to rotate the container during transport by having one conveyor belt run faster than the other. The container then rotates around its own axis, allowing all areas to be well irradiated.

[0016] In any case, it is advisable to arrange several lower UV light sources along the conveyor system, spaced apart by a distance smaller than the clear openings of the reusable containers. This ensures that a container is exposed to UV light from at least one UV light source over a longer distance and thus for a longer period of time. It has been shown that, depending on the strength of the UV light source, a contact time of approximately 10 to 60 seconds is required for complete disinfection. This can be achieved by arranging a correspondingly long conveyor section behind the washing unit.

[0017] The UV light sources can be UV LEDs (Ultra Violet Light Emitting Devices). These are compact yet offer high light output. However, the range of the UV light effective against germs is relatively short, only approximately 10 cm to 15 cm. In taller containers, this can result in the light emitted at the level of the opening being insufficient to kill germs on the container floor opposite the opening. UV fluorescent tubes can also be used. These also emit high-intensity UV light. They can also be installed parallel to the transport direction below the conveyor belts, thus providing excellent illumination of the container interior.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the invention, the lower UV light sources are each arranged on upwardly directed projections that move with the conveyor belts in the transport direction, projecting beyond them in side view, and extend through the opening into the reusable container. The projection thus projects into the container, so that the container bottom is at a relatively short distance from the UV light source. The emitted UV light can thus reliably kill the germs. The projections are moved uniformly relative to the conveyor belts by a conveyor belt, so that the UV light source moves with the container and irradiates it.

[0019] The projections are spaced apart at a distance that is smaller than or equal to the clear opening of the reusable container and greater than twice the wall thickness of the reusable container in the area of ​​its opening. This ensures that at least one UV light source is located within the container.

[0020] The projections can be arranged on a conveyor belt that runs between the conveyor belts and has the same speed. The front and rear deflection rollers are arranged between the front and rear deflection rollers of the conveyor belts. The projections can then be raised into the container in the area of ​​the front deflection roller without lifting it. At the end of the conveyor line, the projections pivot out of the container again. The height of the projections is smaller than the clear dimension of the container opening.

[0021] The lower UV light sources allow the container interior, and especially the opening edge, to be thoroughly cleaned and germ-free. However, germs can also adhere to the outer surface. It is therefore also advisable to provide at least one lateral UV light source behind the washing device in the direction of transport, positioned to the side of the reusable containers. The lateral UV light sources can be arranged in at least one horizontal plane. For larger or taller containers, multiple planes can also be provided one above the other.

[0022] The preferred UV LEDs have a radiation angle of approximately 180°. It is therefore advantageous if the light emission axis of the lateral UV light sources runs approximately 45° horizontally to the transport direction, and if four lateral UV light sources are arranged at the corners of a square (as seen from above) in such a way that a reusable container can be passed between the UV light sources in the transport direction. This ensures that the container is exposed to UV light without shadows, even when it is not rotated.

[0023] In any case, it is advantageous to arrange several groups of four lateral UV light sources one behind the other in the transport direction, with two UV light sources each arranged on opposite sides of the reusable container, radiating the light against the transport direction, and two UV light sources each arranged on opposite sides of the reusable container, radiating the light in the transport direction. This ensures a sufficiently long exposure time of the UV radiation to the outer surface during transport.

[0024] Furthermore, at least one upper UV light source can be provided behind the washing device in the transport direction, positioned above the reusable containers. This reliably cleans the underside of the container, which faces upwards during cleaning, of germs. UV light also penetrates the plastic container, so that germs adhering to the bottom of the container can be reliably killed.

[0025] Overall, this arrangement ensures reliable disinfection of the containers as they pass through the cleaning device. Batch disinfection is not required. The containers are only handled again after disinfection and drying, effectively preventing subsequent contamination with germs.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower and / or lateral and / or upper UV light sources are arranged in front of and / or in the area of ​​and / or behind the drying unit. The arrangement in the drying unit has the advantage that disinfection takes place simultaneously and on the same path as the drying unit. The device is therefore no longer, or only slightly longer, than the previously known cleaning device. Furthermore, temperatures in the drying unit are already unfavorable for germs. This ensures reliable killing of all germs. The arrangement of the UV irradiation unit behind the drying unit has the advantage that the containers are already dry. The vapors or steam generated during drying then do not impair the UV light sources. In particular, the UV light sources no longer fog up.

[0027] The above statements also apply to cleaning devices in which the reusable containers are upright after cleaning with their opening facing upwards. In this case, the UV light sources are arranged above the opening and radiate light into the container from above. Downward-facing projections can also be provided, with the UV light sources arranged at their free ends and inserted into the containers from above. The projections are moved by a conveyor belt in a uniform manner relative to the conveyor belt, so that the UV light source moves with the container and irradiates it.

[0028] The invention has been described above with reference to only one conveyor system. It is, of course, also possible to arrange several conveyor systems side by side in a correspondingly wider cleaning device. This can increase throughput. It is also self-evident that the UV irradiation unit or its UV light sources are shielded from the environment to prevent uncontrolled UV radiation from escaping. This can be achieved by appropriately dimensioned inlet and outlet zones in front of and behind the UV treatment unit, which is housed in a suitable housing.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 shows a side view of a device for cleaning containers according to the invention, Fig. 2 the side view of the containers on the conveyor in an enlarged representation, and Fig. 3 the top view according to Fig. 2, Fig. 4 shows the side view of the containers on the conveyor device of another embodiment and in an enlarged representation, and Fig. 5 the top view according to Fig. 4.

[0030] The device for cleaning reusable containers 11 shown in the drawing comprises a washing unit 12 and a drying unit 14 located behind it in the transport direction 13. A stacking device 15 for the cleaned reusable containers 11 can be provided behind the drying unit. The reusable containers 11, designed as drinking cups, stand with their opening 16 facing downward on a conveyor device 17 and are transported first through the washing unit 12 and then through the drying unit 14.

[0031] The conveyor device 17 has two parallel conveyor belts 18 on which the container can be securely supported and transported. Lateral support rods (not shown) can be arranged next to the conveyor belts 18 above the support surface to securely hold the containers 11 on the conveyor belts 18. If one conveyor belt moves faster than the other, the container 11 is also rotated about its own longitudinal axis during transport. The cleaned and dried containers 11 are stacked one inside the other in the stacking device 15 and can be stored from there in transport boxes. In this respect, the cleaning device is known and requires no further explanation.

[0032] For germicidal cleaning of the containers, a UV treatment unit 19 is located behind the drying unit 14 in the transport direction 13, and thus also behind the washing unit 12. In this unit, the containers 11 are exposed to UV light. The UV treatment unit 19 can also be arranged between the washing unit 12 and the drying unit 14. It can also be integrated into the drying unit 14. In this case, the cleaning device is correspondingly shorter.

[0033] The UV treatment unit 19 has at least one UV light source 20 which emits UV light into the container 11. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, several UV light sources 20 are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction 13 below the containers 11 in the area of ​​the conveyor device 17. Specifically, the arrangement is such that the UV light sources 20 are designed as UV LEDs that, in side view, do not protrude beyond the conveyor belts 18. This ensures that the containers 11 can be transported on the conveyor belts 18 without being obstructed by the UV treatment unit.

[0034] The distance between the UV light sources 20 in the transport direction 13 is smaller than the clear dimension of the container opening 16. This ensures that the containers are continuously exposed to UV light as they pass through the UV treatment unit 19. The UV light sources 20 are preferably arranged between the conveyor belts 18 so that they do not impede the UV irradiation. If the container 11 is also rotated about its own longitudinal axis in the manner described above, complete irradiation of the inner surface and the edge area of ​​the container 11 is achieved without shadows caused by the conveyor belts 18.

[0035] The UV irradiation unit 19 may also contain lateral UV light sources 21 arranged in a horizontal plane at a central height of the container 11. These UV light sources irradiate the outer lateral surface of the container 11 to kill germs located there. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the lateral UV light sources 21 are arranged in groups along the transport direction 13. Each group comprises four lateral UV light sources 21, two of which are arranged on opposite sides of the container 11. The spacing of the pairs of lateral UV light sources 21 is selected such that the container 11 can be passed between the UV light sources 21.

[0036] Here, the arrangement can be selected such that the two front UV light sources 21 of a group in the transport direction 13 are aligned with their main radiation direction at 45° opposite to the transport direction 13. The two rear UV light sources are aligned with their main radiation direction at 45° in the transport direction 13. The beam paths are indicated in the drawing for some UV light sources 20, 21, 22. This ensures that all outer lateral areas of the container 11 are reliably exposed to UV light. This can also be achieved by rotating the container 11 about its longitudinal axis. In this case, the lateral UV light sources 21 can also be aligned along the conveyor device with their main radiation direction perpendicular to the transport direction 13.

[0037] Furthermore, additional upper UV light sources 22 can be provided in the UV treatment unit 19. These are arranged above the containers 11 along the transport direction 13 and irradiate the upper underside of the container base. This reliably kills germs located there as well. If the plastic containers are permeable to UV light, this treatment is sufficient to also kill germs on the inside of the container base.

[0038] Currently available UV light sources have a limited range for UV light in terms of effective germ killing. Therefore, with taller containers 11, there is a risk that the interior of the container 11 in the area of ​​the bottom will not be germ-free. To achieve better irradiation of the interior of the container, it can be provided that, as in Fig.4, the lower UV light sources 23 are arranged on projections 24. The projections 24 are located on a conveyor belt 25 between the conveyor belts 18 and move at the same speed.

[0039] The arrangement can be such that the projections 24 rotate into the container 11 in the area of ​​the deflection roller 26 for the conveyor belt 25 without tipping it over. Further along the UV treatment unit 19, at least one projection with a UV light source 23 is located relatively deep within the container 11. The UV light source 23 is located at the free upper end of the projection 24 and thus relatively close to the bottom of the container. This increases the effectiveness of the UV irradiation.

[0040] Overall, this arrangement enables germ-free cleaning of containers. The length of the UV treatment unit 19 is selected to ensure a sufficiently long irradiation time at the given transport speed. This is approximately 10 to 60 seconds. Throughput is barely affected. Only the cleaning time is increased by the treatment time in the UV treatment unit 19.

[0041] The containers, thus sterilized in a continuous process, are stacked in the stacking unit 15 and can be placed from there into sealable transport boxes. These can then be stored and used as needed.

Claims

[1] Device for cleaning reusable containers (11), through which the reusable containers (11) are guided in a transport direction (13) by means of at least one conveyor device (17), which conveyor device (17) has at least one conveyor belt (18) on which the reusable containers (11) are arranged one behind the other with their opening (16) facing downwards, characterized by that in the region of the opening of the reusable containers (11) there is at least one UV light source (20, 23) which emits UV light into the reusable containers (11), that lower UV light sources (20) are arranged below the reusable containers (11), and that the conveyor device comprises at least two parallel conveyor belts (18) and the lower UV light sources (20) are arranged between the conveyor belts (18). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized bythat a washing unit (12) for removing the impurities and a drying unit (14) for drying the reusable containers are provided, through which the reusable containers (11) are guided in the transport direction (13) by means of at least one conveyor device (17), and that in the transport direction (13) behind the washing unit (12) in the region of the opening of the reusable containers (11) there is at least one UV light source (20, 23) which emits UV light into the reusable containers (11). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the lower UV light sources (20) are overhanged by the conveyor belts (18) in the side view. [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that several lower UV light sources (20, 21, 22, 23) are arranged along the conveyor device (17), which are spaced from one another by a distance which is smaller than the clear dimension of the openings (16) of the reusable containers (11). [5] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the lower UV light sources (23) are each arranged on upwardly directed projections (24) which move in the transport direction (13) with the conveyor belts (18) and project beyond them in the side view and which extend through the opening (16) into the reusable containers (11). [6] Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by that in the transport direction (13) behind the washing device (12) at least one lateral UV light source (22) is provided, which is arranged laterally next to the reusable containers (11). [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized by that the lateral UV light sources (21) are arranged in at least one horizontal plane. [8] Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized bythat the light emission axis of the lateral UV light sources (21) in the horizontal plane runs approximately 45° to the transport direction, and that four lateral UV light sources (21) are arranged at the corners of a quadrilateral when viewed from above in such a way that a reusable container (11) can be guided between the UV light sources (21) in the transport direction (13). [9] Device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that several groups of four lateral UV light sources (21) are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction (13), of which two UV light sources (21) are arranged on opposite sides of the reusable container (11) and emit the light counter to the transport direction (13) and two UV light sources (21) are arranged on opposite sides of the reusable container (11) and emit the light in the transport direction (13). [10] Device according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized bythat in the transport direction (13) behind the washing device (12) at least one upper UV light source (22) is provided, which is arranged above the reusable containers (11). [11] Device according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized by that the lower and / or lateral and / or upper UV light sources (20, 21, 22) are arranged in front of and / or in the region of and / or behind the drying unit (14). [12] Device according to claim 1, in which the reusable containers are erected after cleaning and point with their opening upwards, characterized by that the UV light sources are arranged above the opening and emit light from above into the container.

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