CONTAINER CLEANING MODULE FOR A MODULAR CONTAINER CLEANING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A CONTAINER CLEANING MODULE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container cleaning module for a modular container cleaning machine according to claim 1 and a method for operating a container cleaning module according to claim 14. State of the art

[0002] In conventional container cleaning machines, very long exposure times, for example in a caustic bath, are necessary to ensure the desired cleaning and removal of labels from the containers. For this purpose, the containers arranged in container baskets are moved through various caustic baths by chains. The containers are then cooled by liquid sprayed through spray nozzles, and any caustic residue is removed. Due to the long exposure times required and the large quantities of containers to be cleaned, the required container cleaning machines are large and the length of such a container cleaning machine is also considerable. The container baskets used often represent a compromise for different container sizes.

[0003] WO 2018 / 107835 A1 discloses a dishwasher according to the preamble of claim 1, into which various inserts can be inserted, which can be equipped with different spray devices.

[0004] US 5 566 695 discloses an apparatus and a method for cleaning containers by means of an automated and modular cleaning device.

[0005] WO 2018 / 177575 A1 discloses a bottle treatment machine and a method for cleaning a pump / nozzle guard of the bottle treatment machine. Task

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a container cleaning module for a modular container cleaning machine and a method for operating the container cleaning module, which enables an economization of the cleaning process. Solution

[0007] This object is achieved by the container cleaning module according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 14. Further features of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims. The container cleaning module for a modular container cleaning machine comprises: at least one frame for receiving upside-down containers, wherein the at least one frame each comprises at least one liquid supply line and wherein the at least one frame each comprises a plurality of mandrels onto which the upside-down containers can be applied, wherein each of the plurality of mandrels comprises at least one nozzle for internally cleaning an upside-down container applied thereto, a module housing with: at least one liquid inlet, at least one liquid outlet, at least one insertion device for receiving one or more of the at least one frame, at least one openable and liquid-tightly closable access for introducing or removing the at least one frame into or from the interior of the module housing, a control device and a sensor system for controlling and monitoring a cleaning process by the container cleaning module.wherein the sensor system comprises detection and execution sensors, wherein the detection sensors are designed to detect temperatures of the liquid in the container cleaning module and / or the degree of contamination of the liquid discharged through the liquid outlet, wherein the execution sensors are designed to initiate execution processes based on values ​​determined before a cleaning process and / or values ​​determined during a cleaning process, wherein the execution sensors use values ​​detected by the detection sensors for this purpose, which the execution sensors have received from the detection sensors.

[0008] The control device can be designed as a central or as several decentralized control devices.

[0009] The at least one liquid outlet of the module housing can be opened and closed under control. Separated contaminants can be discharged through the liquid outlet. A separate outlet for discharging contaminants can be provided. The at least one liquid inlet of the module housing can be opened and closed under control.

[0010] Identical or different containers can be arranged in a rack. It can be designed to secure containers, such as PET containers or glass containers, that fall below a specified weight in the rack.

[0011] Control and monitoring of a cleaning process by the container cleaning module may include one or more aspects of the following non-exhaustive list: Control and monitoring of a temperature of a liquid in the container cleaning module that is used for or during the cleaning process. Wherein a temperature level can be controlled and monitored taking into account an (average) degree of contamination of the container to be cleaned and / or container type (type of material (glass, plastic container) and / or thickness of the material) and / or a quantity of liquid used and / or whether the liquid is applied using nozzles, for example, and / or whether flooding of the interior of the container cleaning module with the liquid. The degree of contamination can be specified manually or it can be determined using sensors and / or information from a system that includes the container cleaning module.Controlling and monitoring the pressure of a liquid, for example when dispensed from nozzles and / or in a supply system, and / or a quantity of liquid that is used for or during the cleaning process. Wherein a quantity of liquid can be controlled and monitored taking into account a (average) degree of contamination of the container to be cleaned and / or the type of container (type of material (glass, plastic container) and / or the thickness of the material) and / or a temperature of the liquid used and / or whether the liquid is dispensed using nozzles, for example. Controlling and monitoring a dispensing of the liquid for or during the cleaning process by means of nozzles and / or controlling and monitoring a dispensing of the liquid for or during the cleaning process for flooding the interior of the container cleaning module with the liquid.The application via the nozzles and flooding can occur consecutively during a cleaning process. Flooding can occur by applying the liquid via the nozzles and / or via the liquid inlet. Control and monitoring of the duration of the cleaning process or a partial process. This can include control and monitoring of the entire duration of the cleaning process and / or individual sections thereof.

[0012] All of this, or individual aspects of it, can also be described as demand-based control and monitoring of a cleaning process by the container cleaning module.

[0013] A modular container cleaning machine with a container cleaning module enables adaptation of cleaning processes, for example according to containers provided in the rack, without time-consuming changes to the container cleaning module.

[0014] A modular container cleaning machine can comprise multiple container cleaning modules, as described above or below. It can be provided that the multiple container cleaning modules comprise common fluid supply lines and fluid discharge lines. The multiple container cleaning modules can be operated independently of one another, for example, to be able to carry out different cleaning processes in parallel (e.g., different fluid temperatures and / or duration of a cleaning process and / or application of the fluid by means of nozzles and / or flooding the interior of a container cleaning module).

[0015] It can also be provided that two or more container cleaning modules are provided adjacent to one another, so that a frame can be moved directly from one container cleaning module into the adjoining container cleaning module.

[0016] A first end of each mandrel can comprise one or more nozzles. For example, the interior of the container can be cleaned by discharging liquid toward the bottom of the container. For example, multiple nozzles can be provided along each mandrel. Providing multiple nozzles can improve the interior cleaning of a container. For example, 40 to 60 mandrels can be provided per rack.

[0017] A first / the first end of each mandrel can have a maximum first diameter, which can correspond to an opening diameter of an opening with which a container can be applied to one of the mandrels, and wherein a second end of the mandrel can have a second diameter that can be 2% to 5% smaller than the first diameter. This second diameter can create a gap between the mandrel and the opening of the container when a container is applied to the mandrel. This allows the liquid that was dispensed and sprayed using the nozzle or nozzles of the mandrel to flow away. Any contaminants that were loosened by the internal spraying can also flow out and leave the container.

[0018] Each mandrel may comprise an inverted circular truncated cone. A first end of the inverted circular truncated cone may be convex. This allows, for example, liquid to drain from the first end of the mandrel.

[0019] The at least one fluid supply line can be designed to conduct fluid to the nozzle(s) of the mandrels. The fluid can comprise alkali, acid, and / or water.

[0020] Each frame of the at least one frame can include additional nozzles for externally spraying containers. The additional nozzles can also be supplied with liquid via the at least one liquid supply line.

[0021] Each frame of the at least one frame may comprise frame piping. The frame piping may comprise a conduit connecting the at least one fluid supply line, the nozzle or nozzles of the mandrels, and optionally the additional nozzles, for a fluid supply.

[0022] For example, the liquid supply line can be designed to be connectable to the frame piping. In an operating arrangement of a frame in the module housing, the liquid supply line of the frame can be designed to be connectable to the liquid inlet of the module housing.

[0023] Each frame of the at least one frame can comprise a plurality of compartments for accommodating one or more containers. For example, at least one of the plurality of mandrels can be arranged in each compartment. For example, one or more locking pins can be assigned to each of the compartments.

[0024] The compartments can be arranged on a frame, as described above or below, for example, by means of a positive or non-positive connection or, for example, by means of clip elements and / or clip connections. Such a combination of compartments and frame can be considered a two-part assembly. It can also be provided that the compartments are provided as a single piece with a frame, as described above or below.

[0025] The compartments may include horizontal and vertical struts. The struts may be configured such that one or more upside-down containers, which may be arranged in a compartment, are supported by the struts.

[0026] The compartments can be designed and arranged relative to the frame or the mandrels of a frame in such a way that a mandrel can be arranged within a compartment. For such a design of the compartments, the frame, and the mandrels, the dimensions of the containers to be cleaned, the dimensions of the module housing, and the like can be taken into account.

[0027] Each frame of the at least one frame can have a length in a range of 1 meter to 2 meters and a width in a range of 1 meter to 1.5 meters, wherein, for example, a base area of ​​the at least one frame can be rectangular or square.

[0028] The module housing can have a length and a width each in a range of 2 meters to 5 meters and a height can be in a range between 0.4 meters and 4 meters, whereby, for example, a base area of ​​the module housing can be rectangular or square.

[0029] The dimensions of the frame(s), module housing and insertion device can be designed to match one another for a container cleaning module.

[0030] If two or more of the at least one plug-in device are present, they can be arranged side by side and / or one above the other in the module housing. Accordingly, two or more racks can then be arranged side by side and / or one above the other in the module housing.

[0031] The module housing can have nozzles inside. These nozzles can be used for external cleaning of the containers and / or for internal cleaning of the module housing. Cleaning of a frame arranged in the module housing is also possible. For example, the nozzles can be provided on the side walls, on the floor, and / or on a cover of the module housing. The nozzles arranged in the cover can also be used to vent the module housing during flooding. For example, the module housing can comprise annular nozzles, which, in an operating arrangement of the at least one frame in the module housing, can be arranged such that the annular nozzles can be arranged in alignment above the mandrels.

[0032] As in the following, the operating arrangement is to be understood as meaning that one or more racks have been inserted into the module housing and at least one openable and liquid-tight closable access has been closed.

[0033] The liquid outlet can comprise a movable squeegee and / or a movable grid. By means of the squeegee and / or the grid, labels or label residues in the liquid to be dispensed through the liquid outlet can be shredded. For example, the movable squeegee and / or the movable grid can be designed to be movable towards and away from a discharge channel enclosed by the liquid outlet. This can prevent labels or label residues from becoming stuck. For example, a cleaning nozzle for the movable squeegee and / or the movable grid can be provided in the area of ​​the discharge channel. This allows adhering labels or label residues to be removed from the squeegee and / or the grid. For example, a multi-way valve can be provided downstream of the movable squeegee and / or the movable grid.Using the multi-way valve, the liquid discharged from the liquid outlet can be fed to different lines, for example, for reuse of the liquid, such as preheating liquid that can be fed to a container cleaning module. A removal device, such as a drawer, can be arranged in the area of ​​the discharge channel for manual or automatic removal of separated contaminants.

[0034] The at least one openable and liquid-tightly sealable access can be designed to be liquid-tightly lockable by means of at least one fitting and pin in at least two different positions. The fitting can be arranged on a frame of the module housing and the pins on a door of the module housing, or vice versa. Since at least two different locking positions are provided, a liquid-tightly sealable access can be achieved. For example, after the access is closed, the interior of the module housing can be flooded with liquid without any liquid escaping from the module housing.

[0035] The module housing can comprise two openable and liquid-tight sealable access ports. For example, the two openable and liquid-tight sealable access ports can be arranged on opposite sides of the module housing. The two access ports can allow a rack to be inserted through a first of the two access ports and removed through a second of the two access ports.

[0036] This can be useful when multiple container cleaning modules are arranged consecutively in a modular container cleaning machine. A rack can be moved from a first module housing of a first container cleaning module to a second module housing of a second container cleaning module, for example, to perform another cleaning process or to rinse with water.

[0037] The sensor system includes detection and discharge sensors. The detection sensors detect the temperature of the liquid in the container cleaning module and / or the degree of contamination of the liquid discharged through the liquid outlet, and the like.

[0038] The execution sensor system initiates execution processes based on values ​​received, determined, and / or entered before a cleaning process and / or values ​​received, determined, and / or entered during a cleaning process. For this purpose, the execution sensor system uses values ​​acquired by the detection sensor system.

[0039] For example, the control device can be designed to be programmable in memory.

[0040] The container cleaning module can further comprise at least one drip tray for placement beneath the at least one rack. The drip tray can be positioned outside the module housing. After a cleaning process, a rack containing cleaned containers can be positioned flush above the drip tray. This allows any remaining liquid from the containers, the rack, the spikes, and / or the compartments to drip into the drip tray. It can also be provided that a rack containing containers to be cleaned—i.e., before a cleaning process—can be positioned flush above the drip tray. For example, product residues (both liquid and dried) adhering to and / or in the containers to be cleaned can be collected in the drip tray. The drip tray can have a base area that can be the same size as, larger than, or smaller than the base area of ​​the rack.

[0041] In addition, a method for operating a container cleaning module for a modular container cleaning machine as described above or further below is provided. Short character description

[0042] The accompanying figures serve to better understand and illustrate aspects of the invention. They show: Figure 1 a frame and a module housing of a container cleaning module for a modular container cleaning machine, Figure 2A a first embodiment of a mandrel, Figure 2B a second embodiment of a mandrel and Figure 3 Compartments for accommodating one or more containers.

[0043] The Figure 1shows a frame 2 and a module housing 7 of a container cleaning module 1 for a modular container cleaning machine. The illustration shows a frame 2 for receiving upside-down containers 3; the container cleaning module 1 can comprise more than one frame 2. The frame 2 comprises a liquid supply line 4 and several mandrels 5 onto which the upside-down containers 3 can be applied. Figure 1The mandrels 5 have a nozzle 6 at a first end for cleaning the interior of the upside-down containers 3 mounted thereon. The frame 2 comprises frame piping 14 that connects the mandrels 5 to pipes of the frame piping 14 for supplying fluid, with the fluid supply line 4 being connectable to the frame piping 14. The fluid supply line 4 can therefore supply the required fluid to the mandrels 5 so that they can be used for internal cleaning of a container 3 mounted thereon that is oriented upside down.

[0044] Additional nozzles 15 are provided on the frame 2 for external spraying of containers 3, which are arranged upside down on the mandrels 5. The additional nozzles 15 can be connected to the frame piping 14, allowing fluid to be supplied via the fluid supply line 4 via pipes of the frame piping 14.

[0045] In order to be able to insert the frame 2 into the interior of the module housing 7 and to arrange it there, the frame 2 has Figure 1 on two opposite sides. The slide rails 16 can be positioned on or in a corresponding insertion device 10a, 10b of the module housing 7 and can be moved along this. Instead of or in addition to the slide rails 16, the frame 2 can comprise rollers that can be positioned on or in a corresponding insertion device 10a, 10b of the module housing 7 and can be moved along this.

[0046] In the Figure 1The module housing 7 has two insertion devices 10a, 10b on the inside of two oppositely arranged side walls 17. The first insertion device 10a is arranged at a first height h1 and the second insertion device 10b at a second height h2. The first and second heights h1, h2 are provided such that a rack 2 can be inserted at a time, for example, without coming into contact with the other rack 2. For this purpose, the dimensions of the rack 2 can be taken into account. For example, in addition to the height of the rack 2, an additional amount can be considered that takes into account the containers 3 present on the rack 2, for example their length.

[0047] The module housing 7 comprises a liquid inlet 8 by means of which nozzles 18, 19, 20, 23 inside the module housing 7 can be supplied with liquid. The liquid supply line 4 of the frame 2 can also be connected to the liquid inlet 8 by means of a pipe supply provided in the module housing 7. First nozzles 18 are arranged on the inside of a door 21 of the module housing 7. Second nozzles 19 are arranged on the inside of the floor 22 of the module housing 7. Third nozzles 20 are arranged on the inside of the side walls 17 of the module housing 7. Shown in dashed lines are annular nozzles 23 provided on the inside of the cover 27 of the module housing 7. In an operating arrangement of the frame 2 in the module housing 7, these nozzles are arranged such that the annular nozzles 23 are arranged in alignment above the mandrels 5.

[0048] The module housing 7 comprises a liquid outlet 9 through which liquid dispensed inside the module housing 7 can be dispensed, for example together with labels detached from containers, label residues and / or dried beverage residues or the like.

[0049] The module housing 7 further comprises an openable and liquid-tight closable access 11 for introducing or removing one or more racks 2 into or from the interior of the module housing 7. The access 11 can be closed by means of the door 21. As an example, Figure 1The door hinge is arranged horizontally on a lower edge of the frame 26 of the module housing 7. For liquid-tight closure, fittings 24 are provided on the door 21 at four different positions, into which, after the door 21 is closed, pins 25 engage. These pins are arranged on the frame 26 of the module housing 7 at positions corresponding to those of the fittings 24 of the door 21.

[0050] The container cleaning module 1 also includes a control device 12 and a sensor system 13 for controlling and monitoring a cleaning process by the container cleaning module 1. In the illustration, the control device 12 and the sensor system 13 are arranged on the outside of the module housing 7, whereby electrical and sensor connections can be provided inside the module housing 7. The control device 12 and the sensor system 13 can also be provided in other positions of the container cleaning module 1.

[0051] The Figure 2Ashows a first embodiment of a mandrel 28 connected to a partially illustrated frame piping 30 of a frame, as described above or further below. The illustration shows a schematic longitudinal section. For example, the mandrel 28 can be integral with the frame piping 30, or the mandrel 28 can be applied to the frame piping 30 in a force-fitting or form-fitting manner. A fluid connection is provided between the mandrel 28 and the frame piping 30.

[0052] A first end 31 of the mandrel 28 has a first diameter d1, wherein the first diameter d1 corresponds at most to an opening diameter of an opening through which a container is to be applied to the mandrel 28. The first end 31 of the mandrel 28 comprises a nozzle 29, by means of which liquid can be dispensed and sprayed for internal injection of a container applied to the mandrel 28.

[0053] A second end 32 of the mandrel 28 has a second diameter d2 that is 2% to 5% smaller than the first diameter d1. This second diameter d2 creates a gap between the mandrel 28 and the opening of a container mounted on the mandrel 28. This allows the liquid dispensed and sprayed by the nozzle 29 to flow away, taking with it any contaminants released by the internal spraying.

[0054] In the Figure 2A the mandrel 28 is designed as an inverted circular truncated cone, wherein the inverted circular truncated cone has a length I which can, for example, be smaller than a height of a container applied to the mandrel 28.

[0055] The Figure 2Bshows a second embodiment of a mandrel 33, which is connected to a partially shown frame piping 30 of a frame, as described above or further below. The illustration shows a schematic longitudinal section. The mandrel 33 essentially corresponds to the mandrel 28 of the first embodiment in shape and properties, wherein the mandrel 33 of the second embodiment not only has a nozzle 35 at the first end 34, but also nozzles 36 on the lateral surfaces of the inverted circular truncated cone. Two of these nozzles 36 can be seen in the illustration. By means of these two nozzles 36, liquid, which is supplied via the frame piping 30, can be dispensed and sprayed for internal injection of a container applied to the mandrel 33.

[0056] The Figure 3shows compartments 38 for accommodating one or more containers. The compartments 38 can be arranged on a frame, as described above or below, for example by means of a positive or non-positive connection or, for example, by means of clip elements and / or clip connections; the combination of compartments 38 and frame can be considered to be two-part. It can also be provided that the compartments 38 are provided as one piece with a frame, as described above or below.

[0057] In the Figure 3 Four compartments 38 are shown, comprising horizontal struts 39 and vertical struts 40. The struts 39, 40 are designed such that one or more upside-down containers arranged in a compartment 38 are supported by the struts 39, 40. Furthermore, the struts 39, 40 can be designed such that the compartments 38 are stable.

[0058] The compartments 38 are designed and arranged relative to the frame or to the mandrels 41 of a frame such that a mandrel 41 is arranged in a compartment 38. For such a design of the compartments, the frame, and the mandrels, the dimensions of the containers to be cleaned, the dimensions of the module housing, and the like can be taken into account.

Claims

1. Container cleaning module (1) for a modular container cleaning machine, wherein the container cleaning module (1) comprises: - at least one rack (2) for receiving containers (3) oriented upside down, wherein the at least one rack (2) comprises each at least one liquid supply line (4), and wherein the at least one rack (2) comprises each a plurality of pins (5, 28, 33) onto which the containers (3) oriented upside down are placable, wherein each one of the plurality of pins (5, 28, 33) comprises at least one nozzle (6, 29, 35, 36) for internal cleaning of a container (3) placed thereon and oriented upside down, - a module housing (7) with: - at least one liquid inlet (8), - at least one liquid outlet (9), - at least one insertion device (10a, 10b) for receiving one or several ones of the at least one rack (2), - at least one openable access (11) that can be closed in a liquid-tight manner for introducing or removing the at least one rack (2) into the interior or out of the interior of the module housing (7), - a control device (12) and a sensory mechanism (13) for controlling and monitoring a cleaning operation by the container cleaning module (1), characterised in that the sensory mechanism (13) comprises a detection and execution sensory mechanism, wherein the detection sensory mechanism is adapted to detect temperatures of the liquid in the container cleaning module and / or the degree of soiling of the liquid discharged through the liquid outlet (9), wherein the execution sensory mechanism is adapted to initiate execution processes based on values determined before a cleaning operation and / or determined during a cleaning operation, wherein the execution sensory mechanism uses therefor values detected by the detection sensory mechanism which the execution sensory mechanism obtained from the detection sensory mechanism.

2. The container cleaning module according to claim 1, wherein a first end (31, 34) of each pin (5, 28, 33) comprises one or several nozzles (6, 29, 35), wherein, for example, a plurality of nozzles (35, 36) is provided along each pin (33), wherein, for example, 40 to 60 pins (5, 28, 33) per rack are provided.

3. The container cleaning module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each pin (28, 33) comprises an inverse circular truncated cone.

4. The container cleaning module according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the respective at least one liquid supply line (4) is adapted to conduct liquid to the nozzle or nozzles (6, 29, 35, 36) of the pins (5, 28, 33).

5. The container cleaning module according to one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein each rack (2) of the at least one rack (2): - comprises additional nozzles (15) for an external spraying of containers (3) and / or - comprises a rack piping (14), wherein, for example, the liquid supply line (4) is adapted to be connectable with the rack piping (14) and / or - comprises a plurality of compartments (38) for receiving one or several containers (3), wherein, for example, at least one of the plurality of pins (5) is arranged in each compartment (38), wherein, for example, one or more locking pins are associated with each one of the compartments (38) and / or - comprises a length within a range of 1 meter to 1.5 meter and a width within a range of 1 meter to 1.5 meter, wherein, for example, a base of the at least one rack (2) is rectangular or square.

6. The container cleaning module according to one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the module housing (7) comprises a length and a width each within a range of 2 meter to 5 meter, and wherein a height can be within a range of between 0.4 meter and 2 meter, wherein, for example, a base of the module housing (7) is rectangular or square.

7. The container cleaning module according to one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein, if two or more of the at least one insertion device (10) are provided, these are arranged side-by-side and / or above each another within the module housing (7).

8. The container cleaning module according to one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the module housing (7) includes nozzles (18, 19, 20, 23) in its interior, wherein, for example, the nozzles (20) are provided at side walls (17), the nozzles (19) are provided at the bottom (22) and / or the nozzles (23) are provided at a cover (27) of the module housing (7), wherein, for example, the module housing (7) comprises annular nozzles (23) which are arranged, in an arrangement in operation of the at least one rack, in the module housing (7) such that the annular nozzles (23) are arranged in an aligned manner above the pins (5).

9. The container cleaning module according to one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the liquid outlet (9) comprises a movable blade and / or a movable grid, wherein, for example, the movable blade and / or the movable grid are adapted to be movable towards and away from a discharge channel comprised by the liquid outlet (9), wherein, for example, in the region of the discharge channel, a cleaning nozzle for the movable blade and / or the movable grid is provided, wherein, for example, a multi-way valve is provided downstream of the movable blade and / or the movable grid.

10. The container cleaning module according to one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one openable access (11) that can be closed in a liquid-tight manner is lockable in a liquid-tight manner by at least one fitting (23) and one pivot (25) at at least two different positions.

11. The container cleaning module according to one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the module housing (7) comprises two openable accesses that can be closed in a liquid-tight manner, wherein, for example, the two openable accesses that can be closed in a liquid-tight manner are arranged at opposite sides of the module housing (7).

12. The container cleaning module according to one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the sensory mechanism (13) is adapted as a stored program control.

13. The container cleaning module according to one of the claims 1 to 12, further comprising at least one draining pan to be arranged under the at least one rack.

14. Method for operating a container cleaning module (1) for a modular container cleaning machine according to one of the claims 1 to 13.