Device for washing mechanical elements used in the food sector

Abstract

The present finding relates to a device (1) for washing mechanical elements used in the food sector, comprising: a box-shaped body (2) which has a first wall (3) provided with a first opening (5) suitable for allowing the passage of desired mechanical elements used in the food sector and / or of support elements (20) thereof, and selectively hermetically closable, in a removable way, by one or more first doors (7); washing means (9), positioned inside the box-shaped body (2) and configured to spray one or more jets of washing liquid inside such box-shaped body (2); rotation means (10), pneumatically operated, suitable for rotating a first rotation shaft (11), substantially horizontal, inside the box-shaped body (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for washing mechanical elements used in the food sector.

[0002] Nowadays, devices for washing mechanical elements used in the food sector are known, which comprise a box-shaped body, generally parallelepiped, which has, on one of its lateral walls, an opening, hermetically closable, in a removable way, by one or more doors, through which mechanical elements used in the food sector can be inserted and extracted and which must undergo a washing cycle inside the box-shaped body; such an opening thus serves both as an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the box-shaped body.

[0003] Inside the box-shaped body, there is a washing system typically comprising a series of fixed or movable nozzles, for spraying one or more washing liquids; such nozzles are generally arranged at two further lateral walls, closed and parallel to each other, of the box-shaped body itself.

[0004] Washing devices are also known in which the box-shaped body that contains the washing system has a tunnel shape and therefore comprises an inlet wall and an outlet wall, parallel and spaced from each other, in which an inlet opening and an outlet opening, hermetically closable, in a removable way, respectively by one or more inlet doors and one or more outlet doors are respectively formed; in such known-type washing devices, the mechanical elements to be washed are introduced into the box-shaped body through the inlet opening and come out therefrom, after washing, through the outlet opening, thus ensuring that the mechanical elements already washed do not come into contact with dirty ones.

[0005] Such known-type washing devices, both those in which the mechanical elements to be washed enter and exit the box-shaped body through a single opening, and those in which the box-shaped body is tunnel-shaped and comprises an outlet opening distinct and spaced from the inlet opening, are used for washing mechanical elements used in the food sector, such as, for example, the support frames for seasoning or processing cured meats or sausages, the support rods for cured meats and sausages used in such frames or in further devices for supporting and / or processing such cured meats or sausages, etc.

[0006] In some cases, such mechanical elements used in the food sector (for example the frames for supporting cured meats or sausages) are mounted on a cart through which they are introduced into the box-shaped body through the inlet opening thereof.

[0007] After closing the inlet opening (and, if present, also the outlet opening) of the box-shaped body, the mechanical elements used in the food sector are subjected to an appropriate washing cycle by spraying one or more washing liquids, such as for example caustic soda, water, etc., generally at a rather high temperature (equal to or higher than 80°C), so as to ensure the elimination of all bacteria possibly present on said mechanical elements.

[0008] Once the washing cycle is completed, the door(s) are reopened, and the cart and the mechanical elements loaded thereon are extracted from the box-shaped body through the outlet opening which, in the case of a single opening, coincides with the inlet opening, while in the case of the box-shaped body shaped as a tunnel, is instead distinct and separate from the inlet opening.

[0009] There are some mechanical elements used in the food sector (for example, the removable rods used in storing and / or processing devices for hanging a plurality of cured meats and sausages) that are small-sized and need to be removed from the device supporting them in order to be effectively washed, but for which it is not economically convenient to be inserted individually into the washing device and be subjected to washing; in fact, washing cycles are typically configured for washing relatively large-sized mechanical elements (such as support frames for cured meats and sausages) and therefore use relatively large quantities of washing liquids, and also energy to heat such washing liquids (dimensioned precisely for washing relatively large-sized mechanical elements), which would be wasted for washing single small-sized mechanical elements, such as for example single support rods for cured meats and sausages.

[0010] In order to wash some of such small-sized mechanical elements, it is known to group a plurality of them inside perforated cylindrical baskets, whose surface is then sprayed with a washing liquid that penetrates inside the basket through the perforated surface thereof, thereby coming into contact with the mechanical elements contained therein and washing them.

[0011] In order to allow the washing of the entire outer surface of the mechanical elements contained in the basket, such known-type perforated cylindrical baskets can be rotated, manually or by coupling with a suitable rotating electric motor, around their cylindrical axis, so that, during rotation, the mechanical elements continuously change their mutual position and gradually expose their entire outer surface to the washing liquid.

[0012] However, such known-type baskets are not suited for use inside the above-described washing devices, as the user who rotates the basket cannot remain inside the washing device during washing, and the use of electric motors inside the washing device is not possible due to the presence of liquids, often corrosive (e.g., detergents or caustic soda), and the often high temperatures reached during the washing cycles.

[0013] Furthermore, manual washing made using such known-type baskets is rather inconvenient, dangerous for the operator (who risks coming into contact with high-temperature and / or potentially corrosive washing liquids) and requires a long execution time.

[0014] In the sector, there is therefore the need to be able to simultaneously wash a large number of relatively small-sized mechanical elements used in the food sector, such as for example the support rods for cured meats and sausages, in relatively short times, without risks for the operator and ensuring a high level of cleanliness and hygiene.

[0015] The main aim of the present finding is to solve the problems highlighted above with reference to the prior art, and therefore to obtain a device capable of washing and sanitizing various typologies of mechanical elements used in the food sector, both relatively large-sized, such as for example the support frames for cured meats and sausages, and relatively small-sized, such as for example the support rods for cured meats and sausages, in an effective, relatively quick manner and with greatly reduced risks for the operator.

[0016] Within this aim, an object of the present finding is to obtain a washing device capable of washing simultaneously a large number of mechanical elements used in the food sector supported by a support element, in a relatively easy and quick way.

[0017] Another object of the finding is to obtain a washing device capable of washing simultaneously a large number of mechanical elements used in the food sector supported by a support element, ensuring effective cleaning of all the elements supported by the support.

[0018] The aim and the objects according to the present finding are achieved by a device for washing mechanical elements used in the food sector according to claim 1.

[0019] Other advantageous features of the finding are reported in the dependent claims.

[0020] The features and advantages of the present finding will be more apparent from the following illustrative and non-limiting description, referred to the attached schematic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an advantageous embodiment of a washing device according to the finding; Figures 2, 3, and 4 are three front views of the washing device of Figure 1, with some parts depicted transparently and some parts not depicted; Figures 5, 6, and 7 are three perspective views of the washing device of Figure 1, with some parts depicted transparently and some parts not depicted, and with a support element for mechanical elements used in the food sector therein; Figures 8 and 9 are two perspective views of an advantageous embodiment of the rotation means and of selective coupling means of the washing device of the previous figures, respectively before and after the selective coupling of the first rotation shaft with a support element for mechanical elements used in the food sector, positioned inside the washing device; Figure 10 is a further perspective view, from a different point of view, of the rotation means and the selective coupling means of the washing device of the previous figures; Figure 11 is an enlarged detail of Figure 6.

[0021] With reference to attached figures, reference number 1 indicates as a whole a washing device for mechanical elements, not illustrated, used in the food sector; such mechanical elements can be, for example, support frames used to hang cured meats or sausages during their seasoning or processing, accessories or components for such frames, such as for example support rods for sausages or cured meats used in such frames or in further devices for supporting and / or processing such sausages or cured meats, etc.

[0022] The washing device 1 comprises a box-shaped body 2 which has a first wall 3 provided with a first opening 5 suitable for allowing the passage of desired mechanical elements used in the food sector, not illustrated, and / or of support elements thereof, such as for example the support element 20, which will be better described below.

[0023] The first opening 5 is selectively hermetically closable, in a removable way, by one or more first doors 7.

[0024] In advantageous embodiments, not illustrated, the box-shaped body 2 has a single first opening 5 that serves both as an inlet opening and as an outlet opening of the box-shaped body 2; in this case, the mechanical elements and / or the supports thereof to be washed enter and exit the box-shaped body 2 through the first opening 5.

[0025] In other advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the box-shaped body 2 has a tunnel shape and therefore comprises, in addition to the first wall 3, the first opening 5 (which in this case acts only as the inlet opening of the box-shaped body 2), and the one or more doors 7 described above, a second wall 4, parallel and spaced from the first wall 3, provided with a second opening 6 suitable for allowing the passage (and in this case, in particular, the exit) of mechanical elements used in the food sector and / or of support elements thereof 20; the second opening 6 is selectively hermetically closable, in a removable way, by one or more second doors 8.

[0026] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example that illustrated in the attached figures, the box-shaped body 2 advantageously has a parallelepiped shape; other shapes are nevertheless contemplated in the finding.

[0027] According to the finding, the washing device 1 comprises washing means 9, which will be better described in the following, positioned inside the box-shaped body 2 and configured to spray one or more jets of washing liquid, for example water, caustic soda, etc., at a desired temperature, for example equal to or higher than 80°C, inside the box-shaped body 2.

[0028] According to the finding, the washing device 1 further comprises rotation means 10, pneumatically operated, suitable for rotating a first rotation shaft 11, substantially horizontal, inside the box-shaped body 2.

[0029] It is emphasized that in the present text the expression "substantially horizontal" means that it can be horizontal or that it differs from the condition of perfect horizontality by a very small angle, preferably lower than 5 degrees.

[0030] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the device 1 comprises lifting means 12, which will be better described in the following, suitable for selectively positioning the rotation means 10 and the first rotation shaft 11 at a desired height inside the box-shaped body 2.

[0031] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the pneumatically operated rotation means 10 comprise a first cylinder 13 and a first piston 14, selectively sliding in and out of the first cylinder 13 by the action of a pneumatic system, not illustrated in attached figures, which can be totally or partially integrated in the washing device 1; advantageously, the pneumatic system can comprise, for example, tubes for introducing compressed air, not illustrated, which are introduced into the box-shaped body 2, and a compressed air generator, not illustrated, pertaining to the washing device 1 (for example fixed externally to the box-shaped body 2) or separate therefrom (e.g., provided in a building's compressed air-generating plant, such as an industrial facility), configured to introduce air into the above-mentioned tubes.

[0032] It is emphasized that pneumatic systems are optimally suited for being used inside the box-shaped body 2, since, unlike for example electric motors, they are not negatively affected by high temperatures and do not risk breaking or malfunctioning if they come into contact with liquids, especially highly corrosive ones, such as for example caustic soda; furthermore, unlike oleodynamic operations, in the event of failure and leakage of the working fluid (which, in the case of a pneumatic operation, is compressed air), the pneumatic systems do not risk contaminating the device 1 and / or the mechanical elements contained therein with oil or other potentially polluting or harmful substances.

[0033] Pneumatic systems are commonly used in mechanics and will therefore not be described in detail.

[0034] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the pneumatically operated rotation means 10 further comprise a toothed wheel 15, configured to rotate around a rotation axis 16 fixed with respect to the first cylinder 13, and mechanically connected to the first rotation shaft 11 to rotate it.

[0035] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the pneumatically operated rotation means 10 further comprise a rack 17, fixed to the first piston 14 so as to slide integrally with it, with respect to the first cylinder 13, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first piston 14; the rack 17 engages with the toothed wheel 15 in such a way as to cause its rotation during the sliding of the rack 17.

[0036] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example that illustrated in the attached figures, the rotation means 10 comprise a freewheel system 18 interposed between the toothed wheel 15 and the first rotation shaft 11, so as to rotate the first rotation shaft 11 only in a predetermined direction of rotation (e.g., clockwise) as a result of the rotation of the toothed wheel 15 on the rack 17.

[0037] In other advantageous embodiments, not illustrated, the rotation shaft 11 is connected to the toothed wheel 15 in such a way to rotate integrally with it, so that if the toothed wheel 15 rotates clockwise, the rotation shaft 11 also rotates clockwise, and if the toothed wheel 15 rotates counterclockwise, the rotation shaft 11 also rotates counterclockwise.

[0038] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in attached figures, the device 1 comprises selective coupling means 19, pneumatically operated, suitable for allowing the selective coupling of the first rotation shaft 11 with a support element 20 for mechanical elements, not illustrated, used in the food sector (for example support rods for cured meats and sausages used in frames or in further devices for supporting and / or processing such cured meats and sausages), selectively positionable inside the box-shaped body 2 and rotatable by the action of the first rotation shaft 11.

[0039] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the pneumatically operated selective coupling means 19 comprise one or more second cylinders 21 and as many one or more second pistons 22 selectively sliding in and out of such respective second cylinders 21 by the action of a pneumatic system, not illustrated, which can be the same used for operating the first cylinder 13 and the first piston 14, or a different one.

[0040] Advantageously, the second pistons 22 are mechanically connected to the first rotation shaft 11, for example by a dedicated kinematism 22a, in such a way to cause the selective sliding of said first rotation shaft 11 parallel to its longitudinal axis 16, so as to selectively cause the coupling or uncoupling of the rotation shaft 11 with / from the support element 20.

[0041] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the selective coupling means 19 comprise a first coupling element 23, fixed to the free end of the first rotation shaft 11 and fixable integrally, in a removable way, to a second coupling element 24 present on the support element 20 and integral in the rotation thereof, as a result of a predetermined sliding of the first rotation shaft 11 towards the support element 20.

[0042] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the first coupling element 23 and the second coupling element 24 overall define a male-female type coupling system, in which one of the first coupling element 23 and the second coupling element 24 is the male element, and the other is the female element; the sliding of the first rotation shaft 11 parallel to its longitudinal axis 16 causes, in the direction of approaching the first coupling element 23 to the second coupling element 24, the coupling between the latter and, in the direction of distancing them, the uncoupling thereof.

[0043] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the support element 20 advantageously comprises a frame 200, preferably configured to rest on a flat surface, such as the ground, which supports a hollow, preferably cylindrical or prismatic, drum 201, which can rotate with respect to the frame 200 around a horizontal axis; the surface of the drum 201 is advantageously perforated, so as to allow the passage of a fluid, and in particular of the washing liquid, therethrough. The drum 201 is configured such that a plurality of mechanical elements used in the food sector can be loaded thereinto, advantageously relatively small-sized, such as for example the support rods for sausages or cured meats, not illustrated, used in frames or in further devices for supporting and / or processing such sausages or cured meats.

[0044] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the second coupling element 24 is mounted on the drum 201, advantageously at a base thereof and at the rotation axis thereof.

[0045] Advantageously, the support element 20 can be inserted into the box-shaped body 2 through the first opening 5, when the one or more first doors 7 are open, for example manually, or by loading such support element 20 onto a cart, not illustrated, provided for example with wheels and preferably guided by a possible rail 50 that preferably passes through the box-shaped body 2, preferably passing through the first opening 5 and, if provided, also through the second opening 6.

[0046] The rail 50 cannot also be present.

[0047] Advantageously, the support element 20 is inserted inside the box-shaped body 2 such that the rotation axis of the drum 201 is (in the advantageous case of rotation shaft 11 at fixed height) or can be (in advantageous embodiments, an example of which is illustrated in the attached figures, in which the rotation shaft 11 can be lifted or lowered by the lifting means 12) aligned with the rotation shaft 11.

[0048] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the lifting means 12 comprise a slider 25, on which the rotation means 10 and the first rotation shaft 11, which can be selectively positioned at a desired height inside the box-shaped body 2, are mounted.

[0049] Preferably, the slider 25 is preferably shaped as a horizontal bar and slides with its ends on two dedicated vertical guides 26 placed inside the box-shaped body 2 and preferably positioned on both sides of the first opening 5 or the second opening 6 (in the case this is advantageously present).

[0050] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the lifting means 12 further comprise preferably a first pulley 27, supported inside the box-shaped body 2 at a height above the first opening 5 and keyed onto a second rotation shaft 28 which comes out from the box-shaped body 2 and is mechanically connected to a first motor 29, preferably of the electric type, external to the box-shaped body 2, suitable for selectively rotating the second rotation shaft 28 in a desired direction of rotation. The first motor 29 can be connected to the second rotation shaft 28 directly, or through a dedicated kinematism 29a, such as a reducer.

[0051] Advantageously, the lifting means 12 further comprise two first transmission pulleys 30, arranged inside the box-shaped body 2 and freely hinged thereto, laterally to the first pulley 27.

[0052] Advantageously, the lifting means 12 further comprise two first ribbon-like elements 31a, 31b, which can be wound and unwound on / from the first pulley 27, passing through the first transmission pulleys 30 and fixed with one of their free ends to the slider 25, so as to cause the lifting or lowering of such slider 25 as a result of respectively their winding on the first pulley 27 or unwinding from the first pulley 27.

[0053] It is emphasized that, in advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the rotation means 10 and the first rotation shaft 11 are arranged in the proximity to the second opening 6 such that the lifting means 12 can selectively lift or lower said rotation means 10 and first rotation shaft 11 to partially block or clear the passage through said second opening 6; in other advantageous embodiments, not illustrated, the rotation means 10 and the first rotation shaft 11 can be positioned in the proximity to the first opening 5, or in other zones of the box-shaped body 2, for example near one of two lateral walls 34a and 34b of the box-shaped body 2 which, in the advantageous case where it is parallelepiped, are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first wall 3 and the second wall 4.

[0054] In advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in the attached figures, the washing means 9 comprise a plurality of first nozzles 32a and, preferably, of second nozzles 32b, mounted inside the box-shaped body 2, preferably respectively in two distinct zones thereof facing each other, so that the jets of washing liquid dispensed thereby can strike a mechanical element to be washed, positioned inside the box-shaped body 2, between such first nozzles 32a and second nozzles 32b, from opposite directions.

[0055] Preferably, said first and second nozzles 32a and 32b are mounted on respective first and second supports 33a and 33b, preferably tunnel-shaped and advantageously parallel to each other, which preferably extend along a horizontal axis; the first support 33a and the second support 33b are hollow and advantageously serve as conduits for bringing the washing liquid to the respective first nozzles 32a and second nozzles 32b.

[0056] Advantageously, the first and second supports 33a and 33b are positioned respectively near the lateral walls 34a and 34b of the box-shaped body 2, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first wall 3 and the second wall 4.

[0057] Advantageously, the device 1 comprises selective lifting / lowering means for the first nozzles 32a and the second nozzles 32b; in advantageous embodiments, such selective lifting / lowering means comprise a third pulley 35 and a fourth pulley 36, supported inside the box-shaped body 2, at a height advantageously above the first opening 5 and the second opening 6 and preferably one near the first opening 5 and the other near the second opening 6.

[0058] Preferably, the third pulley 35 and the fourth pulley 36 are keyed onto a third rotation shaft 60 which comes out from the box-shaped body 2 and is mechanically connected to a second motor 61, preferably of the electric type, external to the box-shaped body 2, suitable for selectively rotating the third rotation shaft 60 in a desired direction of rotation. The third electric motor 61 can be connected to the third rotation shaft 60 directly, or through a dedicated kinematism 61a, such as a reducer.

[0059] Advantageously, the selective lifting / lowering means of the first nozzles 32a and second nozzles 32b further comprise two second transmission pulleys 37, arranged inside the box-shaped body 2 and freely hinged thereto, laterally to the third pulley 35, and two third transmission pulleys 38, arranged inside the box-shaped body 2 and freely hinged thereto, laterally to the fourth pulley 36.

[0060] Advantageously, the selective lifting / lowering means of the first nozzles 32a and second nozzles 32b further comprise two second ribbon-like elements 39a, 39b, which can be wound and unwound on / from the third pulley 35, passing through the second transmission pulleys 37 and fixed at one of their free ends respectively to a first end of the first support 33a and of the second support 33b.

[0061] Advantageously, the selective lifting / lowering means of the first nozzles 32a and second nozzles 32b further comprise two third ribbon-like elements 40a, 40b, which can be wound and unwound on / from the fourth pulley 36, passing through the third transmission pulleys 38 and fixed with one of their free ends respectively to a second end of the first support 33a and the second support 33b.

[0062] Advantageously, by winding or unwinding the second ribbon-like elements 39a, 39b and the third ribbon-like elements 40a, 40b on the respective third pulley 35 and fourth pulley 36, it is thus possible to cause respectively the lifting or lowering of the first support 33a and the second support 33b, and with them of the first nozzles 32a and second nozzles 32b.

[0063] Advantageously, the device 1 comprises electronic control means, advantageously programmable, not illustrated, such as for example an electronic board, a programmable logic controller (PLC), etc., preferably mounted outside the box-shaped body 2 and operatively connected to the various electric and electronic devices of the device 1, and to the pneumatic systems of the device 1, for controlling them.

[0064] Advantageously, the device 1 comprises a user interface, such as for example a display, for example of the touch type and / or a keyboard and / or buttons and / or indicators, etc., suitable for allowing a user to interact with and / or control and / or program the device 1.

[0065] The operation of the device 1 for washing mechanical elements used in the food sector according to the finding is described in the following.

[0066] In the case where it is desired to wash in the device 1 a relatively large-sized mechanical element used in the food sector, such as for example a frame for supporting sausages or cured meats, in the case where the device 1 is provided with the lifting means 12, it is possible to position, by appropriately operating such lifting means 12, the rotation means 10 and the first rotation shaft 11 at a height such as not to obstruct the insertion of such mechanical element into the box-shaped body 2 through the first opening 7.

[0067] By opening the one or more first doors 7, it is therefore possible to insert such relatively large-sized mechanical element (for example, but not necessarily, mounted on a cart, not illustrated, which preferably moves along the rail 50, if provided) into the box-shaped body 2 through the first opening 5, then hermetically close the one or more first doors 7 and, if advantageously present and if open, also the one or more second doors 8, and operate the washing means to subject such relatively large-sized mechanical element to a desired washing cycle.

[0068] Once the washing cycle is completed, in the case where the box-shaped body 2 comprises only the first opening 5 that serves both as inlet opening and outlet opening, the mechanical element can be extracted from the box-shaped body 2 after opening the one or more first doors 7; in the case where, instead, the box-shaped body 2 is tunnel-shaped and also comprises the second opening 6, the mechanical element can be extracted from the box-shaped body 2 through the second opening 6 thereof, after opening the one or more second doors 8.

[0069] This process can be repeated to wash further relatively large-sized mechanical elements.

[0070] If it is desired to wash by the device 1 a plurality of relatively small-sized mechanical elements used in the food sector, for example a plurality of rods for hanging sausages or cured meats, such mechanical elements can be loaded into a support 20, for example into the drum 201 of the support 20 illustrated in the attached figures.

[0071] By opening the one or more first doors 7, it is therefore possible to insert said support 20 (for example, but not necessarily, mounted on a cart, not illustrated, which preferably moves along the rail 50, if provided) into the box-shaped body 2 through the first opening 5.

[0072] It is emphasized that in this case the support element 20 must be inserted into the box-shaped body 2 such that the rotation axis of the drum 201 of such support element 20 is horizontal and lies, once the support element 20 is inserted into the box-shaped body 2 and stopped in the position where it will undergo the washing cycle, in the same vertical plane in which the horizontal rotation axis 16 of the first rotation shaft 11 passes.

[0073] At this point, in the advantageous embodiments, one of which is illustrated in the attached figures, in which the rotation shaft 11 can be lifted or lowered by the lifting means 12, it is possible to position, by appropriately operating such lifting means 12, the rotation means 10 and the first rotation shaft 11 at a height such that the first rotation shaft 11 is aligned with the rotation axis of the drum 201 and that the first coupling element 23 and the second coupling element 24 face each other.

[0074] In advantageous embodiments, not illustrated, in which the rotation shaft 11 has instead a fixed height, such vertical positioning of the first rotation shaft 11 is not necessary; in this case, however, the position of the first rotation shaft 11 inside the box-shaped body 2 must be designed such that such first rotation shaft 11 is aligned with the rotation axis of the drum 201 of the support element 20 and that the first coupling element 23 and the second coupling element 24 face each other when the support element 20 is inserted into the box-shaped body 2 and is stopped in the position in which it will undergo the washing cycle.

[0075] At this point, whether the first rotation shaft 11 is fixed or the first rotation shaft 11 has adjustable height by the action of the lifting means 12, by appropriately operating the selective coupling means 19, it is possible to couple the first rotation shaft 11 with the support element 20; for example, in the advantageous embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, by operating the selective coupling means 19, it is possible to slide the first rotation shaft 11 towards the drum 201 of the support element 20 until the first coupling element 23 engages with the second coupling element 24, thereby making the rotation shaft 11 and the drum 201 integral in rotation.

[0076] It is then possible (this can be done either before or after operating the lifting means 12, if present, and the selective coupling means 19) to hermetically close the one or more first doors 7 and, if advantageously present and if open, the one or more second doors 8, and operate the washing means to subject the support element 20, and the relatively small-sized mechanical elements contained therein, to a desired washing cycle.

[0077] During such a washing cycle, the rotation means 10 are activated, such that the drum 201 rotates on itself (advantageously always in the same direction in the advantageous case where the rotation means 10 advantageously comprise the freewheel system 18), moving the mechanical elements contained therein, which therefore gradually expose their entire surface to the washing liquid entering the drum 201.

[0078] Once the washing cycle is completed, by appropriately operating the selective coupling means 19, the first coupling element 23 can be separated from the second coupling element 24.

[0079] At this point, the support element 20 can be extracted from the box-shaped body 2 by opening the one or more first doors 7 (in the advantageous case where the first opening 5 serves both as inlet opening and outlet opening) or the one or more second doors 8 (if the second opening 6 is also present).

[0080] In the advantageous case where the device 1 comprises the lifting means 12, if the exit of the support element 20 is obstructed by the rotation means 10 and the first rotation shaft 11, they can be lifted by the lifting means 12 to a height such as not to obstruct the exit of the support element 20, for example through the second opening 6, if present, or through the same first opening 5, in the case where it serves both as inlet opening and outlet opening.

[0081] Such process can be repeated for further support elements 20 containing a plurality of relatively small-sized mechanical elements.

[0082] It is emphasized that actuation of the lifting means 12 (if present), of the selective coupling means 19, of the rotation means 11, of and the washing means 9 (and preferably also the opening and the closing the one or more first doors 7 and one or more second doors 8, if the device 1 comprises automatic means for opening and closing them) can be controlled by the electronic control means, not illustrated, of the device 1, advantageously after they have been properly programmed or set.

[0083] It has thus been found that the finding solves the aim and the objects stated above since, in addition to allowing relatively large-sized mechanical elements to be washed, due to the presence of pneumatically operated rotation means, it ensures the presence of a source of rotary motion inside the box-shaped body, which can be selectively coupled with a support for relatively small-sized mechanical elements, allowing a large number of such mechanical elements to move with respect to each other during washing (and therefore to expose the entire outer surface thereof to contact with a washing liquid) without requiring operator intervention for such movement.

[0084] A large number of such small-sized mechanical elements can therefore be washed inside the box-shaped body in a very simple, quick, and effective manner.

[0085] Furthermore, the advantageous embodiment that comprises lifting means suitable for selectively positioning the rotation means and the first rotation shaft at a desired height inside the box-shaped body, allows both to prevent the obstruction of relatively large-sized mechanical elements to be washed (such as the frames for seasoning or processing sausages or cured meats) entering and exiting the box-shaped body, thus allowing an effective and quick washing thereof, and to position a rotating shaft at a desired height inside the box-shaped body during washing, thus providing a source of rotary motion, for example, to a support on which a plurality of relatively small-sized mechanical elements are loaded (such as for example support rods for sausages or cured meats), thereby allowing such mechanical elements to move with respect to each other during washing, so that they can expose their entire surface to the washing liquid and be effectively washed.

[0086] Furthermore, the advantageous embodiment in which the box-shaped body is tunnel-shaped and comprises a first (inlet) opening and a second (outlet) opening, distinct and separated from each other, ensures an effective cleaning and sanitizing of the mechanical elements, since it prevents already washed mechanical elements from coming into contact with those still dirty.

[0087] Finally, it is clear that the washing device according to the finding described here is susceptible to numerous modifications or variants, all falling within the finding; furthermore, all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Device (1) for washing mechanical elements used in the food sector, comprising: - a box-shaped body (2) which has a first wall (3) provided with a first opening (5) suitable for allowing the passage of desired mechanical elements used in the food sector and / or of support elements (20) thereof and selectively hermetically closable, in a removable way, by one or more first doors (7); - washing means (9), positioned inside said box-shaped body (2) and configured to spray one or more jets of washing liquid inside said box-shaped body (2); - rotation means (10), pneumatically operated, suitable for rotating a first rotation shaft (11), substantially horizontal, inside said box-shaped body (2).

2. Device (1), as in claim 1, comprising lifting means (12) suitable for selectively positioning said rotation means (10) and said first rotation shaft (11) at a desired height inside said box-shaped body (2).

3. Device (1), as in claim 1 or 2, wherein said rotation means (10), pneumatically operated, comprise: - a first cylinder (13) and a first piston (14) selectively sliding in and out of said first cylinder (13) by the action of a pneumatic system; - a toothed wheel (15), configured to rotate with respect to a rotation axis (16) fixed with respect to said first cylinder (13), mechanically connected to said first rotation shaft (11) to rotate it; - a rack (17), attached to said first piston (14) so as to slide integrally therewith, with respect to said first cylinder (13), parallel to the longitudinal axis of said first piston (14), wherein said rack (17) engages with said toothed wheel (15) in such a way as to cause its rotation during the sliding of said rack (17).

4. Device (1), as in claim 3, wherein said rotation means (10) comprise a freewheel system (18) interposed between said toothed wheel (15) and said first rotation shaft (11) so as to rotate said first rotation shaft (11) only in a predetermined direction of rotation as a result of the rotation of said toothed wheel (15) on said rack (17).

5. Device (1) as in a previous claim, comprising selective coupling means (19), pneumatically operated, suitable for allowing the selective coupling of said first rotation shaft (11) with a support element (20) for some mechanical elements used in the food sector, which can be selectively positioned inside said box-shaped body (2) and is rotatable by the action of said first rotation shaft (11) .

6. Device (1) as in claim 5, wherein said selective coupling means (19), pneumatically operated, comprise one or more second cylinders (21) and as many one or more second pistons (22) selectively sliding in and out of said respective second cylinders (21) by the action of a pneumatic system, wherein said second pistons (22) are mechanically connected to said first rotation shaft (11) so as to cause the selective sliding of said first rotation shaft (11) parallel to its longitudinal axis (16), so as to selectively cause the coupling or uncoupling of said first rotation shaft (11) with / from said support element (20).

7. Device (1), as in claim 6, wherein said selective coupling means (19) comprise a first coupling element (23), fixed to the free end of said first rotation shaft (11) and fixable integrally, in a removable way, to a second coupling element (24) present in said support element (20) and integral in the rotation thereof, as a result of a predetermined sliding of said first rotation shaft (11) towards said support element (20).

8. Device (1), as in a previous claim, wherein said lifting means (12) comprise a slider (25), on which said rotation means (10) and said first rotation shaft (11) are mounted, that can be selectively positioned at a desired height inside said box-shaped body (2).

9. Device (1), as in claim 8, wherein said lifting means (12) comprise: - a first pulley (27), supported inside said box-shaped body (2) at a height higher than said first opening (5) and keyed onto a second rotation shaft (28) which comes out from said box-shaped body (2) and is mechanically connected to a first motor (29), external to said box-shaped body (2), suitable for selectively rotating said second rotation shaft (28) in a desired direction of rotation; - two first transmission pulleys (30) arranged internally to said box-shaped body (2) and freely hinged thereto, laterally to said first pulley (27); - two first ribbon-like elements (31a, 31b) which can be wound and unwound on / from said first pulley (27), passing through said first transmission pulleys (30) and fixed with one of their free ends to said slider (25), so as to cause the lifting or lowering of said slider (25) as a result of respectively their winding on said first pulley (27) or unwinding from said first pulley (27).

10. Device (1), as in a previous claim, wherein said box-shaped body (2) has a tunnel shape and comprises a second wall (4), parallel and spaced from said first wall (3), provided with a second opening (6) suitable for allowing the passage of desired mechanical elements used in the food sector and / or of support elements (20) thereof and selectively hermetically closable, in a removable way, by one or more second doors (8).

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