INDUSTRIAL WASHING MACHINE

Abstract

The invention relates to an industrial washing machine (100). The technical problem that the invention aims to solve is to provide an industrial washing machine that allows deep and efficient washing of used or dirty articles (10), while reducing the consumption of washing and / or rinsing liquid and preventing the formation of limescale and scale deposits in the circuits. For this, the inventor proposes an industrial washing machine (100) that allows a washing and / or rinsing liquid to be circulated in a loop between a washing and / or rinsing liquid tank (120) and a first pumping and treatment unit (130), so that when it passes through the first pumping and treatment unit (130), the liquid is both pumped by a first open circuit pump (131) and treated against scale by the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132). Figure to be published with the abstract: figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: INDUSTRIAL WASHING MACHINE Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of industrial washing machines specifically designed for washing used or dirty items. Prior art

[0002] The industrial washing of used or dirty items, such as containers, mechanical parts, tools, equipment or vehicles, requires the use of specific machines allowing thorough washing.

[0003] The term "industrial washing machine" herein refers to equipment which is intended to wash articles on an industrial scale, i.e. by processing large volumes with high productivity.

[0004] For example, the term "industrial washing machine" can designate washing tunnels, washing cabins, drum or tub washing machines for professional applications in different sectors of activity which require the regular washing of numerous used or dirty items.

[0005] Existing machines generally comprise a tub or chamber into which the items to be washed are introduced. A washing and / or rinsing liquid, most often water with added detergents, is applied (e.g. by spraying or immersion) to the items to loosen the soiling. The soiled liquid is then removed.

[0006] However, existing industrial washing machines have several drawbacks.

[0007] First of all, they do not always allow for optimal washing of items, particularly when they are very dirty or have encrusted or difficult-to-access dirt.

[0008] Indeed, the mechanical and chemical action of washing is not always sufficient to loosen and eliminate all dirt.

[0009] Furthermore, current machines often consume large quantities of washing and / or rinsing liquid, which generates significant costs and a significant environmental impact.

[0010] In addition, the washing and / or rinsing liquid tends to become clogged quickly when in contact with dirt, which means it needs to be renewed frequently.

[0011] Finally, limescale and scale deposits are a recurring problem in industrial washing machines that use water.

[0012] These deposits can clog circuits, reduce performance and damage equipment.

[0013] Conventional anti-limescale treatments, based on chemical products, are not always effective and present risks for the environment.

[0014] Furthermore, these treatments have no impact on the bacteriological quality of the water. Indeed, the water circulating in the machines contains micro-organisms, particularly bacteria, which colonize the pipes by forming a biofilm. This bacterial biofilm lines the inside of the pipes and can alter the properties of the water, despite the action of anti-limescale products.

[0015] In summary, the industrial washing machines of the prior art suffer from a lack of effectiveness on stubborn (or difficult to access) dirt and the complexity of the part, excessive consumption of washing and / or rinsing liquid and sensitivity to limescale and scale problems. In addition, they do not effectively eliminate bacteria and biofilm present in water and pipes.

[0016] There is therefore a need for a more efficient, more economical machine that is better protected against limescale, as well as against bacterial proliferation and the formation of biofilm in the washing circuit. Summary of the invention

[0017] The invention aims to resolve, at least partially, this need.

[0018] A first aspect of the invention relates to an industrial washing machine which is specifically designed for washing used or dirty articles, the industrial washing machine comprising a body which incorporates: - at least one washing chamber which is designed for washing used or dirty items, - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir provided with at least one internal cavity designed to contain a washing and / or rinsing liquid comprising at least water, the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir being designed to supply washing and / or rinsing liquid to the washing chamber, - at least one first liquid opening and one second liquid opening, which are provided in the body of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir, so as to establish liquid communication between the exterior of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir and the internal cavity, and - at least one first pumping and treatment unit comprising at least one first open-circuit pump and at least one liquid anti-scale treatment module using an electromagnetic field, in which, the first pumping and treatment unit is arranged so that the washing and / or rinsing liquid circulates in a first closed loop, successively through the internal cavity, the first open-circuit pump and the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module, the washing and / or rinsing liquid leaving the internal cavity through the first liquid opening, passing through the first open-circuit pump then the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module, and returning to the internal cavity through the second liquid opening.

[0019] In a first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the first pumping and treatment unit is arranged outside the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank, - the first open circuit pump being connected in liquid communication between the first liquid opening and an upstream end of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module, the first open circuit pump being designed to, - pumping, via the first liquid opening, washing and / or rinsing liquid from the internal cavity of the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank, and - distributing the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid to the upstream end of the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module, - the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module being connected in liquid communication between the first open circuit pump and the second liquid opening, the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module comprising, - at least one internal channel designed to allow the flow of the washing and / or rinsing liquid pumped from the upstream end to a downstream end of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module, and - at least one electromagnetic field generator arranged in proximity to the internal channel, and designed to subject the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid flowing in the internal channel to a predetermined electromagnetic field which is designed to modify the crystalline structure of the calcium carbonate, CaCO3, present in the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid, by transforming the calcite into aragonite in the form of a fine, non-encrusting powder.

[0020] In a second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the body further incorporates, - at least one first generator of stabilized ozonated water arranged between the downstream end of the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module and the second liquid opening, the first generator of stabilized ozonated water being chosen from a generator of stabilized ozonated water based on ion exchange resin and an electrolytic ozonated water generator, the first stabilized ozonated water generator comprising, - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet connected in liquid communication with the downstream end of the liquid anti-scale treatment module by electromagnetic field, and - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet connected in liquid communication, on the one hand, to the mixer, and on the other hand, to the second liquid opening.

[0021] In a third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the body further incorporates, - at least one third liquid opening and one fourth liquid opening, which are provided in the body of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir, so as to establish liquid communication between the exterior of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir and the internal cavity, and - at least one second pumping and treatment unit comprising, at least one second open circuit pump and at least one second stabilized ozonated water generator, the second stabilized ozonated water generator being chosen from a stabilized ozonated water generator based on ion exchange resin and an electrolytic ozonated water generator, the second stabilized ozonated water generator comprising, - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet connected in liquid communication to the third liquid opening, and - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet connected in liquid communication, on the one hand, to the mixer, and on the other hand, to the fourth liquid opening, in which, the second pumping and treatment unit is arranged so that the washing and / or rinsing liquid circulates in a second closed loop, successively through the internal cavity, the second open-circuit pump and the second stabilized ozonated water generator, the washing and / or rinsing liquid exiting the internal cavity through the third liquid opening, passing through the second open-circuit pump and then the second stabilized ozonated water generator, and returning to the internal cavity through the fourth liquid opening.

[0022] In a particular implementation of the third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the industrial washing machine further comprises, - at least one ozone sensor designed and arranged to measure an ozone content in the washing and / or rinsing liquid contained in the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank, - at least one processor functionally connected to the second stabilized ozonated water generator and to the ozone sensor, wherein, the processor is designed to activate / deactivate control second generator of stabilized ozonated water depending on the ozone content in the washing and / or rinsing liquid contained in the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank.

[0023] In a fourth embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the body further incorporates - at least one passive electronically readable information reader functionally connected to the washing chamber, and - at least one loading / unloading conveyor on which at least one basket of used or dirty items can be placed by an operator of the machine, the loading / unloading conveyor being, - designed to ensure the transfer of baskets of used or dirty items to and from the washing chamber, and - arranged at a height from the ground corresponding to that of the washing chamber, in which, - the basket and each used or dirty item including passive electronically readable information that is representative of a respective unique identification. - the passive electronically readable information reader is designed to, - identify used or dirty items and, in response to reading the passive electronically readable information of each used or dirty item, cause the determination of an appropriate washing program, - cause the washing chamber to select and implement the appropriate washing program when all used or dirty items loaded into the machine are compatible with the same washing program, and - cause the washing chamber to prevent any wash program implementation in response to the detection that the used or dirty items loaded require different wash programs that are incompatible with each other.

[0024] A second aspect of the invention relates to a system which is specifically designed to prevent, in a washing machine, the formation of limescale and scale deposits as well as the proliferation of bacteria and biofilm in a washing and / or rinsing liquid, the washing machine comprising at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir provided with at least one internal cavity designed to contain a washing and / or rinsing liquid comprising at least water, the system comprising, - at least, a first liquid opening and a second liquid opening, which are provided in the body of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir, so as to establish a liquid communication between the exterior of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir and the internal cavity, and - at least one first pumping and treatment unit comprising at least one first open-circuit pump and at least one electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module, wherein the first pumping and treatment unit is arranged so that the washing and / or rinsing liquid circulates in a first closed loop, successively through the internal cavity, the first open-circuit pump and the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module, the washing and / or rinsing liquid leaving the internal cavity through the first liquid opening, passing through the first open-circuit pump then the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module, and returning to the internal cavity through the second liquid opening.

[0025] In a first embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the first pumping and treatment unit is arranged outside the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank, - the first open circuit pump being connected in liquid communication between the first liquid opening and an upstream end of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module, the first open circuit pump being designed to, - pumping, via the first liquid opening, washing and / or rinsing liquid from the internal cavity of the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank, and - distributing the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid to the upstream end of the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module, - the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module being connected in liquid communication between the first open circuit pump and the second liquid opening, the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module comprising, - at least one internal channel designed to allow the flow of the washing and / or rinsing liquid pumped from the upstream end to a downstream end of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module, and - at least one electromagnetic field generator arranged in proximity to the internal channel, and designed to subject the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid flowing in the internal channel to a predetermined electromagnetic field which is designed to modify the crystalline structure of the calcium carbonate, CaCO3, present in the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid, by transforming the calcite into aragonite in the form of a fine, non-encrusting powder.

[0026] In a second embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the system further comprises, - at least one first stabilized ozonated water generator arranged between the downstream end of the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module and the second liquid opening, the first stabilized ozonated water generator being chosen from a stabilized ozonated water generator based on ion exchange resin and an electrolytic ozonated water generator, the first stabilized ozonated water generator comprising, - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet connected in liquid communication with the downstream end of the liquid anti-scale treatment module by electromagnetic field, and - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet connected in liquid communication, on the one hand, to the mixer, and on the other hand, to the second liquid opening.

[0027] In a third embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the system further comprises, - at least one third liquid opening and one fourth liquid opening, which are provided in the body of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir, so as to establish liquid communication between the exterior of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir and the internal cavity, and - at least one second pumping and treatment unit comprising, at least one second open circuit pump and at least one second stabilized ozonated water generator, the second stabilized ozonated water generator being chosen from a stabilized ozonated water generator based on ion exchange resin and an electrolytic ozonated water generator, the second stabilized ozonated water generator comprising, - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet connected in liquid communication to the third liquid opening, and - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet connected in liquid communication, on the one hand, to the mixer, and on the other hand, to the fourth liquid opening, in which, the second pumping and treatment unit is arranged so that the washing and / or rinsing liquid circulates in a second closed loop, successively through the internal cavity, the second open-circuit pump and the second stabilized ozonated water generator, the washing and / or rinsing liquid exiting the internal cavity through the third liquid opening, passing through the second open-circuit pump and then the second stabilized ozonated water generator, and returning to the internal cavity through the fourth liquid opening. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawing, given for illustrative purposes and in no way limiting.

[0029] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] schematically represents the industrial washing machine according to the invention.

[0030] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] schematically represents a first embodiment of the industrial washing machine according to the invention.

[0031] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] schematically represents a second embodiment of the industrial washing machine according to the invention.

[0032] The figure does not necessarily respect the scales, in particular in thickness, and this is for illustration purposes. Description of the embodiments

[0033] Problem solved by the invention

[0034] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve is to provide an industrial washing machine which allows thorough and efficient washing of articles, while reducing the consumption of washing and / or rinsing liquid and preventing the formation of limescale and scale deposits as well as the proliferation of bacteria and biofilm in a washing and / or rinsing liquid.

[0035] Solution of a first aspect of the invention and technical effect

[0036] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the invention relates to an industrial washing machine 100 which is specifically designed for washing used or dirty articles 10.

[0037] In practice, the industrial washing machine 100 comprises a body which integrates at least one washing chamber 110, at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120, a first liquid opening 122, a second liquid opening 123 and at least one first pumping and treatment unit 130.

[0038] The washing chamber 110 is designed to wash used or dirty articles 10.

[0039] The washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 is provided with at least one internal cavity 121 which is designed to contain a washing and / or rinsing liquid comprising at least water. It is designed to supply washing and / or rinsing liquid to the washing chamber 110.

[0040] The first liquid opening 122 and the second liquid opening 123 are provided in the body of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120, so as to establish liquid communication (i.e., freely and tightly) between the exterior of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 and the internal cavity 121.

[0041] The first pumping and treatment unit 130 comprises at least one first open circuit pump 131 and at least one liquid anti-scale treatment module by electromagnetic field 132.

[0042] The first pumping and treatment unit 130 is arranged so that the washing and / or rinsing liquid circulates in a first closed loop, successively through the internal cavity 121, the first open-circuit pump 131 and the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module 132. The washing and / or rinsing liquid leaves the internal cavity 121 through the first liquid opening 122, passes through the first open-circuit pump 131 then the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module 132, and returns to the internal cavity 121 through the second liquid opening 122.

[0043] Thus, the industrial washing machine 100 makes it possible to circulate in a loop, in a first closed loop, the washing and / or rinsing liquid between the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 and the first pumping and treatment unit 130. During its passage through the first pumping and treatment unit 130, the liquid is both pumped by the first open circuit pump 131 and treated against scale by the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132. In addition, the liquid undergoes an antibacterial treatment during its passage through the first unit 130, making it possible to reduce the bacterial load and limit the formation of biofilm. This device ensures effective washing of the articles in the washing chamber 110 while maintaining the qualities of the washing and / or rinsing liquid.

[0044] Detailed presentation of the first aspect of the invention

[0045] The washing chamber 110

[0046] The washing chamber 110 is a sealed enclosure intended to accommodate the used or dirty articles 10 to be washed.

[0047] The washing chamber 110 may have different shapes and dimensions depending on the used or dirty articles 10 to be washed. For example, the term "washing chamber" may designate a tub, a rotating drum, a tunnel, a cabin or any other cavity suitable for washing articles in an industrial environment.

[0048] The washing chamber 110 comprises means for introducing and extracting the used or dirty articles 10, for example a door, an airlock, a conveyor, a gantry, etc. It can also be equipped with means for mixing the used or dirty articles 10 and the washing and / or rinsing liquid, such as an agitator, rotating blades, jets, ultrasound, etc.

[0049] The role of the washing chamber 110 is to bring the used or dirty articles 10 into contact with the washing and / or rinsing liquid which comes from the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120, under conditions allowing optimal washing. It ensures the containment of used or dirty items 10 and liquid for at least one washing phase, the duration of which is determined according to the type and degree of soiling of the used or dirty items 10.

[0050] The washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120

[0051] The washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 is a sealed container which comprises at least one internal cavity 121 intended to receive and store a quantity of washing and / or rinsing liquid.

[0052] The washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 may have different shapes and capacities depending on the needs. For example, the term “washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir” may designate a tank, a cistern, a tub, a drum or any other capacity suitable for storing a liquid in an industrial context.

[0053] The washing and / or rinsing liquid tank 120 is designed to be easily filled and emptied. It may include accessories such as a cover, a gauge, an overflow, a drain, etc. It may be fixed or removable relative to the body of the industrial washing machine 100.

[0054] The internal cavity 121 defines the useful volume for containing the washing and / or rinsing liquid inside the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120. It is delimited by the internal walls of the body of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120. Its size and geometry are adapted to the quantity of liquid necessary for optimal operation of the industrial washing machine 100.

[0055] The role of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 is to constitute a reserve of clean and treated liquid, ready to be sent to the washing chamber 110 to wash the used or dirty articles 10. It makes it possible to store the waiting liquid and to protect it from pollution.

[0056] In particular, the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 is designed to supply the washing chamber 110 with liquid with controlled properties. It ensures the continuity and quality of the liquid supply to the chamber 110, in cooperation with the first pumping and treatment unit 130 which circulates and conditions the washing and / or rinsing liquid.

[0057] The first liquid opening 122 and the second liquid opening 123

[0058] The first liquid opening 122 and the second liquid opening 123 are two separate orifices which are provided in the body of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120.

[0059] The first liquid opening 122 and the second liquid opening 123 may have different sizes, shapes and positions on the reservoir 120.

[0060] For example, the term "liquid opening" may refer to a hole, a slot, a tapping, a threaded connection, a calibrated orifice or any other perforation suitable for the circulation of a liquid through the wall of an industrial tank.

[0061] The first liquid opening 122 and the second liquid opening 123 are designed to be connected to conduits which allow the flow of the washing and / or rinsing liquid, such as pipes, conduits, hoses, etc. They can be equipped with accessories such as valves, flaps, filters, connectors, etc.

[0062] The role of the first liquid opening 122 and the second liquid opening 123 is to establish liquid communication between the exterior and the interior of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120, i.e. between the internal cavity 121 and the rest of the liquid circuit of the industrial washing machine 100.

[0063] More specifically, the first liquid opening 122 serves as an outlet for the washing and / or rinsing liquid which leaves the internal cavity 121 of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 to go towards the first pumping and treatment unit 130. The second liquid opening 123 serves as an inlet for the washing and / or rinsing liquid which returns from the first pumping and treatment unit 130 to the internal cavity 121 of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120.

[0064] The first pumping and treatment unit 130

[0065] The first pumping and treatment unit 130 is a set of members which ensures the circulation and conditioning of the washing and / or rinsing liquid in the industrial washing machine 100.

[0066] In particular, the first pumping and treatment unit 130 comprises at least one first open-circuit pump 131 and at least one liquid anti-scale treatment module using an electromagnetic field 132.

[0067] The first open circuit pump 131 is a pumping device which makes it possible to circulate the washing and / or rinsing liquid in an open circuit, that is to say with an inlet and an outlet which are distinct.

[0068] For example, the first open circuit pump 131 may be a centrifugal pump, a gear pump, a lobe pump or a diaphragm pump.

[0069] The electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132 is a device which uses the action of an electromagnetic field to prevent or reduce the formation of scale deposits in the washing and / or rinsing liquid which passes through it.

[0070] In practice, the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132 may comprise permanent magnets, electromagnets or coils which generate a magnetic field through which the liquid passes.

[0071] Operation of the invention

[0072] The industrial washing machine 100 operates in the following manner.

[0073] The washing and / or rinsing liquid contained in the internal cavity 121 of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 is sucked by the first open circuit pump 131 through the first liquid opening 122.

[0074] The washing and / or rinsing liquid is then discharged by the first open circuit pump 131 to the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module 132.

[0075] Under the effect of the electromagnetic field produced by the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132, the calcium and magnesium ions responsible for the formation of scale are modified and made less likely to be deposited on the surfaces. The washing and / or rinsing liquid thus treated returns to the internal cavity 121 of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 through the second liquid opening 123. It is then ready to be used for a new washing phase in the washing chamber 110.

[0076] In other words, the first pumping and treatment unit 130 ensures continuous circulation of the washing and / or rinsing liquid between the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 and the pumping and treatment members which are the first open circuit pump 131 and the liquid anti-scale treatment module by electromagnetic field 132. This loop circulation, in the first closed loop, makes it possible to permanently maintain the properties of the washing and / or rinsing liquid, in particular its purity and its anti-scale power.

[0077] In particular, the repeated passage of the washing and / or rinsing liquid through the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module 132 prevents the progressive accumulation of scale in the circuit.

[0078] The electromagnetic field acts at each cycle to deactivate the ions causing the scale, which stops the scaling process.

[0079] Thus, the liquid retains its effectiveness and the equipment is protected against limescale deposits.

[0080] Advantages and industrial applications

[0081] The industrial washing machine 100 has many advantages over the machines of the prior art. First of all, it offers excellent washing efficiency thanks to the combined action of the washing chamber 110 and the washing and / or rinsing liquid with optimized properties. The used or dirty articles 10 come out perfectly clean, even if they were heavily soiled at the start.

[0082] In addition, the industrial washing machine 100 allows a significant reduction in the consumption of washing and / or rinsing liquid compared to conventional machines. Indeed, the liquid is continuously recycled by the first pumping and treatment unit 130, which makes it possible to optimize its quality and performance over time, thus reducing emptying and refilling. Substantial savings can thus be achieved on the costs of supplying and reprocessing effluents.

[0083] Furthermore, the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module 132 provides an ecological and sustainable response to the problem of scaling. Unlike the chemical solutions commonly used, it does not generate pollution and does not require any special maintenance. Its 100% physical action is effective in the long term without any side effects.

[0084] Another advantage of the industrial washing machine 100 is its great versatility. It can adapt to a wide range of used or dirty items 10, regardless of their shape, size and nature. It is sufficient to adjust the washing parameters such as time, temperature, pressure, etc., according to the needs. The industrial washing machine 100 is thus suitable for multiple sectors of activity.

[0085] Finally, the industrial washing machine 100 is distinguished by its reliability and robustness. Thanks to the first pumping and treatment unit 130 which preserves the condition of the liquid and the equipment, it offers a long service life with minimal maintenance. The risks of breakdown and shutdown are greatly reduced, which guarantees high productivity in the long term.

[0086] First embodiment

[0087] In a first embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 1], the first pumping and treatment unit 130 is arranged outside the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank 120.

[0088] In other words, the first pumping and treatment unit 130 constitutes an external and independent module with respect to the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank 120. This configuration makes it possible to facilitate maintenance and possible replacement of the first pumping and treatment unit 130, without having to intervene inside the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank 120.

[0089] In practice, the first open circuit pump 131 is connected in liquid communication between the first liquid opening 122 and an upstream end 1321 of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132.

[0090] In other words, the first open circuit pump 131 is interposed between the first liquid opening 122 and the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132 so as to be able to take the washing and / or rinsing liquid from the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 and send it to this electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132.

[0091] More specifically, the first open circuit pump 131 is designed to perform two actions.

[0092] On the one hand, it makes it possible to pump, via the first liquid opening 122, washing and / or rinsing liquid from the internal cavity 121 of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120.

[0093] The term "pump" means sucking the washing and / or rinsing liquid out of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 by creating a vacuum.

[0094] On the other hand, the first open circuit pump 131 makes it possible to distribute the washing and / or rinsing liquid thus pumped towards the upstream end 1321 of the liquid anti-scale treatment module by electromagnetic field 132.

[0095] The term "distribute" indicates that the first open circuit pump 131 delivers under pressure the washing and / or rinsing liquid towards the inlet of the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module 132.

[0096] In practice, the first open-circuit pump 131 operates cyclically, alternating phases of suction and discharge of the washing and / or rinsing liquid, so as to ensure a continuous flow of the liquid from the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 to the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module 132.

[0097] By way of example, the first open-circuit pump 131 may comprise a pump body provided with a rotor driven in rotation by an electric motor, and which delimits a suction chamber and a discharge chamber. Non-return valves may be provided to prevent a backflow of the washing and / or rinsing liquid pumped towards the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 during the discharge phases.

[0098] Furthermore, the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132 is connected in liquid communication between the first open circuit pump 131 and the second liquid opening 123.

[0099] The electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132 comprises two separate elements.

[0100] It comprises at least one internal channel which is designed to allow the flow of the washing and / or rinsing liquid pumped from the upstream end 1321 to the downstream end 1322 of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132.

[0101] The term "internal channel" designates a conduit of suitable section arranged inside the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module 132 to channel the flow of washing and / or rinsing liquid which passes through it from the inlet to the outlet of this module. This internal channel is sized to allow the passage of a sufficient flow of washing and / or rinsing liquid which corresponds to the flow of the first open circuit pump 131.

[0102] Alternatively, the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module 132 may comprise several internal channels arranged in parallel or with variable passage sections to optimize the flow and treatment of the washing and / or rinsing liquid.

[0103] The electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132 also comprises at least one electromagnetic field generator which is disposed near the internal channel.

[0104] The term "electromagnetic field generator" refers to a device capable of creating an electromagnetic field, i.e. a combination of an electric field and a magnetic field oscillating and perpendicular to each other. This electromagnetic field generator is positioned sufficiently close to the internal channel so that the electromagnetic field produced can penetrate inside this internal channel and act on the washing and / or rinsing liquid flowing therein.

[0105] In practice, the electromagnetic field generator is designed to subject the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid flowing in the internal channel to a predetermined electromagnetic field.

[0106] The term "predetermined" indicates that the characteristics of the generated electromagnetic field, such as its frequency, intensity or orientation, are specifically chosen to obtain a particular effect on the washing and / or rinsing liquid.

[0107] More specifically, this predetermined electromagnetic field is designed to modify the crystalline structure of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) present in the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid.

[0108] Calcium carbonate is a calcium salt that is poorly soluble in water and is responsible for the formation of scale by deposit and accumulation on surfaces in contact with hard water.

[0109] The predetermined electromagnetic field applied by the electromagnetic field generator makes it possible to transform the crystalline structure of the calcium carbonate present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid from a calcite form into an aragonite form.

[0110] The term "calcite" refers to the most common crystalline form of calcium carbonate, which tends to form hard deposits that adhere to surfaces.

[0111] The term "aragonite" refers to a metastable crystalline form of calcium carbonate that precipitates as a fine, non-encrusting powder.

[0112] Thus, by treating the washing and / or rinsing liquid with this predetermined electromagnetic field during its passage through the liquid anti-scale treatment module by electromagnetic field 132, the calcium carbonate initially present in the form of calcite is converted into aragonite.

[0113] Calcium carbonate transformed into aragonite can no longer form hard scale deposits, but a fine powder which remains suspended in the washing and / or rinsing liquid without attaching to the surfaces.

[0114] In practice, the electromagnetic field generator may for example comprise at least one conductive winding wound around a portion of the internal channel and powered by an alternating electric current at an appropriate frequency. The alternating magnetic field created by this winding induces an electric field which oscillates in the washing and / or rinsing liquid which circulates in the internal channel. The combination of these two nested and oscillating fields forms the predetermined electromagnetic field which acts on the crystalline structure of the dissolved calcium carbonate.

[0115] Alternatively, a plurality of electromagnetic field generators may be provided along the internal channel, so as to apply a predetermined electromagnetic field long enough to effectively treat the entire volume of pumped wash and / or rinse liquid passing through the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module 132.

[0116] Consequently, the first pumping and treatment unit 130 forms a self-contained and efficient anti-scale treatment circuit, which operates continuously, even when no washing is carried out by the washing machine. The washing and / or rinsing liquid can thus be recycled numerous times in the industrial washing machine 100 without the risk of blocking the spray nozzles or obstructing the conduits with scale deposits. Maintenance is reduced and the washing performance remains constant over time.

[0117] Second embodiment

[0118] In a second embodiment, illustrated in [Fig.2], the industrial washing machine 100 further comprises at least a first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 which is arranged between the downstream end 1322 of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132 and the second liquid opening 123.

[0119] First variant of the second embodiment

[0120] In the first variant of the second embodiment, the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 is a stabilized ozonated water generator based on ion exchange resin.

[0121] The term "ion exchange resin-based stabilized ozonated water generator" refers to a subassembly of the industrial washing machine 100 which is dedicated to the production of ozone-enriched water and whose composition is stabilized to maintain the oxidizing properties of dissolved ozone.

[0122] In practice, the role of the stabilized ozonated water generator 133 is to transform the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid from the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 into ozonated water with improved washing and disinfecting properties, while guaranteeing the stability of the ozone in solution in the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid.

[0123] More specifically, the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 comprises at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet 1331, at least one acid-based cation exchange resin which initially contains exchangeable H+ ions, at least one mixer and at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet 1332.

[0124] The term “washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet 1331” designates an orifice or a conduit which allows the introduction of washing and / or rinsing liquid into the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133. It is dedicated to the supply of washing and / or rinsing liquid.

[0125] The washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet 1331 of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 thus makes it possible to take a portion of the washing and / or rinsing liquid treated by the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module 132 to convey it specifically to the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 so that the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid is transformed there into stabilized ozonated water.

[0126] In practice, the acid-based cation exchange resin is in liquid communication with the washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet 1331 of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133. This means that the resin is arranged in the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 so as to be traversed by the washing and / or rinsing liquid admitted via the washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet 1331 of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133.

[0127] For example, the resin may be disposed in a cartridge or column through which the washing and / or rinsing liquid from the washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet 1331 of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 will flow so that the cations present in the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid can be removed by ion exchange with the H + protons of the acidic resin. Putting the resin in liquid communication with the washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet 1331 of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 thus allows the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid to be effectively treated by cation exchange before it is admitted to the mixer.

[0128] The term "acid-based cation exchange resin" refers to a solid material with acidic functional groups capable of selectively binding cations present in water by an ion exchange mechanism. This resin initially contains H+ ions which can be exchanged with the cations in the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid, thus modifying its composition.

[0129] For example, the acid-based cation exchange resin may consist of a crosslinked polystyrene-type polymer that carries sulfonic groups -SO3H. The labile H+ ions of these sulfonic groups will be able to be exchanged with the cations present in the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid, such as Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, etc. This will have the effect of eliminating these cations from the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid and replacing them with H+ protons.

[0130] This exchange of cations in contact with the acid-based resin will thus make it possible to soften the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid and to lower its pH by supplying H+ protons. This step of treating the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid with the resin facilitates the dissolution and stabilization of the ozone during the following step of mixing the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid with the gaseous ozone in the mixer.

[0131] The term "mixer" designates a device which makes it possible to bring into contact and homogenize two fluids, in this case the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid previously treated by the cation exchange resin and the gaseous ozone. The role of the mixer is to promote the dissolution of the ozone in the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid in molecular or ionic form so as to obtain a washing and / or rinsing liquid comprising ozonated water with oxidizing and disinfecting properties.

[0132] For example, the mixer may consist of a mixing chamber provided with a gaseous ozone injection device, such as a porous diffuser, a venturi or pressurized nozzles.

[0133] The washing and / or rinsing liquid which comes from the resin is introduced into this chamber where the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid is intimately brought into contact with the injected gaseous ozone, which allows the solubilization of the ozone in the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid.

[0134] A turbine, propeller or recirculation agitation system can also be provided to improve the homogeneity of the water-ozone mixture.

[0135] The mixer is arranged to receive the washing and / or rinsing liquid previously treated with the acid-based cation exchange resin. After removal of the cations and lowering of the pH in contact with the acid resin, the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid has optimal physicochemical characteristics to allow efficient and lasting dissolution of the gaseous ozone during the subsequent mixing step in the mixer.

[0136] Thus, by synergistically combining a preliminary step of treating the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid with the acid resin and a subsequent step of mixing the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid, previously treated with gaseous ozone in the mixer, the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 makes it possible to produce a washing and / or rinsing liquid which has optimally stabilized ozonated water.

[0137] The combined and successive action of these two key steps guarantees maximum dissolution of the ozone in the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid as well as high stability of the ozonated water solution obtained at the outlet of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133.

[0138] The first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 finally comprises at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet 1332.

[0139] The term "washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet 1332" designates an orifice or a conduit which allows the evacuation of the washing and / or rinsing liquid comprising ozonated water produced in the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 at the end of the successive steps of treatment by the ion exchange resin and of mixing with the gaseous ozone in the mixer. The washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet 1332 constitutes the point of withdrawal of the washing and / or rinsing liquid having stabilized ozonated water generated in the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133.

[0140] The washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet 1332 of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 is connected in liquid communication on the one hand to the mixer and on the other hand to the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 of the industrial washing machine 100.

[0141] The liquid connection between the washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet 1332 of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 and the mixer makes it possible to collect at the outlet of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 washing and / or rinsing liquid having stabilized ozonated water produced in the mixer where the water present in the washing liquid previously treated with the resin has been brought into contact with the gaseous ozone.

[0142] The liquid connection between the washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet 1332 of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 and the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 makes it possible to deliver the washing and / or rinsing liquid comprising the stabilized ozonated water produced in the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 to the reservoir 120 of the industrial washing machine 100 so as to supply it with washing and / or rinsing liquid comprising ready-to-use stabilized ozonated water.

[0143] In addition, the stabilized ozonated water circulating throughout the entire circuit of the washing machine 100 makes it possible to disinfect and prevent the formation of biofilms, thus making the machine self-cleaning.

[0144] Indeed, ozonated water is known for its broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and its effectiveness against bacterial biofilms, particularly those formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, has also been demonstrated.

[0145] Second variant of the second embodiment

[0146] In the second variant of the second embodiment, the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 is an electrolytic ozonated water generator which directly produces ozonated water by electrolysis.

[0147] This electrolytic generator constitutes an advantageous alternative to the ion exchange resin generator for supplying the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank 120 with ready-to-use ozonated water.

[0148] The first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 is based on the principle of water electrolysis coupled with a specific catalyst to directly generate dissolved ozone.

[0149] Unlike the ion exchange resin generator which requires a step of mixing water with gaseous ozone, the electrolytic generator makes it possible to produce ozonated water in a single step, without going through a gaseous phase.

[0150] More precisely, the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 comprises at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet 1331, at least one electrolysis cell provided with catalytic electrodes and at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet 1332 of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133.

[0151] The washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet 1331 and the washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet 1332 are similar to those of the first variant of the second embodiment, as explained previously.

[0152] The electrolysis cell is the central element of the electrolytic generator 133 where the production of dissolved ozone takes place. It comprises two electrodes, one positive (anode) and the other negative (cathode), which are connected to an electric current generator. These electrodes are covered with a specific catalyst which promotes the recombination of oxygen into ozone.

[0153] In operation, the washing and / or rinsing liquid admitted by the washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet 1331 of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 circulates in the electrolysis cell of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133. Under the action of the electric current which passes through the electrodes, the water molecules present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid are dissociated into hydrogen and oxygen. Thanks to the catalyst present on the electrodes, the released oxygen atoms recombine directly in the form of ozone which immediately dissolves in the water present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid are dissociated into hydrogen and oxygen.

[0154] The ozonated water, present in the washing and / or rinsing liquid, thus produced in the electrolysis cell is collected by the washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet 1332 of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 and then conveyed to the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120. The electrolytic generator 133 therefore continuously produces ozonated water which supplies the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 with ready-to-use washing and / or rinsing liquid.

[0155] The major advantage of the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 is to directly produce ozonated water without passing through a gaseous phase. The ozone is generated in a dissolved state at the very heart of the water, which optimizes its dissolution and stability. In addition, the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 is a simple and compact device that is easily integrated into the industrial washing machine 100.

[0156] Ultimately, the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 constitutes an efficient and practical means of continuously producing stable and ready-to-use ozonated water to supply the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank 120 of the machine 100.

[0157] The ozonated water thus generated has optimal disinfecting and cleaning properties to ensure efficient washing while preventing bacterial proliferation in the machine.

[0158] Third embodiment

[0159] In a third embodiment, illustrated in [Fig. 3], the body of the industrial washing machine 100 further incorporates a third liquid opening 124, a fourth liquid opening 125, at least one second pumping and treatment unit 150 and at least one second stabilized ozonated water generator 152, which are, respectively, structurally similar to the first liquid opening 122, the second liquid opening 123, the first pumping and treatment unit 130 and the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133.

[0160] In practice, a washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet 1521 of the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152 is connected in liquid communication to the third liquid opening 124.

[0161] Furthermore, a washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet 1522 of the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152 is connected in liquid communication, on the one hand, to a mixer of the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152, and on the other hand, to the fourth liquid opening 125.

[0162] In the third embodiment, the industrial washing machine 100 operates in the following manner.

[0163] The washing and / or rinsing liquid exits the internal cavity 121 of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 via the third liquid opening 124 which connects the inside and the outside of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120.

[0164] Then, the washing and / or rinsing liquid is sucked in by the second open circuit pump 151 which ensures its movement and transfer to the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152.

[0165] Then, inside the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152, the washing and / or rinsing liquid undergoes a treatment intended to generate ozonated water with stabilized properties, as described previously.

[0166] At the outlet of the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152, the washing and / or rinsing liquid thus treated is returned to the internal cavity 121 of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 via the fourth liquid opening 125 which ensures the junction between the exterior and the interior of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120.

[0167] Back in the internal cavity 121, the washing and / or rinsing liquid enriched with ozonated water can again be used for washing the articles, before being once again taken through the third liquid opening 124 to carry out a new circulation cycle in the second closed loop.

[0168] Consequently, the second pumping and treatment unit 150 forms an autonomous subassembly within which the washing and / or rinsing liquid circulates independently and continuously, while exchanging liquid with the internal cavity 121 of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120 at the third and fourth openings 124, 125.

[0169] This makes it possible to permanently subject a portion of the washing and / or rinsing liquid to a specific treatment by the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152, without interrupting the overall operation of the industrial washing machine 100.

[0170] This second closed loop configuration has several advantages.

[0171] On the one hand, it offers the possibility of treating the washing and / or rinsing liquid in a continuous and controlled manner, by precisely adjusting the circulation parameters, flow rates and residence times in the different components.

[0172] On the other hand, it makes it possible to permanently maintain a reserve of treated washing and / or rinsing liquid with optimized properties in the internal cavity 121, while constantly regenerating this reserve thanks to the recirculation cycles.

[0173] Finally, it provides great flexibility by allowing the second pumping and treatment unit 150 to operate independently or in parallel with the other liquid circuits present, in particular the first closed loop.

[0174] In a particular implementation of the third embodiment, the industrial washing machine 100 further comprises at least one ozone sensor 160 which is designed and arranged to measure an ozone content in the washing and / or rinsing liquid contained in the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120.

[0175] The term "ozone sensor 160" refers to a device capable of detecting and quantifying the presence of dissolved ozone in a liquid. The ozone sensor 160 is designed to reliably and accurately measure the ozone concentration in the washing and / or rinsing liquid of the industrial washing machine 100.

[0176] For example, the ozone sensor 160 may be an electrochemical sensor, a UV sensor, an amperometric sensor or any other type of sensor suitable for measuring ozone in aqueous solution.

[0177] In practice, the ozone sensor 160 delivers a measurement signal proportional to the ozone concentration detected in the washing and / or rinsing liquid. This signal can be transmitted to a processor to regulate the operation of the machine, in particular of the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152.

[0178] Furthermore, the industrial washing machine 100 also comprises at least one processor 170 operatively connected to the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152 and to the ozone sensor 160.

[0179] The term "processor 170" refers to a programmable logic processing unit capable of executing instructions and processing data.

[0180] The processor 170 is interfaced with the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152 and the ozone sensor 160 to receive data from the ozone sensor 160 and transmit instructions to the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152.

[0181] The processor 170 manages the operation of the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152 based on the information provided by the ozone sensor 160.

[0182] In practice, the processor 170 receives the measurement signal from the ozone sensor 160, converts it into a digital value of ozone content, compares it to at least one predetermined setpoint value and adjusts the parameters of the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152 to maintain an optimal concentration in the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank 120.

[0183] Thus, the processor 170 regulates in a closed loop the level of ozone in the washing and / or rinsing liquid contained in the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank 120, by controlling the activity of the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152 as a function of the feedback from the ozone sensor 160. This guarantees the effectiveness of the ozone treatment and the quality of the washing.

[0184] The processor 170 is designed to activate / deactivate and control the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152 depending on the ozone content in the washing and / or rinsing liquid. It can start or stop the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152 according to the concentration measured by the ozone sensor 160.

[0185] The processor 170 also continuously adjusts the activity level of the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152 based on the variations in ozone content detected by the sensor. It adapts in real time the parameters of the second stabilized ozonated water generator 152 to maintain the concentration within the desired setpoint range.

[0186] Ultimately, the combination of the ozone sensor 160 and the processor 170 gives the machine an advanced self-regulation capacity for the ozone treatment of the washing and / or rinsing liquid contained in the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120.

[0187] It makes it possible to guarantee an optimal ozone content in the internal cavity 121 for maximum washing and disinfection quality, while preventing the risks of under-dosing or over-dosing.

[0188] Fourth embodiment

[0189] In a fourth embodiment, illustrated in [Fig.l], [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], the industrial washing machine 100 further integrates in its body at least one passive electronically readable information reader 180 which is operatively connected to the washing chamber 110.

[0190] The term “passive electronically readable information reader 180” designates a device capable of reading data stored on a passive medium, i.e. which does not require its own electrical power supply. For example, the passive electronically readable information reader 180 may comprise an RFID reader, a barcode reader, a QR code reader or even an NFC chip reader.

[0191] The passive electronically readable information reader 180 is at least operatively connected to the washing chamber 110, which means that it is capable of exchanging data with it.

[0192] In practice, this allows the passive electronically readable information reader 180 to transmit to the washing chamber 110 the information read on the articles to be washed, in order to automatically adapt the washing parameters according to the characteristics of these articles.

[0193] Furthermore, the body of the industrial washing machine 100 also incorporates at least one loading / unloading conveyor on which at least one basket of used or dirty articles 10 can be placed by an operator of the machine.

[0194] The term "loading / unloading conveyor" refers to a handling device that allows baskets of used or dirty items 10 to be transported inside the machine.

[0195] For example, the loading / unloading conveyor may consist of a conveyor belt, a conveyor belt, a rail system or even a robotic arm.

[0196] The loading / unloading conveyor is designed to ensure the transfer of baskets of used or dirty articles 10 to and from the washing chamber 110. In other words, it makes it possible to automatically convey the baskets 10 which contain the articles to be washed to the washing chamber 110, then to bring them back to the operator once the washing cycle is complete.

[0197] Furthermore, the loading / unloading conveyor is arranged at a height from the ground which corresponds to that of the washing chamber 110. This means that the level of the conveyor is aligned with that of the washing chamber 110, so as to facilitate the operations of transferring the baskets of used or dirty articles 10. In practice, this arrangement makes it possible to limit the handling efforts for the operator and to accelerate the loading and unloading cycles of the machine.

[0198] Furthermore, the basket and each used or dirty item 10 includes passive electronically readable information that is representative of a respective unique identification.

[0199] In particular, the passive electronically readable information reader 180 is designed to perform several functions.

[0200] First, the passive electronically readable information reader 180 is configured to identify the basket containing the used or dirty items 10 as well as the used or dirty items 10.

[0201] The term "identify" means that the passive electronically readable information reader 180 is capable of reading and recognizing the unique identification information carried by each basket as well as the used or dirty items 10 in the form of passive data.

[0202] Furthermore, in response to reading the passive electronically readable information of each used or dirty item 10, the passive electronically readable information reader 180 is configured to cause the determination of an appropriate washing program. In other words, after identifying a used or dirty item 10 by reading its passive information, the passive electronically readable information reader 180 is capable of automatically triggering the selection of the washing cycle best suited to the characteristics of that item.

[0203] The term "appropriate wash program" refers to a set of predefined parameters and instructions that define the optimal conditions for washing a given type of item in the wash chamber 110. For example, an appropriate wash program may include settings such as water temperature, cycle duration, drum rotation speed, or the number of rinses.

[0204] Second, the passive electronically readable information reader 180 is configured to cause the wash chamber 110 to select and implement the appropriate wash program when all used or dirty items 10 loaded into the machine are compatible with the same wash program.

[0205] This means that if the passive electronically readable information reader 180 detects, by reading the passive information of each used or dirty article 10, that all the articles present in the machine can be washed according to identical parameters, then it will automatically choose the corresponding program and launch its execution by the washing chamber 110.

[0206] The term “compatible” indicates that the used or dirty articles 10 have similar characteristics in terms of material, level of soiling, maximum admissible temperature or degree of fragility, so that they can be washed together according to the same program without risk of degradation.

[0207] Third, the passive electronically readable information reader 180 is configured to cause the wash chamber 110 to prevent any wash program implementation in response to detecting that the loaded used or dirty items 10 require different, mutually incompatible wash programs.

[0208] In other words, if the passive electronically readable information reader 180 identifies, thanks to the passive information read on the used or dirty articles 10, that these need separate washing programs which cannot be combined, then it will block the start of the washing chamber 110.

[0209] The term "prevent" refers to the fact that the passive electronically readable information reader 180 will actively prohibit the initiation of any cycle until the incompatibility is resolved, for example by signaling an error to the operator to remove or reorder the problematic used or dirty items 10.

[0210] Detailed presentation of a second aspect of the invention

[0211] A second aspect of the invention relates to a system which is specifically designed to prevent, in a washing machine, the formation of limescale and scale deposits as well as the proliferation of bacteria and biofilm in a washing and / or rinsing liquid, the washing machine comprising at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir which is structurally and functionally similar to the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir 120.

[0212] In practice, the system comprises, at least, the first liquid opening 122 and the second liquid opening 123, and at least the first pumping and treatment unit 130, as explained previously.

[0213] Further, in the system, the first pumping and treatment unit 130 is arranged such that the washing and / or rinsing liquid circulates in the first closed loop, as explained previously.

[0214] In a first embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the first open circuit pump 131 is connected in liquid communication between the first liquid opening 122 and an upstream end 1321 of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scaling treatment module 132, as explained previously.

[0215] In a second embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the system further comprises at least the first stabilized ozonated water generator 133 which is disposed between the downstream end 1322 of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module 132 and the second liquid opening 123, as explained previously.

[0216] In a third embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the system further comprises at least the third liquid opening 124 and the fourth liquid opening 125, and at least the second pumping and treatment unit 150, as explained previously.

[0217] In this context, the second pumping and treatment unit 150 is arranged so that the washing and / or rinsing liquid circulates in the second closed loop, as explained previously.

[0218] Conclusion

[0219] We have described and illustrated the invention. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments that we have presented. Indeed, numerous combinations of variants, alternatives, embodiments and implementations can be envisaged without requiring substantial modifications of the invention. Thus, an expert in the field can deduce other variants, alternatives, embodiments and implementations, upon reading the description and the appended figures and depending on the economic, ergonomic and dimensional constraints to be respected.

[0220] The invention may be the subject of numerous variants and applications other than those described above. In particular, unless otherwise indicated, the different structural and functional characteristics of each particular implementation described above should not be considered as combined and / or closely and / or inextricably linked to each other, but, on the contrary, as simple juxtapositions. Furthermore, the structural and / or functional characteristics of the different embodiments described above may be the subject in whole or in part of any different juxtaposition or any different combination.

[0221] For example, the first open circuit pump 131 and the second open circuit pump 151 may be a single open circuit pump.

Claims

Claims

1. An industrial washing machine (100) specifically designed for washing used or dirty items (10), the industrial washing machine (100) comprising a body which incorporates: - at least one washing chamber (110) which is designed for washing the used or dirty items (10), - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120) provided with at least one internal cavity (121) designed to contain a washing and / or rinsing liquid comprising at least water, the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120) being designed to supply washing and / or rinsing liquid to the washing chamber (110), - at least one first liquid opening (122) and one second liquid opening (123), which are provided in the body of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120), so as to establish a liquid communication between the exterior of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120) and the internal cavity (121),and - at least one first pumping and treatment unit (130) comprising, at least one first open circuit pump (131) and at least one electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module (132), wherein, the first pumping and treatment unit (130) is arranged so that the washing and / or rinsing liquid circulates in a first closed loop, successively through the internal cavity (121), the first open circuit pump (131) and the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module (132), the washing and / or rinsing liquid leaving the internal cavity (121) through the first liquid opening (122), passing through the first open circuit pump (131) then the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module (132), and returning to the internal cavity (121) through the second liquid opening (122).,

2. Industrial washing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first pumping and treatment unit (130) is arranged outside the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank (120),

3. - the first open circuit pump (131) being connected in liquid communication between the first liquid opening (122) and an upstream end (1321) of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132), the first open circuit pump (131) being designed to, - pumping, via the first liquid opening (122), washing and / or rinsing liquid from the internal cavity (121) of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120), and - distribute the washing and / or rinsing liquid pumped towards the upstream end (1321) of the liquid anti-scale treatment module by electromagnetic field (132), - the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132) being connected in liquid communication between the first open circuit pump (131) and the second liquid opening (123), the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132) comprising, - at least one internal channel designed to allow the flow of the washing and / or rinsing liquid pumped from the upstream end (1321) to a downstream end (1322) of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132), and - at least one electromagnetic field generator arranged in proximity to the internal channel, and designed to subject the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid flowing in the internal channel to a predetermined electromagnetic field which is designed to modify the crystalline structure of the calcium carbonate, CaCO3, present in the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid, by transforming the calcite into aragonite in the form of a fine, non-encrusting powder.Industrial washing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, the body further integrates, - at least first stabilized ozonated water generator (133) arranged between the downstream end (1322) of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132) and the second liquid opening (123), the first stabilized ozonated water generator (133) being chosen from a stabilized ozonated water generator based on ion exchange resin and an electrolytic ozonated water generator, the first stabilized ozonated water generator (133) comprising,.

4. - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet (1331) connected in liquid communication with the downstream end (1322) of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132), and - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet (1332) connected in liquid communication, on the one hand, to the mixer, and on the other hand, to the second liquid opening (123). Industrial washing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, the body further incorporates, - at least, a third liquid opening (124) and a fourth liquid opening (125), which are provided in the body of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120), so as to establish a liquid communication between the exterior of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120) and the internal cavity (121), and - at least a second pumping and treatment unit (150) comprising, at least a second open circuit pump (151) and at least a second stabilized ozonated water generator (152), the second stabilized ozonated water generator (152) being chosen from a stabilized ozonated water generator based on ion exchange resin and an electrolytic ozonated water generator, the second stabilized ozonated water generator (152) comprising,- at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet (1521) connected in liquid communication to the third liquid opening (124), and, - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet (1522) connected in liquid communication, on the one hand, to the mixer, and on the other hand, to the fourth liquid opening (125), in which, the second pumping and treatment unit (150) is arranged so that the washing and / or rinsing liquid circulates in a second closed loop, successively through the internal cavity (121), the second open circuit pump (151) and the second stabilized ozonated water generator (152), the washing and / or rinsing liquid leaving the internal cavity (121) through the third liquid opening (130), passing through the second open circuit pump (151) then the second stabilized ozonated water generator (152), and returning to the internal cavity (121) through the fourth liquid opening (125).

5. An industrial washing machine (100) according to claim 4, further comprising - at least one ozone sensor (160) designed and arranged to measure an ozone content in the washing and / or rinsing liquid contained in the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120), - at least one processor (170) operatively connected to the second stabilized ozonated water generator (152) and the ozone sensor (160), wherein, the processor (170) is designed to activate / deactivate control second stabilized ozonated water generator (152) depending on the ozone content in the washing and / or rinsing liquid contained in the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120).

6. An industrial washing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body further incorporates - at least one passive electronically readable information reader (180) operatively connected to the washing chamber (110), and - at least one loading / unloading conveyor on which at least one basket of used or dirty articles (10) can be placed by an operator of the machine, the loading / unloading conveyor being - adapted to ensure the transfer of the baskets of used or dirty articles (10) to and from the washing chamber (110), and - arranged at a height from the floor corresponding to that of the washing chamber (110), wherein - the basket and each used or dirty article (10) comprise passive electronically readable information which is representative of a respective unique identification.- the passive electronically readable information reader (180) is configured to, - identify used or dirty items (10) and, in response to reading the passive electronically readable information of each used or dirty item (10), cause the determination of an appropriate wash program, - cause the selection and implementation by the wash chamber (110) of the appropriate wash program when all the items. used or dirty items (10) loaded into the machine are compatible with the same washing program, and - cause the washing chamber (110) to prevent any washing program from being implemented in response to the detection that the used or dirty items (10) loaded require different washing programs that are incompatible with each other.

7. System specifically designed to prevent, in a washing machine, the formation of limescale and scale deposits as well as the proliferation of bacteria and biofilm in a washing and / or rinsing liquid, the washing machine comprising at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120) provided with at least one internal cavity (121) designed to contain a washing and / or rinsing liquid comprising at least water, the system comprising, - at least, a first liquid opening (122) and a second liquid opening (123), which are provided in the body of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120), so as to establish a liquid communication between the exterior of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120) and the internal cavity (121), and - at least a first pumping and treatment unit (130) comprising,at least one first open circuit pump (131) and at least one electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module (132), wherein the first pumping and treatment unit (130) is arranged so that the washing and / or rinsing liquid circulates in a first closed loop, successively through the internal cavity (121), the first open circuit pump (131) and the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module (132), the washing and / or rinsing liquid leaving the internal cavity (121) through the first liquid opening (122), passing through the first open circuit pump (131) then the electromagnetic field anti-scale liquid treatment module (132), and returning to the internal cavity (121) through the second liquid opening (122).,

8. System according to claim 7, in which the first pumping and treatment unit (130) is arranged outside the washing and / or rinsing liquid tank (120), - the first open circuit pump (131) being connected in liquid communication between the first liquid opening (122) and an upstream end (1321) of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132), the first open circuit pump (131) being configured to, - pump, via the first liquid opening (122), washing and / or rinsing liquid from the internal cavity (121) of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120), and - distribute, the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid to the upstream end (1321) of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132), - the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132) being connected in liquid communication between the first open circuit pump (131) and the second liquid opening (123), the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132) comprising,- at least one internal channel designed to allow the flow of the washing and / or rinsing liquid pumped from the upstream end (1321) to a downstream end (1322) of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scaling treatment module (132), and - at least one electromagnetic field generator arranged in proximity to the internal channel, and designed to subject the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid flowing in the internal channel to a predetermined electromagnetic field which is designed to modify the crystalline structure of the calcium carbonate, CaCO3, present in the pumped washing and / or rinsing liquid, by transforming the calcite into aragonite in the form of a fine, non-encrusting powder.,

9. System according to any one of claims 7 to 8, further comprising - at least first stabilized ozonated water generator (133) arranged between the downstream end (1322) of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132) and the second liquid opening (123), the first stabilized ozonated water generator (133) being chosen from an ion exchange resin-based stabilized ozonated water generator and an electrolytic ozonated water generator, the first stabilized ozonated water generator (133) comprising,

10. - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet (1331) connected in liquid communication with the downstream end (1322) of the electromagnetic field liquid anti-scale treatment module (132), and - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet (1332) connected in liquid communication, on the one hand, to the mixer, and on the other hand, to the second liquid opening (123). A system according to any one of claims 7 to 8, further comprising, - at least one third liquid opening (124) and one fourth liquid opening (125), which are provided in the body of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120), so as to establish a liquid communication between the exterior of the washing and / or rinsing liquid reservoir (120) and the internal cavity (121), and - at least one second pumping and treatment unit (150) comprising, at least one second open circuit pump (151) and at least one second stabilized ozonated water generator (152), the second stabilized ozonated water generator (152) being chosen from a stabilized ozonated water generator based on ion exchange resin and an electrolytic ozonated water generator, the second stabilized ozonated water generator (152) comprising, - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid inlet (1521) connected in liquid communication to the third liquid opening (124), and - at least one washing and / or rinsing liquid outlet (1522) connected in liquid communication, on the one hand, to the mixer, and on the other hand, to the fourth liquid opening (125), in which, the second pumping and treatment unit (150) is arranged so that the washing and / or rinsing liquid circulates in a second closed loop, successively through the internal cavity (121), the second open-circuit pump (151) and the second stabilized ozonated water generator (152), the washing and / or rinsing liquid leaving the internal cavity (121) through the third liquid opening (130), passing through the second open-circuit pump (151) then the second stabilized ozonated water generator (152), and returning to the internal cavity (121) through the fourth liquid opening (122).

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