INDUSTRIAL WASHER WITH IMPROVED RINSE SYSTEM AND WASH BASKET OR CARRIER ATTACHMENT

Abstract

INDUSTRIAL WASHER WITH IMPROVED RINSING SYSTEM AND WASH BASKET OR CARRIAGE ATTACHMENT An industrial washer configured for washing material or equipment may include a wash chamber that defines a cavity for receiving the material or equipment, at least one nozzle positioned in the cavity of the wash chamber, a water source fluidically connected to the wash chamber, a reservoir fluidically connected to the water source and the wash chamber, a pump fluidically connected to the reservoir, and a valve positioned in line with a lower conduit that fluidly connects the pump to the reservoir, the valve being configured to move from an open position to a closed position and vice versa, and, with the valve in the closed position, the water source being configured to direct water to the reservoir that is used to rinse the material or equipment that is in the wash chamber.Figure for the abbreviation: figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: INDUSTRIAL WASHER WITH IMPROVED RINSE SYSTEM AND WASH BASKET OR CARRIAGE ATTACHMENT Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an industrial washer such as a washer for the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or biotechnology industries and, more particularly, to a pharmaceutical washer with a single-pass final rinse system and a mechanism for rinsing the contents of the pharmaceutical washer in a single pass. The present invention further relates to improvements of industrial washers, including a mounting structure for wash baskets or racks fluidically connected to the wash and rinse circuits of industrial washers.

[0002] Context of art

[0003] Industrial washers are used in laboratories to clean parts and components of equipment such as glassware, containers, filling lines, bioreactors, and other equipment used for research and the manufacture of biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical products and for quality control, and in facilities within the research, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors. These washers, also called "washer / dryers" or "automated washers," can be used as standalone devices or as part of an integrated washing and sterilization system. Industrial washers of this type generally have a chamber equipped with spray nozzles on a rotating arm, in which the equipment and components are placed for washing and disinfection.Washing machines typically have one or more wash cycles, during which heated water and / or cleaning products, disinfectants, detergents, or other agents are sprayed inside the chamber. This / these cycles may be followed by one or more rinse cycles if necessary, and the process may end with a drying cycle, during which hot air is blown into the chamber. The air is then expelled through a vent or chimney.

[0004] Many components used in biotechnological and pharmaceutical laboratories or at production sites contain residues of potentially contaminated or harmful substances. Therefore, it is desirable to remove these substances from the waste generated during cleaning. This This also applies to the air expelled during the wash cycle, the rinse cycle and, more specifically, the drying cycle of the washing machine.

[0005] A diagram of a commercially available industrial washer 1 in a standard configuration without a single-pass final rinse option is shown in [Fig. 1]. A rotor pump 10 is fluidically connected to a housing 8. The housing 8 is filled with water and a drain valve 9 is closed. The pump 10 operates for a few minutes, and the water is recirculated to the basket 15, the lower spray arm 11, and the upper spray arm 13 to wash the material in the chamber 3. In this configuration, the water is recirculated in the hydraulic circuit (i.e., through the spray arms and nozzles of the basket, then collected in the housing and returned to the pump to be recirculated again to the spray arms and nozzles of the basket). The water thus makes several passes through the fluid lines.Once the recirculation process is stopped by stopping pump 10, the purge valve 9 is opened and the fluid is discharged to a drainage system 17.

[0006] A diagram of a commercially available industrial washer 2, similar to the configuration of [Fig. 1], but further including a single-pass final rinse (SPFR), is shown in [Fig. 2]. A reservoir 4 is connected to the water loop. In some examples, the reservoir 4 is provided as a 75-liter water tank, which necessitates an increase in the overall size of the washer compared to the washer in [Fig. 1]. A valve 6 can be positioned between the housing 8 and the inlet of a pump 10. Like the pump in [Fig. 1], the pump 10 generally includes an impeller for pumping the fluid. When the single-pass final rinse phase of the industrial washer 2 is initiated, the valve 6 is closed and a reservoir valve 12 is opened.The large volume of rinse fluid (usually water) from reservoir 4 fills and primes pump 10, and pump 10 runs for 5 to 10 seconds until reservoir 4 is empty. The water is propelled throughout the chamber 3 of the industrial washer 2 via the liquid paths, including the water column, the upper spray arm 13, the lower spray arm 11, and one or more basket(s) or rack(s) 15. Finally, the water reaches the sump 8 and is collected there, then discharged by opening the drain valve 19. During this final, single-pass rinse, the water is not recirculated back into the chamber. While this solution reaches the desired level of cleanliness in the industrial washer 2, this rinsing process is not optimized. Depending on the basket size, reservoir 4 may be too small to rinse all parts of the industrial washer 2.In addition, pump 10 needs a large amount of water to be "primed" before pumping, which requires a lot of space in the washer area which is inside the external structure of washer 2. but outside the washer chamber 3, thus increasing the floor space (i.e., the "footprint") occupied by the washer 2. The pump 10 is also not designed to start and operate for such a short time. Furthermore, the use of a water tank 4 for the single-pass final rinse implies that the tank 4 can be emptied and aerated, and that it does not contribute to fouling or biocontamination load in chamber 2. In this configuration, the tank 4 must also be monitored and controlled to monitor the temperature and the duration for which the water is stored in the tank 4, since the use of water during a rinse phase is neither permitted nor desirable if the water remains in the tank 4 for an extended period before use.The tank 4 is designed with great complexity, for example with one or more rupture disc(s), one or more sterile air filter vent(s), a spray ball nozzle 20 for dispersing water entering the tank from a water source 22, a water level sensor for monitoring both high and low fill levels, a temperature sensor and, in some cases, a heating element for increasing the temperature of the fluid in the tank 4. In addition, during a normal recirculation phase of a wash cycle, the valve 6 adds fluid resistance and reduces the performance of the industrial washer pump 2.This industrial washer 2 requires considerable space within its technical area and uses a very large quantity of water, which means that the tank 4 and the overall structure of the washer are very large, and therefore take up a lot of space ("footprint") within the installation in which the washer is located.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, there is currently a need in the art for an industrial washer that implements an improved rinsing process (such as an SPFR process), a mechanism and / or a system designed to (i) improve the rinsing capabilities of the industrial washer, (ii) prevent the recirculation of contaminated water to the industrial washer chamber, and (iii) avoid the major "bulk" required to use conventional centrifugal pumps and their large-volume rinse fluid tanks to meet their priming requirements during rinsing. Furthermore, there is currently a need in the art for an industrial washer that can rinse itself and its contents in a single pass.Furthermore, there is currently a need in the art to improve, during the rinsing and washing cycles, the distribution to the washing baskets of the pumped water received in the washing chambers of industrial washers. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, an industrial washer configured for washing material or equipment may include a washing chamber that defines a cavity for receiving the material or equipment, at least one nozzle positioned in the cavity of the washing chamber, a water source fluidically connected to the washing chamber, a reservoir fluidically connected to the water source and the washing chamber, a pump fluidically connected to the reservoir, and a valve positioned in line with a lower conduit that fluidly connects the pump to the reservoir, the valve being configured to move from an open position to a closed position and vice versa, and, with the valve in the closed position, the water source being configured to direct the water to the reservoir that is used to rinse the material or equipment that is in the washing chamber.

[0009] According to one embodiment or a non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the valve may be a pinch valve. In embodiments of the present invention, pinch valves preferably have a transverse diameter, when open, greater than 75% of the inlet and outlet diameters of the valves, preferably greater than 85%, preferably greater than 95%, and preferably identical to the inlet and outlet diameters of the valves. A valve may be positioned in line with an upper conduit that fluidically connects the at least one nozzle to a junction. The at least one nozzle may comprise an upper nozzle positioned in the wash chamber and a lower nozzle positioned in the wash chamber. An air source may be fluidically connected to the reservoir and the wash chamber.A valve can be positioned in line with an air supply line that fluidically connects the air supply to the wash chamber. An upper line can be provided that fluidly connects the wash chamber to a junction. A water supply line can be provided that fluidly connects the water supply to the junction. A valve can be positioned in line with the water supply line. A valve can be positioned in line with the upper line. An additional nozzle can be positioned in the wash chamber, with the additional nozzle fluidly connected to the pump. A valve can be positioned in line with a pump line that fluidly connects the pump to the additional nozzle. The lower line can fluidly connect to the pump line. An outlet line can be provided that fluidly connects the wash chamber to the pump.The reservoir can be configured to hold up to 5 liters of fluid. The water source and the reservoir can be separated. Water directed from the reservoir to the wash chamber cannot be recycled back to the wash chamber after the material or equipment has been washed. rinsed. A heater can be positioned in line with a water source conduit that fluidically connects the water source to a junction.

[0010] According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, a method for rinsing material or equipment in an industrial washer may include closing at least one tap that fluidly connects a reservoir to a pump, opening a tap positioned in line between a water source and the reservoir, filling the reservoir with water from the water source, opening at least one tap that fluidly connects the reservoir to the pump, and guiding air from an air source to the reservoir in a washing chamber in order to rinse the washing chamber and the material or equipment that is in the washing chamber.

[0011] According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the tank can be configured to hold up to 5 liters of fluid. The water used to rinse the material or equipment located in the wash chamber cannot be recycled back to the wash chamber. At least one tap can be a sleeve tap.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention are further described in the following clauses, which may be taken in any technically feasible combination:

[0013] - An industrial washer configured for washing materials or equipment, The industrial washer comprises: a washing chamber which defines a cavity intended to receive the material or equipment, at least one nozzle positioned in the cavity of the washing chamber; a water source fluidically connected to the washing chamber; a reservoir fluidically connected to the water source and the washing chamber, a pump fluidically connected to the reservoir, and a valve positioned in line with a lower conduit which fluidly connects the pump to the reservoir, the valve being configured to move from an open position to a closed position and vice versa, and, with the valve in the closed position, the water source being configured to direct the water to the reservoir which is used to rinse the material or equipment which is in the washing chamber.

[0014] - The tap is a sleeve tap.

[0015] - The industrial washer further comprises a tap positioned in line with a upper conduit which fluidically connects at least one nozzle to a junction.

[0016] - The at least one nozzle comprises an upper nozzle positioned in the chamber washing and a lower nozzle positioned in the washing chamber.

[0017] - The industrial washer further comprises: an air source connected in a fluidic to the reservoir and the wash chamber; a valve positioned in line with an air source duct that fluidically connects the air source to the chamber washing; a water source conduit that fluidically connects the water source to the junction; and a tap positioned in line with the water source conduit.

[0018] - The industrial washer further includes an additional nozzle positioned in the washing chamber, the additional nozzle is fluidically connected to the pump.

[0019] - The additional nozzle is located on a wash basket, and the wash basket is configured to be reversibly fixed with a fixing fitting located on one end of a spray arm support which is in the washing chamber.

[0020] - The industrial washer further comprises a lower spray arm configured to pivot around the spray arm support, the spray arm support having a second end and a light extending between the first and second ends to allow water to enter the second end of the light and exit through the first end of the light via the fixing fitting, and into a duct of the wash basket when the wash basket duct is connected to the fixing fitting.

[0021] - A side wall of the light of the mounting arm support includes one or several opening(s) which create a fluidic communication between the light of the spray arm support and the spray arm conduits extending from a support surface of the spray arm through the arms of the spray arm.

[0022] - The wash basket conduit includes an end which includes a collar, the fixing fitting being configured to reversibly receive the collar of the wash basket conduit and create a fluidic communication between the wash basket and the light of the spray arm support, the light of the spray arm support being in fluidic communication with the pump conduit and the lower conduit.

[0023] - The industrial washer further comprises a tap positioned in line with a pump conduit that fluidically connects the pump to the additional nozzle.

[0024] - The lower conduit is fluidically connected to the pump conduit.

[0025] - The tank is configured to hold up to 5 liters of fluid.

[0026] - The water source and the reservoir are separated from each other.

[0027] - The water directed from the tank to the washing chamber is not recycled back to the washing room after the material or equipment has been rinsed.

[0028] - The industrial washer further comprises a heater positioned in line with a water source conduit that fluidically connects the water source to a junction.

[0029] The invention further relates to a method for rinsing material or equipment in an industrial washer, the method comprising: closing at least one tap which fluidly connects a reservoir to a pump; opening a tap positioned in line between a water source and the reservoir; filling the reservoir with water from the water source to create a water column; opening at least one tap which fluidly connects the reservoir to the pump; and guiding air from an air source to the water column to move the water column in the reservoir to a washing chamber so as to rinse the washing chamber and the material or equipment in the washing chamber.

[0030] The rinsing process may include any one of the following features, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0031] - The tank is configured to hold up to 5 liters of fluid.

[0032] - The water used to rinse the material or equipment located in the chamber washing water is not recycled to the washing chamber.

[0033] - At least one tap is a sleeve tap.

[0034] - The step of opening at least one tap which fluidically connects the reservoir to pump begins before the opening step of at least one tap that fluidly connects the reservoir to the pump.

[0035] - The step of opening at least one tap which fluidically connects the reservoir to pump begins after the opening step of at least one tap which fluidly connects the reservoir to the pump.

[0036] - The step of opening at least one tap which fluidically connects the reservoir to pump begins at the same time as the opening step of at least one tap which fluidically connects the reservoir to the pump.

[0037] - Before the closing step, at least one valve that fluidically connects a tank with a pump, the process includes the step of circulating water between a circulation pump and the washing chamber, and of draining the collected water into the crankcase.

[0038] The invention further relates to a method for washing and rinsing materials or equipment in an industrial washer, the industrial washer comprising a washing chamber and a circulation pump including a rotor, the method comprising: recirculating a first volume of water through a plurality of nozzles in the chamber by means of the circulation pump, the water being collected in a portion of the casing of the washing chamber before passing through the circulation pump and then being supplied to the plurality of nozzles; creating a column of water in a reservoir by closing a valve located downstream of a reservoir and by filling the tank with water; the passage of the water column through the plurality of nozzles in the chamber by exposing the water column in the tank to a gaseous fluid which is at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure and opening the tap which is downstream of the tank.

[0039] The washing and rinsing process may include any one of the following features, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0040] - The gaseous fluid is air.

[0041] - Before the step of passing a second volume of water different from the first volume water is expelled through the plurality of nozzles, all or part of the first volume of water is evacuated from the chamber.

[0042] - The gaseous fluid is pressurized to 1.5 bar or more.

[0043] The invention further relates to a fastening system for creating fluidic communication between a fluid circuit of an industrial washer and a washing basket configured to be reversibly inserted into and removed from a washing chamber of the industrial washer, the fastening system comprising: a conduit connected to and in fluidic communication with the washing basket; a fastening fitting configured to be reversibly connected to one end of the conduit of the washing basket; the fastening fitting being disposed on a first end of a spray arm support, and a spray arm being configured to pivot about an axis of the spray arm support.

[0044] The fastening system may comprise any one of the following features, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0045] - The spray arm support includes a light that creates a connection fluidic with the wash basket conduit when the wash basket conduit is mechanically fixed to the spray arm support fixing fitting.

[0046] - The spray arm is configured to pivot around an external surface of the mounting arm support, the mounting arm support having a second end and a light extending between the first and second ends to allow water to enter the second end of the light and exit through the first end of the light via the mounting fitting, and into the conduit connected to and in fluidic communication with the wash basket when the wash basket conduit is connected to the mounting fitting.

[0047] - A side wall of the light of the mounting arm support includes one or several opening(s) that create fluidic communication between the light of the spray arm support and the extending spray arm ducts from a support surface of the spray arm through the arms of the spray arm.

[0048] - The washer further includes a pump configured to supply water pressurized through a conduit and into the light of the spray arm support, the water pumped into the light of the spray arm support exits through (i) a plurality of nozzles associated with the wash basket conduit and (ii) a plurality of nozzles associated with the spray arm.

[0049] - One (i) of the wash basket conduit or (ii) of the fixing fitting includes a one end with a flange, and the other (i) of the wash basket conduit and (ii) of the fixing fitting includes slots intended to reversibly receive the flanged end when the fixing fitting is moved relative to the wash basket conduit.

[0050] - The washing chamber includes one or more rack guide(s), and the basket of washing includes a plurality of wheels intended to roll along rack guides, the fixing fitting and the wash basket conduit being positioned and provided so that the horizontal movement of the wash basket in and out of the wash chamber causes the wash basket to be fixed and unfixed relative to the fixing fitting.

[0051] The invention further relates to a method for washing material or equipment using a washing cycle of an industrial washer, the washing cycle comprising a washing phase, a rinsing phase and a single-pass rinsing phase, the industrial washer comprising: a washing chamber which defines a cavity intended to receive the material or equipment; at least one nozzle positioned in the cavity of the washing chamber, the nozzle comprising an upper spray arm comprising nozzles and a lower spray arm comprising nozzles; a water source fluidically connected to the washing chamber; a reservoir fluidically connected to the water source and to the washing chamber; a circulation pump fluidically connected to the reservoir;and a tap positioned in line with a lower pump conduit which fluidically connects the circulation pump to the tank, the tap being configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and, during a wash phase of the wash cycle, to circulate the wash liquid into the washer's wash chamber by means of the circulation pump which pushes the wash liquid through a fluid conduit, the wash liquid being pumped through the lower spray arm and the upper spray arm; the discharge of the wash liquid from the wash phase of the wash cycle from the wash chamber housing; during a rinse phase of the wash cycle, the circulation of the rinse liquid into the washer's wash chamber by means of the circulation pump, in order to push the rinse liquid; through the liquid conduit, the rinse liquid being pumped through the lower spray arm and the upper spray arm; during a final single-pass rinse phase of the wash cycle, the closing of the valve positioned in line with the lower pump conduit which fluidically connects the circulation pump to the tank; the filling of the tank to create a column of water in the tank; the exposure of the water column to a pressurized gaseous fluid; the opening of the valve positioned in line with the lower pump conduit which fluidically connects the circulation pump to the tank so that the water column flows through the lower spray arm.

[0052] The washing process may include any one of the following features, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0053] - The process further comprising a drying phase, the drying phase having location after the final single-pass rinsing phase.

[0054] - Before the step of exposing the water column to a pressurized gaseous fluid, the water supply, from the water source, to the upper spray arm.

[0055] - After the step of supplying water to the upper spray arm during the phase for a final single-pass rinse, the closing of a tap positioned in line with an upper conduit which fluidically connects the upper spray arm to the water source.

[0056] - During the final single-pass rinsing phase, the pump insulation circulation by closing a tap positioned in line with an additional pump conduit which fluidically connects the circulation pump to the lower spray arm.

[0057] - During the final single-pass rinsing phase but before the opening step from the tap positioned in line with the lower pump conduit which fluidly connects the circulation pump to the tank, the isolation of the circulation pump by closing a tap positioned in line with an additional pump conduit which fluidly connects the circulation pump to the lower spray arm.

[0058] - During the final single-pass rinsing phase but before the isolation step of the circulation pump, rinsing the circulation pump by passing rinsing water through the circulation pump.

[0059] - During the final single-pass rinsing phase but before the closing step from the tap positioned in line with the lower pump conduit which fluidly connects the circulation pump to the tank, pre-filling the lower spray arm and the wash basket.

[0060] - During the final single-pass rinsing phase but after the opening step from the tap positioned in line with the lower pump conduit, the measurement of the water conductivity in the crankcase.

[0061] - The process terminates the final rinsing phase in a single pass of the washing cycle once the conductivity of the water in the crankcase has been measured.

[0062] - The wash cycle includes a pre-wash rinse phase before the phase of washing, the pre-wash rinse phase using at least part of the steps of the final rinse phase in a single pass of the wash cycle. Brief description of the drawings

[0063] The new features described herein are presented in detail in the accompanying claims. These features, however, with regard to their organization and operating methods, will be better understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0064] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an industrial washing machine of the art previous;

[0065] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic illustration of an industrial washing machine of the art previous one having a single-pass final rinse option;

[0066] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a schematic illustration of an industrial washer according to a embodiment or a non-limiting aspect of the present invention.

[0067] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is another schematic illustration of an industrial washer according to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention.

[0068] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is an isometric illustration of an industrial washer according to a embodiment or a non-limiting aspect of the present invention.

[0069] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 includes an isometric illustration A of certain components internals and characteristics of the industrial washer of [Fig.5], and a cross-sectional view BB of view A of [Fig.6], which illustrates the internal light structure of a tank according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a flowchart of an example of a washing cycle according to a embodiment or a non-limiting aspect of the present invention.

[0071] [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a flowchart of an example of a final rinsing phase at a single pass of a wash cycle according to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention.

[0072] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is an isometric illustration of a loaded industrial washer with a washing basket using a trolley, according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present invention.

[0073] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is an isometric illustration of a washing basket of an industrial washer according to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention.

[0074] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] includes a cross-sectional view A of a fluidic fitting of the wash basket of the [Fig. 10], with the part of the basket removed, according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present invention, an isometric view B of the fluidic fitting of view A of the [Fig. 11], and a cross-sectional view C of a fluidic fitting intended for a wash basket with different fluid channels, according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present invention.

[0075] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] includes an exploded isometric view A of a fixing fitting and a fluidic fitting useful with the washing basket illustrated in the [Fig. 10], and is an isometric view B of the fixing fitting of view A of the [Fig. 12] in an assembled view, with the fluidic fitting conduit of the washing basket offset vertically with respect to the fixing fitting, according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present invention.

[0076] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] includes an isometric view A of the fixing fitting of view A of the [Fig. 12], with the fluidic distribution conduit of the wash basket offset horizontally with respect to the fixing fitting, according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present invention, and an isometric view B of the fixing fitting of view A of the [Fig. 12], with the fluidic distribution conduit of the wash basket connected to, fixed and axially aligned with the fixing fitting.

[0077] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] includes a side sectional elevation view A of the fixing fitting of view B of the [Fig. 13], according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present invention, and a detailed view B of the area defined by the limit 230 on view A of the [Fig. 14].

[0078] [Fig. 15] The [Fig. 15] includes a close-up isometric view A of the fixing fitting of an industrial washer according to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, and a top view B of the fixing fitting of view A of the [Fig. 15], according to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention.

[0079] [Fig. 16] The [Fig. 16] is a side elevation view of a washing basket fixed with a fixing fitting, according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0080] In the detailed description that follows, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof. The features illustrated and described in the detailed description, in the drawings, and in the claims are in no way limiting. Other features may be used and other modifications may be made, without departing from the scope of the object of the invention presented here.

[0081] Before explaining the various aspects of the industrial washer and its different characteristics in detail, it should be noted that the various aspects described herein are not limited in terms of application or use to the construction and arrangement details of the parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and in the description. The systems described can in fact be positioned or integrated with other devices, variants and modifications thereof, and can be used or implemented in different ways. Thus, the aspects of the industrial washer's characteristics described herein are illustrative and are not intended to limit its scope or application. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions used herein have been chosen to describe the various aspects of the industrial washer in a way that facilitates the reader's task and are in no way intended to limit its scope.Furthermore, it must be understood that one or more of the components of the industrial washer, expressions thereof, and / or examples thereof may be combined with one or more of the other components, expressions thereof, and / or examples thereof, without limitation.

[0082] Furthermore, in the following description, it should be understood that terms such as "front," "rear," "inside," "outside," "upper," "lower," and the like are purely convenience words and should not be interpreted as limiting terms. The terminology used here is not intended to be restrictive insofar as the devices described herein, or parts thereof, may be fixed or used in other orientations. The various aspects of the industrial washer will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0083] With reference to [Fig. 3], according to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, a schematic illustration of an industrial washer 100 is provided and described in detail herein. The industrial washer 100 may include a washing chamber 102 designed and configured to receive material or equipment to be cleaned and washed in a cavity 104 defined by a side wall 103 of the washing chamber 102. Nozzles 106a, 106b may be positioned and placed in the washing chamber 102 to spray water and disinfectant liquids onto the material or equipment to be cleaned and disinfected. In one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, an upper nozzle 106a is configured as an upper rotating spray arm and a lower nozzle 106b is configured as a lower rotating spray arm.Preferably, the two spray arms pivot around an axis perpendicular to the ground surface or the horizon relative to the industrial washer once they have been installed, and are located in the washing chamber 102 spaced apart from each other. The other is designed to allow space for a wash basket to be inserted into and removed from the wash chamber 102 between the upper and lower rotating spray arms. It should be understood that any type of nozzle can be provided in the wash chamber 102, including nozzles arranged on the sides of cavity 104 of the wash chamber 102, movable nozzles within cavity 104 of the wash chamber 102, and / or any additional type of nozzle that supplies fluids, liquids, or gases to the wash chamber 102.

[0084] According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, a fluid conduit or system (such as a pipe conduit) 108 may be provided to create fluidic communication with the nozzles 106a, 106b of the wash chamber 102. The fluid conduit 108 is provided to supply purifying / purified air, water, and disinfectant liquids / gases to the wash chamber 102 in order to wash and disinfect the material or equipment located in the wash chamber 102. As described below, the expression "fluidically connected" can be understood as meaning that representative elements of a conduit are connected to one another to allow a fluid, including a liquid or a gas, to pass from one element or part of the conduit to another element / part of the conduit.The fluid conduit 108 may include an upper conduit 110, a fluid column conduit 118, a reservoir 132 configured as a conduit with an enlarged internal diameter, and a lower conduit 130. The upper conduit 110 is fluidically connected between an upper nozzle 106a and a junction 112. The fluid column conduit fluidically connects the junction 112 to a portion of the enlarged-diameter conduit 132, sometimes referred to as the "reservoir" 132, although both ends of the reservoir 132 are open to and in fluidic communication with the adjacent conduits. Preferably, the upper conduit 110, between the junction 112 and the upper nozzle, is configured to be inclined downwards between a peak at the junction 112 and the upper nozzle 106a so that gravity alone can discharge any fluid present in the upper conduit towards the upper nozzle 106a.According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the junction 112 may be a four-way junction. A valve 114 may be provided in-line in the upper conduit 110. According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the valve 114 may be a sleeve valve. According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the valve 114 may be a sanitary sleeve valve. It is also considered that any other type of valve may be used in the upper conduit 110 to limit and / or regulate the flow of liquid or gas in the upper conduit 110.

[0085] According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the junction 112 can be in fluidic communication with the upper conduit 110, An air supply duct 113, a water supply duct 116, and a fluid reservoir or column duct 118. The air supply duct 113 can be in fluidic communication with an air source 120 to create a fluidic link between the junction 112 and the air source 120. The water supply duct 116 can be in fluidic communication with a water source 122 to connect the junction 112 to the water source 122. A valve 124 can be positioned in line with the air supply duct 113. According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the valve 124 is positioned in line with the air supply duct 113 between the junction 112 and the air source 120. The valve 124 can further be configured as a sleeve valve similar to the valve 114. The valve 124 can be configured as a stop valve or as a dosing valve.According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, a valve 126 is positioned in line with the water supply conduit 116 between the junction 112 and the water source 122. The valve 126 can further be configured as a sleeve valve similar to valves 114 and 124. The valve 126 can be configured as a shut-off valve or as a metering valve. According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, a valve 126 is positioned in line with the water supply conduit 116 between the junction 112 and the water source 122.

[0086] According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the air source 120 is provided to supply air to the wash chamber 102 via the fluid conduit 108. The air supplied by the air source 120 can be used to dry the material or equipment located in the wash chamber 102, and to dry the wash chamber 102 after the use of the wash and rinse cycles of the industrial washer 100. According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the water source 122 is provided to supply water to the wash chamber 102 via the fluid conduit 108. The water supplied by the water source 122 can be used to wash and rinse the material or equipment located in the wash chamber 102, depending on the opening / closing of the valves positioned between the water source 122 and the wash chamber. washing.

[0087] With further reference to [Fig. 3], according to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the lower nozzle 106b can be fluidically connected to a circulation pump 128 via a lower conduit 136. The circulation pump 128 is designed to remove water from the wash chamber 102 by means of suction pressure or negative pressure applied to the water exiting the wash chamber housing and flowing towards the circulation pump 128 of the wash chamber 102. Gravity can also be used to remove water from the wash chamber. The water can be discharged from the wash chamber 102 via one or more outlet conduits 131, 134 that fluidically connect the chamber The wash line 102 is connected to the pump 128 (see conduit 131) and to a drain (see conduit 134). One or more drain valves 119 can be used to empty the crankcase and the circulation pump 128 at certain stages of the wash cycle. The drain valve can be configured as a single valve 119 (as shown in Figures 3 and 4) or as separate valves (119A and 119B in view A of [Fig. 6]). When configured as two drain valves, they can be set to operate in unison so that they open or close simultaneously.

[0088] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the lower conduit 130 can also be fluidically connected to a fluid reservoir or column 132. According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the reservoir 132 is configured to serve as a fluid conduit with an enlarged luminal diameter, greater than that of the conduits connected to the ends of the reservoir 132. According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the reservoir may have an effective internal diameter of between 7 and 13 centimeters, preferably between 9 and 11 centimeters. Preferably, the luminal diameter of the reservoir is greater than 3, preferably 4, and preferably 5 times the luminal diameter of the conduits adjacent to the reservoir above and below it. The internal luminal diameter of the reservoir, dimensioned with respect to the internal luminal diameter of the adjacent conduits connected to the reservoir, is illustrated in view B of [Fig. 3].6], which is a cross-sectional view BB of view A of [Fig.6].

[0089] Furthermore, the tank may have a length of between 80 and 100 centimeters, preferably about 90 centimeters. In an alternative embodiment, the tank may have a length less than or equal to twenty percent of the height of the wash chamber. The tank 132 may be sized and shaped to hold a reduced volume of water that can be used for rinsing (such as a single-pass final rinse) when the conduit downstream of the tank 132 is closed with a valve 138 and the tank is filled with water, in order to form a fluid column. In one example, the tank 132 is configured to hold about 5 to 7 liters of water or fluid. It should be understood, however, that other tanks may be used and may have a larger or smaller capacity. Preferably, the tank 132 is configured to serve as a bidirectional fluid conduit.Some reservoirs, such as reservoir 4 in [Fig. 2], cannot serve as a bidirectional fluidic conduit because the spray sphere nozzle prevents reservoir 4 in [Fig. 2] from providing bidirectional flow in the same way as reservoir 132. When a valve 138 located downstream of reservoir 132 is closed and water is supplied upstream of valve 138, the reservoir acts as a fluid column. The fluid column reservoir 132 shown in Figures 3, 4, and view A of [Fig. 6] is designed and oriented vertically and has an internal diameter or transverse luminal shape with . tapered ends 133 at each of its upper and lower ends to conform to the diameter of the associated fluid conduits connected to each end of the tank 132, as is best illustrated in views A and B of [Fig.6].

[0090] With reference to the diagram in [Fig. 3], according to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, an additional nozzle 107 can also be positioned in the wash chamber 2 associated with a wash basket 115. The additional nozzle 107 can be fluidically connected to the circulation pump 128 via a pump conduit 136. The pump 128 can create pressure in the fluid conduit 108 in order to move air or water (preferably water) towards the additional nozzle 107. In one example of the present invention, one end of the lower conduit 130 can be fluidically connected to the pump conduit 136 in order to create fluidic communication with the pump 128. The lower conduit 130 can also be used to supply rinsing fluid to the additional nozzle 107 and to the lower nozzle 106b.

[0091] With further reference to [Fig. 3], according to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, a valve 138 may be provided in line with the lower conduit 130. According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the valve 138 may be a sleeve valve. According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the valve 138 may be a sanitary sleeve valve. It is also considered that other types of valves may be used in the lower conduit 130 in order to limit and / or regulate the flow of liquid or gas in the lower conduit 130.

[0092] According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, a valve 140 may be provided in-line in the pump conduit 136. According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the valve 140 may be a sleeve valve. According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the valve 140 may be a sanitary sleeve valve. It is also considered that other types of valves may be used in the pump conduit 136 in order to limit and / or regulate the flow of liquid or gas in the pump conduit 136.

[0093] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an industrial washer 100 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The diagram in Figure 4 is similar to the diagram in Figure 3, but illustrates different locations for the conduits 116, 113 and the valves 126 and 124 so as to be in fluidic communication with the upper conduit 110. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 4, the upper conduit 110 is located between a crest 125 of the conduit 108, and the upper nozzle 106a is shown to be inclined downwards and away from the crest 125 so that gravity evacuates the fluid which is in the upper conduit 110 towards the upper nozzle 106a, provided that the valve 114 is not closed.

[0094] With further reference to Figures 3 and 4, according to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the operation of the industrial washer 100 is described in detail, with reference to the flowchart of [Fig.7].

[0095] The industrial washer 100 uses more valves than current industrial washers to create a small reservoir that is provided as part of the hydraulic system of the industrial washer 100. In one embodiment of the present invention, five valves are added to the fluid line 108 to separate the hydraulic circuit of the industrial washer 100. In this embodiment, sanitary pinch valves are used with internal open diameters approximately identical to the internal diameter of the lines leading to the pinch valves so as not to disrupt the flow of water in the fluid line 108. The pinch valves of the fluid line 108 can also use pressure as a control. The pinch valves can serve as safety or security devices if the pressure in the pressurized zone of the fluid line 108 is too high.If the pressure in tank 132 is too high, the sleeve valves open automatically and release the pressure.

[0096] In one example, the valve 140 is provided at the outlet of the pump 128 in order to separate or isolate the circulation pump 128 from the industrial washer 100 and the fluid line 108. The valve 140 can be used to prevent mixing the inlet water with the water contained in the crankcase 208. In addition, the valve can be used to flush the circulation pump 128 when it is not in use and is perfused with water. In addition, the taps 114, 138 can be used to fill and isolate the tank 132 and to control the rinsing process of the industrial washer 100. In order to wash or disinfect the material or equipment which is in the washing chamber 102, water is supplied to the washing chamber 102 from the water source 122 through the nozzles 106a, 106b.

[0097] The washer 100 of the present invention can be equipped with a control unit 166 for controlling and measuring various functions of the washer 100. For example, alarms, level sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, conductivity sensors, the operation and speed of the circulation pump, flow sensors, user displays, user input panels, tap controls, etc., can be controlled by the control unit 166. The control unit 166 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 is simply shown as a separate component in the diagram. However, it should be understood that the control unit 166 can be connected, by wired or wireless means, to the various other components and modules of the washer 100, including, but not limited to, the flow meters, taps, pumps, level sensors and pressure sensors previously mentioned.

[0098] It should be understood that the control unit 166 may include one or more distributed processing circuit(s), electronic memory(ies), etc., and does not necessarily need to be confined to a common location within the washer 100.

[0099] The washer 100 may also include an additive source, such as a detergent or cleaning product, and a dosing pump for supplying the additive to the washing chamber 102 at certain times during the different cycles and phases of operation.

[0100] According to one embodiment or a non-limiting aspect of the present invention, [Fig. 7] illustrates five phases of a wash cycle, between the starting state 172 and the ending state 184 of a wash cycle 170. More or fewer of these five phases may be used according to non-limiting aspects of the present invention. According to one exemplary embodiment, an optional first pre-wash rinse phase 174 takes place. The material to be washed is rinsed with water using the upper spray arm or the upper and lower spray arms.

[0101] The phase following the optional pre-wash rinse phase is a wash phase 176. During this phase, water and one or more detergents or cleaning agents are circulated in the washer chamber by the circulation pump 128, which sends the fluid into the fluid conduit 108. Thus, during this phase, the circulation pump 128 sends the fluid through the lower spray arm 106b and the upper spray arm 106a. It should be understood that the fluid reaching the upper spray arm 106a from the circulation pump passes through the reservoir 132, entering first at the lower end before exiting at the upper end and finally through the nozzles of the upper spray arm 106a.

[0102] After the washing phase 176, the housing is emptied and a rinsing phase 178 begins. During the rinsing phase 178, the circulation pump 128 circulates water through the washing chamber 102 in a manner similar to the washing phase, but without cleaning agents or detergents. The water collected in the housing is drained and replacement water is introduced to allow the water to circulate with the circulation pump 128 so as to repeat the process or cycles several times. Preferably, the conductivity of the water collected in the housing is measured to determine the improvement in water cleanliness after each rinsing cycle during the rinsing phase.

[0103] Once the material or equipment located in the washing chamber 102 has been washed / disinfected during the washing phase 176 and the rinsing phase 178, a final rinse phase (sometimes referred to as "single-pass final rinse phase") 180 is started or triggered for the industrial washer 100. Details of an exemplary embodiment of the execution of the single-pass final rinse phase illustrated in more detail on [Fig.8] will be described here.

[0104] During the final single-pass rinse phase, the valves 138 and 140 of the lower conduit 130 and pump conduit 136, respectively, can be closed. Additionally, the valve 126 of the water source conduit 116 can be opened. The water from the water source 122 can first be directed through the upper conduit 110 to the upper spray arm (see step 186 of [Fig. 8]). A timer can be started to indicate the end of step 186. Then (in step 188 of [Fig. 8]), the valve 114 can be closed so that the water from the water source conduit 116 is redirected to the lower conduit 130, and finally to the circulation pump 128, after passing through the lower conduit 130 and the pump conduit 136.The passage of rinse water through the circulation pump 128 allows the circulation pump 128 to be rinsed in order to remove any contamination acquired during the previous washing phase 176 or rinsing phase 178. In a subsequent step (step 190 of [Fig. 8]), the circulation pump 128 is isolated from the fluid circuit by closing the valve 140. Then (in step 192 of [Fig. 8]), closing the valve 140 allows the water to flow back and fill the lower conduit 130 and finally the lower spray arm 106b. If a wash basket 200 is also fluidically connected to the lower conduit 130 circuit, it can also be filled and pre-charged with water during this step.In one exemplary embodiment, a timer can be started and calibrated to determine the required duration of step 192 for the wash basket 200 and the lower spray arm 106b to be properly pre-filled with rinse water. Then (see step 194 of [Fig. 8]), the lower conduit 130 continues to fill with water and overflow the lower spray arm 106b until the valve 138 is closed. Closing this valve 138 allows the reservoir 132 to fill and create a column of water / fluid. The filling of the fluid column can continue until the reservoir 132 is partially filled, but can also continue, according to exemplary embodiments, until the reservoir 132 is completely filled and begins to fill the reservoir conduit 118.A maximum water level is detected in the fluid column using a sensor such as a level sensor or a pressure sensor. Then (see step 196 of [Fig.8]), pressurized air such as process air or sterile air is released into the fluid circuit from the air source 122 by opening the valve 126.

[0105] The air is pressurized above atmospheric pressure, and preferably between 1.5 bar and 6 bar, and preferably between 2 bar and 3.5 bar. As soon as the tap When valve 138 is open, air pushes the fluid column into the lower conduit 130 to rinse the wash chamber 102 and the equipment in the wash basket 200 (when a wash basket is used and fluidically connected to the lower conduit 130). The rinse water is then collected in the housing 208, its conductivity is measured (see step 198 of [Fig. 8]), and it is discharged through the drain line connected to the housing 208. In one exemplary embodiment, these steps constitute the final single-pass rinse phase 184 of the cycle, and all or part of the steps can be repeated to further eliminate any possible contamination, ensuring that replacement water is used and that the soiled rinse water is not recycled.During the final single-pass rinse cycle, the water passes once through the equipment in the wash chamber before being drained, in order to prevent any contact with the recirculated water.

[0106] Variations of the single-pass final rinse may differ while still achieving satisfactory results, without departing from the embodiments of the present invention. In one exemplary embodiment, the valve 138 can be closed, and the water directed to the reservoir 132 completely fills the reservoir 132. Once the reservoir 132 has been filled, the water overflows into the upper conduit 110 and, with the valve 114 open, the water passing through the upper nozzle 106a rinses the upper part of the wash chamber 102. Once the water has flowed into the wash chamber 102, the valve 114 of the upper conduit 110 and the valve 126 of the water source conduit 116 are closed. At this point in the rinsing phase, the reservoir 132 and the fluid conduit 108 remain filled with water.

[0107] In the next step of the final rinsing phase of the industrial washer 100, the valve 124 of the air supply duct 113 and the valve 138 of the lower duct 130 are opened. The air from the air supply 120 is directed to the reservoir 132 in order to push the water stored in the reservoir 132 towards the lower part of the fluid duct 108, such as the lower duct 130. With the valve 140 closed, the water pushed from the reservoir 132 enters the chamber 102 and passes through the lower nozzle 106b and the wash basket 200, rinsing the material or equipment located in the wash chamber 102.

[0108] With reference to [Fig.7], a final drying phase 182 may take place, in order to finalize the washing cycle 170.

[0109] Depending on the material or equipment to be washed and the desired cleanliness of the material or equipment, the final rinse phase 180 can be repeated as many times as desired by a user, or as programmed for the washer 100. In addition, the final rinse phase can be used instead of the pre-wash rinse phase 174, so that the circulation pump 128 is used only for the wash phase 176 and the rinse phase 178 of the wash cycle 170.

[0110] Aspects of embodiments of the present invention offer process flexibility and advantages that were not available with prior systems. For example, the air source 120 can advantageously be set, adjusted, and controlled as a parameter to regulate the water flow during the final single-pass rinse phase in a way that is not possible or relevant with rotor pumps. Among other advantages, this feature also allows the use of different settings for different washing racks or baskets and different loading conditions of the washing racks / baskets. In one exemplary embodiment, the user can select from different options involving different pressure parameters using a control panel. Alternatively, the selection process can be fully or partially automated.For example, the washer can be equipped with a reader such as a barcode reader which can identify the specific wash basket which is inserted into the wash chamber, and can identify within the control unit 166 the programmed pressure parameter for the final single-pass rinse cycle which is applicable to the specific wash basket.

[0111] Thanks to this final rinse phase, the industrial washer 100 and the material or equipment within it can be rinsed in a single pass. The final rinse phase corresponds to the last rinse of the cycle for the industrial washer 100 before the drying phase of the wash cycle, which is used to dry the material or equipment. The final rinse phase 180 removes any small residue that may have remained in the fluid line 108 or on the material or equipment in the wash chamber 102. It is also intended that this rinse phase can be used to pre-wash the material or equipment during the first phase of the wash cycle to remove as much dirt or residue as possible from the material or equipment before the wash cycle, thereby preventing the spread of dirt or residue and minimizing contamination of the industrial washer 100.

[0112] During a normal rinsing phase with current industrial washers, the wash chamber is filled with water and a circulation / recirculation pump operates for a few minutes, after which the wash chamber is emptied. When the circulation / recirculation pump is running, residues from the material or equipment are mixed with the water and may adhere to the material or equipment, nozzles, and / or chamber walls. The residues can diffuse anywhere within the washer's hydraulic system and may be redeposited on the surface of the material or equipment when the recirculation pump stops.

[0113] Conversely, with the industrial washer 100 of the present invention, during the final rinse phase, the water is not recycled through the wash chamber 102 and / or the fluid line 108. The supplied water comes into contact with the material or equipment and the fluid line 108 only once and then flows directly to the system housing. With the industrial washer 100, if the water removes residues, the residues are carried away with the water and directed to the drain. Since recycling is not active during this phase of the wash cycle, the residues are not redeposited on the material or equipment in the wash chamber 102.

[0114] The use of the tank 132 in the industrial washer 100 offers several advantages over current industrial washers. In particular, the industrial washer 100 of the present invention uses a reduced volume of water required for the final rinsing of the material or equipment. By using the water source 122 to fill the tank 132, the volume of water required for the final rinsing phase can be adapted according to the material or equipment being washed in the washing chamber 102. It is further envisaged that a controller or control unit 166 can be used with the industrial washer 100 to automate or control the air supply process from the air source 120 so that the airflow and pressure can be adapted to the specific material or equipment in the washing chamber 102.In the present invention, the circulation pump 128 is not used during the final rinsing phase, so that the performance and condition of the pump 128 are maintained for an extended period. Furthermore, by using the water source 122 to rinse the fluid conduit 108, the sanitary aspects of the tank 132, such as cleaning, drying, the maximum time the water is stored in the tank 132, the temperature regulation of the tank 132, and the sanitary design of the tank 132, can be disregarded. Since the tank 132 is intended as a component of the fluid conduit 108, the tank 132 is cleaned, rinsed, and dried during the normal operation of the industrial washer 100. Moreover, no water is stored in the tank 132.

[0115] According to one embodiment or non-limiting aspect of the present invention, an additional valve may be added to the fluid conduit 108 at the top of the reservoir 132 to avoid filling the reservoir 132 before rinsing the upper nozzle 106a. This valve may be closed to prevent water from entering the reservoir 132. It is also envisaged that the final rinsing phase may also operate without the valve 140 in the pump conduit 136. According to another embodiment of the present invention, an inline water heater may be provided in line with the water source conduit 116 upstream of the valve 126 in the water source conduit 116 to heat the water supplied by the water source 122. It is also envisaged that that an air layer can be inserted before the tap 126 of the water source conduit 116 given that the fluid conduit 108 does not depend on the flow rate and / or pressure of the water supplied by the water source 122.

[0116] Figure 5 illustrates an industrial washer 100 associated with the improvements described herein and schematically illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, and illustrates a reduced "footprint" of the industrial washer due to the absence of a need for a separate tank to store the rinsing fluid for a rotor pump 128. The washer 100 can be configured to have a width of 150, a depth of 154, and a height of 152. The dimensions can be 1450 centimeters for the width 150, 895 centimeters for the depth 154, and 2275 centimeters for the height 152. In a preferred embodiment, the "footprint" of the washer is less than 1.3 square meters. The washer 100 is further illustrated as having a control panel 156 and an emergency stop button 158 located near the chamber 102. The industrial washer 100 may also include a door to provide front access to the washing chamber 102.In non-limiting embodiments, a front access door and a rear access door may be provided to offer front and rear access to the cavity 104 of the washing chamber 102 for loading and unloading the washer on opposite edges of a partition wall.

[0117] View A of [Fig. 6] illustrates the internal parts of the industrial washer 100 shown in [Fig. 5], with the outer casing and frame removed to improve visibility. The washer 100 in view A of [Fig. 6] corresponds to the washer 100 schematically illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, and details in an exemplary embodiment the arrangement of the tank 132, the tap 140, and the tap 138.

[0118] A further improvement to the industrial washers described herein includes an improved mounting fitting for the wash baskets, particularly those that are raised above the floor on which a washer may rest. Some commercially available washers are manufactured with a wash basket that can be fluidically connected to the washer via side ports or side fittings, while the bottom of the wash basket includes spaced wheels for sliding along a rail or rack guide 160, and provides sufficient space to allow a lower rotating spray arm of the wash chamber to pivot and spray fluid around the lower area of ​​the wash chamber.Since the circulation pumps are typically located below the wash chamber in some washers, supplying fluid to the wash basket requires access to the fluid channels of the wash baskets via a separate conduit from the one used to supply fluid to the lower spray arm. This additional conduit adds extra material, extra cost, extra length of conduit, and additional fittings and elbows. to the fluid circuit. Some of these aspects increase the fluid resistance that the circulation pump must overcome to pump water to the wash basket, thus causing an additional constraint on the efficiency of the circulation pump. Embodiments of the present invention overcome all or some of the drawbacks identified with commercially available industrial washers.

[0119] Figure 9 illustrates an improved mounting configuration for an industrial washer 100. A wheeled trolley 232 is configured to support a washing rack 200 on rack guides 160. The rack guides 160 are positioned and oriented on the trolley 232 so that, when the trolley engages an opening in the washer 100, the washing rack can be moved into the washing chamber 102 of the washer 100 by means of the trolley's rack guides 160, which align with the washer's rack guides, thus enabling convenient transfer of the washing basket 200 to the washer by rolling. In one embodiment of the present invention, the underside of the rack washer is designed with a flanged conduit to engage a mounting fitting 212 of a spray arm mounting assembly 205.The wash and / or rinse fluid can be supplied to the wash basket 200 via the same conduit that carries the fluid to the lower spray arm 106b.

[0120] Figure 10 illustrates a washing basket (or rack) 200 usable with the industrial washer 100, and includes additional improvements to the industrial washing processes. The basket 200 is shown in Figure 10 as having an upper level 202 and a lower level 204, but may have one or more levels (including, for example, 2, 3, or 4 or more levels). The basket 200 may include an additional nozzle 107 described previously and shown schematically in Figures 3 and 4, and may be configured with a plurality of fluidic channels 198 and localized nozzles 196 for washing objects such as glassware and bottles (see view C of Figure 11), or may be configured to distribute a fluid more generally, as in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10. 10], in which the nozzle is configured as a rotating rinsing arm, capable of pivoting around an axis 207 of the fluidic distribution conduit 206.The fluid distribution pipe or conduit 206 is preferably positioned vertically relative to and mechanically fixed to the wash basket 200 by a welded fitting so that, when the wash basket 200 is placed in the chamber of the industrial washer, the wash and / or rinse fluid can be distributed through the nozzles, conduits, and / or channels in the wash basket. The conduit 206 is preferably cylindrical and tubular (with circular luminal cross-sections), elongated and tapered between a wider lower end zone 209 and a narrower upper end zone. narrow 211. The fluidic distribution conduit 206 is illustrated in more detail in [Fig. 11], on which a flange 210 (such as a bell-shaped or flared flange) is disposed at the lower end of the conduit and configured to be reversibly connected by snap-fit ​​to a mounting fitting 212, so that the flange 210 of the distribution conduit 206 can be reversibly fixed in the slots 213 of the receiver (or mounting fitting) 212, as illustrated in Figures 12, 13 and 14. The slots 213 formed in the fitting 212 form two cantilevered projections 215 which can be used to create a cam engagement with the flanged end 210.

[0121] View A of [Fig. 12] illustrates an exploded view of the lower end area 109 of the conduit 206 with the sub-components of a spray arm mounting assembly 205. View B of [Fig. 12] illustrates the assembled view of the spray arm mounting assembly 205, and further illustrates the conduit 206 and its flanged end 210. As illustrated in view A of [Fig.

[13] , the mounting / receiver fitting 212 of the spray arm mounting assembly 205 is configured with notches that form slots 213, so that the collar 210 can be slid horizontally and reversibly in the slots 213 to create axial luminal alignment between the fitting 212 and the conduit 206 and a mechanical link between the distribution conduit 206 and the fitting 212 so that the fluid can pass vertically through a central opening in the spray arm mounting assembly 205 and through the conduit 206. The directional movement intended to cause the engagement of the conduit 206 and the fitting 212 is illustrated in view A of [Fig. 13] by the arrows, while view B of [Fig. 13] illustrates the conduit 206 fixed to or connected to the spray arm mounting assembly 205. As is better illustrated in the [Fig.9], preferably, the slots 213 of the fitting 212 are provided substantially parallel to the rack guides 160 of the washer 100 so that the movement of the washing rack 200 towards the washing chamber 200 facilitates the alignment and reversible mechanical engagement between the washing rack 200 and the fitting 212. .

[0122] As can be seen in view A of [Fig. 12], the spray arm 106b has a rounded internal bearing surface 222 which acts as a ring and is configured to pivot about an external surface of the spray arm support 214 so that the spray arm support 214 serves as an axis to allow the spray arm 106b to pivot about it. Several openings 220 are located on the side wall of the mounting arm support 214 and are configured to create fluidic communication between the internal lumen of the spray arm support 214 and the lumens or conduits of the spray arm 106b, in order to allow fluid entering through a lower end of the lumen of the spray arm support 214 to enter the conduit arms that extend horizontally from the spray arm 106b while the latter pivots about an axis of the spray arm support 214, regardless of the angular orientation of the spray arm 106b relative to the spray arm support 214. The fluid that enters the conduit arms that extend horizontally from the spray arm 106b exits the spray arm through one or more nozzle(s) 224 located on the top of each conduit arm (to facilitate the distribution of water or washing fluid inside the washing chamber 102) or through one or more directional nozzle(s) 226 (to cause the spray arm 106b to rotate about the support 214).The receiver 212 is connected to the spray arm support 214 via a fastener or pin 216, in order to fix the rinsing arm 106b to the spray arm support 214 in the vertical direction, while allowing the rinsing arm 106b to rotate around the spray arm support 214. The arrows in view A of [Fig. 14] illustrate the direction of fluid flow between the pump(s) and the chamber parts during its delivery through the distribution conduit 206 during the washing and rinsing steps.

[0123] As illustrated in views A and B of [Fig. 15], the mounting fitting 212 may include a notch 217 on opposite sides to mechanically engage an external wall surface of the distribution conduit 206 so as to maintain alignment of the aperture of the spray arm mounting assembly with the aperture of the distribution conduit 206. Depending on the materials and dimensions chosen for the components, the force required to engage and disengage the wash rack 200 on the washer 100 via the fitting 212 can be adjusted. The notches 217 are preferably curved and spaced apart to form a dimension such as a diameter 234 that is similar to the external diameter of the conduit 206 at the point where the conduit contacts the notches 217. Furthermore,

[0124] As illustrated in views A and B of [Fig. 15], the sealing surface 240 of the mounting fitting 212 may include a plurality of grooves or channels 164 extending radially outwards. The channels 164 are dimensioned to allow fluid to leak or seep around the sealing interface of the distribution conduit 206 and the mounting fitting 212. Although eight channels are shown, a greater or lesser number of channels may be chosen to achieve different degrees of controlled leakage. As illustrated in view B of [Fig. 13], with the distribution conduit 206 connected to the mounting fitting 212, the channels are not completely encapsulated by the flanged end 210 of the distribution conduit 206, since the largest diameter of the flanged end (see dimension (reference 236 of view B of [Fig. 13]) is less than the diameter 238 representing the radial distance over which the channels extend away from the central axis of the mounting fitting 212, and the channels allow the fluid to exit through the sealing surface 240 of the mounting fitting 212 when the distribution conduit is aligned at the center and coupled with the sealing surface 240. Thus, the channels allow the localized fluid to escape through the internal light of the mounting assembly of the spray arm 205 when water is pumped through the assembly, in order to maintain the cleanliness of the mounting fitting and prevent the accumulation of debris.

[0125] Figure 16 illustrates the wash basket 200 according to embodiments of the present invention connected to the mounting fitting 212 at the lower end of the distribution pipe 206. To better understand the connection, the chassis and the washing machine chamber have been removed. The wash basket 200 can be equipped with wheels 162 to allow the wash basket 200 to slide horizontally on one or more rack guide(s) 160 when inserted into or removed from the washing machine chamber 102. The rack guides 160 can be rails and can be flat or rounded, such as an elongated metal bar. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 16, the washing basket 200 can be a flat or rounded metal bar.

[16] , the pump conduit 136 is provided under the washing chamber and extends in a straight line and vertically, in order to allow the water pumped by the circulation pump 128 to pass through the light of the spray arm fixing assembly without bends which would increase the fluid resistance of the conduit, and thus allow maximum pumping efficiency for the pump and distribution of the water which exits the pump so that it enters the fluid channels of the washing basket 200 and the lower spray arm 106b, and the additional spray arm 107 of the washing basket 200 when in use.

[0126] It should be noted that any reference to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature or structure described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, occurrences of the phrase "in an embodiment" in different places throughout the application do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features or structures may be combined in any suitable way in one or more embodiments.

[0127] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the components (such as operations), devices, and objects described herein and the accompanying description are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity, and that various configuration modifications are envisaged. Thus, as used herein, the specific exemplary embodiments presented and the accompanying description are intended to be representative of their more general categories. Typically, the use of any specific exemplary embodiment is intended to be representative of its category, and the non-inclusion of specific components (e.g., operations), devices and objects should not be interpreted as being restrictive.

[0128] Regarding the use of plural and / or singular terms in this description, a person skilled in the art may switch between plural and singular and / or singular depending on the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations are not explicitly shown here for the sake of clarity.

[0129] The object described herein sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected to, other different components. It should be understood that these illustrated architectures are purely exemplary and that, in fact, many other architectures can be implemented and provide the same functionality. Conceptually, any arrangement of components to provide the same functionality is effectively "associated" so that the desired functionality is achieved. Thus, two components combined to provide a particular functionality can be considered "associated" with each other so that the desired functionality is achieved, regardless of the architectures or intermediate components.Similarly, two components thus associated can also be considered as being "linked," or "coupled," to each other in order to provide the desired functionality, and two components capable of being associated in this way can also be considered as "able to be coupled" to each other in order to provide the desired functionality. Specific examples of components that can be coupled include, but are not limited to, components that can be physically coupled and / or physically interact, and / or components capable of interacting wirelessly, and / or components that interact wirelessly, and / or components that interact logically, and / or components capable of interacting logically.

[0130] Certain aspects can be described using the terms "coupled" and "connected" and their derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not intended to be synonymous. For example, certain aspects can be described using the term "connected" to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. In another example, certain aspects can be described using the term "coupled" to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term "coupled," however, can also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but continue to cooperate or interact with each other.

[0131] In some cases, one or more components may be designated herein as "configured for", "capable of", "suitable", etc. A person skilled in the art will recognize that "configured for" can generally include active components, and / or inactive components, and / or standby components, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0132] Although particular aspects of the subject matter described herein have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based on the teachings of this description, modifications can be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its aspects in the broader sense, and that, therefore, the joined claims must incorporate all such modifications as forming part of the scope of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, as a general rule, the terms used herein, and more particularly in the joined claims (such as the bodies of the joined claims), are generally intended to be "open" terms (for example, the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but not limited to", etc.).It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that if a specific number of quotations of claims are the subject of an intention, that intention will be explicitly stated in the claims, and in the absence of such quotations, no intention will be present. For example, to facilitate understanding, the following attached claims may contain the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce the cited claims.However, the use of these phrases should not be interpreted as implying that the introduction of a claim quotation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing said introduced claim quotation to claims that contain only one of said quotations, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (for example, "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "at least an"); this principle also applies to the use of definite articles to introduce claim quotations.

[0133] Furthermore, even if a specific number of citations of introduced claims is explicitly mentioned, a person skilled in the art will recognize that such citations should generally be interpreted as denoting at least the cited number (for example, the citation of "two citations," without further modifying elements, generally means at least two citations, or two or more citations). Moreover, when a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, it is generally understood in the sense that a person skilled in the art would understand it (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but not be limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). When a convention analogous to When the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, it is generally understood in the sense that a person skilled in the art would understand it (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include, but not be limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will further be understood by a person skilled in the art that, as a general rule, a disjunctive word and / or phrase that presents two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood as providing for the possibilities of including one of the terms, any of the terms, or both terms, unless the context otherwise requires. For example, the phrase "A or B" will generally be understood as including the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0134] In summary, various advantages have been described in connection with the use of the concepts described herein. The preceding description has been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the precise form described. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the aforementioned principles. It is anticipated that the claims submitted with this description will define the overall scope of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. An industrial washer configured for washing material or equipment, the industrial washer comprising: a washing chamber that defines a cavity for receiving the material or equipment; at least one nozzle positioned in the cavity of the washing chamber; a water source fluidically connected to the washing chamber; a reservoir fluidically connected to the water source and the washing chamber; a pump fluidically connected to the reservoir; and a valve positioned in line with a lower conduit that fluidly connects the pump to the reservoir, wherein the valve is configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and wherein, with the valve in the closed position, the water source is configured to direct water to the reservoir that is used to rinse the material or equipment that is in the washing chamber.

2. Industrial washer according to claim 1, wherein the tap is a sleeve tap.

3. Industrial washer according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tap positioned in line with an upper conduit which fluidically connects at least one nozzle to a junction.

4. Industrial washer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one nozzle comprises an upper nozzle positioned in the washing chamber and a lower nozzle positioned in the washing chamber.

5. Industrial washer according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an air source fluidically connected to the tank and the washing chamber; a valve positioned in line with an air source duct which fluidically connects the air source to the washing chamber; a water source conduit that fluidically connects the water source to the junction; and a tap positioned in line with the water source conduit.

6. Industrial washer according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an additional nozzle positioned in the washing chamber, in which the additional nozzle is fluidically connected to the pump.

7. 7. Industrial washer according to claim 6, wherein the additional nozzle is located on a washing basket, and the washing basket is configured to be reversibly fixed with a fixing fitting disposed on a first end of a spray arm support which is located in the washing chamber.

8. 8. Industrial washer according to claim 7, further comprising a lower spray arm configured to pivot around the spray arm support, the spray arm support having a second end and a light extending between the first and second ends to permit water to enter the second end of the light and exit through the first end of the light via the fixing fitting, and into a conduit of the wash basket when the conduit of the wash basket is connected to the fixing fitting.

9. 9. Industrial washer according to claim 8, wherein a side wall of the light of the mounting arm support comprises one or more opening(s) which create(s) fluidic communication between the light of the spray arm support and the spray arm conduits extending from a support surface of the spray arm through the arms of the spray arm.

10. 10. Industrial washer according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the wash basket conduit includes an end which includes a flange, the fixing fitting being configured to reversibly receive the flange of the wash basket conduit and create a fluidic communication between the wash basket and the light of the spray arm support, the light of the spray arm support being in fluidic communication with the pump conduit and the lower conduit.

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