Container washing device and dewatering device

Abstract

To provide a container washing device that ensures the sterilization of containers, prevents deterioration of the environment in the room where the container washing device is installed, reduces the environmental burden, and maintains the cleanliness of the containers. [Solution] The container washing device 1 comprises a container washing unit 5 that washes the container 3 using a room-temperature washing solution 13 that has a sterilizing effect, a container rinsing unit 7 that rinses the container 3 washed in the container washing unit 5 using a room-temperature rinsing solution 15, a container dewatering unit 9 that dewaters the container 3 that has been rinsed in the container rinsing unit 7 within a dewatering unit housing 19, and a dewatering unit rinse solution removal unit 11 that removes the rinse solution that has splashed from the container 3 and adhered to the inner surface of the dewatering unit housing 19 due to the dewatering of the container 3 in the container dewatering unit 9.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a container cleaning device and a dehydration device, and particularly relates to a device for cleaning a container using a cleaning liquid at room temperature and a rinsing liquid at room temperature.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional container cleaning device (container cleaning apparatus), cleaning of a container for storing foodstuffs and the like is performed using a cleaning liquid at a high temperature (for example, about 60°C) and a rinsing liquid at a high temperature (for example, about 60°C). The reason for using a high-temperature cleaning liquid and a high-temperature rinsing liquid is to ensure sterilization and to facilitate drying of the container after cleaning. Here, Patent Document 1 is cited as a document related to the conventional technology.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a container washing device and a dewatering device that can reliably sterilize containers, prevent deterioration of the environment in the room where the container washing device is installed, reduce environmental impact, and maintain the cleanliness of the containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A container washing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a container washing section that washes containers using a room-temperature washing solution having a sterilizing effect; a container rinsing section that rinses the containers washed in the container washing section using a room-temperature rinsing solution; a container dewatering section that dewaters the containers rinsed in the container rinsing section within a dewatering section housing; and a dewatering section rinsing solution removal section that removes the rinsing solution that has splashed from the containers and adhered to the inner surface of the dewatering section housing as a result of the dewatering of the containers in the container dewatering section.

[0008] A container washing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a container washing apparatus comprising: a container washing section configured to wash the container within a washing section housing, and a washing section washing liquid / foreign matter removal section which removes washing liquid that has splashed from the container and adhered to the inner surface of the washing section housing and foreign matter that has fallen off the container and adhered to the inner surface of the washing section housing as a result of washing the container in the container washing section; and a container rinsing section configured to rinse the container within a rinsing section housing, and a rinsing section rinsing liquid removal section which removes rinsing liquid that has splashed from the container and adhered to the inner surface of the rinsing section housing as a result of rinsing the container in the container rinsing section.

[0009] In a container washing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the container rinsing section is configured to include a first rinsing section and a second rinsing section, the second rinsing section is configured to rinse the container that has been rinsed in the first rinsing section using the second rinsing liquid as the rinsing liquid, the first rinsing section is configured to include a first rinsing liquid tank for holding the first rinsing liquid as the rinsing liquid, and the container that has been washed in the container washing section is configured to rinse the container that has been washed using the first rinsing liquid contained in the first rinsing liquid tank, the first rinsing liquid contained in the first rinsing liquid tank is a liquid obtained by mixing the rinsing liquid used in the first rinsing section and the rinsing liquid used in the second rinsing section.

[0010] In a container washing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the container washing unit is configured to include a first washing unit and a second washing unit, the first washing unit is configured to wash the container using a first washing solution which is a mixture of water and a detergent, the second washing unit is configured to include a second washing solution tank which holds a second washing solution used in the second washing unit, and the container washed in the first washing unit is configured to wash the container using the second washing solution contained in the second washing solution tank, the second washing solution contained in the second washing solution tank being a mixture of the washing solution used in the second washing unit and water.

[0011] A container washing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a container washing apparatus comprising: a container washing unit that washes containers within a washing unit housing using a room-temperature washing liquid having a sterilizing effect; and a washing unit washing liquid / foreign matter removal unit that removes washing liquid that has splashed from the containers and adhered to the inner surface of the washing unit housing, as well as foreign matter that has fallen off the containers and adhered to the inner surface of the washing unit housing, as a result of washing the containers in the container washing unit.

[0012] A container washing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a container washing apparatus having a container rinsing section that rinses containers washed with a room-temperature washing solution having a sterilizing effect within a rinsing section housing using a room-temperature rinsing solution, and a rinsing section rinsing solution removal section that removes the rinsing solution that has splashed from the containers and adhered to the inner surface of the rinsing section housing as a result of rinsing the containers in the container rinsing section.

[0013] A container washing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a container dewatering apparatus comprising a container dewatering unit that dewaters containers washed with a room-temperature washing solution having a sterilizing effect within a dewatering unit housing, and a dewatering unit rinse liquid removal unit that removes rinse liquid that has splashed from the containers and adhered to the inner surface of the dewatering unit housing as a result of the dewatering of the containers in the container dewatering unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The present invention provides a container washing device and a dewatering device that can reliably sterilize containers, prevent deterioration of the environment in the room where the container washing device is installed, reduce environmental impact, and maintain the cleanliness of the containers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing an overview of the external shape of a container washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a view taken along arrow II in Figure 1, and is a front view showing an overview of the external shape of a container washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the piping system for the container washing section, container rinsing section, and inversion machine of a container washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the piping system of the first cleaning section in the container cleaning section of a container cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows the piping system of the second cleaning section in the container cleaning section of the container cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]It is a diagram showing the piping system of the container rinsing section and the inverter of the container cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the piping system of the container dehydration section of the container cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the main part of the container dehydration section of the container cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the state before dehydrating the container or after finishing dehydrating the container. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the main part of the container dehydration section of the container cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the state when the container is being dehydrated. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the container and piping in the container cleaning section and the container rinsing section of the container cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a view taken in the direction of arrow XI in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] In FIG. 10, it is a diagram showing the state where the piping is removed. [Figure 13] It is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9, and is a diagram showing the main part of the container dehydration section of the container cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention in more detail. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the cross section XIV-XIV in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is an enlarged view of part XV in FIG. 10. [Figure 16] It is an enlarged view of part XVI in FIG. 13. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view XVII-XVII in FIG. 10, and is a diagram showing a modified example of the installation form of the nozzle shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 18] It is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 15, and is a diagram showing the installation form of the piping according to the modified example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The container washing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention washes a container 3, rinses the washed container 3, and dewaters the rinsed container 3. As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 7, the container washing device 1 is configured to include a container washing unit 5, a container rinsing unit 7, a container dewatering unit 9, and a dewatering unit rinse liquid removal unit 11.

[0017] The container cleaning unit 5 is configured to clean the container 3 using a cleaning solution 13 at room temperature (first cleaning solution 49, second cleaning solution 55). Details of the first cleaning solution 49 and the second cleaning solution 55 will be described later. In particular, the first cleaning solution 49 has a bactericidal effect (bactericidal ability). As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the container cleaning unit 5 cleans the container 3 by spraying the cleaning solution 13 from the nozzle 17 onto the container 3, thereby removing foreign matter such as dirt (not shown) attached to the container 3.

[0018] The container rinsing unit 7 rinses the containers 3 that have been washed in the container washing unit 5 using a room temperature rinsing solution (for example, tap water) 15.

[0019] The rinsing of the container 3 in the container rinsing section 7 is performed immediately after the container 3 has been washed in the container washing section 5, while the container 3 is still wet with the washing solution 13. In the container rinsing section 7, as in the container washing section 5, the container 3 is rinsed by spraying the rinsing solution 15, which is ejected from the nozzle 17, onto the container 3.

[0020] For example, the room temperature in the washing solution 13 and rinsing solution 15 is a temperature in the range of 5°C to 40°C, preferably in the range of 10°C to 30°C, and more preferably in the range of 15°C to 25°C. Furthermore, the room temperature in the washing solution 13 and rinsing solution 15 is equal to the room temperature of the room where the container washing device 1 is installed and operated with the operator, or within a range of ±10°C (preferably ±5°C) of the room temperature.

[0021] As shown in Figures 7, 13, and 14, the container dewatering unit 9 dewaters the container 3 that has been rinsed in the container rinsing unit 7, within the dewatering unit housing 19, which is the housing of the container dewatering unit 9. The dewatering unit rinse liquid removal unit 11 removes the rinse liquid 15 and other substances that have splattered from the container 3 due to the dewatering of the container 3 in the container dewatering unit 9 and are adhering to the inner surface of the dewatering unit housing 19 (the wall surface of the dewatering unit housing 19 inside the dewatering unit housing 19).

[0022] In the container washing apparatus 1, the dewatering section housing 19 and other housings and piping components are made of stainless steel such as SUS304, which does not rust. Furthermore, the housings of the dewatering section housing 19 and others are provided with doors for inspection and cleaning. Additionally, the dewatering section housing 19 is equipped with a lighting device to illuminate the interior of the housing. Lighting devices may also be provided inside the washing section housing 29 and the rinsing section housing 37 to illuminate the interiors of these housings 29 and 37.

[0023] The dewatering section rinse liquid removal unit 11 sprays dewatering section rinse liquid removal liquid 23, which is a liquid used to remove the adhering rinse liquid 15, from a nozzle 25. The dewatering section rinse liquid removal liquid 23 sprayed from the nozzle 25 is then sprayed onto the walls of the dewatering section housing 19. This removes the rinse liquid 15 adhering to the walls of the dewatering section housing 19.

[0024] For example, a low-speed washing nozzle is used as the nozzle 25. The nozzle 25 is configured to discharge the dewatering section rinse liquid removal liquid 23 almost evenly over a 360° range when viewed in the vertical and horizontal directions (a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction).

[0025] Container 3 is formed in a rectangular, box-like shape from a material such as synthetic resin or metal. Food (ingredients) is contained inside container 3. Container 3 to be washed by the container washing device 1 does not contain any food. Numerous through-holes (not shown) are formed in the side and bottom walls of container 3, allowing the washing solution 13 and rinsing solution 15 to pass through the side and bottom walls of container 3.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the container washing device 1 is provided with a washing section washing liquid / foreign matter removal section 27. In the container washing device 1, the container washing section 5 (first washing section 43) is configured to wash the container 3 inside the washing section housing 29, which is the housing of the container washing section 5 (within the part of the washing section housing 29 that constitutes the first washing section 43). Details of the first washing section 43 will be described later. The washing section washing liquid / foreign matter removal section 27 is configured to remove washing liquid that has splashed from the container 3 during the washing of the container 3 in the container washing section 5 and adhered to the inner surface of the washing section housing 29 (the wall surface of the washing section housing 29 inside the washing section housing 29). In addition, the washing section washing liquid / foreign matter removal section 27 is configured to remove foreign matter that has fallen off the container 3 during the washing of the container 3 in the container washing section 5 and adhered to the inner surface of the washing section housing 29.

[0027] To explain further, the cleaning unit cleaning fluid / foreign matter removal unit 27 is configured to spray the cleaning unit cleaning fluid / foreign matter removal fluid (for example, the first cleaning fluid, which will be described in more detail later) 49, which is a fluid used to remove the cleaning fluid and foreign matter that is adhering to the unit, from the nozzle 33. The cleaning unit cleaning fluid / foreign matter removal unit 27 is also configured to spray the first cleaning fluid 49 sprayed from the nozzle 33 onto the walls of the cleaning unit housing 29 inside the cleaning unit housing 29. This removes the cleaning fluid and foreign matter adhering to the walls of the cleaning unit housing 29.

[0028] For example, a nozzle 33 with specifications similar to nozzle 17 is used, but a nozzle 33 with different specifications from nozzle 17 (for example, a nozzle with specifications similar to nozzle 25) may also be used. In addition, although only one nozzle 33 is provided in the configuration shown in Figures 3 and 4, multiple nozzles 33 are provided to remove cleaning fluid and foreign matter adhering to the wall surface of almost the entire wall surface of the cleaning unit housing 29.

[0029] In the configuration shown in Figure 5 (second cleaning unit 45), the cleaning unit cleaning fluid / foreign matter removal unit 27 is not provided. However, in the configuration shown in Figure 5, a cleaning unit cleaning fluid / foreign matter removal unit similar to the cleaning unit cleaning fluid / foreign matter removal unit 27 may be provided.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the container washing device 1 is provided with a rinsing section rinse liquid removal section 35. The container rinsing section 7 is configured to rinse the container 3 inside the rinsing section housing 37. The rinsing section rinse liquid removal section 35 is designed to remove the rinse liquid that has splashed from the container 3 and adhered to the inner surface of the rinsing section housing 37 as a result of rinsing the container 3 in the container rinsing section 7.

[0031] The rinsing section rinse liquid removal section 35 sprays a rinse section rinse liquid removal liquid (for example, the first rinse liquid, which will be described in more detail later) 65 from a nozzle 33. The first rinse liquid 65 sprayed from the nozzle 33 is then sprayed onto the walls of the rinsing section housing 37. This removes the rinse liquid adhering to the walls of the rinsing section housing 37.

[0032] Furthermore, although the configurations shown in Figures 3 and 6 only have one nozzle 33, multiple nozzles 33 are provided to remove cleaning solution adhering to the wall surface of almost the entire wall surface of the rinsing section housing 37. It should be noted that the container cleaning device 1 may also have a configuration in which at least one of the cleaning section cleaning solution / foreign matter removal section 27 or the rinsing section rinsing solution removal section 35 is provided.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the container cleaning unit 5 of the container cleaning device 1 is configured to include a first cleaning unit (inlet side container cleaning unit) 43 and a second cleaning unit (outlet side container cleaning unit) 45. For example, the pressure of the cleaning liquid 13 (49) discharged from the nozzle 17 in the first cleaning unit 43 is higher than the pressure of the cleaning liquid 13 (55) discharged from the nozzle 17 in the second cleaning unit 45.

[0034] The first cleaning unit 43 is configured to clean the container 3 using a first cleaning solution 49, which is a mixture of room temperature water (e.g., tap water) and a cleaning agent (e.g., liquid cleaning agent) 47 (cleaning agent diluted with tap water). In the first cleaning unit 43, for example, a liquid cleaning agent (chlorine-based cleaning agent) manufactured by Creo Co., Ltd. is used as the cleaning agent 47.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the first cleaning unit 43 is configured to include a first cleaning fluid tank 51 for temporarily storing the first cleaning fluid 49 used in the first cleaning unit 43.

[0036] The container washing device 1 is equipped with a first washing liquid tank volume adjustment unit 53 that adjusts the amount of first washing liquid 49 contained in the first washing liquid tank 51. The first washing liquid tank volume adjustment unit 53 is configured to discharge the first washing liquid 49 from the first washing liquid tank 51 when the water level of the first washing liquid 49 in the first washing liquid tank 51 exceeds the upper limit. The first washing liquid tank volume adjustment unit 53 is also configured to supply tap water and a cleaning agent 47 into the first washing liquid tank 51 when the water level of the first washing liquid 49 in the first washing liquid tank 51 reaches the lower limit. The mixture of tap water in an appropriate proportion and a cleaning agent 47 in an appropriate proportion becomes the first washing liquid 49.

[0037] When the water level reaches the lower limit, the amount of the first cleaning solution 49 in the first cleaning solution tank 51 is slightly less than the amount of the first cleaning solution 49 in the first cleaning solution tank 51 when the water level reaches the upper limit.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the second cleaning unit 45 is configured to include a second cleaning fluid tank 57 for temporarily storing the second cleaning fluid 55 used in the second cleaning unit 45. The second cleaning unit 45 is configured to clean the container 3, which has been cleaned in the first cleaning unit 43, using the second cleaning fluid 55 at room temperature contained in the second cleaning fluid tank 57.

[0039] The second cleaning solution 55 used in the second cleaning unit 45 is configured to enter the second cleaning solution tank 57. The second cleaning solution 55 in the second cleaning solution tank 57 is a mixture of the cleaning solution used in the second cleaning unit 45 (second cleaning solution 55) and unused water (tap water not used for cleaning in the container cleaning unit 5, etc.).

[0040] The cleaning of the container 3 in the second cleaning unit 45 is performed immediately after the cleaning of the container 3 in the first cleaning unit 43, while the container 3 is still wet with the cleaning solution (first cleaning solution 49). As a result, the cleaning solution 55 in the second cleaning solution tank 57 contains not only water but also a small amount of the cleaning agent 47 used for cleaning in the first cleaning unit 43, and thus has some sterilizing properties.

[0041] Furthermore, the container washing device 1 is provided with a second washing liquid tank volume adjustment unit 59 that adjusts the amount of the second washing liquid 55 contained in the second washing liquid tank 57. The second washing liquid tank volume adjustment unit 59 is configured to discharge the second washing liquid 55 from the second washing liquid tank 57 when the water level of the second washing liquid 55 in the second washing liquid tank 57 exceeds the upper limit. In addition, the second washing liquid tank volume adjustment unit 59 is configured to supply water (for example, only tap water) into the second washing liquid tank 57 when the water level of the second washing liquid 55 in the second washing liquid tank 57 reaches the lower limit.

[0042] When the water level reaches the lower limit, the amount of the second cleaning solution 55 in the second cleaning solution tank 57 is slightly less than the amount of the second cleaning solution 55 in the second cleaning solution tank 57 when the water level reaches the upper limit.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the container rinsing section 7 is comprised of a first rinsing section (inlet side rinsing section) 61 and a second rinsing section (outlet side rinsing section 63). The second rinsing section 63 is configured to rinse the container 3 that has been rinsed in the first rinsing section 61 using only the second rinsing liquid 67 as the rinsing liquid 15. The second rinsing liquid 67 is water that has not been used for washing and rinsing the container 3 (for example, unused tap water).

[0044] The first rinsing section 61 is configured to include a first rinsing liquid tank 69 for temporarily storing (temporarily holding) the first rinsing liquid 65, which is the rinsing liquid 15. The first rinsing section 61 is configured to rinse the container 3, which has been cleaned in the container cleaning section 5 (second cleaning section 45), using the first rinsing liquid 65 at room temperature contained in the first rinsing liquid tank 69.

[0045] The first rinsing liquid 65 used in the first rinsing section 61 and the second rinsing liquid 67 used in the second rinsing section 63 are configured to enter the first rinsing liquid tank 69. The first rinsing liquid 65 in the first rinsing liquid tank 69 is a mixture of the following liquids: The first liquid is the rinsing liquid (first rinsing liquid 65) used to rinse the container 3 in the first rinsing section 61. The second liquid is the rinsing liquid (second rinsing liquid 67) used to rinse the container 3 in the second rinsing section 63. The third liquid is unused water (for example, tap water) that has not been used for rinsing in the container rinsing section 7.

[0046] The rinsing of the container 3 in the second rinsing section 63 is performed immediately after the rinsing of the container 3 in the first rinsing section 61, while the container 3 is wet with the first rinsing solution 65. The first rinsing solution 65 in the first rinsing solution tank 69 contains a very small amount of the cleaning agent 47 used for cleaning in the first cleaning section 43, similar to the case of the second cleaning solution tank 57.

[0047] Furthermore, the container washing device 1 is configured to include a first rinse liquid tank rinse liquid volume adjustment unit 71 that adjusts the amount of first rinse liquid 65 contained in the first rinse liquid tank 69. The first rinse liquid tank rinse liquid volume adjustment unit 71 is configured to discharge the first rinse liquid 65 from the first rinse liquid tank 69 when the water level of the first rinse liquid 65 in the first rinse liquid tank 69 exceeds the upper limit. In addition, the first rinse liquid tank rinse liquid volume adjustment unit 71 is configured to supply water (for example, only tap water) into the first rinse liquid tank 69 when the water level of the first rinse liquid 65 in the first rinse liquid tank 69 reaches the lower limit.

[0048] When the water level reaches the lower limit, the amount of the first rinse solution 65 in the first rinse solution tank 69 is slightly less than the amount of the first rinse solution 65 in the first rinse solution tank 69 when the water level reaches the upper limit.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the first cleaning section 43 of the container cleaning device 1 is provided with a first cleaning section foreign matter collection section 73. The first cleaning section foreign matter collection section 73 is designed to collect foreign matter (not shown) that has fallen off the container 3 as a result of cleaning the container 3 in the first cleaning section 43. The first cleaning liquid tank 51 contains the first cleaning liquid 49 that was used to clean the container 3 in the first cleaning section 43 and from which foreign matter has been removed in the first cleaning section foreign matter collection section 73.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the second cleaning section 45 of the container cleaning device 1 is equipped with a second cleaning section foreign matter collection section 75. The second cleaning section foreign matter collection section 75 is designed to collect small amounts of foreign matter (not shown) that have fallen off the container 3 as a result of cleaning the container 3 in the second cleaning section 45. The second cleaning liquid tank 57 contains the second cleaning liquid 55 that was used to clean the container 3 in the second cleaning section 45 and from which foreign matter has been removed in the second cleaning section foreign matter collection section 75.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the container rinsing section 7 of the container washing device 1 is equipped with a rinsing section foreign matter collection section 77. The rinsing section foreign matter collection section 77 is designed to collect very small amounts of foreign matter (not shown) that have fallen off the container 3 as a result of rinsing the container 3 in the container rinsing section 7. The first rinsing liquid tank 69 contains the first rinsing liquid 65 that was used to rinse the container 3 in the first rinsing section 61 and from which foreign matter has been removed in the rinsing section foreign matter collection section 77.

[0052] Let's explain the container washing device 1 in more detail. Here, one predetermined horizontal direction is defined as the inlet / outlet direction, another predetermined horizontal direction perpendicular to the inlet / outlet direction is defined as the width direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the inlet / outlet direction and the width direction is defined as the up / down direction. In the container washing device 1, the container washing section 5, the container rinsing section 7, and the container dewatering section 9 are arranged in this order from the inlet side to the outlet side in the inlet / outlet direction. In the container washing device 1, the container 3 moves from the inlet side to the outlet side in the inlet / outlet direction, and the container 3 is washed, rinsed, and dewatered.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the washing section housing 29 and the rinsing section housing 37 of the container washing device 1 are connected to each other and are aligned in the direction of the entrance and exit. The washing section housing 29 is located on the entrance side in the direction of the entrance and exit, and the rinsing section housing 37 is located on the exit side in the direction of the entrance and exit. The container washing device 1 is equipped with a container transport section 79. The container transport section 79 is composed of, for example, a chain conveyor. The chain conveyor 79 is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown).

[0054] The chain conveyor 79 is located midway between the washing section housing 29 and the rinsing section housing 37 in the vertical and width directions. The chain conveyor 79 extends long in the inlet / outlet direction and penetrates both the washing section housing 29 and the rinsing section housing 37 in that direction. In addition, the chain conveyor 79 protrudes from the inlet end of the washing section housing 29 and from the outlet end of the rinsing section housing 37 in the inlet / outlet direction.

[0055] Container 3 is placed on the chain conveyor 79 at a point where it protrudes from the inlet end of the washing section housing 29. Once placed on the chain conveyor 79, container 3 is transported through the washing section housing 29 and the rinsing section housing 37, moving from the inlet side towards the outlet side.

[0056] The container 3 being transported is carried to a point on the chain conveyor 79 that protrudes from the outlet end of the rinsing section housing 37. Once the container 3 has been transported to the point on the chain conveyor 79 that protrudes from the outlet end of the rinsing section housing 37, it is supplied to the inverting machine 81, where it is inverted vertically.

[0057] To explain further, the container 3, which is placed on the chain conveyor 79 and transported, has its opening facing downwards and its bottom wall facing upwards. When it is inverted by the inverting machine 81, the opening faces upwards and the bottom wall faces downwards. The container dewatering unit 9 is configured to dewater the container 3, which has its opening facing upwards and its bottom wall facing downwards, as shown in Figures 7 to 9. Note that the inverting machine 81 may be omitted in the container washing device 1. Also, the container 3, which is placed on the chain conveyor 79 and transported, may have its opening facing upwards and its bottom wall facing downwards.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an inlet-side shutter 83 is provided at the inlet-side end of the washing section housing 29 to open and close the inlet-side opening of the washing section housing 29. An outlet-side shutter 85 is provided at the outlet-side end of the rinsing section housing 37 to open and close the outlet-side opening of the rinsing section housing 37.

[0059] Let's assume that the entrance shutter 83 is moved upward, for example, and the entrance opening of the washing unit housing 29 is open. Also, let's assume that the container 3 is placed on the part of the chain conveyor 79 that protrudes from the entrance end of the washing unit housing 29. At this time, the chain conveyor 79 causes the container 3 to pass through the entrance opening and enter the washing unit housing 29.

[0060] Let's assume that the exit shutter 85 is moved upward, for example, and the exit opening of the rinsing section housing 37 is open. Also, let's assume that the container 3 is placed on the chain conveyor 79 inside the rinsing section housing 3. At this time, the chain conveyor 79 causes the container 3 to pass through the exit opening and come out to a point on the chain conveyor 79 that protrudes from the exit end of the rinsing section housing 37.

[0061] Assume that the inlet shutter 83 and the outlet shutter 85 are moved downwards, for example, and the opening on the inlet side of the washing unit housing 29 and the opening on the outlet side of the rinsing unit housing 3 are closed. This prevents the washing liquid 13 and rinsing liquid 15 from coming out of the washing unit housing 29 and the rinsing unit housing 37. The inlet shutter 83 and the outlet shutter 85 are moved by actuators such as cylinders (not shown).

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the container washing device 1 is provided with a first washing liquid recovery unit 87, a second washing liquid recovery unit 89, and a first rinsing liquid recovery unit 91. The first washing liquid recovery unit 87 is located inside the washing unit housing 29. In the vertical direction, the first washing liquid recovery unit 87 is located below the chain conveyor 79, and in the width direction, it is located in the center of the washing unit housing 29. In the entrance / exit direction, the first washing liquid recovery unit 87 is located at the first washing unit 43.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the first cleaning fluid tank 51 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular box, and is positioned below the first cleaning fluid recovery unit 87 within the cleaning unit housing 29 with its opening facing upwards. The first cleaning fluid 49 used to clean the container 3 in the first cleaning unit 43 passes through the chain conveyor 79. The first cleaning fluid 49 then enters the first cleaning fluid recovery unit 87, falls through the opening 93 provided in the first cleaning fluid recovery unit 87 and the first cleaning unit foreign matter collection unit 73, and accumulates in the first cleaning fluid tank 51.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the second cleaning fluid recovery unit 89 is located inside the cleaning unit housing 29. In the vertical direction, the second cleaning fluid recovery unit 89 is located below the chain conveyor 79, and in the width direction, it is located in the center of the cleaning unit housing 29. In the entrance / exit direction, the second cleaning fluid recovery unit 89 is located at the second cleaning unit 45.

[0065] The second cleaning fluid tank 57 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular box, and is positioned below the second cleaning fluid recovery unit 89 within the cleaning unit housing 29 with its opening facing upwards. The second cleaning fluid 55 used to clean the container 3 in the second cleaning unit 45 passes through the chain conveyor 79. The second cleaning fluid 55 then enters the second cleaning fluid recovery unit 89, falls through the opening 95 provided in the second cleaning fluid recovery unit 89 and the foreign matter collection unit 75 of the second cleaning unit, and accumulates in the second cleaning fluid tank 57.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the first rinse liquid recovery unit 91 is located inside the rinsing unit housing 37. In the vertical direction, the first rinse liquid recovery unit 91 is located below the chain conveyor 79, and in the width direction, it is located in the center of the rinsing unit housing 37. In the inlet / outlet direction, the first rinse liquid recovery unit 91 is located at the container rinsing section 7.

[0067] The first rinse liquid tank 69 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular box, and is positioned below the first rinse liquid recovery body 91 within the rinse section housing 37 with its opening facing upwards. The rinse liquid 15 (first rinse liquid 65, second rinse liquid 67) used to rinse the container 3 in the container rinsing section 7 passes through the chain conveyor 79. The rinse liquid 15 then enters the first rinse liquid recovery body 91, falls through the opening 97 provided in the first rinse liquid recovery body 91 and the rinse section foreign matter collection section 77, and accumulates in the first rinse liquid tank 69.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4, the first cleaning unit foreign matter collection unit 73 is configured to include, for example, a belt conveyor 99. The belt conveyor 99 is operated by a motor (not shown). The belt 101 of the belt conveyor 99 is made of, for example, a mesh material. The belt conveyor 99 is positioned vertically between the opening 93 of the first cleaning liquid recovery unit 87 and the first cleaning liquid tank 51.

[0069] In the first cleaning unit foreign matter collection unit 73, the first cleaning liquid 49 containing foreign matter that has fallen from the opening 93 of the first cleaning liquid recovery unit 87 is discharged onto the belt 101. The foreign matter is then filtered by the belt 101, and the first cleaning liquid 49 enters the first cleaning liquid tank 51, where the foreign matter is transported by the belt conveyor 99. The foreign matter transported by the belt conveyor 99 is then collected in the foreign matter recovery unit 103.

[0070] The foreign matter collection unit 103 is comprised of a housing (foreign matter collection unit housing) 105 and a filter 107 installed inside the housing 105 at the upper end of the housing 105. Foreign matter wet with the first cleaning liquid 49 is transported by a belt conveyor 99 and falls onto the filter 107.

[0071] Then, the foreign matter remains on the filter 107, and the first cleaning solution 49, which was slightly attached to the foreign matter, falls below the filter 107. The first cleaning solution 49 that falls below the filter 107 is discharged. Alternatively, the system may be configured so that the first cleaning solution 49 that falls below the filter 107 is returned to the first cleaning solution tank 51.

[0072] As shown in Figure 5, the second cleaning unit foreign matter collection unit 75 is configured with a filter 109. The filter 109 is positioned vertically between the opening 95 of the second cleaning liquid recovery unit 89 and the second cleaning liquid tank 57. The second cleaning liquid 55 that flows down from the opening 95 of the second cleaning liquid recovery unit 89 passes through the filter 109 and falls into the second cleaning liquid tank 57. The filter 109 is designed to remove most of the small amount of foreign matter remaining in the second cleaning liquid 55.

[0073] As shown in Figure 6, the rinse section foreign matter collection section 77 is configured with a filter 110. The filter 110 is positioned vertically between the opening 97 of the first rinse liquid recovery body 91 and the first rinse liquid tank 69. The first rinse liquid 65 and the second rinse liquid 67 that flow down from the opening 97 of the first rinse liquid recovery body 91 pass through the filter 109 and fall into the first rinse liquid tank 69.

[0074] Here, the piping system (circuit diagram) for the cleaning liquid 13, etc., in the first cleaning section 43 of the container cleaning section 5 will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0075] Tap water is supplied to the first cleaning solution tank 51 from a water source (not shown) through pipes 111, 113, and 115 shown in Figure 4. Reference numeral 117 in Figure 4 indicates a water supply valve (manual valve), and reference numeral 119 indicates a flow meter (cumulative flow meter). Reference numeral 121 indicates a ball tap that discharges tap water into the first cleaning solution tank 51 or stops the discharge of tap water into the first cleaning solution tank 51 at the cleaning solution volume adjustment unit 53 inside the first cleaning solution tank.

[0076] In Figure 4, reference numeral 123 indicates a cleaning agent tank containing the cleaning agent 47, and reference numeral 125 indicates a pipe through which the cleaning agent 47 flows. Reference numeral 127 indicates a pump (driven by a motor not shown) for flowing the cleaning agent 47, and is operated by a motor not shown. Reference numeral 129 indicates a sensor for detecting the cleaning agent 47 flowing through the pipe 125.

[0077] In Figure 4, reference numeral 131 indicates the piping through which the first cleaning fluid 49 flows in the first cleaning section 43. Reference numeral 133 indicates a strainer, and reference numeral 135 indicates a pump (driven by a motor not shown) for flowing the first cleaning fluid 49 in the first cleaning section 43.

[0078] In Figure 4, reference numeral 137 indicates piping for flowing the first cleaning liquid 49 in the cleaning liquid / foreign matter removal section 27 of the cleaning unit. Reference numeral 139 indicates a strainer, and reference numeral 141 indicates a pump (a pump driven by a motor not shown) for flowing the first cleaning liquid 49 in the cleaning liquid / foreign matter removal section 27 of the cleaning unit. Reference numeral 143 indicates a filtration device (for example, a cyclone-type filtration device). The filtration device 143 pre-filters the first cleaning liquid 49 discharged from the nozzle 33 in the cleaning liquid / foreign matter removal section 27 of the cleaning unit.

[0079] In Figure 4, reference numeral 145 indicates a pipe that discharges the first cleaning fluid 49 when the amount of the first cleaning fluid 49 accumulated in the first cleaning fluid tank 51 exceeds a predetermined amount, as measured by the cleaning fluid volume adjustment unit 53 in the first cleaning fluid tank.

[0080] In Figure 4, reference numeral 149 indicates a temperature indicator, reference numeral 151 indicates a lower water level detection sensor for detecting the water level of the first cleaning solution 49, and reference numeral 153 indicates an upper water level detection sensor for detecting the water level of the first cleaning solution 49. Reference numeral 147 indicates a heater for preventing the first cleaning solution 49 from freezing and maintaining the temperature of the first cleaning solution 49 at room temperature.

[0081] The concentration of the cleaning agent 47 in the first cleaning solution 49 in the first cleaning solution tank 51 is detected by a cleaning agent 47 concentration detection sensor (not shown), and a pump (a pump driven by a motor, not shown) 127 is operated according to this detection result.

[0082] Next, the configuration of the nozzles 17 in the first cleaning section 43 will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 12. The tip 155 of the piping 131 is formed in a rectangular shape (the shape of the four sides of a square; "square" shape) that surrounds the container 3, as shown in Figure 10 when viewed in the inlet / outlet direction. Multiple nozzles 17 are provided at predetermined intervals on the tip 155, and cleaning liquid 13 (first cleaning liquid 49) is discharged from each of the multiple nozzles 17 toward the container 3.

[0083] For example, the tip 155 of the pipe 131, which is equipped with multiple nozzles 17, is provided with multiple nozzles at predetermined intervals in the inlet / outlet direction, as shown in Figure 11. In addition, the cleaning of the container 3 in the first cleaning unit 43 is performed while the container 3 is being transported in the container transport unit 79.

[0084] As shown in Figure 15, a flange 157 is provided at the base end of the tip 155 of the pipe 131. A flange 159 is also provided at the portion of the pipe 131 that is connected to the tip 155. The flange 157 is joined to the flange 159 by fastening the flanges 157 and 159 facing each other with fasteners such as bolts 161.

[0085] Flange 157 is joined to flange 159, allowing the first cleaning fluid 49 to flow through pipe 131 and be sprayed from nozzle 17. Reference numeral 163 in Figure 15, etc., indicates a packing.

[0086] In the first cleaning unit 43, by removing the bolts 161 from flanges 157 and 159, the tip portion 155 of the piping 131, which is equipped with multiple nozzles 17, can be removed from the cleaning unit housing 29 and flanges 159, as shown in Figure 12.

[0087] In this way, by removing the tip 155 of the pipe 131, the inner surface of the cleaning unit housing 29 becomes a smooth shape with almost no protrusions and almost no recesses (for example, a flat shape or a shape curved with a predetermined large radius). As a result, dirt is less likely to adhere to and accumulate on the inner surface of the cleaning unit housing 29, and any attached dirt is easier to remove.

[0088] By the way, in the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the multiple nozzles 17 are arranged in a single row along the longitudinal direction of the tip 155 of the pipe 131. However, as shown in Figure 17, the multiple nozzles 17 may be arranged in multiple rows (for example, two rows) along the longitudinal direction of the tip 155 of the pipe 131.

[0089] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the flange 157 is joined to the flange 159 using a bolt 161. However, as shown in Figure 18, the flange 157 may also be joined to the flange 159 using a one-touch clamp joint 165. As the one-touch clamp joint 165, for example, a ferrule union joint manufactured by Osaka Sanitary Co., Ltd. may be used.

[0090] Furthermore, the cleaning fluid / foreign matter removal section 27 shown in Figures 3 and 4, for example, is equipped with multiple nozzles 33 at the tip of the piping 137, similar to the first cleaning section 43. The tip equipped with the multiple nozzles 33 is also detachable, similar to the first cleaning section 43. By removing the tip, the inner surface of the cleaning section housing 29 (the inner surface of the part of the cleaning section housing 29 that constitutes the first cleaning section 43) becomes a smooth shape with virtually no protrusions and virtually no recesses.

[0091] Furthermore, the first cleaning solution 49 stored in the first cleaning solution tank 51 is used as the cleaning solution used in the cleaning solution / foreign matter removal section 27 shown in Figures 3 and 4. However, unused tap water, the second cleaning solution 55 stored in the second cleaning solution tank 57, the first rinsing solution 65 stored in the first rinsing solution tank 69, etc., may also be used as the cleaning solution used in the cleaning solution / foreign matter removal section 27.

[0092] Furthermore, the first cleaning solution tank 51 may be supplied with the second cleaning solution 55 stored in the second cleaning solution tank 57, the first rinsing solution 65 stored in the first rinsing solution tank 69, etc., instead of or in addition to unused tap water.

[0093] Next, the piping system (circuit diagram) for the cleaning liquid 13, etc., in the second cleaning section 45 of the container cleaning section 5 will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0094] Tap water is supplied to the second cleaning fluid tank 57 from a water source (not shown) through pipes 111, 113, and 167 shown in Figure 5. Reference numeral 169 in Figure 5 indicates a ball tap that either discharges tap water into the second cleaning fluid tank 57 or stops the discharge of tap water into the second cleaning fluid tank 57 at the cleaning fluid volume adjustment unit 59 inside the second cleaning fluid tank.

[0095] In Figure 5, reference numeral 171 indicates the piping through which the second cleaning fluid 55 flows in the second cleaning section 45. Reference numeral 173 indicates a strainer, and reference numeral 175 indicates a pump (driven by a motor not shown) for flowing the second cleaning fluid 55 in the second cleaning section 45.

[0096] In Figure 5, reference numeral 177 indicates a pipe that discharges the second cleaning fluid 55 from the second cleaning fluid tank 57 when the amount of the second cleaning fluid 55 accumulated in the second cleaning fluid tank 57 exceeds a predetermined amount, as shown in the cleaning fluid volume adjustment unit 59 within the second cleaning fluid tank.

[0097] In Figure 5, reference numeral 179 indicates a temperature indicator, reference numeral 181 indicates a lower water level sensor for detecting the water level of the second cleaning solution 55, and reference numeral 183 indicates an upper water level sensor for detecting the water level of the second cleaning solution 55. Reference numeral 185 indicates a heater for preventing the second cleaning solution 55 from freezing and maintaining its temperature at room temperature.

[0098] Incidentally, the second cleaning unit 45, like the first cleaning unit 43, is configured with a tip of a pipe 171 and a plurality of nozzles 17 provided at this tip (see Figures 10 to 12). The tip of the pipe with the plurality of nozzles 17 is also detachable, just like the first cleaning unit 43. By removing the tip, the inner surface of the cleaning unit housing 29 (the inner surface of the part of the cleaning unit housing 29 that constitutes the second cleaning unit 45) becomes a smooth shape with almost no protrusions and almost no recesses.

[0099] Alternatively, the first rinsing solution 65 stored in the first rinsing solution tank 69 may be supplied to the second cleaning solution tank 57 in place of or in addition to unused tap water.

[0100] Next, the piping system (circuit diagram) for the rinsing liquid 15 and other components in the container rinsing section 7 will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0101] Tap water is supplied to the first rinse water tank 69 from a water source (not shown) through pipes 111 and 187 shown in Figure 6. Reference numeral 189 in Figure 6 indicates a ball tap used in the rinse water volume adjustment unit 71 inside the first rinse water tank to discharge tap water into the first rinse water tank 69, or to stop the discharge of tap water into the first rinse water tank 69.

[0102] In Figure 6, reference numeral 191 indicates the piping through which the first rinsing liquid 65 flows in the first rinsing section 61. Reference numeral 193 indicates a strainer, and reference numeral 195 indicates a pump (driven by a motor not shown) for flowing the first rinsing liquid 65 in the first rinsing section 61.

[0103] In Figure 6, reference numeral 197 indicates a piping unit that discharges the first rinse liquid 65 from the first rinse liquid tank 69 when the amount of first rinse liquid 65 accumulated in the first rinse liquid tank 69 exceeds a predetermined amount, as shown in the rinse liquid volume adjustment unit 71 within the first rinse liquid tank.

[0104] In Figure 6, reference numeral 199 indicates a temperature indicator, reference numeral 201 indicates a lower water level sensor for detecting the water level of the first rinse solution 65, and reference numeral 203 indicates an upper water level sensor for detecting the water level of the first rinse solution 65. Reference numeral 205 indicates a heater for preventing the first rinse solution 65 from freezing and maintaining the temperature of the first rinse solution 65 at room temperature.

[0105] Next, the first rinsing section 61 will be described. The first rinsing section 61, like the first cleaning section 43, is configured with a tip of a pipe 191 and a plurality of nozzles 17 provided at this tip (see Figures 10 to 12). The tip of the pipe with the plurality of nozzles 17 is also detachable, just like the first cleaning section 43. By removing the tip, the inner surface of the rinsing section housing 37 becomes a smooth shape with almost no protrusions and almost no recesses.

[0106] In Figure 6, reference numeral 207 indicates a pipe for flowing the first rinse liquid 65 in the rinsing section and rinse liquid removal section 35.

[0107] In Figure 6, reference numeral 209 indicates a flow meter (a flow meter that measures instantaneous flow rate), and reference numeral 210 indicates a manual valve for opening and closing the flow path of pipe 207. Reference numerals 211, 213, and 215 indicate manual valves for opening and closing the flow path of pipe 191. Reference numeral 217 indicates a rinse liquid circulation filtration device, and reference numerals 219 and 221 indicate solenoid three-way valves, and reference numeral 221 indicates a solenoid three-way valve.

[0108] The rinsing section rinse liquid removal section 35, shown in Figures 3 and 6, is also configured, for example, with a tip of a pipe 207 and a plurality of nozzles 33 provided at this tip, similar to the first cleaning section 43. In the rinsing section rinse liquid removal section 35, similar to the first cleaning section 43, the tip of the pipe 207 and the plurality of nozzles 33 are detachable. By removing the tip, the inner surface of the rinsing section housing 37 becomes a smooth shape with almost no protrusions and almost no recesses.

[0109] Furthermore, the first rinse liquid 65 contained in the first rinse liquid tank 69 is used as the cleaning liquid used in the rinsing section rinse liquid removal section 35 shown in Figures 3 and 6. However, unused tap water or the like may be used as the cleaning liquid used in the rinsing section rinse liquid removal section 35.

[0110] Next, the second rinsing section 63 will be described. Tap water is supplied directly to the second rinsing section 63 from a water source (not shown) through pipes 111 and 223 shown in Figures 3 and 6. Reference numeral 224 in Figure 6 indicates a manual valve for opening and closing the flow path of pipe 223, reference numeral 226 indicates a flow meter (integrating flow meter), and reference numeral 228 indicates a solenoid valve for opening and closing the flow path of pipe 223.

[0111] The second rinsing section 63, like the first cleaning section 43, is configured with a tip of a pipe 223 and a plurality of nozzles 17 provided at this tip. In the second rinsing section 63, as with the first cleaning section 43, the pipe 223 and the tip of the nozzles 17 are detachable. By removing the tip, the inner surface of the rinsing section housing 37 becomes a smooth shape with virtually no protrusions and virtually no recesses.

[0112] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the inverting machine 81 is positioned on the outlet side of the container rinsing section 7 in the inlet / outlet direction and is equipped with a conveyor 225. When the containers 3 that have been transported by the chain conveyor 79 of the container washing section 5 and the container rinsing section 7 come out of the container rinsing section 7 and move onto the conveyor 225, the opening of the containers 3 faces upward. The inverting machine 81 is also equipped with a rinse liquid recovery section 227 for recovering the rinse liquid 15 that has fallen out of the containers 3. The containers 3 that come out of the inverting machine 81 are supplied to the container dewatering section 9.

[0113] Next, the container dewatering section 9 will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 7 through 9, 13, 14, and 16.

[0114] The container dewatering unit 9 is located on the outlet side in the inlet direction of the inverting machine 81. In addition to the dewatering unit rinse liquid removal unit 11 and the dewatering unit housing 19, the container dewatering unit 9 is equipped with a container rotation drive unit 229 for rotating the container 3 and a container transport unit 231. The container transport unit 231 is composed of, for example, a chain conveyor. The chain conveyor 231 is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown).

[0115] The container rotation drive unit 229 is located inside the dewatering unit housing 19. The chain conveyor 231 extends long in the inlet / outlet direction and penetrates the dewatering unit housing 19 in the inlet / outlet direction. The chain conveyor 231 also protrudes from the inlet end of the dewatering unit housing 19 in the inlet / outlet direction and from the outlet end of the dewatering unit housing 19 in the inlet / outlet direction.

[0116] Container 3 is placed on the chain conveyor 231 at a point where it protrudes from the inlet end of the dewatering unit housing 19. Once placed on the chain conveyor 231, container 3 is transported through the dewatering unit housing 19, from the inlet side towards the outlet side.

[0117] The container 3 being transported is transported to a point on the chain conveyor 231 that protrudes from the outlet end of the dewatering unit housing 19. The container 3 that has been transported to the point on the chain conveyor 231 that protrudes from the outlet end of the dewatering unit housing 19 is the container 3 that has been washed, rinsed, and dewatered.

[0118] As shown in Figure 7, the inlet end of the dewatering unit housing 19 is provided with an inlet shutter 233 similar to the inlet shutter 83 of the washing unit housing 29. Additionally, the outlet end of the dewatering unit housing 19 is provided with an outlet shutter 235 similar to the outlet shutter 85 of the washing unit housing 29.

[0119] The container rotation drive unit 229 is located inside the dewatering unit housing 19, on the upper side of the dewatering unit housing 19, and comprises an upper rotating table 237 and a lower rotating table 239. The upper rotating table 237 is rotated by an actuator 253 such as a motor. The upper rotating table 237 comprises, for example, a disc-shaped main body 241, a protruding part 243, and a connecting part 245. The disc-shaped main body 241 has its thickness in the vertical direction.

[0120] As shown in Figure 13, the protruding portion 243 is formed in a rod shape and is integrally provided with the main body portion 241. Multiple protruding portions 243 are located at the edge of the main body portion 241 and protrude downward from the lower surface of the main body portion 241. The connecting portion 245 is located at the center of the main body portion 241 and protrudes upward from the upper surface of the main body portion 241.

[0121] The connecting portion 245 is composed of a cylindrical portion 257 and a flange portion 255. The cylindrical portion 257 is installed on the rotation output shaft of the motor 253. As a result, the upper rotary table 237 rotates around the central axis extending vertically from the main body portion 241 as its center of rotation.

[0122] The main body 241 is detachably attached to the flange portion 255 by fasteners such as bolts 259. Alternatively, instead of bolts 259, the upper rotary table 237 may be detachably attached to the rotation output shaft of the motor 253 with a single touch using a joint similar to the one-touch clamp joint 165 shown in Figure 18. In this case, a rotation torque transmission material such as a key may be used between the main body 241 and the flange portion 255 to reliably transmit the rotation torque of the motor 253.

[0123] The main body 241 and multiple protruding parts 243 of the upper rotating table 237 can be easily detached from the connecting part 245. This makes it easier to remove dirt adhering to the inner surface of the dewatering unit housing 19, similar to how the tip 155 of the piping 131 shown in Figures 10 to 12 can be easily detached.

[0124] The lower rotary table 239 is formed, for example, in the shape of a disc, with its thickness oriented vertically, and is located below the upper rotary table 237 within the dewatering unit housing 19. The tip of the rod of an actuator 247, such as a cylinder, engages with the center of the lower surface of the lower rotary table 239. This allows the lower rotary table 239 to move vertically.

[0125] The lower rotary table 239 is supported by the rod of the actuator 247 via a bearing (not shown). The lower rotary table 239 is designed to rotate around the rod of the actuator 247, with a central axis extending vertically from its center as the center of rotation. The rotational axis of the lower rotary table 239 and the upper rotary table 237 coincide.

[0126] In the state shown in Figure 8, the lower rotating table 239 is at its lowered end. The upper surface of the lower rotating table 239 is located below the lower end of the container 3 placed on the container transport unit 231. Also, the center of the container 3 and the center of the lower rotating table 239 coincide with each other in the inlet / outlet direction and the width direction.

[0127] From the state shown in Figure 8, the rod of actuator 247 is raised. This causes the lower rotary table 239 to lift the container 3 that is placed on the container transport unit 231. As shown in Figure 9, when the lower rotary table 239 is at its raised end, the container 3 is separated from the container transport unit 231 and positioned above the container transport unit 231.

[0128] Furthermore, when the lower rotating table 239 is in the raised position, the container 3 is positioned between the multiple protrusions 243 that protrude from the disc-shaped main body 241 (see Figure 14). Also, the container 3 is positioned between the lower rotating table 239 and the main body 241 of the upper rotating table 237.

[0129] With the lower rotating table 239 in its raised position, the upper rotating table 237 is rotated, causing the container 3 and the lower rotating table 239 to rotate together. The centrifugal force generated at this time dewaters the container 3. The rotation speed and rotation time of the upper rotating table 237 (lower rotating table 239) can be changed, for example, depending on the shape of the container 3.

[0130] After rotating the upper rotating table 237, the container 3, and the lower rotating table 239 for a predetermined time, the rotation of the upper rotating table 237, the container 3, and the lower rotating table 239 is stopped. After this stopping, when the lower rotating table 239 is moved back to its lowered end, the dewatered container 3 is placed back on the container transport unit 231, as shown in Figure 8.

[0131] Here, the piping system (circuit diagram) of the container dewatering unit 9 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Tap water 269 is supplied into the dewatering tank 263 from a water source not shown, through the piping 261 shown in Figure 7. Reference numeral 265 in Figure 7 indicates a ball tap for discharging tap water 269 into the dewatering tank 263, or for stopping the discharge of tap water 269 to the dewatering tank 263.

[0132] In Figure 7, reference numeral 267 indicates a pipe that discharges tap water 269 when the amount of tap water 269 accumulated in the dewatering tank exceeds a predetermined amount. Reference numeral 271 indicates a temperature indicator, reference numeral 273 indicates a lower water level sensor that detects the water level of the tap water 269, and reference numeral 275 indicates an upper water level sensor that detects the water level of the tap water 269. Reference numeral 277 indicates a heater that prevents the tap water 269 from freezing and maintains the temperature of the tap water 269 at room temperature.

[0133] In Figure 7, reference numeral 279 indicates piping for draining tap water 269 from the dewatering tank 263 to the chemical injection device 285. Reference numeral 287 indicates a strainer, and reference numeral 289 indicates a pump (driven by a motor not shown) for draining tap water 268. Reference numeral 281 indicates piping for returning the tap water 269 flowing through piping 279 back into the dewatering tank 263. Reference numeral 283 indicates piping for sending tap water 268 to the nozzle 25 without passing through the chemical injection device 285.

[0134] In Figure 7, reference numeral 291 indicates a flow meter (a flow meter that measures instantaneous flow rate), reference numeral 293 indicates a manual valve for opening and closing the flow path of pipe 281, reference numeral 295 indicates a manual valve for opening and closing the flow path of pipe 279, reference numeral 297 indicates a solenoid valve for opening and closing the flow path of pipe 279, and reference numeral 299 indicates a manual valve for opening and closing the flow path of pipe 279.

[0135] In Figure 7, reference numeral 301 indicates a solenoid valve for opening and closing the flow path of pipe 283. Reference numeral 303 indicates a manual valve for opening and closing the flow path of pipe 283. Reference numeral 305 indicates a chemical tank that contains the chemical solution 307. Reference numeral 309 indicates a pipe that carries the tap water 269 containing the chemical solution, either via the chemical injection device 285 or via pipe 283, to the nozzle 25. Reference numeral 311 indicates a manual valve for opening and closing the flow path of pipe 309.

[0136] As can be seen from Figure 7, by appropriately switching between the solenoid valves 297 and 301, tap water 269 containing chemicals or tap water 269 without chemicals can be discharged from the nozzle 25 as the rinse liquid removal liquid 23 for the dewatering section.

[0137] For example, the system first discharges tap water 269 containing chemicals as a rinse solution 23 for the dewatering section, and then discharges tap water 269 without chemicals.

[0138] The tip 313 of the pipe 309 is located inside the dewatering unit housing 19. As explained with reference to Figures 10 to 12, the tip 313 can be easily removed together with the nozzle 25. This makes it easier to remove dirt adhering to the inner surface of the dewatering unit housing 19, similar to how the tip 155 of the pipe 131 shown in Figures 10 to 12 can be easily removed.

[0139] Furthermore, the dewatering section rinse liquid removal unit 11 sprays the dewatering section rinse liquid removal liquid 23 not only onto the inner surface of the dewatering section housing 19, but also onto the container transport unit 231, the inner surface of the inlet side shutter 233, the inner surface of the outlet side shutter 235, the upper rotating table 237, and the lower rotating table 239. This removes dirt adhering to the upper rotating table 237 and the like.

[0140] Furthermore, although the dewatering unit housing 19 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, as shown in Figure 14, the dewatering unit housing 19 may also be formed in a circular shape in a plan view, as shown by the dashed line 315 in Figure 14.

[0141] Next, the operation of the container washing device 1 will be described. The container washing device 1 is designed to operate under the control of a control unit (not shown) (for example, a control unit comprising a CPU and memory).

[0142] In the initial state, the first cleaning solution tank 51 contains an appropriate amount of the first cleaning solution 49, the second cleaning solution tank 57 contains an appropriate amount of the second cleaning solution 55, and the first rinsing solution tank 69 contains an appropriate amount of the first rinsing solution 65. In addition, the spin dryer tank 263 contains an appropriate amount of tap water 269, and the chemical solution tank 305 contains an appropriate amount of chemical solution 307.

[0143] In the initial state described above, the container 3 is placed on the portion of the chain conveyor 79 that protrudes from the inlet end of the washing section housing 29. The placed container 3 is then transported by the chain conveyor 79 as needed and washed in the first washing section 43 and the second washing section 45. It is also rinsed in the first rinsing section 61 and the second rinsing section 63.

[0144] The rinsed container 3 is transported to the point on the chain conveyor 79 that protrudes from the outlet end of the washing unit housing 29, and is then inverted by the inverting machine 81. The inverted container 3 is supplied to the container dewatering unit 9 and transported by the container transport unit 231 for dewatering.

[0145] The container washing device 1 comprises a container washing section 5 that washes containers 3 using a washing solution 13 with sterilizing properties at room temperature, and a container rinsing section 7 that rinses the containers 3 washed in the container washing section 5 using a rinsing solution 15 at room temperature. The container washing device 1 also comprises a container dewatering section 9 located within a dewatering section housing 19 that dewaters the containers 3 that have been rinsed in the container rinsing section 7. Furthermore, the container washing device 1 comprises a dewatering section rinsing solution removal section 11 that removes the rinsing solution 15 that has splashed from the containers 3 and adhered to the inner surface of the dewatering section housing 19 as a result of the dewatering of the containers 3 in the container dewatering section 9.

[0146] This ensures that the container 3 is sterilized with the washing solution 13. Since the container 3 is washed and rinsed using the washing solution 13 and rinsing solution 15 at room temperature, it prevents the temperature of the room where the container washing device 1 is installed from rising and the environment from deteriorating, thereby reducing the environmental burden. In addition, the rinsing solution removal unit 11 removes the rinsing solution 15 adhering to the inner surface of the dewatering unit housing 19, thus maintaining the cleanliness of the container 3.

[0147] Furthermore, the container washing device 1 is equipped with a washing unit

[0148] Furthermore, in the container washing device 1, the second rinsing section 63 is configured to rinse the container 3 that has been rinsed in the first rinsing section 61 using the second rinsing liquid 67 as the rinsing liquid. In addition, in the container washing device 1, the first rinsing section 61 is configured to include a first rinsing liquid tank 69 for holding the first rinsing liquid 65. The container 3 that has been washed in the container washing section 5 is configured to be rinsed using the first rinsing liquid 65 contained in the first rinsing liquid tank 69. Furthermore, in the container washing device 1, the first rinsing liquid 65 contained in the first rinsing liquid tank 69 is a mixture of the rinsing liquid used in the first rinsing section 61 and the rinsing liquid used in the second rinsing section 63.

[0149] In other words, the first rinsing unit 61 reuses the second rinsing liquid 67 that was used to rinse the container in the second rinsing unit 63 to rinse the container 3. This makes it possible to rinse the container 3 accurately while reducing the amount of rinsing liquid 15 used to rinse the container 3.

[0150] In the container washing device 1, the second washing section 45 is configured to include a second washing solution tank 57 that holds the second washing solution 55 used in the second washing section 45. The container washing device 1 is configured to wash the container 3, which has been washed in the first washing section 43, using the second washing solution 55 contained in the second washing solution tank 57. Furthermore, in the container washing device 1, the second washing solution 55 contained in the second washing solution tank 57 is a mixture of the washing solution used in the second washing section 45 and water. This allows for the gradual replacement of the second washing solution 55 while saving the amount of tap water used as the second washing solution 55, thereby washing the container 3.

[0151] The first cleaning unit 43 of the container cleaning device 1 is equipped with a first cleaning unit foreign matter collection unit 73 that collects foreign matter that has fallen from the container 3 during the cleaning process. This prevents relatively large foreign matter that has adhered to the container 3 from entering the first cleaning liquid tank 51, and allows for accurate cleaning in the first cleaning unit 43.

[0152] The container washing device 1 described above is an example of a container washing device having a container washing section that washes containers within the washing section housing using a room-temperature washing solution that has a sterilizing effect, and a washing section washing solution / foreign matter removal section that removes washing solution that has splashed from the containers and adhered to the inner surface of the washing section housing, as well as foreign matter that has fallen off the containers and adhered to the inner surface of the washing section housing, as a result of washing the containers in the container washing section.

[0153] Furthermore, the container washing device 1 described above is an example of a container washing device having a container rinsing section that rinses containers washed with a room-temperature washing solution having a sterilizing effect within the rinsing section housing using a room-temperature rinsing solution, and a rinsing section rinsing solution removal section that removes the rinsing solution that has splashed from the containers and adhered to the inner surface of the rinsing section housing as a result of rinsing the containers in the container rinsing section.

[0154] Furthermore, the container washing device 1 described above is an example of a container dewatering device having a container dewatering unit that dewaters containers washed with a room-temperature washing solution having a sterilizing effect within a dewatering unit housing, and a dewatering unit rinse liquid removal unit that removes the rinse liquid that has splashed from the containers and adhered to the inner surface of the dewatering unit housing as a result of the dewatering of the containers in the container dewatering unit.

[0155] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0156] 1. Container washing device 3 containers 5. Container cleaning section 7. Container rinsing section 9 Container dewatering section 11 Dehydration section Rinse liquid removal section 13 Cleaning solution 15 Rinsing solution 19 Dehydration Unit Enclosure 27 Cleaning section Cleaning solution / Foreign matter removal section 29 Cleaning Unit Housing 35 Rinsing section Rinsing liquid removal section 37 Rinsing section housing 43 First cleaning section 45 Second cleaning section 47 Cleaning agents 49. First cleaning solution 55 Second cleaning solution 57 Second cleaning fluid tank 61 First rinsing section 63 Second rinsing section 67 Second rinse solution 65 First rinse solution 69 First rinse solution tank

Claims

1. A container washing unit that washes containers using a room-temperature washing solution with sterilizing properties, A container rinsing section rinses the containers that have been washed in the container washing section using a room temperature rinsing solution, Within the dewatering unit housing, there is a container dewatering unit that dewaters the containers that have been rinsed in the container rinsing unit, The dewatering unit rinse liquid removal unit removes the rinse liquid that has splashed out of the container and adhered to the inner surface of the dewatering unit housing as a result of the dewatering of the container in the container dewatering unit, A container washing device having the following features.

2. The container cleaning unit is configured to clean the container within the cleaning unit housing, and the cleaning unit cleaning liquid / foreign matter removal unit removes the cleaning liquid that has splashed from the container and adhered to the inner surface of the cleaning unit housing, and foreign matter that has fallen off the container and adhered to the inner surface of the cleaning unit housing, as a result of cleaning the container in the container cleaning unit. The container washing device according to claim 1, wherein the container rinsing section is configured to rinse the container within the rinsing section housing, and the device further comprises at least one of the rinsing section and rinsing liquid removal section for removing rinsing liquid that has splashed from the container and adhered to the inner surface of the rinsing section housing as a result of rinsing the container in the container rinsing section.

3. The container rinsing section is configured to include a first rinsing section and a second rinsing section. The second rinsing unit is configured to rinse the container that has been rinsed in the first rinsing unit using the second rinsing liquid as the rinsing liquid. The first rinsing unit is configured to include a first rinsing liquid tank for holding the first rinsing liquid, and is configured to rinse the container that has been cleaned in the container cleaning unit using the first rinsing liquid contained in the first rinsing liquid tank. The container washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first rinsing liquid contained in the first rinsing liquid tank is a mixture of the rinsing liquid used in the first rinsing section and the rinsing liquid used in the second rinsing section.

4. The container cleaning unit is configured to include a first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit. The first cleaning unit is configured to clean the container using a first cleaning solution, which is a mixture of water and a cleaning agent. The second cleaning unit is configured to include a second cleaning fluid tank for storing the second cleaning fluid used in the second cleaning unit, and is configured to clean the container that has been cleaned in the first cleaning unit using the second cleaning fluid contained in the second cleaning fluid tank. The container cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second cleaning liquid contained in the second cleaning liquid tank is a mixture of the cleaning liquid used in the second cleaning unit and water.

5. A container washing unit that washes containers inside the washing unit housing using a room-temperature washing solution with sterilizing properties, The cleaning unit cleaning liquid and foreign matter removal unit removes cleaning liquid that has splashed from the container and adhered to the inner surface of the cleaning unit housing, and foreign matter that has fallen off the container and adhered to the inner surface of the cleaning unit housing, as the container is cleaned in the container cleaning unit. A container washing device having the following features.

6. A container rinsing unit that rinses containers that have been washed with a room-temperature cleaning solution having a sterilizing effect, using a room-temperature rinsing solution within the rinsing unit housing, The rinsing section includes a rinsing liquid removal section that removes rinsing liquid that has splashed from the container and adhered to the inner surface of the rinsing section housing during the rinsing of the container in the container rinsing section, A container washing device having the following features.

7. A container dewatering unit that dewaters containers that have been washed with a room-temperature washing solution having a sterilizing effect, within the dewatering unit housing, The dewatering unit rinse liquid removal unit removes the rinse liquid that has splashed out of the container and adhered to the inner surface of the dewatering unit housing as a result of the dewatering of the container in the container dewatering unit, A container dewatering device having the following features.

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