DK1967296T3 - Apparatus for cleaning the boxes and the bottom here - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has a first flow channel (8) bounded by the floor (6) of a housing, along which the boxes move with the aid of a cleaning agent flowing through the channel, a return channel (12) for contaminated cleaning agent and a self-cleaning unit with a number of cleaning nozzles. At least one nozzle has a stationary base body and a rotary spray head or spray head from which cleaning agent can exit on all sides.

Description

Description

The present invention relates to a device for cleaning crates for beverage containers. The invention will be described with reference to a bottle crate cleaner, but it is pointed out that the device according to the invention can also be used for cleaning other crates for beverage containers, for example crates for cans and the like. A plurality of devices for cleaning crates are known from the prior art. In this respect, it is known to guide the crates along a conveying path for example through an immersion bath and then to subject them in the further cleaning process for example to a final fresh water cleaning.

In practice, the machine itself must also be cleaned at regular time intervals. In the prior art, use is made for example of water pressure or steam jet cleaning devices for this final cleaning, in order to remove remaining dirt particles in the various regions of the interior of the device. A device for washing or respectively cleaning containers is known from DE 10 2004 058 150 A1. This device has a second cleaning unit which is provided for cleaning the interior of the device. This second cleaning unit thus enables at least partially a self-cleaning of the device. For this purpose, openings are arranged along a conveying path for the containers in a base of the device, through which openings a cleaning agent can be discharged.

Besides a flow channel along which the individual container crates are moved by the cleaning liquid, a return channel for the cleaning agent is also provided in devices known from the prior art. Via this return channel, the cleaning agent passes back into the flow channel optionally after passing through filter means.

For the internal cleaning of the device, DE 10 2004 058 150 A1 proposes movable cleaning nozzles or respectively cleaning nozzles which are arranged on a movable feed line. This arrangement of the cleaning nozzles enables an efficient internal cleaning of the device, but at the same time is relatively complex.

In addition, it has been found that not all dirt residues can be removed from the device by the cleaning nozzles that are used. In particular, it has also been found that for example soiling in the form of fine-grain sand can in some cases only be removed with difficulty by the internal cleaning of the device.

The object of the present invention is therefore to improve a self-cleaning operation for a device for cleaning crates. In addition, the discharging of contaminated cleaning agents is also intended to be improved.

This is achieved according to the invention by the subjects of claims 1 and 13. Advantageous embodiments and further developments form the subject matter of the dependent claims. It is pointed out that the subject matters of claims 1 and 13 can be used both individually and also in combination with one another and in each case serve to achieve the object on which the invention is based.

The device according to the invention for cleaning crates for beverage containers comprises a housing and a base, wherein there is provided in an interior of the housing at least a first flow channel which is delimited by the base and along which the crates are moved in a conveying direction with the aid of a cleaning agent flowing through said flow channel. Also provided is a return channel which is separated from the first flow channel at least in sections and in which the cleaning agent is conducted in a return direction, the return channel being delimited by the base. According to the invention, the base has in the region of the return channel preferably downwardly directed discharge openings for discharging the cleaning agent. A flow channel delimited by the base will be understood to mean a flow channel which is delimited by the base in one direction and for example by a housing wall or an intermediate wall in a second direction. Overall, therefore, a channel for the cleaning agent is formed and this cleaning agent flows through said channel and in doing so also moves the bottle crates. Within this flow channel, the bottle crates are treated, for example pre-cleaned, by the cleaning agent. The flow channel thus forms an immersion bath, along which the bottle crates are guided.

The return channel is likewise delimited by the base, that is to say for example by the base and two side walls. Due to the inventive arrangement of discharge openings in the return channel, it is possible also to discharge contaminants on the return path. Although a filter is often arranged upstream of the return channel, in order to ensure the necessary flow cross-sections this filter is nevertheless often chosen to be so coarse that fine dirt particles can enter the return channel. By virtue of the base openings according to the invention, these particles too can be removed from the return channel.

Instead of or in addition to a return channel, a return pipe preferably having depressions and openings may also be provided, that is to say the channel may be configured as a pipe. A channel will thus be understood to mean both a channel which is open at one side and also a closed pipe. Furthermore, it would also be possible to configure the return channel in the manner of a pipe which runs below the base. In this case, discharge openings would not be provided in the base, but rather these openings would be provided in said return pipe. Preferably, such a pipeline placed below the base of the device has depressions in which the individual, in particular downwardly pointing openings of the pipe are arranged. This pipeline may in turn open into branching channels.

Preferably, the openings in the return channel can be closed and/or discharge lines and valves are connected to the openings respectively. Preferably, the device has a cleaning unit for self-cleaning of the device.

The present invention further relates to a device for cleaning crates for beverage containers, wherein the device comprises a housing and a base, and wherein there is provided in an interior of the housing at least a first flow channel which is delimited by the base and along which the crates are moved in a conveying direction with the aid of a cleaning agent flowing through said flow channel. Further provided is a return channel which is separated from the first flow channel at least in sections and in which the cleaning agent is conducted in a return direction, the return channel being delimited by the base in one direction. In addition, the device has a cleaning unit for self-cleaning of the device, wherein the cleaning unit has a plurality of cleaning nozzles.

According to the invention, at least one of these cleaning nozzles has a main body which is arranged in a stationary manner (relative to the device), and also a spray head which is arranged such as to be able to rotate relative to said main body. In addition, it is also possible that the spray head is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the main body but allows a cleaning agent entering the latter to exit circumferentially in substantially all directions. In this case, it is possible that a ball-shaped head having a plurality of openings is arranged on the round body and the cleaning agent exits from this head through these individual openings and thus likewise exits in all directions relative to the spray head. Such spray heads are also referred to as static spray balls and likewise enable the cleaning agent to be emitted in all radial directions of the cleaning nozzle. This spray ball can also be additionally configured in a rotatable manner.

In this respect, preferably, said cleaning unit is configured as a separate cleaning unit, that is to say the device has a first cleaning unit for cleaning the crates themselves and a second cleaning unit for the internal cleaning of the device. However, it would also be possible to provide just one cleaning unit which cleans both the crates and also the internal walls. For instance, a bypass could be arranged in a feed line for the cleaning unit and different cleaning agents could be selectively sent to the cleaning unit. More specifically, it would be possible that the same cleaning nozzles, which clean the crates during normal operation, in a special cleaning process for the device clean for example the inner walls of the housing or the base of the device.

The main body of the cleaning nozzles is thus stationary, and therefore the pivotable cleaning nozzles known from DE 10 2004 058 150 A1 are not necessary. The cleaning nozzles according to the invention are much less expensive to produce and at the same time enable cleaning of largely the entire internal surface of the device according to the invention.

The individual cleaning nozzles may in this case be arranged at many different areas in the interior of the device, and in particular in such a way that they are also suitable for cleaning the base. In particular, also by combining the abovementioned aspects according to the invention, a particularly advantageous internal cleaning of the device according to the invention is possible.

However, it is also additionally possible that the cleaning nozzles are also arranged such as to be pivotable or rotatable in their entirety. Preferably, two different and separate cleaning units are provided, wherein one cleaning unit serves for cleaning the crates and the other cleaning unit serves for internal cleaning of the entire device.

The inventive rotatable arrangement of the spray head relative to the main body enables all-round cleaning, even if in this respect the main body is not moved.

Preferably, the return direction and the conveying direction run in opposite directions, that is to say the bottle crates are moved in the first conveying direction, which preferably runs in a straight line, and the cleaning agent is fed back in the return direction, which runs counter to the conveying direction.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the discharge openings in the return channel are arranged in first base depressions which taper downwards in a funnel-like manner. These base depressions allow a more efficient discharging of the cleaning agent remaining in the device for example after a cleaning operation. In a further preferred embodiment, the depth of the base depression increases in the return direction. Preferably, the depth increases continuously, wherein with particular preference the opening is arranged at the lowest point of the base depression.

Preferably, the openings are arranged in such a way that the cleaning agent in the return direction can exit through the opening. In this way, a particularly easy discharging of the liquid is achieved without deflecting the flow direction.

When used together with the abovementioned nozzle, the nozzle is arranged in such a way that the liquid jets produced by the respective nozzle can impinge at an angle on the base depression or the walls of this base depression respectively. The base depression thus acts as a collecting means for liquid remaining after a cleaning operation.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a second flow channel and the return channel is arranged between the first flow channel and the second flow channel. In this embodiment, the beverage crates are guided through the immersion bath in two parallel rows and the respective returning streams are guided jointly, that is to say by a common return channel. In addition to the common return channel, which is located between the two flow channels, further return channels may also be provided on the respective outer sides of the flow channels.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has separating walls for separating the individual channels, that is to say the flow channels and the return channel. With particular preference, these separating walls are closed walls and are arranged in a stationary manner relative to the base. The separating walls may in principle also have closable openings. However, the discharge openings according to the invention enable the separating walls in their entirety to be configured in a closed manner, which not only is more cost-effective but also increases the operational reliability since, for example, it is no longer possible for an operator to forget to close the separating walls.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the base has, in the region of the flow channel, outlet openings for discharging the cleaning agent. In this case, these outlet openings are likewise preferably arranged in second base depressions which taper downwards in a funnel-like manner, said second base depressions also acting here as collecting means.

Here, the depth of the second base depressions increases in the conveying direction. In other words, in contrast to the first base depressions in the region of the return channel, the depth increases in the respectively opposite direction.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second base depressions are offset in the flow direction with respect to the first base depressions. By virtue of this offset arrangement, the overall stability of the base can be increased and it is also possible to arrange mutually offset supports for the base for example below the base.

In a further preferred embodiment, the base has, in an end region of the flow channel, a further outlet opening for discharging the cleaning agent. This further outlet opening serves for discharging liquid which drips down during the transporting of the beverage crates, for example in higher conveying paths. In addition, dirt can be removed from a (circulating) belt filter. Preferably, this further outlet opening is arranged in a substantially symmetrical base depression, particularly preferably in the centre thereof.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the spray head of the nozzle has two separate outlet openings. With particular preference, these two outlet openings are arranged on opposite sides of the spray head. In this case, one of the two outlet openings enables liquid to exit to the side and downwards at an angle, and the other outlet opening enables the liquid to exit to the side and upwards at an angle.

With particular preference, the spray head is configured in such a way that the liquid coming out can exit in an angle range of between 0° and 180°, preferably between 20° and 160°, relative to a longitudinal direction of the nozzle. The liquid can thus be conducted to the respectively adjacent walls in a space surrounding the spray head. By virtue of this arrangement of the spray head, the pivoting of the nozzle in its entirety can be omitted.

In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning nozzle in its entirety is made of a plastics material. With particular preference, PTFE is used as the plastics material. Such a nozzle is easier to produce than metal nozzles which are conventionally used for such purposes. In addition, with such a plastics material nozzle, the spray head can more easily be moved relative to the nozzle body simply already by the cleaning agent flowing through. Preferably, the spray head of the nozzle is mounted by means of a sliding bearing relative to the main body of the nozzle. Also as a result of this, a particularly simple design of the spray nozzle is achieved. It is further pointed out that a plastics material nozzle is also relatively insensitive to calcification. More specifically, it has been found in complex experiments that in particular highly precise metal nozzles are less suitable for the present purpose. Conversely, when using the nozzle, it is moreover not critical whether the exit direction of the jet is precisely defined.

Preferably, the sliding bearing enables a certain degree of bearing play of the spray head relative to the spray nozzle. In addition, the flow paths for the cleaning agent in the interior of the spray head are also configured in such a way that particles present in the cleaning liquid can also exit through the nozzle. Excessively fine nozzles would prevent any passage of particles present in the cleaning liquid and therefore would be rather unsuitable for the use intended here. By virtue of the bearing play that is provided, an easy movement of the spray head relative to the main body is made possible and also an easy movement if, for example, foam exits through this spray head. Any loss of precision of the spraying operation is acceptable with regard to the intended application.

In a further particular embodiment, the depth of at least one first base depression and preferably of all base depressions increases in the conveying direction. This appears at first to be unusual, since the first base depressions are arranged in the return channel and in this return channel the flow direction of the water runs in the direction counter to the conveying direction and therefore the first base depressions become deeper counter to the flow direction. However, this procedure offers considerable advantages which will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

The present invention is further directed to a base for a device of the type described above. This base has a plurality of discharge openings and outlet openings, wherein said discharge openings and outlet openings are arranged respectively in funnel-shaped first and second base depressions of said base. According to the invention, the first base depressions are arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the base and also the second base depressions are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the base. The depth of at least one and preferably all first base depressions and the depth of the second base depressions in this respect increases in the same direction and preferably in the conveying direction of the containers.

Further advantages and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the appended drawings:

All of the features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as being essential to the invention in so far as they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a device according to the invention for cleaning bottle crates;

Fig. 2 shows a view of a cleaning plant according to the invention for the internal cleaning of the device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a base for a device according to the invention;

Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the base of Fig. 3 from below;

Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a base in a further preferred embodiment; and

Fig. 6 shows a view of a cleaning nozzle according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a device according to the invention for cleaning crates. In this respect, the individual bottle crates 10 enter the device 1 in the direction of the arrow P1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the crates are pushed through the individual sections of the cleaning process in three parallel lines located one above the other. Said individual sections are denoted by references I, II and III. The conveying direction of the individual sections extends in each case in the longitudinal direction L of the device as a whole, or counter thereto. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the crates are introduced at the bottom left and exit from the device at the top right. However, it would also be possible to configure the device in such a way that the cleaned crates are output for example at the top left. In this case, two sections arranged one above the other would be provided and the overall length of the device would be increased.

In section I, the bottle crates 10 are guided through an immersion bath or a first flow channel 8 respectively. A cleaning agent 7 is provided within this first flow channel 8. By virtue of the flow of this cleaning agent 7, the bottle crates 10 are conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow F. Here, the flow channel 8 is configured as a trough which is open at the top and the width of which is somewhat greater than the width of the bottle crates to be cleaned. This trough is also delimited by the base 6 of the device. In Fig. 1, this base has several depressions 22, wherein openings which will be explained in detail below are arranged at the respectively lowest points of these depressions. A conveying jet nozzle 31 causes the cleaning agent to flow in the direction F. Reference 7a denotes the fill level of the cleaning agent 7. Reference 3 denotes a foot of the device, and reference 4 denotes the housing thereof. Reference 8a denotes an end region of the flow channel 8.

Reference 42 denotes in its entirety a turning-over conveyor, which transfers the crates 10 into the second section II and in so doing at the same time turns said crates over. As a result of the crates being turned over, any bottles remaining in the crates can fall out of the crates and can be collected in a collecting means 43. Here, the turning-over conveyor 42 runs somewhat faster than the flow in the flow channel 8, so that the bottle crates are at the same time separated. This separation is advantageous so that the individual crates 10 can be sprayed from all sides by a plurality of spray nozzles 33. In this respect, the section II denotes the main cleaning of the bottle crates. The bottle crates are conveyed on a transport belt 56 in the direction F2, that is to say a direction opposite to direction F. Reference 41 denotes a circulating belt filter. This belt filter filters the floating dirt particles out of the cleaning agent. The dirt located in the belt filter is blown off by a fan 41a and thus passes to a disposal point. Floating fine dirt may however pass through the belt filter 41 and is discharged via the outlet opening 26 as will be explained in more detail below.

In the region of the turning-over conveyor 42, the beverage crates are subjected to intensive spraying. The water dripping off here can likewise be discharged in the downward direction through the base 6. Reference 45 denotes a second turning-over conveyor, which transfers the crates from section II into section III. Here, too, the individual bottle crates are intensively sprayed by means of spray nozzles 48. In the top section III, the bottle crates are also conveyed back in the direction F on a transport belt 65. A final lye cleaning takes place in the region 64, and a subsequent spraying in particular with fresh water takes place in the region 68. This region 68 is adjoined by a dripping zone 69, before the bottle crates leave the device 1. Reference 44 denotes a post-spraying trough, which can be emptied via a valve 44a.

The additionally shown cleaning nozzles 30 have a main body arranged in a stationary manner, which will be described in detail below, and a spray head which is rotatable relative to said main body. Said rotatable spray head enables substantially a 360° all-round cleaning, which can be used to clean the individual walls of the housing 4 of the device 1. It is also possible to spray the respective base depressions 16 for cleaning purposes. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a further conveying path is arranged in parallel behind the illustrated conveying path, that is to say the crates 10 are transported in two rows. Located between these two conveying paths is a return channel, by which the cleaning agent 18 can be transported back again counter to the direction F. For cleaning purposes, both the first flow channel 8 and also the second flow channel 9 (not shown) and the return channel located between these flow channels have outlet openings in the base 6. In collaboration with the individual cleaning nozzles 30, it is possible to clean in an autonomous manner the entire internal area of the device. The individual spray nozzles 33, 48 can also be configured in the manner of the cleaning nozzle.

Fig-1 shows the individual cleaning nozzles 30 in each case only schematically without the cleaning unit 50 carrying said nozzles. Fig. 2 shows a cleaning unit 50, more specifically a line system 50, which serves to supply a plurality of cleaning nozzles 30, 30a, 30b, 30c. In this respect, this cleaning unit 50 is supplied with a cleaning agent via a feed line 59, which has a valve 57. The cleaning agent then passes via two longitudinal pipes 52 into a plurality of vertical strands 53. The cleaning agent is branched off from the longitudinal pipes 52 in each case via T-pieces 54 in order to enter the vertical strands 53. At the vertical strands 53, the cleaning liquid is in turn distributed via T-pieces 54 into a plurality of transverse pipes 56, wherein the individual cleaning nozzles 30, 30a, 30b, 30c are arranged at the ends of these transverse pipes 56.

The respectively lowermost cleaning nozzles 30a in this respect serve for cleaning the base 6 of the device. The other cleaning nozzles also serve for cleaning the walls. Flere, the cleaning nozzles are configured in such a way that a rotatable head rotates relative to the main body and thus the cleaning agent can exit substantially in all directions, that is to say through 360°. In this respect, the lowermost nozzles 30a are in each case oriented downwards, that is to say the head of the nozzles points in the downward direction. The respectively uppermost nozzles 30b are likewise in each case oriented downwards, whereas the middle nozzles 30c are in some cases oriented upwards and in some cases oriented downwards. Reference 58 denotes valve adjusters which adjust the flow of liquid entering the cleaning nozzles 30 - 30c.

The cleaning unit 50 according to the invention thus allows efficient cleaning of the entire interior of the crate cleaning device 1. The entire cleaning unit 50 is integrated in the interior of the device shown in Fig. 1. In this respect, with preference, a different cleaning agent is used for cleaning the interior of the device 1 than for cleaning the crates.

Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a base 6 of the device according to the invention, more specifically of a device for a two-channel crate cleaner. In this respect, reference 8 denotes a first flow channel, more specifically the region of the base 6 in which this first flow channel 8 is provided. Reference 9 correspondingly denotes the second flow channel. The dashed lines T denote those locations at which, in the assembled state, separating walls are arranged, which separating walls would project perpendicularly in the plane of the figure. These separating walls (not shown) separate the individual flow channels 8, 9 from a return channel 12.

The crates are transported in the direction F in each of the two flow channels 8 and 9, and then cleaning agent is transported back in the direction R via a return channel 12. In addition, further return channels may also be provided on the respective outer sides of the two flow channels 8 and 9. Further provided is a wall (not shown) which separates each of the flow channels 8, 9 from the outside.

In the region of the return channel 12, the base 6 has a plurality of first base depressions 16. In this case, the depth of these base depressions 16 increases in each case in the return direction R. Here, the individual base depressions each have four side walls 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d. Furthermore, the base depression is of symmetrical shape, that is to say the two side walls 16c and 16d are arranged in an axis-symmetrical manner in relation to one another. Furthermore, a discharge opening 14 is arranged in the side wall 16b. The discharge opening 14 is thus provided in the plane of the side wall 16d. This is advantageous since it is thus possible for the cleaning agent to exit substantially in the direction R, and as a result no swirling occurs. The entire base depression 16 may be connected to the base 6 for example via a weld.

For the final cleaning of the device, the cleaning agent located in the return channel 12 can be discharged via the individual discharge openings 14. It can also be seen that the side surface 16a tapers towards the opening 14 in the return direction R. This also facilitates a discharging of the cleaning agent. The sloping surfaces of the side walls 16a - 16d can further be sprayed in a particularly convenient manner by the individual cleaning nozzles. Reference 22 denotes to further base depressions which are arranged in the flow channel 8 and also 9 respectively. The depth of these base depressions 22 increases in the direction F, that is to say from left to right in Fig. 3. Here, too, an outlet opening 15 is provided at the lowest point of the base depression, via which outlet opening the cleaning agent can be discharged. The base depression 22 also has four side walls 22a - 22d, which are configured in a similar manner to the above-mentioned side walls 16a - 16d. These further base depressions 22, that is to say the individual side walls thereof, can also be flushed out by the cleaning nozzles.

Reference 25 denotes a further base depression which is arranged in the region of the turning-over conveyor in the device shown in Fig. 1. In this region, no appreciable flow of the cleaning agent takes place, so that this base depression 25 is of symmetrical and likewise funnel-like shape. In this respect, here, the base depression 25 has a rectangular cross-section with four side walls 25a -25d. An opening 26 is likewise provided at the lowest point of this base depression.

Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the base 6 of Fig. 3 from below. It is possible to see here pipeline sections 18 which are in each case connected to the base depressions 22 in the direction R, wherein advantageous flow conditions are also achieved as a result. Via a curved piece 19a and a T-piece 19b, the discharged cleaning liquid reaches a longitudinal pipe 17 and passes in the direction of a discharge connection 20a. Similarly, the cleaning liquid exiting from the base depressions 16 passes via a connection 28 and a curved piece 29 and also a longitudinal pipe 27 to the discharge connection 20b. Reference 5 denotes a further longitudinal pipe which serves for conveying away the liquid that enters the base depression 25.

It can be seen that, although the individual base depressions 22 arranged one above the other in the flow channel 8 are arranged at the same height in each case in the longitudinal direction L of the device, they are nevertheless offset in this longitudinal direction with respect to the base depressions 16 of the return channel. In this way, it is possible to increase the stability of the base 6, which has to carry a considerable quantity of liquid. In addition, webs 24 or supports may be provided on the base, which increase the overall stability of the base 6.

Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of a base for a device according to the invention. In contrast to the above embodiments, here the depth both of the first base depressions 16 and also of the second base depressions 22 increases in the same direction, namely preferably in the conveying direction F. In terms of the second base depressions 22, this corresponds to the above embodiments, but the first base depressions 16 have been rotated through 180°. The first base depressions thus become deeper in the conveying direction and thus counter to the return direction in which the medium or the water respectively flows in the return channel 12.

This embodiment is at first unusual. However, it has been found that the openings in the return channel still permit a satisfactory discharging even when the corresponding base depressions 16, in which the openings are arranged, become deeper in the conveying direction F. In so far as the base depressions 16 serve for discharging the cleaning agent for the internal cleaning of the device, the direction in which the base depressions extend is less critical since in this case there is no defined flow direction of the cleaning agent.

On the other hand, the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 brings considerable advantages. For instance, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, it is possible to discharge the water both from the two flow channels 8, 9 or the second base depressions 22 respectively and from the return channel 12 or the base depression 16 respectively via a common line or a common longitudinal pipe 17 respectively.

Provided for this purpose here are two T-pieces 19b, 19c which establish connections between the pipeline sections 18 and 18a and the longitudinal pipe 17. In this embodiment, therefore, the longitudinal pipes 27 shown in Fig. 4 can be omitted. This represents a considerable advantage in terms of production, since at the same time there is also no need for valve devices and connections which are arranged on these longitudinal pipes. Instead of T-pieces, however, other connecting pieces could also be used, such as Y-pieces for example.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the device has in each case two base depressions 16 and 22 respectively. However, depending on the use, it would also be possible to provide more or fewer base depressions 16, 22.

In addition, it would also further be possible to connect the longitudinal pipe 5, which serves for discharging water from the further base depressions 25, to the longitudinal pipe 17. In this way, the connection 20c could also be omitted.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the outlet opening of the base depression 25 is arranged centrally or respectively in the middle. However, it would also be possible to arrange this outlet opening eccentrically and likewise to configure the base depression in an asymmetric manner correspondingly. Such a possible position of the outlet opening is indicated by the dashed circular line K.

By arranging the outlet opening eccentrically in this way, it would be possible to omit the bend of the pipe 5 shown in Fig. 5.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the first base depressions 16 and the second base depressions 22 are preferably arranged at the same height in the longitudinal direction L, that is to say not offset from one another as in the case of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4. In this way, the pipe complexity will also be lowered. In addition, a frame pipe or a transverse support 13 respectively for stabilizing the base can thus be configured in a rectilinear manner, as a result of which the stability of the base is increased. Reference 11 denotes a longitudinal support or a frame pipe respectively oriented in the longitudinal direction. These two frame pipes 11,13 can in this case be embodied as square pipes.

However, instead of the two base depressions shown in Fig. 5, it would also be possible to provide just one base depression, the depth of which initially increases in one direction (for example the conveying direction F) and then decreases again. An outlet opening could be arranged at the lowest point, which opening then likewise opens via a connecting pipe into the middle longitudinal pipe 17 shown in Fig. 5.

It would also be possible to rotate through 180° the left-hand base depression shown in Fig. 5, so that the depth thereof increases counter to the conveying direction. In this case, the liquid from this base depression could also be received by the middle longitudinal pipe.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a cleaning nozzle 30 according to the invention. This cleaning nozzle 30 has a screw thread 38, by which it can be attached to a pipe. Reference 32 denotes the main body which is arranged in a stationary manner and relative to which a spray head 34 is arranged in such a way as to be able to rotate. This spray head 34 has an outlet opening 36 and also a further, opposite outlet opening (not shown), through which the cleaning agent can exit. Provided in the interior are means which, when the cleaning agent passes through the nozzle, cause the spray head to rotate automatically relative to the main body and thus cause the cleaning agent to exit circumferentially in all directions relative to the cleaning nozzle. Reference 37 denotes a further screwing unit, by which the cleaning nozzle can be opened.

In order to save weight, the cleaning nozzle is formed from a lightweight material, in particular a plastics material. In this way, a low moment of inertia of the spray head relative to the main body is also achieved, so that a rotation of the spray head is brought about even in the case of low flow rates and also in the case where foam for example passes through the nozzle. In addition, the cleaning nozzle 30 has coarse tolerances in its interior in order in this way to also achieve easy mobility in the event of any contaminants. Furthermore, the cleaning nozzle according to the invention which is made of plastics material is much less expensive to produce than metal nozzles for example.

All the features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as being essential to the invention in so far as they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

List of references I device 3 foot 4 housing of the device 1 5 longitudinal pipe 6 base 7 cleaning agent 7a fill level of the cleaning agent 8 first flow channel 8a end region of the first flow channel 8 9 second flow channel 10 crates II longitudinal support 12 return channel 13 frame pipe, transverse support 14 discharge opening 15 outlet opening 16 first base depression 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d sidewalls 17 longitudinal pipe 18 pipeline section 19a curved piece 19b T-piece 20a discharge connection 20b, 20c discharge connection 22 base depression 22a-22d sidewalls 24 web 25 further base depression 25a - 25d side walls 26 opening 27 longitudinal pipe 28 connection 29 curved piece 30, 30a, 30b, 30c cleaning nozzles 31 conveying jet nozzle 32 main body of cleaning nozzle 30 33 spray nozzles 34 spray head of cleaning nozzle 30 36 outlet opening 37 screwing means 38 screw thread 41 belt filter 41a fan 42 turning-over conveyor 43 collecting means 44 post-spraying trough 44a valve 45 second turning-over conveyor 46 spray nozzle 47, 48 spray nozzles 50 cleaning unit 52 longitudinal pipes 53 strands 54 T-piece 56 transverse pipe 57 valve 58 valve adjuster 59 feed line 64 region 65 transport belt 66 transport belt 68 region 69 dripping zone I, II, II sections L longitudinal direction F conveying direction F2 direction R return direction T position of the separating wall K circular line

Claims (14)

1. Apparat (1) til rengøring af kasser (10) til drikkevarebeholdere med et hus (4) og en bund (6), og hvor der i et indre rum i huset i det mindste findes en fra bunden (6) afgrænset første strømningskanal (8), langs hvilken kasserne (10) kan bevæges i en transportretning (F) ved hjælp af et gennem denne strømningskanal flydende rengøringsmiddel, og hvor der findes en fra den første strømningskanal (8) i det mindste afsnitsvis adskilt tilbageføringskanal (12), hvori rengøringsmidlet ledes i en tilbageføringsretning (R), og hvor tilbageføringskanalen (12) er afgrænset fra bunden (6), kendetegnet ved, at tilbageføringskanalen (12) har bortledningsåbninger (14) til bortledning af rengøringsmiddel.Apparatus (1) for cleaning containers (10) for beverage containers with a housing (4) and a bottom (6), and wherein at least one first flow channel defined from the bottom (6) is provided in an inner space of the housing (8), along which the boxes (10) can be moved in a transport direction (F) by means of a cleaning fluid flowing through this flow channel, and where there is a return channel (12) separated from the first flow channel (8), wherein the detergent is guided in a return direction (R) and wherein the return channel (12) is defined from the bottom (6), characterized in that the return channel (12) has drainage openings (14) for draining agent. 2. Apparat ifølge mindst et af de foregående krav, kendetegnet ved, at bortledningsåbningerne (14) er indrettet i nogle tragtformede, nedad indsnævrede første bundfordybninger (16).Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge openings (14) are arranged in some funnel-shaped downwardly narrowed first bottom recesses (16). 3. Apparat ifølge mindst et af de foregående krav, kendetegnet ved, at apparatet har en anden strømningskanal (9), og at tilbageføringskanalen (12) er indrettet mellem den første strømningskanal (8) og den anden strømningskanal (9)·Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus has a second flow channel (9) and that the return channel (12) is arranged between the first flow channel (8) and the second flow channel (9) · 4. Apparat ifølge mindst et af de foregående krav, kendetegnet ved, at bunden i strømningskanalens område har åbninger (15) til bortledning af rengøringsmiddel.Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom of the area of the flow channel has apertures (15) for draining of detergent. 5. Apparat ifølge krav 4, kendetegnet ved, at udløbsåbningerne (15) er indrettet i nogle sekundære bund-nedtrykninger (22), som indsnævrer i nedadgående retning.Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the outlet openings (15) are arranged in some secondary bottom depressions (22) which narrow downwards. 6. Apparat ifølge krav 5, kendetegnet ved, at dybden af de sekundære bundfordybninger (22) er tiltagende i transportretningen.Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the depth of the secondary bottom recesses (22) is increasing in the direction of transport. 7. Apparat ifølge mindst et af de foregående krav, kendetegnet ved, at bunden (6) i et endeområde (8a) af strømningskanalen (8) har en yderligere udløbsåbning (26) til bortledning af rengøringsmiddel.Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom (6) in an end region (8a) of the flow channel (8) has an additional outlet opening (26) for draining of detergent. 8. Apparat ifølge krav 7, kendetegnet ved, at den yderligere udløbsåbning er indrettet i en symmetrisk bundfordybning (28).Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the further outlet opening is arranged in a symmetrical bottom recess (28). 9. Apparat ifølge mindst et af de foregående krav, kendetegnet ved, at apparatet (1) har en rengøringsenhed (50) til selv-rensning af apparatet, og hvor rengøringsenheden har et antal rengøringsdyser (30), og hvor mindst en af disse rengøringsdyser har et hovedlegeme (32), som er indrettet på stationær måde i forhold til apparatet, og også har et sprøjtehoved (34), som er således indrettet, at det kan rotere i forhold til hovedlegemet (32) eller et sprøjtedysehoved, hvorfra rengøringsmidlet kan udsprøjte ved omkredsen (ty: umfånglich).Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus (1) has a cleaning unit (50) for self-cleaning of the apparatus and wherein the cleaning unit has a number of cleaning nozzles (30) and at least one of these cleaning nozzles. has a main body (32) arranged in a stationary manner relative to the apparatus, and also has a spray head (34) which is arranged so that it can rotate relative to the main body (32) or a spray nozzle head from which the detergent can spray at the perimeter (ty: umfånglich). 10. Apparat ifølge krav 9, kendetegnet ved, at rengøringsdysen i sin helhed er fremstillet af et plast.Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the cleaning nozzle is made entirely of plastic. 11. Apparat ifølge mindst et af de foregående krav, kendetegnet ved, at sprøjtehovedet (34) i rengøringsdysen (30) er monteret i forhold til hovedlegemet (32) i rengøringsdysen (30) ved hjælp af et glideleje.Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spray head (34) in the cleaning nozzle (30) is mounted relative to the main body (32) in the cleaning nozzle (30) by means of a slide bearing. 12. Apparat ifølge mindst et af de foregående krav, kendetegnet ved, at dybden af mindst en første bundfordybning (16) er tiltagende i transportretningen (F).Apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the depth of at least a first bottom depression (16) is increasing in the direction of transport (F). 13.13th Bund (6) til et apparat (1) ifølge et af de foregående krav, og som har et antal bortledningsåbninger (14) og udløbsåbninger (15, 26), og hvor bortledningsåbningerne (14) og udløbsåbningerne (15, 26) er indrettet i tragtformede, primære (16) og sekundære (22) bundfordybninger i nævnte bund (6), kendetegnet ved, at de primære bundfordybninger (16) er anbragt bag ved hinanden, set i bundens (6) længderetning (L), og at de sekundære bundfordybninger (22) er indrettet bag ved hinanden i bundens (6) længderetning (L), og at dybden af mindst den første bundfordybning (16) samt dybden af den anden bundfordybning (22) er tiltagende i en første retning (F).The bottom (6) of an apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which has a plurality of drainage openings (14) and outlet openings (15, 26), and wherein the drainage openings (14) and outlet openings (15, 26) are arranged in funnel-shaped, primary (16) and secondary (22) bottom recesses in said bottom (6), characterized in that the primary bottom recesses (16) are arranged one behind the other, seen in the longitudinal direction (L) of the bottom (6) and that the secondary bottom recesses (22) are arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction (L) of the bottom (6) and the depth of at least the first bottom recess (16) as well as the depth of the second bottom recess (22) is increasing in a first direction (F).