The present invention concerns an apparatus to support and transport objects, such as boxes or lids for example, in a treatment machine, in particular for washing said objects.

The present invention concerns, in particular, an apparatus to support and transport objects, for example boxes, lids or suchlike, used to contain animals, or guinea pigs, reared in breeding departments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of scientific research it is known to breed laboratory animals, subjected to experimental tests, such as for example guinea pigs, or other small rodents such as mice, rats, rabbits, in containing boxes, also called cages.

Known containing boxes typically comprise at least one box-shaped body, or tray, in which the animals are disposed, at least one feeder, generally with a reticular structure, and at least one upper closing lid of the tray. The closing lid can also comprise a compartment for housing and inserting a container for liquids, for example a bottle or suchlike, in order to feed the animals.

The containing boxes can be periodically disassembled, so that they can be washed. The trays, feeders and lids of the boxes can be positioned for this purpose in a treatment machine, able to carry out a washing treatment and possibly also sterilization operations, or other. The machines normally used are so-called "static" machines, or so-called "tunnel" treatment machines, in which subsequent treatment steps can possibly be carried out on the boxes in one or more treatment chambers in which corresponding treatment zones are disposed, one after the other.

Normally, in the tunnel machine, at least one door is provided, associated with an entrance aperture, which is movable and is driven by an opening and closing mechanism in order to assume a high or open position in which it allows the parts of the boxes to be treated to enter into the treatment chamber, and a low or closed position in which, in cooperation with fluidic sealing means, the washing chamber can be sealed from the outside.

Normally, the machines for treating boxes or box parts as described above are machines of the so-called "pass-through" type, comprising two doors, that is to say one door associated with the entrance aperture and one door associated with an exit aperture, normally in a position opposite the entrance aperture, respectively for the entrance and exit of the box parts to be treated, for example the tray, the feeder and the lid, and for the exit of the treated parts.

The box parts to be treated are positioned on normal conveyor belts, which have the function of inserting the box parts from an entrance side of the machine, moving them along the tunnel machine to be treated, and extracting them, once the treatment is completed, from the exit side of the machine. The passage times and modes inside the machine will depend on the characteristics of the treatment required.

An apparatus and a method for treating, for example washing, animal containing devices are described for example in document WO-A-2016055968.

Other known devices for washing various objects or components are described for example in documents EP-A-2674093 and US-A-4317514.

As is known in the field, certain box parts, such as the lids for example, in order to be suitably treated, must be disposed on the conveyor belt in a position which is suitably inclined with respect to a vertical plane, so as to allow a correct outflow of the treatment liquid from all their various parts. A common problem of some box parts and in particular of lids, in fact, is that, given their shape and constitution, they can include zones in which the treatment liquid can undesirably become trapped.

The lids, therefore, are generally inclined by a certain angle with respect to a vertical plane, so as to allow the correct outflow by gravity of the treatment liquid dispensed inside the machine. This inclination may also be required by other box parts to be treated, for example the feeders.

Normally, to allow the lids to be positioned, various supports and accessories are used, which are separated from the conveyor belt and therefore have to be correctly positioned on it. The provision of such supports and accessories, as can be understood, considerably complicates and slows down the correct positioning of the lids, or other box parts, on the conveyor belt, making current treatment machines less efficient and productive.

Moreover, the lids or other box parts can be of various types, shapes and dimensions and, for each of them, normally, a support or accessory of suitable shape must be provided, to be positioned on the conveyor belt. Moreover, the conveyor belt must be provided with suitable discharge means for the treatment liquid.

Other limitations and disadvantages of conventional solutions and technologies will be clear to a person of skill after reading the remaining part of the present description with reference to the drawings and the description of the embodiments that follow, although it is clear that the description of the state of the art connected to the present description must not be considered an admission that what is described here is already known from the state of the prior art.

There is therefore a need to perfect an apparatus to support and transport boxes, or box parts, in a treatment machine, in particular for washing said boxes or box parts, which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

One purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide an apparatus to support and transport objects, such as boxes, or box parts, in a treatment machine, in particular for washing said boxes or box parts, in which support modules for the boxes or box parts to be treated are integrated, thus avoiding the use of separate accessories or supports for the treatment of the boxes or box parts, for example for the treatment of lids.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a support and transport apparatus which allows a quick and correct positioning of box parts, for example lids, with the correct inclination, so as to carry out an efficient treatment, in particular washing, and an effective outflow by gravity of the treatment liquid. Another purpose of the invention is to provide an apparatus to support and transport objects, such as boxes, or box parts, which can be used for various types of box parts, for example for various types of lids.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a support module which can be effectively used for the treatment, in particular washing, of different types of objects, such as boxes or box parts, for example for different types of lids, or also for feeders or other. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an efficient treatment machine, in particular for washing objects, in particular boxes or box parts.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes and according to a characteristic aspect of the invention, an apparatus to support and transport objects in a treatment machine, in particular for washing the objects, comprises at least a row of support modules located in sequence and reciprocally connected; the support modules are provided with support and abutment elements configured to keep the objects to be treated in a stable position and such as to guarantee the correct treatment thereof.

The objects intended to be supported and transported by an apparatus and/or a module according to the invention can be boxes for animals, parts of boxes, lids or other accessories connected thereto.

According to another aspect of the invention, the support and abutment elements are able to keep the objects to be treated in a position inclined by a certain angle with respect to a vertical plane.

The objects to be treated can be inclined toward a side upstream of the apparatus with respect to a direction of translation thereof.

The angle of inclination of the objects can be comprised between about 15° and about 30°.

If the objects to be treated are boxes for animals, parts of boxes, lids or other accessories connected thereto, the range of values of the angle of inclination is particularly advantageous for the outflow of the treatment liquid that hits the objects, and therefore also allows to prevent the formation of zones of stagnation of liquid in the objects to be washed, also in zones where the stagnation could form where it is not wanted, such as corners, entrances or other.

Moreover, the objects to be treated can be positioned in a direction substantially transverse with respect to a direction of translation of the apparatus.

The support modules comprise, at the sides, side-boards reciprocally connectable by means of corresponding rods associable with connection means.

The support modules can comprise holes for the outflow of the treatment liquid used for the treatment of the objects.

The present invention also concerns a support and transport module of at least one object, in particular a box or part of a box, intended to undergo treatment, in particular washing, in a treatment machine. According to an aspect of the invention, the support module comprises support and abutment elements configured to keep the object to be treated in a stable position and such as to guarantee a correct treatment, in particular so as to allow the correct and automatic outflow of the treatment liquid from the object treated.

The module can comprise at least a support base, at least a first support element situated at a greater height and in a position offset with respect to the support base, and at least an abutment element able to guarantee a positioning of the object to be treated, in particular a box, a part of a box or a lid, correctly inclined with respect to a vertical plane.

The support base is preferably positioned downstream of the first support element with respect to a direction of translation of the module.

The first support element and/or the support base can be positioned in a direction substantially transverse to a direction of translation of the module.

The support and transport module can also comprise another support element disposed between the first support element and the support base.

The at least one abutment element can be provided with at least a curved segment or at least a flap facing toward the first support element.

The present invention also concerns a treatment machine, in particular for washing objects, for example boxes, lids or parts of boxes, comprising at least a treatment chamber provided with a side for the entrance of the objects to be treated and a side for the exit of the objects when treated, and comprising at least a transport and support apparatus of the objects.

These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following description, drawings and attached claims. The drawings, which are integrated and form part of the present description, show some forms of embodiment of the present invention, and together with the description, are intended to describe the principles of the disclosure.

The various aspects and characteristics described in the present description can be applied individually where possible. These individual aspects, for example aspects and characteristics present in the description, or in the attached dependent claims, can be the object of divisional applications.

It is understood that any aspect or characteristic that is discovered, during the patenting process, to be already known, shall not be claimed and shall be the object of a disclaimer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a partial view in lateral elevation of a treatment machine, in particular for washing objects, such as boxes, or parts of boxes, comprising a transport and support apparatus according to the present invention;

- fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of a support and transport module for treating boxes, in particular washing, according to the present invention;

- fig. 3 is a plan view of the transport and support apparatus according to the present invention;

- fig. 4 is a view in lateral elevation of different types of lids for boxes positioned on corresponding support and transport modules according to the invention.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

We shall now refer in detail to the various embodiments of the present invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof. For example, the characteristics shown or described insomuch as they are part of one embodiment can be adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce another embodiment. It is understood that the present invention shall include all such modifications and variants.

Before describing these embodiments, we must also clarify that the present description is not limited in its application to details of the construction and disposition of the components as described in the following description using the attached drawings. The present description can provide other embodiments and can be obtained or executed in various other ways. We must also clarify that the phraseology and terminology used here is for the purposes of description only, and cannot be considered as limitative.

With reference to the attached drawings, a treatment machine 10 according to the invention comprises at least one treatment chamber 1 1 which is provided with a first entrance side 12 for objects to be treated, in particular boxes or box parts, and at least a second exit side 14 for the treated objects.

Particular reference will be made hereafter to the case in which the objects to be treated are for example lids 13a, 13b, 13c, but, naturally, the objects to be treated could also be different, for example boxes, feeders, or the tray of the box itself.

At least one washing treatment of the lids 13a, 13b, 13c can be provided inside the chamber 11 by at least one suitable treatment liquid.

The entrance side 12 of the lids 13a, 13b, 13c to be treated can be opened or closed by means of a corresponding door 15, vertically mobile. The exit side 14 of the treated lids 13a, 13b, 13c can be closed by means of a corresponding door 16, vertically mobile.

The lids 13a, 13b, 13c are introduced into the treatment chamber 1 1 and extracted therefrom by means of a transport and support apparatus 20 according to the invention.

The apparatus 20 functions substantially like a conveyor belt, or suchlike, whose support plane is formed by a series of support modules 30 reciprocally connected and disposed on at least one row, which develops according to a direction of translation L.

In the example shown, see fig. 3, the apparatus 20 is formed by three rows LI, L2, L3 of support modules 30, so as to treat several lids 13a, 13b or 13c aligned in a substantially transverse direction, that is, substantially in the direction T.

Naturally, the number of rows of support modules 30 could be greater or less than shown.

For example, the apparatus 20 could comprise a single row of reciprocally connected support modules 30, for example the row LI or L2 or L3.

The apparatus 20 has a closed-ring configuration and is returned around at least two return wheels 18 and 19, located for example at the ends of a structure 21 for supporting the machine 10.

At least one of the wheels, for example the wheel 18, will be associated, by means of suitable transmission elements, with suitable drive means 22, in order to move the transport and support apparatus 20 and hence the lids 13a, 13b, 13c to be treated , or other box parts.

The support modules 30 are shown schematically in fig. 3, in which some details and elements of the same have been omitted, while a more detailed representation thereof is shown in fig. 2.

Each support module 30, see in particular fig. 2, comprises a pair of sideboards 23, which can be provided on both ends with holes 24.

The function of the holes 24 is to allow the insertion of a support rod 25, or other similar element, directed for example in a direction T substantially transverse with respect to the side-boards 23 directed longitudinally.

The holes 24 also allow the side-boards 23 of a given support module 30 to be connected to corresponding side-boards of modules located upstream and downstream of the support module 30, so as to form the apparatus 20 of fig. 1. The side-boards 23 of a given support module 30 can be connected to the adjacent side-boards of an adjacent support module by engaging them with the same rod 25 and with connection means 17, for example outside the side-boards 23, see fig. 3.

It is possible to provide that the rod 25 is tubular and rotatably supported with respect to the support module 30, so that, for example, it is in idle rotation with respect to a fixed support pin, internal and coaxial to the rod 25.

The support module 30 also comprises a support base 26, provided with a series of holes 27, in particular for the outflow of the treatment liquid.

The support base 26 is preferably disposed, in direction L, in an offset position with respect to the rod 25. Preferably, the support base 26 is disposed downstream of the rod 25 with respect to the normal direction of translation L of the support module 30, during normal functioning of the transport and support apparatus 20.

The support base 26 can be directed in a substantially transverse direction T.

The support base 26 is preferably made at a lower height than the support rod 25, so that the box parts to be treated which are inserted in the support module 30, for example the lids 13a and 13b, are provided with an appropriate inclination.

As will be explained in more detail hereafter, in fact, the lids 13 a, 13b can be supported resting at least on the rod 25 and on the support base 26 (see fig. 4).

The support base 26 could be connected to the side-boards 23 by means of corresponding lateral walls 28, thus assuming a substantial U-shape.

Between the rod 25 and the support base 26, on at least one of the side-boards 23, another support element 29 is positioned, for example directed in a substantially transverse direction T.

It is possible to provide, for example, that the support element 29 has an extension such as to allow a part of the lids 13a, 13b, 13c to rest on it and another part of the lids 13a, 13b, 13c to rest, for example, on the rod 25, or engage on another element provided in the support base 26.

The support base 26 is also provided with an abutment element 31, which is preferably positioned on the side of the support module 30 opposite the side where the support element 29 is positioned.

The abutment element 31, in particular, comprises a flap 32 directed in a substantially longitudinal direction L.

Another abutment element 33 is also positioned on the support base 26, comprising at least one curved segment 34.

This other abutment element 33 can be made from the end of the support base 26 located furthest downstream, with respect to direction L, and its curvature faces toward the rod 25, or similar support element, therefore, in this example, toward the upstream side of the support module 30, see also fig. 4.

The curved segment 34 is preferably directed in a substantially transverse direction T. The other abutment element 33 can comprise another portion 35 disposed on the curved segment 34. This portion can be directed in direction T and can comprise a protruding flap 36.

Another positioning element 37 can be disposed on the support base 26, for example in direction L and having a suitable height with respect to the support base 26.

Fig. 4 schematically shows three lids 13a, 13b, 13c, each of which is correctly positioned in a corresponding support module 30.

Each of the lids 13a, 13b, 13c generally comprises at least one perimeter edge 38 which, once the lid 13a, 13b, 13c is correctly located on the support module 30, is preferably inclined by an angle a with respect to a vertical plane V, in order to allow the correct outflow of the treatment liquid and prevent the formation of stagnation zones. In other words, when correctly positioned on the support module 30, the lids 13a, 13b, 13c are self-draining of the treatment liquid.

An angle of inclination a of the lids 13a, 13b, 13c which is particularly effective for the outflow of the treatment liquid is comprised between about 15° and about 30°. The angle a is therefore extremely advantageous in that it prevents, in any part or zone of the lids 13a, 13b, 13c, therefore also in correspondence with recesses, corner or other zones, any stagnation of treatment liquid from forming, which would entail an imperfect treatment of the lids 13 a, 13b, 13c.

The lids 13a, 13b, 13c generally also comprise a compartment 39 which is used to insert one end of a container for liquids, for example a bottle or suchlike.

The support module 30 can therefore be used advantageously for each of the types of lids 13a, 13b, 13c shown, or also for other box parts to be treated.

For example, it can be provided that the lid 13a rests with a lower end of the perimeter edge 38 on the support base 26 and that its compartment 39 rests against the rod 25. At least one side of the rear wall 40 of the perimeter edge 38, moreover, will rest against the support element 29. The lid 13a will also be provided with a front wall 41a, which can be shaped so as to provide at least one part, in particular a recessed part, able to be positioned under the flap 32 of the abutment element 31 of fig. 2.

The compartment 39 of the lid 13b can rest against the support rod 25, while the rear wall 40 of the perimeter edge 38 can rest against the support element 29. The lid 13b can be provided with at least one front wall 41b which has at least one recessed part having a shape such as to abut against the other abutment element 33 in fig. 2. Naturally, in this case too, the lower end of the lid 13b rests on the support base 26 of the support module 30.

The lid 13c has a shape such that its front wall 41c has at least one recessed segment 42, substantially in the form of a hollow, able to be inserted under the flap 36 of the other abutment element 33, once the lid 13c has been rested on the support base 26 and its rear wall has been rested on the support element 29.

In this case, for the lid 13c, the correct positioning may not require the support of the compartment 39 against the support rod 25.

Naturally, the support and abutment elements 25, 29, 31, 33 shown by way of example in the support module 30 of fig. 2, could be made with different sizes, modes and orientations from what has been shown here.

The support module 30 is therefore provided with a series of support and abutment elements 25, 29, 31, 33 which can be used to guarantee the correct positioning of various types of lids, for example the lids 13a, 13b, 13c, but also other box parts, such as the feeder for example, or the tray itself.

In use, therefore, the lids 13a, 13b, 13c, or other box parts, will be positioned quickly, correctly and effectively on the support modules 30 in a zone of the machine close to the entrance side 12 of the treatment chamber 11, as shown in I -

The transport and support apparatus 20 will be driven so as to translate in direction L and thus move the lids 13a, 13b, 13c or other box parts inside the treatment chamber 11 , or inside chambers located in sequence, in order to treat them, for example wash them.

At the end of the treatment, the treated lids 13a, 13b, 13c, or other box parts, will be extracted from the exit side 14 of the machine 10 again by translation in direction L, thanks to the transport and support apparatus 20.

It is obvious that the transport and support apparatus 20 formed by one or more rows LI, L2 or L3 of support modules 30 is extremely advantageous compared to known conveyor belts, or suchlike, since it does not require the use of separate accessories or supports in order to position the objects to be treated, thus guaranteeing a quick and efficient treatment of the objects, which are also positioned in the most appropriate way to guarantee an effective outflow of the treatment liquid.

The support module 30 could also be used on machines with no tunnel, that is, on "static" machines, in which an object-carrying container, such as a rack or suchlike, on which the objects to be treated are disposed, is inserted into the treatment chamber for a certain period of time.

The support module 30 could be integrated into the object-carrying container and inserted, by means of a roller way or suchlike, into the treatment chamber. The support module 30 could also be subsequently applied on the base of the object-carrying container.

It is obvious, observing the drawings, see for example fig. 2 or fig. 4, that the various support and abutment elements 25, 26, 29, 31, 33 with which each support module 30 is provided and which are at least partly used to support the objects to be treated, as well as being configured to keep the objects to be treated, for example the lids 13a, 13b, 13c, in a stable position and such as to guarantee their correct treatment, can be used to house lids 13a, 13b, 13c also of different sizes from those shown, making the present module support 30 and the present treatment machine 10 extremely versatile and flexible.

In other words, the present support module 30 and the present machine 10 can be used to treat for example lids 13a, 13b, 13c, or other objects, which have a similar morphology and such as to require at least part of the various support and abutment elements 25, 26 , 29, 31, 33 described, in order to guarantee above all a correct inclination, but which can also provide different sizes from those shown, making the present machine 10 and the present support module 30 extremely flexible and, as we said, versatile in particular with regard to the sizes of the objects to be treated, for example lids 13a, 13b, 13c.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts can be made to the apparatus to transport and support boxes, the support module and the treatment machine as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of the apparatus to transport and support boxes, the support module and the treatment machine, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading: they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection claimed in the specific claims.