Patent Description:
The machines for washing cages can substantially be divided into different categories depending on: load capacity, continuous flow ("closed circuit") or discontinuous flow ("batch") operation and/or on type of washing (e.g. rotating or oscillating rods).

The machine according to the invention falls into the category of discontinuous flow machines with oscillating rods, of small/medium size.

The washing of cages and accessories is usually carried out through booths (so-called "cage washers") provided with double or single door with one or more loading levels and washing systems with rotating and/or oscillating rods below which a recycling tank is positioned in order to collect the washing liquids and eventually reuse them within the same or a subsequent washing cycle. The washing liquids are mixtures usually made up of water with the addition of acid or basic type detergent substances depending on the type of washing to perform. The Applicant has ascertained that the use of a single recycling basin does not allow a perfect chemical balance of the washing liquid to be obtained unless the percentage of acid/basic value of the liquid continues to be increased or reduced by adding from time to time new quantities of acid or basic substances taken from suitable external tanks, or by adding rinsing water. In fact, in case of washing cages whose dirt is acidic in percentage, it is necessary to use a mostly basic substance to counteract the acidity, e.g. by topping up from appropriate external tanks.

The complete reuse of the washing liquid is therefore not possible unless quantities of acid and/or basic substances are added from the outside in order to bring the liquid to the desired pH values with a consequent increase in detergent consumption which translates into high washing costs. The problem of known machines consists therefore in the fact that with a single recycling basin it is not possible to collect all the washing liquid depending on the percentage of acid/basic value present in the cage-washing booth.

A special type of dishmachine is disclosed in the patent document <CIT>. A machine for washing cages and accessories according to the preamble of claim <NUM> is disclosed in the patent document <CIT>.

The Applicant has thus thought to devise a solution that allows deflecting the flow of the washing liquid circulating in the booth depending on its acid/basic value towards different collecting tanks. This way, it is possible to deflect the washing liquid from time to time depending on the acid or basic contents thereof in order to obtain an extremely effective, yet at the same time cheap, washing system.

The present invention therefore relates to a machine for washing cages according to claim <NUM> and having structural and functional characteristics such as to meet the aforementioned requirements and at the same time to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the prior art.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a machine for washing cages and accessories used in the field of research on laboratory animals, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the attached tables of drawings in which:.

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral <NUM> globally indicates a machine for washing cages.

In the following description and in the subsequent claims, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "left" or "right" are to be understood with reference to the directions indicated in the drawings, but should not be considered as limiting to specific directions, but used only for descriptive convenience.

The machine <NUM> comprises a washing booth <NUM> for washing cages and/or accessories for animals G housed inside a frame structure <NUM>, preferably resting or fixed to the ground, substantially parallelepiped and accessible from the outside by means of one or more doors hinged to the frame structure <NUM> or, alternatively, sliding with respect thereto.

Preferably, the frame structure <NUM> has a height between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably <NUM>, a length between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably <NUM>, and a depth between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably <NUM>.

This way it is possible to ensure the compactness of the machine while maintaining reduced overall dimensions.

The washing machine <NUM> also comprises a compartment <NUM> positioned below the washing booth <NUM> and in fluidic communication with the latter. The washing booth <NUM> may comprise one or more loading shelves <NUM>,<NUM> arranged horizontally on a plane X-Y and intended to hold the cages and accessories to be washed.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the two shelves <NUM>,<NUM> are preferably arranged one on top of the other. Conveniently, for each shelf <NUM>,<NUM>, one or more rotating or oscillating rods <NUM> are arranged which receive the washing liquid by means of special pumping means <NUM> to direct it towards the cages G arranged on the shelves <NUM>, <NUM>. In detail, each rotating rod <NUM> extends longitudinally along the direction X-X parallel to the relevant shelf <NUM>,<NUM> for the entire length of the washing booth <NUM> and can be positioned both below and above each shelf <NUM>,<NUM>. The rods <NUM> are preferably provided with nozzles <NUM> and can be rotated axially by means of actuators (not shown).

Advantageously, the compartment <NUM> of the machine comprises a framework <NUM> for the containment of two tanks <NUM>,<NUM> and provided with upper supporting bars <NUM>,<NUM> extended along the longitudinal direction X-X.

It should be noted that the washing liquid is a detergent mixture consisting of water with the addition of substances of the acid or basic type depending on the type of washing to be performed. During washing, the liquid sprayed by the nozzles <NUM> hits the cages G to remove the dirt and is intended to descend towards the compartment <NUM> located below the washing booth <NUM>. Since the washing liquid is adapted to intercept dirt generally in order to dissolve it, the acid/basic value of the liquid itself may change, e.g. decrease, depending on the type of dirt being treated. To re-establish therefore the level of acid/basic value used for the current washing, the mixture is usually topped up by adding a predefined amount of acid or basic substance as required.

Usually, the cages G have dirt consisting of both acid and basic contents. Preferably, in order to effectively remove the dirt, the machine <NUM> carries out a washing cycle with a mainly acid contents washing liquid and then a washing cycle with a mainly basic contents washing liquid.

Conveniently, the washing liquid is collected inside the compartment <NUM> in order to reuse it, through the pumping means <NUM>, to wash the cages thus creating a closed cycle. For this purpose, advantageously, the compartment <NUM> of the machine <NUM> positioned below the booth <NUM> comprises a first tank <NUM> and a second tank <NUM> intended for collecting and selectively recycling the washing liquid depending on the acid/basic value of the liquid itself.

When collecting the liquid, it is thus possible to keep separate the detergent substances used in the various types of washing (mainly acid or mainly basic contents) to prevent the mixtures themselves having different pHs from combining with each other. This way, the division of the liquid into two separate tanks depending on the degree of acid/basic value resulting at the end of a washing cycle allows using less chemical substances to obtain the desired pH at each wash.

Preferably, the tanks <NUM>,<NUM> have a substantially parallelepiped shape and are arranged adjacent to each other in such a way as to have a common wall <NUM> defining two surfaces 10a, 10b, each facing inwards of the first tank <NUM> and of the second tank <NUM>, respectively. With particular reference to the example shown in <FIG>, the common wall <NUM> is directed vertically and orthogonally to the plane X-Y in a substantially central position of the compartment <NUM>. Conveniently, each of the tanks <NUM>,<NUM> comprises a side wall <NUM>,<NUM> positioned parallel to the common wall <NUM>. Each side wall <NUM>,<NUM> and the common wall <NUM> are connected by means of a closing wall <NUM>,<NUM> placed substantially horizontally and facing the washing booth <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the closing wall <NUM>,<NUM> of each tank is tilted down from the side wall <NUM>,<NUM> towards the common wall <NUM> so that the liquid flows towards the common wall <NUM> of the tanks <NUM>,<NUM>. Preferably, on each tank <NUM>,<NUM> there is an upper opening <NUM>,<NUM> for the flow of the liquid from the closing wall <NUM>,<NUM> towards the tanks themselves. Each opening is through and formed in the respective closing wall <NUM>,<NUM> in the proximity of the common wall <NUM>. Preferably, with reference to the first tank <NUM>, the opening <NUM> is obtained along the entire width, in the transverse direction Y-Y, of the tank <NUM>. Similarly, the opening <NUM> of the second tank <NUM> is quite similar to the opening <NUM> of the first tank <NUM>.

In order to selectively deflect the washing liquid towards the first tank <NUM> or the second tank <NUM>, deflection means <NUM> are arranged above the common wall <NUM> and between the two tanks <NUM>,<NUM>. In particular, the deflection means <NUM> comprise an oscillating plane of substantially rectangular shape. Preferably, the oscillating plane <NUM> has a width substantially equal to the width of the openings <NUM>,<NUM> and a predefined length to be able to close the openings <NUM>,<NUM> alternately, the operation of which will be described in detail later in this description. Preferably, the oscillating plane <NUM> is intended to oscillate around its own axis y1, extended parallel to the transverse direction Y-Y, and arranged in a substantially median position with respect to the plane <NUM> itself.

The oscillating plane <NUM> is conveniently hinged between the two supporting bars <NUM>,<NUM> preferably halfway between the two, so that the axis yi is positioned above the upper end edge 10c of the wall <NUM>. In one version, the axis yi is positioned at a predetermined distance from the upper edge 10c of the wall <NUM>.

On the oscillating plane <NUM> it is possible to identify two portions 17a,17b: the first portion 17a is the part of plane <NUM> arranged at least partly towards the first tank <NUM> and the second portion 17b is the part of plane <NUM> arranged at least partly towards the second tank <NUM>.

The plane <NUM> can conveniently oscillate between a first position and a second position by means of a pneumatic cylinder <NUM>.

In the first position, the plane <NUM> is intended to tilt so that the first portion 17a closes the opening <NUM> of the first tank <NUM> in order to allow the liquid to flow into the second tank <NUM> and leave the opening <NUM> free so that the liquid enters the second tank <NUM>.

In the second position, the plane <NUM> tilts towards the first tank <NUM> so that the second portion 17b closes the opening <NUM> of the second tank <NUM> in order to let the liquid flow into the first tank <NUM> and thus leave the opening <NUM> free so that the liquid enters the first tank <NUM>.

With reference to the example shown in <FIG>, the machine <NUM> can comprise a grid F for filtering the washing liquid before it enters the tanks <NUM>,<NUM> in order to block any undissolved or unwanted materials. In particular, the grid F is arranged along the washing liquid flowing path towards the tanks <NUM>,<NUM> and covers at least partly the openings <NUM>,<NUM> and the plane <NUM> so that only the liquid filtered by the grid F can enter the tanks <NUM>,<NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the pumping means <NUM> comprises a first pump <NUM> and a second pump <NUM> connected to the first tank <NUM> and to the second tank <NUM> respectively to take the washing liquids contained inside the latter. The liquids taken from the tanks <NUM>,<NUM> by means of the pumps <NUM>,<NUM> are directed through appropriate ducts <NUM>,<NUM> and deflected by the relevant collectors <NUM>,<NUM> to reach the rods <NUM>.

The frame structure <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM> also comprises two side compartments <NUM>,<NUM> arranged at the sides of the washing machine <NUM> for the support of the collectors <NUM>,<NUM>. Preferably, the presence of two side compartments <NUM>,<NUM> allows keeping separate the collectors <NUM>,<NUM> connected to the two different pumps <NUM>,<NUM> and thus facilitate the separation of the fluid-operated paths of each mixture coming from the relevant tank <NUM>,<NUM>. In detail, the collectors <NUM>,<NUM> extend vertically on both sides of the washing booth <NUM> and between them the washing rods <NUM> extend orthogonally. The washing rods <NUM> are arranged in pairs and each one is connected in a fluid-operated manner to a different collector so that the different liquids do not interact with each other. The machine <NUM> can usefully comprise an additional tank <NUM> which contains water for rinsing the cages G and for topping up the tanks <NUM>, <NUM> to compensate for the evaporation of the washing liquid. In particular, the additional tank <NUM> is arranged in the side compartment <NUM> of the frame and is in fluidic communication with the collector <NUM> supported by the same compartment <NUM>. This way, the collector <NUM> may direct the water to the rods <NUM> that, through the nozzles <NUM>, direct the liquid towards the cages G.

The machine <NUM> also comprises heating coils <NUM> to heat the liquid in each tank <NUM>,<NUM> and/or the water in the additional tank <NUM> in order to increase the washing power.

Summing up, as mentioned above, the liquid used for washing is sent separately inside the first tank <NUM> and/or the second tank <NUM> depending on the acid or basic contents so that, depending on the type of washing in progress, the pumping means <NUM> take the liquid from the first tank <NUM> or the second tank <NUM> to reuse it during washing. For this purpose, the oscillating plane <NUM> moves between the first position and the second position by alternatively closing/opening the openings <NUM>,<NUM> of the two tanks <NUM>,<NUM>. This way, the liquid falling from the washing booth <NUM> is directed, by means of the oscillating plane <NUM>, into the tank <NUM> or <NUM> from which it has been taken, being able to make a substantially closed circuit for each type of washing, whether acid or basic, thus avoiding to mix the different washing liquids.

In addition, by means of appropriate sensors (not shown), it is possible to know in real time the pH value of the washing liquid. For this purpose, the machine <NUM> can mix the washing liquid with water and/or chemical products depending on the pH value measured by the sensors and re-establish the level of acid/basic value used for washing thanks to the presence of one or more dosers (not shown) positioned along the inlet path of the recycled liquid from the tanks <NUM>,<NUM>. Finally, the movement of the oscillating plane <NUM> is adapted to further adjust the acid/basic value of the liquid in continuous by taking appropriately from the first tank <NUM> and/or from the second tank <NUM> to obtain a mixing of the liquids contained therein to counteract the overall acid/basic value.

As can be checked from the present description, it has been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects and in particular the fact is underlined that through the use of several tanks arranged below the washing booth and the deflections means it is possible to keep the washing liquids separate or to mix them together so that the washing power is highly detergent with reduced costs and contribute to the reduction of waste products highly polluting for the environment.

Claim 1:
Machine (<NUM>) for washing cages and accessories comprising:
a washing booth (<NUM>) for washing animal cages (G) by means of a washing liquid,
a first tank (<NUM>) and a second tank (<NUM>) intended for collecting and recycling the washing liquid according to the acid/basic value of the liquid itself, the tanks (<NUM>,<NUM>) being in fluidic communication with the washing booth (<NUM>), wherein said washing booth (<NUM>) comprises at least one oscillating washing rod (<NUM>) which receives the washing liquid from the tanks (<NUM>,<NUM>) to direct it towards the cages (G),
characterised by the tanks (<NUM>,<NUM>) being positioned below the washing booth (<NUM>) and by deflection means (<NUM>) of the washing liquid positioned between the washing booth (<NUM>) and the tanks (<NUM>,<NUM>) and intended to deflect the washing liquid alternately towards the first tank (<NUM>) or the second tank (<NUM>).