Ultrasonic Cleaning Apparatus

Abstract

An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus with a cleaning reservoir having a plurality of chambers, which are selectably fillable with cleaning fluid. The chambers of the multi-chamber reservoir are fluidly interconnectable, the apparatus further comprising a fluid distribution pump and a controller for sequentially controlling a fluid flow between the chambers during an ultrasonic cleaning cycle. Such a multi-chamber reservoir has the advantage of reducing the total volume of fluid required to clean vessels in the reservoir, since the cleaning process can be performed in a staged or sequential procedure, and the cleaning and/or rinsing fluid reused in each chamber, allowing the apparatus to be more compact.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning reservoir having a plurality of chambers for holding a cleaning fluid; at least one ultrasonic generator adapted to impart ultrasonic vibrations to the chambers of the cleaning reservoir; a fluid-distribution pump configured to transfer cleaning fluid between the chambers of the cleaning reservoir; and a controller for activating the fluid-distribution pump to sequentially transfer the cleaning fluid between the chambers of the cleaning reservoir.

2. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid-distribution pump is an air suction pump to create a vacuum pressure for transferring the cleaning fluid between the chambers of the cleaning reservoir.

3. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which further comprises at least one conduit having an open end which extends into the cleaning reservoir; and an air extraction means associated with the conduit for providing an air escape pathway via the open end to remove air trapped in an inverted vessel to be cleaned when positioned on the conduit inside the cleaning reservoir.

4. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein a plurality of conduits is provided.

5. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one conduit is provided in each chamber of the reservoir.

6. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the open ends of the conduits are vertically displaced relative to one another in the cleaning reservoir.

7. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the air extraction means comprises a suction generator to provide suction at the open end of the conduit to remove air from the inverted vessel.

8. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the air extraction means comprises an air vent which is positioned at or adjacent a top side of the apparatus to permit gravitational expulsion of air during filling of the cleaning reservoir with cleaning fluid.

9. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a retaining member which is insertable into the cleaning reservoir and which is contactable with the inverted vessel to be cleaned to inhibit lift from the conduit.

10. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a biasing element associated with the retaining member and which is positioned to correspond with the conduit.

11. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cleaning fluid tank for storing cleaning fluid prior to distribution into the cleaning reservoir, and a used fluid tank for storing cleaning fluid removed from the cleaning reservoir following ultrasonic cleaning.

12. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a fluid-distribution pump for distributing cleaning fluid between the cleaning fluid tank, cleaning reservoir, and used fluid tank.

13. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fluid-distribution pump is a water pump.

14. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fluid-distribution pump is an air suction pump.

15. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cleaning-additive insertion means for inserting one or more cleaning additives into the cleaning reservoir.

16. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a steam generator for generating steam to sterilise the inverted vessel to be cleaned following ultrasonic cleaning.

17. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed claim 3, wherein a steam generator is associated with the conduit, the steam being directed through the conduit into the inverted vessel to be cleaned.

18. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a lid having a seal to air-tightly seal the cleaning reservoir.

19. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 18, further comprising a fill-status sensor associated with the cleaning reservoir.

20. A method of cleaning a vessel, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a cleaning reservoir having a plurality of chambers holding a cleaning fluid; b) filling a first chamber of the cleaning reservoir with a cleaning fluid; c) ultrasonically cleaning one or more vessels in the first chamber; d) transferring the cleaning fluid from the first chamber to a second chamber of the cleaning reservoir; and e) ultrasonically cleaning one or more vessels in the second chamber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0054] FIG. 1 shows a perspective representation of one embodiment of an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and

[0055] FIG. 2 shows a vertical cross-section through the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, indicated globally at 10 and which is suitable for cleaning vessels such as infant bottles, teats and caps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12 having a closable lid 14 which has a sealing element to provide an air-tight seal into housing 12. A digital user interface 16, is provided on the upper surface of the housing 12, to enable the functionality of the apparatus 10 to be controlled. An access compartments 18 is provided, to replace fluid for the apparatus as it becomes soiled during the cleaning process.

[0058] The internal features of the apparatus 10 are shown in FIG. 2. Opening the lid 14 provides access to a cleaning reservoir 20, which receives vessels 22a, 22b, 22c to be cleaned. The cleaning reservoir 20 is releasably engageable with the housing 12, so as to permit easy cleaning thereof by a user.

[0059] The cleaning reservoir 20 contains two separate chambers 24a, 24b are provided which may be selectively filled during use. The chambers 24a, 24b are interconnected by a fluid port 26, which has a valve (not shown) that is opened and closed by the controller at the appropriate times in the cleaning process. Each individual chamber 24a, 24b may be individually sealed, so that pressure differentials between adjacent chambers 24a, 24b can be generated.

[0060] The cleaning reservoir 20 is adapted to be filled with a cleaning fluid, typically water or treated water. The cleaning fluid is introduced into the first chamber 24a of the cleaning reservoir 20 via a fluid inlet 28 which is in communication with a cleaning fluid tank for storing cleaning fluid prior to distribution into the first chamber 24a of the cleaning reservoir 20. Whilst the cleaning fluid tank is not visible in FIG. 2, it is situated within the access compartment 18.

[0061] A used fluid tank is also provided, which is suitable for storing cleaning fluid removed from the cleaning reservoir 20 following ultrasonic cleaning. The used fluid tank is held within a further access compartment in the side of the housing 12. A dedicated fluid outlet 30 is provided for drainage into the used fluid tank.

[0062] In order to control the flow of fluid flow in and out of the cleaning reservoir 20, a fluid distribution pump 32 is provided which is in fluid communication with the cleaning fluid tank, used fluid tank, and the cleaning reservoir 20, thereby allowing cleaning fluid to be inserted and drained therefrom. A dedicated controller is provided which is able to activate the correct pumping sequence. In a typical sequence, the valve on port 26 is closed and cleaning fluid is introduced into the first chamber 24a via a vacuum, generated by the fluid-distribution pump 32 in the form of an air suction pump. Suction formed by a vacuum in the chambers 24a, 24b has the advantage of avoiding clean cleaning fluid being cross-contaminated. The vacuum is generated in the second chamber 24b via a suction port 33b in communication with the fluid-distribution pump 32. A corresponding suction port 33a is provided which fluidly interconnects the fluid-distribution pump 32 with the first chamber 24a, so that an appropriate suction force can be applied.

[0063] To remove the cleaning fluid from the first chamber 24a, the valve on fluid port 26 is opened and the fluid-distribution pump creates a vacuum pressure in the second chamber 24b, which draws the cleaning fluid into the second chamber 24b through the port 26. Drainage of the second chamber 24b can be achieved by allowing drainage into a used fluid chamber, either by pumping, or by gravitational drainage.

[0064] The cleaning reservoir 20 is intended to be used for the ultrasonic cleaning of vessels 22a, 22b, 22c inserted therein. For that purpose, one ultrasonic generator 34 per chamber 24a, 24b, is provided to impart ultrasonic vibrations to cleaning fluid in the cleaning reservoir 20. The ultrasonic generators 34 are mounted within a base of the housing 12 for stability.

[0065] To mount vessels 22a, 22b, 22c, three mounts are provided vertically within each chamber of the cleaning reservoir 20. Each mount is in the form of a conduit 36, having an upstanding open end 38, which is bevelled to present a pointed face upon which a vessel 22a, 22b, 22c can be positioned.

[0066] The conduits 36 are differently positioned and dimensioned. The open ends 38 of the conduits 36 are vertically spaced apart so that vessels 22a, 22b, 22c may be spaced throughout the cleaning reservoir 20. Larger conduits 36 are positioned closer to the base of the cleaning reservoir 20, for mounting larger or taller bottles 22a, whilst taller and/or narrower conduits 36 are provided for shorter or smaller bottles 22b or teats 22c.

[0067] A retaining member in the form of an insertable grid 40, is positioned within each chamber 24a, 24b to contact vessels 22a on lower conduits 36. The lid of each chamber is designed to contact and retain the higher vessels 22b, 22c.

[0068] Biasing elements, in the form of springs 42, are provided on the retaining members, and positioned so as to be associated with the open ends 38 of the conduits 36. The open ends 38 of each conduit 36 are in contact with an uppermost internal volume of the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c for optimised air extraction.

[0069] The conduits 36 are coupled to an air displacement means, in the form of an air suction pump 44, to provide positive suction to the insides of inverted vessels 22a, 22b, 22c mounted on the open ends 38. As a cleaning chamber 24a or 24b is filled with cleaning fluid, the suction is applied to draw air out of the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c, so that the cleaning fluid comes into complete contact with the interiors of the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c.

[0070] The conduits 36 are connected to an air vent 46 having a switchable closure mechanism. The air vent 46 is provided in conjunction with suction pump 44. In this arrangement, the conduits 36 provide an air escape pathway for air trapped within the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c, with the cleaning fluid displacing the air via the conduits and out of the air vent 46 under gravity.

[0071] A steam generator is in the form of a heating tank (not shown), containing a heating element and having clean water therein, so that steam is introduced into the cleaning chambers through the fluid inlet 28. The conduits 36 are also coupled to the steam generator, so that steam can be introduced direct into the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c to sterilize the inner surfaces thereof.

[0072] A typical cleaning cycle of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 therefore proceeds as follows. The user opens the lid 14 to access the cleaning reservoir 20, and vessels 22a, 22b, 22c are inserted onto the open ends 38 of the conduits 36 in an inverted state. The insertable grid 40 is positioned so as to hold some of the vessels 22a in position whilst also providing a platform onto which other items, particularly those without cavities such as locking rings for teats 22c, may be positioned. Upon closure of the lid 14, the relevant retaining member will also hold any other vessels 22b, 22c in position.

[0073] The cleaning fluid tank is first filled. Cleaning fluid, optionally dosed with additive, is introduced via fluid inlet 28 into the first chamber 24a to the exclusion of the second chamber 24b. As the cleaning fluid fills the first chamber 24a, air is sucked out of the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c by the suction generator 44. This reduces the risk of air pockets being formed within the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c.

[0074] The cleaning fluid may be heated to a desired temperature in the heating tank. The ultrasonic generator 34 associated with the first chamber 24a is then activated to initiate a first ultrasonic cleaning cycle.

[0075] Once the first ultrasonic cleaning cycle is complete, the fluid-distribution pump 32 is activated so as to create a vacuum or pressure differential within the second chamber 24b, such that cleaning fluid is drawn from the first chamber 24a into the second chamber 24b, via the fluid port 26. This avoids the cleaning fluid from being contaminated by contact with the fluid-distribution pump 32 directly, allowing the cleaning fluid to be reused for the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c in the second chamber 24b.

[0076] The ultrasonic generator 34 associated with the second chamber 24b is then activated to start a second ultrasonic cleaning cycle. Once complete, the soiled cleaning fluid is then drained into the used fluid tank.

[0077] Concurrently with, or subsequent to, the second ultrasonic cleaning cycle, a first ultrasonic rinsing cycle is performed in the first chamber 24a. Clean water or similar rinsing fluid is introduced into the first chamber 24a, the ultrasonic generator 34 activated, and the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c rinsed via ultrasonic means. Air pockets in the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c are again removed via the conduits 36.

[0078] Once the first ultrasonic rinsing cycle is complete, a second ultrasonic rinsing cycle is effected, by drawing of the rinsing fluid from the first chamber 24a into the second chamber 24b using the fluid-distribution pump 32. The rinsing fluid is then also discarded into the used fluid tank.

[0079] Following rinsing of the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c, an optional sterilization step can occur. This could be performed by chemical dosing and further ultrasonic treatment of the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c. However, it is preferred that sterilization is achieved by steaming the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c, introducing steam from the steam generator via the conduits 36 so as to prioritize sterilization of the inner surfaces of the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c.

[0080] The sterilization of the vessels 22a, 22b, 22c, coupled with the fact that the cleaning reservoir 20 remains sealed, allows for sterile vessels 22a, 22b, 22c to be held in a sterile state for some time, which is particularly useful for parents of infants who may have insufficient time to clean, rinse and sanitize bottles frequently.

[0081] It is therefore possible to provide a compact ultrasonic cleaning apparatus particularly suited to the cleaning, rinsing and sterilizing of vessels such as infant bottles, which is compact and can be used simply and easily without the user needing to undertake multiple steps.